Community Matters: A summer full of activities and connections

I can’t believe the last time I wrote an article was in May.

I do hope you have enjoyed the many things that have been happening in Torbay over the summer.

The beautiful planting by Babbacombe Bay Bloomers looks stunning. I feel very proud to have been one of the many people growing marigolds for their wonderful displays for the community celebrating 60 years of Britain in Bloom.

The Reddenhill Road Midsummer Street Party organized by the Babbacombe Traders Association was amazing. I met many people there that I hadn’t seen for ages. It was a great day for reconnecting and socializing with everyone. Their next big event is on the afternoon of 23rd November with the Reddenhill Road Christmas Street Party, with the Christmas lights switched on at 5 pm.

Another great success was Babbacombe Fayre. With almost 100 stalls, the event organized by Torbay Sunrise Rotary Club was bigger than ever, drawing in huge crowds from across the Bay and raising thousands of pounds for local charities. At least by the time it opened, people could see through the swirling mist!

Torbay Communities volunteers have organized two Christmas Craft Fayres on Saturday, 2nd November, and Friday, 6th December, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Corinthian Sailing Club next to the Co-op in St. Marychurch. The Fayres are raising funds for Torbay Communities. Free entry. Refreshments and homemade cake and scones are available to purchase. If you would love to come and be part of our day selling your wonderful hand-crafted makes, please contact me as soon as possible as there are limited tables for both events.

St. Marychurch and District Community Partnership are holding a public meeting at the Royal Hotel, Babbacombe Downs on Thursday, 17th September at 7:00 pm. Come and find out about what is happening in your area, how to get involved, and have your say. There will be guest speakers too. Check out their Facebook page.

With so much news around the cost-of-living crisis, I was delighted to meet Sarah from a local charity called ECOE, which specializes in reducing household energy costs. ECOE offers free-of-charge energy and money-saving help that can massively reduce your bills. They offer impartial advice to help cut bills by as much as 43% and reduce carbon emissions too, helping you and the environment. For more information, contact healthyhomes@ecoe.org.uk – www.ecoe.org.uk or call 0800 772 3617. They even do home visits.

Crafting a stronger community. I popped into the brand new Torbay Scrapstore at 6 Fore Street, St. Marychurch TQ1 4NE – Supporting creativity and sustainability in Torbay. What an amazing place run by Mel. I have to say I felt like a kid in a sweetie shop, and the coffee was so good. The Scrapstore offers cheap ways to get kids crafting but is available for crafters of all ages. The Scrapstore is a not-for-profit, community interest company based in Torbay.

They take unwanted waste materials, donated by businesses and individuals, and resell, recycle, or repurpose them in various ways for the benefit of the local community. The shop has all sorts of unique materials and second-hand arts and crafts supplies just crying out for some creative recycling.

I love the ethos of the Scrapstore where our community can Conserve, Create & Connect. For those who are crafters like me, you will enjoy something new and exciting to get creative with. Or why not volunteer at the Scrapstore and support this new enterprise?

For more information, contact 01803 392436, connect@torbayscrapstore.co.uk, or visit www.torbayscrapstore.co.uk. Check out the website—there is so much more info about the Scrapstore.

On Wednesday, 28th August, there will be a celebration of the opening of the new store. The Scrapstore is open Mon-Wed 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Dougal, the Landlord of The Dolphin pub in St. Marychurch precinct, is now offering the Over 50’s Lunch Club every Thursday from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. There are five tasty dishes to choose from at £5.50 each.

If you would like to go but don’t want to eat alone, I have volunteers who welcome all. We have a large table at the back of the pub. They would love you to join them for lunch and a chat. I will be there on the first Thursday of every month.

Today, I met with Jack Crowther, our new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). He will be a visible presence in our community to keep the area safe and support local residents. I’m sure you will all get to meet Jack very soon.

With so much going on in our community, it will come as little surprise that local community groups are always looking for volunteers to help. So, this is a massive SHOUT OUT for your help!

Volunteer at The Precinct Centre St. Marychurch, a vibrant place for the over 50’s. There’s a wide range of social activities throughout the week. Contact 01803 329105, Church Road TQ1 4QY, www.precinctcentre.com, precinctcentre@btinternet.com. Plus, it's on Facebook.

Green fingers? Tessier Gardens is a lovely, peaceful, tranquil garden that is open to adults only. Volunteer gardeners are always welcome. Lingridge Road TQ1-3SB Tessiergardens.co.uk. Also, contact Bob at Angebob1975@gmail.com or call 01803 901004 or see their Facebook page.

Babbacombe Bay Bloomer's amazing work across St. Marychurch and Babbacombe is well known. They are always looking out for volunteers to help. You can always catch them in the community or see their Facebook page.

And just a reminder, the Torbay Scrapstore is searching for volunteers to join them in making the Bay more creative and sustainable.

Our communities are stronger together.