Torridge 5x30 Community Activator, Jessica Christie supported a Community Arts Play Day in Bideford in July which was organised by the Community Arts Network. The event was free for everyone and included, healthy eating, puppet shows, crafts, and hula hoop and dance workshops which were provided by 5x30.

A new skate ramp by the quay in Appledore was officially opened on June 14th. The new ramp was a result of partnership working and funding between Torridge District Council and Northam Town Council, and The Big Lottery.

5x30 Community Activator, Jessica Christie supported the launch event by teaching street dance to a group of young children who then performed a routine as part of the proceedings.

We have successfully set up Torridge walk and Talk. The program now offers 3 walks a week and an added level 3 walk once a month. Numbers are slowly growing and everybody involved has given great feedback. One of the things that seems to echo through the groups is the pleasure they get from socialising and making new friends. We plan to take this project forward and recruit further walk leaders to aid in the delivery of more walks in the area.

Dance is growing all over the South West and in response to this, we have set up a Samba dance club which is solely run by participants. I initially taught the group the moves and hired the hall but after that it was up to everyone to research new moves and add their ideas. We charge £1 to cover the cost of hiring the hall and if there is any left we put towards covering the cost when not so many turn up. This is working really well so far and they aim to perform in the local carnival alongside a live Samba band.

As part of National bike week 5x30 and Torridge District Council have set a challenge for everyone around Torridge District to take part in, which aims to see who cycles the furthest to work. There are 3 prizes which include a months free spin classes at Michele Whites fitness centre in Bideford, a £20 gift token for Firebird and a bottle of wine and portable radio with headset from ASDA, plus the winners get to have their photo taken at the Tour of Britain event when they come to Bideford. This is a very exciting challenge as we are looking to link this in to bike projects happening all over Torridge in the future.

For more information and a registration form please contact Jessica Christie Tel: 07837 663628 or Email: j.christie@westbankfriends.org

http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php