25 Feb Teams of Volunteers and Good Neighbours giving their all to make the Bay a better place

Few amateur or semi-professional sports would thrive or even survive without the help of volunteers.

Dozens of clubs representing dozens of sports stage games every day of the week, and all are powered by the efforts of volunteers. Pitches across the bay are filled every weekend with people of all ages learning and honing new skills.

Brixham Rugby Football Club, winners of the Volunteering Team of the Year award, presented by Michelle Pugh (ML) on behalf of sponsor Wollens: Full Spectrum Law

The pitches around Astley Park in Brixham echo to the sounds of semi-professional rugby on Saturdays and then the cries of youngsters being coached by volunteers on Sunday mornings. During the season, barely a day goes by without something happening involving a rugby ball.

Brixham Rugby Football Club prides itself on being at the centre of the Brixham Community, which it has served for 150 years, and none of it could have been achieved without an army of volunteers. The club estimates that an amazing 175 of them are involved in one way or another every week, on and off the pitch.

Not surprisingly, then, the Club won the Volunteering Team of the Year Award in the recent Torbay Community Champion Awards organised by Torbay Communities and the Torbay Weekly, sponsored by Wollens Solicitors.

According to their winning nomination: “The volunteer groups within Brixham RFC play a key role in ensuring the rugby club can function and grow as both a community-based entity and a significant, ongoing, profitable commercial business.

“Brixham Rugby Football Club is more than just a sporting club—it is the beating heart of a proud and resilient town.

“The volunteering efforts across the club provide a safe, friendly and positive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to thrive individually and as part of a team.

“The club is a lively hub of sporting activity, featuring rugby, darts, euchre and social events, and offers a comprehensive structure that caters to players of all ages and abilities.

“The club’s future remains a top priority, as evidenced by its four senior rugby teams, a Colts team, thirteen youth sides for both boys and girls, and a dedicated Rugby Cubs programme (for ages 3 to 6). Over 300 players represent the town each week. Additionally, the inclusion of a walking rugby team shows the club’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

“The club is very much a part of the fabric of the local community, and its facilities/resources are used by a number of local community groups and charities, such as the RNLI, LooseHeadz and Slimming World Meetings.”

And to think that is being repeated in clubs and organisations across the Bay, and you get an idea of just how many people give up their time to volunteer every single week.

A lot of Good Neighbours do not even realise that they are volunteering, they just do what comes naturally to them, looking out for others and helping where they can.

Bill Taylor, winner of the Good Neighbour of the Year award, presented by Kelly Widley (BR) and previous Young Volunteer of the Year award winner Leighton-Rose Jarrett (FR), on behalf of sponsor Torbay Business Forum

That is certainly true of our Good Neighbour of the Year Award winner, William (Bill) Taylor, who has tirelessly served his neighbourhood in Torquay for decades.

In addition to a near encyclopaedic listing of organisations he has been associated with down the years including serving as a councillor, as escort to the vice chairman and chairman of Torbay Council, chairing the Friends of the Memorial Park, the British Legion (Torquay), chair of the Torquay Town Centre Community Partnership, his citation summed him up with the words: “He truly embodies the spirit of a Good Neighbour.

“For more than 50 years, he has consistently placed service to others at the heart of his life. His contribution spans generations and sectors—faith, civic leadership, environmental improvement, veterans’ support, and community wellbeing.

“What makes William exceptional is not only the breadth of his service but the humility with which he has given it. Whether saving lives in extraordinary circumstances, supporting vulnerable children at Christmas, enhancing public spaces, or simply ensuring veterans have a place to gather and feel valued, William has always acted with compassion, commitment, and integrity.

“At 91, he remains a respected figure and a true community champion, whose legacy is visible throughout Torbay. His lifelong dedication has strengthened community bonds, inspired others to volunteer, and left Torbay a better place for future generations.”

We are so lucky in Torbay to have so many people willing to give up their time, knowledge, and skills to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of everyone. Let us make sure we continue to celebrate and thank them.