Young tar barrellers who want to help keep Ottery’s famous flaming tradition rolling are taking on a 5k obstacle course in aid of the event.
Brothers Seb and Leon Waite hope to raise £350 when they take on the challlenge with their parents in July. The boys have taken part in the Tar Barrels since they were both seven years old, and asked if they could turn the challenge in to a fundraiser.
Seb, 12, who goes to The King’s School, said: “I like it because of the tradition and it’s all manic and crazy.
“I would be quite proud of myself if we could raise the money and see that we can keep on doing it [the Tar Barrels].”
The boys both enjoy playing football and Leon, 10, regularly joins mum Nikki to complete 5k Park Runs.
Ottery Primary School pupil Leon added: “The first time I did the Tar Barrels, I was quite scared at the start.
“I’m looking forward to trying to get over the obstacle course. It would be good if they [the Tar Barrels] would carry on.”
Rob Wickham, chairman of the Tar Barrels committee, said the group was grateful for all donations.
He said: “It’s brilliant the young ones are taking the onus on themselves to help raise funds. From the committee’s point of view, we are really pleased and grateful.
“It’s great they come up with great ideas to do stuff that excites them and they want do it and want to raise money.”
He added tickets are now on sale for the committee’s spring masquerade ball, which will be held in The Institute on Saturday, April 8.
The black-tie and mask event costs £30 a person and will include prosecco on arrival, canapés and a two-course meal.
There will be a band and an auction will take place during the evening.
To buy tickets, call Rob on 01395 514685 or purchase them at Sal’s Café between 9am and noon on Saturday, March 18.
To donate to the boys’ fundraiser, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/seb-and-leon-tar-barrels-fundraiser
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