12 Mar The difference giving (and banking) your time makes

The Timebank has been running for several years all over Torbay. Just a reminder of how the Timebank works: for every hour offered, you earn 1 time credit, which you can ‘spend’ on something you may need yourself. It may be company, shopping help or even help with your mobile phone. Perhaps you can offer something that someone else needs.

When I started working with Torbay Communities I concentrated on the Preston area but gradually got pulled into the rest of Torbay. I still regularly meet people who joined back then. Maggie reminded me of her first trips out with a Timebank member some years ago. She met Usha, who had joined and was offering to take people for days out. They went for drives most weeks, enjoying each other’s company and visiting different parts of Devon. It was and is mutually rewarding as Usha loves exploring, and Maggie likes to go out. They still go out most weeks, though no longer put credits on the Timebank!

Maggie also met Joan at one of our regular catch-ups, and they started meeting up and going out together. They had a lot in common and went on a cruise together, visiting Graceland amongst other places. Maggie and Joan are still friends and are in regular contact. Maggie loves singing and sings at any karaoke events she can attend. When she needed help with her garden, she was able to find it through the Timebank.

One of our more recent members, Jeremy, is newly retired and has time on his hands. He joined some local groups but wanted to do a little more, so he joined the Timebank. In his own words, this is how he describes his Timebank journey:

Jeremy Shute, timebanker & poet

MY TIMEBANK JOURNEY…So far

I retired way back in November ‘24

Having worked for 38 years in the law

It was time to plan what I should do

Walking, cycling and gardening too

Travelling, of course, was a clear desire

Seeing places and old friends, maybe singing in a choir

Singing in a choir was not to be

Meeting new people and friends was more like me

And being part of a community

Plus, giving something back, helping those in need

Yes, I was motivated to do good deeds

I made my wishes known to Ruth and Nina

The TIMEBANK was mentioned, I could not have been keener

A match was made with a lady in Preston

Who needed someone to be a companion

So, Ruth arranged for us to meet

And we soon gelled, what a treat

Conversation flowed, smiles and laughing too

We’d each found a friend we could talk to

My visits continue that we benefit from

Enjoying the company of a companion

It’s rewarding to help, give and bring a smile

That’s what makes TIMEBANKING worthwhile

To close …. I visited Carol today

And these are the words she wants to say

“I agree with that, we have lots in common

I enjoy your company, and you have made a big difference

in my life”

by Jeremy Shute

To find out more about the Timebank, contact me, my details are below, or come to one of my regular venues where I can give you more information and help you join.

• At Paignton library on the first Monday of the Month 10.30am till 1.00pm
• At Torquay library on the third Tuesday of the Month 10.00am till 12.30pm
• At the Steam Café in Torbay Road, Paignton, on the first Tuesday of the Month from 10.30am
• At the Crafty Fox in Foxhole on the second Tuesday of the Month from 10.30am
• At the Baptist Church in Preston on the First Thursday of the Month from 10.30am
• At the Coffee Lounge in Preston every Thursday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• At Centerpeace in Paignton on the first Friday of the Month from 1.30pm
• At the Bright Bean café in Preston, most Wednesdays from 2.00pm

My contact details are: phone 07703715236 or email [email protected]