16 Nov THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH TORBAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE

By Matt Saunders, Marketing & Communications Assistant

Younglings from across Torbay (plus any family members young, old, Rebel or Imperial) are invited to join Imagine This for a fundraiser taking place not a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but in Goodrington, at Cantina Kitchen & Bar, this Friday (18th November) 4:30-7:30pm.

All in the name of raising money to help disadvantaged children and their families celebrate Christmas, this Star Wars-themed event has been thought up by the Imagine This young person’s council – a team of local young people, committed to finding new ways for younger people to come together, improve their wellbeing, and get involved in what’s available around Torbay.

“Your focus determines your reality” a wise saying from Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn, from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

In December, disadvantaged children & their families will be treated to their own special day with Father Christmas at Kents Cavern in Torquay, all of which will be free of charge, as a result of any funds raised by Friday’s event, organised by Imagine This.

Those joining in the fun on Friday will have plenty to pick from, including Lightsaber combat lessons with Torbay’s own Saber Combat Academy, props and photo opportunities with iconic Star Wars characters (brought to you by Devon & Cornwall’s Force for Charity costume fundraisers), music from the beloved series, and pizza (included with the ticket price) with attendees welcome to come dressed up in costume.

Star Wars, despite primarily being a massive forty-five-year-old American sci-fi film franchise, has inspired fundraising efforts across the globe, with fans and stars uniting for a score of good causes over the last few decades. The beloved series continues to inspire people everywhere to help where they can, following in the footsteps of characters such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.

“You must do what you feel is right, of course.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Earlier this year, Imagine This held the Imagine This Festival at Lupton House in May, which saw thousands of youngsters (with family & friends in tow) take part in a variety of activities and events at the sunny, scenic grounds of the iconic manor house in Churston Ferrers. These not only provided Torbay’s young people with plenty of fun with activities ranging from table-top games and Lego mastery to DJing workshops and a dog show, but also helped forge many connections – a key aim of Torbay Community Development Trust, whose tagline is “Bringing People Together”

Tickets for Friday’s Star Wars @ Cantina event are available on EventBrite, or at the door on the day for £10 each. To book yours online, search “Imagine This Torbay” on Facebook and see the pinned post for further details. Alternatively, call us on 01803 212638, or email [email protected] for more details/ any help.

The Imagine This project, a partnership of dozens of organisations and charities across Torbay, led by Torbay Community Development Trust, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children, teens and young people, in a bay where they can thrive and enjoy growing up.

The Torbay Community Development Trust is well-known for its work with all ages – from the Sendiass Torbay team who support under 25’s with special educational needs to continue on with their learning to the Ageing Well Torbay programme, who over seven years ensured thousands of bay residents over the age of fifty wouldn’t stay alone and isolated, helping find social opportunities, and access to a variety of services covering everything from financial advice to help with odd jobs around their homes.

Another feather in the cap of the trust is the Community Builders team, who originally began as part of the Ageing Well programme, helping over fifties reconnect with their communities through the likes of social opportunities and are now broadening their horizons to all ages.

A similar event to this Friday’s, featuring a mix of Disney characters and a Santa’s Grotto, will be coming to Cockington on 3rd December, the brainchild of Joey Damiral, one of our Community Builders who also leads the Lego Masters.

To find out more, or to contact your local community builder, visit our website and find their contact details under the “About Us” section at www.torbaycommunities.com – or email [email protected] or phone 01803 212638.

“Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” Yoda, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.