‘Diversity’ and ‘community’, are words often bandied around in the media today, but on Friday evening at Winston’s in Seaton it was obvious that East Devon has both of these in abundance, writes Dave Mutter.

It was the presentation evening for all organisations that helped make the Grizzly yet another success and with 75 vastly different organisations receiving a percentage of the £29,450 AVR were able to donate it was a highly successful event.

The total amount since 1997 that AVR have donated to charities various is £364,450. Each representative was invited to say how their money would be spent and varied from illuminated batons for Seaton Majorettes, Umborne Village Hall kitchen extension, a multi-sensory garden at the back of Seaton library and British Lung Foundation.

The Grizzly would not be possible without all the help, but it is organised by a small band of volunteers headed by race director Tony Smith along with marshal maestro Rick Wood, Steve Haines, Carol Austin, Tim Sibley and Phil Bayliss with Eleanor Wood keeping the group well fed and watered during the long committee meetings. Seaton and East Devon should be really proud of what has been achieved over the years and hopefully will continue for years to come.