A DAY of excitement was had by all who participated in the first community fun day at Winkleigh last Wednesday (July 16).
The community day at the Winkleigh Sports Centre was organised in order to make local services and agencies accessible to the community — while providing an entertaining backdrop to encourage people of all ages to come together.
Children from Winkleigh Primary School and the pre-school were brought to the event by a vintage double decker bus, provided by Shears Coaches from Bideford. Chantelle Rae, who won the competition to produce a poster which will be used by the Torrington Rural Neighbourhood Beat Team, was presented with a book token.
The event was attended by a police helicopter, which was well received by the children from local schools. There was also a popular police dog display to show how the dogs are used to find missing people and make arrests.
Devon Fire and Rescue Service brought along a fire engine, and mini uniforms so the school children could dress up. Later, the firefighters displayed fire safety in the home, including the danger of fireballs created by chip pans.
The event finale was provided by a spectacular display of mountain bike trials riding by Andrei Burton, one of the countries most skilled riders.
PC Dick Rowlands of Torrington Police said: 'A big thank you has to go out to all those people from the local community who came out and supported the event with their help or attendance. That made this fun day a great success and it is very much appreciated by all of us that spent so much time organising the event.'
The day was organised by the Torrington Rural Policing Team and the Torridge Volunteer Service Grassroots Project who expressed thanks to the Princes Trust, Winkleigh Fairs Committee, Winkleigh Youth Club, Winkleigh Primary School, Lantern FM and the Friends of Winkleigh.
The day was followed by the Winkleigh Youth Night with sporting events, music and continued fun into the evening.