Brixham’s
Out & About
Walk of Fame Lighting Up Brixham, founded by Neil Worrell and Vicky Pritchard-Davies has unveiled the brand-new ‘Brixham’s Walk of Fame’.
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his fabulous series of cast-iron plates on the Breakwater, etched with individual names, is designed to celebrate both locals and those who love Brixham, past and present. Vicky says, “We’ve been planning this for two years. With over 200 names already immortalised we’re thrilled to have reached this stage. When I got cancer three years ago, I prayed that I’d see this day – and I have - so I’m understandably emotional”. Neil adds, “I’m relieved to have the First Phase plates down, weighing over 70kg each, there is half of a ton of pure cast iron now bolted down. The material reflects the rich history of ore mining in Brixham as well as the rust on the trawlers in the harbour and the red sails of the heritage boats”. The first name on the plates is Jackie Robinson, Neil’s wife who died in 2017 of a brain tumour. And whom he says, “was the inspiration behind all of this”. And with another 200 or so names already registered, the project is now well on the way to reaching the 1000 name target. Neil & Vicky started ‘Lighting Up Brixham’ two years ago after both having had setbacks in their lives and wanting to make a difference. They both raised money for national charities but then Neil suggested that they did something directly for their town. ‘The Walk’ is already making a difference. Neil says, “All profits go to the town
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- we work for free, and ‘The Walk’ is already funding our new initiative ‘Brighten Up Brixham’ to paint houses pastel colours. It’s also funding six more seasonal lights to add to the fourteen already here.” Neil explained, “We’re passionate about the town and so are thousands of others. This new project enables people to celebrate their love for Brixham and support it, in a physical and permanent way. Brixham receives more than half a million visitors a year and is currently bouncing back strongly from the pandemic.” Vicky adds, ‘Everybody can have their names on the Breakwater from £145. In our view, it’s nicer, and cheaper, than a bench - and no varnishing required! You can stand on ‘The Walk’ and reflect on the people whose names are inscribed - and who will be there for decades. Imagine your children and grandchildren visiting in 20-30 years time…. It’s emotional for many and they have already told us so – often with tears in their eyes”. Money raised by The Walk will be invested in permanent town improvements and Vicky and Neil are hopeful that the venture will raise thousands of pounds. Registration for Phase Two of Brixham’s Walk of Fame is now open. brixhamswalkoffame.com lightingupbrixham.com October/November 2021 | 29
