This is our new

Library…..

With the opening of our newly refurbished library on Monday 25 November, this is a time to celebrate renewal and the rebirth of our much-loved library. Over the last four weeks, painters and decorators, carpet fitters, electricians, handymen and library staff have been busy making our library fit for purpose for the 21^st century. Having been involved myself all those years ago in the planning and fitting out of Brixham Library, it is hard to believe that it all happened 26 years ago. With it’s clean and bright new lines, we’re sure that what has been done will tempt you back. Yes, it will look different and changes have been made, but Emma, Sarah, Michelle and Rebecca will be there to help you and to show you around if you can’t find what you are looking for.

Christmas Coffee                      morning

Our next coffee morning is on Friday 6 December between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. To give it a special Christmas feel we are hoping for a visit by the children from Furzeham School to sing some carols for us. So why not come along and join is some seasonal fun to start the festive period?

Christmas Music & Song

Our local choir Quay Harmony with their guests are holding their annual Christmas Concert in the library on Wednesday 11 December 2019 with doors opening at 19.00pm. Tickets are £6.00 to FoBL members and £8.00 for Non-FoBL members. These will be available in the library from Monday 25 November or by calling 01803 853870 / 858181. There will be a licensed bar and a raffle, with all proceeds being given to FoBL. Donations for the Christmas Raffle Hampers would be much appreciated and can be handed in at the library.

The Wine Loft

Recently, a group from FoBL enjoyed a wine tasting at The Wine Loft, Middle Street Brixham. As James & Clare talked through a selection of wines with appropriate canapes, a most enjoyable evening was had by all. This was our first group visit and we look forward to arranging further events with this delightful and helpful couple. However, please don’t wait for our next event there as you will receive a huge welcome and will be amazed at what is on offer.

And finally………

As autumn turns to winter, this is always a time to consider sitting down by the fireside with a good book and leaving the cold outside. Whether it be with your children or grandchildren or even just yourself, there is nothing like reading to let the pressures and strains of our modern world just disappear for a short while.

Alasdair Anderson – Chairman, The Friends of Brixham Library

25 November 2019

Library Refurbishment

The present Brixham Library building opened in the autumn of 1993 and it is a credit to project team of the time that the building has worked so well with very little expenditure on repairs and maintenance over the years. Funds of £54,000 have become available to enable a partial refurbishment to take place, resulting in the library being closed for a short period of time from 13.00pm on Saturday 26.10.19 and reopening at 9.30am on Monday 25.11.19. These funds have been specifically put aside for spending on Brixham Library as part of developer’s contributions to the Brixham community. This is an opportunity to have a spring clean and revitalise the library making it an even better space that can be valued by all in Brixham. Amongst other things the library will be redecorated internally in all public spaces, carpet replaced, and improvements made on the ground floor as well as some minor shelving changes on the first floor. Both the library staff and FoBL have been busy fund raising to help make the improvements that are required take place. FoBL will be helping to fund some new furniture in the childrens library and the cost of refurbishing the meetings room on the first floor. Following the success of the regular coffee mornings FoBL will be funding a coffee counter on wheels. Currently, FoBL’s contribution towards these purchases and improvements is estimated at about £4,500. FoBL kindly acknowledges a donation of £100.00 from the Rotary in Brixham towards the cost of replacement childrens stools.

This is a one-off opportunity to keep the library looking at its best as well as maintaining its appeal to one and all. If you would like to make a donation towards this project, please pop into the library or call the library on 01803 853870.

Upcoming Events

Winter Thrushes on Dartmoor with Mike Langman – Friday 1 November, 10.00am – 13.00pm
Meet at Shipley Bridge (nr South Brent) car park below the Avon Dam. Join Mike for another of his interesting walks and talks as he points out local bird and wildlife life along the way. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and to book a place on the walk, the charge is £8.00 for FoBL members and £10.00 for non-FoBL members and they are available from the library.

Christmas Dates for your diary:

Christmas Coffee Morning on Friday 6 December between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. This is always a special library morning with Christmas stalls, music from a local school choir and of course lovely coffee and cake.

Quay Harmony Ladies Choir Concert on Wednesday 11 December 2019 starting at 19.00pm
We are so pleased to welcome Quay Harmony for their annual Christmas concert and are delighted they have chosen Brixham Library as this year’s Christmas venue. Tickets, £6.00 to FoBL members and £8.00 for non-FoBL members, are available from the library and also from choir members. During the concert there will be a raffle with all proceeds going to the library.

Donations towards Christmas Hampers requested please –
Quay Harmony will be holding a Christmas raffle at their carol concert and are making up Christmas hampers for the winning prizes. Donations of anything that would be suitable for a hamper would be very much appreciated and can be handed into the library marked ‘Quay Harmony Christmas hamper’ by Wednesday 4 December please. Whether large or small everything helps when making up these hampers and the sum of the whole always makes for some fantastic winning prizes. All proceeds from the raffle on the night will be given to FoBL funds

Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
We received a wonderful thank you letter from Macmillan after the coffee morning in aid of macMillan Cancer. The thanks rightly go to everyone who supported such a good cause.

The coffee morning was also an opportunity to present FoBL member Mike Tulloch with his winning prize guessing the number of steps taken on the recent Memory Walk between Babbacombe and Torquay. The official total was 12,226 steps and Mike was the closest guess with a margin of 24 steps.

Feedback from FoBL’s recent trip to the Met Office in Exeter
Earlier this month a number of FoBL members took the opportunity to take part in an arranged visit to the Met Office in Exeter. Tours these days only take place on specified open days and we were able to arrange for a party of 12 to visit. Located on the outskirts of Exeter, this purpose-built building which became its home after moving the whole business down from Bracknell in the 1990’s, in itself is very interesting. Having been myself it is a complete revelation to be introduced to all that goes on in this building. Already feedback suggests that we should try and arrange further trips inspired by such comments as:

Just to say thank you for arranging the Met Office trip. It was so interesting, I really enjoyed it.

A really enjoyable and very informative visit. I’m so glad I went.

If you have any ideas for future FoBL trips, activities and events do let us know. Even better if you are also happy to help organise them for us. This can be done by letting our Events Organiser Helen know leaving your contact details and or suggestion in the library for her attention.

And finally….Every picture tells a story!!

Congratulations….

At the recent Annual Meeting for the staff of Libraries Unlimited, Emma Aydemir our wonderful Brixham Library Manager was recognised in a ‘Making a Difference Staff Award’ for Creativity & Innovation. Congratulations from FoBL for this wonderful achievement. There is nothing better than to be recognised by your peers for the contribution you make to an organisation and Emma, this is richly deserved.

Dementia Friendly Walks

The Friends of Brixham Library support people with dementia, their family and friends and carers through their fortnightly programme of walks around Brixham Harbour. Dementia is a terrible disease that can attack any function of the brain. As a result, living with dementia brings challenges for anyone diagnosed with the disease and for their family and friends. However, with support and understanding it is possible to live well with dementia. What people with dementia share in common is that they want to continue to do the things that they enjoy for as long as they can.

The Alzheimer’s Society promotes the message that a healthy lifestyle features a varied diet, regular exercise and not smoking can reduce your risk of developing dementia.

If you are interested in walking with us on a Friday morning starting at 10.30am, we meet by the Golden Hind next to the Old Fish Market on Brixham Harbour. We take a leisurely stroll around the harbour towards the harbour arm, stopping along the way if required and then return before enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the local cafes. All are welcome but if you require any further information please contact Mike O’Donnell Tel: 01803 844013. Our next walks are on Fridays 4, 18, October; 1, 15, 29, November & 13 December 2019.

First Friday of the Month Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning is being held on Friday 4 October between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. As last year due to a number of requests we are devoting half the money raised to Macmillan Nursing in recognition for the all the good work that they do.

Please note that as there will be no coffee morning in November whilst the library is closed for refurbishment the date has been brought forward to Friday 25 October 2019 between 10.00 -12.00 noon.

Please make a note in your diary of this change.

Library Refurbishment

The present Brixham Library building opened in the autumn of 1993 and it is a credit to project team of the time that the building has worked so well with very little expenditure on repairs and maintenance over the years. Funds of £54,000 have become available to enable a partial refurbishment to take place, resulting in the library being closed for a short period of time from 13.00pm on Friday 25.10.19 and reopening at 9.30am on Monday 25.11.19. These funds have been specifically put aside for spending on Brixham Library as part of developer’s contributions to the Brixham community. This is an opportunity to have a spring clean and revitalise the library making it an even better space that can be valued by all in Brixham. Amongst other things the library will be redecorated internally in all public spaces, carpet replaced, and improvements made on the ground floor as well as some minor shelving changes on the first floor. Both the library staff and FoBL have been busy fund raising to help make the improvements that are required take place. FoBL will be helping to fund some new furniture in the childrens library and the cost of refurbishing the meetings room on the first floor. Following the success of the regular coffee mornings FoBL will be funding a coffee counter on wheels. Currently, FoBL’s contribution towards these purchases and improvements is estimated at about £4,500. FoBL kindly acknowledges a donation of £100.00 from the Rotary in Brixham towards the cost of replacement childrens stools.

This is a one-off opportunity to keep the library looking at its best as well as maintaining its appeal to one and all. If you would like to make a donation towards this project, please pop into the library or call the library on 01803 853870.

Events programme – up until the end of the year

(Copies are available in the Library)

Visit to the Met Office – Saturday 5 October

This event has proved extremely popular and was already fully booked. However, we hope to arrange a further visit in the New Year so keep your eyes peeled for fresh dates.

Winter Thrushes on Dartmoor with Mike Langman – Friday 1 November, 10.00am – 13.00pm

Meet at Shipley Bridge (nr South Brent) car park below the Avon Dam. Join Mike for another of interesting and walks and talks as he points out local bird and wildlife life along the way. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and to book a place on the walk the charge is £8.00 for FoBL members and £10.00 for non-FoBL members and they are available from the library.

Resuscitation Training – Friday 8 November 2019, 10.00am – 12.00 noon. (FREE Course)

Unfortunately, this training session was postponed earlier in the year, but we are pleased to see a new date in the calendar for this very practical training session. To ensure a place, please book your space and register your name in the library. Whilst this is a FREE course, if you would like to make a donation towards library funds you will be able to do so.

Wine Tasting at ‘The Wine Loft’ – Wednesday 20 November 2019, 18.00 – 20.00pm

This is a first for us in a new venue for FoBL. Over the course of the evening there will be a blind tasting of five different wines, a different canapé per person for each wine, a wine talk from James Brown (the owner of the Wine Loft) and a fun wine quiz and a final revelation of the blind wines tasted.

Please note that as this is a tasting no one is allowed to stick to their preferred tipple, and you will be offered both red and white wines during the evening. Seating is only available on stools, but the owners Claire & James will make you feel very welcome. Finally, should you wish to purchase a bottle or two to take away on the night then they will be happy to offer a 10% discount on any purchase.

Tickets cost £18.00 for FoBL members and £20.00 for non-FoBL members and are available from the library. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 so avoid disappointment early booking and payment is advised.

Christmas Dates for your diary:

Christmas Coffee Morning on Friday 6 December between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. This is always a special library morning with Christmas stalls, music from a local school choir and of course lovely coffee and cake.

Quay Harmony Ladies Choir Concert on 11 December 2019 starting at 19.00pm

We are so pleased to welcome Quay Harmony for their annual Christmas concert and are delighted they have chosen Brixham Library as this year’s Christmas venue. Tickets are £6 for members, £8 non members, and available from the library and also from choir members. During a concert there will be a raffle with all proceeds going to the library.

May I take this opportunity to welcome new members to FoBL and particularly to introduce three new members who have joined the committee since our AGM in July.

Helen Kelly is our new Events Co-Ordinator. She writes:

I worked as anurse for over 40 years and retired to Brixham in 2016, which I am certainly not regretting. I enjoy gardening / visiting NT houses and gardens. I love cruising and have recently returned from a cruise to Russia and looking forward to my cruise next year to Japan.

I enjoy reading and that is why I do voluntary work in Brixham library. I do enjoy meeting people and so also do voluntary work in the English Riviera tourist information centre in Torquay. Looking forward to being involved with the Friends of the Library

Helen will be working closely with Emma in the library on our events programme for next year. If you have any ideas for future events and activities, she would be very interested. Please leave a note in the library marked for her attention.

Angie Robson is our new Membership Secretary. She writes:

Hi, I’m Angie Robson your new membership secretary, a role I am delighted to fulfil. Some of my family have lived and worked in Torbay for well over 70 years so retiring to Brixham was a bit like coming home! I was in education for 42 years, the last 14 as a non-teaching deputy of a large primary school in Solihull, West Midlands. I am passionate about community involvement and an avid reader so I hope I will be able to be an active, positive, committee member.

Hilary Bligh is our new Committee Member. She writes:

I am Hilary Bligh and have lived in Brixham for most of my life. I have always been an avid reader who has continually used Brixham Library and have vivid, happy memories of time spent in the “old library” and our current one. As a retired teacher I have totally understood the value of our library resources for children and wish to be on a committee that promotes and continues this. I also wish to be part of the group that helps the library become a vibrant centre that organises events to encourage all ages to use and enjoy this valuable resource in Brixham.

Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew Quay Concerts

For three Tuesday evenings last month, Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew performed down on the old Fish Quay on Brixham Harbour. These free concerts raised nearly £500 shared between FoBL and Brixham Museum. Despite inclement weather, the sun seemed to make its appearance on each evening at the appropriate time, so the crew were blessed as people stopped by to hear them sing. They have really appreciated your support and have thoroughly enjoyed helping to raise funds in this way.

First Friday Coffee Morning

We meet again at the Library on Friday 6 September between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. By popular request, we hope to have mystery book parcels available for purchase. Do please tell your friends, family and neighbours about this diary date and we look forward to seeing you there.

Fundraising Memory Walk

On Saturday 21 September, FoBL is planning a walk from Babbacombe via the coastal path back to Torquay to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The plan is to meet outside Babbacombe theatre at 11.00am. Please bring your own packed lunch and a drink with you for a lunch stop along the way. Suitable footwear and clothing is advised because of the footpath terrain and the weather on the day. For more information please contact Michael O’Donnell Tel: 01803 844013. Although we are hoping that those partaking will be sponsored this is entirely voluntary and hopefully will be an enjoyable walk and day out.

More dates for your diary: 

Osprey Watch with Mike Langman       Friday 6^th September 10am – 1pm

A walk from Powderham Church to the Turf Locks Pub approx. 2.4miles flat there and back along the Exe Estuary watching – we hope – the migrating Osprey feeding before their long flight.

 Exclusive tour of Paignton Zoo   Tuesday 19^th September, 10.30am

Steve Nash, Group Educational Manger for Paignton Zoo will be giving a talk about the history of Paignton Zoo, then you will be able to see the old parts of the Zoo no longer open to the public and meet the lovely animals.

Explore the Met Office   Saturday 5^th October, 3pm

Discover more about the weather forecasting and climate research on a guided tour of the modern Met Office headquarters in Exeter.

Skittles and The Skipper     Friday 11^th October, 7pm start

Following the success of last year’s skittle night, join the Friends again for a fun social evening of skittles. Enjoy a light buffet (with chips) and see who will be crowned best bowler this year!

And Finally….

On Tuesday (16th) the Friends of Brixham Library met for their Annual General Meeting and were delighted when 44 of their members turned up on a very warm and summery evening. Their Chairman, Alasdair Anderson reported that the Friends were in good shape and reflecting on the past year that their regular first Friday of the month coffee mornings were being well attended along with growing participation in the ‘Walking for Health walks’ on a Monday morning and a Tuesday afternoon. At the same time interest in the fortnightly Dementia Friendly walks was growing.

Along with the libraries own programme of events and activities there is something for everyone. Perhaps the most inspiring of all has been the completion of the lottery funded project to record the gravestones in St Mary’s Churchyard, Higher Brixham. With over 15,000 names now recorded and checked over a two-year period, this will be of interest to all archivists, family historians and those with an interest in Brixham history. The evening also included a very interesting illustrated talk by Lynn Williams on ‘Malawi: the warm heart of Africa’. Lynn’s work and knowledge from her three visits there captivated the audience and made a lively finish to the evening.

The library now looks forward to its activities over the summer holidays for children and young people with their ‘Sea Levels of Book Quest’ and their annual Summer Reading Challenge. Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew will be down on the Old Fish Quay, Brixham Harbour for three FREE evening concerts on Tuesdays 30 July & 6 & 13 August between 20.00 – 21.00pm. There will be voluntary collections in aid of both FoBL and Brixham Museum, the crew’s chosen local good causes.

For the full Chairman’s Report click here

For the full Minutes click here

For more information about any of the above events & activities please visit Brixham Library, Market Street, Brixham, TQ5 8EU or tel: 01803 853870

Alasdair Anderson,

Chairman, The Friends of Brixham Library

Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning is on Friday 5 July between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. Our theme this month will be tennis as it coincides with Wimbledon fortnight. So why not come along and treat yourselves to some seasonal goodies along with your cup of coffee.

A huge thank you to all involved in last months coffee morning with our theme of ‘Brixham Library back to the 1940s’. This is also an opportunity to thank John Brennan and his team for all that they did during the week of D-Day Commemorations here in Brixham. We are not aware of many other communities along the south coast that had nine days of activities and events and the town should be proud of what it accomplished.

Forthcoming FoBL Events

Boules & Finger Buffet – Berry Head Hotel Thursday 4 July from 6.00pm – If you have a competitive streak or just like to join in a bit of fun, then why not come along and join the Friends for an evening of boules. Previous experience is not required. The event will be hosted at the Berry Head Hotel and after games have finished there will be a finger buffet. Tickets cost £11.00 for FoBL members & £12.50 for Non-FoBL members and must be purchased in advance by Wednesday 26 June. All are welcome and to secure a place please make your booking in the library.

Sailing trip on the Vigilance – Saturday 13 July 9.30am – 1.00pm – this has become an annual event as that allows FoBL members & their friends an opportunity to experience sailing on one of Brixham very own fishing trawlers under sail. Tickets cost £23.00 for FoBL members & £26.00 for non-FoBL members and must be purchased in advance by Saturday 6 July, numbers are limited so make sure you book early. No previous experience is required, and you can either join in working alongside the crew or just enjoy a trip aboard. Wind & waterproof apparel along with rubber soled shoes are advised. Once again if you require further information please ask in the library.

Please note that tickets and reservations for events must be made at the Library as they manage the events lists. If you try and book via the FoBL e-mail, you may miss out on your ticket.

Illustrated Talk by Lin Williams and  FoBL AGM Tuesday 16 July 18.15 – 20.30pm – we are very privileged to have Lin join us giving an illustrated talk about the work being done in Malawi among schools and women’s groups. Come and discover Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa.  This is a FREE event and refreshments will be provided during the evening.

Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew singing on the Old Fish Quay, Brixham Harbour – 30 July, 6 & 13 August 20.00 – 21.00pm. To help raise funds for FoBL and Brixham Museum, the crew will be hosting their own FREE concerts down under the Old Fish Quay by the Golden Hind on Brixham Harbour. Singing a wide selection of shanties and sea songs, their repertoire takes you back to a bygone age when times were very different. So do encourage family, friends and neighbours to come along and join in the fun and bring your folding chairs with you so you can sit back and enjoy the evening ambiance down by the harbour.

Libraries for Today & Tomorrow

Ciara Eastell, former Chief Executive of Libraries unlimited recently made an impassioned plea for libraries for the 21^st century. The following link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=14s&v=Tvt-lHZBUwU enables you to have an opportunity to hear what she has to say and you’ll make your own judgement but she certainly has my vote!!

Events Co-Ordinator

The Friends of Brixham Library are actively looking for a person or persons to act as their Event’s Co-Ordinator. Working alongside the staff in Brixham Library they will help to put together future events programmes for FoBL as well as organising the detail and requirements for each event as they take place. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone with time on their hands who would like to get involved in community related activities and to encourage interest and the use of Brixham Library. The position is as a volunteer, but the rewards are great, having the opportunity to join the committee as well as working alongside people with a genuine interest in libraries and their important role in today’s society. There will be plenty of opportunity to realise ideas for events for young children to older members. If this is something that interests you, please leave your name and contact details in Brixham Library indicating your interest. This could be a life changing moment, where you could make a real difference.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019

Emma, our local Brixham Library Manager writes:

We are trying to look ahead to our summer reading challenge and activities. Please could FoBL members save and drop into the library any of the following items:

• Empty 2 litre plastic bottles 
• Boxes (big enough to cut a hole in and put a child’s head in) we are all about space this year in the summer reading challenge and we would like to make all the children little astronauts! 
• Yarn 
• Any interesting rocks they may find on the beach! 
• And if anyone could donate kitchen foil – this would be amazing! 
• Also, anything we could use to make a really big rocket ? that will be in the library throughout the summer. 

Your help will make a difference to activities in the library over the summer period.

And Finally….

Brixham Library and FoBL played their part in the D-Day commemorations last week with a fine exhibition put on by Phil Trayhorn, Paul Bennett and museum items borrowed by Brixham Library staff. Our activities culminated in the 1940s coffee morning complete with Bare Cupboard Cake and served by the land girls crew! Well done to all staff and volunteers who entered so wholeheartedly into the Library events. John Brennan, Chairman of Brixham Futures, has thanked all the organisations, retail outlets et al in Brixham for bringing together nine days of activities and events to commemorate D-Day, a fitting tribute to the community spirit in the town.

D-Day Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning is on Friday 7 May between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. As Brixham remembers the 75^th Anniversary of D-Day, our theme this month will be ‘Brixham back to the 1940’s’. We are delighted that Debs Ellis & Kim Wilson will be singing a 1940’s medley of songs round about 11.00am for us. There will also be a D-Day Exhibition on the Ledge which opened on Saturday 1 June 2019 and no doubt there will be other surprises during the morning.

A couple of 1940s recipes borrowed from Carolyn Ekins, The 1940’s Experiment

Vinegar Cake

• 6 oz self-raising flour
• 3 oz margarine
• 3 oz sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1/4-pint milk
• 4 oz dried mixed fruit

Method

1. Cream the margarine and sugar
2. Sift the flour
3. Pour milk into a basin and add the vinegar and bicarb of soda and the mixture will froth a bit
4. Add this mixture and the sifted flour a bit at a time into the sugar/margarine mixture until all blended then add the dried fruit
5. Pour into a greased and floured 1lb loaf tin and cook for about 45 minutes at 180C until golden brown all over.

Lord Woolton Pie

This was  named after Frederick Marquis, 1st Lord Woolton (1883-1964), who became Minister of Food in 1940.

• Various in season veggies like swedes, turnips, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, leeks, onions, carrots
• Potatoes for mashing
• Flour, butter and milk for sauce
• Strong grated cheddar cheese
• Herbs such as sage or thyme for sauce

Method

1. Peel washed potatoes (save peelings to bake in oven with salt and herbs)
2. Dice potatoes and cook in salted water until soft
3. Mash with butter, a little milk and add salt
4. Peel, wash and dice in season veggies as applicable and boil until nearly cooked
5. Drain and place in pie dish
6. Make sauce – Use dessert spoon of butter and melt in pan, add two dessert spoons of flour and mix and slowly add in milk, keep stirring. Add salt and herbs and pepper
7. Pour thick sauce over the vegetables
8. Put mashed potato in piping bag (baggy with a hole in the corner)
9. Pipe over the top of veggies and sauce
10. Finish by placing some grated cheese over the top
11. Place in oven at 220 C for around 30 minutes until the potatoes have browned

………………………..

One of our members has written the following poem describing her wartime experiences from 1942. With the family men away because of the war in these few words Julie conveys the worry and uncertainty of that long forgotten age.

Under the Stairs (1942)

The unexploded bomb imbedded in the Green
had sought us out – invaded our village,
at our door, a policeman urged departure.
We trudged the half mile to Grandma’s –
evacuees – food and pyjamas in baskets.
That night brought another raid
we sheltered huddled together –
wrapped in blankets, gas masks ready.
My Mother sang her siren song of sleep
held us tight, none came that night
women and children afraid in the dark.
Dad away, Grandpa on duty at the Hall
Why wasn’t he at home guarding us?
Outside searchlights crossed the sky –
gunfire like thunder, thuds and crashes
every window rattled, walls shuddered –
I shut my eyes and said my prayers,
Over and over again under the stairs.

Julie M. Harris

Farewell to Helen

We were all sorry to hear that Helen will be leaving us at the end of May as she takes up work in the health sector again. Helen has proved to be wonderful member of staff bringing energy and vitality to the library in her short time there. She has undertaken a number of resuscitation workshops for us and hopes to come back and continue to provide these very popular and useful courses. Unfortunately the course last week had to be cancelled, but Helen aims to reschedule it shortly. We will let you know when this has be arranged.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019

Emma, our local Brixham Library Manager writes:

We are trying to look ahead to our summer reading challenge and activities. Please could FoBL members save and drop into the library any of the following items:

• Empty 2 litre plastic bottles 
• Boxes (big enough to cut a hole in and put a child’s head in) we are all about space this year in the summer reading challenge and we would like to make all the children little astronauts! 
• Yarn 
• Any interesting rocks they may find on the beach! 
• And if anyone could donate kitchen foil – this would be amazing! 
• Also, anything we could use to make a really big rocket ? that will be in the library throughout the summer. 
•  Your help will make a difference to activities in the library over the summer period.

Help Required

During one of our regular catch up meetings with Eleanor & Emma (Libraries Unlimited), with two new staff joining the Brixham crew in the near future, those left behind are feeling the pinch a little bit. We are now looking for a volunteer to act as our Events Co-Ordinator for FoBL. As well as acting as our link between Brixham Library staff and FoBL, this will be an opportunity to help with organising events both before and on the day. At the same time, the committee are in the main willing to help where they can so whoever takes over this role really won’t feel that they are on their own. For an informal discussion about what is involved please feel you can contact me (Alasdair – tel: 01803 850255).

Events

Unfortunately, the event on Wednesday 5 June entitled ‘London- The Tales behind the Statues’ has been cancelled due to insufficient interest.

Evening at The Guardhouse Café with Harping Mad Wednesday 19 June 6.00pm – 9.00pm – this a date for your diary as we return once again for a delightful Greek themed evening. Music will be provided by Susie & Bill Trezise. Tickets cost £15.00 -FoBL members & £18.00 – Non-FoBL members and must be bought in advance, the last available date for purchase being Monday 10 June. For further information visit Brixham Library where you can purchase your tickets.

Boules & Finger Buffet – Berry Head Hotel Thursday 4 July from 6.00pm – If you have a competitive streak or just like to join in a bit of fun, then why not come along and join the Friends for an evening of boules. Previous experience is not required. The event will be hosted at the Berry Head Hotel and after games have finished there will be a finger buffet. Tickets cost £11.00 for FoBL members & £12.50 for Non-FoBL members and must be purchased in advance by Wednesday 26 June. All are welcome and to secure a place please make your booking in the library.

Sailing trip on the Vigilance – Saturday 14 July 9.30am – 1.00pm – this has become an annual event as numbers are limited but allows FoBL members & their friends an opportunity to experience sailing on one of Brixham very own fishing trawlers under sail. Tickets cost £23.00 for FoBL members & £26.00 for non-FoBL members and must be purchased in advance by Saturday 6 July. No previous experience is required, and you can either join in working alongside the crew or just enjoy a trip aboard. Wind & waterproof apparel along with rubber soled shoes are advised. Once again if you require further information please ask in the library.

Watering our plants

Following our request for help last month with help to water our planters outside the library, Marian Parker has received two offers of help with the watering. Thanks to both Sue & Yvonne for keeping an eye on the planters. However, should we be lucky and have another scorcher of a summer any further volunteers would be most welcome as well as spreading the load. 

… and finally

The following cartoon was recently brought to my attention. Whilst not specifically aimed at libraries it is a reminder that libraries can be fun for both children and young people and take them into so many imaginable new worlds.

Please address any contributions

F.A.O. The Editor, Friends Matter, Brixham Library and either hand to a member of Brixham Library staff, pop into the FoBL post-box or e-mail to info@friendsofbrixham.org.uk

Pop into the Library this Saturday (1st) at 11 am for the official launch of the library exhibition relating to D-Day and Brixham’s week of commemoration. Cllr. Jill Regan, Chair of Brixham Town Council has kindly agreed to come along and say a few words. The launch will just be a simple 15 minute ceremony to kick off the town’s activities. Brixham played a major part in D-Day as the gathering and launch point for the South West armada, and there are many who remember the morning they woke up to a harbour filled with all the boats that had been hidden among the estuaries and inlets of Devon and Cornwall.

WBW Launch Brixham Legal Surgery

WBW Solicitors are launching a free legal surgery in partnership with Brixham Library.
Surgeries will take place on the first Wednesday of every month between 10:30am and 12:30pm at Brixham Library.

These sessions require no financial obligation and are designed to provide local residents with some free legal advice and guidance.

Lisa Stanton, Chartered Legal Executive and private client specialist said: “By holding these informal free legal surgeries, we hope that we can support local people with any legal queries they might have. We can explain their legal position and put them in touch with the right person to resolve any issues.”

WBW Solicitors delivers a full range of legal services including Wills, trust and probate, tax advice, residential conveyancing, family, personal injury, medical negligence and motoring offences. It also offers litigation, employment law, company commercial, commercial property and financial services, as well as a dedicated team of farm and estate, and food & drink specialists.

For further information or to reserve your slot, please contact a member of the Brixham Library Reception Team on 01803 853870.

Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning is on Friday 3 May between 10.00 – 12.00 noon. Being the start of the Pirate Weekend, our local shanty crew ‘Missin’ Tackle’ will be along to sing a few shanties and sea songs from about 10.30am. So why not come along and join in some rousing songs as well as enjoying some coffee & cake.

Farewell to Sue

At the last coffee morning there was an opportunity for folks to say their farewells to Sue Pitman who is leaving to work just around the corner for Brixham Does Care. Sue has been working in Brixham Library for 14 years now. In recognition for all her hard work and help she has given library users over the years, FoBL have given her a Marks & Spencer’s voucher as their way of saying thank you. She will be missed but her smile and good nature will stay with her and after all she’s only just around the corner and has threatened to come along and enjoy coffee with us once a month.

Finally, thanks to all who supported the last coffee morning raising over £200.00 for FoBL funds. Whether you bought plants, refreshments or did your bit as part of the coffee morning crew, thank you for enabling such a terrific result.

Coach trip to the Eden Project, Cornwall

There are still some vacant spaces for this day trip on Thursday 23 May 2019. To avoid any disappointment please book your coach seat(s) in the library. The costs include the price of the coach and the £26 entrance fee into the Eden Project.

Senior members £26.50; adult members £30.50

Senior non-members £29.50; adult non-members £30.50

The pick-up is from Brixham Library leaving at 8.30am and it is hoped that the coach will be back in Brixham for 16.00pm. This is a first for FoBL as we have never organised a coach trip before, but we are hopeful it will be the first of many future day trips away.

Plant Watering

Two very kind volunteers are now helping with regular watering of the plants outside the library. If anyone else can find 10-15 minutes to help with this task to keep the boxes looking at their best, your help would still be much appreciated as ‘many hands make light work’. For further information please contact Marian Parker as she is kindly organising this for us – tel: 01803 855130.

Loyalty Card Scheme
We are very pleased to welcome the Brixham Steam Packet Company to our list of participating retailers. Any purchases made by FoBL Members in The Brixham Steam Packet over the value of £100.00 will entitle them to a 10% discount on their purchases. If you have an interest in ocean liner memorabilia or things nautical, then this is a shop that will interest you and the owner Bob Higginson will be delighted to show you around. It’s a great place to take your visitors and like an emporium there is a lot to look at and enjoy returning to a bygone age of the sea and maritime traditions.

Please note this discount does not apply to any purchases made in the Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge.

… and finally

When was the last time you took five minutes for yourself? As the days are getting longer and lighter, this is the perfect time to steal away, step into the library, borrow a book and relax. Whether it’s with a lunchtime sandwich, a post-work or evening moment or a weekend treat, we know that spending time with a book will make you feel good.

Post Script
We’re always on the lookout for good copy for the monthly update. So, if you have something to say about library matters, books or ideas for future events do drop us a line.

Please address any contributions
F.A.O. The Editor, Friends Matter, Brixham Library and either hand to a member of Brixham Library staff, pop into the FoBL post-box or e-mail to info@friendsofbrixham.org.uk

Eunice Dodd
Secretary