Publication Date: 24-10-2022 09:00
Housebuilders help soapbox race return to Great Easton
People in the Essex village of Great Easton rejoiced in the comeback of their annual soapbox race for the first time in three years – with the support of local businesses, including Bellway and Ashberry Homes.
The housebuilders, who are building homes in nearby Great Dunmow, donated a total of £1,000 towards the event, which raises funds for a local charity.
After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, the Soapbox Race finally returned for its fifth edition on Saturday 3 September.
Centred around the recreation ground beside the finish line, the occasion was attended by up to 3,000 spectators from neighbouring villages as well as soapbox enthusiasts from across the country.
Paul Kelly, from Great Easton Community Association, said: “As we have one of the steepest courses in the country, people come from far and wide to both compete and watch the thrills and spills as the karts negotiate the course.
“Organising such an event comes at a price and Bellway and Ashberry Homes were our Diamond sponsors this year. Their financial support helped our Community Association to put a great event together and went a long way towards its success.
“Their contribution not only helped us to cover set-up and operational costs for the day, but also gave us the confidence necessary during the planning stage.
“Without their support, we would have been unable to put together such a successful day of fun and enjoyment for the 2,000 to 3,000 people who attended.
“The sponsorship has also enabled us to support our chosen charity, Centre Algarve, who will use our donation to directly support local families in using their services.
“The readiness of Bellway and Ashberry Homes to support our event is very much appreciated by our community. Their communication and liaison have been fantastic throughout.”
Centre Algarve is a specialist holiday centre in Portugal providing holidays for children and adults with special needs. The charity is based in Little Easton and it raises funds to enable people, who otherwise could not have a holiday, to go abroad and stay in surroundings which meet their special needs.
As many as 80 volunteers helped in building the course for the race, setting up the stalls, and making other arrangements before the big day. A total of 28 karts took part including a junior category that boasted 12 participants and 10 karts.
While the contestants rolled down the course in their colourful karts, there were also other side-shows on display. The event included a large entertainment area with live music, local craft stalls, a fun zone for children as well as food and drink outlets.
Jenny Walker, Sales Director of Bellway Essex, said: “We were keen to assist the return of the Great Easton Soapbox Race because it is very special to the people of the village and was much missed during the past two years.
“It is great to see local events in Essex making their comeback and we’re glad to have been able to help this happen, both here in Great Easton, and at Witham, where we sponsored the carnival this year.”
Rachael Gatehouse, Sales Manager for Ashberry Homes Eastern Counties, said: “The Soapbox Race has become a popular tradition in Great Easton and so it was quite an honour to play a part in its return.
“We are committed to supporting local events where we are building new homes as they play such an important role in giving people a sense of belonging and togetherness within their communities – as well as raising funds for local good causes.”
Bellway is building new homes at Sapphire Fields at Great Dunmow Grange, off Woodside Way in Great Dunmow, while Ashberry Homes is delivering homes at Beaumont Park, off Stortford Road.
To find out more, call the sales team on 01371 290089 for Sapphire Fields or 01371 290047 for Beaumont Park – or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/sapphire-fields-at-great-dunmow-grange or https://www.ashberryhomes.co.uk/new-homes/eastern-counties/beaumont-park.
