Forde Park Community Project

Making Forde Park a recreation area you can be proud of…

Our Pavilion sits in the centre of Forde Park, an 8-acre area of green surrounded by residential properties in Newton Abbot. Within the park are 3 public tennis courts and a croquet lawn.

With the help of generous donations from local people and businesses and grants from The National Lottery, Postcode Lottery and Devon County Council, we transformed a disused building into a vibrant, well used café catering for all park users. Staffed by adults with additional needs and volunteer helpers, this cafe provides much needed employment opportunities and is a hub for the local community.

Meet the trustees:

Julia Verwey

CHAIR

Having grown up locally in Decoy I can remember Forde Park bustling with activity, the pitch and putt, busy tennis courts and the functioning pavilion. It is exciting to be a part of this project, re energising the park and restoring the pavilion to its former glory.

The idea for developing such a cafe in Forde Park for the benefit of those with additional needs was first seeded by my late husband. He loved the park and its magnificent trees, where he walked the dog, taught the children to ride their bikes and played tennis.
Our Pavilion is a legacy for Frank and an asset to Newton Abbot.

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Julie Bladon

TREASURER

I was born in Newton Abbot, living just around the corner from the Pavilion and it has been very sad to see it deteriorate over the years. I worked for many years for the Jobcentre with a particular interest in supporting people with disabilities obtain employment; I recognise how difficult this is. Many employers want to see employment history or work experience but are not prepared to offer it.
When Mark asked me to become involved in this project I saw a great opportunity for local young people to gain vital employment and training.

Mark Clarvis

SECRETARY

I have lived in Decoy, Newton Abbot for nearly 40 years and have a daughter with additional needs. I am very aware of a lack of employment opportunities for her peer group. I was also saddened by the run down condition of the pavilion in Forde Park and am thrilled to see it returned to its former glory and be of benefit to the local community.

It is good to see the improvement in the tennis courts since we have arrived and be able to support the thriving croquet club.

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