Play Torbay Newsletter Summer 23
Welcome to the summer term newsletter. Goodness me. Isn’t this year just flying by? There is so much going on that if you blink, you’ll miss it. Just in case you blinked, here is a brief catch up of all this term’s news.
Indigos Play & Ecology Centre
Over the past few months there has been a massive effort to develop Indigos Play & Ecology centre. The site has been transformed into something special including the installation of a new large poly tunnel and shed as well as the moving the PlayPod within our grounds too. Although the poly tunnel is still pretty much a blank canvas it’s already been put to good use and proved its worth during the Coronation Breakfast when it poured down all morning. Not that that stopped anyone enjoying the day. There was food, hot drinks, music, seating and most importantly, a really lovely atmosphere. We are looking forward to integrating it more into the events and sessions there.
We recently had a fantastic day celebrating the official launch of Indigos Play and Ecology Centre at our Green Marketplace Event on 1st July which saw the award-winning environmental storyteller Martin Maudsley - telling stories and with a dozen different stalls and a chance to find out from members of the Imagine this… environmental impact group about the different ways people are tackling climate change across the Bay
We’re moved !
After a lot of hard work by lots of people we have finally moved in to our new home. Play Torbay now officially lives at Indigos. The address, if you want to send a happy new home card (just kidding), or anything else is: Rowan Way, Brixham, TQ5 0BS
Forest School
The Forest School is going from strength to strength. The feedback from parents has been amazing. Mel spoke at the AGM about the work she, Emily and James have been doing at the forest school and the impact it is having on not only the children but also the parents who attend with their children.
She has explained that the forest school isn’t just a quick dip into nature but a longer term process which takes place in the natural environment and in all weathers. Rather than just learning about nature she takes a holistic approach and works with the children on both physical and emotional growth.
As the group has developed Mel has noticed that the children and their parents have become more relaxed, and supportive of each other, sharing ideas and experiences and they have engaged with the entire concept. Some parents have become more involved by taking on fundraising and one has even raised over £1000.
AGM 2023
Thirty people attended Play Torbay’s Annual General Meeting on the 18th May which included some fascinating presentations including:
Karen, the Chair of the Trustees providing an overview of the work of Play Torbay in the precious twelve months
Tempy and James, both on Junior Placements, talking about about they had attended HAF sessions and how it inspired them to become play workers.
Mel talking about the work of the Forest School and it’s achievements so far.
Steve, one of our trustees, talking about the value of creating playful spaces and how far Play Torbay has come since it began and how attitudes to play have changed over the years.
Sarah Pengelly providing information about HAF, healthy holidays, activities and food provision and moving towards a more child friendly Torbay.
Outreach Play Sessions
Thank to funding from Sanctuary Housing we have been able to start delivering weekly play sessions at Foxhole at the Crafty Fox Café which have been really well received so far and is ongoing to the summer holidays.
Over the past two months we have been holding weekly play sessions for asylum seeker children who have been living in the Abbey Sands hotel. This included providing a range of play and craft activities which the parents have enjoyed as much as the children. Thanks to Tonic Creatives for securing a small grant to buy play items as the playground at the hotel had been closed off to them. Sadly, on the 19th June they have been moved to other locations around the country.
Wild Fox Fire
You may have heard that there was a fire at Wild Fox. Youths set fire to the shed causing a huge amount of damage. Thank you to the many staff and volunteers who worked above and beyond to sort out the mess. The Foxhole Community Centre has been really supportive and are halpeing us with the delivery of our food for our summer sessions so with this inmind we are aiming to get the site up and running for the Summer Holidays.
Life Time Achievment Award
Tanny Stobart. Director of Play Torbay was nominated for an award in an inspiring night of celebration at the Torbay Weekly Business Awards on 15th June at which almost 300 people attended. After much waiting through the different categories she was finally presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her inspirational work championing young people in the community. Well done Tanny.
