FRIENDS, family and members of the public are invited to gather in Enfield Park in Camelford on Saturday (11am) for a walk in memory of Andy Bond.

Andy, who lived in the town for over 40 years, passed away unexpectedly in August at the age of 70, but left his mark on the area.

A keen Plymouth Argyle and stockcar racing fan, Andy’s other big passion was wildlife — in particular within Enfield Park — as his daughter Tizzy Bond explains.

She said: “After dad died, a few people approached us about doing a memorial walk. He used to walk around the park every day and would post daily wildlife updates on Love Camelford.

“Lots of people would comment and say how much they loved reading it. He loved the park, that was the place he loved.

“He was just a proper local and went into the town every day and spoke to people. People would ring him up and ask him to come and have a look to identify different birds in their garden.”

He also made quite an impression at the town’s Masons Arms.

“We’re meeting outside the park near bandstand. My brother (Steve) may point out some of the birds as he knows a fair bit about it but we’re just going to walk around in his memory.

“Afterwards, some of us may go to the Masons (Arms) for lunch. They’ve got new owners and Dad went there and said: ‘These are the best burgers I’ve ever had’.

“So the new owners, Kate and Alan Woods, decided to rename the burgers the ‘Bondy Burgers’, and, because he was into his stockcar racing, with every burger they sell, they make a donation to the BriSCA F2 Benevolent Fund (helping injured racing drivers).

“If anybody would like to join us after they’re more than welcome.”

A new bird hide in Enfield Park, Camelford, is to be dedicated to Andy Bond.

Mr Bond, who recently passed away, was well known in the town and beyond for his love of birds and wildlife, regularly walking in the park and noting the number of different species of birds that visit.

At the recent meeting of the town council, councillors resolved to use reserves to cashflow hardstanding and a bird hide by the pond in the park.

Cllr Rob Rotchell said the council had not budgeted for the work this year, but it will need to be carried out before the spring to avoid fish being in the pond and nesting birds. If money was taken from reserves, the council could budget for the works in next year’s precept.

There will be a hide situated on a viewing platform by the pond, and a path. The hide will be dedicated to Mr Bond and a plaque would be erected.

Cllr Andy Shaw said he had started a set of drawings and specifications, and he will meet with the Enfield Park Working Group members to get the opinions of others.

The work will go out to tender and come back to full council.

All councillors voted in favour of using reserves to cashflow the necessary works, up to the value of £5,000.