FANTASTIC! That was the reaction following Sunday's big fundraising event in Tavistock, the Bedford Mile. An incredible 1,300 people took part in the fun run between Bedford Square and Drake's Statue as they did their bit to raise money to build a top class athletics track on the grounds of Tavistock College. More than £20,000 was pledged on the day — with much more money still to be collected. Former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville, who comes from Tavistock, completed the run despite nursing an injury sustained in the recent testimonial match for fellow international player Matt Perry. Phil said: 'The great thing about this is that the whole town is coming together in their efforts to get a decent sporting facility for the community. 'That's the best thing about it, you are uniting behind a common cause. 'It's wonderful to see everyone coming out and dusting off their running shoes.' And another Tavistock international sporting star, Olympic medallist Kate Allenby, said: 'I think it's fantastic that all parts of the town are coming together for an idea which has been needed for ages. 'The track will help develop younger talent as at the moment there are lots of opportunities for sport, especially in five years' time for the 2012 Olympics.' Members of Plymouth Albion Rugby Club's first team, fresh from their resounding league win against Mosely the previous day, added their backing to the track4tavistock campaign. Ex-England international and director of rugby at Albion, Graham Dawe, himself a former Tavistock College student, said: 'Taking part in sport brings people together and this event is bringing the whole community together — hopefully this sort of thing will inspire children from this area to compete and even aim for the Olympics and a gold medal.' Albion hooker James Owen said he was amazed to see how many people had turned out for the Bedford Mile. He said: 'If you have quality facilities, you can guarantee participation in sports will go up. We live in a beautiful part of the country, but that's not enough, you have to provide decent facilities for the people that live here. 'I think this is a fantastic event, it's a great thing for the local kids to do.' Master chef Peter Gorton from the Horn of Plenty did the run in his chef's gear. He said it was 'fantastic' to be part of such a huge community event and paid tribute to everyone who had worked so hard to organise the Bedford Mile. The fundraising did not end with the fun run, as more than 250 people enjoyed a special band night at the Wharf during Sunday evening. Seven bands, all different age ranges, performed for a lively and enthusiastic audience — the event raised more than £1,000. Colin Eves, principal of Tavistock College, said he was delighted the day had been so successful and paid tribute to everyone who had supported the event, either with its organisation or through participation. 'A huge amount of work and goodwill was involved in the Bedford Mile and we would like to say a very big thank you to everyone,' he said. Mr Eves said dependent on the final outcome of the fun run and funding bids to national sport bodies, the partnership anticipated starting track construction either in the summer or, now probably more likely, in the spring, as it could not be built in wet weather. 'We are now very close to the funding requirement so feel very optimistic we will be able to go ahead as planned,' he said. Anyone with outstanding sponsorship money should take it to Lloyds TSB in Tavistock, or if they are at school, hand it in to their head teacher as soon as possible. Cheques should be made payable to Crowndale Recreation Association.
