Community Matters: Summer in Kings Ash off to a flying start

In the last couple of weeks, we have enjoyed some beautiful days and evenings here in the Bay, and there have been some wonderful events to enjoy too. 

What an incredible weekend we had with the Torbay Airshow. It was amazing to see areas of the Bay busy with friends and families enjoying the weather and activities going on in and around Paignton especially. I know a favourite of mine was definitely the Vulcan Bomber (I’m sure everyone in the Bay heard that) and the memorial flight, which evoked memories of my own dad, who served during World War 2, and the bravery of so many people.

I have heard stories too of some of the residents in Kings Ash who were young children during the war and remember planes going over and the VE Celebrations.

The Bereavement group, held at the Crafty Fox every other Tuesday, held their own VE Day tea party on 8 May. A number of the group couldn’t attend due to holidays or ill health. But we were soon back in numbers. The group never ceases to amaze me with how upbeat and fun they all are. The support received by our members from our members is second to none.

The Foxhole Walking Group has started up again every Tuesday afternoon, and we have a lovely small group now. We usually go to the beach in the car for a short walk, followed by coffee and cake. I don’t think I’d hear the end of it with my ladies and gents if cake wasn’t involved! It’s a lovely group where we focus on a short walk, chat, laughter and making new friends. It’s more of an amble than a hiking group, so all abilities are welcome.

The Knit and Natter group at the Crafty Fox on a Wednesday is a wonderful group of ladies who are so welcoming of all, whether you can knit or crochet or not! The natter is also good! They’ve been doing a fantastic job on their fundraising too with the end of the month prize bingo, which is usually the last Friday of the month. Since Christmas they have raised in the region of £300. The ladies help many in our community in reducing isolation. 

The children of Kings Ash have been doing us proud too. I was able to get some litter picking equipment from SWISCo, and we hold regular litter picking sessions with the children’s groups. We had conversations about the effect of the rubbish on our wildlife and the environment. Swisco kitted us out with the appropriate health & safety gear to keep the children safe too. The children were really proud when some of the members of the public actually stopped to thank them, with one of the residents buying the children some extra sweets. I am now being asked when the next litter picks are, as the children really enjoyed it, or was it the prizes?

I am always looking to start new groups if our residents want them. We are looking at starting a craft group, running from the Crafty Fox, as well as a cooking group. The cooking group is in the very early stages of organising, as it is still just an idea I have. I have spoken to many residents who are on their own and would love to be able to cook for themselves, which is what has given me the idea. If you or someone you know would be interested in this group, please let me know. We also have a coffee morning starting at the Crafty Fox on 1 July from 10.30am.

Great Parks Community Centre are also doing fantastic work with the community and have been shortlisted for a ‘Sport, Health and Wellbeing’ award at the Torbay Business Awards. Their Youth Space Café is growing on a Friday, and they now have 15-18 young people who use the centre for crafts, games, cooking and socialising. Their relatively new community garden is also going really well. They are looking for volunteers to help develop the garden and forest space, where they will be able to offer a safe and inviting space for wellbeing, reflection, Tai Chi, and sensory garden creation.

Finally, I’m going to mention the C word. Yes, folks, Christmas. The teams at Foxhole are planning the Christmas Extravaganza. I know I’m really excited about the plans being discussed, so keep your eyes peeled, as it will be a great day of community celebration.

If you want to know more or get involved, please email me at sarahgreener@torbaycdt.org.uk or call me on 07977635984.