Visit to Brixham
Brixham Hospital
To visit a community hospital like Brixham is to feel immediately that this is where patients come first. I have personally know many patients who would rather die than be admitted to any large general hospital. They fear that their friends and family would be unable to visit and dread the prospect of hospital infections or feeling lost amongst strangers. Community hospitals are as close as possible to home from home and we must fight for their survival. It should not be forgotten that they also provide a range of clinics close to home such as paediatrics, gynaecology, care of the elderly and mental health as well as physiotherapy, ocupational therapy , minor injuries and xray facilities. Only too valuable when the alternative is a battle with the Bay’s traffic to reach Torbay hospital.
Brixham Museum
Housed in the old police station at the top of Fore Street, Brixham heritage museum is a wonderful resource for the local history. Congratulations to the dedicated team of volunteers that keep Brixham’s rich history alive.
Police Enquiry Office
Met Dave Casley and his team at the enquiry office to hear about the efforts that have been made to engage with young people in Brixham and to work with the community to ensure that Brixham continues to enjoy low crime rates. Although I didn’t realise how valuable the ‘Sergeant Brixham Team’ Cop Card was until I reached Furzeham Primary School.
Brixham Does Care
With over 140 volunteers, Brixham Does Care is an outstanding example of how a voluntary group can do so much to serve the community. Take a look at their website to see their range of services and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds who are coping with difficulties in their lives and the kind of outreach work they do, not just in the Town Hall but extending to the lonely and housebound.
Tour of Town Centre Redevelopment Sites
I toured the proposed town centre and car park development to see, with councillor Chris Lewis, the importance of the Brixham Town Centre Redevelopment. We must keep business in the town rather than allow this to haemorrhage to out of town superstores.
Furzeham Lodge Care Home
Meeting staff and residents to listen to their concerns about issues from healthcare to transport and law and order.
Furzeham Primary School
Meeting staff and pupils from the school council, to hear about the children’s concerns about traffic around the school and the need for more science and IT equipment.
Please sign up to the F40 petition on the number 10 website to help to campaign for fairer funding for Devon’s school children and ensure that every child matters.
Brixham College
Brixham is a foundation school and specialist arts college. It has had its best ever year of GSCE results and is clearly a thriving school with close links to the community through its adult learning centre. Talking to staff, it is clear that Devon’s children are hugely disadvantaged by the current funding formula. Schools are also concerned about the effect of diplomas, which have led to massive funding for tiny numbers of pupils attending diploma courses whilst leaving funding for conventional courses relatively starved of cash.
Churston Ferrers Grammar
This is a school with outstanding results. One of only 164 remaining grammar schools in the country. It has foundation status and is a specialist humanties college. I fully support grammar schools like Churston remaining as part of the mix of schools within the South Hams and Torbay.
