Community Matters: 'We have what we need when we share what we have'

Once again, we had a second BIG EXCHANGE at the Willow Tree pub in Torquay last month. This works by people exchanging goods instead of time. We never know what will be brought in. It's always a surprise.
One lady had a wonderful time trying on different pieces of clothing. She ended up taking a tunic for her and her daughter to go to a Halloween event. No money changes hands at these exchanges in line with the ethos of the Timebank. At a BIG EXCHANGE we exchange goods as opposed to time. At the Willows, anyone with a new baby would have found some beautiful clothing in perfect condition and avid readers would have found some good reading material. For jigsaw enthusiasts we had lots of puzzles too.
Our next BIG EXCHANGE will be at Paignton Library during half term week, on October 24, from 11am to 2pm. If you are able to come bring something you no longer want to exchange for something you choose. Or just come to have a look. Remember, there is no cost to you, but if you find that difficult and would like to donate, that’s fine too.
Goods brought to exchange need to be small enough for someone to carry home, but no electrical items as we can’t guarantee safety. Hope to see you there.
There is lots happening in the Bay - the afternoon disco on the first Thursday of the month and the afternoon karaoke on the third Thursday of the month have started again at Preston Conservative Club. It runs from 2pm till 4pm. There is no charge though a £1 donation is required by the club if you are not a member.
For your culture hit this week, book a free ticket for ‘History & Mystery’ at the beautiful Royal Lyceum Theatre on Abbey Road in Torquay. On Friday October 13, acclaimed local historians present a fantastic talk with slides on Torquay’s fascinating (and sometime mysterious!) past. Doors 12.30pm. Show 1.30pm to 4pm. Book via: https://tqhistorymystery.eventbrite.com or contact helenkelly@torbaycdt.org.uk / 07548 704876.
To find out more about the Timebank, meet others, or just chat, come along and find me at one of our regular venues.
We meet on a regular basis at the following venues…..
•At the Bright Bean Café in Preston opposite Tesco, from 2pm every week on a Wednesday.

•At the Crafty Fox in Foxhole on the first Friday in the month from 10.30 am.

•At Centrepeace on the first Friday in the month from 2pm.

• At The Hyperspace café in Lidl Square on the first Tuesday in the Month from 10.30 am.

• At The community hub in Temperance Street, Torquay, on the first Monday in the month from 10.30 am.

Come along for information or to join, have a coffee and meet other like-minded people.

Torbay Together is the online platform for the Timebank. (www.devonconnect.org/torbay) Register on the platform, but then you need to do a little bit more and fill in another form to join the Torbay Timebank. If you don’t use a computer, I can help. Come along to one of our regular meetings or give me a ring.
You can contact me by email: ruthtshoukas@torbaycdt.org.uk or my work phone: 07703 715236