Openers

Chad’s Charity Cycle

17-year-old Chad Nelson has a special reason for supporting The Brain Tumour Charity - he was diagnosed with a brain tumour last August. After a series of operations and treatments to drain excess fluid and treat a Cerebral Spinal Fluid infection, Chad is now stable and awaiting his next scan in April. During this hugely difficult time for Chad and his family, support has come from friends, from The Teenage and Young Adults Support Team at Derriford Hospital, and from The Brain Tumour Charity. Having joined their young person’s support group Chad is hoping to become a young ambassador for the charity, raising awareness and valuable funds. Chad’s first challenge will be a 26-mile bike ride along the River Exe from Exmouth to Dawlish, supported by his good friend Issac. Chad says, “This may not seem far to those who cycle, but for me (also carrying too much weight after all the drugs I have had) it is quite a challenge!” The cycle is expected to take place on Easter weekend subject to any government restrictions. Please help Chad to raise muchneeded funds for The Brain Tumour Charity by donating on his Just Giving page. justgiving.com/fundraising/chadcc 

New Hospital Ultrasound System

Torbay Prostate Support Association (TPSA), formed in 1999 has donated £65,000 to Torbay Hospital, which purchased a new BK3000 Ultras High Resolution Ultrasound System. President Peter Hosking said, “The funds have been raised by a truly magnificent Community effort over two years with the excellent help of so many parts of Torbay and surrounding areas.” These substantial contributors include: The Chestnut Appeal in Plymouth, the collaboration of the local Rotary Clubs, Churston Golf Club Senior Section, both Dainton and Teignmouth Golf Clubs plus Babbacombe Lions Club and Masons Clubs in Teignmouth. In addition there have been many excellent donations from individual members of the public as well as Davys House, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. The TPSA has now started fundraising to provide another piece of equipment costing approximately £17000. Any additional donations to assist the purchase would be very welcome and can be sent to Darrell Fulford at Corbyns, Ridgeway Road, Torquay Road TQ1 2HE.   tpsa.org.uk

Paignton Zoo’s New Tigers

Paignton Zoo has two new female Sumatran tigers, recently arrived from Denmark. Sisters Padme and Carrie are just under two years of age. They are at the zoo as part of a European conservation, breeding programme for this Critically Endangered species, which is overseen by ZSL London Zoo. The new stripy residents are being housed in the old lion exhibit, with the lions being moved to the old tiger paddock. The switch of enclosures has been made ahead of the arrival of two new lionesses to join the zoo’s male lion, Yali. It has enabled the zoo to do some work in the paddocks, such as pond works and on the shelters. Sumatran tigers are the smallest of all tigers and are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their stripes are closer together and their fur darker than other subspecies, allowing them to better blend into their tropical rainforest habitat. Sumatran tigers have suffered due to poaching and habitat loss, primarily for palm oil plantations.   paigntonzoo.org.uk

Dolphin Encounter

A large pod of dolphins visited the River Dart delighting local kayakers.

Editor Anita Newcombe and kayaking buddy Karen Williams were out taking their socially-distanced, regulation exercise on the River Dart on a Sunday in midJanuary when they came across a large pod of dolphins. “Suddenly they were all around us leaping joyfully and chasing fish – it was the most wonderful experience,” said Anita. The dolphins were fishing, possibly for herring and had young calves with them too, a couple of which were very small and over-excited, flipping into the air alongside Mum. Dolphin mothers are wonderful teachers and spend a lot of time teaching their young the skills they need to reach independence. The pod was playing and fishing in a big oval area between Lower Ferry and Dartmouth Castle. Anita and Karen were able to watch the dolphins for an incredible 90 minutes, paddling against the strong current to maintain their position on the river. The dolphins seemed to like the kayaks’ upriver movement and swam and leaped closely alongside for some time. Meanwhile, there was one other group of two kayakers on the water, observing this extraordinary spectacle plus a crowd of onlookers on Bayard’s Cove. At one point three picket boats from Britannia Royal Naval College came past and passengers on the Lower Ferry also got a good look at the show. 

Co nswell £975,000 Freehold With outstanding rural views extending to the far distance of Dartmoor, the property o ers a beautifully appointed home, sitting in extensive gardens. The accommodation is arranged over one oor, approached through an entrance vestibule and hallway with a living room extending to a balcony capturing the views, a dining room/conservatory, utility, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, en-suite shower, separate bathroom. Integral garage, parking. EPC Rating – F

Torquay

£900,000 Freehold With gracious architectural features, the property o ers the rare opportunity to acquire a Grade II listed property. The accommodation has 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast, utility and laundry, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Excellent cellarage. Tented canopy veranda, gardens leading to the park, double garage. EPC Rating – D

Torquay

£895,000 Freehold With parklike gardens, the property o ers a detached home presented in excellent order. The accommodation has a reception hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and utility with a conservatory accessed from the hallway opening to a terrace. To the rst oor are 4 bedrooms, en-suite bathroom and bathroom. Detached garage. EPC Rating – D