PREPARATIONS for LOVE Devon’s first fundraising event, the sponsored “Walk for Widecombe” on Sunday, September 16, are gathering pace, with walkers starting to register in earnest, including former Grand National winning jockey Jimmy Frost and his daughter, champion jockey and LOVE Devon ambassador Bryony Frost.

The walk will also be followed by a fun-packed family afternoon for walkers and their families – or those who just fancy an afternoon out - with a whole range of special activities planned.

The family fun day will take place from 12 noon to 5pm in the Widecombe Fair Field and follows the sponsored walk which is taking place from 10am onwards.

Those taking part have the option of a six or two-mile walk, with money they raise going towards the new Widecombe Village Hall project, which aims to build a new village hall that’s fully accessible and provides a host of facilities and services for the whole community.

Horse riders are also welcome to ride into the village on that day to join the festivities, and are advised to stick to bridal paths and common land. Those interested in taking part can find more information and register at the website: www.devoncommunities.org.uk/walk-widecombe . 

“We’d obviously love as many walkers as possible to register but even if you can’t make the walk, we’d encourage everyone to come along for the fun day, which will be happening from 12 noon in the Widecombe Fair Field,” said Elaine Cook, Chief Executive of Devon Communities Together, the independent charity that established the LOVE Devon campaign and is helping to organise the event.

“The people of Widecombe-in-the-Moor welcome thousands of tourists over the summer but when the last of the visitors have gone they leave behind a community of people who are in real need of a new village hall.

“They’re making do at the moment with a hard-to-heat, inaccessible room but a new hall will provide facilities and opportunities within the village for the entire community, helping them to come together and thrive all year round and for generations to come. They’ve got amazing plans for groups and services from babies to older people but they need help to raise the money to build it.

“No more freezing cold groups and impossible access for wheelchairs and buggies - let’s give back to this community that’s welcomed all of us for many-a-summer!”

The Widecombe Fair Committee has kindly allowed LOVE Devon and the villagers the use of the field and facilities on Sunday, September 16, following the famous Widecombe Fair on the previous Tuesday, and the villagers have been busy organising a whole range of family friendly activities.

There will be a dog show, pony rides, a vintage vehicle parade, competitions and games for children, live music from local choirs, refreshments from local businesses and much more, with the list of attractions growing by the day.

Bryony and Jimmy Frost will also be available to meet on the day and may even take a few selfies with people in return for a donation to the village hall fund! There will plenty to welcome the walkers as they arrive in the village plus lots to do for anyone else who wants to enjoy an afternoon in beautiful Widecombe.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news on the sponsored walk and family fun day, visit: www.devoncommunities.org.uk/walk-widecombe and follow LOVE Devon on “Facebook” and “Twitter” @LOVEDevon .

If you can’t make it on September 16, but would like to donate to the new village hall fund you can do so online by visiting: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/walk-for-widecombe .