05 May PLENTY TO VOLUNTEER FOR ACROSS TORBAY – COMMUNITY MATTERS
By Christine Durrant, Community Builder for Preston
The Coronation Bank Holiday is a reason for everyone to celebrate. Let’s hope that the sun shines so we can enjoy the entertainment that will be on Torre Meadow from 10:00am to 6:00pm. After the live screening of the Coronation, we have a great line up of live entertainment brought to you by the team behind Children’s Week. There are live musical performances from local acts including Rock Choir, The Humanitarians and Sound Communities. The Headline Act is ‘Joey the Lips’ and there are loads of family activities, games and walkabout acts. So if your street isn’t hosting a party why not join in the fun at Torre Meadows?
Here in Preston, Thursday 4th May at2pm is your last chance to enjoy the Afternoon Disco at Preston Conservative Club before they take a well earned summer break. They will be back on the first Thursday of September. The raffle is a big draw with two £10 tokens for Palace Theatre which has a wide variety of choice from drama to music acts. I have recently attended two comedy shows which really got us laughing – and as you know laughter is the BEST medicine of all!
If you are reading this too late for the disco you can still enjoy some great music at our Preston Afternoon Karaoke, also at the Preston Conservative Club from 2-4pm on Thursday 18th May. We always have a lot of fun and it is a good chance to try out your singing skills in front of a small and friendly crowd. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Richard and Bob who do both the disco and karaoke in their own time and don’t charge us a penny for it.
On that note, please do visit the marquee that will be at Torre Meadows alongside the Coronation event. At least 15 different voluntary organisations will be represented there so you can find out what is available in Torbay and also ask about opportunities to volunteer. Doing something you love which also helps other people is really good for your mental health.
People who volunteer often don’t describe it as volunteering. My husband is head coach at Paignton Canoe Club, he and his fellow coaches get a real buzz out of helping people gain skills and confidence to kayak safely on the sea and on white water. The Preston Litter Picking Group love seeing the difference they have made after a litter pick. The Oldway Gardening Group love to maintain the gardens and see them being enjoyed by everyone. There are so many opportunities to help out, make new friends and give something back to the community. If you don’t have time to be a regular volunteer then why not join the Torbay Time Bank? It is a way to help out on an ad hoc basis without being tied to doing something every week. Theo and Ruth from the Time Bank will be in the marquee so do look for them or get in touch with your community builder to find out more.
Your community builder is here to help you make a difference in your local community so do get in touch. You can find our details online at torbaycommunities.com/about-us To get in touch with me email: [email protected]
