Huge turnout for fundraiser

8 February 2023

THE Sam McBride Charitable Trust recently held a very successful fundraising evening recently.

Trustees said they were humbled by the donations and overwhelming goodwill of guests who attended the evening at Temple Golf Club to raise funds for the Trust and the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

The Trust has been working tirelessly to secure a memorial monument on Temple roundabout; a life-sized

granite replica of world champion road racing legend Brian Reid on his TZ250cc Yamaha motorbike with an informational sign, a history of the Temple 100 road race and a memorial to fallen riders in the adjacent car park.

Mark McBride announced the secure arrival of the monument into the trustees’ possession with great delight. The plan is to erect it as soon as possible and complete their principal goal as a charity.

Cllr Uel Mackin, whose support was instrumental in the planning of the project, was welcomed at the charity night along with Lord Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Scott Carson.

Guests enjoyed an evening of entertaining fundraising in the form of a ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, with prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.

There were also both a silent and live auction of various pieces of motorcycle, rugby and football memorabilia and luxury items donated by trustees and friends.

Temple Motorcycle Club secretary Mark Harrison, with whom the Sam McBride trustees are closely affiliated, hosted a segment of interviews with motorcycle legends old, new and still in the making.

Brian Reid spoke of his history at the Temple 100 and his ongoing support of the charity, the club and the sport.

Humorous recollections of the Temple 100 from Billy Keenan were enjoyed by all and old school road racing great Leslie McMaster told of his time as a rider and life in the slipstream.

Some of the current riders carrying the flag for Northern Ireland also told of their hopes and aspirations for the coming season of racing.

Simon Reid, son of Brian, and recent Sunflower Trophy winner Richard Kerr, from Donegal, are both set to compete for rival teams in the British Superstock 1000cc Championship this summer.

This, however, was a night to enjoy good company off the track and perhaps plan Northern Irish domination in the BSB Championship by representing us all this year. We wish them every success.

Jeremy McWilliams, who is already a legend, remains at the top of his game having been crowned King of the Baggers at Daytona last year.

At 58 years of age, Jeremy continues to hold his own on the track and looks forward to adding to his impressive list of accolades this year.

Dancefloor fillers played into the night, drawing a fabulous evening of friendship, fun and fundraising to a close.

The trustees wish to extend their gratitude to all those in attendance for their support, including Temple Golf Club, the Lord Mayor’s office, Cllr Mackin and the riders who took the time out to join us for the event.

Thanks are also extended to the Temple Motorcycle Club and all the local businesses who kindly made donations for the evening.

Chairman Joe McBride, the trustees and their families look forward to seeing the motorbike monument take pride of place in its new home on Temple roundabout in tribute to the late Sam McBride, the Temple 100 road race and the local community.

They are ever grateful to the friends, neighbours, supporters, riders and businesses who have helped their monumental vision become a reality.

They endeavour to continue fundraising for the Air Ambulance NI this year.

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