Torbay Communities

03/09/2026

"I want to tell you a story and what a long saga it has been, but it proves that people should never give up!

"Back in 2019 Torbay Council put the monastery at the top of Berry Drive up for sale, so I contacted the local Clifton & Maidenway Community Partnership about saving it for the community. We had a small local community picnic in the woods by the monastery and initially had interest from an Arts charity in the South-East. Then Covid hit in early 2020 and everything stopped. Finding out anything about the monastery from then on was impossible. Then in August 2025 I discovered, in the Torbay Weekly, that the monastery was up for sale again so I sent an e-mail to Lib Dem Councillor Cat Johns asking whether we should give it another go..."

-Leah Whitcher, Community Builder for Paignton Town Centre & Clifton with Maidenway

I want to tell you a story and what a long saga it has been, but it proves that people should never give up! Back in 2019 Torbay Council put the monastery at the top of Berry Drive up for sale, so …

03/09/2026

With the deadline for the 2026 Torbay Community Champion Awards coming up on 6th September, we'd like to remind you of our previous award winners - spectacular Torbay residents who've gone above and beyond to help their communities. Submit your nominations on our website: https://www.torbaycommunities.com/torbay-community-champion-awards/

Tanny Stobart, one of our three Lifetime Award winners, and the Community Champion for 2025:

"Tanny was the founding Director of Play Torbay (formerly known as the Torbay Play Forum), promoting children's play in the Bay. The aim of Play Torbay is quite simple: to provide fun, accessible play opportunities all year round, including playground adventures, play days and special events, based on an understanding that play is the single most important developmental process in any child’s life and a fundamental human right.

"Tanny has been the inspiration and driving force behind Play Torbay, which has touched the lives of so many people over the last 25 years. Play Torbay has brought fun and joy to children’s lives and given hope to many families, who have found it a lifeline. Play Torbay has given children the opportunity for children to be creative and use their imagination through the adventure playgrounds at Indigos in Brixham and Wildfox in Paignton, simply to be children. Tanny has shown what we can all do when we care for each other. She has brought together collaborations of arts, playworkers and children that have given them a voice and helped them find their place in the world. Tanny has inspired others and given them room to grow. Without Tanny, there would be no Play Torbay. Tanny has also served on a number of national committees and developed policy and practice at a national level on children's play. Tanny has developed nationally recognised play work training in England and Wales. Tanny has presented her work with Play Torbay at national and international conferences and, in doing so, has put Torbay on the map as a place where great things can happen.

"Tanny stood down as Director of Play Torbay as of 31st December 2025 after 25 years, but she will continue her work in the local community and has taken on a role with Play England to support national policy on children's play."

Photography courtesy Al Macphee of Miracle-PR.

02/09/2026

Your chance to win a brand new 2026 iPhone is here - get your tickets for the next Torbay Lottery superdraw, support causes like ours with each ticket you buy, and you could win the latest iPhone (or cash equivalent)

02/09/2026

And just like that, it’s now Autumn. A particularly warm, sunny Summer has been and gone, and now the final stretch of the year is within sight. With that in mind, here’s something for you to mull over – do you know anyone in Torbay, who has gone above and beyond to help other people out?

There are nomination deadlines for not one, but two awards coming up very soon, recognising efforts of anyone who gives their time to support fellow…Bayians? Bayites?…Bayples? Whatever you wish to call anyone who lives in the Bay or is a regular presence, and for that matter, whatever the role, be it a volunteer, a kind neighbour, an unpaid carer, a team or group, there’s plenty of categories in either of these two awards you can nominate them for...

And just like that, it’s now Autumn. A particularly warm, sunny Summer has been and gone, and now the final stretch of the year is within sight. With that in mind, here’s something for you to mull …

02/09/2026

With the deadline for the 2026 Torbay Community Champion Awards coming up on 6th September, we'd like to remind you of our previous award winners - spectacular Torbay residents who've gone above and beyond to help their communities. Submit your nominations on our website: https://www.torbaycommunities.com/torbay-community-champion-awards/

Major Ron Goodwin, one of our three Lifetime Award winners for 2025:

"For more than 40 years, Major Ron Goodwin has been a very active member of the Royal British Legion in Paignton, supporting its fundraising, helping arrange events and being there for veterans and the whole community. He effectively saved the Branch from closure 23 years ago, then helped build it up into one of the most active local branches in the country. It operates almost entirely with volunteers, helping raise nearly £50,000 a year for the Poppy Appeal. After the former RBL Club in Paignton closed, Ron refocused the branch on its core objectives: Remembrance, Comradeship and Welfare.

"Despite being in his early 80s, he still actively engages with the next generation to ensure the stories of what war and conflict mean to those taking part are heard by another generation, including the stories of those we remember.

"The work of the Paignton Branch of the RBL, including its drop-in advice sessions and events for veterans and their families, would simply not be happening if Major Ron had not stepped up 23 years ago to keep the branch going. Since then, it has raised not far from £1m for the poppy appeal, helped tackle loneliness amongst those who have served, provided support and friendship to those dealing with the impacts of military service and ensured the next generation hears the stories of remembrance."

Photography courtesy Al Macphee of Miracle-PR.

01/09/2026

Need inspiration for what to give your kids for lunch when schools return later this week?

It can be challenging thinking of varied and healthy meals and snacks to give them each day.

The council’s public health team has published some resources for simple ways to mix and match healthy and affordable lunchbox choices.

There are specific tips for early years, primary schoolers, SEND children and picky eaters.

Follow the link in the comments.

Torbay Communities Engaging Communities South West Healthwatch Torbay SEND Family Voice Torbay 0 to 19 Torbay Imagine This Torbay

01/09/2026

With the deadline for the 2026 Torbay Community Champion Awards coming up on 6th September, we'd like to remind you of our previous award winners - spectacular Torbay residents who've gone above and beyond to help their communities. Submit your nominations on our website: https://www.torbaycommunities.com/torbay-community-champion-awards/

Carolyn Morgan, one of our three Lifetime Award winners for 2025:

"Carolyn moved to Brixham from the Midlands in 1988 and immersed herself in her adopted hometown. Her achievements are numerous, and here is just a flavour:

1991 – 2002 Treasurer for the Brixham Old People’s Housing Association, with a special interest in Laywell Residential Home until its closure
1998-2025 Treasurer of the Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir
2010-2020 Treasurer of the Brixham Horticultural Society
Over her years at Brixham Methodist Church, she has worked as a Pastoral Visitor, Communion Steward and member of the Church Council
Torbay branch of Parkinsons UK is taking on the roles of Events Officer and also becoming Vice-Chairman for 2-3 years.

"For many years, Carolyn organised coach trips to other parts of the country to enable Brixham people and others to get away for short breaks has been associated with the Merchant Navy Association (Exeter Branch), serving them in the capacity of Treasurer and has been recognised for her work by being made a Life Member. Carolyn is an active member of the Diabetic Association of Torbay and has been on their committee.

"Her nominator summed it up well: 'Carolyn may be a ‘blow-in’, but since her move to Brixham, she has made every effort to be a part of the community and has utilised her financial skills to the town's benefit. In this, she has asked for no reward other than the personal satisfaction of doing a job well and in this, the true spirit of volunteering comes through. As described above, she has been involved in a cross-section of the town's organisations as well as in the wider area of Torbay.'”

Photography courtesy Al Macphee of Miracle-PR.

28/08/2026

With the deadline for the 2026 Torbay Community Champion Awards coming up on 6th September, we'd like to remind you of our previous award winners - spectacular Torbay residents who've gone above and beyond to help their communities. Submit your nominations on our website: https://www.torbaycommunities.com/torbay-community-champion-awards/

Norrms McNamara, our Lifetime Award winner & Community Champion for 2024:

"An international advocate making a major impact around the world. The Purple Angel program has ambassadors worldwide advocating to improve dementia care.

"Norrms has started an amazing MP3 program that offers calmness to many, reducing anxiety, and bringing joy and hope back to individuals living with dementia, as well as their families and the professionals who care for them.

"He started the World Rocks Against Dementia WRAD – a musical program that has also gone international, raising awareness and funds to improve dementia care. Norrms has helped expand the Memory Cafes as well.

"He has inspired so many people globally to step up and step in to make a difference. His ability to communicate the true needs of those living with dementia and their families hits home with professionals and families. He has authored books and created more collaborations than most on a shoestring budget. He is recognised around the world for the difference he has made."

Photography courtesy Al Macphee of Miracle-PR.

Purple Angel Music for those with dementia MP3s

27/08/2026

We're delighted to announce that nine community-led projects have secured funding through the first round of Torbay's Local Heritage Scheme, made possible thanks to investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

From the Torbay Literary Festival and youth-led heritage projects to creative explorations of Charles Dickens' connection to Torbay, the projects will celebrate our rich literary, artistic and musical heritage and help local people connect with what makes Torbay special.

Find out more about the successful projects in our latest press release 👉https://orlo.uk/S6TEZ

27/08/2026

"'Where are we going next, Jo?'

"I’m not sure when we began, but I know who started me on this winding path; the incorrigible Eve, who loves an adventure.

"We started with a day trip to Exmouth by train and discovered the joy that it brought to the lives of those who came. A beautiful train trip is one thing, but add a bunch of friends old and new, lunch out and laughing together, and the magic happens naturally.

"This year we have branched into coach trips, and today we’ve had a day out at Buckfast Abbey and Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and I am still buzzing with delight..."

-Jo Reynolds, Community Builder for Paignton Town Centre & Clifton with Maidenway

“Where are we going next, Jo?” I’m not sure when we began, but I know who started me on this winding path; the incorrigible Eve, who loves an adventure. We started with a day trip to Exmouth by tra…