BEYOND the striking sights of the canal and beaches on a fine summer’s day, the historic town of Bude is a place where among the challenges it faces, is a lot of pride for the place.

A group of residents is seeking to meet others to kickstart a long-term effort to build trust and community spirit in the town through a new group called ‘Pride in Bude’.

It aims to form a small working group comprising of residents, businesses and the town’s many community organisations – all of which are seeking to include the town’s residents in its work.

This includes discussing different experiences and concerns, develop practical support for people who feel unsafe or unseen and explore how the town can show it values every resident, no matter their identities or beliefs.

It will be an informal event with no speeches but feature relaxed conversation.

While not LGBTQIA+ specific, the group seeks to be open to all in the community.

A meeting is to be held at Berries Café on Saturday, April 25 between 4pm and 6pm.

A spokesperson for Pride in Bude told the Post: “We are holding an initial meeting at Berries Cafe on Saturday April 25 from 4 to 6pm which is open to everyone with the aim of finding out what people want or need.

“We believe Pride in Bude should be as unique as Bude itself. It should grow with the town, reflect its values, and speak to the needs of future generations. It’s about visibility, support, and creating space for conversations that matter, especially for young people who are still discovering who they are.

“These conversations could lead to powerful outcomes: creating safer spaces, building local support groups for LGBTQIA+ people, their families and allies, and strengthening the sense of belonging across our community for groups of all ages and beliefs.”