It’s been a busy few weeks for LOVE Devon with three hugely successful events that have really helped increase awareness to the wider public of the work of Devon Communities Together.
Our first ever a Question of Racing, sponsored by Scott Richards Solicitors, proved a winning format at Exeter Racecourse on November 5, with a packed audience entertained by some of horse racing’s leading personalities.
It was an entertaining hour of questions fielded by the BBC’s David Fitzgerald, after the racecourse’s iconic Haldon Gold Cup meeting.
On the panel were Devon-born leading jockeys Bryony Frost, an ambassador for LOVE Devon, and Lizzie Kelly; the 11-times champion trainer Paul Nicholls; Phillip Hobbs; David Pipe and Joe Tizzard, a former top jockey who now assists his father Colin.
LOVE Devon’s chairman Chris Coward, who organised the event, said: “It was the perfect opportunity to tell people about the work we do at LOVE Devon, while also providing a fun and entertaining evening. We’re also very grateful to all the panellists for giving up their time. Without them, the evening would not have been such a success.”
Bryony, who is proving invaluable as an ambassador for LOVE Devon, also attended a fund raising dinner held at the Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton in October where she was joined by Simon Weston MBE, a British Army veteran known for his charity work and recovery from severe burn injuries suffered during the Falklands War. The evening was hosted by the BBC’s David Fitzgerald.
We also drummed up plenty of interest, again at Exeter Racecourse, in October, with a handicap chase run in the charity’s name where Devon Communities Together's CEO Elaine Cook presented the trophy.
We’re extremely grateful to the racecourse for all its support. With raceday announcements, interviews, race card and big screen adverts, it has really helped us to engage with a captive audience and get the message out there about our work.
We are also grateful to Food Drink Devon, which represents a membership of like minded businesses, dedicated to providing good quality local food & drink, for including us in their latest newsletter and to Visit Dartmoor who have jumped on board by engaging with social media posts.
You can help us get the message out there about our fundraising efforts too by engaging with us on Social Media. Every ‘like’ and ‘share’ helps!
Please do follow us on Facebook @LoveDevon2016 and Twitter @LoveDevon.
Photo caption: Elaine Cook, CEO of Devon Communities Together with Garth and Ann Brooks, owners of Golden Sunrise