Plymouth Chronicle North April 2023

This Easter at Bridging the Tamar:

Monday

Wednesday 12th April 10am

Wednesday 12th April 2pm

Friday 14th April 10 am

Plymouth textile experts launch unique sustainable dye garden

Academics and students

specialising in textile design at Arts University Plymouth have created a new plant garden for natural dye as part of their project ‘Of the Ground’.

The project is developed in collaboration with National Trust Saltram, one of the South West’s most loved National Trust properties, and sited at Plymouth’s community farm, Poole Farm, based in Derriford Community Park.

The ‘Of the Ground’ project, which is supported by Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Funding and builds on a collaborative project initiated in 2022 by the arts university and National Trust Saltram as part of the Green Minds project, which is a partnership led by Plymouth City Council and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Urban Innovative Actions initiative.

BA (Hons) Textiles Design course leader and textile designer, Emma Gribble, came up with the idea for the project.

Closely supported in the planning and planting stages by technical demonstrator Fiona Lloyd, Emma led her students in work to establish a natural dye garden at Poole Farm, combining Arts University Plymouth’s commitment to teaching sustainable processes with the use of local heritage-informed planting.

The National Trust supported the project research and shared a planting list from Saltram’s archives, containing details of species used in the creation of the house’s original garden. The use

of heritage-inspired plants will create a colour palette firmly rooted in Saltram and its surrounding landscape.

The textile design students and academics, who will manage the dye garden on an ongoing basis, recently visited the garden to plant and sow seeds in preparation for Spring. They were joined by volunteers and staff from Poole Farm and the National Trust, with expert guidance on planting from Dr Martin Stott, head gardener at Saltram.

Planted in raised beds, the ‘Of the Ground’ dye garden will include a variety of plants such as woad, dyer’s coreopsis, daffodils, weld, marigolds, tansy, and madder, all sourced by local suppliers in

the South West. The selection of plants were chosen in consultation with natural dye plant experts Nature’s Rainbow and natural dye guru Jane Deane. The beds were designed and constructed by the staff and volunteers at Poole Farm, including an accessible bed for wheelchair users.

Emma Gribble said: “As international awareness grows of how harmful many synthetic dyes can be to the natural world, I believe strongly that educators working within the textile and fashion industries have a responsibility to lead the way in teaching students alternative dye methods that are more sustainable and less damaging to the environment.

“This new partnership with National Trust Saltram actively investigates this. The project tests on a small scale how Arts University Plymouth can lead the way in encouraging students and textile practitioners to make more balanced decisions by building knowledge and awareness about alternative dye methods.”

As the ‘Of the Ground’ dye garden matures through the seasons, it will become a permanent resource, available for all Arts University Plymouth students to use. The range of colours it produces will be specific and unique to the local landscape.

Plymouth Albion rugby team had a convincing win against National League One leaders Reading Rams in March - while wearing a special kit designed by one of the pupils at Widey Court Primary School.

The match coincided with the St Luke’s Men’s Day Out through Plymouth, ending at Albion for a pasty and a pint and, of course, the rugby.

This year, Plymouth Albion and St Luke’s joined forces to run a competition for children aged 11 or younger to design a special match kit for the game.

Widey Court pupil ten-yearold Lia came up with a colourful design based on ice creams and her favourite flavours and toppings. On the day, staff and children from Widey Court went to watch the game and to meet the players afterwards.

“Lia’s kit has helped Albion

raise thousands of pounds for St Luke’s and we’re so proud of her,” said Shaun Nicholls, headteacher at Widey Court. “We had a great day in spite of the weather, and for many of our children it was the first time they had been to see Albion play so it was a real treat all round, especially when they won.’

Widey Court Primary School is part of Connect Academy Trust and has excellent sports facilities.

Stuart Bellworthy, chief executive at Connect Academy Trust said: “We are keen to help children and their families to take part in community life and one of our core values is ‘nurturing.’

“This is an excellent example of one of our family of schools getting involved and making a difference. I was delighted to be there on the day and see the kit in action and we all thoroughly enjoyed the rugby too.”

Pictured at Poole Farm (from left) Fiona Lloyd, Emma Gribble, Dr Martin Stott and Arts University Plymouth’s Tifaine Dickinson

Lia’s colourful design inspires Albion to victory over the league leaders

Widey Court pupil Lia pictured with the Albion team after their win

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

Plymouth Careers Fair

Apr 5

Free event at the New Continental Hotel 10am to 2pm provides opportunity for job seekers to meet local and national employers face-to-face and apply directly for hundreds of available vacancies. attendees can expect to find a wide range of roles and opportunities, including entry-level positions, management roles, apprenticeships, graduate positions, franchise opportunities, part-time and full-time positions, flexible working options, and even work-from-home jobs.Details at www.ukcareersfair. com/event/plymouth-careers-fair

Easter Table Top Sale

Apr 8

Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. With Easter crafts, tombolas and more. Free entry. Tables (pre book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Plymouth Eco Market

Apr 8

Interactive sustainable event hosted at Devonport Guildhall from 10am to 3pm. Over 30 local businesses will be providing craft workshops, yoga, meditation and massages. Plus two local food suppliers and everything included in the day is sustainable and vegan.

Spring Concert

Apr 14

South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII will present an evening of beautiful choral music at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The programme features the premiere performance of the full and completed ’Requiem’ by Hugh Walkington, one of their own very talented members. The programme also takes the audience on a discovery of contemporary choral music from across Europe and the USA. FREE entry with a retiring collection. Levowan XII performs regularly at St Peter’s where the bright acoustics provide the perfect listening experience for their audiences. The choir has a large repertoire and enjoys singing classical works and discovering new music to share with others. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Children’s Book Sale

Apr 15

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 1pm.

Richard III Society

Apr 15

The Devon & Cornwall branch of the Richard III Society will present a visual presentation of past Coronations, starting with King Edgar in the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 1 pm. Parking is free and anyone interested in medieval history is invited to attend. Further information from the secretary on 01752 31685.

Model Railway Exhibition

Apr 15 and 16

Organised by Saltash Rotary Club at the restored Saltash Station Building – Isambard House – by kind permission of Saltash Town Council. There will be five 00 scale model layouts, pictures from local artists, Brunel Heritage talks, crafts trade stand and a ride-on loco provided by Plym Valley Railway. Admission is free with refreshments available. For ease of parking a shuttle bus provided by Community Enterprise PL12 will run hourly from Saltash Leisure Centre to Isambard House and return. Details at www. saltashrotary.org

The Magic Box

Until Apr 22

A fully immersive theatre experience for babies and toddlers with beautiful characters, lighting, sound, bubbles and puppets at The Soapbox Theatre, Devonport Park. For details visit www.stiltskin.org.uk/ soapbox-childrens-theatre-devonport-box-office

Warchild Concert

Apr 23

Fundraising concert for Warchild charity organised by Jeanie Moore for the very last time. Featuring five wonderful musicians - Peter Fisher, violin, Judith Hall, flute, Margaret Fingerhut, piano, Peter Oxley and Nick Meier, guitar. Concert takes place at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Doors open 2.30pm. Tickets at /www. wegottickets.com/event/569252

Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum

Apr 26

Sponsored by Plymouth Samaritans at the Restore Church in Milehouse from 10am to 2pm. The forum will provide the opportunity to bring together wellbeing hubs from across Plymouth and providers with a link to mental health issues. The event is being funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will also support a local gardening project for men with mental health issues.

Coronation Cream Tea

Apr 29

Visitor Centre, Ford Oark Cemetery from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are selling fast so anyone wishing to attend should either visit the office during working hours 10am to 3.30pm or call 01752 665442 to book a ticket.

Spring Fayre

Apr 29

St Bureaux Parish Church Community Hall, Higher Street, St Budeaux from 11am to 2.30pm. Table top sales and refreshments. Admission 20p.

Hear Better ‘Mini’ Exhibition

May 4

Free hearing loss exhibition designed for individuals and hearing professionals to find out more about the latest technology and local support available to assist people with hearing loss in daily life. To be held at the Copthorne Hotel from 10.30am to 3pm. There will be an NHS Re-tube clinic and British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter from 10.30am to 1pm. For more information contact Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth 01752 201899.

Past Coronations Exhibition

May 7 to 18

Exhibition at the Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays and 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Occasionally events can be cancelled through unavoidable circumstances so it is worth checking beforehand (tel. 01752 665442).

Set the Stage

May 13

Sounds Musical Theatre Company return to Devonport Playhouse with Set The Stage, a show stopping concert of songs from blockbuster movies and stage shows. Matinée 2.30pm or evening 7.30pm.Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395159955. Adults: £12, Over 65s £11, Under 16s £6. Check out Facebook or Instagram pages for more information about the company.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.uk

Plymouth Pirates Weekend

May 20 and 21

Swashbuckling fun for all th family around the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront. This popular event is one of the highlights of the year in Plymouth and draws thousands of people to the waterfront to enjoy the spectacle.

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals

May 24 and 25

A spectacular line-up of some of the world’s best professional dancers will be at Plymouth Pavilions with performances each night at 7.30pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For details visit www. strictlytheprofessionals.com

Flavour Fest

May 26 to 28

Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre. It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills. Find out more on the Flavour Fest website at www.flavourfestsw.co.uk/

Plymouth Motorshow

June 3 and 4

Annual two day car show at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club from 10am to 6pm is open to vintage, old classics and sport cars including high performance car rally vehicles, kit cars and modern cars of interest of all motor sport clubs and motor cycles. Children’s entertainment, a family fun dog show (courtesy of Paws4Proceeds) an assortment of live local bands, food and of course, bar. Overnight camping is available for vendors and car show entrants.

An Evening with Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

Jun 11

The legendary ski jumper - the first and only competitor to represent Great Britain at the Winter Olympics is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Models and Railway Exhibition

Jun 17

Five model railway displays along with numerous built scale models kits including aircraft, sci-fi, ships and military vehicles. Plymouth Tothill Community Centre from 10am to 4pm. Traders will also be selling railway and modelling items. Tombola during the event and hot and cold food on sale. Disabled access and plenty of parking. Entrance fee: adults £2, family £5 and concessions £1. Children under 12 free.

Rehabilitation Triathlon

June 22

Hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler on The Hoe. Over 200 participants from the UK Triservices and veterans will attend this event, along with International teams from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. The swim will take place in the Tinside Lido and the cycle will consist of a time trial on rowing machines in a marquee positioned on the Hoe promenade. The allimportant Awards Ceremony will be held on the main stage on Plymouth Hoe.

Armed Forces Day

June 24

Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will be returning on Saturday June 24, with an exciting day for all the family to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe, and celebrate our military and all the great work they do. Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families. There will be activities for all the family to enjoy and get involved in, from exploring military vehicles and equipment, to tackling the Royal Marines obstacle course. Event starts at 10am and finishes at 10.30pm with a free evening concert.

Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

Strictly Come Dancing - the Professionals returns to Plymouth Pavilions in May

A busy mum found a whole new career path thanks to the training on offer at Plymouth City Council’s adult learning service, On Course South West.

Maggie Graham had four small children and wanted to both support her children’s learning as well as improve her employability. In 2008 she signed up for the Children’s Care and Development Level 2 course with On Course South West, which gave her the confidence to be a volunteer at a school, become a school Governor and complete more training.

She then became the Parent Support Advisor at the school and continued to train, undertaking Level 3 qualifications that helped her become the Chair for Whitleigh Big Local.

Maggie was offered a Family Learning Tutor post at On Course South West and then began working to support mums and babies at Trevi, including a secondment to run a house for women who had fled domestic abuse, homelessness, or had alcohol and drugs dependencies. In May 2021, Maggie returned to On Course as a Learning Advisor, and she now enjoys teaching courses covering a range of topics such as crafts and wellbeing, cooking, floristry, foraging, and budgeting.

Maggie said: “I would recommend On Course South West to everyone, as we are a nurturing service, making sure we support our learners to fully reach their goal and visions. It gave me the confidence to want to learn more, train more and even work for them.”

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “This is an absolutely brilliant success story. The hugely varied courses on offer at On Course South West mean there’s something for everyone, whether you’re simply looking to get creative and try something new, or want to upskill and develop yourself by gaining qualifications that will lead to exciting new job opportunities, just like Maggie has done.”

Mark Trewin, Principal of On Course South West added: “Maggie is a perfect example of how the training and support at On Course South West can really change someone’s life. We are here to help people progress, upskill or simply start a new hobby. We are small and friendly, courses are flexible and most of them are free! We also offer bespoke courses to employers to support them with CPD and opportunities for lifelong learning. We are delighted Maggie chose to come and work for us and is now here to support our current learners.”

To discover more about courses on offer, On Course South West visit www. oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

Children take to the sea for their ocean learning

More than 30 pupils from Leigham Primary School went on a boat trip in Plymouth Sound as part of their Ocean Conservation Curriculum.

The children are all ‘Ocean Champions’, selected to represent their class because of their passion for the environment and ocean conservation. The boat trip, on Silverline Cruise’s Silver Crest, was made possible thanks to Southwest Seadream Education’s project to help local communities celebrate their local maritime heritage, using National Lottery Heritage Funding.

Dr Juliette Jackson, who founded Seadream Education, said: “It’s so important that we inspire children to be passionate about the world around them. The ocean supports all life on earth, and on the boat trip we took plankton samples and looked at the start of the marine food chain.

“As well as the rich wildlife, we learnt about lots of places of heritage importance, such as Plymouth Breakwater, Mayflower Steps, Smeaton’s Tower and Drakes Island.”

Every child in the school from age three right up to age 11 spent the last week of

Welcome to Programme The

Suzanne joined the One You Programme (OYP) four-week healthier lifestyle programme in June 2022. She was particularly interested in losing some weight.

“Previously I’d attended a slimming club, but I didn’t seem to do very well with it” said Suzanne. “But since joining the One You Programme I found I was able to start losing 1 pound in weight per week.”

The OYP emphasises taking a sustainble approach to weight management, and promotes a holistic understanding of people’s wellbeing, which includes promoting physical

activity and general mental wellbeing. Although the core programme takes only 4 weeks, health practitioners remain in contact with people afterwards, and Suzanne reported she had lost 6 pounds when Livewell made the 8-week-follow up call “I think I’ve found an eating pattern which works for me” said Suzanne. “If I’m not hungry at breakfast then I will have a healthy brunch at 11:00. I will have my biggest meal in the evening, and if I have I need a snack in the meantime then I will have some salad or occasionally some popcorn.”

When Livewell made the

12-weeks-after follow-up call Suzanne said she continued to utilise the top tips she learnt on the OYP, and was feeling more ‘mindful’ and aware of her eating habits. She’d also been reducing her alcohol consump tion, and felt that her anxiety levels were decreasing. She stated she was hoping to increase her physical activity in the future. When Livewell made the 6-months-after follow up contact Suzanne was happy to report that she had now nearly lost a stone in weight through sustainable lifestyle improvements.

term studying the ocean in all their classes –through experiences from science to art and English to geography.

Children in Nursery and Reception looked at Julia Donaldson’s book, ‘The Snail and the Whale’, then learnt about how humans can affect the ocean environment and the impact this can have, such as whales getting beached. In contrast, children in Year 5 were able to debate how renewable energy can be used in the UK.

As well as studying in their individual classes, the children created a giant piece of artwork to highlight the plight of plastic pollution. Each child made a plastic fish and at the end of the week, teachers and the ocean champions gathered all the pieces of art together to create a giant sculpture.

Mrs Lauren Stinchcomb is a teacher in

Foundation stage, and one of the Connect Academy Trust’s Ocean Champions, who has contributed to developing the Ocean Conservation Curriculum.

She said: “The opportunities the ocean Curriculum provides our children are exciting and innovative. It is magical to be able to discuss and debate current issues such as plastic pollution with even our youngest children.

“Most importantly we are empowering all children to see that even they have a place in the world-wide ocean conservation conversation, and that even the small changes they make can have a lasting impact on our ocean.”

Connect Academy Trust wins top award for its Ocean Conservation Curriculum - see page 13

highly skilled health coaches from Livewell Southwest. The group programme consisted of an initial 1-1 telephone assessment, four weekly group classes including topics on nutrition, becoming more active and looking after your mental health and wellbeing, and a final 1-1 follow-up phone call. The residents in attendance were all extremely interested in the information and helpful tips that

To book your place on the One You Programme please contact 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net

programme said: “The course was a great success. All the residents clearly enjoyed the group discussions, and it was great to hear them sharing the positive changes they had started to make as a result. We collected really positive feedback from residents, and it will help us plan for how we can deliverthis course to more residents in future.”

Feedback from an attendee:

between Plymouth Community Homes and Livewell Southwest is great, and we feel lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in this programme.”

Youngsters at Leigham

Primary School exploring how Earth’s water is distributed between the ocean, permanent ice and snow, groundwater, and lakes and rivers

Teachers and pupils enjoying their educational trip on Plymouth Sound

Derriford beauty salon wins top national award – for second year

A beauty salon in Derriford has won a top national award - for the second year running.

In March this year The Lemon Tree Beauty Salon in Upland Drive was named Best Beauty Salon in the South West and then Best Beauty Salon in England overall at the prestigious English Hair & Beauty Awards in Southampton.

In January last year owner Kelly Samain and her team won best regional beauty salon and best national beauty salon in the English Business Awards.

Kelly, who is 42, said that she was overwhelmed that her salon had picked up prestigious awards not only in 2022 but also 2023.

The salon is run by Kelly along with Megan Sherwood and a Saturday girl. She said: “I’m so

proud of my team. We work hard, go the extra mile and our hard work really is paying off.”

Kelly first started work at the Lemon Tree in 2014 and then went from an employee to buying the business off the owner in 2018. She has worked in the beauty industry for more than 25 years, training in Plymouth but developing her skills all over the world.

Kelly was joined at the awards by her two sons Lewis, who is 16, and 13-year-old Dean. “It was great for them to be with me and to share the thrill of winning the awards.

“They were both close to tears. It also showed them that hard work and dedication can bring success in business.”

Foreign investment is driving high value jobs in Plymouth

Plymouth-based companies are attracting millions of pounds of foreign investment creating and securing quality jobs, with more investments on the horizon.

Statistics collated by Plymouth City Council’s Economic Development team show that across the last five years, £332m worth of foreign investment – mainly from American parent companies – came to city businesses, across 33 projects.

All together the investment helped secure 1,460 new jobs.The pipeline for next year looks promising with 23 projects worth £5m and the creation of 8,000 jobs on the cards, of which 3,500 are high-value graduate jobs, with 74% coming from the marine sector.

The then Council Leader Richard Bingley said at the time: “Foreign investment in Plymouth is booming. We made it a firm commitment to open Plymouth to global business and drive more high-value jobs to the city. I agree with the recent news, Plymouth should not be underestimated.

“Despite the pandemic and the aftershock on the global economy, we are making sure that we are grabbing opportunities that come our way.

“A typical investment project can take a few years to land as companies will keep a close eye on macroeconomics and the global market place before making a final decision. These huge investments are made by global companies who have faith in the knowledge, skills and technology that we can create here in Plymouth.”

Recent major investments in the city, have included £120m from Meta/Plessey and £70m from Becton Dickinson along with Amazon £10m and Barden £8m.

See us on www.abbeyfieldtamarhouse.co.uk

Salon owner Kelly Samain with colleague Megan Sherwood

Pelé’s historic visit remembered

The shirt worn by world famous footballer Pelé has gone on display at The Box 50 years after he played in Plymouth  Pelé’s iconic number 10 football shirt, worn when he played at Home Park 50 years ago on March 14, 1973, went on display at The Box on March 14. The date marks 50 years to the day when the man considered by many to be the world’s greatest footballer and his Santos FC team played a friendly against Plymouth Argyle – and lost 3-2!  Os Santásticos were in town as part of an international tour and it proved to be a night to remember for the 37,000 fans who saw the match. Argyle raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time with goals from Mike Dowling, Derek Rickard and Jimmy Hinch. Late goals from Pelé and Edu made it 3-2 in the end. The game was the chance of a lifetime for many to see some of the biggest footballing stars on the planet.

At the end of the match Pelé gave his shirt to Plymouth Argyle defender Johnny Hore, who has now kindly loaned it to The Box. Visitors can see it on display from until April 23, alongside a shirt worn by substitute Vicenté. Vicenté was brought down in the box late in the game, leading to the penalty Pelé scored.

Two match day programmes dating from March 14 and 31, 1973 will also feature in the case. The March 31 programme is a ‘Santos Souvenir Special’. It’s one item from 85 boxes of material that have just been transferred to The Box from the Plymouth Argyle Heritage Archive. The material, which is a brilliant addition to the city’s public archives and will be available for research, includes an almost complete run of home and away programmes spanning 1945-2022.

“We’re really excited to be marking the

50th anniversary of this unforgettable football match by displaying these iconic shirts and really grateful to Argyle legends Johnny Hore and Derek Rickard for loaning them to us until the end of the Easter holidays,” said Adam Milford, senior engagement and learning officer at The Box.

“We hope fans will come in and take a look at this reminder of one of the world’s footballing greats, and a match they or people they know may have even been at. 37,000 people saw the game when it took place, it would be amazing if we got that many visitors while the shirts are on display!”

The Box will also celebrate the anniversary of Santos’ visit to the city with a brand new

ID

episode of its ‘The Box on Screen’ series. The episode features clips from the match as well as some other brilliant archive footage of Plymouth Argyle over the years. It can be viewed at www. youtube.com/c/theboxplymouth

More items from the recently acquired Plymouth Argyle Heritage Archive will be displayed in The Box’s Active Archives gallery this summer.

The Box is open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Admission is free and there’s no need to book. More information is available online at www. theboxplymouth.com

Barrack Court marches towards completion

Business units in the new Barrack Court are nearly complete and ready to be let. Barrack Court comprises a development of high quality, sustainable business units – light industrial and offices – in William Prance Road and is another of the council’s direct development schemes designed to address a shortage of modern business units.

The development is across two separate blocks, and occupies a highly prominent site on the wellestablished Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park.

The units offer:

• Brand new industrial/hybrid and office units

• Mezzanine floors in various configurations

• Allocated car parking and dedicated EV charging points.

The units are easily accessible via Tavistock Road to the west, via Derriford Roundabout and Brest Road to the North and will now also benefit from access to the new Platinum Parkway. Nearby occupiers include The Range HQ (directly opposite), PDSA Pet Hospital and HM Land Registry.

Councillor Mark Shayer, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy said: “It is great news to hear that Barrack Court is nearly finished. There is a shortage of high quality space for businesses so we are building to encourage expanding firms or new firms to the city to move in.

“Not only are we helping to meet the demand for employment space for over 50 jobs, we are helping secure local construction and supply chain jobs.

“It is in a great location. With the recent opening of the Platinum

Parkway, and the hospital close by, the units are in the perfect location near our cities most vital links.”

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of the Barrack Court development, providing modern, purpose-built units to local businesses. We are delighted to have contributed £10.16 million to improve connectivity in the area through the Derriford Transport Scheme, which will increase traffic capacity and provide better links to businesses moving onto the site.”

David Agnew, director at Brady Construction Services added: “We are delighted to have delivered this prestigious and high-quality development for Plymouth City Council, which will provide fantastic working spaces for local businesses.

“We are proud to have offered employment and skills opportunities throughout the duration of the project in conjunction with Building Plymouth and to have been able to participate in the Open Sites

initiative encouraging young people to pursue a career in the construction industry.”

Block 1 comprises a terrace of four light industrial/hybrid units of steel frame construction with insulated electric roller shutter doors and varying sizes of mezzanine floors. Details can be found at Block 1 Barrack Court (plymouth.gov.uk)

Block 2 comprises six individual offices over two floors – with the first floor units all having their own dedicated platform lift. Details at: Block 2, Barrack Court, William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5WR

All units have been designed flexibly so that they can be combined to create larger spaces, and will be available to the market on a leasehold basis, enquiries should be made to the appointed Commercial Agent – Vickery Holman on 01752 261811.

Across both blocks solar PV has been installed together with other sustainable features such as a highly efficient air source heat pump system, solar reflective glass, LED lighting increased levels of insulation, natural lighting and ventilation – all of which combine to try and minimise running costs and energy usage.

Internally, the units have been specified to a very high standard with all units benefitting from kitchenettes, dedicated WC’s and showers (supporting green methods of commuting - cycle, walking, running to work)

The scheme cost around £4 million and the Heart of South West Local Enterprise have contributed £1.6 million grant funding. The premises will form part of the council’s property portfolio, helping to bring in rental income into the city’s services.

Plymouth residents who will be 18-years-old by May 4 are encouraged to register to vote now and make sure they have eligible photo ID in time for this year’s local election.

With the deadline to register only a few weeks away on April 17, Plymouth City Council is encouraging all those eligible to vote to make sure that they take the opportunity to have their say in the election.

Registration is quick and easy and can be done online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/registervote and only takes a few minutes.

When registering, applicants can also apply for a postal vote. This means that during an election they will automatically be sent a ballot paper, so they can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station.

Once registered applicants will be placed onto the electoral register – which means they won’t need to register again, unless moving house.

In addition, unlike parliamentary elections, students living in Plymouth, studying away from home, can register to vote in local elections in both their home town as well as Plymouth.

Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said: “There are thousands of students and young adults in Plymouth that aren’t registered to vote, but care about our great city and want the opportunity to shape its future. We don’t want them to miss out. Their views are important.

“Registering to vote is quick, easy and has a number of benefits – not only can you take part in the democratic process, but it will also help with future credit checks. Helping with mortgages, loans or even a mobile phone contract.”

Those registered to vote, and plan to cast their ballot in person, will also have to show eligible photographic ID at polling stations from May. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge. Unfortunately, student ID is NOT an accepted form of ID.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can nregister for a postal vote by April 18, or can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificateor by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25

First time voters encouraged to register as soon as possible –and sort out

The shirt worn by Pelé is among items on display at The Box

Councillor Mark Shayer (second from right) pictured at Barrack Court

Parents go back to school to learn phonics!

Teachers at Widey Court

Primary School recently introduced a new scheme to help children learn to read and write when they start school –and their parents are joining in!

The ELS phonics scheme helps children to read sounds which may be made up of one or more letters, and using their ‘robot arms’ to help them, build those sounds back into words.

So far, the scheme is proving really successful and children who first started school in September 2022 are already a term ahead of where teachers expect them to be with their reading and writing.

Head of Early Years at Widey Court, Ellie Dingley, realised that parents benefit from learning more about early reading is taught and why the children

use their ‘robot arms’ to sound out words, so she decided to invite families in to see phonics teaching in action.

She said: “We teach phonics first thing in the morning when children are really fresh and focussed for learning, before we start our play-based activities. It’s amazing how quickly they are making progress.

“They already understand complicated vocabulary, like

‘digraph’ and ‘trigraph’, which is when a sound is made up of two or three letters, and they can read and recognise words like ‘adder’ and ‘dinosaur’.

“We wanted parents to feel confident supporting their children to read at home, so we’ve been running a series of workshops, where they can come in and see what we’re doing and how their children learn. So far, it’s going really well: the children and their parents are loving it.”

Sam, whose daughter, Emily, started school in September, said: “It’s really different from when I was at school and I was surprised

at how much Emily can do at this age. She loves the phonics lessons and loves learning. It’s amazing how they are all so engaged, sitting quietly and listening so well.”

Donna, whose son Rupert is in the same class as Emily, agreed, saying: “It’s been great coming into school to see how the children are learning to read.

I now understand what the robot arms are all about and I feel really involved in Rupert’s school life.”

Widey Court is part of the Connect Academy Trust group of schools in Plymouth and Torbay. The new scheme was chosen by the Early Years leads who researched the best fit for their schools. As well as inviting parents back into the classroom, they’re also demonstrating the new scheme to teachers and teaching assistants across all other year groups throughout the school.

Headteacher Shaun Nicholls, is pleased with how staff and pupils are benefitting from the package. He said: “It’s been a big investment and we’ve spent a lot of money on new books to support the phonics scheme, but being able to read and write unlocks learning, so it really pays dividends for children’s future hopes and dreams.”

NEW CLASSROOMS FOR THREE CITY SCHOOLS

Three schools in Plymouth are set to receive new classrooms, including two special schools to help expand the number of places available for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Plymouth City Council has seen increasing demand for special school places in recent years and been exploring ways to grow capacity at local schools.

Cann Bridge School will receive two classroom units to accommodate 16 extra pupils, while Mill Ford School will receive three units so they can continue to support children who have been learning at a satellite location in Ernesettle. This has been funded by a dedicated grant for capital

development of high needs places from the Department for Education.

Additionally, two existing modular classrooms at College Road Primary School that are in poor condition will be replaced thanks to funding from the Schools Condition Grant from the Department for Education. The new classrooms will be modular units located within the schools’ existing grounds, subject to receiving planning permission.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “We are committed to ensuring that children in Plymouth are able to thrive in a learning environment that suits them and their needs.

“We are seeing increasing pressures on our SEND services, which is in line with national trends, and

has resulted in a demand for special school places exceeding the number of places available.

“I’m really pleased that we’re now able to take the first step towards increasing capacity by providing additional space at two of our special schools so that they can support even more children with additional needs.

“We know this isn’t the complete answer to the problem but it’s a step in the right direction that will help local families, while we work on longer term solutions.”

The council is now looking to appoint a framework provider for the procurement of the modular units and deliver the scheme, following an executive decision signed this week. This is subject to call-in.

Parents being shown the phonics system at Widey Court Primary School

Pupils showing their work

Plymouth gets connected

Connect Plymouth is now up and running offering new, more sustainable ways to get around the city.

People got the chance at a special event at the Piazza to try out electric bikes and learn about how easy it will soon become to get from A to B using the greener forms of transport.

The event attracted plenty of people wanting to find out more about how the schemes work in practice, when the e-bikes will be ready to hire and to hear more about car clubs and e-chargers.

Docking stations have been popping up all over the city and when fully operational, Beryl Bikes will have a 500-strong fleet of electric bikes for hire from over 90 sites across the city.

There will be an additional 300 parking bays across the city with electric vehicle charge points provided by Wenea. The council has awarded a contract to Co Cars to run a fleet of electric car club vehicles within Plymouth.

Initially there will be 28 docking stations – or Beryl bays – with 125 bikes ready to ride and more due to come online throughout the rest of the year.

Kate Palmer, Beryl Scheme lead for Plymouth, said: “We’re extremely delighted to be launching our scheme in Plymouth, a city with a

clear and exciting vision to promote sustainable travel.

“Our e-bikes are a really fun and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas,

enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys.

“They’re also great for commuting, allowing people to arrive at work clean and ready to go, and for

carrying heavier loads such as shopping.

“By swapping the car for an e-bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also helping to reduce congestion and harmful carbon emissions, so why not give it a try.”

Nic Eversett, managing director of Co Cars said: “We’re passionate about creating less congested and polluted environments by offering alternatives to the private car. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Plymouth City Council on this exciting project.

“Because our cars are shared, they are used far more efficiently – around 35 per cent of the time compared to just four per cent for private cars. Our members can also save thousands every year as they only pay for the time they drive plus mileage.

“Cars are bookable 24/7 by app from as little as half an hour to a few days. As well as Plymouth, they are also available from locations across the South West.”

Connect Plymouth is the new name for the network of facilities –which were formerly called mobility hubs. It is part of the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

José Contreras, head of Wenea UK added: “Wenea is delighted to be part of Connect Plymouth, an initiative that vastly improves access to sustainable transport modes around the city.

“By delivering 150 chargers to Plymouth, supported by our userfriendly app, we are removing a critical barrier holding residents back from using electric vehicles. This will cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and create a more enjoyable transportation experience in Plymouth.”

In March 2020 the council received £51.2m capital funding from the Transforming Cities Fund. This builds upon the £7.6m previously awarded in 2019.

A fleet of 500 electric Beryl bikes will soon be available to hire in Plymouth

Co Cars have been awarded the contract to provide electric cars for hire in Plymouth

Ocean conservation curriculum is recognised with top award

Connect Academy Trust, which supports eight large primary schools in Plymouth and Torbay, has won a national award for ‘community impact’, after developing the UK’s first ever Ocean Conservation Curriculum.

The winners were announced at a ceremony in London, organised by the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA).

Connect was shortlisted as a finalist for two of the awards – and was the only Trust from Devon and Cornwall to make it through to the finals. As well as winning the community impact award, Connect was also a finalist for ‘Medium MAT of the year’

Stuart Bellworthy, chief executive of Connect Academy Trust said:

“We are delighted to be bringing this national award back to Devon in recognition of the fantastic new ocean conservation curriculum work that has been written in partnership between our teachers, scientists and marine organisations in Plymouth. This new ocean curriculum offers children really exciting ways to learn about the ocean, its importance to our planet and what they can do to protect it in future.”

Warm spaces spark community connections across Plymouth

Warm, welcoming spaces that were set up across Plymouth as part of the city’s response to the cost of living crisis have brought communities together and offered a friendly space for hundreds of people to spend time in this winter.

Plymouth’s local warm spaces map was created in October 2022 and since then, more than 70 venues have registered via the cost of living online hub on the Plymouth City Council website. The warm spaces on offer across the city have included churches, libraries, wellbeing hubs, community centres and cafes.

A survey of organisations running the spaces revealed that they have been used by an average of 15 to 30 people per session. The survey also showed that for many attendees, meeting other people, spending time with others and accessing useful advice and support services were some of the most important reasons for using a warm space.

As a result, a number of venues have decided to keep operating as open and welcoming community spaces throughout the year.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities said: “We were overwhelmed with the show of support from organisations across Plymouth when we set up the warm spaces map. It is fantastic to now see the legacy of this project which has sparked the creation of community spaces where everyone is welcome and that will continue to operate, even as the weather gets warmer.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the many volunteers who gave up their own time to run warm spaces throughout the winter, and all the staff at organisations and charities who have gone above and beyond to offer support to our residents at these sessions.”

The council was able to fund 19 of the warm spaces on offer in the city with £54,000 from the Government’s Household Support fund, enabling these spaces to stay open for longer and to offer refreshments and even cooking facilities in some locations.

Argyle Community Trust ran a warm space over the winter at Manadon Sports Hub, and now plan to continue the offer with a weekly community café.

Nick Ioannidou, Manadon Hub manager said: “Opening as a warm space has given us the opportunity to engage with our local community and beyond. We have had people from different backgrounds who have shared stories, experiences and ambitions and we have taken great joy in both watching them

develop friendships and make plans together instead of being at home all day. We have loved joining them for a coffee and a chat, playing cards, challenging their memories with a quiz, some bingo or just colouring a picture with a grandchild.

“They have all become part of the Argyle Community Trust family and we are now putting plans in place to continue the Friday session as a community cafe. This will still be very laid back and informal and will allow us to welcome everyone who wishes to join us for a coffee, chat or challenge the staff to a board game. To summarise, this has been a wonderful initiative that we are so proud to have been a small part of.”

The council set up a cost of living taskforce last year to coordinate a city-wide response to support Plymouth residents affected by the rising cost of living. The taskforce has met monthly and includes representatives from key organisations, including Citizens Advice Plymouth, Food Plymouth, Transforming Plymouth Together, Plymouth Energy Community, Argyle Community Trust and the Department for Work and Pensions

This led to the creation of an online hub incorporating information and advice about finances, energy and food costs, mental health support and the warm spaces map.

Access the cost of living hub at www.plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving

U-TURN ON CHARGES FOR LEISURE CAR PARKS - BUT COST OF PARKING INCREASES IN CITY

Parking charges will not now be introduced at a number of leisure car parks in Plymouth following opposition by local ward councillors.

Earlier this month it was announced that Plymouth City Council would be asking residents for their views on introducing minimal parking charges at Mount Batten (on-street and car park), Jennycliff, Devils Point and Strand Street car parks – all of which are currently free – with the revenue being reinvested into improvements in each car park.

In addition, the consultation would have

included proposals on introducing a small charge at the Life Centre (£1 for 24 hours parking) for customers of the centre, to help prevent non-users from migrating to the Life Centre car park, creating challenges for centre customers.

As part of the initial engagement, ward councillors expressed their concern on the proposals, therefore the Cabinet Member for Transport has decided they will not move forward.

Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “As part of our wider budget programme, we highlighted that we would look at ways we could help address the increase in operating costs of parking in the city.

This proposal was exactly that. It was one idea. We committed to listening to views and that started with us engaging with councillors. It is clear that introducing charges at our leisure car parks would not be a viable option, therefore the proposal will not be moving ahead.”

Meanwhile on and off street parking charges in the rest of the city will rise by 10 per cent from April 1. Hourly on street parking charges will rise from £2 to £2.20 and all day parking from £15 to £16.50. Off street parking chargesa across the city will rise by a similar amount. Residents parking permits will rise from £41 to £45.

Claire Hardisty (centre), headteacher at Thornbury Primary School holding the MATA trophy with senior leaders from Connect

The warm space in use at Manadon Sports Hub. Photo credit: Argyle Community Trust

Research study investigates benefits of extra feeding help for new mums

A new mother who took part in research testing infant feeding support for first-time mums has said the help she received stopped her giving up breastfeeding when she encountered challenges.

The ABA-feed study is investigating whether providing support to women helps them to feed their baby successfully and confidently, and whether it is good value for money.

Participants in the study, which is open to first-time mothers regardless of how they plan to feed their baby, are randomly allocated into one of two groups – usual care, or ABA-feed. The ABAfeed group receives woman-centred support for all types of feeding (breastfeeding, formula feeding and mixed feeding) from specially trained infant feeding helpers.

More support

Breastfeeding can improve the health of mothers and babies, but fewer UK women breastfeed compared to other countries. Many women stop breastfeeding within the first two weeks, and previous research has shown most would have liked more support to help them continue. Younger mothers and those from lower income homes are less likely to breastfeed.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)funded study is running at a number of sites in England, Scotland and Wales, including Derriford Hospital, part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The Trust is working in partnership with Livewell Southwest to deliver the study, with Livewell providing training for the infant feeding helpers.

It is being supported locally by the NIHR Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula.

Marina Marmolejo, an entrepreneur and business owner from Plymouth, volunteered for ABA-feed at Derriford after seeing a poster for the study in the antenatal clinic. She explains what was involved.

Marina said: “I was contacted by someone from the study team, and they explained I had been assigned to the group that would be receiving the support. I filled out some forms, and then a wonderful lady called Elizabeth came over to my house, and we had a chat and she told me how the study would work.

“She told me the support would be on offer for a specific length of time, and we went through a kind of flow chart of the help that would be available after the birth. Since then I’ve had to fill out two or three online surveys, with questions about the feeding, and about things like mental health, hospital and GP visits. It was easy to complete the surveys, you didn’t have to log in or anything, just click the link, and there were reminders.

“I had to contact Elizabeth when Theo was born, and she was then available for support. We basically messaged on WhatsApp, and I think I might have spoken to her once over the phone. But it was really, really worthwhile.”

Soon after he was born, staff at Derriford noticed Theo had tongue-tie, where the strip of skin connecting a baby’s tongue to the bottom of their mouth is shorter than usual. The condition can make it harder to breastfeed, although not all babies with tongue-tie are affected in this way.

Marina continued: “If I hadn’t had Elizabeth around, I don’t think I would have carried on breastfeeding. It was quite difficult with his tongue-tie, it really impacted the way he was latching on.

“He was still gaining weight but it did make it difficult, like when I went out I could only feed in one position, which was really hard when I was sitting on just a normal chair.

“Elizabeth arranged a referral, and we had the procedure to fix it when Theo was about eight weeks. She was just so supportive.

“I definitely think if everyone had someone like Elizabeth, they would be less likely to stop so soon. Even if people made it to three months, that would be much better than not doing it at all.

Lower income families

“But if you persevere it is actually easier in many ways. I always wanted to make it to six months, but now I’m thinking, I’d have to get up in the middle of the night and make formula, which is potentially more of an effort. And there’s also the cost if I had to pay to feed Theo solely on formula milk. I think especially for lower income families, with the current cost of living, you could save a lot over a whole year.

“I also really want to mention how important I think it is to normalise breastfeeding in public. If you’ve got that fear it’s another massive barrier, and maybe more women might breastfeed if it was more normalised.”

Aimee Miller is principal investigator for the study at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, and the Trust’s infant feeding lead for maternity services. She said: “Across Plymouth we know that working together to support families with their feeding journey results in the best outcomes; so it has been incredibly exciting for University Hospitals Plymouth and Livewell Southwest to work together on this research project.

“Peer support is such a valuable resource and is one of the best ways of ensuring wraparound care for each of our families. We are very lucky to have these wonderful infant feeding helpers taking part in the study.

“The relationship and support given is tailored to each individual and is particularly important in those early weeks, which we know is when many parents end their feeding journeys earlier than they would like, this is why this study is so important. We look forward to being able to support as many families as possible in this way.”

ABA-feed is led by Professor Kate Jolly at the University of Birmingham with a team of researchers from across the UK. For more information, including how to take part, visit the study website: https://aba-feed.org/

MORLAIX DRIVE WORKS ALL SET FOR COMPLETION

Improvement works to Morlaix Drive and Brest Road were set to complete in March. Morlaix Drive is a 300 metre stretch of carriageway that links Brest Road with Derriford Hospital. It is home to the Glenbourne Unit and Thornberry Centre, the ambulance station and has access into the hospital’s multi-storey car park. The works have included widening Morlaix Drive, which was once single carriageway, so that traffic can travel easily in both directions without having to give way to oncoming vehicles.  The widening also means that buses can be routed along Morlaix Drive.

Meanwhile, the Morlaix Drive/Brest Road junction has been adapted to incorporate new lights and the northbound Brest Road entry on to Derriford Roundabout will be for use by buses and emergency vehicles only. New pedestrian crossing facilities have also been installed as well as a shared use path on both Morlaix Drive and Brest Road, connecting to William Prance Road, for use by cyclists as well as pedestrians.

The main purpose of the scheme is to provide better bus access to Derriford Hospital and improve reliability for bus services in the north of the city, complementing the investment the Council has already made enlarging the nearby Derriford Hospital Interchange, widening the

Marjon Link Road for two-way bus movements and constructing the newly opened Platinum Parkway. The improvements form part of a wider package of measures that are key to unlocking growth in the north of Plymouth, where over 4,000 new homes are planned over the next 15 years. Morlaix Drive will become a key strategic route for buses, allowing direct access to the hospital via Platinum Parkway for new bus services from the east of the city, including the future park and ride site at Deep Lane. Prior to the improvements,

traffic often queued along Brest Road at busy times of the day and the opening of Platinum Parkway means that traffic movements and the routing of buses are set to change in the area. The new traffic signals on Brest Road and restricting the northbound entry to Derriford Roundabout from Brest Road will help reduce delays to buses and local traffic accessing the hospital and other businesses in the area. With the bulk of the heavy lifting now complete, it is hoped that bar any unforeseen circumstances

the current closures on Brest Road northbound and on Morlaix Drive itself should reopen by the end of March.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ll be in a position to open Morlaix Drive and Brest Road in the next few weeks.

“It may only be a small piece of road but what we have done is of the utmost strategic importance for this part of Plymouth.

“I’d like to say a special thank you to the visitors and staff at the hospital for bearing with us while we completed these works.

“We know it’s not been easy but I’m confident that your reward will be a much easier journey than you had before.”

The Morlaix Drive scheme has so far been funded using £3.3m of funding awarded by the Department for Transport through the National Productivity Investment Fund with the Council contributing around £1.75m.

However, to see it over the line, a further £480,000 is now being added to account for construction issues unforeseen at the design stage and the cost inflation of materials since the scheme began in 2020.

More details on the scheme can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/morlaixdrive

Morlaix Drive before the scheme started

New mum Marina Marmolejo with baby Theo

Chocolates and the meaning of life

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Allegedly we’re approaching spring time although it doesn’t seem like anyone has told the weather! As I write this March is well under way but the temperatures are still as cold as midwinter.

It feels somewhat ironic as my last article reflected on the significant changes that take place in Spring. Perhaps it is much warmer and more seasonal as you are reading this.

One of the major markers of Spring time is the long Easter weekend. For those in school this is accompanied by the Easter school holidays and for almost all of us we enjoy more than our fill of chocolates. Chocolate and Easter are synonymous in our culture. As my daughter grows older we especially love doing an Easter egg hunt with her. Placing the eggs for her to excitedly discover later is a real joy of parenting. Informing her that she can’t eat them all at once is somewhat less enjoyable for all involved.

My daughter is three years old so as you can imagine we don’t try to hide the small Easter eggs in especially difficult

places. Most are obvious and are found in a matter of moments but, as I’m sure is the case for many of you, we still manage to find some months later.

My daughter actually managed to find one when we were out in Central Park around late Spring last year.

She had been happily playing in some grass when she turned to me and said ‘Daddy, I found an egg’. I didn’t believe her as she had been saying this line almost on repeat since her own Easter egg hunt.

Although this time she had really found one laid by a rock. Though it was wrapped well in foil, this being a number of weeks after Easter itself, I wasn’t going to let her eat it. A decision which didn’t go down too well with her.

No one else had unearthed this treasure but because my daughter was expecting to find Easter eggs around every corner she somehow managed to find it.

In our daily lives we all too easily lose

sight of what is out there to be found.

If we’re honest with ourselves I think in some way or another we’re all searching.

Not necessarily searching for Easter eggs but searching for purpose, for our identity and value, for real tangible meaning in our lives.

In my personal search for these things Easter means a great deal.

The message of the Easter tradition is that of God coming to Earth as the person of Jesus Christ and dying the death of a criminal on a cross and 3 days later being resurrected back to life.

This article doesn’t afford me the word count to fully elaborate on the significance of all of that. You will have to do some searching of your own!

What I will say though is that in my experience this is more than a story. I believe it. I believe that God created me, loves me and took all my brokenness, pain,

mistakes and frailty on the cross so that I may know and be fully known by God. I believe He was raised to life three days later to prove I have a hope of life beyond death as well.

I believe all of this is true for you too. The message of Easter isn’t merely a story to hold on to but an invitation to walk with God every day.

To live a meaningful life with Him in which, if you’ll let Him, he will transform, heal and change you. He’ll enable you to love yourself and those around you well. As I have searched this is what I know I have found.

Now by all means, please disagree with me as much as you like. That is the beauty of the freedom we enjoy.

However, even if you disagree I would encourage you to go searching yourself. Just like my daughter in the park, you never know what you might find. Only this time it would be safe to try.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

Thousands enjoy National Marine Park open weekend

Giant eels and King and Queen Neptune welcomed thousands of people to enjoy a fantastic free weekend at the National Marine Aquarium organised by the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park for the people of Plymouth as a thank you and to celebrate achievements over the past year.

Over 3,700 tickets were distributed to targeted community groups through the Marine Park Rangers and Gateway Hubs: Mount Batten Centre, Mount Edgcumbe, Plymouth Active and the National Marine Aquarium.

A further 2,900 tickets were won via a public ballot, which saw over 9,000 entrants in the lead up to the weekend.

The event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann and Roger Maslin, chief executive of the Ocean Conservation Trust. Guests were treated to a theatrical display led by the Barbican Theatre and lots of marine themed activities including face painting.

Stilt walkers, King and Queen Neptune, presided over their marine kingdom throughout the weekend, whilst visitors were encouraged to watch their favourite aquatic wildlife feast during punctuated feeding times.

Throughout the open weekend, the team behind Plymouth Sound National Marine Park were on hand to gather feedback from visitors as part of the public consultation to inform future plans.

To help promote sustainable travel to the event, Plymouth CityBus provided free bus rides for children with an accompanying fare-paying adult. Although the free service was aimed at those who were lucky enough to secure free tickets, others were able to use

the offer throughout the weekend to visit the wider National Marine Park.

Ahead of the open weekend, the Gateway Hubs – Mount Edgcumbe, National Marine Aquarium, Mount Batten Centre, and Plymouth Active, were each asked to nominate an individual who goes above and beyond at their organisation to become a winner of a golden ticket experience.

Each nominee was rewarded with a golden ticket to experience the snorkel at the aquarium activity at the National Marine Aquarium across the weekend.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for

Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council said: “We are delighted that we could offer so many tickets for free, so that the people of Plymouth could enjoy time together learning about our National Marine Park. It was an exciting weekend for everyone involved.”

Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Tudor Evans, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the people of Plymouth to play an instrumental part in the next five years of the National Marine Park.”

The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project has been made possible

thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, with £9.5 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The open weekend took place during National Lottery Open Week, which provides offers to National Lottery players as a thank you for their support helping to fund good causes.

Dave Simpson

The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Pat Patel, Aquarium staff and National Marine Park volunteers at the start of the open weekend

Golden ticket winners John Baddick and Chris Wright snorkelling

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JOBS BOOST AS BABCOCK SECURES MULTI-MILLION POUND CONTRACT

Babcock has won a multi-million pound order from the UK Ministry of Defence that is expected to create nearly 100 new jobs. It is the first private sector investment success for the newly-formed Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

The contract will see Babcock working with Devon-based defence vehicle designer and manufacturer Supacat on an order for 70 high mobility transports (HMT 400 series).

The deal will result in Babcock expanding its operations in the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport’s South Yard tax site.

The contract award for an undisclosed sum could lead to as many as 240 of the light armoured vehicles, should operational requirements demand.

Named ‘Jackal’ by the British Army, the HMT 400 series is a supremely versatile vehicle with unparalleled cross-country performance. Originally, developed in the 1990s, the Jackal builds on the success of Supacat’s original All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP).

The HMT platform vehicle has also proven itself internationally and is in service in Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Estonia. Further export opportunities

are currently being explored, bringing further investment to the South West.

Tom Newman, chief executive of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “This order is fantastic news for both Babcock and the local community

in Plymouth. As a world-class engineering partner, we are delighted to be taking a key role in the production of this new phase of the Jackal platform, a truly British designed and manufactured vehicle.

“We are proud to be playing our part in supporting the British Army’s Land Industrial Strategy by securing critical industrial skills and capabilities and enhancing social value, including the creation of 90 new jobs.

“This new contract shows how British industry can work collaboratively to rapidly respond to defence requirements and deliver in short timescales. The HMT 400 series is also not only a battle-proven vehicle but a fantastic export asset in its own right, and our chosen build location in the Freeport zone of Plymouth will enhance its export prospects.”

Nick Ames, chief executive for Supacat, said: “This is an enormously important contract win for us. Primarily it further evidences our customer’s confidence in our HMT 400 product after 20 years of service. Furthermore it gives us a platform to secure potential export orders and thereby shows how investment in UK products can provide benefit to the wider UK economy.”

The contract further builds on Babcock’s well-established relationship with Supacat, having worked together to meet the demand for Afghanistan when over 600 vehicles were assembled at Devonport within a three-year period.

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Vital role played by Mercy Ships

Members of Moor’s Edge U3A were given an insight into the work of Mercy Ships at their recent meeting.

Mike Temple from Mercy Ships explained that the charity has two of the largest hospital ships in the world: Africa Mercy and Global Mercy. Worldwide five billion people lack access to safe, affordable, timely surgery. Many of them live in developing countries where healthcare infrastructure is limited or nonexistent, or where there’ s a shortage of trained healthcare providers.

Mike explained that fortunately, more than 44% of the world’ s population lives within 100 miles of a coast –which is why Mercy Ships uses modern hospital ships to bring world-class volunteer medical professionals directly to the places they’ re needed most.

The charity has had up to three ships in service since 1978. The Global Mercy is the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world. The 174-metre, 37,000-ton ship has six operating rooms and houses over 600 volunteers from around the globe representing many disciplines including surgeons, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians, the host staff and more.

The ship also features a 682-seat auditorium, student academy, café, shop and library – all of which have been designed to accommodate up to 950 crew onboard when docked in port.

The Africa Mercy contains five operating rooms, a four-bed recovery area, intensive care for up to five patients, and 80 ward beds. It houses about 400 volunteer

crew members from up to 40 nations. Acquired in 1999 through a donation from the Balcraig Foundation, the former Danish rail ferry Dronning Ingrid was refurbished specifically for our mission and named the Africa Mercy in April 2000. For more information visit www.mercyships. org.uk

Guest speaker at the meeting on April 14 will be Brenda Loosemore, who topic will be ‘Ladies of Laughter.’ Moor’s Edge U3A meets on the second Friday of the month at the Woolwell Centre, starting at 2.30pm. There are a variety of special interest groups which the retired or semi-retired can join including country dancing, garden visits, scrabble and jazz.

For more details visit www.u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/

TOP YOUNG DANCE COMPANY IS COMING TO PLYMOUTH

The National

visiting Plymouth this summer.

The country’s flagship company for young dancers, which is run by Sadler’s Wells, will visit The House in Plymouth on July 15 with their new work Novacene, choreographed by guest artistic director and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Wayne McGregor.

During the dancers’ time with NYDC, they are offered a unique insight into the dance profession, living and working closely together as a company, alongside staff and the artistic team.

The year-long experience within the company provides members with the necessary skills and techniques to find career opportunities and raise aspirations, self-esteem and confidence. The dancers are mentored during four intensive residencies in school holidays to create and rehearse the new piece. With 35 dancers, aged between 16 and 24 years old, hailing from 19 towns, cities and villages across England it’s a nationwide company.

Over the last 10 years NYDC has worked with over 6,000 young people through workshops and projects across the country. Over 300 young people have joined the company, creating 10 full length dance productions by internationally renowned choreographers.

For more information visit www.nydc.co.uk

Global Mercy..the world’s largest charity-run hospital ship

Preparations for The Coronation

Plymouth residents are being encouraged to start planning community celebrations for the King’s Coronation bank holiday weekend in May.

The Coronation will see people across the UK come together to celebrate and the national programme will include the procession and service at Westminster Abbey on May 6, a ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ across the country on May 7 (with a concert taking place in Windsor in the evening), and ‘The Big Help Out’ community activity on the bank holiday, Monday May 8.

Street parties are a great way of celebrating the event together and Plymouth City Council is making them easier to organise by lifting the fees for street closure orders between May 6 and 8.

Guidance for residents on how to organise a street party can be found on the Visit Plymouth website at www.visitplymouth.co.uk.

Another way for communities and neighbours to come together is by taking part in The Coronation Big Lunch, on May 7. Information on how to get involved is on the Coronation Big Lunch website at www.edenprojectcommunities. com/the-big-lunch

LIGHTING UP CENTRAL PARK

Twenty new street lamps have been installed in Central Park.

The new lamp columns have been put up along paths through the park from Outland Road, running between the putting green and the playground before crossing onto Jubilee Row down towards Barn Park corner.

It means there will be a well-lit east to west route across the city’s biggest park as well as the existing north south route for walkers, strollers, joggers, skaters, pram pushers and cyclists.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “Central Park is hugely popular and we want people to feel safe. While spring is around the corner, it still gets dark fairly early. We hope these lights will encourage more people to walk or cycle across the park.

“Our Active Travel programme is all about small measures that can make a big difference to get more people walking and wheeling instead of driving. What better way to do this than by investing in street lights in Central Park?”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, chair of Plymouth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Commission added: “Members of the VAWG Commission were very keen to ensure this popular park was better lit to help people feel safer. It’s great to see this has now happened – especially more lights near the clock tower, which we raised as a particular issue.

The lights are LED and to help mitigate the impact of light on nocturnal species, two bat boxes are being installed.

This project cost £117,000, with £95,000 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund which is designed to help Plymouth’s walking and cycling network be more connected, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive. The remainder comes from the Central Park improvement budget.

Western Power are finalising the project and the lights now come on at dusk.

Plymouth to host Europe’s first-ever Undokai event

Barbican Theatre has announced that Plymouth is hosting the UK and European premiere of the Future Undokai Project, which will be known as Plymouth Undokai 2023, with events and games running across the Spring.

The project will culminate in two weekends of games at the end of April, including the final ‘Plymouth’ version of events taking place at Brickfields Sports Centre.

The Future Undokai Project is a  groundbreaking Japanese initiative exploring the future of intergenerational community sports and how communities might design new multi-player physical games. And Plymouth is home to it’s UK and European premiere!

The Plymouth Undokai project is all about bringing people together to have fun and play games. Participants will get to play traditional Undokai games - similar to what might be played at a school sports day, fair or carnival but with a twist and a bit of tech mixed in - and also create and play brand new games just for Plymouth!

Creating and playing your own games that fuse traditional sports with future tech is a unique aspect of Undokai and organisers can’t wait for Plymouth to get involved.

There will be two main ways of taking part in the Plymouth Undokai:

As a Player - someone who plays the traditional games and the new games made in Plymouth (for ages 8-88). This is ideal for:

• People who want to have fun and play games

• People who like mixing with lots of different people

• People who really enjoy sports day at school

• People who like beach or park games

• Groups such as football clubs, scouts, guides, cubs, brownies, boys brigade, girls brigade, young carers, home school groups, Duke of Edinburgh groups.

As a DeveloPlayer - someone who helps cocreate the new games and events in Plymouth and then joins in with the players to play them!  This is ideal for:

• Community Leaders

• Dancers/choreographers/movement artists

• Sports Coaches

• Teachers

• Students

• Tech whizz kids

• Gamers

Plymouth Undokai will take place over two weeks in April with three main ways to get involved:

PLAY IT: JAPANESE STYLE

April 15 and 16 at YMCA Centre in Honicknowle  Play traditional undokai games designed and

led by the team from the Undokai Association who are coming over from Japan. They’ll include games such as tug of war, relay races, long rope jumping, centipede racing and more fun activities. They will also mix in a little bit of tech in the afternoon! For: ages 8-88. Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre.co.uk

DEVELOP IT: CO-CREATE THE PLYMOUTH GAMES

April 21 at University of Plyouth and April 22 and 23 at Brickfields Sport Centre  As a DeveloPlayer people get to rewrite the rule book! This is a seriously cool opportunity for them to design and create a new series of games with the Undokai Association team from Japan while they are in Plymouth. Students and leaders from University of Plymouth’s Arts Institute and i-DAT who are working on Games Design and Games & Experience Design, will be on hand to incorporate their innovations and tech ideas into the games as well. Then on the final day 200 people will be at the centre to play the games created by the DeveloPlayers.

April 21 at University of Plymouth - an ideas lab where all particpants will meet and run through ideas and maybe do a few testers.

April 22 Brickfields Sport Centre - the main DeveloPlayer day. Get stuck in and co-create six to eight games for people of all ages and abilities to play the day after. It’s a hackathon with a twist!

April 23 at Brickfields Sport Centre - PLAY IT

Plymouth style. The final day of Plymouth Undokai when 200 people will come together to play the games developed over the two previous days  For ages 10+ Tickets: Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre.co.uk

PLAY IT: PLYMOUTH STYLE

April 23 at Brickfields Sports Centre

Get into teams and play the new games developed in the DeveloPlayer sessions and be the first ever players to try them out! It’s going to be so much fun and is as much about taking part as winning (although there will be medals and awards at the end of course!)

For: ages 8-88. Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre. co.uk

Plymouth Undokai is hopefully the first annual event. In Japan, there are 70,000 Undokai events a year - with 10 million people taking part.

Laura Kriefman, chief executive and artistic director, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth said:  “Why can’t we, as a city, invent our own sports? Imagine inventing, here in Plymouth, the next ‘football’ or ‘curling’! I am so excited to be able to bring this amazing project to our city and see what games Plymothians want to make, to play together. We have our fingers crossed that this is the first year of many for Plymouth Undokai. I look forward to the laughter and the amazing games we invent.“

A number of taster ‘play days’ have been in held in communities across the city in January, February and March (at University Of Plymouth, Keyham and Devonport) in the lead up to the main events in April when teams from Future Undokai Association in Japan will be in Plymouth. Barbican Theatre will also be holding a conference and conversations event at Plymouth University as part of Plymouth Undokai (more information on the conference to be published shortly).

Participants who took part in one of the taster sessions

New Employer Hub launched to support Plymouth businesses

Led by Plymouth City Council, Skills Launchpad Plymouth has unveiled a new online Employer Hub designed to bring together localised solutions to help address recruitment, employment, workforce skills and training challenges.

Aimed at helping local small to medium sized companies as well as offering additional support for larger businesses, the Employer Hub provides advice, guidance, and access to information setting out clear options to help employers better navigate the complex skills, training and employment landscape.

During the launch event held at Boringdon Park Golf Club, business leaders firmly endorsed the value and benefits of the new Employer Hub service.

Jonathan Keable, Leader of Plymouth’s Federation of Small Businesses said: “We really understand that local employers are struggling with significant skills gaps and skills shortages which is impacting on their ability to attract, recruit and retain people with the right skills.

“So launching the Employer Hub could not have come at a better time. I have been championing the Employer Hub development as we recognise particularly for our smaller employers, that understanding this complex and every changing skills and employment landscape is hard, and you don’t know what you don’t know!

“Through city-wide partnership working, we have co-designed this new online resource, aimed at helping local employers, of all sizes and sectors, to tap into a full menu of recruitment solutions and support, and impartial information, advice and guidance for all things skills and training relating to the city and regional opportunities.”

Paul Turner, chair of Plymouth’s Employment and Skills Board, and Human Resources director

at Princess Yachts said: “This new online go to, one-stop-shop will help businesses to get better informed, to navigate more options and help to connect with the right people and organisations locally.

“The city’s Skills Plan ‘Skills 4 Plymouth’ sets the ambition to deliver a responsive, single skills system that meets the needs of local employers, and where local people across all ages and communities can access skills, jobs and support for career progression right on their doorstep.

“In response we have delivered and are developing ‘Skills Launchpad Plymouth’ which we consider to be a key enabler. I am delighted that the Employer Hub is now live and encourage local businesses to access and find out more.”

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “Building on the huge success of Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub and Adult Hub which support our local residents to connect with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs, I am really impressed that local employers are now able to tap into such a wealth of localised information, advice and guidance to better address their recruitment, skills and training needs.”

The Employer Hub is funded by the Interreg FCE C-Care project, delivered by The Plymouth Charter supporting Skills Launchpad Plymouth. For more information visit www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/employer-hub.

Interactive signs highlighting plastic pollution issues go live in Plymouth

The Environment Agency is on a mission to tackle plastic pollution with the launch of interactive ‘Source to Sea’ posters across Plymouth.

Residents and visitors can now scan poster QR codes at multiple locations to find out how single-use avoidable plastic items - like nappies, packets, wet wipes and sanitary products - impact marine life when incorrectly flushed down the toilet or discarded in the open environment.

The eye-catching posters, which can be found on railings, bollards and lamp posts at the Barbican Waterfront and Hoe, University of Plymouth Hospital (inside only), city centre, and Mutley and Saltash Passage areas, enable people to have text message mobile phone chats about plastic types, the journey of plastic through drains and rivers, and their impacts on ocean health.

There is also an engaging quiz and opportunity to share opinions on plastic pollution.

Environment Agency plastics and sustainability team project lead Lucy Smith said: “Every year over 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the world’s ocean from land, rivers and marine activities. And around 967kg of plastic waste has been removed from Plymouth in recent months according to our

partner database, thanks to community-led litter pickers.

“With the help of these interactive posters, we hope to clampdown on poor waste disposal habits by encouraging people to think how the health of our planet is shaped by our actions.

“It can be really confusing knowing what type of waste goes where. We hope this project will engage people in a fun way and help break down complicated issues into straightforward action. Every individual can play a part in ocean health, and every positive action counts.”

The initiative is one of many projects

being funded by the three year cross channel Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution project - a partnership of 18 organisations, including Plymouth City Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the University of Plymouth - which aims to identify and target plastic hotspots, embed behaviour change in local communities and businesses, and implement effective solutions and alternatives.

The posters encourage people to properly dispose of their waste and step up daily avoidable plastic habits by following the waste hierarchy - avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle.

The posters will be in place for 12 months, after which the interactions will be evaluated to help inform future initiatives to prevent plastic pollution. The project builds on Environment Agency goals and commitments outlined in its five year plan to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment.

As a regulator, the Environment Agency prevents waste plastic entering the environment by cracking down on waste crime and poor waste management. As an influencer, its ambition is to promote better environmental practices that result in a reduction of plastic waste.

Pictured at the Employer Hub launch (from left) Paul Turner, human resources director at Princess Yachts and Chair of Plymouth’s Employment and Skills Board, Emma Hewitt, Skills Lead at Plymouth City Council, Frances Brennan, Plymouth Charter, Cllr Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Children and Young People and Jonathan Keable, Leader Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses

All set for Armed Forces Day

Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day returns to Plymouth Hoe this summer with an epic programme of events, activities and entertainment.

The exciting line-up was revealed at a launch event marking 100 days until Armed Forces Day on June 24. It will include music, pageantry, fly pasts, exciting service displays, service charities and fun for all the family. The launch was hosted by 29 Commando Regiment RA at the Royal Citadel.

Lieutenant Colonel Kieran Phillips, Royal Artillery Commanding Officer, presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, with the Armed Forces Day flag. Members from Babcock, Plymouth City Council and representatives from each Military Service, veterans, cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes also attended.

The launch saw members of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery abseil down the walls of The Royal Citadel, carrying the Armed Forces Day flag and title sponsors Babcock’s flag.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sue Dann, jumped at the opportunity to bravely abseil down the 70ft high Citadel wall.

The flags were passed to the 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines, who flew them from their Offshore Raiding Craft (ORCs) in a thrilling on-water display. The ORCs travelled at high speed in an arrowhead formation across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, which is expected to see over 40,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the family-fun event.

This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment, demonstrations and parades. There will also be a flyover of iconic aircraft over Plymouth Sound before heading on to Cornwall who are hosting the national celebration this year.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council, said:

“Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out, filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, but also a hugely important opportunity for the people of Plymouth to show support to our Military, reservists, veterans, cadets and their

families, thanking them for the great work they do.

“It is also great to see the spotlight on the Southwest this year, when celebrating this significant day; with the national event being hosted in Falmouth. It brings a great opportunity for our communities to come together to celebrate and show our continued support to our Armed Forces.”

Lt Col Kieran Phillips said: “I’m delighted that we can launch this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day with the magnificent Royal Citadel as our backdrop – this has been home to Gunners for over 300 years and to the Commando Gunners for the last 60. It is a great opportunity for us to continue to play our part in the Plymouth community that means so much to.

“This Plymouth Armed Forces Day will be just as spectacular as those that have gone before; and is a brilliant annual moment for us, our families and our veterans to come together with our wider Plymouth family.”

The Derriford and North Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.

The May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on April 28 with a copy deadline of April 17..

The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Last month’s answers

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the publication.

16 Smart, 18 Pet, 19 Ale.

Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann pictured with officials and military representatives

Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann bravely abseiled down the Citadel wall