Sarah Greenslade & e Seal Project

Flame was a stunning seal with distinctive orange markings. He became quite famous after appearing on Brixham posters and was another of Sarah’s favourites. Flame often used to relax on Brixham Breakwater’s steps and later was to be found hanging around the harbour in Torquay. In May 2020 Sarah was called to a report

of a dead seal at a cove in Torquay “and she was saddened to discover it was Flame. However, sick or injured seals can often be helped and Sarah regularly responds to calls from British Divers Marine Life Rescue who co-ordinate all the incidents.

In winter, many of the seals gather by Brixham Marina’s wavescreen to mate and moult and socialise. A seal called Flower has been seen both in Brixham and at Padstow, making it back to Brixham again in just 3 days. Sarah says, “Lots of the seals are readily identifiable.” Regulars include ‘Fingers Crossed’ a real beauty who has a special spot near the wavescreen. Then there’s ‘Four Point Star’ who likes to chill at the back of the Fish Market, collecting delicious, fishy scraps when the boats’ ice buckets are emptied.

Sammy the Seal is legendary in Babbacombe where she is very habituated and often fed. Beware though – seals are not pets and it is unwise to try and pat them; a tourist staying in Babbacombe did and ended up in Torbay Hospital with a nasty bite. Nevertheless seals do often seem to enjoy engaging with people, as long as it’s on their own terms.

The general advice is to give seals plenty of space, especially important when they are on land. If you are on the water and see seals basking on rocks, give them a very wide berth to avoid panicking them into launching themselves into the water. This can cause shock and severe

injuries. Water users such as sea kayakers will often see seals but it’s very important not to approach them or feed them. Sarah does sometimes have to rescue seals that are injured and get them to a seal sanctuary for treatment. On one memorable occasion she had covered an injured seal with a towel, holding it with Her favourite seal at the both hands as part of the rescue moment is ‘Easter Bunny’ process when she realised her phone who she initially spotted was about to fall into the water. She with plastic around its then had to decide – save the seal neck. She now sees him or the phone? The seal’s welfare 8-10 times a month won and it was placed in a cage hanging out at Brixham for transport to the seal hospital. Breakwater. Luckily, on this occasion the phone survived as well. The Seal Project became a registered charity in 2020. Early supporters were the 365 Sea Swim Challenge, and Brixham Marina. Sarah gives many illustrated talks at places like Fishcombe Cove plus schools, colleges, and groups. Audiences find it fascinating that large numbers of seals live in a big fishing port like Brixham. Sarah’s car is permanently full of kit, either for the rescue of sick seals or storing items like skeletons and flippers for her seal talks. Sarah reveals, “I spend more time on The Seal Project than anything else these days. I’m often up at 5am looking for seals before work and in the evenings too.” Sarah’s partner Lee has bought a survey boat to support the project and this helps the couple get out and spot more seals. More volunteers are needed; if you’re interested or would like to book a talk just get in touch via the website. Sarah says, “I love seeing seals - I can pinpoint days in the year when they will suddenly reappear. Where do they go when they depart? That’s the million dollar question...   thesealproject.org

TORBAY RNLI Kilimanjaro FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

Torbay RNLI, one of the UK’s busiest lifeboat stations has launched its Kilimanjaro Challenge 2023 in a bid to raise a whopping £60,000. You can support their intrepid crew now!

If climbing the world’s highest freestanding mountain is not enough to aim for, the Torbay crew has bravely accepted a relay of challenges including skydiving, endurance swimming, cycling, rowing and driving throughout 2022. en in February 2023, the 8 oldest crewmembers will be braving the extreme altitude and hugely challenging conditions to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby is leading the organisation of the fundraiser. He told us, ‘Myself and eight other volunteers at Torbay RNLI are all approaching our retirement ages from active RNLI duties over the next few years. We’ve all been a part of the station for such a long time, it felt right to make sure we ended with a bang, so we came up with the idea to climb Kilimanjaro! It’s not going to be easy, as our average age is 60! But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to be able to raise money for Torbay RNLI where we’ve volunteered for decades, is so important to us. e idea grew into a relay so the whole crew can be involved and it’s going to be a huge team e ort.” e eight volunteers climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are: crew members Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby, Richard Fowler, Roger Good, Simon James, Gary Fletcher, Richard Burden, Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick O’Brien, and Lifeboat Medical Advisor Dr Rob Bromige. Collectively they have an average age of 60 and an incredible 193 years of volunteering experience.

Also retiring from service in the next few years is coxswain Mark Criddle OBE. Mark has volunteered since 1988, becoming full time coxswain in 2005. As one of the RNLI’s most decorated and experienced coxswains, his exemplary leadership and seamanship has seen him launch on service as coxswain to over 500 shouts, and in 2018 his contribution was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mark will be taking part in a number of the amazing challenges during 2022. e rst daring fundraising endeavour is at Dunkerswell air eld in Devon on 22 May where a number of brave crew will be jumping out of an aeroplane at 15,000 feet. Next is a 200 mile cycle in June, a 12 mile sea swim in July, 60 mile row in September and a driving challenge in November, before the eight-strong team travels to Africa and begins the nine-day summit attempt. A ag stitched with the leading sponsors names will be passed at the end of each task to the next team leader until it is eventually raised

at the summit of 5,895-metre high Mt Kilimanjaro.

Although all the crew are involved, tasks will be shared across di erent teams, so over the entire duration of the relay Torbay RNLI’s lifeboats will remain fully operational and ready to respond to any emergency. e crew is largely self-funding the challenges themselves, enabling all public donations to go towards the £60,000 target.

The Kilimanjaro Team and some Lifeboat Memorable Moments

Gary Fletcher has had plenty of amazing lifeboat stories but particularly remembers the crew’s rescue of a round-the world non-stop young sailor. The young man’s yacht was dismasted in the channel and he ended up with Gary as the fi rst human he had seen for 7 months, rather than the girlfriend he was hoping to see.

Richard Fowler remembers rescuing a young family in very reduced visibility. As the Torbay Lifeboat loomed out of the fog, the hugely relieved look on the mother’s face was priceless. “He says, “Nothing can reward you more than instances like this.”

Nick O’Brien says, “It has all been eventful - every job is different - being with like-minded committed volunteers is the standout for me.”

Richard Burden says, I suppose one area that I love with the involvement with the Torbay crew is the fact that of the 30 crew at least 60% are former students that I have taught in the past. Some are more senior (in fact many) to me on the boat and they are now the teachers. Education has come full circle and they are now sharing their knowledge with me.”

Dr Rob Bromige says, “When I retire from the RNLI I will miss most that feeling of being part of an exciting organisation whose aim is to help others.”

Roger Good says, ‘‘I have lots of happy memories. I love jumping from the lifeboat to the casualty on a shout and helping them out. It’s very satisfying to see a panicking face turn into a relieved and happy one.”

Simon James remembers being on the lifeboat in big conditions but managing to escape the security of the wheelhouse for a quick pee. He was rewarded with the sight of a group of dolphins looking at him from the top of a towering wave crest, within a mountain of water with phosphorescence all around them. In the moment, it felt like they were guardian angels keeping the crew safe.

Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby’s memorable story is when the Torbay crew rescued two guys aboard their brand-new yacht, which had run into diffi culty on the Skerries Bank, about 12 miles south of Berry Head. After several attempts in diffi cult conditions they established a tow and took them into Dartmouth. Had they not been there to offer assistance the yacht would have run aground with a potentially disastrous outcome. to offer assistance the yacht would have run aground with a potentially disastrous outcome.

The fundraisers in their Helly Hansen mountaineering kit

e event’s lead sponsor is Inter-Line, a Torbay-based building supplies company; they have contributed signi cantly towards preparatory logistical and fundraising costs. Helly Hansen has also made a signi cant contribution towards the specialist mountain-climbing clothing needed.

SPONSORS are still invited to come forward. Please contact ianbarnaby8@gmail.com

Barney says, ‘We are reaching out to our local Torbay community, both individuals and businesses, and to wider regional supporters. You can follow our progress through Torbay RNLI’s social media channels.

TO DONATE visit justgiving.com/campaign/ RNLITorbayKili23 

NEW!

Farm Park & Play

Occombe Farm’s brand-new Farm Park & Play will make the grown-ups seriously popular with their children for some perfect family fun!

Occombe Farm Park & Play is a brilliant new family attraction with a huge Play Barn, Animal Encounters Barn and Animal Paddocks Trail. Here you can cuddle the cutest bunnies and guinea pigs and chuckle with the naughty goats. You can have fun watching the bouncy, grey-faced Dartmoor sheep and spot the di erent breeds of chickens including some very cool and super u y Silkies! ere’s a couple of very pretty Shetland ponies too. e new indoor play barn is destined to become a regular favourite for families comprising a unique space for outdoor play - indoors! Children can give free rein with magical make-believe, daring escapades and imaginary adventures. Representing the Bay’s stunning landscapes, there are cli faces to scramble up, a giant shell to climb inside, slides to soar down, a shipwreck to clamber over, even a woodland area with musical trees. Each area has its own lighting and soundscape; seashore sounds on the shipwreck, underwater sounds in the seashell. e giant barn is designed for exploring and

inspiring children aged 2–12 years – and it’s warm with under oor heating!

You’ll be able to meet bunnies and guinea pigs in the Animal Encounters Barn, and there will sometimes be babies: lambs, calves and chicks. Daily activities will include supervised handling, feeding, talks and demonstrations and these will change weekly and seasonally. See the animals in their paddocks, feed them their favourite snacks and watch the Trust team as they complete their daily tasks. Tickets can be bought in advance on the website or on the day at Occombe Farm. For regular visits, purchase an Occombe Annual Pass and enjoy unlimited entry for a whole year.

At the heart of the farm is Occombe Farm Café. e scrumptious menu is crammed with delicious homemade dishes, bakes and treats. You can drop by for breakfast, lunch or simply just tea and cake. No visit is complete without a good browse around the delightful Occombe Farm Shop. is large, attractively laid-out store is jampacked with local produce sourced from across Devon and the West Country, with a high quality range of toys and gifts too.

A visit to Occombe Farm is an outing that contributes towards Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s conservation work in Torbay. e charity cares for over 1,700 acres of Torbay’s most beautiful natural spaces. ese include places like: Cockington Country Park, Berry Head National Nature Reserve and lots of wildlife-friendly woodlands, meadows, pathways and bridleways around Torbay. It’s for nature and for people. Good times that do good! Check the website for opening details before travelling.   occombe.co.uk