Contents

Introduction 1

Route plan 2

Horticultural achievements

i Green Flag Retained for 3rd year 5

ii Sutton Seeds Major Sponsor 6

iii Chelsea Flower Show 7

Iv Paignton Landslip 8

Environmental responsibly

i Tor2 Recycling Centre 9

ii Paignton Neighbourhood Plan 10

iii Bus Station refurbishment 12

iv Spring Watch 13

v Velodrome 14

Community participation

i Paignton Gorillas 15

ii Occombe Beer Festival 16

iii Paignton BID Map 17

iv BMAD 18

v MYSPACE Parkfield House 19

vi Mayor’s Fund 20

vii Paignton Geo-Play Park 21

Viii New Play Park 22

Newspaper Clippings 23

Four seasons of Paignton 24

Acknowledgements 28

Introduction

This is the Paignton’s 2013 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.

After being awarded the prestigious GOLD accolade last year, we know we have a lot to

live up to.

A Warm Welcome To ~ Lesley Jellyman & Michael Foy

South West in Bloom Awards in Weston-super-Mare

Judges Route 2013PAIGNTON IN BLOOM

South West in Bloom Judging Route 2013

Judges Lesley Jellyman & Michael Foy

Friday 12th July 9.30am

Judging Time 3.5 hours

9.30 Commence at South Devon College with formal greeting – 3min

9.33 Pictorial Presentation of Paignton Gardens past & in Spring 2013 by Tim Eley –

7 mins

9.40 Recycling Presentation – 5min

9.45 Tour round South Devon College garden training area with Peter Boon – 15min

10.00 Drive along Long Road & view White Rock Business Park landscape plantings

- 5 mins

10.05 Arrive at White Rock School and be shown around with Liz Chase – 15min

10.20 Back to Goodrington Road & into Beverley Park Holiday Park ( David Bellamy

award winner )to view plantings – 5min

10.25 Continue down Goodrington Road viewing established gardens & turn left into

Dartmouth Road & view hanging baskets at the Waterside pub – 5min

10.30 Arrive at Clennon Valley allotments and view from just round the gate area –

5min

10.35 On to Tanners Road and into Youngs Park & look round Conservation Wet area

first – 15min

Judges Route 2013 -continued10.50 Leave Young’s Park & drive to Harbour view plantings – 5min

11.00 Arrive at Apollo cinema & view landscaping at Crazy Golf, Torbay Park,

Memorial, Crest Bed & point out sustainable planting in Apollo bed – 10min

11.10 Arrive at Geoplay Park – 10min

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

Blooms Competition. – 5min

11.25 Back to Esplanade Road & point out solar/ wind powered lights & on to

Marine Drive & view Redcliffe Hotel front garden – 5min

11.30 Arrive at Parkfield & be shown around – 10min

11. 40 Up Manor Road & into Torbay Road past Preston Gardens – 5min

11.45 Continue on to Growing for Life – 15min

12.00 On to Hollicombe – 5min

12.05 Arrive at Hollicombe Training Centre – 15min

12.20 Leave on to Station Square – 10 min allowing for traffic

12.35 Drive through Station Square & on to Dartmouth Road & up Penwill Way –

5 mins

12.40 Arrive at Paignton Zoo & be shown around – 20min

1.00 Judging Ends

Refreshments

Planned Route 2013

For the 3rd year running Young’s Park in Paignton has been awardedthe prestigious Green Flag Award by the Keep Britain Tidy Organisation.Young’s Park People ~ the park group that works with the council ~would like to thank all park users for their help in keeping this lovelypark clean and tidy. Special thanks also to the TOR2 gardeners andlitter-pickers for without their help, the park would not gain this award.

TOR2 gardening team, Young’s Park People volunteers

and Council officers all proudly show the flag before

hoisting it up the flagpole in the park.

Green Flag News

Sutton Seeds Paignton~ Major Sponsor

The company was founded in 1806 by John Sutton (1777-1863) who named it the'House of Sutton' of King Street , Reading, supplying corn. In 1832 he was joined byhis sons, Martin Hope (1815-1901) and Alfred. A few years later in 1837 the businesswas transferred to the Market Place, when they induced their father to launch outinto the flower and vegetable seed trade. From this time on the firm progressed andexpanded rapidly, being the first seed house to supply pure, unadulterated seed. Byuntiring energy and business acumen they laid the foundations of the great firm as itis today. The determination to supply only the best seed has been carried on by theirsuccessors, and through the years the name of 'Sutton' has become known the worldover.

Suttons received Royal patronage in 1858, when Queen Victoria requested MartinHope Sutton to supply seeds to the Royal household; the honour of the RoyalWarrant has been bestowed on the firm ever since - right up to the present day withHer Majesty the Queen.

In 1962 Suttons moved again to new premises on the then main London-Bath (A4)road. The design and modern building had all the necessary features to run asuccessful business. At the time the premises were the most up-to-date of their kindin the country.

Flower and vegetable seeds are produced for Suttons in many parts of the world.This is because of the need for long summers and guaranteed dry harvestingconditions, thus ensuring that the seeds are of the highest quality.

In 1965 Suttons were the first company to offer foil packets to the amateur gardenerin the UK, after developing the Harvest Fresh Foil seed packet system over manyprevious years.

The company relocated to Torquay in Devon from Reading in 1976. In December1998 Suttons moved to brand new premises in Paignton where all packaging anddistribution is now carried out.

Today Suttons is part of the international company Vilmorin who are the largestpacket seed distributors in the world.

Sutton Seeds is an internationally renowned supplier of flower andvegetable seeds, young plants, bulbs, fruit bushes and otherhorticultural products to amateur gardeners. They have a reputation forquality and service that is second to none, and a remarkable history thatgoes back over two hundred years.

(extract from Sutton’s web-site)

Paignton Chelsea Flower Show Success

PAIGNTON ZOO and Sutton's have won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The team behind the show garden heard the news that they have won a top award atthe world's greatest flower show early on Tuesday morning. Zoo plant curator KevinFrediani and his hydroponic growing expert Mike Phillips raised the plants for theirshow garden with Paignton based Sutton Seeds, Horticolous, Solardome Industriesand Hydrogarden.

Kevin has bettered the silver-gilt award he received for the gorilla garden that hemade during his time at London Zoo in 2006. The garden is called The Secret Gardenof Past and Present for Chelsea's centenary.

Francijn Suermondt from Sutton's said: "Sutton's seeds feel honoured to have been apartner in this stunning gold medal garden and to have been able to join togetherwith all of the horticultural industry in celebrating the Chelsea centenary this year."

A spokesman for Paignton Zoo said: "This is a tribute to the hard work of all the peo-ple involved in the garden – Sutton's Seeds, Solardome, HydroGarden and Horti-colous Landscape & Garden Design.

"Paignton Zoo is very proud to be associated with the garden and to have played apart in this success. "The only previous zoo to be represented at Chelsea was LondonZoo – and our own curator of plants, Kevin Frediani, was responsible for that garden,too!

"Well done to everyone involved in the Suttons Seeds Chelsea Flower Show garden2013.

"Paignton Zoo is a botanical as well as a zoological garden, and our horticulturalistswork very hard on the plants side.

"This is a well-deserved success!"

Lynn Riches from Horticolous said: "We are delighted to achieve a gold medal, in part-nership with Solardome Industries, Sutton's Seeds, Hydrogarden and Paignton Zoo, inthis very special 100th Chelsea flower show.

Landslips in Paignton

Cliffs at a Paignton beach where two rock falls occurred in the winter are to undergostabilisation works in a scheme costing £150,000.

The first fall at Goodrington Sands North happened at the end of December, and thiswas followed in January by a second incident, leading to the closure of a section ofthe promenade.

On Monday 10 June, work started on removing several unstable trees at the crest ofthe cliff, prior to the first phase of stabilisation work getting underway.

Torbay Council has appointed Vertical Technology, the company that carried outstabilisation works at Torquay's Royal Terrace Gardens, to undertake the scheme atGoodrington.

The first phase is due to be completed by mid-July to enable the promenade tore-open in time for the main tourism season.

A further partial promenade closure for about four to five weeks will be required inOctober when the second phase of works takes place.

Cllr Jeanette Richards, Executive Lead for Tourism and Harbours, said: "Theextremely wet weather over several months inevitably led to rock falls around thecountry's coastline, and Torbay was among areas that suffered.

"With public safety being paramount, we had no option but to close a section of thepromenade at Goodrington, and we have also been unable to site beach huts therefor the summer season.

"I am pleased that the the stabilisation scheme is getting underway so that we canfully re-open the promenade again for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors."

Tor2 RecyclingTorbay Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)Commercial and Trade Waste is not permitted to enter the public

HWRC but will be redirected to the Waste Transfer Station on the same site, whereCommercial and Trade Waste can be processed.

Household Waste

This site is for Torbay residents only and is available for you to recycle or dispose of most

household bulky waste and garden waste. Please note the opening hours & restrictions below.

All the following recycling items are accepted free of charge:Paper, junk mail, newspapers and magazines Cardboard

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals Plastics

Large Domestic appliances, including cookers, microwaves, washing machines etc

Small Domestic appliances, including toasters, hairdryers, music players

Fridges and Freezers TV's, PC's including monitors

Glass bottles and jars Plate glass

Steel and aluminium cans and foil Clothing, textiles and shoes

Car batteries Waste engine oil, cooking oil and other lubricants

Green Waste Wood, wood derivatives and timber

Liquid cartons known as Tetrapak Paint Furniture

Tyres (but the number of tyres shall be restricted to five (5) only per Contract Year per

Customer)

Gas bottles Household batteries Fluorescent tubes Light bulbs

Household chemicals and other Household Hazardous Waste

Restricted Wastes

Rubble, Hardcore, Soil (DIY)

Such wastes are legally classed as industrial even though these may have arisen from the

home. However, up to 12 normal size bags will be accepted as long as the owner is prepared

to place them in the proper area for recycling purposes. Visits with these materials will also

be restricted to one in any 6 month period

Paignton Neighbourhood PlanThe Paignton Neighbourhood Forum have their own web-site, which has up to dateinformation with progress and events.

Our communities have an exciting opportunity to shape our own future and guide thedevelopment that will take place in our area over the next 20 years.

Where are we now?

The Paignton Community Partnerships and Ward Councillors have agreed to join inproducing an interim Neighbourhood Forum for Paignton.

Our Neighbourhood Plan will form a significant part of the basis for deciding planningapplications in our area, specifically covering Paignton town and the relatedcommunities in the surrounding areas. When adopted, it will form part of the overalldevelopment plan, in the context of the Torbay-wide Core Strategy. The Neighbour-hood Plan Forum (NPF) have elected David Watts as Chairman, and Alan Hill as ViceChair.

Currently on the Paignton Neighbourhood Forum are:-

The Paignton Neighbourhood Forum currently includes representatives from thefollowing:

Blatchcombe Community Partnership

Clifton with Maidenway Community Partnership

Goodrington with Roselands and Hookhills Community Partnership

Paignton Town Community Partnership

Preston Community Partnership

Blatchcombe Ward

Goodrington with Roselands Ward

Roundham with Hyde Ward

Preston Ward

Clifton with Maidenway Ward

What area is covered by the Paignton Neighbourhood Plan?

Paignton Neighbourhood Plan area is shown on the Plan on page 11

Paignton Neighbourhood Plan

Consultation shop in

Paignton Town Centre

Paignton Bus Station DevelopmentTorbay Council has welcomed confirmation from Stagecoach South West that allworks at Paignton Bus Station have been completed on time and to £150,00 budget.

The re-opening of the bus station took place on 27 May with all scheduled servicesonce again able to operate from their allocated stands.

The bus station closed in February in order to allow for essential renovation works totake place. These were primarily focused on the replacement of the roof canopy butalso extended to include new signage, paving, lighting, CCTV and seating forcustomers.

Councillor Ray Hill, Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Highways, Transport andEnvironment, said: "The renovated bus station with its new facilities is a welcomeimprovement to our public transport facilities in the Bay. Congratulations to everyonewho worked so hard to ensure the project was completed on schedule.

"We worked closely with Stagecoach and other operators to put alternative bus stoparrangements in place while the bus station was closed. We recognise that a schemelike this can cause some inconvenience, and we are grateful to everyone for theirunderstanding. We will all now be able to enjoy the improved facilities at this busyand important public transport hub."

As well as the bus station itself enjoying a complete facelift, the Travelshop is alsoundergoing some exciting changes. As part of the on-going partnership with theEnglish Riviera Tourism Company (ERTC), it is now in the process of becoming afully-fledged official English Riviera Visitor Information Point and will be offering a fullrange of tourism services.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the ERTC, commented: "I am absolutelydelighted that Stagecoach is now working with the ERTC to help us deliver the newshared delivery official English Riviera Visitor Information Service."

The works were carried out by local firm EaseBuild under contract to Stagecoach. MikeBishop, Stagecoach South West’s Engineering Director, said: "The project waschallenging in terms of timescale as we wanted to get back to being able to operateout of the bus station as quickly as possible. However, EaseBuild ensured weremained on time and on budget allowing us to reopen bang on schedule. I’d also liketo thank our customers for their patience whilst the closure was in place."

Stagecoach South West also praised the support of local bus operators and of TorbayCouncil during the closure period.

The new canopy at Paignton Bus Station

Spring Watch “Paignton”

TV wildlife expert and presenter Nick Baker really inspired students at South DevonCollege.

The presenter from popular shows including the Really Wild Show, Spring Watch andWeird Creatures was guest speaker at the Animal and Environment Symposium eventheld at the University Centre at South Devon College in Paignton.

Nick is a great role model and inspiration for the students due to his local connec-tions: from studying at the University of Exeter, engaging in various conservationactivities on Dartmoor and the local area, and being a very well respected naturalistin his field.

He said: "It's always a relief and a pleasure to see so many bright, young andstimulating minds all hoping to make the world a better place.

"My day with the exciting raw talent which are the students at South Devon Collegedid nothing but inspire and reassure me the world is in good hands."

The symposium involved academic staff from the University of Plymouth and all thefoundation degree animal science students at the college. A number of internal andexternal further education students attended the full day event at South DevonCollege. Nick took time to hear about research projects students are undertaking.

Chloe James, studying in her second year of a foundation degree in animal science atthe college, said: "The symposium was a good day, providing great opportunities suchas presenting to an audience and networking with people from Plymouth University."

Lucy Foster, also studying in her second year in foundation degree in animal science,added: "It was so nice to be in a room full of people who care about animals and thenatural world as much as I do."

Nick Baker from TV’s Spring

Watch inspiring students at

Paignton’s South Devon College

Velodrome for Paignton?A £1.56MILLION outdoor circuit could help boost plans to make Torbay a cycling Mecca for the SouthWest.

Councillors are being asked to give their go-ahead to the new velodrome circuit which would be thefirst track of its kind in the South West and has the support of British Cycling which would fund half thecost.

Torbay Council would be expected to find the other half, to be recovered from grants, sponsorship andconcessions.

The 400m outdoor track, proposed at Clennon Valley, Paignton, would have banked sections.

Special fixed-wheel bikes would be used for local, regional and national competitive events.

There would also be a 1.5 km off-road circuit which could also be used for competition and communityuse, from training primary school children to GP referrals for people trying to get fitter.

It would build on the growth in cycling in the country following the success of riders like BradleyWiggins and local rider John Tiernan Locke, who won the Tour of Britain which finished a stage inDartmouth last year.

Transport councillor Robert Excell said: "I think it would be fantastic for the people of the Bay,especially the youngsters who can learn to ride a bike in safety off road.

"The off-road circuit can be used for all sorts of activities including rollerblading, and by wheelchairs andscooters. "While people enjoy using the track they will also be improving their health which has to begood for the Bay. "It will also be on the route of the new cycle links between Torquay and Brixham."

Mayor Gordon Oliver said: "Cycling has never been more important nationally and this is a reallyexciting project which would strengthen our cycling sporting offer to residents and visitors with apositive knock on effect for the local economy. But, of course, any decision would be subject to councilapproval."

Ken Robertson, South West general secretary of British Cycling, welcomed the progress on the schemeand said it would attract cyclists from all over the region as well as provide a valuable training facilityfor local riders. He said: "There has to be a business plan so that it is not subsidised by the taxpayer.Like a swimming pool, people would have to pay to use it and book a slot. "Competition would be arelatively low-level activity. It doesn't mean there will be floodlights all night and loud music."

Steve Parrock, chief executive of Torbay Development Agency, said: "Cycling in all its forms is alreadya very popular sport and Torbay has a great opportunity to take centre stage in the South West as thesport goes from strength to strength.

"A regional sporting centre of excellence in Torbay would provide a great facility for our residents andyouth especially and also attract many visitors through national and regional events, which wouldbenefit the wider economy." A track complex would be run by an organisation or club and the incomewould repay the council's cost of the track. It comes as cycling has been identified by the council as apotential attraction for tourists as well as a health booster for locals and an environmentally friendlyform of transport. Parkwood Leisure, which runs Torbay Leisure Centre, has registered an interest inrunning the circuit.

The council has already won £525,000 funding for a series of on andoff-road cycle link improvements, a first class BMX circuit at Parkfield, and abid has been made for a further £600,000 off road circuit linking OccombeFarm, Cockington and Compton Castle. The latest project will go to fullcouncil on February 6. It would need planning approval.

The plans were passed in mid May by the council ~ were 31 votes in favourof the proposals and none against. 4 councillors abstained

Paignton Gorillas

The Great Gorillas Project will bring a world class mass public art event to the streets,parks and open spaces of the English Riviera and Exeter.

For 10 weeks in the summer of 2013, life-size gorilla sculptures will inhabit thestreets, parks and open spaces showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area,while highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild gorillas and how thelocal business community can make a difference.

Similar events have run throughout the country generating huge increases in footfall,public interest and media coverage providing opportunities for sponsors to benefitfrom association with and coverage from the project.

The Great Gorillas will be invading the streets from Saturday 3rd August until Sunday13th October 2013. They will then be at Paignton Zoo from Friday 18th to Sunday20th October 2013 before being auctioned for charity on Wednesday 6th November2013.

For more information, to download an Artists' Information Pack or to support theproject please visit the Great Gorillas web-site.

Location: The streets, parks and open spaces of the English Riviera and Exeter

Excitingly, schools can also take part in The Great Gorillas Project public art event,producing uniquely designed gorilla sculptures to showcase their students' creativityto staff, parents, governors and the local community. Each sculpture will form part ofa Great Gorillas community trail for 10 weeks over the Summer of 2013, after whichschools will have the opportunity to display their gorillas at Babbacombe Model Village,Torquay, over the Autumn half term. The gorillas will then return to their schools aspermanent mementos.

The Great Gorillas Project has been developed in partnership with Wild in Art, an expe-rienced arts, events and education company, which has run many similar schoolsevents throughout the UK, in Europe and in Africa. Through these events, schoolshave collectively produced hundreds of animal sculptures from penguins to elephants,generating massive media interest and inspiring students to exercise and promotetheir creativity. For more information on previous projects go to www.wildinart.co.uk

All schools participating in The Great Gorillas Project will receive a blank gorilla sculp-ture and education pack full of cross-curricular lesson starters and ideas, as well asguidance notes on art and design, online materials and access to a subsided outreachprogramme, enabling one of our Education Officers to visit your school

Paignton Beer Festival

Sun shines on sell-out beer festival..................

THE 2013 Occombe Beer Festival has been hailed the best yet — helped by glorioussunshine throughout the two-day event which was a sell-out for the first time.

More than 6,000 people attended and enjoyed the mix of local beers, ciders andmusic.

The event, now in its eighth year, is a major fundraiser for the Torbay Coast andCountryside Trust, the local conservation charity which manages 1,700 acres ofTorbay's greenest land including Occombe Farm in Paignton, Cockington Country Parkand Berry Head nature reserve.

Event organiser Julian Carnell said: "The weekend went really smoothly. We wereblessed with great weather and we had very few problems. We were really focusedthis year on delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. It was great tosee thousands of people enjoying the event and raising money for the trust'sconservation and educational work."

Mark Salmon, director at Paignton-based Bays Brewery, said: "We have supportedthe festival for a number of years, so when the trust asked if we would considertaking on the running of the bars we were happy to get more involved. It was hardwork and long hours but we had a fantastic weekend."

Insp Adrian Leisk of South Devon police also praised organisers and confirmed therewas only one arrest, for domestic assault. He said: "We were really, really pleased.We worked with traffic officers from Exeter, Newton Abbot and Plymouth whosupported us at night and the following mornings."

Paignton BID map

Promoting town to residents and visitors

A new guide has been produced to help residents and visitors alike to get to knowmore about Paignton.

The Business Improvement District (BID) has been created to promote the town andone of its major projects was to produce a town guide and business directory.

This is now available in shops and Visitor Information Points around the town andacross the Bay.

An enlarged guide is now available in Station Square outside Superdrug/99p Stores,to help guide shoppers through Paignton town centre.

Matthew Dart, Paignton BID manager, said: "With all the independent shops inPaignton, it is not surprising that there are some 15 stores offering fresh produce andspeciality foods and eight shops under the heading hobbies, interests and crafts.

"It has taken some considerable time to get the guide to its final stages and I hopethat everyone will find this a very helpful addition to the marketing of Paignton TownCentre and all it's great qualities.

"Paignton has a high number of independent traders giving a unique service and alsothose branded chain stores that also add to the vibrancy of the town centre.

BMAD CharityMORE than 1,200 bikers gathered in Paignton to launch the BMAD first charity nightride of the summer on Wednesday 5th June.

Charity bosses said the first Wednesday night charity event had come hot on theheels of the most successful BMAD festival to date.

Andy Hobbs, chairman of Bikers Make A Difference, said: "We had a fabulous firstbike night. The bikers turned up in their numbers to give us a cracking start to thenew season. "We raised £1,590 for charity."

He added: "Many thanks to all the bikers and members of the public, including lotsof holidaymakers, who continue to support us. Well done to the BMAD crew.

"We had a difficult first night due to the large number of bikes which arrived in ashort space of time, but they handled it all very well.

"Bring on the rest of the season."

No fewer than 16 trikes turned up, along with other interesting machinery includingIan Loram's 1920s Norton sidecar combination and a Honda race replica from theMike Hailwood era.

Andy said: "There was a great turnout of marshals, including many new faces, aswell as a number of new traders, along with stalwart supporters GT Motorcycles andPlymouth Harley."

One such newcomer was Frenchman Maxime Ayoul, who is currently in the Bay on asix-month work placement and who turned up to marshal.

He said: "I had a great night. There were so many bikes and so many raremachines which we never see on the roads in France, yet here there were two orthree of them sometimes parked within metres of each other."

Paignton's Bike Nights run every Wednesday until late September and all themoney which is raised goes to BMAD's nominated charities, which include sick anddisabled children and their families/carers of Torbay, Devon Air Ambulance, DevonFreewheelers (aka Blood Bikes) and St John

MYSPACE Project

Parkfield Youth Centre is based just off the Sea Front in the Seaside town of Paignton,Devon. Parkfield is a unique Youth Centre as it was designed by young people foryoung people but provides access to a unique range of facilities and activities forchildren, young people, the local community, schools and businesses.

Parkfield covers 9 acres in total and our facilities include a National standard BMXTrack, Skatepark, Woodland area outside while Inside there is a Sports Hall that canbe turned into a Theatre or Music Venue, Indoor Climbing Wall, Meeting and TrainingRooms, Recording Studio, IT Suite and a Café. The centre also has access to free Wifi.As Parkfield was primarily built for young people we have a wide range of activitiesavailable during the week, evening and at the weekend for anyone over the age of 8.But our facilities are also used by Schools, Language Schools, Community Groups,Local Authority, Job Centre, Scout Groups and local businesses for meeting space,conferences and events

Parkfield International Standard BMX Track

They are proud to present their international standard BMX track whichis part of the Parkfield facility. The track is free to use (outside oforganised events) and is available to access all year round.

WHAT IS BMX?

The sport of bicycle motorcross began in the early 1970's. A handful of riders startedriding their stingray type bikes off road in vacant lots and fields; not muchcompetition but a lot of fun. Today the sport of bicycle motorcross is sweeping thecountry and the world. BMX is an exciting sport that everyone can get involved in, beit as a racer, recreationally or as a spectator

Climbing Wall

Parkfield hosts an Entre-prises climbing wall with 36lead and top roping routes and bouldering routes.There is climbing for everyone at Parkfield, Torbay'sdedicated indoor climbing wall. If you are new tothis exciting sport, find out more from our friendlyteam. You can try one of our courses or bring your family and friends along for ahave a go session and you'll soon be climbing like a pro. Reach new highs with aclimbing based birthday party or group social!

Parkfield is an Awarding Centre with NICAS and is approved to deliver NICAS trainingcourses for Level 1 and 2 climbers.

Foundation Climber: An entry level aimed at novices thatrecognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.

Top Rope Climber: Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and boulderingunsupervised on an artificial wall.

Mayor’s FundMayor gives salary to good causes…………………….

ALMOST 50 organisations across Torbay have received a share of the Mayor's Fundafter Gordon Oliver pledged to give away half his annual salary to good causes.

Mayor Oliver last year handed over 42 cheques totalling £30,000 and nowrepresentatives from this year's successful applicants from 49 groups attended asecond presentation evening at Paignton's Redcliffe Hotel, when the mayor handedover another £30,000 in cheques.

Mr Oliver, who was not involved in the selection process, said: "Part of my role is toencourage and support local people to drive forward important projects within theirlocal communities.

"It confirms my belief the Bay is blessed with many people who work tirelessly forcharities and sporting, social and recreational groups who benefit residents of all ages.

"The fund has so far benefited 90 projects, and we look forward to helping a similarnumber in the next two years."

The fund is administered by cross-party councillors Nicole Amil, Jackie Stockman andBobbie Davies.

Among the organisations to benefit from the mayor's cash were Young’s Park PeoplePaignton, the Friends of Shoalstone Pool in Brixham, Anode in Paignton, TorbaySailability Ltd, Torbay Sea Cadets, Paignton Zoo, Brixham Junior Sailing Club Ltd,Swim Torquay, Youth Enquiry Service Brixham or Watcombe Community Association.

Nigel Williams, from Anode, which received £500, said: "We will be taking over theold monastery building at the top of Berry Drive in Paignton and turn it into a familyresource centre to expand our services.

"The mayor's cash will go towards the renovation of the building."

Cllr Amil said: "We know how important financial support is to enable various projectsin the community to come to fruition, flourish and survive, so we were delighted torecommend grants of between £300 and £1,000 to 48 applicants.

"Some people will naturally be disappointed not to be successful this time around.However, we want them to know that they will have the opportunity to submit bidswhen we go through the applications process once again next year and the year afterthat.

"The Mayor's Fund is about making a difference to local people's lives in the Bay, andwe are looking forward to seeing these projects take shape."

A FACT-FINDING trip to Torbay to promote a higher interna-tional profile for Britain's Geoparks has been hailed a success.

Top officials from the UK office of international organisationUnesco were invited to the English Riviera Global Geopark and toured its top sitesincluding Kents Cavern, the Geoplay Park at Paignton and Berry Head in Brixham.

They were met by representatives of the UK Geoparks Forum which spread as far asthe Shetland Islands, the Brecon Beacons in Wales and the North Pennines.

Nick Powe, chairman of the English Riviera Geopark Organisation, said their ambitionis to get official Unesco branding for geoparks around the world.

They are currently endorsed by Unesco on an informal basis but the executive boardof Unesco are to consider this later this year.

Mr Powe said: "The meeting was a great success. This was a big moment for us.

"Not only did we have all the other UK Geoparks visiting but national levelrepresentatives from UK National Commission for UNESCO, Natural England, BritishGeological Survey, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales andothers.

"It was certainly a proud moment to be able to showcase not only our outstandingnatural environment but the tangible examples of how Torbay has used its GlobalGeopark designation to attract significant capital investment funding into the Bay.Since designation, the Geopark has helped attract £6million in funding.

"The Geoplay Park on Paignton seafront was an eye-opener for the delegates, apioneering and unique example of geological heritage being used to bring realbenefits to a local community."

Torbay mayor Gordon Oliver said: "It was a privilege to host the UK Geoparks Forum.Children from Paignton's Curledge Street Academy were inspiring as they performedthe Geopark songs about volcanoes and rocks.

"Some verses were even sung in Japanese, demonstrating that the Geopark brings areal sense of one-planet to Torbay and to our children.

"Feedback from delegates about the day was extremely positive."

Prof Iain Stewart, patron of the English Riviera Global Geopark and presenter of BBCTV's How Earth Made Us and Earth, The Power of the Planet, said: "It was wonderfulto have the opportunity to showcase Torbay's remarkable geological heritage."

Paignton’s Geo-Play Park

A NEW mini 'park' has been officially opened in the heart Foxhole, Paignton.

Blatchcombe community partnership chairman and deputy mayor, David Thomas,said: "It had been dragging on and on. I felt we had to get it done and dusted so wegot a project manager involved and it is now completed."

Picnic tables have been installed, a pathway created for pushchairs, there are twonew self-closing gates, walls have been rebuilt and rendered, pavement games havebeen marked out for youngsters and two Super Snake benches have been installed.

The opening was accompanied by music from the Miller Brothers from Paignton —Patrick, 13, and Matthew, 11 —who have been delighting shoppers with their buskingprowess. Ryan Harlyn, 14, also sang some songs. The event was opened by juniorstreet wardens Kacey Milner and Rebecca Marlow.

Cllr Thomas said: "The event was extremely successful. We had a great turnout andthe weather was kind.

"We provided free food in the form of burgers, hot dogs and chips.

"Entertainment was supplied by Wizz Bang Clowns, a face-painter, Play Torbay, RivieraChristian Centre and Animal Activity.

"A special thanks to FUN for cooking and serving the food, sponsorship from SanctuaryHousing and the Blatchcombe Community Partnership.

"We had around 200 to 300 people attend on the day, everyone was delighted with thenew look and were looking forward to the spring and a little sunshine to be able touse the new picnic tables on the grass.

"I am confident the project will be well used."

The £50,000 cost came from a Groundworks UK grant.

New Park for Paignton

From left, Cllr David Thomas, Hayley Reed, Jeanette Richards and Lynne Roberts

Paignton Newspaper Clippings

Four Seasons of Paignton

Autumn in Paignton

Spring in Paignton

Summer in Paignton

Winter in Paignton

Acknowledgements

Tim Eley Torbay In Bloom Plus Chairman

Richard Taylor Torbay Council

Herald Express

www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk

www.torbay.gov.uk

Google Maps

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Paignton in Bloom