A new school year and a final summer celebration
There is still plenty to enjoy across the Bay before the summer holidays come to an end and a new school year begins
We are coming up to the August Bank Holiday weekend and there are still plenty of great events taking place across the Bay. But as we reach the end of the summer holidays and the nights start to draw in, our thoughts inevitably begin to turn towards the new school term in September.
I am sure we all have memories from our school days, particularly those first few days at a new school. My first day at grammar school was both exciting and a little daunting. Everything felt new. It was a much bigger school, with unfamiliar surroundings, different teachers and new routines to learn. Perhaps the biggest change was looking around at so many faces I did not recognise and wondering who would become my friends. There were a few nerves, but also a real sense of excitement about starting a new chapter. It did not take long before those unfamiliar faces became friends and the school that seemed so big on that first morning became part of everyday life.
For many children across the Bay, September will be the start of a completely new adventure. Some will be walking through the school gates for the very first time, while others will be making the big move to secondary school. I wish every one of them the very best of luck. And good luck to the parents and carers too. I suspect there will be just as many nerves on their side of the school gates that first morning!
On the subject of schools, throughout September we will be asking residents for their views on plans for six new 20mph school zones.
The proposed areas are Mayfield Chestnut Centre in Brixham, Collaton St Mary CofE Primary School, Ellacombe CofE Academy, St Marychurch CofE Primary and Nursery School, South Devon College on Long Road in Paignton and Babbacombe All Saints CofE Primary School.
If you are a parent or carer, or if you live in one of these areas, we would really like to hear from you. You can find out more and take part in the consultation on the Torbay Council website at www.torbay.gov.uk/consultations or visit one of our main libraries. The proposals are part of our wider work to improve road safety for everyone. Lower speeds around schools give drivers more time to react and can help reduce accidents, as well as reducing noise and improving air quality.
As we move into autumn, it is also a good time for all of us to think about road safety. The darker mornings and evenings will soon be with us, so please take a little extra care, particularly around our schools and when children are travelling to and from home. Before we go back to school, though, we still have the August Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy and there is still plenty happening across Torbay.
On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, the Green Top Craft Market takes place at The Banjo in Torquay. There will be independent producers, talented crafters, artisan makers and a few tasty surprises. It is a great opportunity to meet friends, support local traders, have something to eat and hopefully enjoy some Bank Holiday sunshine.
Over in Brixham, the Crafty Antiques Market takes place at Scala Hall on Saturday 29 August. This popular market brings together handmade items, antiques and vintage collectables, so there should be plenty to browse through.
If you are looking for something a little more active, Torquay Tennis Club is holding its Family Festival on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August at the club in Belgrave Road. There will be matches, friendly competitions and plenty of family activities. Whether you regularly play tennis or simply fancy giving it a try, there should be something for everyone.
Then on Sunday 30 August, we welcome back one of the great sights of the Bank Holiday weekend, the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race.
The race has been running since 1961 and this year celebrates its 65th anniversary. The fastest boats are expected to reach Torquay at around 10am. They will then moor up for fuel and lunch before heading back out for the second leg of the race. The boats should be in Torquay for around three hours, giving everyone a chance to see them before they head back out to sea.
There is still time to enjoy Art On Your Doorstep as well. The free outdoor trail runs from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour and features life-sized reproductions of masterpieces from the National Gallery. The exhibition continues until Saturday 5 September.
And finally, if you are heading to Cockington Court, do not forget the annual Sculpture Trail. This year’s theme is Movie Magic and it continues through until November.
So there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy before September arrives. Whatever you are doing over the Bank Holiday weekend, I hope you have a great time and, to all our children and young people preparing for the new school year, enjoy those last few days of the holidays and the very best of luck for the year ahead.