13 Nov From Iconic sites to Festivities – what’s on offer in Preston, Paignton this Winter

People’s Parkfield, just off the corner of Paignton Green

Our work is extremely varied, and we meet some wonderful people.  This includes those who run groups and folks who go along and take part; they connect, make friends, and eventually support others.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Viv, a wonderful lady who takes part in many activities in the community. She also volunteers at two bereavement groups and the Paignton Town Memory Café.  She always has time to listen to others; she is caring and has much empathy.

Viv has had a massive loss of her own; that’s how we met. She was looking for a group and some support after losing her beloved husband.  I hear Viv tell others who are struggling with their loss, “life will never be the same, you don’t ‘get over it’, but you do learn to live life differently”.  Fill your days, keep busy, get out and about, meet others, chat to everyone!

Viv is part of the wonderful peer support group, they laugh together, cry together, try new things, go to lunch, but most importantly, they are there for each other, and it helps.  Thank you, Vivienne Colangelo, for being you and doing what you do!

In Preston, we have some wonderful venues and places that support their community.  Firstly, I’m lucky to have People’s Parkfield in my patch, where we hosted the Baton of Hope Picnic. We had some fantastic help from the Co-op and Preston Baptist Church volunteers who baked cakes and served teas and coffees to baton bearers who took part in the wonderful event.

After the picnic lunch, I wandered into the ECOE office, where I met two delightful ladies, who told me about the drop-in centre at Parkfield. I feel so passionate about what they do, so I’d like to share this with you.

As the weather turns colder, keeping warm at home becomes more important than ever – both for comfort and for your health. That’s why ECOE Advice are running free drop-in sessions every Tuesday from 10am-3pm at Parkfield House in Paignton. They are a Devon-based charity that believes everyone deserves a warm, healthy home.

Come along, pick up your Winter Warmth Pack, and get free, friendly advice on simple ways to stay warm and cut energy bills. Keeping your home healthier through the colder months. Support and services are available. (Now providing benefit Advice and Debt Advice).  Just pop in!

Your Winter Warmth Pack is designed to help you keep cosy and well through winter. Their advisors can chat through any questions about energy use, home comfort, and support schemes.

You can find Parkfield House at 38 Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ3 2NH – By Bus: Buses 25 and TC1 both stop at Paignton Redcliffe Lodge – the nearest stop to us. By Car: Limited parking is available on site, with additional parking in nearby streets.

Now let’s talk Christmas! Bob and Rich (The Disco Guys) are organising a lunch and a disco. If you fancy some company and a tasty lunch, come along. It starts at 12 noon or just the disco (2 – 4pm). It’s happening on Thursday, 18^th December 2025, £22 for lunch or £3 for Disco only at Court Hotel, Steartfeld Road, Paignton TQ3 2BJ, £10 deposit by 28^th November 2025. Call Bob on 07561711934 or visit Steam Cafe, 13 Torbay Road, Paignton TQ4 6AA for more information and to leave your deposit. Pay the balance on 18^th December (on the day).  Hope to see you!

I’m also lucky to have Oldway in my patch!  The Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group is a vibrant community dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the beautiful Oldway Gardens. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply looking to get involved, they would love you to join them!  I visited the group last year, and it was fantastic.  They work well together, but it was obvious that they all enjoy being there.  There are many friendships made, and they support each other, too.

Their volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, skills, and enthusiasm to the group. Together, they work to preserve the charm and heritage of Oldway Gardens.

They hold regular working parties every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. After each session, they gather for a friendly cup of tea in the gardeners’ yard—a great chance to connect with fellow volunteers. You are welcome to attend all sessions or just the ones that suit your schedule.

Whether you are passionate about gardening or simply want to contribute to a meaningful cause, they would love to have you on board. Joining is easy—just go along to one of their working parties or contact them for more details by emailing [email protected]

Arrive at the Gardeners Yard and have a ‘trial session’ in the gardens with a member of the team. Your time and effort will help keep Oldway Gardens thriving for everyone to enjoy.

Nina can be contacted via email – [email protected] or via mobile: 07929 335915