How did it all start – The Birth – Bovey Tracey Third Age Project 1984 to 1987
Then – the Birth of B.T.A.T. in 1988
The University of the Third Age was borne in France and drifted across the Channel. Lord Young of Dartington thought it was a good idea and founded a group in Totnes. He dropped the name “University” as he believed that this had inverted snobbery connotations and created the ‘Third Age Project’, which became known by the initials TAP-.
The First Age = Learning
The second Age = Earning
The Third Age = LIVING
At that time many people had been made redundant, with little hope of getting another job. Many were early retired and many fully retired. And all wished to remain mentally and (within bounds) physically active.
Amongst these groups was a wealth of expertise in many fields which was being lost to the community.
Thus; TAP was formed to exploit this expertise, make new friends and above all to enjoy themselves.
Manpower services (MSC) sponsored these groups and extended membership to the unemployed.
The age group was 45 and over.
Our first contacts meetings were on a social basis for coffee and chats, followed by some card games.
This was followed up by a meeting at Molly Garrish’s cottage, where Paddy Pollock showed a video to
explain TAP. There were 10 people present at this meeting.
After that we started to meet at the Dolphin Hotel on a weekly basis and a few craft classes started in member’s homes.
After a few months the group moved to the Loft, which Paddy Pollock had managed to find for the group (this was situated behind the Bakers in Station Road).
At this stage there were 25 members who all mucked in to clean up the loft room and paint it in order to make it fit for purpose. Manpower Services (MSC) put in a new floor, stair-case and toilet. Everything else was done by the members themselves.
MSC paid the rent, lighting and heating.
With a more permanent home, the group started more classes, which included Glass Engraving, Wood Turning, Toy Making, Needlecraft, Dressmaking, Lampshade making, French conversation and Art.
Tutors were found from within the membership.
Everything was proceeding fairly happily when MSC ran out of money and pulled the rug out from under our feet. We were now in a position where we needed to find £117 per month to fund the rent, lighting and heating if we were to continue.
In many ways MSC removing their financial support was the spur that set the organisation up as an independent group and set in motion the application for Charitable Status under the leadership of Paddy Pollock.
Although this enabled the group to continue it was not under the best of conditions. Members were only able to reach the Loft (which was now a cosy clubroom) by a steep exterior stairway – distinctly dangerous for older and less active members, even deterring some people from joining the group and becoming members.
In February 1988 a Special General Meeting of Bovey Tracey TAP was held to propose the separation from TAP and change the name to Bovey Tracey Communities Activities Trust. This was agreed and Bovey Tracey Communities Trust was launched.
In July another Special General meeting was held, the motions were;
To change the name of the group to Bovey Tracey Activities Trust
To apply for Charitable Status
Both of these were agreed and so a new route for the organisation was starting. Charitable status was gained on the 17th August 1988.
In October 1989 an opportunity arose to purchase the old ‘St Johns Ambulance Hall’ and as a grand gesture of faith in the ability of the organisation, it was agreed we raise money from whatever source we could in order to purchase the hall. This would give us the ability to continue to expand and grow in both membership and activities.
In November 1989 an ‘Extra General Meeting’ was organised with the main item being the potential purchase of the hall, this was agreed by the membership and so now we had the task of raising sufficient funds in order to make the purchase. We only had 1 month to raise the funds and complete the purchase. The generosity and hard work of the members was the main reason that it was successful.
On 1st December 1989 the Trustees took possession of the hall.
Of course, we had incurred a major debt, but happily help was at hand in the form of a generous grant from Teignbridge District Council, and many of our members contributing in the form of interest free loans. Even with all the generosity there was still a short fall and so the Trustees launched a major fundraising campaign and managed to secure sufficient funds to repay all the debts.
The new hall was officially opened on the 17th March 1990.
The club continued to grow in membership and activities. At a later stage Margaret Wade took on the role of club chairman and Paddy Pollock took on the role of fund-raising chairman.
In 1998 the idea of a new project was put forward to demolish the old building then build a new hall. Once again, a special committee was formed to manage the fund raising and planning plus the execution of the project.
In June 2001 the first major breakthrough was a grant from the ‘National Lottery’ of £180,000.
During the demolition and construction period activities moved to Wolleigh Golf Club. (Now BT Golf Club).
By November 2002 the new Phoenix Hall was completed and keys were handed over to the Trustees.
But no one sat back on their laurels The hall has continued to be improved with many projects paid for by fund raising and with activities increasing and still being run by members.
And still today it is the members that make this the best organisation of its kind…AND LONG MAY THAT CONTINUE.
Produced by: Mike Watson, Treasurer 2004 – 2023
Published by: Judy Wilson, Publicity Manager