Give to go Green: Events in June and July 2025

Green fundraising  at St Matthias Church

Wellswood community is engaging in important fundraising for ecological, green building works at St Matthias Church.  In late May, the entire roof of the church centre building will be replaced, insulated and crucially have new solar panels and batteries installed with other environmentally friendly innovations.

To fund this, the Diocese of Exeter has agreed to match, double, whatever can be raised from a series of events in June and July.  Donations are gratefully being received from the congregation, the 70 organisations which regularly use the church hall and from around the community.  Entitled Give to Go Green, these varied events are open to everyone in Wellswood and across Torbay.  It kicks off with an Auction of Promises at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel on 18^th June. Organisers have put together over a hundred lots. Auctioneer Tim Dickinson says there’s something for everyone there ranging from meals out to sailing trips with Torbay’s international sailing champion John Pollard, a private tour of Torre Abbey and perhaps the star attraction, a guided tour followed by  tea at St Paul’s Cathedral led by the Dean. Auction catalogues are available from the Church office at St Matthias on 01803 214175.  Tim says: “we’ve put together a really exciting programme and we’re delighted to be able to support this great cause”.

The events programme continues through June and July.  On 26 June there is a midsummer evening of relaxing music and conversation with Jane Wibberley at the piano.  On 19^th July there is a Quiz (how well do you know your Bay?) hosted by David Hodson.  On 22^nd July, there will be a special concert by the Torbay folk choir.  On 26th July there is a family cream tea.  Running alongside will be a, a Local Treasure Hunt, aimed at families and youngsters of all ages.  Details on the posters

The project is part of the St Matthias Eco Church campaign which last year saw the Church obtain one of the much sought - after A Rocha Bronze awards. David Hodson – co-leader of the church’s Eco Action Group says “The installation of the solar panels and other environmentally conscious improvements will help us progress to an A Rocha Silver Award. The completed work will help us in our journey towards net zero and specifically will be a huge help in reducing the significant cost of running the church and church centre”.

Further details about the programme of events and the campaign itself can be obtained from Rob Newman, Chairman of the fundraising group, on 07305 681522 or rob.thenewmans@gmail.com