Paignton in Bloom2015

ContentsIntroduction 1

Route plan 3

Horticultural achievements

i Torbay ~ Bay Bloom 6

ii Paignton’s Floral Displays 7

iii World’s smelliest plant? 8

Environmental responsibly

i Recycling Torbay 9

ii Forest School 10

iii Oldway Mansion 11

v Environmental crime 12

Community participation

i Paignton Pudding 13

ii World War Commemoratives 14

iii Charity Rhinos 16

iv Park Friend’s Groups 17

v Play Torbay 19

vi Geo Triathlon 22

vii CentrePeace 24

Four seasons of Paignton 26

Acknowledgements 30

This is the Paignton’s 2015 Portfolio for our South West in Bloom entry.

Here we have endeavoured to portray a small sample of what Paignton has to offer

in the way of horticultural achievements, environmental responsibility and of course

community participation.

This portfolio is far too short to tell the whole story of what Paignton has to offer,

but I hope you both enjoy this small taster.

We, like all the park groups in Torbay had a delayed start this spring due to the council

requiring a liability insurance policy to be put in place to cover us for unforeseen

circumstances. We had previously been covered by the council policy, but unfortunately

during these austere times we had to pay for our own cover.

After various quotations, Tim Eley, chair of Torbay in Bloom, found us an ideal policy

from the R.H.S. which covered all groups who are involved with a Bay Bloom entry.

Thankfully Torbay Council have agree to pay this years premium, but future renewals

will be funded by the groups themselves.

In the same vein, a number of park group volunteers

completed a competency course on using mechanical

equipment. The instructors were from TOR2 and covered

good practice and safe use of hedge trimmers, brush

cutters, lawn mowers and blowers.

Welcome To:~

Introduction

Tony Moore and Mark Logan

Editorial ~ from a Paignton Park’s Group newsletter:

“Unfortunately due to the drastic financial cuts from central government, the council in Torbay,along with every other local authority in the country, have had to make painfully hard decisions onit’s budgets again this year.

With Torbay Council having a £13 million shortfall this financial year (2015-2016) and then £13.8million next year (2016-2017), the inevitable cuts in services, to the ‘non statuary obligationdepartments’ the brunt must fall on the likes of parks and open spaces.

The reduction in senior posts, with redundancies and early retirement along with frontline staff notbeing replaced, has created a huge void. Torbay has never had so few gardeners and key works, butthe one’s we do have are doing a marvellous job, under such difficult circumstances.

In the hay days of the 1970’s and 80’s we had over sixty gardeners working in the Bay ~ under BobSweet and a proper designated parks department. Which earned us an enviable reputation andindeed great success with the likes of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show competition.

The inevitable shortcomings in services, in the day to day running of Torbay’s parks, impact must beminimised as much as possible. Not only for the local residence, but also crucially the manyholiday-makers who are integral to the future of this Bay’s continued prosperity.

This in some way must be filled with the likes of voluntary friend’s group, who need to ‘step up to theplate’.

With the incumbent party being returned to office in the recent general election and indeed ourMayor being re-elected for a further term, the British people and Paigntonians do understand thatthis austerity imposed on us, is essential for the recovery of the country. Eventually services willreturn to normal but in the meantime it is up to the groups like ours to continue doing our utmost!”

PAIGNTON IN BLOOM in TESCO CUP Britain in Bloom Judging Route 2015

Judges Tony Moore & Mark Logan

Wednesday July 22nd 9.30am

Judging Time 3.5 hours including 3 Its Your Neighbourhood Awards (IYN)

Commence at South West Energy Centre with greeting by Neil Coish – PrincipalNatural Environment Officer

Pictorial Presentation of Paignton Gardens past & in Spring 2015 by Tim Eley

Recycling Presentation by Carol Arthur from Torbay Council

View White Rock Business Park landscape plantings & roof Garden from car

On to Goodrington Road & into Beverley Park Holiday Park (David Bellamy awardwinner) to view plantings from vehicle

Arrive at Clennon Valley allotments and meet Brenda Finney and view IYN

Continue by car to Clennon Valley Conservation area

On leaving continue to Youngs Park & meet Ruth & Steve Gorman, look roundConservation Wet area last

Continue on to Paignton Zoo & Botanical Gardens & meet Giles Palmer & CatherineMortimer

On to Winner Street – point out street furniture

In to Palace Avenue and meet Clr Chris Carter of Palace Avenue Guardians

View War Memorial & meet BID manager and walk down Victoria Street to StationSquare with him

By car down Torbay Road arrive at Apollo cinema & view landscaping at Crazy Golf,Torbay Park, Memorial, Crest Bed & point out sustainable planting in Apollo bed

View Geopark with Neil Coish

Continue on to Beach Road and view displays. Entrant in the local Bay BloomsCompetition

View part of Victoria Park and meet with Friends of Victoria Park

Past Redcliffe Hotel garden – improvements on Preston Green

Up Manor Road & on to Oldway Mansion Gardens and meet TOR2 Gardener

On to Sacred Heart School & meet Head Teacher Helen Brown & children (2nd in BayBlooms Superclass last year) IYN

On to Suttons Seeds Trial grounds & meet Trials Ground Manager, Toby Connabeer

Continue to Growing for Life IYN

And finish at Occombe Farm where we will meet Damian Offer, Torbay Coast &Countryside Trust & then take refreshments.

Planned Route 2015

Torbay Bay Bloom

Bay Blooms is a popular gardening competition held annually for all Torbay residentsand businesses. It is designed to recognise and celebrate horticultural achievementand expertise in the area which enhance Torbay for all to see.

Bay Blooms by TOR2 is supported by Torbay Council, DGM, Sutton Seeds, Riviera FMand the Herald Express.

The competition is open free of charge to everyone within the Torbay CouncilBoundary. There are a range of residential, commericial and community categorieswhich you can enter. There is also a Bay Blooms Photo competition (further details inthe Herald Express).

All applications must be completed and received by 30th June 2015 and judging willbe carried out at anytime between 6th July 2015 to 2nd August 2015 (Photographicrecords may be taken). Where possible a calling card will be left after the initialjudging to let you know you have been judged. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and highly commendedcertificate winners will be invited to a presentation evening on Wednesday 23rdSeptember 2015.

For further information please contact TOR2 on 01803 402900

2015 ENTRY FORMSAVAILABLE FROM:

TOR2Connections OfficesTOR2 FacebookTorbay Council Websitetor2bayblooms@tors.co.uk

Entry closing date:

30 June 2015

Paignton’s Floral Displays

One of the largest - and smelliest - blooms on the planet is opening at Paignton ZooEnvironmental Park.

The flower of the Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) can be up to 3 metres highand 3 metres in circumference. And the smell? Curator of Plants and Gardens GilesPalmer said: "Imagine you have the smell of rotting meat in a tin can and you openthat can on the hottest, most humid day of the year!"

Experts think the plant could flower within the week. {dated 20/06/2015}

The plant - from the rainforests of Sumatra and a member of the Arum family - isclassed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. It has one of thelargest flowers in the world; the bloom – correctly, an inflorescence – is green onthe outside and bright red inside, with ribbed sides and a frilled edge. Due to itsodour – said to be like rotting meat – it's known as a carrion flower, and has beendubbed corpse flower or corpse plant. It emits the strong smell at night to attractpollinators.

Giles: "There are probably only 100 collections in the world where you can see thisplant and it can go years between flowerings, so it's not a common sight. Sadly,they are becoming rare in the wild as people collect the seeds for profit - habitatdestruction is also a major problem."

In August 2012, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park was the first zoo in the UK to seea Titan Arum flower. Paignton Zoo has 5 Titans in total; the one about to flower is12 years old, the oldest is 13. It can take over 10 years before a flower is produced;the tuber must weigh at least 15kg. When this one was last potted in November itweighed 44kg.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh also has a Titan on the verge of flowering. Gilesis poised for a whistle-stop trip to Scotland to collect pollen or to take pollen to them,depending on which flower opens first. He is also looking to fly in pollen from theUSA, where a Titan has recently flowered at Cornell University

World’s Smelliest Plant? Extract from

Recycling Torbay

Torbay Council only has a legal obligation to provide recyclingcentre facilities for household waste, which is waste arising fromthe day to day running of a household and not part of the houseitself.

Items from repair or improvement of houses, for example DIY-type waste, areclassified as construction waste and there is no requirement for Torbay Council toprovide any service for the disposal of this material or accept it free of charge.

Waste created from landscaping or garden alterations such as dismantling a rockeryor digging up a patio/concrete hard standing, is also not classified as household waste.However it is recognised that facilities are still needed for residents to dispose ofsmall quantities of DIY waste we therefore permit for small amounts of this type ofwaste to be disposed of free of charge as long as it is sorted into separate materialstreams such as wood, metals, rubble/hardcore/bricks/slabs/ tiles and plasterboardbut restrictions do apply.

Small quantities of DIY waste are the equivalent of 12, (3ft x 2ft or 90cm x 60cm)bags, twice in any one year that can be lifted safely by one person. If a household isgenerating any larger quantities than this then they must hire a skip or arrange foralternative private disposal via a suitable licensed company

TOR2 on behalf of Torbay Council can offer this service at the Waste Transfer Station.You can bring your waste onto the weighbridge during the opening hours Monday toThursday 8am - 4pm (last entry 3.45pm) Friday 8am - 3.30 (last entry 3.15pm).There is a minimum charge for weights up to 260 kilos, with all greater weightscharged at the current commercial tonnage rate (plus VAT).

.Flytipping of any type of waste can result in up to a five year prison sentence or up toa £50,000 fine!!

Forest School PaigntonA Paignton woodland is echoing with the noise ofschool children learning about the great outdoors.

Primley Park, opposite Paignton Zoo, is being usedby forest schools leaders in Torbay.

The forest school movement is an innovativeeducational approach to outdoor play and learning. The idea is to encourage andinspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.

Primley is a local nature reserve managed by the Whitley Wildlife ConservationTrust, which runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo inCornwall.

The partnership between the Trust and Torbay Council started when Primley Parkwas used to train local teachers as forest schools practitioners.

As part of the deal, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust contributed thewoodland space, prepared the site and helped liaise with partners.

Trust reserves warden Dave Ellacott said: "This is part of our mission to educate.The children get so much out of it — they are broadening their horizons for thefuture. Plus, we hope that if we can get children to enjoy woodland responsibly atan early age, they will have more respect for their natural surroundings later inlife."

Cllr Chris Lewis, executive lead for children, schools and families, added: "Withthe forest schools approach, children get to work, play, learn and grow inconfidence outside the classroom.

"Teachers see changes in behaviour and what they do feeds back into work in theclassroom."

The reception class from Hayes Road school Paignton, recently used the woodlandfor its weekly forest schools sessions.

"We were approached by council staff who wanted to carry out more formalisedvisits to the woods under the forest schools banner.

"Primley is a good place for forest schools sessions because it is on the doorstepfor many schools.

"We offer two woodland areas where groups can have their own space but alsoplay freely. On top of that we have the open grassland which allows groups to runwild."

The children carry out practical tasks and creative activities in a woodlandenvironment, developing personal skills.

Oldway Mansion Paignton

Oldway Mansion HistoryIn 1871 this Grand [grade 2 listed] 100 roomed mansion was purchased by Issac Merritt Singer, thefounder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. He then started to build a huge new mansion. IssacMerritt Singer died on July 23rd 1875 aged 63. His funeral was one of the largest of its time in theTorbay area. When he died he had 22 living children, various wives, both legal and common law.

It was Paris Singer his third son who later altered and built onto ‘Oldway Mansion’.

The building was modelled on the ‘Palace of Versailles’ with other areas inspired by the ‘Place de laConcorde’ in Paris. The grand staircase and gallery all of marble, balusters of bronze,& marble pillarswith gilding, are a wonder to behold, as is the most awe inspiring Italian School painted ceiling, byLebrun.

Between the dual staircase is a huge painting replica, “The Crowning of Josephine by Napoleon” byLebrun. The original which was sold by Torbay Borough Council, now hangs in the Palace of Versailles.

The Gallery is a miniature reproduction of the “Hall of Mirrors “ in Versailles, and is floored in parquet.From the Gallery the Ballroom can be entered. The walls are of gilt panelling and mirrors,the floors areof sprung parquet for ease of dancing. On the wall hangs an oil Painting of Louis of Bourbon. Theballroom nowadays is used as the Council Chambers, and for a variety of other events.

The Grounds were laid out originally by a well known French Landscape Architect “Duchesne”. Heincluded the beautiful “ Grotto Gardens”, where a waterfall showers down over cave like rocks into apool below. The whole area is surrounded by sub-tropical plants and shrubs. This feature still remainstoday.

Oldway Mansion has been used as a film location on several occasions. During the spring of 2004, itdoubled as Buckingham Palace for the filming of Churchill: The Hollywood Years, starring ChristianSlater and Neve Campbell. Pink gravel, guard houses and period vehicles were used to recreate theroyal courtyard. The 1968 film Isadora starring Vanessa Redgrave and telling the life story of thedancer Isadora Duncan also used Oldway Mansion as one of its locations.

On 21 December 2005, the ballroom at Oldway Mansion was the location for Devon's first civilpartnership. The registration was officially witnessed by the Mayor of Torbay and his dignitaries

The mansion stands in 17 acres of gardens, which partly today are still laid out formally on an Italiantheme. The Maze garden with its dwarf box hedging, beautifully shaped flower beds, and topiariedtrees, must not be missed. In January 2007, Torbay Council announced that it was considering sellingthe mansion as it had become too expensive to maintain. The suggestion was controversial, since localresidents argued that the mansion was sold at a reduced price on the understanding that it would beopen to the public. On 30 April 2012, plans for Oldway Mansion to be converted into a luxury hotel andsheltered retirement flats were approved by Torbay Council. The deal was finalised in September 2012.Work still has to commence, but we are assured it will start by the end of this year!

Environmental CrimeGraffitiGraffiti is an environmental crime, along with dog fouling, fly-tipping and littering.Torbay Council operates an online reporting system where residents can give detailsof incidents and describe the perpetrators.The ProblemThe term ‘graffiti’ refers to any drawings, paintings or messages that are written,painted or carved on public and private surfaces without the permission of the propertyowner. Graffiti defaces property and is often referred to as vandalism.Graffiti is a problem because it can:v Look bad.v Be offensive.v Make an area appear rundown and neglected.v Encourage more anti-social behaviours and crimes.v Make people feel frightened and intimidated.v Be difficult and expensive to remove.v Negatively impact on the local economy as visitors are less likely to want to visit an area defaced by graffiti.The LawThe following legislation is in place which aims to help local authorities and private landowners to control graffiti in their area:v Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005v Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003v Town and Country Planning Act 1990v Criminal Damage Act 1971v Local Government Act 2000Taking a StandIf council property is defaced by graffiti action will be taken as soon as possible to tryand remove the damage especially if it is deemed to be offensive to others. If privateproperty has been subject to graffiti it is the responsibility of the property owner toarrange for its removal, and not the council. The council can provide information aboutmethods of graffiti removal to the owners of private propertySpecialist companies can carry out graffiti removal on various types of surfaces andbuildings. Unsightly and often offensive graffiti can be removed using a series ofspecialist graffiti removers and then protective anti-graffiti coatings can be applied.Using invisible micro-crystalline wax coatings this makes future graffiti removal easier,more cost effective and less detrimental to the masonry ~allowing it to breathe.In Torbay any person found committing a graffiti offence may be issued with a FixedPenalty Notice for £75. If a person is issued a Fixed Penalty Notice and chooses not topay it they may face a fine in court of up to £2,500.

Paignton Pudding

THE famous Paignton Pudding is returning to the people ofTorbay after almost 30 years.

Sunrise Rotary Club have brought the pudding back tocoincide with the Family Fun Day on Paignton Green.

This unique celebration dates back to 1295, but the last time the giant pudding wasbrought to the town was on September 1, 1986, when 15,000 people watched thepudding being paraded around the streets.

There was a brief revival of the pudding in 2009 when a smaller 11 stone versionwas made to mark the start of the regatta.

In previous years, an enormous wooden casket, containing 900 miniature puddings,was mounted on a well wagon and hauled by a Dart Valley steam engine fromKingswear to Paignton.

It was then off-loaded to a road trailer and slowly paraded by a steam-driventraction engine through the streets to Paignton Green. On the 28th June peoplewere able to taste the historic pudding for themselves, made by students at SouthDevon College along the lines of the original – the very first Paignton Pudding wasmade in token payment for granting the charter to town in the 13th century.

The town became so famous for its puddings that its citizens were often referred toas ‘Puddeneaters’. The most famous pudding of all was the one that was baked in1859 to celebrate the opening of the railway in Paignton.

One-and-a half tonnes in weight, with a 13ft base and a 5ft top layer, it caused ariot on the Green when a crowd of 18,000 people clamoured for their own piece ofhistory by breaking down the barriers around the invited guests.

The puddings will be sold in aid of Anode - the Torbay food bank charity.

By supporting Anode there is a clear link with the roots of this tradition as in 1295,King Edward I ordered a giant pudding to be prepared and shared among thetownsfolk to mark granting of a charter to hold a weekly market in the town. By the17th century this custom had developed and details of the Paignton Pudding can befound in the historic Book of Paignton.

John said: "I am delighted to revive this tradition and hope that it may become anannual celebration. It was a fantastic day. I am also grateful to all those who haveassisted including our fellow Rotary Clubs in the Bay, as well as South DevonCollege and volunteers from Anode."

On Sunday June 21, a giant pudding was paraded down Victoria Street from 10amto be ceremoniously positioned on Paignton Green, accompanied by a town crierand entertainers in period costume. The tasty individual puddings was thenavailable for purchase from 10.30am until 4pm.

The Family Fun Day, organised by the Rotary Club of Preston, included a packedprogramme of sports, entertainment and activities for all ages with even a specialevent for Father's Day. There were approximately 40 charity stalls anddisplays, along with refreshments and food sellers.

(Miss Torbay in 2009)

World War Commemorative Events

V. E. Day 70th CelebrationOn Saturday 9th May 2015 there was a ' Street PartyEvent' in Palace Avenue Gardens, Paignton between10 am and 5 pm. It was really well attended.

The party took place in Palace Avenue Gardens,Paignton and was a day of fun and entertainment.Organised by the Paignton branch of the Royal BritishLegion, the event had a number performers throughoutthe day, together with stalls and games.

Entry was free and started at 11.00am .

There was a great opportunity throw some water logged spongesat the British Legion Branch Chairman & Secretary.

Also there was Face painting, Coconut Shy, Hoopla, ColouringCompetition, Games and loads more things to see and do.

Many brought a picnic and blanket and listened musical events.Tea & Coffee was also available as were some war time recipesandwiches & cakes.

ANZAC 100th AnniversaryThe Royal British Legion, in partnership with Torbay Council,organised events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Anzaclandings at Gallipoli, the first major military action fought byAustralian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

The flags of New Zealand & Australia flew over the War MemorialPalace Avenue Gardens, Paignton on the 25 April to mark the100th Anniversary of Anzac and also to remind us of the events around the start ofthe land war of the Gallipoli Campaign

When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federalcommonwealth for only 13 years. The new national governmentwas eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world.In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of theallied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula inorder to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimateobjective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capitalof the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, theAustralian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left apowerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac

legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations,shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.

D-Day Normandy Tribute FlotillaAs part of the Bay's 70th D-Day Normandy celebrations,a Sail Past of Boats had been organised on Sunday 14th

June 2015 across the Bay. The boats, ranging from theFairmile ferry with Normandy Veterans on board,started the sail past at Torquay just outside of TorquayHarbour, opposite Corbyn Head.

The salute was taken from the Fairmile which wasanchored and on board was Normandy veterans andtheir honoured guests, the Mayor Gordon Oliver and theFlag Officer Sea Training.

The flotilla sailed past Paignton and on to Brixhamwhere the volunteers from the Battery Grounds GunEmplacement who had organised a special open daygave them a cheer.

Organiser Marshall Ritchie said : "We have some 300 to 400 people involved andboats from under 20ft up to over 40ft taking part.

The start of the Sail Past was signalled by firing a maroon by the harbour staff fromHaldon Pier.

The leading ship was HMS Pembroke, followed by two more Royal Navy Ships P2000s,HMS Exploit and HMS Dasher.

During this time, the other craft taking part took up their positions in their respectivegrouping areas – red area for those under 20ft, white area for those craft up to 30ft,and the blue area for craft up to 40ft plus. All marker boats were flying theirrespective colours.

Having given their salute by sounding their horns and waving to the veterans, allcraft then set off on a course for Paignton.

On passing Paignton Green, again the Sail Past sounded their horns and waved toother veterans on the Green.

When the Sail Past was abeam of Roundham Head the vessels altered course forBrixham, rounding a marker buoy laid by Paignton Sailing Club.

The total number of boats taking part was close to 100.

Thanks to the HMS Royal Navy, The Royal Torbay Yacht Club, The Paignton SailingClub, The Brixham Yacht Club, The Greenway Ferry Company and crew of theFairmile, The Brixham Battery Grounds Gun Emplacement Association and TorquayHarbour Office for their generous help.

Rhinos of PaigntonThe Great Big Rhinos are on their way!

Excitement is growing in the business community – the rhinos are coming.

Following on from Paignton Zoo’s successful Great Gorillas Project of 2013, The GreatBig Rhino Project promises to be bigger and better. The project launches to potentialsponsors at Paignton Zoo on Tuesday 10th March and at Exeter Castle on Thursday12th March.

Pippa Craddock, Director of Marketing & Development at Paignton Zoo, said: “Thetheme is celebration, conservation, collaboration. We’re bringing together business,conservation and public art.”

The Torquay Herald Express, the Exeter Express & Echo, Palm FM and Radio Exe haveall added their support, as have Plastic Surgeon Fine Finishers and ESW, who are theproject’s official AV partner. The Riviera International Centre in Torquay will beauction partners, hosting the grand finale charity auction.

Pippa is aiming to put 40 dazzling rhinos on the streets of Exeter and the EnglishRiviera in the summer of 2016. “There is a demand for us to do this, there’sgrassroots energy and a real desire to be part of it. Businesses that missed out lasttime have a chance to be part of something quite amazing!”

After launching the project to sponsors and partners in March the Zoo – a registeredcharity - will roll it out to schools and community groups in May. In November therewill be a call for artists and designs, in January 2016 sponsors will choose the designfor their Great Big Rhino and in March 2016 painting will begin.

The Great Big Rhino Trail, covering Exeter and the English Riviera, will run from 30thJuly to 9th October 2016. A last chance to see all the rhinostogether will come in October 2016 with the Goodbye GreatBig Rhinos at Paignton Zoo. Finally, in November 2016, TheGreat Big Rhino Charity Auction will take place at theRiviera International Centre.

The Great Big Rhino Project is a celebration of over 90 yearsof conservation and education at Paignton Zoo, aimed atengaging communities with a mass exhibition of public art toraise awareness & funds to help Critically Endangered rhinos.

“The Great Big Rhino Project will showcase local creativity, engender civic pride,contribute to the cultural buzz of the area,stimulate the economy and generate brandawareness for sponsors.” Money raised will bechannelled through Paignton Zoo and Save theRhino International.

Rhinos have been around for 40 million years.There are five species: black, white, greaterone-horned, Javan and Sumatran. All of these arethreatened with extinction – three are CriticallyEndangered as defined by the IUCN (World

Conservation Union). This means thatthey will not survive without massive and urgent action.

Friends of Torbay ParksTorbay’s park’s and open spaces provide opportunities for recreation and enjoyment,benefiting health, relaxation, play, peace and tranquillity for Torbay residents. It isimportant that these opportunities are available for all and that ‘Friends’ groups playa vital role in the enjoyment of our parks and open spaces.

Torbay Council is responsible for over one hundred and fifty areas of public openspace and gardens, with approximately seventy sites furnished with play facilities.The continuing development and improvement of these facilities is to ensure that theneeds of the users are being met for present and future generations.

In order to meet these aspirations, the Council is keen to hear the voice of thecommunity. After all, any changes that are made towards the positive improvementof Torbay’s parks and playgrounds must be done to benefit the community.

Friends Groups: A Policy for Torbay's Parks and Play Areas

This publication has been developed as a criteria for the development of park ‘FriendsGroups’ which will consist of local people who can volunteer their time to improveTorbay’s parks and green spaces. Anyone can join and volunteer as much or as littleof their time as they wish. These groups can become the voices of their communitiesand can help the Council in understanding what improvements are necessary andneeded.

Torbay has a number of existing ‘Friends Groups’ who act as an important linkbetween the Council and the public users of these parks. These groups have beenvastly important in providing suggestions for the major (and minor) improvement ofour parks and gardens; seeking funding opportunities unavailable to the localauthority and helping in the creation of designs; and creating a sociable communityenvironment used as a medium for charity days and community events.

By forming a group you can help the Council to identify the needs and priorities of thelocal community whilst understanding the challenges of the Council. You can also takeadvantage of the vast opportunities available to the public and community schemesbenefiting those you live next to and amongst.

‘Friends’ groups can make a difference. By forming a group you can help to sort outwhat needs to be done, identify needs and priorities for local people of all ages andbackgrounds, understand the challenges and the opportunities and form a practicalpartnership with the Council.

Key reasons for establishing a ‘Friends’ group

Friends Groups give people interested in their local park a representative organisationand a means of meeting the needs of the local community.

Friends Groups can work in partnership with the local authority and other localorganisations to represent local views and improve and develop the park and greenspaces.

Friends Groups can make and secure grant applications to improve the park or greenspace

Friends Groups can encourage an increase in the use of the park or green space anddiscourage abuse and misuse.

Across Torbay, there are well over 150 areas of public parks and greenspaces as wellas over 70 play and leisure facilities including playgrounds, skate parks and multiuse games areas. Torbay Council are responsible for the management andmaintenance of these public facilities. But often it is the community who worktogether to gain funding for the development and improvement of our parks,greenspaces and playgrounds.

Torbay Greenspace Forum was established by the community following the adoptionof the Greenspace Strategy by Torbay Council which is a Supplementary PlanningDocument (SPD) under the Local Development Framework (LDF). The aim of thisForum is to involve all interested parties in the realisation of items on the action plan,inform people about all issues relating to greenspace and also act as a forum forgroups to network and discuss projects that they are working on with a view tofinding out about funding or how to get the right people involved.

Torbay Greenspace Forum have many community members, most of whom are partof a local park Friends Group. These groups work with the Council to raise awarenessof their park, to undertake voluntary work, to organise community events and raisefunding for the development and improvement of their local parks.

Torbay Greenspace Forum also co-ordinate Torbay's involvement in the South Westin Bloom competition and It's Your Neighbourhood competition assisting groups withtheir applications and organising the judging routes throughout Torbay.

South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional/national competitions that make upBritain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe. The aim of thecommunities that take part each year is to improve and regenerate our localenvironments, through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers andlandscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away the eyesoresthat blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign is part of thewider Britain in Bloom initiative, providing an opportunity for smaller communitygroups to get involved.

It’s Your Neighbourhood is a unique scheme for volunteer-led community gardeningprojects/groups which are focused on cleaning up and greening up their local area,whether that is the estate where they live or the back alley they share or the localcommunity centre’s outdoor space. It’s Your Neighbourhood is an inclusive, non-competitive scheme which welcomes projects/groups of all kinds.

These the forum for Torbay in Bloom which covers the efforts of all four town action'in bloom' groups in entering the Royal Horticultural Society - Britain in Bloom -South West in Bloom competition each year. It enables the groups to discuss eachentry in a forum environment and suggest new ideas.

The Torbay Greenspace Forum meet regularly throughout the year and the public arewelcome to attend these meetings. These meetings are often used to discuss goodnews stories, events and funding opportunities for local community groups. It is alsoa key body consulted by the council for projects impacting upon the community.

Green Spaces

Play Torbay & Wild FoxPlay Torbay is an incorporated charity launched on 7 October 2010, previously andsince 1999 known as Torbay Play Forum. Their aim is to improve the quality andquantity of play provision for children and young people living in Torbay and raiseawareness about the importance of play in children’s lives.

Their core activities are:

·Adventure Play in the Bay

·Doorstep Adventures

·Combo Adventures

·Young Play Torbay: FUNK (in the BAY)

·Adventure Play – developments in Brixham: Indigos Go Wild, Paignton: Wild Foxand Torquay: Fort Apache

We raise funds to provide free activities and transport for children across the Bayparticularly for those who may not be able to access opportunities otherwise.

Their Vision

They provide:

New facilities for children and young people

·More facilities and opportunities for playworkers and people who work with childrenand young people

·Continued delivery, maintenance and support for existing community facilities andplay opportunities for children

·Promotion of accessible play opportunities for all children and young people inTorbay

·A new membership play association supporting children’s play in Torbay: PLAYTORBAY

Play Torbay supports the development of the Free Time Consortium.  Play England is

already working directly with our local play organisation to broker good working

relationships between council staff and the voluntary sector.  This new initiative will

provides us with up to date information, advice and guidance both by word of mouth,

through seminars and through their website.  Their support for our successes has

helped establish us as a credible third sector organisation.

Play Torbay

They mainly work with children and families who are disadvantaged for a number of

reasons including poverty and disability; with the support of Play England we have

explored the potential of offering play to local children and looking at ways to

develop community cohesion.

Their adventure play areas have brought together parents and local people and built

new social networks helping us to get families to know each other and give parents

more confidence to let their children play outside.  In Torbay there is a significant

older population and some evidence that children are regarded with hostility.  Play

England has through both national and local networks raised the profile of play, the

importance of children in the public realm and the vital importance of play children’s

social and physical well being.

Membership of PlayTorbay is free. It is open to individuals and organisations andoffers:

·Free play opportunities all year round at different places in Torbay

·Access to free Adventure Play in the Bay opportunities for children and young peoplein the holidays and at the weekends·A programme of Doorstep Adventures – adven-turous activities brought directly to your group, club or your local park

·Access to free inclusion workers to supportchildren and young people with specific needs

·Two networking events a year for all members

·A programme of play and playwork training andqualifications

Wild FoxWild Fox Adventure Playground in Paignton has had an upgrade, with Play Torbaybuilding a wooden cabin and making the zip wire accessible to all children.

There are also plans to put interchangeable connectors onto the zip wire so thatchildren with physical disabilities can also use it. Plans to build a compost toilet havealso been put forward.

As well as these changes, the title of the land will change its use from school land tocommunity playground, officially becoming what spokesperson for Play TorbayCarmen Silva said “it actually is.”

“It’s just formalising the land area and the actual fact that it’s no longer school land.”

Silva said the staff and children have been using the toilets at Foxhole CommunityCentre up until now, and that a compost toilet would relieve the need to install tubesand plumbing while also being ecological.

She said the majority of the charity’s funding comes from Children in Need and theBig Lottery Researching Communities fund, as well as “other small pockets of funds.”

“We are also starting a social enterprise to raise more funds to provide free playopportunities for the children who need it the most, either because they can’t affordanything else or because they need inclusion in other ways.

“Nearly 90 per cent of the children we provide free activities for are disadvantaged insome way.”

Play Torbay aims to improve the quality and quantity of play provision for childrenand young people living in Torbay and “raise awareness about the importance of playin children’s lives.”

Wild Fox Adventure Playground is next to Kings Ash Primary School and FoxholeCommunity Centre, on Smallcombe Road in Foxhole Paignton. This space won acompetition to get an all singing all dancing new adventure playground installed. Thesite is one of few locally, and nationwide, that boasts a fully inclusive Treehouse. Thewhole playground keeps inclusively at the core of all of its work and objectives.

Term Time:

Wednesday – 4pm to 6pm

Friday – 4pm to 6pm

Saturday – 11am to 2pm – Growing Connections session.

The play sessions are free and everyone is welcome! Please also keep an eye on PlayTorbay‘s and Wild Fox‘s Facebook pages for our special events. For more information,email tara@playtorbay.org.uk or call 07730792431.

Geo-Play TriathlonGeoPark Triathlons- Sunday 2nd August, 8am Start

 Two challenging distances make up the options for the GeoPark Triathlons-

EVENT  GeoPark Standard Distance Triathlon

‘GeoTri' for short was first staged in 2014 in stunning conditions.  With a few tweaks to the bike course we are veryproud to call this event the 'jewel in the crown' of GeoPark Adventure events.  One of the most challenging Stand-ard distance triathlons in the country with scenery to match the best in the world!

LOCATION       Goodrington Beach and South Devon

DATE Sunday 2nd August, 8am

DISTANCE        1500m Open Water Sea Swim>42km Ride> 12km Run

New this year due to overwhelming demand-

EVENT 'Palm Tree' Sprint Distance Triathlon

LOCATION       Goodrington Beach and South Devon

DATE                 Sunday 2nd August, 8am

DISTANCE        750m Open Water Sea Swim>24km Ride> 6km Run

These challenging events takes place in the beautiful Global GeoPark of Torbay/ English Riviera, the perfectlocation for an endurance event.

Both swim starts are staged in the sheltered waters off Goodrington Sands, all competitors will experience openwater swimming at its very best! What’s so exciting about the 750 & 1500m course is the natural arena that iscreated by the cliffs at both ends of the beach and the wonderful spectator promenade on North Beach.  Spectatorswill be able to ‘cheer on’ every stroke as the competitors swim along the sea wall. Both swim distances will startwill a mass beach start.

The Bike sections are staged in some of the most beautiful coast, river and countryside Britain has to offer and is a greatopportunity to see South Devon.  Both distances take in a number of classic Devon rolling hills with the 40km coursepacking a total ascent of almost 800m.  This will challenge first timers and experienced cyclists alike.

42km Bike Course- check out this link for more detail of the course-GARMIN CONNECT 42km GeoCourse

24km Bike Course

The run section is a classic,  travelling along the SW coast path from Goodrington to Brixham via beaches atBroadsands, Elberry Cove and Churston Cove before running in the woods on the John Musgrave trail and thenback on the SW coastal path to Goodrington.  Be prepared for stunning views, glorious beaches and hills to keepthe legs more than a little interested!

Whats included in your entry to this Triathlon-

· Triathlon England PERMITTED event

· Awesome ‘big race feel’ set up

· Public Liability Insurance

· Secure online entry system

· Race Pack (Collect from Registration)

· Event HQ at Youngs Park with toilets.  Changing set aside in the leisure centre

· Secure Transition

· Electronic chip timing

· Excellent signed and smiley marshalled routes

· First aid cover provided by DEVON ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES

· Drink & Food stations

· Age & Gender Categories

· Event T-Shirt! (Prizes to be announced soon)

· BTF Day Membership for Non-Members

· Car Parking free around Young's Park Area

· GeoPark Adventure gives FREE places to a number of Charities so their patrons can be sponsored and raise muchneeded funds. In 2014 this raised over £2000 for our partner charities! See website for partner charities

Geo-Play Triathlon

Paignton’s Centre PeaceCentrePeace is a drop in community support centre located in the heart of Paignton,Devon - at 56 Palace Avenue, TQ3 2QP (behind the theatre). We are a not for profit,volunteer based initiative that brings together the wealth of human resources availablein the town for the benefit of the local community.

We offer a wide range of services (see the 'About Us' page for more details) and alsohave an on-site charity shop and cafe, which are fast becoming known as a friendly,welcoming and affordable meeting ground for the local community.

The concept of CentrePeace had lived in the hearts of a small group of friends for someyears until a suitable place was found and the dream started to become a reality.

We used to think how wonderful it would be to have a centre - a focal point - whereanyone who needed help could find it. Not everyone is lucky enough to have friendsor family that they can turn to when in need. Sometimes just a cup of tea and a chatis enough, at others more specific or professional help is needed. We wanted tocreate a place that wouldn't be aimed at any one section of society but embrace all;that wouldn’t just be for the financially deprived but that would cater for the WHOLEcommunity – there are many forms of deprivation and very often people feel deprivedof love, care, recognition and friendship. CentrePeace is being established to be a‘family’ to those in need – whatever the need.

In our individual lives, if someone needs help, it doesn’t matter if they are young orold, rich or poor – or any other of the ‘categories’ that people are put into. If we canhelp, we do it.

That is how we want CentrePeace to be; a place where people can find warmth,friendship and help, whatever their age or socio/economic status. We have a wealth ofqualifications and experience amongst our volunteers but if someone needs help thatwe can’t provide, we will support them and help them find it.

Our Services

As a community driven initiative, we aim to respond to the specific needs of ourcommunity. Here is a list of the services that we provide at the moment, but this willgrow and develop in accordance with community feedback, so please let us know ifthere is a service that you would like to see made available.

Free training courses and workshops

Free, confidential, professional counselling services

Befriending service

Referral service

Mental health support

Emotional support groups

Craft group

Form filling, benefits, housing and nutrition support

Centre PeaceCommunity cafe

Charity shop

Homework club

Free access to computers, internet and basic printing

Crisis support (including provision of emergency food or clothing packages)

On-going support for those experiencing homelessness (in the form of a free daily hotmeal and access to laundry facilities)

Affordable room rental for local groups/ business meetings (only £5 per hour includingrefreshments, whiteboard, computers, projector etc) Alternative therapies, currentlyincluding reflexology.

CentrePeace is a not for profit community support centre. It provides a range ofservices freely to the local community, from counselling and support groups totraining courses and social clubs. It offers a safe and welcoming space where peoplecan find company, comfort, kindness and friendship. Emergency support is availablefor those in crisis and/ or experiencing homelessness.

Within CentrePeace there is also a charity shop and cafe, open to everybody, theproceeds of which go directly back into CentrePeace, enabling it to continue offeringservices freely to the community. The shop and cafe are fast becoming known as afriendly, welcoming and affordable meeting ground for the local community

CentrePeace relies entirely on the help of our committed team of hard workingvolunteers. Without them, and without the many kind people who have madegenerous donations, this project would still be merely a dream.

To those who helped in the early stages during the endless days of cleaning, paintingand decorating, and to those who now work tirelessly in our charity shop and cafe togenerate the funds to keep the centre running, we would like to say the biggest ofthank yous. Also to everyone else who has helped out in any way - by donatingmoney/goods/time/expertise - CentrePeace would be nothing without you all soTHANK YOU

Four Seasons of Paignton

Autumn in Paignton

Spring in Paignton

Summer in Paignton

Winter in Paignton

Acknowledgements

Tim Eley Torbay In Bloom Plus Chairman

Herald Express

www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk

www.torbay.gov.uk

Google Maps

Compiled by YPP ©

Rare Southern Marsh Orchid

(Young’s Park,

Conservation Area)