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Fish and Chip Lunch for Torbay Dementia Action Alliance

A group of Friends of the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance (TDAA) enjoyed a delicious fish and chip lunch courtesy of Hanbury’s of Babbacombe recently.  The group of 20 consisted of carers and people who have a diagnosis of Dementia. Chairman of the TDAA, Norman McNamara, said “We had a lovely lunch and are very grateful to David Hanbury for inviting us.  Not only were the fish and chips delicious but the atmosphere was inviting, understanding and relaxing and that makes all the difference.”

David Hanbury said “It was lovely to see Norrms and the group and give them some fish and chips.  They really are a great bunch and to be able to sit down and enjoy a meal and have a chat and catch up with them all was an absolute pleasure.”

Torbay Dementia Action Alliance lunch at Hanbury's

Hanbury’s is one of many local businesses that is Dementia Aware which means that its staff have undergone training from Norman to raise awareness of dementia, its symptoms and how staff can be sensitive to those affected by it. Norman said “David has always been a supporter of the TDAA, right from day one, for which we are extremely grateful.” Norman offers this simple training to any business interested in ensuring that its staff are aware of the issues that people diagnosed with Dementia have to deal with.  It’s completely free and Norman would be delighted to hear from any businesses interested in talking more about it.

In good news for those dealing with Dementia there is now a free GPS system that will be delivered to hundreds of people shortly, thanks to Ostrich Care, which will keep people safe and well.  In fact, the national call centre for this service will be housed in Torquay which Norman is particularly pleased about.  Norman is sure that this will make a huge difference to families everywhere and urges anyone with Dementia to talk to their local care trust about the system.

For more information on the work of the TDAA visit their website at www.tdaa.co.uk

Babbacombe Inn Buffet for the Plymouth Military Wives

The Plymouth Branch of the Military Wives choir were treated to a fabulous buffet laid on by the Babbacombe Inn on Saturday night prior to their fundraising concert at Babbacombe Theatre, in aid of the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance.  The choir, their musical director, Rob Young and supporting tenor Tyrone Phillip Roth Piper, all enjoyed a delicious pre-show buffet courtesy of Babbacombe Inn owner, Martyn Strange.

The Plymouth Military Wives with Martyn Strange at the Babbcombe Inn

Martyn said “When I heard about the event I was only too happy to provide refreshments.  It worked really well as they had their rehearsals at the theatre and then popped in for tea with us before heading back over the road for the concert.”  He added “They were an absolutely delightful group and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting them all.”

Guilty or Innocent – you decide?

Babbacombe Cliff Railway and the Babbacombe and St Marychurch Local History Society have got together to create a fascinating event for locals, holidaymakers and anyone interested in the incredible story of John “Babbacombe” Lee, nicknamed “The Man They Couldn’t Hang”.

Back in 1885 John Lee was tried and convicted of the murder of his employer, Emma Keyse.  He claimed his innocence throughout and the evidence against him was said to be weak and circumstantial. Nevertheless he was found guilty and sentenced to hang.  They tried but to no avail.  This strange and very local tale will be re-told with a visit to the scene of the crime on Babbacombe Beach on Wednesday 7 August.  There you will find out all about the crime, the evidence, the court proceedings, the attempts to hang John Lee as well as the amazing sequence of events that followed.  It’s a remarkable story that has captured the imagination of many over the years including the folk-rock band Fairport Convention who, in the early 1970s, wrote a rock opera all about the tale. So, go along, find out more and see if you think that he was guilty or innocent of a crime that caused him to spend twenty years of his life in prison.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Tickets for this event are £4 each to include a return trip on Babbacombe Cliff Railway along with the full recounting of the story and John Lee’s amazing escape from the Hangman’s noose.  Tickets are available by phoning 01803 391415 and numbers in each group are limited.  There are two trips planned, 10.30am and 2.30pm.  There are some steep steps and it is advisable to wear suitable shoes.