A WORLD champion and former European King of the Dirt rolled into Bow last Friday afternoon (November 3) to lead an enthusiastic band of riders of all ages on the newest facility in the village - a pump track in a corner of the Village Field. 

Left to right, Jo Morgan, Kye Forte, Caroline Taylor with the scissors. SR 9151
Left to right, Jo Morgan, Kye Forte, Caroline Taylor with the scissors. SR 9151 (Crediton Courier)

This is the second part of a big programme of redevelopment of the field - an arboretum has been planted in another corner of the field, the front of the Village Hall made more attractive, and now the pump track.  

With this it is the riders’ pumping action, not so much pedalling, that keeps them rolling up and down the humps and bumps and tracks, even jumps when they are more proficient. 

Star fundraisers brothers Archie and Oscar, who raised more than £500 towards the project, with Kye and others after the ceremony. SR 9157
Star fundraisers brothers Archie and Oscar, who raised more than £500 towards the project, with Kye and others after the ceremony. SR 9157 (Crediton Courier)

Jo Morgan and Caroline Taylor were the members of Bow Village Hall and Field Project who were in charge of this part of the project and raising the £60,000 needed. 

Caroline said: “After two-and-a-half years of planning and fundraising, work started on building the pump track in September.

“Due to the weather conditions it took much longer than anticipated. 

“We have been very proud of the respect shown by the young people to the workers and their restraint in keeping off the track until it was ready. 

First riders having fun. SR 9168
First riders having fun. SR 9168 (Crediton Courier)

“Kye Forte from Newton Abbot, who has been the UK BMX champion and who also designed and built the track, talked about the etiquette of using the pump track, the need to wear a helmet and the recommendation that padding is worn on arms and legs. 

“He then did a demonstration ride to show everyone how to ride with some spectacular jumps!”  

She and Jo explained: “Among those who gave us support both through grants, attending fundraising events and putting them on were the Postcode Lottery, Den Brook Community Fund, Bow Parish Council and Viscount Avery who gave us grants. 

“Early on we had help from Gemma, drawing the thermometer of money raised and helping us with running a stall at different events.  Emma and Toby wrote letters which we used in support of several grant applications. Jamie and Ryan also helped us with the perspective of young people and made suggestions.  

“They all helped with a questionnaire which meant that we had a good cross section representing peoples’ views.

Kye up on the track. SR 9162
Kye up on the track. SR 9162 (Crediton Courier)

“A special thanks to Kirsty and family who put on a Hallowe’en event last year, Karen and family for designing and selling Christmas cards and calendars and for picking and selling strawberries, Archie and Oscar for walking, swimming and running miles, Bow Garden Centre for the fish food money and to everyone who took part or attended the Murder Mystery, Singo Bingo, Cocktail Night, Mr and Mrs, Bingos and Quiz Evening.

“These events were a lot of fun and very successful thanks to the support of the Village Hall Committee.”

Jo and Caroline hope people will appreciate and look after this hard earned facility.

Devon County Councillor for the area, Frank Letch, commented: “This is a wonderful achievement for a small united community, an excellent facility for all ages.”