PREPARATIONS for Bovey Tracey’s inaugural soapbox challenge: the karts are almost finished, the three teams are ready to go… all that’s needed now is somewhere to hold the event.

Despite all her efforts, organiser Helen Tate has been frustrated in her attempts to find a suitable site.

‘I would have thought there would be a field nearby we could use but it has to meet certain criteria.

‘It can’t be too flat, the karts are self-propelled after an initial push-off, but on the other hand they need to have an incline steep enough to see them to the end of the course but not so steep it becomes dangerous.’

Helen has reccied several sites around the town. Bullands Meadow is too short and Trough Lane is too steep.

‘I’ve contacted Dartmoor National Park and the National Trust, but their land is either grazed by cattle or home to rare

orchids!’

Helen, the Riverside Community Centre manager, is currently stumped for ideas but the plan continues to proceed. She said the three teams have just received sets of safety gear courtesy of £150 donation from sponsors Simpkins Edwards.

‘That was really generous,’ she said. ‘The money will help provide clothing and go towards resources.’

If anyone can help Helen with the offer of a field for the trial run, she asked that they get in touch so she can carry out a risk assessment.

She can be contacted at the Riverside Centre in Station Road or by phone on 07946 605637