Paignton in Bloom 2015 Contents Introduction 1 Route plan 3

Horticultural achievements i ~ Bay Bloom 6 ii ’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 Introduction

Welcome To:~ Tony Moore and Mark Logan

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. 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 on it’s budgets again this year. With Torbay Council having a £13 million shortfall this financial year (2015-2016) and then £13.8 million next year (2016-2017), the inevitable cuts in services, to the ‘non statuary obligation departments’ 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 not being replaced, has created a huge void. Torbay has never had so few gardeners and key works, but the 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 Bob Sweet and a proper designated parks department. Which earned us an enviable reputation and indeed 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 be minimised as much as possible. Not only for the local residence, but also crucially the many holiday-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 the plate’. With the incumbent party being returned to office in the recent general election and indeed our Mayor being re-elected for a further term, the British people and Paigntonians do understand that this austerity imposed on us, is essential for the recovery of the country. Eventually services will return 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 – Principal Natural 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 Road & into Beverley Park Holiday Park (David Bellamy award winner) 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 round Conservation Wet area last Continue on to Paignton Zoo & Botanical Gardens & meet Giles Palmer & Catherine Mortimer 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 Station Square 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 Blooms Competition 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 Bay Blooms 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 residents and businesses. It is designed to recognise and celebrate horticultural achievement and expertise in the area which enhance Torbay for all to see. Bay Blooms by TOR2 is supported by Torbay Council, DGM, Sutton Seeds, Riviera FM and Express. The competition is open free of charge to everyone within the Torbay Council Boundary. There are a range of residential, commericial and community categories which you can enter. There is also a Bay Blooms Photo competition (further details in the Herald Express). All applications must be completed and received by 30th June 2015 and judging will be carried out at anytime between 6th July 2015 to 2nd August 2015 (Photographic records may be taken). Where possible a calling card will be left after the initial judging to let you know you have been judged. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and highly commended certificate winners will be invited to a presentation evening on Wednesday 23rd September 2015. For further information please contact TOR2 on 01803 402900

2015 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM:

TOR2 Connections Offices TOR2 Facebook Torbay Council Website [email protected]

Entry closing date:

30 June 2015 Paignton’s Floral Displays World’s Smelliest Plant? Extract from

One of the largest - and smelliest - blooms on the planet is opening at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. The flower of the Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) can be up to 3 metres high and 3 metres in circumference. And the smell? Curator of Plants and Gardens Giles Palmer said: "Imagine you have the smell of rotting meat in a tin can and you open that 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 - is classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. It has one of the largest flowers in the world; the bloom – correctly, an inflorescence – is green on the outside and bright red inside, with ribbed sides and a frilled edge. Due to its odour – said to be like rotting meat – it's known as a carrion flower, and has been dubbed corpse flower or corpse plant. It emits the strong smell at night to attract pollinators. Giles: "There are probably only 100 collections in the world where you can see this plant 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 - habitat destruction is also a major problem." In August 2012, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park was the first zoo in the UK to see a Titan Arum flower. Paignton Zoo has 5 Titans in total; the one about to flower is 12 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 it weighed 44kg. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh also has a Titan on the verge of flowering. Giles is 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 the USA, where a Titan has recently flowered at Cornell University Recycling Torbay

Torbay Council only has a legal obligation to provide recycling centre facilities for household waste, which is waste arising from the day to day running of a household and not part of the house itself. Items from repair or improvement of houses, for example DIY-type waste, are classified as construction waste and there is no requirement for Torbay Council to provide 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 rockery or 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 of small quantities of DIY waste we therefore permit for small amounts of this type of waste to be disposed of free of charge as long as it is sorted into separate material streams such as wood, metals, rubble/hardcore/bricks/slabs/ tiles and plasterboard but 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 is generating any larger quantities than this then they must hire a skip or arrange for alternative 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 to Thursday 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 weights charged 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 to a £50,000 fine!! Forest School Paignton A Paignton woodland is echoing with the noise of school children learning about the great outdoors. Primley Park, opposite Paignton Zoo, is being used by forest schools leaders in Torbay. The forest school movement is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. The idea is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Primley is a local nature reserve managed by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall. The partnership between the Trust and Torbay Council started when Primley Park was used to train local teachers as forest schools practitioners. As part of the deal, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust contributed the woodland 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 the future. Plus, we hope that if we can get children to enjoy woodland responsibly at an early age, they will have more respect for their natural surroundings later in life." Cllr Chris Lewis, executive lead for children, schools and families, added: "With the forest schools approach, children get to work, play, learn and grow in confidence outside the classroom. "Teachers see changes in behaviour and what they do feeds back into work in the classroom." The reception class from Hayes Road school Paignton, recently used the woodland for its weekly forest schools sessions. "We were approached by council staff who wanted to carry out more formalised visits to the woods under the forest schools banner. "Primley is a good place for forest schools sessions because it is on the doorstep for many schools. "We offer two woodland areas where groups can have their own space but also play freely. On top of that we have the open grassland which allows groups to run wild." The children carry out practical tasks and creative activities in a woodland environment, developing personal skills. Oldway Mansion Paignton

Oldway Mansion History In 1871 this Grand [grade 2 listed] 100 roomed mansion was purchased by Issac Merritt Singer, the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. He then started to build a huge new mansion. Issac Merritt Singer died on July 23rd 1875 aged 63. His funeral was one of the largest of its time in the Torbay 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 ‘’ with other areas inspired by the ‘Place de la Concorde’ in Paris. The grand staircase and gallery all of marble, balusters of bronze,& marble pillars with gilding, are a wonder to behold, as is the most awe inspiring Italian School painted ceiling, by Lebrun. Between the dual staircase is a huge painting replica, “The Crowning of Josephine by Napoleon” by Lebrun. 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 are of sprung parquet for ease of dancing. On the wall hangs an oil Painting of Louis of Bourbon. The ballroom 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”. He included the beautiful “ Grotto Gardens”, where a waterfall showers down over cave like rocks into a pool below. The whole area is surrounded by sub-tropical plants and shrubs. This feature still remains today. Oldway Mansion has been used as a film location on several occasions. During the spring of 2004, it doubled as for the filming of Churchill: The Hollywood Years, starring Christian Slater and Neve Campbell. Pink gravel, guard houses and period vehicles were used to recreate the royal courtyard. The 1968 film Isadora starring Vanessa Redgrave and telling the life story of the dancer Isadora Duncan also used Oldway Mansion as one of its locations. On 21 December 2005, the ballroom at Oldway Mansion was the location for 's first civil partnership. 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 Italian theme. The Maze garden with its dwarf box hedging, beautifully shaped flower beds, and topiaried trees, must not be missed. In January 2007, Torbay Council announced that it was considering selling the mansion as it had become too expensive to maintain. The suggestion was controversial, since local residents argued that the mansion was sold at a reduced price on the understanding that it would be open to the public. On 30 April 2012, plans for Oldway Mansion to be converted into a luxury hotel and sheltered 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 Crime Graffiti Graffiti is an environmental crime, along with dog fouling, fly-tipping and littering. Torbay Council operates an online reporting system where residents can give details of incidents and describe the perpetrators. The Problem The 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 property owner. 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 Law The following legislation is in place which aims to help local authorities and private land owners to control graffiti in their area: v Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 v Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 v Town and Country Planning Act 1990 v Criminal Damage Act 1971 v Local Government Act 2000 Taking a Stand If council property is defaced by graffiti action will be taken as soon as possible to try and remove the damage especially if it is deemed to be offensive to others. If private property has been subject to graffiti it is the responsibility of the property owner to arrange for its removal, and not the council. The council can provide information about methods of graffiti removal to the owners of private property Specialist companies can carry out graffiti removal on various types of surfaces and buildings. Unsightly and often offensive graffiti can be removed using a series of specialist 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 Fixed Penalty Notice for £75. If a person is issued a Fixed Penalty Notice and chooses not to pay it they may face a fine in court of up to £2,500. Paignton Pudding

THE famous Paignton Pudding is returning to the people of Torbay after almost 30 years. Sunrise Rotary Club have brought the pudding back to coincide with the Family Fun Day on Paignton Green. (Miss Torbay in 2009) This unique celebration dates back to 1295, but the last time the giant pudding was brought to the town was on September 1, 1986, when 15,000 people watched the pudding being paraded around the streets. There was a brief revival of the pudding in 2009 when a smaller 11 stone version was 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 from to Paignton. It was then off-loaded to a road trailer and slowly paraded by a steam-driven traction engine through the streets to Paignton Green. On the 28th June people were able to taste the historic pudding for themselves, made by students at College along the lines of the original – the very first Paignton Pudding was made 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 to as ‘Puddeneaters’. The most famous pudding of all was the one that was baked in 1859 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 a riot on the Green when a crowd of 18,000 people clamoured for their own piece of history 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 the townsfolk to mark granting of a charter to hold a weekly market in the town. By the 17th century this custom had developed and details of the Paignton Pudding can be found in the historic Book of Paignton. John said: "I am delighted to revive this tradition and hope that it may become an annual celebration. It was a fantastic day. I am also grateful to all those who have assisted including our fellow Rotary Clubs in the Bay, as well as South Devon College and volunteers from Anode." On Sunday June 21, a giant pudding was paraded down Victoria Street from 10am to be ceremoniously positioned on Paignton Green, accompanied by a town crier and entertainers in period costume. The tasty individual puddings was then available for purchase from 10.30am until 4pm. The Family Fun Day, organised by the Rotary Club of Preston, included a packed programme of sports, entertainment and activities for all ages with even a special event for Father's Day. There were approximately 40 charity stalls and displays, along with refreshments and food sellers. World War Commemorative Events V. E. Day 70th Celebration On Saturday 9th May 2015 there was a ' Street Party Event' in Palace Avenue Gardens, Paignton between 10 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 British Legion, the event had a number performers throughout the day, together with stalls and games. Entry was free and started at 11.00am . There was a great opportunity throw some water logged sponges at the British Legion Branch Chairman & Secretary. Also there was Face painting, Coconut Shy, Hoopla, Colouring Competition, 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 recipe sandwiches & cakes. ANZAC 100th Anniversary

The Royal British Legion, in partnership with Torbay Council, organised events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli, the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The flags of New Zealand & Australia flew over the War Memorial Palace Avenue Gardens, Paignton on the 25 April to mark the 100th Anniversary of Anzac and also to remind us of the events around the start of the land war of the Gallipoli Campaign When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left a powerful 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 Flotilla As 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 the Fairmile ferry with Normandy Veterans on board, started the sail past at Torquay just outside of Torquay Harbour, opposite Corbyn Head. The salute was taken from the Fairmile which was anchored and on board was Normandy veterans and their honoured guests, the Mayor Gordon Oliver and the Flag Officer Sea Training. The flotilla sailed past Paignton and on to where the volunteers from the Battery Grounds Gun Emplacement who had organised a special open day gave them a cheer. Organiser Marshall Ritchie said : "We have some 300 to 400 people involved and boats 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 from Haldon Pier. The leading ship was HMS Pembroke, followed by two more Ships P2000s, HMS Exploit and HMS Dasher. During this time, the other craft taking part took up their positions in their respective grouping 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 their respective colours. Having given their salute by sounding their horns and waving to the veterans, all craft then set off on a course for Paignton. On passing Paignton Green, again the Sail Past sounded their horns and waved to other veterans on the Green. When the Sail Past was abeam of Roundham Head the vessels altered course for Brixham, 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 Sailing Club, The Brixham Yacht Club, The Greenway Ferry Company and crew of the Fairmile, The Brixham Battery Grounds Gun Emplacement Association and Torquay Harbour Office for their generous help. Rhinos of Paignton The 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 Great Big Rhino Project promises to be bigger and better. The project launches to potential sponsors at Paignton Zoo on Tuesday 10th March and at Castle on Thursday 12th March. Pippa Craddock, Director of Marketing & Development at Paignton Zoo, said: “The theme 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 have all added their support, as have Plastic Surgeon Fine Finishers and ESW, who are the project’s official AV partner. The Riviera International Centre in Torquay will be auction partners, hosting the grand finale charity auction. Pippa is aiming to put 40 dazzling rhinos on the streets of Exeter and the English Riviera in the summer of 2016. “There is a demand for us to do this, there’s grassroots energy and a real desire to be part of it. Businesses that missed out last time have a chance to be part of something quite amazing!” After launching the project to sponsors and partners in March the Zoo – a registered charity - will roll it out to schools and community groups in May. In November there will be a call for artists and designs, in January 2016 sponsors will choose the design for 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 30th July to 9th October 2016. A last chance to see all the rhinos together will come in October 2016 with the Goodbye Great Big Rhinos at Paignton Zoo. Finally, in November 2016, The Great Big Rhino Charity Auction will take place at the Riviera International Centre. The Great Big Rhino Project is a celebration of over 90 years of conservation and education at Paignton Zoo, aimed at engaging communities with a mass exhibition of public art to raise 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 brand awareness for sponsors.” Money raised will be channelled through Paignton Zoo and Save the Rhino International. Rhinos have been around for 40 million years. There are five species: black, white, greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran. All of these are threatened with extinction – three are Critically Endangered as defined by the IUCN (World Conservation Union). This means that they will not survive without massive and urgent action. Friends of Torbay Parks Torbay’s park’s and open spaces provide opportunities for recreation and enjoyment, benefiting health, relaxation, play, peace and tranquillity for Torbay residents. It is important that these opportunities are available for all and that ‘Friends’ groups play a vital role in the enjoyment of our parks and open spaces. Torbay Council is responsible for over one hundred and fifty areas of public open space and gardens, with approximately seventy sites furnished with play facilities. The continuing development and improvement of these facilities is to ensure that the needs 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 the community. After all, any changes that are made towards the positive improvement of 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 ‘Friends Groups’ which will consist of local people who can volunteer their time to improve Torbay’s parks and green spaces. Anyone can join and volunteer as much or as little of their time as they wish. These groups can become the voices of their communities and can help the Council in understanding what improvements are necessary and needed. Torbay has a number of existing ‘Friends Groups’ who act as an important link between the Council and the public users of these parks. These groups have been vastly important in providing suggestions for the major (and minor) improvement of our parks and gardens; seeking funding opportunities unavailable to the local authority and helping in the creation of designs; and creating a sociable community environment 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 the local community whilst understanding the challenges of the Council. You can also take advantage of the vast opportunities available to the public and community schemes benefiting those you live next to and amongst. ‘Friends’ groups can make a difference. By forming a group you can help to sort out what needs to be done, identify needs and priorities for local people of all ages and backgrounds, understand the challenges and the opportunities and form a practical partnership with the Council. Key reasons for establishing a ‘Friends’ group Friends Groups give people interested in their local park a representative organisation and a means of meeting the needs of the local community. Friends Groups can work in partnership with the local authority and other local organisations to represent local views and improve and develop the park and green spaces. Friends Groups can make and secure grant applications to improve the park or green space Friends Groups can encourage an increase in the use of the park or green space and discourage abuse and misuse. Green Spaces Across Torbay, there are well over 150 areas of public parks and greenspaces as well as over 70 play and leisure facilities including playgrounds, skate parks and multi use games areas. Torbay Council are responsible for the management and maintenance of these public facilities. But often it is the community who work together to gain funding for the development and improvement of our parks, greenspaces and playgrounds. Torbay Greenspace Forum was established by the community following the adoption of the Greenspace Strategy by Torbay Council which is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) under the Local Development Framework (LDF). The aim of this Forum 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 for groups to network and discuss projects that they are working on with a view to finding out about funding or how to get the right people involved. Torbay Greenspace Forum have many community members, most of whom are part of a local park Friends Group. These groups work with the Council to raise awareness of their park, to undertake voluntary work, to organise community events and raise funding for the development and improvement of their local parks. Torbay Greenspace Forum also co-ordinate Torbay's involvement in the South West in Bloom competition and It's Your Neighbourhood competition assisting groups with their applications and organising the judging routes throughout Torbay. South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional/national competitions that make up Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe. The aim of the communities that take part each year is to improve and regenerate our local environments, through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away the eyesores that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism. The Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign is part of the wider Britain in Bloom initiative, providing an opportunity for smaller community groups to get involved. It’s Your Neighbourhood is a unique scheme for volunteer-led community gardening projects/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 local community 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 each entry in a forum environment and suggest new ideas. The Torbay Greenspace Forum meet regularly throughout the year and the public are welcome to attend these meetings. These meetings are often used to discuss good news stories, events and funding opportunities for local community groups. It is also a key body consulted by the council for projects impacting upon the community. Play Torbay & Wild Fox

Play Torbay is an incorporated charity launched on 7 October 2010, previously and since 1999 known as Torbay Play Forum. Their aim is to improve the quality and quantity of play provision for children and young people living in Torbay and raise awareness 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 Fox and Torquay: Fort Apache

We raise funds to provide free activities and transport for children across the Bay particularly 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 children and young people

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

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

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

Play Torbay supports the development of the Free Time Consortium. Play 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 and offers:

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

·Access to free Adventure Play in the Bay opportunities for children and young people in 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 support children and young people with specific needs

·Two networking events a year for all members

·A programme of play and playwork training and qualifications Wild Fox Wild Fox Adventure Playground in Paignton has had an upgrade, with Play Torbay building 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 that children with physical disabilities can also use it. Plans to build a compost toilet have also been put forward. As well as these changes, the title of the land will change its use from school land to community playground, officially becoming what spokesperson for Play Torbay Carmen 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 Community Centre up until now, and that a compost toilet would relieve the need to install tubes and plumbing while also being ecological. She said the majority of the charity’s funding comes from Children in Need and the Big 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 play opportunities for the children who need it the most, either because they can’t afford anything else or because they need inclusion in other ways. “Nearly 90 per cent of the children we provide free activities for are disadvantaged in some way.” Play Torbay aims to improve the quality and quantity of play provision for children and young people living in Torbay and “raise awareness about the importance of play in children’s lives.” Wild Fox Adventure Playground is next to Kings Ash Primary School and Foxhole Community Centre, on Smallcombe Road in Foxhole Paignton. This space won a competition to get an all singing all dancing new adventure playground installed. The site is one of few locally, and nationwide, that boasts a fully inclusive Treehouse. The whole 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 Play Torbay‘s and Wild Fox‘s Facebook pages for our special events. For more information, email [email protected] or call 07730792431. Geo-Play Triathlon

GeoPark 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 very proud 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 perfect location for an endurance event. Both swim starts are staged in the sheltered waters off Goodrington Sands, all competitors will experience open water swimming at its very best! What’s so exciting about the 750 & 1500m course is the natural arena that is created by the cliffs at both ends of the beach and the wonderful spectator promenade on North Beach. Spectators will be able to ‘cheer on’ every stroke as the competitors swim along the sea wall. Both swim distances will start will 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 great opportunity to see South Devon. Both distances take in a number of classic Devon rolling hills with the 40km course packing 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 at Broadsands, Elberry Cove and Churston Cove before running in the woods on the John Musgrave trail and then back on the SW coastal path to Goodrington. Be prepared for stunning views, glorious beaches and hills to keep the legs more than a little interested! Geo-Play Triathlon

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 much needed funds. In 2014 this raised over £2000 for our partner charities! See website for partner charities Paignton’s Centre Peace

CentrePeace 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 available in 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 also have 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 some years 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 - where anyone who needed help could find it. Not everyone is lucky enough to have friends or family that they can turn to when in need. Sometimes just a cup of tea and a chat is enough, at others more specific or professional help is needed. We wanted to create 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 WHOLE community – there are many forms of deprivation and very often people feel deprived of 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 or old, rich or poor – or any other of the ‘categories’ that people are put into. If we can help, 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 of qualifications and experience amongst our volunteers but if someone needs help that we 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 our community. Here is a list of the services that we provide at the moment, but this will grow and develop in accordance with community feedback, so please let us know if there 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 Peace Community 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 hot meal and access to laundry facilities) Affordable room rental for local groups/ business meetings (only £5 per hour including refreshments, whiteboard, computers, projector etc) Alternative therapies, currently including reflexology. CentrePeace is a not for profit community support centre. It provides a range of services freely to the local community, from counselling and support groups to training courses and social clubs. It offers a safe and welcoming space where people can find company, comfort, kindness and friendship. Emergency support is available for those in crisis and/ or experiencing homelessness. Within CentrePeace there is also a charity shop and cafe, open to everybody, the proceeds of which go directly back into CentrePeace, enabling it to continue offering services freely to the community. The shop and cafe are fast becoming known as a friendly, welcoming and affordable meeting ground for the local community CentrePeace relies entirely on the help of our committed team of hard working volunteers. Without them, and without the many kind people who have made generous donations, this project would still be merely a dream. To those who helped in the early stages during the endless days of cleaning, painting and decorating, and to those who now work tirelessly in our charity shop and cafe to generate the funds to keep the centre running, we would like to say the biggest of thank yous. Also to everyone else who has helped out in any way - by donating money/goods/time/expertise - CentrePeace would be nothing without you all so THANK 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

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Rare Southern Marsh Orchid (Young’s Park, Conservation Area)