Oakford Village Fete supports Exmoor Charities

Kelvin Holdom, fete organiser said, “Proceeds from the Oakford fete have always been donated to local charities and this year we were pleased to donate £400 each to CareMoor for Exmoor, who look after the natural environment of the moor, and Exmoor Search and Rescue, who help people in need of assistance on the moor”.

At a meeting at Oakford Village Hall last week, Katrina Munro from Exmoor National Park Authority, and Josh Warren and Marilyn Sloane from Exmoor Search and Rescue, gave short presentations to the fete organisers and explained how their donation would help their charities. Katrina also took the opportunity to promote a raffle being held to raise funds for the CareMoor appeal and some of the many prizes kindly donated by local businesses.

CareMoor for Exmoor is the donation scheme for Exmoor National Park Authority and the fete group chose to support the current Great Bradley Bridge appeal to help build a new bridge across the Barle, close to Tarr Steps.

Katrina Munro of Exmoor National Park said “The donation towards the new bridge will help us secure the route between Tarr Steps and Withypool for generations. It’s a stunning valley walk but the current path is heavily eroded by flooding and is at risk of closure as it is only a permitted path. The new bridge will divert walkers onto a well-maintained public right of way and mean that for years to come walkers and horse riders can continue to enjoy this route.”

Josh Warren said “The Exmoor Search and Rescue Team provides specialist Mountain Rescue services across large parts of Devon and Somerset and we assist the police in locating lost or missing persons, and the Ambulance Service to recover the injured or ill from remote locations. We’re made up entirely of highly skilled volunteer members and are on call 365 days a year. We are funded totally by donations, so the £400 from Oakford fete has been really welcome and will help us to continue our vital work.”

More information about the CareMoor Great Bradley Bridge Appeal and Raffle can be read at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor and Exmoor Search and Rescue at www.exmoor-srt.org.uk .

On 27th October, the two charities are joining forces with South West Lakes Trust to host a brand new event called the Moonlit Walk for Exmoor. The event is part of the National Park’s Dark Skies Festival and individuals and groups are being encouraged to raise sponsorship and take part in the 9 mile fully-marshalled event. Details at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival