Let's plan for King's coronation to be a true Torbay community celebration

Community Matters with Jennie Langridge, community builder for St Marychurch, Babbacombe and Maidencombe:

Although the King's coronation is not until May, now is the time to start thinking about celebrations you may wish to hold.

Street parties are being encouraged. This is an opportunity to come together and have a good time. It doesn’t need to cost the earth.

At its simplest, you could get together with your neighbours for tea and biscuits, each person bringing their own. If you have a large garden, you could invite friends over for a garden party.

If you live in a cul-de-sac then it is relatively easy to have the road closed and hold a street party.

Torbay Council has relaxed the red tape and there are simple guidelines and forms online to get you started www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/hold-an-event/street-party/

If you want to plan a bigger event, there are some funds available, but you need to act now as they will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

There is a four-week deadline to your event for smaller road closures and 12 weeks for larger events, including major roads with bus routes.

Top tips from the council website:

• plan in advance
• keep it simple
• involve everyone
• agree on timings
• put up signs
• clear up afterwards
• be aware of noise for those who are not joining in.

If you want to go ahead and organise something after talking to your neighbours, don’t forget that your community builder can help. You can find our contact details at www.torbaycdt.org.uk

There will be a celebration on Torre Abbey Meadows on May 7 from 11am to 6pm, with a big screen showing the coronation and later the concert, so there is a chance for everyone who wants to celebrate to join in.

There will also be a marquee to promote 'The Big Help Out' for volunteering opportunities you could sign up to across Torbay. The event will have local entertainment and children’s activities.

For more ideas on hosting a street party, visit Street Meet at www.streetparty.org.uk or The Big Lunch at www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

Let’s make it a weekend to remember!

To contact Jennie Langridge, call 07469 660 888 or email jennielangridge@torbaycdt.org.uk