Stuart C Brown Seat Weaving and Restorations

A freshly re-woven Cordon straw and rush seat.
The finished effect of the glossy straw wrapping really enhances the look of a rush seat, but it is very delicate and fiddly to to weave.

Brain Tumour Research

Ride 21
Total 402.06 miles

Today was my final ride of "Cycle 274 miles for Brain Tumour Research", although donations can still continue to be generously given.

I hope you have enjoyed the photographs and little updates as much as I have doing them.

I want to say a massive thank you to every single one of you who has donated and supported me through this challenge, it helped so much!🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

A rainbow appeared towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the way back today, where both Mom & Dad were diagnosed and treated for their brain tumours.

A very apt ending to a wonderful journey!

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 20
Total 385.04 miles

Dad was passionate about trees and was instrumental in planning and planting many across Birmingham in the 1960's onwards in his senior management role in Birmingham Parks Department, thus creating the beautiful green city and spaces we all see today.

Trees therefore hold a special place in our hearts and the photograph today of Bridge 85, St James Road, Edgbaston on the Worcester canal are a prime example of their beauty and magnificence.

Thank you for your support, kind wishes and donations 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Brain Tumour Research

Total donations to date £741.00 Total miles to date 367.55

Only three days left of August and of "Cycle 274 miles in August" for Brain Tumour Research.

Let's have a final push and see if we can get the total to £800, with your generous support, and 400 miles on the clock.

I took today's photograph in Gas St Basin, so quiet early in the morning, and not a ripple in sight!

Please take a little time to be drawn in to the scene, switch off to what is around you, and have a moment of peace.

Thank you for your continued support and donations 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 19
Total 350.52 miles

Mom was a meticulous artist, and her eye for detail and accuracy extraordinary, especially with her Botanical work.

She did a Modern art mixed media course, which she both loved and hated, but it got her to express herself in a different, more free way.

Her brain tumour cruely took away her ability to draw and paint what she could see, aswell as the ability to read & write and communicate effectively.

Despite this she kept a positive attitude to the world, but one day she let her inner emotions go on a canvas; she painted it entirely black!!....the most upsetting and telling piece of work of art I have ever seen!

Thank you all so much for your continued support and donations 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Rotton Park Junction Bridge, Icknield Port Loop, Birmingham.
Modern mixed media meets Victorian architecture

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 18
Total 328.17 miles

Dad used to cycle everywhere when he was younger and so this challenge seemed very appropriate.

He told me that he once cycled to Cheddar Gorge on a holiday and brought back some Cheddar cheese for his Mom. Unfortunately the cheese was not produced in Cheddar, for which he got a good telling off!

The end of August is in sight and so is this challenge.
If you've enjoyed the updates and the photographs from each ride it would be wonderful, if you haven't already, if you could dig deep and make a donation, however big or small, to this very worthwhile charity

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Today's photograph is of Baldwin & Sons, Sherbourne Paper Mill, Kings Norton Junction, Birmingham. Built in the C19th and serviced by the Stratford canal and Worcester canal.

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 17
Total 316.44

Thank you all so much for your continued support and donations for Brain Tumour Research 🙏

We took Mom and Dad on a boat trip around Bass Rock, shortly before Mom died, to see the Gannet colony, Mom's favourite bird.
Even though her brain tumour had robbed her of the ability to verbally convey what she felt, with the Gannets diving within feet of us, her eyes said it all...it was a very emotional trip for everyone!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

The photograph is of Lyons boatyard, Maypole, Birmingham, a ride and picture taken with with Aunt and cousins in mind

Brain Tumour Research "Cycle 274 miles in August "

A couple of days off from Cycle 274 for Brain Tumour Research,

Thank you for your kind donations so far, and at this point in time you have generously donated £552 towards this wonderful charity.
Let's keep it going! 😊🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

I thought I would share a photograph taken last week at the Old Turn Junction, by the side of the National Indoor Arena.
It is so peaceful and calming in the early morning along the canals and gives you the time to reflect.....literally!!

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 16
Total 298.06 miles

Today's ride was the first since the 274 mile target was reached.

Even though the "pressure" was off, every mile felt just as worthwhile!

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far and for your wonderful support 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

The photograph today shows King Edward's Wharf, Birmingham, bathed in glorious morning sunlight.
It's a lot different to 45 years ago when I last cycled into Birmingham on the towpath

Ride 15
Total 281.27 miles

COMPLETED!!

Thanks to your support and generous donations to Brain Tumour Research I completed the "Cycle 274 miles in August" challenge this morning.

It seemed appropriate that I hit the milestone by Kings Norton Junction (see photo), the junction of the two canals that I cycle every ride to reach the rest of the network.

Let's continue and see how far and how much we can raise by August 31st!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

I can't praise highly enough the work of the Canal & River Trust, the improvements and constant maintenance to the canal system is a credit to each and every one of their staff and volunteers. Thank you!! 🙏🙏

Ride 14
Total 272.17

Thank you all so much for your support, donations and encouragement to carry on! I really do appreciate it.

I shall carry on until the end of the month and see how far I can go and how much we can raise together.

It is for a great cause for an illness that can come out of nowhere and devastates people, their families and friends.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Today's photograph was taken of an old factory on the Soho Loop off the Birmingham Main Line canal.
The Soho Loop was built to service Matthew Boulton's Manufactory in the late C18th

Ride 13
Total 251.76

Getting close to completing the "274 miles in August"!

So, how about, with your continued and generous donations, I do "How far in August"?
What do you think?

Thank you for you donations and support so far 🙏
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

The canals were beautiful this morning with the mist rising off the surface.

Brain Tumour Research
Ride 12 Cycle 274

Total 235.21

Cycling along the canals in the early morning is so peaceful and gives one the chance to think and reflect.
Seeing and enjoying the beauty of both nature and architecture living together clears the mind of day to day life.
My sister and I were so lucky that Mom and Dad taught us not only to see but to look and observe, nature especially.

Thank you so much for your donations and support so far 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Today's photograph is of Bridge 84a, The Vale Footbridge, Birmingham University

Ride 11, Total 218.89 miles

Mom was a very talented and creative artist, and was a founder member of Birmingham Society of Botanical Artists.

She was a perfectionist in whatever art or craft that she undertook and always gave it 100%

In December 2006 she suddenly found she was struggling to write and had difficulty getting the right words out, which she saw the funny side of, despite her upset.
In January 2007 she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme grade IV brain tumour, a very aggressive type of tumour; Mom died within 6 months.

The Oxeye Daisy, photographed today on the Stratford canal, reminds me of the first Marquetry picture she did at the Marquetry Classes I taught.

Thank you again for all your donations and support 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart1689789801808

Ride 10, Cycle 274

Total 200.97 miles

I hit 200 miles today, with a cycle beneath everyones favourite; The Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction)!!

Today's photograph was taken beneath the junction and I hope shows that beauty can be seen even in the darkest places.

Having a close relative or friend with a brain tumour is the same; even in the darkest of times the beauty of the person is still there and it's that, that helps everyone through 😊

Thank you so, so much for your continued donations and support 🙏🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Brain Tumour Research Cycle 274
Ride 9
Total 167.75miles

Today's photograph shows the Guillotine stop lock on the Stratford canal.

Dad did a course on the canals of Birmingham and I can remember him telling me about the lock and that it was built to stop the Stratford Canal Company's water going into Worcester canal.

His brain tumour didn't affect him cognitively, but seriously impared him physically.
Despite his illness he never complained and kept his great sense of humour to the end.

Thank you so much for your continued donations and support, it's really appreciated 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Ride 8
Total 149.87miles

Hit half way today and had a very humbling experience!!!

On my way back through Centenary Square, Birmingham, a young man stopped me and said,

"I've seen you regularly recently and I wanted to say, Thank you!
I am Neurosurgeon at Birmingham Children's Hospital and I think it's great what you are doing!"

I came away with a lump in my throat and trying to hold back the tears.

To think this incredible young man, who is at the forefront of Paediatric Neuroscience, had the time to say thank you!

Truly, truly humbled!!

Thank you for your continued donations and support, not just from me, but also from an amazing young Paediatric Neurosurgeon!🙏🙏

What you donate is noticed and does make a difference!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Today's photo is of the Stratford canal, Kings Norton. The early morning light made it look like autumn!

Ride 7
Brain Tumour Research Cycle 274

Today's photo is of the Clock tower ("Old Joe") at Birmingham University, reportedly the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world!
Both Dad & Mom had links to the University, Dad lectured there during his Horticultural career and Kate did a Wood carving course and Botanical art at Winterbourne Gardens.

Thank you very much for your generous donations and support so far 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Time Distance
2h 29m 17.35 mi

Ride 6 Cycle 274

Today's ride for Brain Tumour Research brought the total to 115 miles and donations to £290.00, so a massive thank you to you all for your support 🙏

Derek and Kate met at the Horticultural School in Kings Heath Park, Birmingham where they were both apprentices. Interestingly other apprentices they knew also succumbed to Brain tumours.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Time Distance Elevation
2h 9m 17.19 mi 265.74 ft

Today's photo shows the Toll House at Kings Norton Junction.

It's surprised me how many people have said recently that they know a relative or friend who has suffered from a Brain Tumour, it's not as rare as we might think!

Kate & Derek's tumours affected them both quite differently, but they fought bravely despite their terrible predicament.

Today's photograph is of "The Cube", coming from Edgbaston toward Gas Street Basin

Thank you for your continued support and donations 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808
Time Distance Elevation
2h 10m 17.65 mi 269.03 ft

Ride 4 for Brain Tumour Research.

Everytime I go into Birmingham I pass Cadbury's Bournville factory and being a chocoholic the aroma of cooking chocolate is pure torture!
Most evenings, Dad would walk to the local outdoor and buy two cans of Carlsberg Special Brew, a packet of crisps for him and Mom and bar of chocolate, quite often Cadbury's Dairymilk. Today's picture is of chocolate heaven!

Thank you so much for your continued donations and support

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

TimeDistanceElevation3h 9m24.91 mi551.17 ft

It's been a bit too wet today for ride 4 of the "Cycle 274 miles in August", in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
I was therefore unable to take a photograph, however, this one was taken on ride 1.
The herons along the towpath are so tame and stand stock still as you pass by them and have the most beautiful eyes!

Thank you all for your continued donations and support 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Forgot to add the photograph yesterday! Thanks for reminding me Tim 👍

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart1689789801808

Is it cheating, but, I've decided to do my Cycle 274 along the canals of Birmingham.
They are lovely first thing in the morning and traffic free 😊
I'm hoping to post a picture each day taken on the ride.
Good luck to everyone else taking part and a big, big thank you to those of you who have donated so far ❤
Time Distance Elevation
2h 3m 15.92 mi 255.9 ft

Cycle 274 Miles in August 2023, in memory of my Mom & Dad, Kate & Derek Is it cheating, but, I've decided to do my Cycle 274 along the canals of Birmingham. They are lovely first thing in the morning and traffic free 😊 I'm hoping to post a picture each day taken on the ride. Good luck to everyone else taking part and a big, big thank you to those of you who have dona...

I have now started my "Cycle 274 miles in August" in aid of "Brain Tumour Research", dedicated to the memory of my Mom & Dad who both died of brain tumours

Cycle 274 Miles in August 2023, in memory of Kate & Derek Help Stuart Brown raise money to support Brain Tumour Research

Stuart C Brown Seat Weaving and Restorations is now on WhatsApp.

Is it wrong to use a 17mm handmade wooden crochet hook as a sanding block if it fits the profile??

Discuss!

Meet the Harlequin hook! Made from eight different re-used timbers, C18th English Oak, English Walnut, Sycamore, Maple, Ebony, Macacauba and Maranti, all offcuts from my furniture restoration business.
The perfect gift to give or to receive to the crocheter in your life