COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chair

Wendy Norris 

Owns and runs the Berburry Hotel in Torquay with partner Steve. Originally from the north, we moved to Torquay from London in 2022 to fulfil a long-term dream of running a small hotel. We're both keen walkers and are loving exploring the many beautiful walks around Torbay and further afield.  As Chair of the Bridge Group Committee I hope to bring passion, enthusiasm and ensure that the Bridge Group is a valuable resource for all of it's members, as well as getting to know everyone socially and having some fun.

deputy chair

deputychair@bridgegrouptorbay.co.uk

Gary Blackmore

Owns and runs The Torcroft B&B and Bedford House Apartments with Philip, since 2019. Moved to The Bay to enjoy coastal living, have a go at a new venture and work for ourselves. Joined The Bridge Group Committee as an optimist about the changes and challenges across Torbay and wants to get involved working with other businesses owners to enhance all our time in The Bay, and be part of a network of like-minded people and have some fun. 

Secretary/pat tester

pattester@bridgegrouptorbay.co.uk

Janette Sampayo

Janette & Ian Sampayo own and run the Glendower, in Torquay. We moved to Torbay in 2020 to give up the daily commute and work for ourselves in a more creative way. We joined the committee because we felt it was a positive way to support our hospitality businesses and a good way to connect with others. We enjoy meeting people, good food, music and sitting on the beach and watching the world go by.

treasurer

Julie Shadbolt



memberships

memberships@bridgegrouptorbay.co.uk

Paula Butler

Together with my husband Leon, we have owned Lanscombe House in Cockington Village since 2002. We ran a successful 5 star B&B in Lanscombe House for 14 years and then converted parts of the property to create 3 holiday cottages marketed as Cockington Cottages. I'm passionate about marketing the business ourselves and not being reliant on OTA's. In the last few years our bookings have been 100% direct bookings only.

socials

Julia Southby

Owns and runs The Cimon in Torquay with her partner Jamie since

webmaster

Scott Davies

Myself and my wife Lynn, moved to Torquay in November 2021 when we bought the Babbacombe Palms Guest House, which although it is certainly hard work, we love running our business and living in glorious Devon.

web support

Lynn Lloyd

Owner of Carlton Court, Torquay with husband Paul.  Moved from Kent, leaving family, friends and everything we'd ever known to start a new challenge in August 2022.  Passionate about the Bay and want to be part of its present and future, for not only visitors but for everyone who lives and works here.

exhibition secretary

Richard Ambrose

Owner of Midway Guest House with wife Olga and Daughter in Torquay.  Moved from Cambridgeshire in 2016.  Olga and I initially took over the business mainly catering for Contractors but now focus on the tourist trade.  I joined the committee because I feel the Bridge group has been very supportive with help and advice and, in return, it also needs support from its members to maintain and promote its presence within the bay and beyond.