Make a Difference

All around the country thousands of people will be volunteering this weekend to "Make a Difference" in their communities. Here in Torquay, Friends of the Churchyard will be celebrating the 6th anniversary of their first work party on Saturday with an autumn clear up. That was the day 6 years ago when this group started to make an enormous difference in their surrounding community. An area that was virtually a no-go zone, only frequented by drunks and drug users, is now more like a parkland and has just been awarded "Outstanding" in the It's Your Neighbourhood category of South West in Bloom. All who walk through or visit it now feel safe and welcome, from small children to elderly dog walkers, from tourists to those researching their family history.

The group would welcome anyone who wishes to come along and help with their work in looking after the original churchyard in Torquay, that dates back to Celtic times. No gardening experience is necessary though please bring gardening gloves if you have any. Jobs will include cutting back the native edible hedging, pruning the blackberries, and washing down the wooden memorial crosses ready for Remembrance Sunday. Everything kicks off at 10-30am and will go through to about 1-30pm, with a break for coffee and yummy homemade cakes! So get along to the churchyard at the corner of Lucius St and St Efrides Road this Saturday!

Phone 01803 389288 or email churchyardfriends@hotmail.co.uk