06 May Walking and talking for the Bay’s past, present and future

Looking at the news these days, it isn’t hard to see why so many can become so easily demotivated. With the prevalence of modern technology, of social media, algorithms and non-stop content being so readily available, it can be harder to escape, especially if you have little in the way of alternatives. But if we can peel ourselves away from the drip-feed of doom and gloom, even for a short while, some may be surprised to find out how easy it is to make a difference for the better, especially in your own neighbourhood. 

For starters, if you want to at least keep some sort of device to hand still, we happen to have a weekly radio show, The Community Champions Show, on Tuesdays, 9-11am, over on Torbay Radio. On said show, my colleague and regular author of this column, David, celebrates and spreads awareness volunteers, causes and organisations around the Bay, working to help their communities. Tune in on 107.9FM, listen on the station’s website, over at www.torbayradio.com, or ask your smart speaker to “play Torbay Radio”. If you want to have the word spread about your/your causes’ efforts, get in touch by emailing David at [email protected] – bonus points, if you’re up for a chat in the studio. 

An opportunity coming up very soon – a week on Sunday, in fact, is one for those who may fancy joining us and the wonderful team from Kitson Boyce for a sponsored stroll along Torbay’s coastal footpath. On Sunday 17th May, we’ll be joining the Kitson team for day two of an epic 200km trek across South Devon, celebrating their organisation’s bicentennial. They have very kindly decided to use the occasion to raise funds for Torbay Communities, with a goal of £4,000 towards our ongoing efforts to support people around the bay and bring people together. If you are up for even a little bit or walking, or are eager to make a day of it, email David ASAP! [email protected]. For more details, including how to chip in with funds towards Kitsons’ 4K goal, please visit the webpage here on our website. 

Now if you’re passionate about your slice of the Bay, about local history and heritage, make sure you don’t miss out on the current discussions around Torbay Council’s Conservation Area Management Plans for Torquay Harbour, Old Paignton and Brixham’s Town centre. What does the word heritage mean to you? Some people immediately think of buildings because we are surrounded by them and yet it’s so easy not to see things that are right in front of us until they start to look shabby. 

Paignton, for instance, has many beautiful buildings (look up above the modern glass shop fronts), and a long and fascinating story to tell, from the town’s Saxon origins to the present day.  

The Old Paignton Conservation Area boundary has recently been re-drawn and Torbay Council’s new Heritage Team want to hear from you, because there is £10 million to conserve in all three towns over the next 2 to 3 years. 

On Saturday 23rd May at Paignton Library, there will be a free family event, where children and adults can get creative and you can make known your favourite buildings and spaces. 

Hooray for Heritage (11am – 2pm) in the children’s library area. 

Local artist Zoe Curly will be there for a reimagining of a street full of some of Paignton’s most interesting and beautiful buildings. 

Community Builder Leah Whitcher will be hosting “Make a Stained-Glass Window”, taking inspiration from some of the real stained glasswork that can be found in our town. For more details on what’s happening in Paignton, phone Leah on 07703 715235 or email [email protected]. 

With both online and paper surveys, and even more events not just in Paignton, but in Torquay and Brixham as well, giving you the opportunity to have your say, it would be a shame to not use an opportunity to influence local decision making, to let us know what’s meaningful and special about Torbay, both past and present, to you, especially if you’re keen to keep it as a fixture for the future. Find it all on our website at www.torbaycommunities.com/camp. 

Can’t see the links above? Check this list:

1. Torbay Radio website – www.torbayradio.com
2. Torbay Trek fundraiser details – www.torbaycommunities.com/the-torbay-trek/
3. Torbay Conservation Area Management Plan surveys & details – www.torbaycommunities.com/camp/