22 Sep Time flies when you’re having fun – Community Matters

Patrick the Pony and Mr. Frosty at Kitson Park

Albert Einstein coined the phrase ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’

Well, I have been in post now for just over six months in my role as a Community Builder and I must say it has been the most rewarding job I have ever had.

The coffee mornings at the Devon Dumpling have gone from strength to strength, with up to 20-plus members coming along every Tuesday from 11am to 12.30pm, with lively banter to be heard as we put the world to right. We now need to put two tables together to accommodate new members. We are friendly and caring and look out for each other as good neighbours do, friendships have been made and this is at the heart of what it is to be a community builder, bringing people of all ages together.

We have just launched the Shiphay Munchers lunch club, meeting once a week as the coffee morning wasn’t enough time spent with some lively and lovely characters that Shiphay is blessed with. The first outing was held at the Engine Room, in Shiphay, and I must say the food was absolutely delicious and the staff very attentive. We can all recommend the carvery. If you would like to join us on the last Thursday of each month 1pm to 3pm, contact me on 07548704878 for further information.

Good ole Blighty (we won’t mention the weather here)! We had a picnic at Kitson Park with Patrick the Pony making a special guest appearance.

Patrick is the most adorable miniature Shetland you could meet and has the important title of Mayor of Cockington. You can follow Patrick on his Facebook page – The Adventures of Patrick the Pony. A very big thank you to Mr. Frosty’s Ice Creams, for supporting that event on the day.

Kenneth Court and Wallace Court residents have enjoyed day trips out on the ‘Our Bus’, which is made possible by the volunteer drivers. If you would like to join the team as a volunteer driver and have a D1 category license, please contact our Transport coordinator, Kelly Bedoyan on 07816407495 or email [email protected].

And finally, I have a couple of dates for your diaries The very fabulous, Dr. Kevin Dixon, will be giving a talk at St Andrews Church, Exe Hill, Shiphay, on Tuesday, October 31 at 2pm about ghostly and weird goings on. Strange fact: did you know that more people believe in ghosts in Torquay than anywhere in Britain? There is no charge for this event. But donations are welcome for the refreshments. The Shiphay and Higher Chelston Community Partnership will be holding a meeting on October 2 at Shiphay Academy from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Come along to find out what the Partnership is supporting in our area and for you to have your say.

I look forward to the next six months to see what exciting things unfold. If you would like to know more about what is going on in Shiphay or have ideas on how you can get involved, contact me at [email protected] or call me on 07548 704878.