Let's get together - reconnecting with people is food for the soul

Marianne Parker, community builder for Wellswood:

Sometimes things don’t always work out the way you think they will and I am so happy to be back doing the best job in the world as creative community builder for Torbay and community builder for Wellswood, where our community picnic took place on a beautiful afternoon in July.

Those lucky enough to be there enjoyed a delicious cream tea provided by Wellswood Community Partnership, the sensational Sam Massy Jazz Quartet and dancing with our fantastic flashmob in Ilsham Valley... however, the best thing was, of course, the chatting, the fun and the laughter!

This week, I’d like to share another journey with you.

Dennis, now 85, is a talented musician and prolific singer who is like a human jukebox!

If you tell him a song you would love to hear, he can play it on his guitar and he knows all the words to sing!

He plays with Daryl, his fellow band member from the ‘Carnaby Set’ and anyone else who would like to join in at the Torquay Museum Café every other Tuesday, including Jack - who is 102 - on his harmonica.

It is a lovely afternoon... Dennis makes it relaxing, warm, funny and friendly with spaces to chat, drink tea and eat cake. Everyone is welcome!

Call me for details - 07469 660 875.

When lockdown happened, Dennis and his wife Sylvia, 90, were told to shield and stay home.

They had no-one to do their shopping or to collect their prescriptions.

So Dennis called the Torbay Helpline and we found two fantastic volunteers to help them.

James did their shopping and Jane delivered their prescriptions every week for the next 15 months.

Dennis wanted to thank them and his close neighbours with whom they had shared the Thursday night clap in front of their house, out on their street with pots and pans during lockdown.

So he invited them all around for a musical afternoon tea on a sunny afternoon in September.

It was such a joy to meet and reconnect with all these lovely people in Dennis and Sylvia’s garden.

To share stories, music, tea and cake is indeed food for the soul! Let’s get together more!