30 Sep A preview of Friday’s Torbay Community Champion Awards…

AN exciting week here at Torbay Communities as we make the final preparations for the Torbay Community Champion Awards

This is the third year we have organised the awards in conjunction with the Torbay Weekly, and thus far we have received in the region of 400 nominations – that is 400 volunteers, community workers and organisations whose work has been publicly recognised.

We know there are probably hundreds, if not thousands, more out there awaiting their turn, and while it is too late for this year, there is always next year.

We rely entirely on you to make the nominations, and the more you submit, the harder it is for the judging team, and we are happy with that. Just as it has been for the last three years.

The range of organisations represented both on the stage and in the audience is wide-ranging, covering the cream of the charities, community interest companies, and the VCSE sector (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector) across the Bay.

We are also grateful to the sponsors, who, recognising the value of these awards, have come forward to make them a success. This year they are the Greendale Group, Wain Homes, Cantina Kitchen and Bar, South Devon College, Wollens: Full Spectrum Law, Steve Darling MP, Torbay Council, Cavanna Homes and the Torbay Business Forum.

Volunteering and community work is the lifeblood of so many organisations and events in Torbay, and without their efforts, so many things would not be able to go ahead, from the Riviera Airshow to the community show, from the sports club coaches to those who staff the Torbay Community Helpline.

We can never thank them all, but we can try!

There are many ways to get involved in volunteering, and a good place to start is Torbay Together via Devon Connect, where there is a regularly updated list of organisations appealing for help.

Alternatively, you can go to VolunteerTorbay.com, register your interest, and we will circulate your offer to the Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network. They are always looking to recruit.

Finally, you could call the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022; they always have lots of opportunities, from driving to befriending to name but two, and chances are your call will be taken by a volunteer call handler.

But back to this year, when all eyes will be on Bay Church in Sands Road, Paignton on Friday, when, in addition to the awards, there is a small volunteers fair running from 2pm, where organisations are on hand to explain what is available.

And then from 3pm (for a 3:15 start) is the glittering award ceremony, which will kick off with the Carers Award that is between Janet Helmore and Jess Ellis, followed by the Climate and Environment Award which is between Duncan Kenny from the Cove Project, Beth Huntley, AKA Torbay’s bike Mayor amongst other things and Jill Melton and Bill Hunt from the Friends of Torquay Station.

Next up is the Emergency Worker of the Year, between Claire Knight from Phoenix Rising and Paul Northey from Riviera Event Solutions. The very essence of a strong community is a Good Neighbour, and we have three competing for the top spot: Viv Wagg from Brixham, Mike and Leslie Morris from the STEAM Discovery Centre in Paignton, and Natasha Hill from Livermead.

Shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing Award are Mandie Giles from AgeUK Torbay, Di Feasby from Brighter Horizons and Liz Hickey from Autistic After Hours. The coveted Lifetime Award is between the late Brian Powell from Brixham Heritage Museum, Clive Simmons, who among other things has helped deliver Children’s Week in Paignton, Pat Harris from Healthwatch and Engaging Communities South West, and Patricia Goss, who has helped raise tens of thousands for Rowcroft Hospice.

A hotly contested category, Volunteer of the Year is down to Anne Brookes from the Royal British Legion, Anne Marie Gibbs from the Paignton Memory Café and Beth Huntley (a second nomination, see above).

Volunteering Team of the Year, which received more nominations than any other, will be between Karing from Paignton, Read Easy Torbay & South Devon, and the Ladies Lounge in Torquay.

And finally, the Young Volunteers shortlist is Alfie Kidd from Brixham Rugby Club, Ella Ballard and Maddie Johnson from Great Parks Community Centre and Ottis Clark from Cycle Torbay.

As I said, exciting times. See you Friday at Bay Church.