Triumphant tourists
An advertisement for Belstaff Weatherwear, printed on the inside cover of The Motor Cycle dated August 2, 1956, features two suitably-attired riders on a Triumph sidecar outfit. The couple are named as Mr and Mrs Innes of Bristol who, we are told, left England on June 21, 1956, for a tour of Commonwealth countries.
Their voyage turned out to be quite a test, not only of the garments in question but also of a marriage, since Angus and Margaret Innes were not destined to return from their travels until two-and-a-half years later. During this time, they made a complete circumnavigation of the globe, visiting 26 countries while travelling more than 50,000 miles, half of which was undertaken aboard the Triumph’s dual seat.
Who were they, this intrepid couple?... Seasoned adventurers or hopeful novices? What motivated them to give up secure jobs and set off to see the world in their late 20s, carrying just enough money to finance the first part of their expedition? And what happened to them afterwards?
Our story begins with Wendy Innes, Angus and Margaret’s daughter who, with her brother Duncan, has long treasured the many
