THE finishing touches are being made to preparations for the biggest fundraising event ever held in Tavistock, which takes place this Sunday, April 1. The Bedford Mile, a huge fun run which organisers hope will raise £100,000 towards the £300,000 needed to build a top class athletics track in the grounds of Tavistock College, takes place on Plymouth Road between Bedford Square and Drake's Statue between 2pm and 4pm. Thousands of people of all ages and walks of life are expected to take part, from celebrities like former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville, Olympic silver medallist Kate Allenby and members of Plymouth Albion's rugby team, to amateur sportsmen and school children. The run should provide a fantastic sight for spectators too, with plenty of colourful costumes and characters as entrants do their bit to raise cash for the track4tavistock campaign. The event has been organised by project partners Tavistock Athletic Club, Tavistock College and Kelly College. Colin Eves, principal of Tavistock College, said: 'We have been overwhelmed with offers of support and participation and are looking forward to a great day. 'I'm sure everyone will enjoy the fun run as well as the April Fool's market, music and reception in the town hall and the band night at the Wharf — but I would ask everyone not to forget that we need to raise money.' Plymouth Road, Russell Street and Bedford Square will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. Traffic arrangements on Sunday afternoon will be similar to those on Goose Fair day — cars travelling towards Okehampton will be directed along West Street and Duke Street, with the one-way section at the bottom of West Street reversed for the duration of the event. Cars travelling towards Plymouth from Okehampton will bypass the town centre using Whitchurch Road and Pixon Lane. Marshalling for the fun run is being provided by Tavistock Athletic Club and Tavistock Lions Club with support from the 'Bedford Milers' — volunteers from Tavistock College sixth form. Parking will be available at Kelly College, Tavistock College, Tavistock Football Club, Pixon Lane car park and Riverside car park. Although Bedford car park and Russell Street car park will be open, drivers are reminded that parking charges apply and they will not be able to remove the cars until after the fun run, when the roads re-open. Sponsorship payment and pledges should be paid to volunteers who will be stationed in the pannier market perimeter road. Anyone raising £100 or more will be entitled to a free Bedford Mile T-shirt. To register for the run and find out more, go to http://www.track4tavistock.co.uk">www.track4tavistock.co.uk or pick up a sponsor form from the Times reception or Keith Bowles on 01822 613607.
