28 May The rollercoaster ride that is Brixham’s community

Wow! The last three months since writing here has been a rollercoaster, as always in Brixham! So much is happening from Coffee mornings to music and dancing, to community breakfasts, to art and crafting. And if we don’t have it, we make it happen. The community speak to me regularly, asking if we have a certain group and if we don’t, they would like to volunteer their time to start the group up and run with it.

Taken by a member of the photography group, just in case you need a seal of approval to join.

We have recently set up a new Photography group at The Edge CIC on Bolton Street. A lovely small group of people who love taking photos of the glorious Brixham Town and Harbour, and flowers all around. They meet at 2pm on a Thursday at The Edge, have a chat about where they would like to go that day, maybe round the Harbour towards Breakwater, or towards Battery Gardens and Fishcombe Cove.

There is so much to see each time. In fact, on the last photography group, we left The Edge building, and one of the young ladies said, it would make my day if we get to see a seal today and I can get a picture of it – well, lo and behold, we were on our way to Fishcombe, and she spotted a seal! Suffice to say, we did not make it to Fishcombe as we spent all our time watching the lovely seal and taking pictures of it and the flowers all around before heading back to The Edge for refreshments and looking through all the photos and videos. Anyone is welcome to join, you don’t need to book, please do just turn up, the more the merrier!

We have set up a new Skittles group at The Brixham Constitutional Club (formerly the Brixham Conservative Club), starting on Tues 2^nd June 2pm – 4pm. No need to book, please do just turn up, but any questions, give me a call.

We have also had another couple of lovely ‘Wellness Coffee Morning’ fundraisers take place at The Front Room cafe, organised by Natalie from Middle Street Walkers, who wanted to offer a safe space for people to come along to on a weekend, because so many people are incredibly lonely and isolated on weekends. A lovely group of people attended, and another £50 was raised for The Baton of Hope Torbay, raising awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Please do remember to come along to the Middle Street Walkers on the 2^nd Friday of each month for a leisurely well-being stroll around Brixham Harbour with a chat over tea and coffee at the end. Meet at Flour Flower café at 2pm. Again, the more the merrier – come and meet friends you have not met yet.

Also, the Brixham Community Partnership hosted another public meeting at Brixham Rugby Club, with Susie Colley as one of the speakers, raising awareness of the Heart campaign, which has now turned into a Save the Hospital campaign. David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, was the other speaker talking about the Proposed Fish Quay development and the Central Car Park proposals. Thanks go to both speakers and big thanks to the Brixham community for attending and caring about the Town in which they live. Join the BCP mailing list by emailing [email protected] to find out more.

The Edge Brixham CIC on Bolton Street are trying to save their building from being sold – pls do follow their Facebook page for updates on how you may be able to help – it is a fantastic community space offering so much including an IT club, Drum Circle, Art Club, Form filling, Yoga, Make do and Mend, a Textiles group, Community Band, Rock Band, Photography and a Folk Club. Open Mon to Thurs each week – phone 01803 658672 or email [email protected] for more information.

Remember to check out the FREE community newspaper in Brixham called the Brixham Beacon. This complements The Brixham Signal nicely and is one to keep an eye out for, as it’s a great read, shedding light on local news. Check it out online at www.brixhambeacon.com.

As always, there is so much going on in Brixham due to the fantastic community spirit, enthusiasm and drive that exists and thrives here! Collaboration, networking and working together are a recipe for making incredible things happen. It is very special to witness and be a part of.

SAVE THE DATE – Fri 10^th July, we will be holding a fundraiser for Torbay Communities at Scala Hall, with The Stargazy Pie Ceilidh band playing! It will be a fantastic night, entry £10pp, 7pm – 10pm, hope to see you there!

Like and follow my Facebook page ‘Helen Ambler, Community Builder for Brixham’ to keep up to date with what’s happening. Email me at [email protected] to receive my what’s on guide (or download it on our CBs contact webpage, under my photo), or call me on 07469660873 for a chat.