Torquay church sparks eco drive with auction and events

Torquay’s St Matthias Church is going green.

The Wellswood community is engaging in important fundraising for ecological, green building works at the church, writes Jim Parker.

The entire roof of the church centre building is being replaced, insulated and crucially is having  new solar panels and batteries installed with other environmentally friendly innovations.

The fund-raising project, titled Give to Go Green, will happen over a six-week period, starting with an Auction of Promises at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel on June 18.

Organisers have put together over 100 lots.  Auctioneer Tim Dickinson is delighted that there’s something for everyone, ranging from meals out in local venues to a sailing trip with Torbay’s international sailing champion John Pollard, from a private guided tour of Torre Abbey to a tour and tea at St Paul’s Cathedral led by the Dean. 

Auction catalogues are available from the church office at St Matthias on 01803 214175.  

Tim says: “We’ve put together a really exciting programme and we’re delighted to be able to support this great cause.”

The events programme will continue through June and July and will include Summertime,  a Midsummer evening of relaxing jazz piano music and conversation with Jane Wibberley at the piano on June 26, a quiz (how well do you know your area?)  hosted by David Hodson on July 19, a local treasure hunt, aimed at families and youngsters of all ages, a cream tea event on Saturday, July 26 and a special concert by the Torbay Folk Choir on July 22.

Full details of all events are available from the St Matthias Church office and  on the church website

The project is part of the St Matthias Eco Church campaign which last year saw the church obtain one of the sought-after A Rocha Bronze awards and  will help them  progress to an A Rocha Silver award. 

David Hodson, co-leader of the church’s Eco Action Group, says: “The completed work will help us in our journey to net zero and specifically will be a huge help in reducing the significant cost of running the church and church centre.”

The Diocese of Exeter has agreed to match whatever can be raised from the events in June and July.  Donations are gratefully being received from the congregation, the local community and the 70 organisations which regularly use the church hall.  

Further details can be obtained from Rob Newman, chairman of the fundraising group, on 07305 681522.