29 Aug Plenty to do, people to meet in Babbacombe and St. Marychurch

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 for so many people. I met many people there that I hadn’t seen for ages. It was a great day for reconnecting and socialising with everyone that was there. Everyone I spoke to said the event was a massive success. Even the weather was fantastic too. Their next big event is on the afternoon of 23rd November with the Reddenhill Road Christmas Street Party with the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.  

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! 

Look out for posters and social media advertising Christmas events in St. Marychurch.  

Torbay Communities volunteers have organized two Christmas Craft fayres on Saturday 2nd November and Friday 6th December, 10.00 – 4pm 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 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 7pm. 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 specialises in reducing household energy costs.  ECOE offer 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 [email protected] – www.ecoe.org.uk  0800 772 3617. They even do home visits too.  

The new Torbay Scrap Store, at 6 Fore Street in St. Marychurch

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.  In the shop there are all sorts of unique materials, 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 so enjoy something new and exciting to get creative.  Or why not volunteer at the Scrapstore and support this new enterprise?

For more information contact 01803 392436  [email protected]  www.torbayscapstore.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 opening the new store.  The Scrapstore is open Mon- Wed 9 – 5pm, Saturday 9-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm.  

Dougal the Landlord of The Dolphin pub in St.Marychurch precinct is now offering the Over 50’s Lunch Club that will now be every Thursday 12 – 2pm.  There are 5 tasty dishes to choose from at £5.50 

If you would like to go but don’t want to eat alone, I have volunteers that be welcoming to 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. 

Jack Crowther, PCSO

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 is a vibrant place for the over 50’s. There’s a wide range of social activities throughout the week.  01803 329105. Church Road TQ1 4QY. www.precinctcentre.com  [email protected]. 

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. [email protected] or Bob 01803 901004. Please see their Facebook page too. 

Babbacombe Bay Bloomers’ amazing work across St.Marychurch and Babbacombe is well known.  They always are 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.   

If you want to get in touch with me, you can call me on 07469 660888 or email [email protected]