COMMUNITY projects are invited to pitch for funds at the first ever SOUP event in Buckfastleigh, open to everyone in the town to apply now.

At the event Buckfastleigh projects will pitch for money and participants will eat a bowl of soup, for a donation, while choosing their favourite idea. After starting in Detroit, SOUP events now run all over the UK, including Teignmouth, which held Teignbridge’s first successful event earlier this year.

The winning pitches in Buckfastleigh will get to take home, between them, a share of money taken at the door as well as a share of £600 local donations from a mystery local benefactor and contributions from local Cllrs Charlie Dennis and John Nutley.

The Buckfastleigh SOUP event is on October 26 from 6pm at Buckfastleigh Town Hall, postponed from July 4. It’s supported by Buckfastleigh Town Council. Pitchers need to send in their ideas before the event.

Anja Kroening-Maynard, of the event, said: ‘SOUP is particularly suitable for small projects and individuals trying to get funding for new ideas that benefit the local community.

‘It’s a non-bureaucratic way to find out about, support, and fund local community projects.

‘Following the success of a Teignmouth SOUP event in April, which was attended by more than 50 people and saw two local groups walk away with funding, SOUP is now coming to Buckfastleigh.

‘The idea is simple. Local people come together, give a donation for a bowl of soup, and listen to three or four people pitch their project idea.’

Anja said pitchers each have up to five minutes to pitch and must rely on their passion and speaking abilities to win over the audience.

After the presentations soup is served and participants will have time to think, chat with others, and mull over the ideas before choosing their favourite idea.

She added: ‘Successful pitchers get to use their winnings to fund their plans, with the promise they will come back to report on their progress at the next SOUP event.’

Those wishing to pitch need to write a paragraph about their idea or project and send it to [email protected] by October 11. Places to attend as participants can be booked at tcvs.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information contact Anja at [email protected] or on 01626 326120.

Jaz Weyer Brown, of Teign Heritage, and Kay Large, Friends of Teignmouth Old Cemetery, who delivered the winning pitches at the successful Teignmouth SOUP