'COAST' COMES TO TORBAY

Thanks to funding from the Aim Higher project, people in Torbay have the chance to get up close to the coastline with an expert and see just how amazing it is. Families are being invited to a FREE boat trip on Monday June 16th leaving Brixham at 6pm and returning at 8pm. Guide, John Risdon, will explain the geological features and how they have impacted on man's settlement in the area.

A light picnic tea will be provided and people can supplement this or use the bar on board the boat. The event is aimed particularly at people who do not have a history of family members studying on Higher Level courses at University or College.

Many people enjoyed the BBC TV series ‘Coast' and this is an opportunity to find out exactly what is on our doorstep and offer opportunities to go on and discover more through further local study.

John said “Torbay really offers a journey through time with geological features from every period of the earth's development. For example the high ground that is now Berry Head was once at the bottom of the sea and the limestone that has been quarried was formed by the skeletons of millions of sea creatures. It is now used to hold the sea back as the Brixham breakwater.

Many people do not realise that there is a fault line that follows the Newton Road and hits Torbay near Rock Walk and then cuts across the Bay. This is why there is red sandstone (Torre Abbey Sands) next to limestone (Rock Walk cliffs). Torbay is one of only 6 Geoparks in the UK; with only 53 Geoparks around the world this is a great opportunity to see what makes Torbay so special.“

John will also explain how the land has provided shelter for settlement, home to sea birds and mammals. There may even be sightings of dolphins and seals.

To book a place call in at the Adult & Community Learning Centre at Brixham off Westover Close or call the team on

01803 853302.

If the 60 places fill quickly a second trip can be arranged in July, before the schools break up for the summer.