Plymouth Chronicle Central & Waterfront April 2021

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Central & Waterfront

April 2021

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

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95-year-old Charlie Trevethan from Southway has been sharing his memories of the Plymouth Blitz See page 24

Young entrepreneur Jemima Ellis was inspired to launch a business by her mum’s battle with breast cancer See page 19

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Enter the dragon!

Image credit Carl Robertshaw

A spectacular dragon will hatch in Plymouth City Centre this summer, and grow to the size of a double-decker bus. The Hatchling is a ground-breaking outdoor theatrical performance that will unfold over a weekend of events in August and reaches an extraordinary finale on The Hoe - see story on page 4

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2 April 2021

2 April 2021

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Light at the end of the tunnel

By Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council The Government has now implemented the first stage of its COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 plan, which sets out how we will leave the current lockdown in England.

It is very welcome news that the lockdown measures and the ongoing vaccination programme are moving us in the right direction and we are able to ease restrictions in the coming weeks and months.

Many local businesses and attractions across the city have been hugely impacted

by Coronavirus and it is encouraging news that, if we continue to work hard, there will

be a brighter summer for us all.

Whilst the ‘stay at home’ message is still in place, Council staff will continue to provide essential services and support the most vulnerable members of our community. Thank you to the voluntary organisations and the army of volunteers who support this effort.

The opening of all nurseries, schools and colleges is the important first step in our road to recovery. I would like to give my reassurance that Plymouth City Council will continue to support schools over the weeks and months ahead.

I know we will all want to send our heartfelt thanks to our local school staff for their hard work in making this happen. It has not been an easy task.

However, as we look ahead with a hope for a return to normality, it is important that we do not let our guard down and become complacent. We must all continue to adhere to the guidelines to stay at home until 29 March and follow the mantra of hands, face, space, in order to reduce the number of cases in the city further.

In addition, the provision of free rapid testing for those essential workers without symptoms will continue to play an important role as lockdown restrictions are eased.

I urge everyone who has to be out in the community for essential reasons, even if they have already received the vaccine, to get tested regularly to stop the spread of the virus as we take the final steps towards resuming our normal lives.

Schools are back – but still a long way to go

The Government’s roadmap heralds a clear turning point in the fight against COVID-19 and I would like to take this opportunity to again thank everyone across the city who has played their part to help get the virus under control.

However, we must not allow ourselves to become complacent. We have all seen how quickly rates can rise when we let down our guard and our hospitals are still under huge pressure.

I would urge everyone to continue to follow the current restrictions, get tested if they are feeling unwell and concerned about their health and take up the offer of the vaccine when it’s their turn.

Only by doing so will we see restrictions being lifted to the point that we can get back to doing all the things we love and have missed.

The return to face-to-face education will

be a huge relief to schools, parents and children alike. Please remember, if you have a child of school age in your household, then home test kits are available free of charge.

You can find your nearest collection point at https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites. maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/.

We have started rolling out community testing for essential workers, and hope that over the weeks and months ahead, we will expand this service.

While all of us look forward to a relaxation of the national regulations, it’s vital that we continue to exercise caution. COVID-19 is an extremely infectious virus and is still very much present in the community.

Cases in Plymouth have remained relatively low compared to elsewhere in the country and we do not want to see them rising again.

As restrictions start to ease, we must remain absolutely resolute in sticking to the national public health measures – keeping our social distance, wearing face coverings whenever indoors in a public place and regularly washing our hands.

By Dr Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19. There are also daily updates on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Understanding the roadmap out of lockdown

April 2021

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Local Restrictions Support Grant: Are you eligible?

Around 1,200 Plymouth businesses are missing out on funding they’re entitled to and with the deadline fast approaching, Plymouth City Council is urging business owners to check if they’re eligible.

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) is available to support businesses that pay rates to the Council and have been legally required to close due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions since November 2020.

These businesses are also entitled to a one-off Closed Business Support Payment, announced by Government at the beginning of the year.

However, an estimated 1,200 businesses in Plymouth haven’t completed an application yet which means they’re potentially missing out on thousands of pounds of funding.

There are a number of grants available

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covering different time periods of national lockdown: • 5 November to 4 December 2020 • 5 January to 15 February 2021 • 16 February to 31 March 2021 In addition to this, there are grants available for businesses that were required to close while Plymouth was under Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions between 4 December and 5 January.

The total grant amount that each business will receive is dependent on its rateable value.

The Council has worked to automate as many payments as possible, so that eligible businesses have only had to complete one application form since November. If your business is eligible you need to apply by 31 March 2021 to claim the funding for 5 January to 15 February, so don’t delay.

Find out more and see how to apply at: investplymouth.co.uk/business-grants

Your COVID-19 questions answered

A panel of health and care experts from across Plymouth are set to chair an online question and answer session to help provide reassurance and the facts around the Coronavirus vaccine to local people.

Hosted by Tony Gravett MBE from the local Healthwatch, the event will take place virtually between 6.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday 13 April.

Answering questions will be Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care for Devon, Sue Wilkins, Associate Chief Nurse and Director of Mass Vaccination and Dr Ruth Harrell, the Director of Public Health at Plymouth City Council.

The event will enable those with concerns about the Coronavirus vaccine to put their questions direct to local health and care experts.

Dr Harrell said: “Over

the past 12 months, we have all been working hard to keep Coronavirus OUT of Plymouth. Whilst the rollout of the vaccine is obviously welcomed, with over 89,000 local people already being vaccinated, it isn’t a quick fix.

“And the journey will be complicated.

The aim of this event is to listen to concerns, provide genuine up-to-date information and dispel any rumours that may be causing anyone to think twice about having the vaccine.”

For more information or to register visit https://plymouthcovid-19qanda.eventbrite. co.uk/

Become a COVID-19 Community Champion A new campaign aimed at providing timely, easy-to-understand and reliable information about COVID-19 and the vaccination programme has launched in Plymouth – and the Council is encouraging local people to take part.

The scheme aims to recruit volunteers who live or work in the city and want to help make a difference in their community, by ensuring people are kept up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and guidance, including the rollout of the vaccine programme.

By sharing good and useful information, COVID-19 Community Champions will help

their community, family and friends make informed choices that help stop the spread of the virus and that may save lives.

You might be someone who lots of people know and trust; you might be involved in a community group or organisation; you might have lots of family who live in the city or you might be involved in a popular business.

Whatever it is, you just need a willingness to help others and to work with likeminded people.

For more information or to apply, go to: www.plymouth.gov.uk/ covid19communityinformationchampions

NOTE: The information on these pages was correct at time of going to press on March 18.

Please visit plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 for latest updates or sign up for email updates with the latest news and information at bit.ly/plymouthemailalerts

Major funding boost for key city projects

Almost £7m will be pumped into Plymouth to help important new construction projects get off the ground in 2021.

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has announced it will be allocated money from the government’s Getting Building Fund to invest in major infrastructure projects to support economic growth across the city. Working in partnership with Plymouth City Council and local businesses, it is expected that this investment will create or safeguard more than 80 jobs or apprenticeships.

The projects, chosen after a robust selection process, will play an important role in Plymouth’s economic recovery programme, Resurgam, by supporting employment, regeneration, skills and innovation in the region.

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans, said: “This is a major shot in the arm for Plymouth’s economy and will make a significant contribution to our recovery from the pandemic. We put forward business cases for a number of exciting shovel-ready projects and I’m excited that they will now have lift off in the near future.

“Through Resurgam we want to deliver economic recovery and growth for Plymouth by improving the city’s infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and saving or creating jobs for local people. Frankly, construction can’t start soon enough and we expect workers to be on-site this spring.”

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The HotSW LEP’s Getting Building Fund aims to support ready-to-go projects that will deliver new jobs and contribute to our area’s postCOVID recovery. We are delighted to have been able to award nearly £7m through the fund to Plymouth City Council, to help deliver a range of major projects that will improve the city’s infrastructure, create new jobs and significantly support Plymouth’s economic recovery.”

The projects given the green light by today’s funding announcement are: An additional £4.17 million for Phase 2 of Brunel Plaza/train station concourse development. The city has ambitious plans to transform the station, which has not seen significant investment in decades, by creating a thriving new plaza with operational staff accommodation. Phase 2 of these ambitious plans will create more than 60 new jobs.

Around £2 million will be spent on two of the city’s business parks. Up to 10 low carbon, flexible workspaces will be created at Plymouth International, while a former computer complex at the City Business Park in Stoke will be demolished and groundworks undertaken to develop a viable site for future construction. £300,000 will be spent on helping make more than 600 homes around the city more energy efficient. The households selected will be in fuel poverty meaning they spend a greater than average proportion of their income on energy bills. The project is also expected to give a £1m boost to local small businesses. £350,000 to invest in state-of-the-art third generation technology to create the largest Augmented Reality welding training lab in Europe at City College Plymouth. This will showcase the Heart of the South West LEP region as a world-leader in adopting disruptive technology to improve productivity and results in the welding sector, and attracting a much-needed new generation to welding through gamification and innovation.

4 April 2021

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The Hatchling is on its way to Plymouth this summer!

A spectacular dragon will hatch in Plymouth City Centre this summer, and grow to the size of a double-decker bus.

The Hatchling is a ground-breaking outdoor theatrical performance that will unfold over a weekend of events in August and reaches an extraordinary finale on The Hoe. The beautiful visitor will hatch in the city, build herself a nest and then attempt to take to the skies in a bid for her freedom.

Along the way, she’ll explore the city, and as she roams, will encounter a series of events from intimate interactions to city-wide performances, prepared especially for her majestic visit.

Created by Trigger, a leading design team specialising in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre, this world premiere is taking place over the weekend of August 15 and 16.

The Hatchling will bring together artists, community groups and city partners to create a public artwork and a cultural icon that will unite people from all walks of life.

The Hatchling, which is free to attend, will invite the public to take to the streets and accompany the dragon on her epic two-day journey. The performance has been created with 25 partners including The Queens Harbour Master, Plymouth University and Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

The project is a collaboration between a team of leading UK creatives including Mervyn Millar, part of the original creative team of the acclaimed stage production War Horse, and Carl Robertshaw, a designer who has created sets for the London 2012 Olympic Ceremonies, collaborated with artists including Ellie Goulding and Kylie, and is a five-time sport kite world champion.

Artist’s impression of The Hatchling, produced by Trigger, preparing for flight. Credit - Carl Robertshaw

Standing at over 6.5m tall, The Hatchling is the largest ever puppet to be solely human operated. It is constructed from super lightweight carbon fibre weighing less than a piece of hand luggage, allowing it to be operated by a team of 36 puppeteers working in rotation in groups of 15.

Designed in collaboration with a paleontologist, she will be the largest ever flying creature, surpassing the size of the prehistoric pterosaur on which she is based.

Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth has been the starting point for some of the world’s most historic journeys including those of The Mayflower, Darwin and Shackleton, and for

thousands of emigrants setting off all over the world.

“The Hatchling will be another unique journey starting from the city this summer.

It will be a world-class cultural event set against the beautiful backdrop of Plymouth Sound.”

The Hatchling has been made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and support from Plymouth City Council and Mayflower 400. It will be delivered in partnership with a range of event partners, alongside five academic research projects conducted by the Brigstow Institute at the University of Bristol.

Stoke Community College staff get into character for World Book Day

Staff in the English department at Stoke Damerel Community College got into the spirit of things for World Book Day - by dressing up as well-known characters from books.

They got together for a virtual team shot in their costumes before classes began on March 4 - and they looked pretty amazing!

Head of English, Diane Henderson, said: “It was a great way to celebrate the final hours of remote learning with our fabulous students. Year 7 students were invited to dress up too!”

The English department also posted a range of World Book Day activities on the school website for students to do.

And in the afternoon tutor groups competed in

a World Book Day Quiz.

How many characters can you name?

Answers: Cat in the Hat - Luna Lovegood Fantastic Mr Fox - The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Jaws - Oompa Loompa - Mad Hatter - Medusa - Mad Hatter - Cruella de Vil - Aslan - Jim Hawkins - Miss Trunchbull - Where’s Wally Botchan

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Councillor Terri Beer to be next Lord Mayor Councillor Terri Beer is the next Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

The Lord Mayor’s Selection Committee has recommended her as the new Lord Mayor designate for 2021/22.

Councillor Beer was first elected to the City Council as councillor for Plympton Erle in May 2007. She has served the city for 14 years and was Deputy Lord Mayor in 2019/2020.

Councillor Beer was born and raised in Plympton St Maurice and has lived in Plymouth all her life. She gained a qualification in personal management at Plymouth’s City College and subsequently embarked on a career working for Victim Support at Plymouth Crown Court with an interest in assisting and advising victims and witnesses attending court to give evidence.

During this time she undertook specialist training to enable her to support families and the victims of crime during the judicial and court process.

Until quite recently she has been employed with Devon and Cornwall Police in the Witness Care Unit, providing guidance and support to victims and witnesses required to give evidence in court.

Terri enjoys spending time with her husband Colin and family especially her five grandchildren and her two cats Sebastian and Dolly.

Councillor Beer said: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as the next Lord Mayor to the City of Plymouth and Colin and I are looking forward to representing the City in the coming year.”

Current Lord Mayor Chris Mavin said: “I send congratulations to Cllr Beer. I hope that things work out well and that she has an enjoyable year.”

The Lord Mayor’s Selection Committee’s recommendation was formally accepted by Full Council on March 15. Councillor Terri Beer will take over as Lord Mayor from Councillor Chris Mavin in May 2021.

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6 April 2021

Victory for Luke Pollard in campaign to protect bees Plymouth MP Luke Pollard’s campaign to protect the country’s bees has been a resounding success.

More than 22,000 people co-signed Luke’s letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in which he said: “Sadly, since 1900 the UK has lost 13 out of 35 native bee species, and the domestic population is once again threatened by the Government’s decision to lift the ban on bee-killing pesticides.

“Bee-health is nonnegotiable, and allowing beekilling pesticides to be used again could have a catastrophic impact on our environment. We are in a climate and ecological emergency and bans to protect bees should not be lifted when they become inconvenient.”

With the weight of more than 22,000 people behind the campaign, the Government announced that bee-killing

6 April 2021

Luke Pollard MP

neonicotinoid pesticides will not be used this year.

The Government cited weather conditions as the reason behind its decision and has not ruled out using these damaging beekilling pesticides in the future. However, the success of the #SaveTheBees letter shows how controversial the decision to lift the ban on the pesticide has been.

Luke added: “People in Plymouth love bees. We want to see our pollinators brought back to health and that means ensuring that these bee-killing pesticides are never used again.

“We must keep pushing the Government to ensure that neonicotinoids aren’t just not used this year, but are permanently banned again.

It is vital to making sure our countryside flourishes.”

...and now Luke has been chosen by Keir Starmer to lead a major review of Labour’s rural policy A new review of Labour’s rural policy is to be led by Plymouth MP Luke Pollard.

In a landmark speech at the recent National Farmer’s Union annual conference, the Labour leader Keir Starmer promised to bring the party closer to rural and farming communities in the first Labour leader’s speech to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference since 2008.

Starmer said that Labour’s next manifesto should offer the hope and opportunities to rural communities as those who live in towns and cities.

He also called on the Government to take measures to back British farming, including: • Encourage people to buy more British food – including looking at whether more of the £2.4bn public spending on catering could be spent with British farmers and producers.

• Address the serious and growing problems with farm payments – with three quarters of farmers worried that the Government’s new schemes won’t keep them afloat.

• Invest in agricultural skills – with a wage subsidy to create new apprenticeships in farming and other industries this year.

Starmer said that 10 years of Conservative austerity had weakened the foundations of rural communities, hollowing out

services and failing to invest in infrastructure. He said Labour’s proposed British Recovery Bond would allow longerterm investment to tackle the ‘permanent insecurity’ faced by businesses, farmers and landowners and used an example of how it could support recovery in flood-hit communities.

Committing to a new relationship with British farming and rural communities, the Labour leader said: “Labour’s history owes as much to the countryside as it does to the city.”

Starmer also announced that he has tasked Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Plymouth MP Luke Pollard, to lead a review of Labour’s rural policy in the coming months. He praised the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign and highlighted Labour’s drive to protect Britain’s high food and farming standards.

Luke Pollard MP said: “I’m delighted Keir has launched this review into Labour’s rural policy.

For too long the Conservatives have taken rural communities for granted, but Labour has often failed to turn up.

“The people of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset deserve better than this. Labour will be listening to their concerns and acting on them. I’m excited to get to work!”

@PlymChronicle

New blue plaques celebrate famous Plymouth women Two important women in the city’s history have been honoured with blue plaques which were unveiled on International Women’s Day. The first is dedicated to

philanthropist and Royal Sailors Rests founder Agnes ‘Aggie’ Weston (1840-1918).

Located by the entrance to Endurance Court in Devonport’s Oceansgate development, the plaque has been positioned opposite the site where the Royal Sailors Rests buildings originally stood before they were destroyed in the Blitz in 1941.

London-born Weston spent more than two decades living and working among the sailors of the Royal Navy. As well as co-founding two Royal Sailors Rests in Plymouth with fellow philanthropist Sophia Wintz (1847-1929), they also set one up in Portsmouth.

Weston campaigned tirelessly to improve the lot of her beloved

Pictured at the unveiling of the Blue Plaques for Aggie Weston are (from left) Councillors Sally Haydon, Sue Dann and Jemima Laing

‘bluejackets’ and even published a book in 1909 about her work with them.

Her other accomplishments include the establishment of a monthly magazine called ‘Ashore and Afloat’ as well as many temperance societies on naval ships.

She was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1918 in recognition of her achievements.

When she passed away later that year she became the first

woman to be granted full naval honours at her funeral.

The second plaque has been installed on a private residence in Alfred Street near the Hoe in memory of the much-loved Plymouth artist Beryl Cook (1926-2008).

Born in Surrey in 1926, Cook moved to Plymouth in 1968 and held her first exhibition at Plymouth Arts Centre in 1975. Her paintings, many of which feature locations and scenes of Plymouth, are hugely popular and can be found in private and public collections around the world.

Alfred Street was her final home. Between 1968 and

1998 she also lived nearby, in Athenaeum Street.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “Aggie Weston and Beryl Cook both left their mark on Plymouth and helped put the city on the map in their own distinctive ways. I’m thrilled to see these added to our growing number of historical plaques, all of which highlight the stories of famous and lesser-known Plymouth people who achieved great things during their lifetimes.”

Find out more about many of Plymouth’s historical plaques at www. web.plymouth.gov.uk/ plymouthplaques.

LiveWest steps up to help Plymouth schools LiveWest, the largest housing association in the South West, supported schools in Plymouth by donating refurbished laptops and over £1,500 in digital grant funding.

The laptops are being used by pupils who may need to continue their studies from home as schools in the city returned.

Three schools in North Prospect, Plymouth Mayflower Academy Primary School, Pennycross Primary School and Montpelier Primary School have all benefitted from the donation of laptops and a £500 grant each towards IT equipment from LiveWest who have moved to bridge a social divide exposed by the pandemic.

Michael Howells, development manager at LiveWest, organised the support for the schools in his hometown of Plymouth after experiencing first-hand the difficulties faced by schools at having the right technology available for pupils.

Michael said: “As a leading housing association, LiveWest can make a real difference to families and the community with these gestures. It’s important that everyone has the right access to technology at home.”

Part of LiveWest’s recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been to donate up to 150 refurbished laptops to schools throughout the South West alongside emergency grant funding.

Mayflower Academy laptop handover: Sarah Sandey, head of school and Michael Howells, development manager at LiveWest

Sarah Sandey, Head of School at Mayflower Academy added: “Thank you so much for putting us forward for the LiveWest grant and the laptops. This contribution can have a real impact on the pupils and their digital learning.

Thank you so much again, your generosity and kindness really demonstrates the #Togetherwecan team spirit.”

Helen Thomas grants officer from LiveWest added: “COVID-19 means many more of our customers are really struggling as a result of changes to their income, employment or as a result of increased living costs.

“Through a combined approach, including our Tenancy Sustainment team, working with community organisations

and other partners and agencies, we are able to help customers ensure they are accessing longer term support.”

With lockdown putting a strain on people’s finances LiveWest is set to allocate over half a million pounds in grants funding to its customers and communities by the end of 2021. As part of the grants drive during the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 LiveWest have invested over £300k in crisis and hardship grants for its customers and over £112k in community grants for community spaces and digital inclusion throughout the South West.

For more information on grants contact: www.livewest.co.uk/mycommunity/grants

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Guildhall set for major makeover

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Plymouth’s historic Guildhall is in line for a serious makeover to attract more people into the city centre.

It is one of two buildings being lined up for restoration, reinvention and reactivation as part of the city’s Future High Streets fund programme.

Improvements to the Grade II listed Guildhall are expected to include a significant upgrade of facilities such as new toilets, an updated sound and lighting system, improved Wifi and the conference rooms will be refurbished to modern standards - although as the building is listed, the refurbishment will be sympathetic to the building’s history.

A commercial kitchen is also on the cards, ramps installed and the lifts refurbished so that the building is more accessible.

The Guildhall, including Great Hall, Assize Courts and former City Treasury was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz. They survived - by one single Council vote in 1951 - the threat of demolition and became a focus of Plymouth’s rebuilding and the most significant survival from the bombed city centre.

It was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt, with the restoration continuing through most of the 1950s. It involved the stabilisation of what remained of the original building and the construction of new roofs, entrances and interior.

Cabinet member for Finance and city centre champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “This building has had an incredible past and deserves an incredible future. It is right at the heart of the city and outside of the pandemic - was at the heart of some great music and community events - choirs, orchestras and wonderful tea dancing all take place in the Great Hall.”

The other building being brought back to life with is the Civic Centre.

The council earlier this year heard that the project had been offered an in-principle grant of £12,046,873 by the Future High Streets Fund.

Now Plymouth’s Cabinet is being asked to set aside £2.45 million funding previously allocated to the Civic project to pay for improvements to the Guildhall.

The Civic and Guildhall projects involve Urban Splash, Plymouth City Council and the University of Plymouth and are part of the city’s Resurgam recovery project to rebuild confidence and create a buzz that will bring more people in, for more reasons and for much longer.

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Short term care centre to be set up in Mount Gould Plymouth is to get its first ‘short term care centre’ in the city to help people to recover from illness and to stay well.

A decision has been signed giving the go-ahead to create the centre as part of a new partnership between Plymouth City Council and Age UK Plymouth.

The centre will be based in the William and Patricia Venton Centre which is owned by Age UK Plymouth.

The building, near to the Mount Gould hospital, used to be a residential care home, and has 24 en-suite bedrooms on the upper two floors, space for lounges and offices and also Age UK Plymouth’s day centre for adults on the ground floor.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “This builds on the amazing work that has taken place over the last year with our temporary care hotels.

“City organisations and their staff pulled out all the stops to create an alternative to long hospital stays.

“Age UK Plymouth worked closely with us during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer support to some of our most vulnerable citizens, and this feels like the next step for us to help people to recover when they have been ill.

“Like the care hotels, this will provide intensive support for those people who are well enough to leave hospital but not well enough to go straight home.”

Age UK Plymouth chair Liz EdwardsSmith said: “We are very pleased to continue our work with partners to develop a short term care centre for our city.

“The centre will not only support people with their physical health needs but will also provide opportunities to connect and socialise with others and to engage in meaningful activities.

“We know that maintaining independence and increasing confidence in this way is vital to staying well in later life.”

The short term care centre will provide somewhere to stay for up to six weeks, with support from therapists and assistive technology and opportunities to engage in social activities in the rest of the building.

The aim is that when people leave the centre they are feeling much better, and ready to go home and live as independently as possible.

The centre will help with making sure people don’t stay in hospital any longer than they need to and will also be accessible to wheelchair users. The care centre will also offer support to older people who would otherwise be at risk of being admitted to hospital.

This will also support the wider Plymouth health and social care system to reduce pressures on Derriford Hospital, particularly during the winter months.

The council is investing £823,410 capital funding into the refurbishment and will lease part of the building from Age UK Plymouth.

The refurbishment could start in the next few months and a provider sourced to recruit care staff. The centre could be up and running by the autumn.

8 April 2021

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Plymouth charity backs call for action plan for young carers A Plymouth charity says that more needs to be done to help young carers realise their full potential at school and in their future careers.

not been available through lockdown and no alternative support has been provided: “There has been no escape socially for young carers for 12 months,” said Theresa. “The boys have been at home with no respite at school and no outlet, such as the activities they do with Friends and Families.

“I just don’t think the government has thought about this. Everyone’s physical health has been placed above mental health. Some conditions have been forgotten about. But this isn’t unique - there is this same lack of understanding within education. Some schools are very good and recognise young carers have responsibilities outside of school. They still have to do the work, but these schools realise that it can be difficult within the schedule. Other schools aren’t so good - and this is having an impact on young carers’ futures. This really needs to be addressed, we need national standards.”

Friends and Families of Special Children has warned that the lockdown has exacerbated the issues faced by young carers, some of whom are as young as primary school age. The charity is backing an urgent call by the national charity, Carers Trust, for an Action Plan for Young Carers.

The call coincided with Young Carers Action Day in March, which this year had the theme, ‘Protect Young Carers’ Futures’.

Long-term research shows that young people who have caring responsibilities at home are disadvantaged at school, with The Children’s Society reporting that young carers achieve significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level than their peers. This is despite young carers often having wider skills than their classmates because of their added responsibilities.

There is concern that lockdown might have made matters even worse. A Carers Trust survey in July 2020 flagged up a steep decline in the mental health of young carers across the UK. In the survey into the impact of COVID-19, 40% of young carers aged 12 to 17 said their mental health was worse and 67% are more worried about their futures as a result of the pandemic.

Two-thirds also report feeling more stressed.

Plympton mum Theresa Hardy feels the needs of young carers have been ignored during the pandemic, and that this Theresa and Leigh with Taylor, Danny, Sonny and Jack reflects a wider problem.

Theresa and husband Leigh Taylor was recently in the news for cycling the have four young sons - Danny, 13, and Sonny, who 603 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a is nine, have disabilities, and Taylor, 12, and Jack, static bike to raise over £4,000 for Friends and aged eight both help to care for their brothers.

Families of Special Children.

The family uses the services of Friends and As well as caring for Danny and Sonny, Taylor Families of Special Children - but these have also helps his mum and dad with chores: “Taylor

has developed a high level of independence, responsibility, and resilience, through necessity.

Sonny has a rare muscle condition which means he is often in a lot of pain with his legs and Taylor is brilliant with him.

“When he takes Sonny out in his wheelchair, or if he goes to the park with Danny, he will use forward planning to assess what is needed. He is an organiser and a problem solver, and he has a huge amount of care and empathy. He will always think of others first. He is also very driven, which is why he is already well ahead for his age.

“These are valuable skills that should be recognised and rewarded, not under-valued and ignored.”

Friends and Families of Special Children was established in 2002. It supports families with disabled children in the Plymouth and surrounding area. Services include a Fun and Freedom Club for young carers and an Adventure Club which offers activities for disabled children. Its city centre building also has a sensory room for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Founder and Chair of Trustees, Kay O’Shaughnessy said decision-makers must consider the unique needs of young carers as the country exits lockdown: “Young carer services need sustainable funding and prioritisation for the safe re-opening of face-to-face support, and we need to be able to plan what support this could offer after lockdown, to help deal with the increasing isolation felt by many young carers.

“The wellbeing and mental health of young carers have deteriorated, with the respite of schools being taken away for so long. It’s vital to find ways of creating the space for them to get a break, to get the time that they need to be themselves and to actually be children at this really difficult time.”

For details visit www.friendsandfamilies.org.uk

If you go down to Tulgey Woods today...

Ten acres of mixed woodland in the heart of Compton is providing home to various forms of flora and fauna and attracting a wide selection of wildlife.

Tulgey Woods was purchased by husband and wife Sid and Sam Remmer to preserve the wildlife and protect the land from development. The woodland and brush are an important ecological asset for the area.

They have established Tulgey Woods Sanctuary Community Interest Company and over the past six years have worked hard worked hard in stabilising the woods, clearing litter,creating coppiced glades, planting wildlife enhancing plants, reducing fires and vandalism, beating the bracken, placing nest boxes and building brash piles.

All of this was made possible with the help of like minded volunteers.

One of the volunteers who has been helping out recently is Charlotte Carlyle, who is standing as a councillor for Compton Ward in the May elections.

Charlotte helped tackle brambles and found out why a fence had been erected around the ‘secret woods.’ She said: “Sadly, due to many incidents of anti-social behaviour including fly-tipping, criminal damage and harm to wildlife, they have

Charlotte and another volunteer busy at work in Tulgey Woods

taken the decision to install a wildlife friendly fence around the woodland.

“The fence will provide security for our wildlife whilst still allowing small spaces for badgers and foxes to travel to and from the site.”

She added: “There’s lots of exciting work to do over the next few years and they are always on the

lookout for active volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can email info@tulgeywoods.co.uk Donations for the project are always welcome £25 will buy a small nest box for the site or £15 a pair of gloves for a volunteer.

For details visit www.tulgeywoods.co.uk or the Facebook page at Tulgey Woods Sanctuary

April 2021

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Poo Patrol hits the streets to tackle dog mess in Peverell

Brightly painted street stencils are popping up across Peverell encouraging irresponsible dog owners to clean up after their pets.

The Poo Patrol project, run by local midwife Francesca Rees, builds on the success of similar activities across the country which cut the rate of dog fouling on the streets by up to 65% in a matter of months.

Rolling out the programme in the next few weeks, Francesca is taking the opportunity of her daily exercise to use washable, temporary chalk paint to mark piles of mess, and leave a stencil on the street reminding owners of their responsibilities to clean up after their pets.

The markings stay for around a day to catch owners attention before she returns later in the day to clean them up.

Francesca said: “We know that the vast majority of street fouling comes from a very small minority of dog owners and calling attention to their behaviour with the stencils and paint seem to have a real impact on changing people’s mindsets.

9

Poo Patrol organiser Francesca Rees

“I’ve had lots of people stop when I’ve got the stencil out and ask about the project, some even picking up extra poo from other people’s dogs as they leave!”

Fouling of public areas by dog faeces has serious public health impacts, not least by discouraging healthy outdoor play, research from the University of Bristol shows.

Children and other vulnerable people are especially affected and soiled areas can put them off outdoor exercise, researchers add.

This is because eggs from the parasitic dog worm Toxocara can be released from faeces and contaminate soil. When ingested, larvae hatch and migrate around the body, causing inflammation in different organs and other health impacts such as visual impairment, sleeplessness and may be linked to epilepsy and asthma.

Around 350,000 tonnes of dog waste are deposited in Britain each year and one fifth of soil samples from public parks contain Toxocara parasite eggs.

Francesca is the Labour Party candidate for Peverell in the Plymouth City Council elections in May.

Council kick-starts work to restore Pounds House Scaffolding is being erected at the Grade II listed mansion house in Central Park, marking the re-start of the work to restore the building and gardens, following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pounds House is the iconic building in Central Park. Historical deterioration and damage has

Improving Lives Plymouth name new chief executive Improving Lives Plymouth has appointed Rob Smith as its new chief executive who will take over when George Plenderleith retires at the end of March.

Given the importance of this role for the city, the Trustee Board decided to look nationally for someone with a business head and a charity heart and received a wide range of applications.

The recruitment process had to address the challenges of the COVID restrictions, and it was successfully completed with online solutions.

Rob Smith is an experienced chief executive within the charity sector and lives in Plymouth.

Rob will take over from George Plenderleith, who is retiring after 37 years with Improving Lives Plymouth, formally known as Plymouth Guild.

Jeremy Prichard, chair of Improving Lives Trustee Board said: “George’s achievements as chief executive are numerous, no more so than during the last 12 months of his tenure during the pandemic.

“A testament to George and his leadership of Improving Lives Plymouth, is the way that he has led the team at ILP through what is surely one of the most challenging years in the charity’s history.

“The Trustee Board and the staff are immensely grateful to George for his leadership and dedication throughout his time with the Guild and Improving Lives Plymouth and wish him a long and happy retirement.”

resulted in the need for work to be carried out on windows and window frames, plaster and render, roof and dormers, gutters and the impressive loggia, balcony and balusters.

To enable much of the work to be carried out, the building needs to be unoccupied.

Investigation works were due to commence last

year, to understand the scale of the work needed.

These were put on hold to allow the building to be used as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations but were then further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed on council officers and specialist contractors.

On March 4, the council re-started the

preparatory work needed to move the project forward. As part of a regular inspections, immediate concerns have been raised about the aged window frames.

To protect the public against any potential falling debris, scaffolding is being installed over the next few days. This will also assist with preparation works for the wider project.

The council will now move forward with their investigations into the state of the damage, what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance for Plymouth City Council, said: “We know that Pounds House is a much-loved, civic building that has been sadly neglected. Ideally we wanted to kick-start the restoration work last year, but like many things, the pandemic scuppered those plans.

“We are now raring to go. With the detailed investigation work about to begin to help us really understand the scale of the repairs needed.

“Whilst the works will not be quick – and could take up to two years, we are committed to moving this project forward and bring Pound House back into use, restored to its former glory!”

Information about the wider regeneration project will be available in the coming weeks and a wider piece of work will look at all the options on the future use of the property. This will be subject to detailed community engagement and consultation.

Works are expected to take two years.

10 April 2021

10 April 2021

Baking on the rise led

by Lloyd Inwood

Lloyd Inwood pictured at The Rise in Frankfort Gate

Key opening dates for Plymouth Life Centre facilities announced Parts of Plymouth Life Centre will be opening again in April in line with the national reopening of the leisure sector.

The Rise Bakery is a new concept from local entrepreneur and well-known restauranteur Lloyd Inwood and aims to take traditional baking methods to a new level.

Using the highest quality, local ingredients, teamed up with strong flavours, The Rise Bakery - located in Frankfort Gate - is producing a new range of breads, experimenting with Sourdough both for sweet and savoury flavours, driving real excitement and innovation to a brand new, local concept.

The main lines will be a selection of traditional pasties paying real homage to their Cornish heritage. It will also feature signature baked goods, including brownies and cookies. As well as offering the highest quality bakes, Rise has also developed its own Fairtrade coffee roast and certified organic tea blends.

These signature products will be available to try through the next day, home delivery service online which is available nationally seven days a week or by collecting direct from the bakery which is located at 20 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth.

It was Lloyd’s intention to lead the way in starting the regeneration of what was historically a tired part of town.

The new concept aims showcase an innovative approach to baking and by providing a national home delivery service it gives everyone access to

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some of the best baked goods that this region has to offer.

Commenting on the new concept, Lloyd said: “I started out my career training as a chef with Rick Stein where I learnt the importance of heritage.

“Rise is a real labour of love for me, so having the opportunity to create something that has that strong history and local provenance is really key and then bringing that to the area was equally as important.

“We’ve worked with some amazing Cornish suppliers to get us where we are today and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Rise and I look forward to an exciting year ahead.” www.therisebakery.co.uk

The gym and new changing rooms will be available from April 12, with the 50 metre pool and leisure pool opening at the end of April. Other facilities and activities will also begin to reopen in accordance with the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions.

Contractors Balfour Beatty, Arcadis and operators Everyone Active are working flat out to finish the work programme which started last August and the finishing line is in sight.

When Plymouth Life Centre reopens, the vast majority of ‘dry’ facilities will be available. Work on the diving pool is expected to be complete by early June.

The work follows more investigations and a complete re-render and re-tile of the pool walls was instigated to prevent further works being required further down the line. These additional works have affected the timescales for the dive pool reopening but significantly, swimming and other aquatic activities will available from end of April.

Other leisure facilities will be open in line with Government announcements of the sector, including the Brickfields Athletics Track and All Weather Pitch from March 29 and indoor facilities at Brickfields and Plympton Swimming Pool from April 12.

The council has also given the go-ahead for the Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Swimming Pools to open on May 1, a month earlier than usual.

On reopening, Plymouth Life Centre will reflect

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the latest standards in the ever-evolving fitness sector with increased COVID-19 safety, new carbon reduction measures and an overall improved customer experience.

The key enhancement elements remain on track and are progressing well ahead of the reopening, these include: • Refitting male and female gym change areas with new lockers, cubicles, LED lighting and fixtures and fittings • A new fitness studio, to be used for yoga, Pilates and other group classes • Replacing carpet and floor coverings in many areas of the building: viewing galleries, bowls hall and circulation spaces • Upgrades to heating and ventilation systems throughout the building, which improve air quality and mitigate the risk from air borne viruses and contagions, such as COVID-19 Deputy Leader, Pete Smith said; “The contractors onsite at Plymouth Life Centre have done an excellent job progressing works in what has been a particularly challenging period with rising coronavirus infections over the past few months.

“We are on track to reopen a significant number of activities at the Plymouth Life Centre in line with the earliest national timescales, followed shortly afterwards by the 50m and leisure pool, but we are aware this is subject to the overall control of coronavirus in England.

“We know people are keen to get back in the water as soon as possible which is why we plan to open the outdoor pools earlier to give our swimmers choice.

April 2021

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Helping children cope with coronavirus stress inspires first-time Plymouth author Linda A first-time author from Plymouth has published the second in a trilogy of books aimed at helping children explore and understand emotions around the pandemic.

Linda Cartwright, 51, a mum-of-seven from Peverell, is selfpublishing the series, for two to nine year-olds, and donating some of the proceeds to charities.

The second book, Alfie & Alexa: When Mummy was in Lockdown, follows the opening book, Alfie & Alexa in Lockdown, which has sold around 200 copies. The stories explore the lives of neighbouring children and their mums as the country comes to a halt following the outbreak of coronavirus and their lives change.

“I’ve been delighted with feedback I had for the first book and I am excited to release the second,” said Linda, who also owns her own counselling businesses.

She has used the names of her two youngest children, 12-year-old Alexa, and Alfie, seven, as the inspiration for the colourful characters in her stories. The third book, Alfie & Alexa: Out of Lockdown, is due to be published shortly.

Linda, who is balancing her writing with studying a law degree at the University of Plymouth, added: “Some children may be like Alexa, who is positive about the experiences around being in lockdown, but others may be more like Alfie, who doesn’t enjoy it at all.

“I wanted to do something that gave children a space to reassure them that this time is not forever and that we will get through this. The release of the second book is timely as it has come as stricter measures have been brought in to people’s lives in many parts of the country.

“I feel the stories can go some way to helping children understand how they’re feeling and what’s happening around them. I have occasionally been brought to tears through the process of writing these books, thinking about the sheer enormity of how this year has affected our children.

“The weight of the stress, fear, confusion, and constant

Peverell first-time author Linda Cartwright with the Alfie & Alexa books

change has taken its toll on us all, but children are often silent worriers.”

She is giving £1 from every book sold to Plymouth Foodbank, in Manor Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth; NHS Charities Together; and Plymouth Christian Centre, in Embankment Road, Plymouth, which she attends. Linda has,

over the past year, experienced tough times, at one point needing the support of Plymouth Foodbank to compensate for loss of earnings.

The grandmother-of-one, who used to run Cartwright’s Crafty Coffee in Embankment Road, Plymouth, said inspiration for the books came to her in the middle of the night.

“I suddenly thought of the outline of a poem at 2am one day last March, shortly after we all went in to lockdown, and had to just get up and write it down,” she said. “That then developed in to a book and it’s been amazing to see how it’s gone from there.”

Speaking about her experience over the past year, Linda added: “It has been incredibly challenging juggling writing, self-publishing and promoting the books, alongside studying myself at university.

“I am also now back working and educating the children at home, as well as helping the older children with their health and wellbeing.

“I have managed to fit in some charity work with the soup run and collecting toiletries for the local hospital, and I have been delivering food to local struggling families.

“Although it’s been a tough time, keeping busy has definitely been a blessing and a distraction from the difficult time we are all going through. I would really love these books to be enjoyed by children at school and at home to help them feel there are other children feeling like them and give them an avenue to open up about their feelings.”

Linda praised the ‘outstanding work’ of graphic designer Elise Smit , who has illustrated the books. Alfie & Alexa in Lockdown and Alfie & Alexa: When Mummy was in Lockdown, are £6.99 and can be bought at www.alfieandalexa.co.uk or on Amazon.

Bundle deals are available, as well as cuddly toy characters from the books. Alfie & Alexa: Out of Lockdown can be pre-ordered now. Follow updates from Alfie & Alexa on Facebook and Instagram.

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12 April 2021

Freeport could unlock major funding and create up to 9,000 new jobs

12 April 2021

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Working together for Plymouth’s Waterfront

Plymouth is to become a Freeport, unlocking million pounds of funding for the area - both with within the city’s boundaries and across wider South Devon area.

Plymouth City Council led a partnership with Devon County and South Hams District Council as well as the Heart of the South West LEP on a bid to become a freezone which would include sites at Devonport South Yard, Langage Energy Zone and Sherford Business Park.

The Plymouth and South Devon freezone would aim to create space for businesses to import goods and materials, add value to them (by manufacture), and export them and leverage Plymouth’s marine innovation strengths to attract big marine sector tech companies. Industry giants Babcock and Princess Yachts have already backed the bid.

A key factor in the bid is the city’s commitment to high tech marine innovation with a focus on carbon zero technology.

Up to 1,000 new jobs could be created in the first two years and up to 9,000 over the next 10 years and 50 new apprenticeships and 10 internships every year by 2027.

More than 70 local businesses are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is forecast to bring in over £100m investment in the next six years.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a big deal with big numbers. While we are waiting for the detail I am beyond chuffed that our thriving marine sector has been recognised as a strength and something to build on.

“It also shows that working with our neighbouring colleagues pays off.

Bottom line this means jobs, job security, opportunities and significant investment.

“We are calling our Freeport a freezone because it is about much more than a port.

This will benefit a lot of people across this area. This is also much needed recognition that levelling up is as important for us in Plymouth in the far the South West as it is to the North of England.”

The bid was based on three strategic pillars - marine and defence innovation, manufacturing and light processing, warehousing and staged imports.

Under the new Freeport status the proposed sites would enjoy specific tax and relief benefits with companies based there able to access special allowances encouraging firms to invest.

The aim would be to increase export trade and direct foreign investment.

Another goal would be to not only increase the number of jobs, but the calibre of jobs and encourage higher income jobs into the area through research and innovation opportunities The knock-on effect locally will enable Devon County Council to bring forward works at the Deep Lane junction on the A38, unlocking housing at Sherford.

Once the councils have more details from the Government about their model, they will be working up a more detailed business case. If all goes to plan, the Freezone could be up and running by summer of next year.

Plymouth City Council has confirmed its support for the city’s Waterfront businesses through the renewal of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Business Improvement District (PWP BID), after discussing the new draft business plan, Waterfront BID3.

PWP BID currently encompasses over 900 hundred businesses located around Plymouth’s Waterfront, from Royal William Yard and Millbay to the Hoe, Barbican, Mount Batten and everything in-between. The BID is currently delivering Waterfront BID2, a plan from 2017 to 31 March 2022.

Waterfront BID3 sets out a new ambitious vision for the Waterfront area and the BID’s plan for driving growth and supporting the development of the Waterfront over the following five years.

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re proud to have worked closely with PWP since 2010. The new business plan could play a very important role in helping us to deliver our strategic visitor objectives set out in the Plymouth Visitor Plan for 2020 – 2030.

The Waterfront is the jewel in Plymouth’s crown and with our ambitions to be the first National Marine Park in the UK, working with PWP is key to further developing and improving our Waterfront area.”

The council has also committed financial

support and agreed baseline services to PWP. Any business contributions made by BID levy payers (circa £1.8 million) will deliver additional investment over and above the support made by the council, which totals more than £6.2 million.

This is in addition to other targeted grant and match funding of £5 million, bringing the total projected value of Waterfront BID3 to more than £13 million over five years.

Chair of PWP, Nick Buckland, said: “Our overall aim for the BID is to promote, guide and support the development of Plymouth’s Waterfront while giving our business members a collective voice and supporting their growth.

“Waterfront BID3 will see us develop stronger working relationships with our strategic partners and member businesses, with the common goal of securing economic prosperity, improving our environment, attracting more visitors and increasing consumer spend, for the benefit of everyone.”

The BID will continue to focus on business priorities of increasing visitor numbers, customer spend and commercial success.

This will be done through: Leadership: Providing a strong business voice to lobby and influence for future investment and public realm improvements for the Waterfront.

Marketing: Supporting key events and regional and national marketing campaigns

New loos with views – work starts to modernise Hoe Promenade toilets Visitors to the Hoe Promenade will soon be flushed with success if they are caught short after Plymouth City Council announced a £600,000 refurbishment of public toilets on the famous city landmark.

Work on the brand new facilities started in March, when the existing toilets were demolished to be replaced with new facilities constructed to look the same by replicating the original features of the building.

The refurbishment will be completed in the summer and will see six new unisex public

toilets being built, with one additional accessible toilet and Changing Places room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities.

A Changing Places room offers the space and equipment to ensure they can be used by people with profound learning difficulties or other disabilities that limit mobility, as well as accommodating carers.

As part of the refit a new water bottle filler will also be installed at the entrance of the path to the toilets on the Promenade.

and improving visitor signage and information.

Operational management: Holding service providers to account to ensure standards of cleaning, maintenance and other services are maintained.

Finance: Attracting significant match funding, in addition to contributions from businesses, to spend on Waterfront improvements.

There are four key, inter-related themes at the heart of the BID3 Business Plan. These themes align with wider city plans, including the development of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the new Plymouth Cultural Strategy: • Creating the Waterfront of Tomorrow, Today • Vibrant Tourist Destination • Environmental Excellence • Business Voice Businesses in the Waterfront BID area will be asked to vote on the BID renewal in November.

The business plan is still in developmental phase and businesses were asked to input and feedback on the plans proposed during the stage 2 consultation, which was completed on March 5 2021.

The draft version of the PWP Waterfront BID3 Business Plan themes (2022 to 2027) are available to view at: www.waterfrontbid.co.uk

Work has started on refurbishing the Hoe Promenade loos

Cllr Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Finance said: “The waterfront is massively important to our residents, as well as visitors to the city, and we all need to spend a penny from time to time. “I’m particularly glad to

see the Changing Places room as part of the plans. It will make life that bit easier for families and carers looking after people with disabilities, so they can enjoy our waterfront without having to worry about how far the nearest suitable toilet is.”

April 2021

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Work of top British artists to go on show in Plymouth

LOOK II: Council set the record straight

LOOK II, the sculpture designed by world famous artist Sir Antony Gormley, has created plenty of debate since its installation on West Hoe Pier in September last year.

Now, in the wake of some false information about the sculpture, Plymouth City Council has published an extensive fact file in the form of a Q&A which can be found at www. plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/plymouthnews/ findoutfactsaroundlookii The story behind LOOK II began in 2017 when the Council’s Cabinet agreed to support a number of major projects as part of the Mayflower 400 programme. This had cross-party support and included a ‘world class artwork’ to be unveiled in 2020, along with the opening of The Box. Plymothians have given the sculpture the nickname of Rusty Reg, reflecting its rusty look.

Made from 22 blocks in one cast iron form and weighing three tonnes, the engineers and

designers have calculated it will still be sturdy after 100 years as long as it is looked after.

The council have denied claims that the sculpture cost £750,000 pointing out that this figure included a number of projects in the area, including essential strengthening works to protect West Hoe Pier against damage from the sea.

LOOK II was funded through the council’s capital budget and part of the Mayflower 400 programme for the city, where the council’s contribution of £5 million was matched by another £4.5 million from other organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council.

The council point out that because LOOK II was part of the capital programme, the money could not have been spent on core services such as road repairs or helping the homeless - which are paid for through the revenue budget which is funded from Council Tax. In response to suggestions that LOOK II should not have gone ahead during the pandemic the

Plymouth is to host the prestigious British Art Show next year.

council point out that decisions about funding a monument were made in 2017, while the decision to install LOOK II and all the planning work involved took place before the pandemic.

The council highlight the benefits of LOOK II by pointing out: “Antony Gormley is famous around the world. It’s a real coup to have one of his artworks here in our city.

“We hope that the sculpture will act as an attraction for visitors to the city from around the region and the rest of the country.

“They will come to Plymouth, they’ll eat, they’ll probably shop, they might even stay over, which puts more money into the Plymouth economy and in the long term, helps residents and businesses to prosper.

“We’ve had feedback from people who love Look II and people who hate it. But it has caused a discussion, and has definitely taken its place amongst the sights that our fantastic city is known for.”

Urgent work to repair waterfront storm damage Work will begin shortly to repair storm damaged steps on the Hoe Foreshore as part of the council’s commitment to one of the city’s most loved locations.

An urgent decision has authorised work to repair the semi-circular steps to the east of Tinside as well as a section of granite to the west on a seawall next to the steps. The area is used daily by wild swimmers to get into the sea but big chunks of concrete have been washed away and a Damaged on the Hoe foreshore caused by storms is to be repaired

void has formed beneath the steps.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for finance said: “We know how important the waterfront is to all our residents - the swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders as well as people who just want to pop up for an ice cream and take in the views.

“It’s been massively important to people over the last year, playing a huge part in stressbusting and keeping people healthy.

“We are constantly investing in the waterfront and as a city with National Marine Park status will continue to - there’s a lot more to come!”

A sum of £612,000 is going into the council’s capital programme to enable a more substantial repair to take place. It will include drilling in stainless steel tie anchors and having the void filled in. Sections of the steps have failed and the plan is to remove the failed steps and build a concrete support wall behind it in stages. Marine grade concrete for the repair will need to be pumped from the road above.

Councillor Lowry added: “Like

13

any repairs that take place by the sea, it is not a simple job. We have to take into account time, tide, weather and not to mention the fact that much of the kit to do the job will need to sit on a barge to enable the work to take place.”

The work is the latest in a long list of projects designed to make the most of the waterfront and keep up the battle against time tide and salty sea air. Over the last few years the following locations have had some serious repair work: • The Mayflower Steps and portico have been sensitively restored as well as the West Pier, with cobbles re-layed and new seating added - £370,000 • Phoenix Wharf - the historic pier was

completely refurbished and the former Mayflower sailing club transformed into a swish waterfront eatery - £658,000 • West Hoe cliffs have been stabilised - £284,000 • New toilets haveopened at West Hoe – £450,000 and work on the new loos on the Hoe promenade is just about to start • Mount Wise sea wall repaired - £120,000 • Tinside Pool repairs after winter storm damage - £52,000 • Foreshore repairs - £1.118m • Mount Batten pontoon £437,000 • Road and footpath near Jennicliff £287,000

Held every five years to showcase the work of British artists who have made a significant contribution to international contemporary art, British Art Show 9 (BAS 9) will be shown across four city venues - The Box, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth, The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art and KARST. A total of 47 artists have been selected following extensive research by curators Irene Aristizebal and Hammad Nasar. They include Turner Prize winners and bursary recipients and artists who have represented Britain at the prestigious Venice Biennale. Many of the artists are developing new works for the exhibition which will include sculpture, film, installation, performance, painting and photography.

BAS9 will explore three overarching themes: healing, care and reparative history; tactics for togetherness; and imagining new futures.

All three were devised before the COVID-19 pandemic and last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests, but are now more relevant than ever.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “British Art Show 9 has been developed at such an unprecedented time in our history and it will be a truly exciting moment for Plymouth when it goes on display here.

“Although the tour has had to be revised due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, the new schedule is a testament to the collaboration an exhibition of this scale involves. We’re very honoured to be the city that will round off the nationwide tour and are looking forward to working in partnership with everyone involved over the next few months.”

The national tour will visit Wolverhampton, Aberdeen and Manchester before culminating in Plymouth from October 8 to December 23 2022.

Police appeal after man is robbed in Stonehouse Police investigating a report of robbery in the Stonehouse area are appealing for information.

A man aged in his 20s was allegedly assaulted and had cash stolen stolen by two suspects in a service lane running adjacent to Melbourne Street at around 3.35pm on Friday 29 January.

He sustained minor injuries.

The first suspect is described as a white male, around 6ft in height, of medium build, with short, dark hair.

He is believed to have been wearing a black North Face beanie hat, black North face neckwarmer, a dark blue Hugo Boss tracksuit top and a dark-coloured puffer jacket.

The second suspect is described as white male, around 5ft 8in in height, of fat build with a ‘beer belly’.

He had mid-length, brown hair which was shaved at the sides and was wearing a white T-shirt with a central red logo on its front.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or remembers seeing males matching the descriptions given in the area at the time.

A 33-year-old man from the Plymouth area has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Call police with information on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/007344/21.

14 April 2021

FLAVOUR FEST CANCELLED FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

One of the South West’s biggest food and drink festivals has been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

Flavour Fest, Plymouth’s flagship three-day food and drink festival which attracts up to 100,000 visitors, was due to take place at the end of May 2021.

But with coronavirus restrictions still in place until at least June 21, organisers have decided not to go ahead this year.

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “We are really sad to have to cancel Flavour Fest for the second year running but it’s just not the right time to stage an event of this scale that attracts so many people. We hope that we will be back with a bang in 2022.”

Plymouth City Centre Company and partners are now working on plans for other city centre events throughout summer and into the autumn, with the aim of attracting more visitors and boosting trade for city centre businesses.

There are plans for the return of a summer ‘Pub on the Piazza’, along with food and street market stalls, live entertainment, street theatre, dance and art.

This will be combined with free permits for tables and chairs, encouraging businesses to offer outdoor dining.

Mr Hughes added: “We hope there will be no more lockdowns and we will be doing all we can to attract visitors back safely and make sure our businesses bounce back and have a great summer.”

Non-essential shops are due to reopen on April 12 which is also when cafes, bars and restaurants can open outdoors with social distancing measures in place.

Appeal for the relatives of Ernest Southern

The late Ernest Southern

A Devon woman is trying to trace the descendants of the late Ernest John Southern so that she can pass on precious family documents in her possession.

Ernest was born on October 2 1901 and passed away on February 25 1978. He served in the Royal Navy and before retirement worked at the Devonport Dockyard.

Ernest was the stepfather of Pamela Zelley’s late husband Norman and she wants to track down any of Ernest’s relatives who may still be living in Plymouth.

Pamela, who lives in Exeter, said: “An address I have when he lived in Plymouth is 3 Hobart Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth. I know a lot of his family lived in Plymouth and it would be wonderful if any of them came forward.

“I have a small suitcase containing many photos, wedding invitations and momentos that were obviously precious to him and I would rather pass them on to any descendants than dispose of them.”

“Ernest married my mother in law Thirza and my husband was Norman Zelley the youngest of Thirza’s four children,” she added.

If any of Ernest’s descendants would like to make contact with Pamela, please e-mail info@ cornerstonevision.com and the contact details will be forwarded to her.

14 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

Pixieland Nursery in Stoke is investing £300,000 in new all-weather facilities Pixieland Nursery in Stoke is investing £300,000 on new facilities.

An amazon rainforest garden and an indoor play zone are due for completion in April. They will enhance the experience of every child at the nursery, further promoting learning through play.

The existing garden is being transformed into an amazon rainforest adventure garden where little imaginations will run wild.

There are trees, canopies, climbing areas, a sandpit – and even a pirate ship complete with hidden treasure.

Also featuring a fully lit and heated hut, it will guarantee outdoor learning all through the year, come rain or shine. Children will benefit from hands-on experience growing vegetables and herbs, and experience the magic of nature in a safe environment.

Artist’s impression of the amazon rainforest garden

The garden will boast a huge play barn with climbing equipment and a full soft play facility. The barn will also house a kitchen and toilets, and will also be available to book for children’s birthday parties at evenings and weekends.

Caroline Francis, managing director of the Pixieland group said: “At Pixieland we know that children learn best when they do it through play. When you add nature into the mix, incredible things can happen.

“The outdoor garden and indoor

play zone will enhance the children’s day-to-day experience and start teaching them valuable skills for life, such as gardening. Crucially, it will help to set their imaginations free and build mental health resilience – and given the past year we’ve all had, that’s never been more important.”

With the building process nearly finished and expected to be complete by the beginning of April, the children’s excitement mounting.

It’s also led to an increase in applications.

Pixieland, which also has nurseries in Saltash and Mannamead, is currently offering a free week’s trial, subject to conditions. All sites are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6.30pm. To book a free tour go to www.pixielanddaynurseries.co.uk/ book-your-private-tour

Plans to improve Plymouth’s roads to keep the city moving Removing a redundant rail bridge and improving major junctions and roundabouts are among the ambitious proposals being put forward to improve the flow of traffic on some of Plymouth’s key roads.

As part of its Major Road Network (MRN) programme, Plymouth City Council is proposing a number of schemes to improve journeys on the route through the city that runs from the A38 Marsh Mills Roundabout to the A38 Weston Mill junction via the Embankment, Cattedown, city centre and Camels Head.

In a consultation launched in February, the council wants to hear the views of commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, disabled users and bus passengers on this route, as well as people who live on or near it.

The programme is currently at a very early stage of the development. No decisions with regard to design have yet been taken and people’s views will be important in helping shape the final plans.

The planned works - if they get the go-ahead and funding from the Department for Transport - would mean an almost £50m investment in Plymouth’s transport infrastructure with the aim of reducing congestion and accidents, helping people travel more by bus, cycle and by foot, as well as supporting economic growth and housing.

The population of the city is expected to grow to more than 300,000 by 2034 with an expected 19,000 new homes and 16,000 new jobs.

The proposed programme will include targeted junction improvements at traffic hotspots including:

• A38/A374 Marsh Mills roundabout • A374/A379 Cattedown Roundabout • A38/A3064 Weston Mill junction to Camels Head Other improvements outlined in the plan are: • New and improved pedestrian/cycle infrastructure including safer crossing points • Widening part of the A3064 St Budeaux Bypass • Removing the low rail bridge (Seagull Bridge) on Embankment Road to improve access for HGVs • Flood protection works at Arnold Point on the Embankment, to significantly reduce the risk of flooding affecting both Embankment Road and the nearby mainline rail route • Carriageway reconstruction works Further information on the council’s plans and how to respond to the consultation can be found at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/mrn Councillor Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Strategic Infrastructure said: “These are well known local hot spots where congestion is only likely to get worse as the city grows.

“This project could give us the chance to keep these economically important roads resilient, reliable and effective in the future and support both the local and national economy.

“We have all got caught in jams at some point and we believe these interventions will not only keep the traffic flowing, they will make our roads safer for everyone including cyclists and pedestrians, and no doubt help reduce people’s blood pressure.

“These are still early plans and we have identified these sites as areas where we believe changes could really make a difference - but we are keen to get residents and businesses’ input on the plans and would urge people to respond to the consultation with their views.”

The Department for Transport recently designated the A38 Marsh Mills to A38 Weston Mill route as part of its national Major Road Network (MRN), thereby recognising the strategic importance of this route to the country’s economy.

The Government wants to encourage improvements nationally that aim to reduce congestion and the economic impact of traffic delays. The Government’s programme also aims to: • Support economic growth and rebalance the economy by providing better connections between people and businesses, and markets and international gateways • Support housing delivery – unlocking new housing developments and providing a transport network that allows for future development • Support all road users – recognising the needs of, and delivering benefits for, all road users Should all parts of the scheme go ahead, the cost would be in the region of £48 million, with the Government funding around £40m, with the rest met by the council and developer contributions. The work would be carried out in phases over a period of three years, beginning as early as 2023.

Outdoor seating fees waived to help businesses bounce back Cafes, restaurants and pubs across the city will be able put seats and tables outside for free as part of a move to help business bounce back.

PLymouth City Council is waiving its licence fee - for the second year running - to help local businesses all trying to get back to a sense of normality.

All being well, cafés and bars are currently counting down the hours to a reopening date of April 12, when they will be able to put out tables and chairs again. But they will still have to make sure social distancing measures are in place.

Providing the application looks satisfactory, the council will give the green light within five days.

There will still be a formal 10 day consultation for new applicants - so that fire and police can be consulted. New permits will last until March 31 2022.

City Centre Manager Steve Hughes said: “We are planning for a great summer and anything that helps the businesses after such a difficult year is really welcome.”

The permits have a number of conditions that businesses must meet. They include: • Identifying and agreeing the extent of the area for the permit • Keeping the area clean and tidy • Using only tables, chairs and barriers • Ensuring all customers are seated • No barbecues, fire pits or naked flames • No amplified music or sports commentary • Ensuring furniture is removed from the pavement by the agreed time • Having public liability insurance of £5 million Businesses must also carry out and submit a risk assessment showing how they plan to

follow government guidance on social distancing, including a basic site plan showing the location of furniture.

Issuing the permit will depend on how much space there is for people to be able to pass easily including people pushing prams or those in wheelchairs. The council will monitor the scheme.

The council is also expecting a number of businesses to consider putting up marquees or gazebos to keep their customers dry while they eat or drink.

This is a different situation as they will need to be fixed - which could affect the pavement or road. Cafés and bars wishing to place marquees there will be a charge of £120 for a section 171 permit.

For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/licensingandpermits/ tablesandchairspermitonpublicroadorstreet

Community Money Matters Citizens Advice Plymouth has embarked on a pioneering project working with the Neighbourhood Care Networks to support the growing number of people in the city facing financial crisis. With news from the debt charity, Stepchange, that there are now 1.2million people across the UK in severe debt and household borrowing due to the coronavirus at £10.3bn, so CAP has increased its commitment to helping those in Plymouth in financial difficulties.

Ageing well:

living better POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ to try and find out what helps or hinders people to remain independent as they get older. The work which is being carried out with the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network as part of the Devon-based social investment project, SIMPL, will see hundreds of people in Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay take part in the hope that their experiences of ageing can help to improve it for others.

The conversations, which will be carried out by a team of community researchers over the next six months, will help POP to understand how individuals can be better supported as they get older.

The CEO of POP, Matt Bell, believes the key is in trying to understand what makes each person’s experience unique: “We hope to find out what factors might enable someone to be – or not to be ‘independent’, for example, the existence of family; friendships; their own approach to getting older; financial circumstances and whether or not they feel part of a ‘community’.

We will be talking with individuals (and recording their conversation) about their experiences and circumstances along with their concerns, and any fears they might have, about their future. Through talking and listening, we hope to learn how society can make ‘getting older’ a more-positive experience for people and, for some, a lessfrightening one.”

POP is hoping to speak with people from as many different backgrounds as possible: men, women, LGBTQ+ people; people from all ethnic groups and people with disabilities, furthermore, we want to hear from anyone that is experiencing life through more than one of these lenses.

We are looking for people to be trained as ‘community researchers’ and for older people to participate in the project:

We are looking for people to ask the questions; hold the conversation and capture the information.

g You will take part in two trainin and tion ple com r afte , sessions and will be committing to the project, you ing lud paid reasonable expenses (inc the and g nin for your time) for the trai interviews. h to Age is not a barrier (!): we wis g the din hol ple peo ng see some you e abl valu ng vidi pro and interviews outh. research on communities in Plym

Across the city, Neighbourhood Care Networks continue to support individuals in their communities.

If you or your organisations would like to volunteer, text 07411 949 742.

NCN’s Helpline Numbers:

Efford Community Network

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309 586

Efford 07380 309 586

We are looking for individuals to share their experiences and help us to establish what can help or hinder someone to be independent as they age.

The conversations will last about half an hour and will be recorded.

YOU are more important than the research, so, rest assured, you do not have to talk about anything you do not want to.

POP supports nearly 400 members from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the city, a significant number of which are already working to support older people and help reduce loneliness and social isolation.

As Matt says; “We wish to help our members find new ways of supporting people and of benefitting from the financial opportunities that will come through the need for greater social investment around ‘ageing’. Ultimately, we want to make growing older better for everyone.”

If you would like to be involved, please contact info@plymouthoctopus.org

The initiative – The Plymouth Community Debt Project – is the first of its kind in the country and will see volunteers working as community debt advisors in the heart of their communities. Selection has begun to identify the first wave of (appropriate) volunteers with training due to start immediately. As, Tracy Ondrak, who is in charge of the project for the Citizen’s Advice Plymouth says, it’s about going to the people; “We are working with all the Neighbourhood Care Networks in Plymouth to train ten individuals - already trusted within their communities - so that they can support people straightaway, give them advice and, most importantly, help them make an immediate change to their circumstances.”

What’s crucial about these ‘community debt advice volunteers’ says Tracy is that they are already part of their communities; “We know that CAP can be seen as a bit ‘faceless’, while people in the hubs are already often known to people. They may be more likely to be able to get someone to do something about their financial circumstances if they can establish a rapport with them.”

The Stepchange report, Tackling the Coronavirus Personal Debt Crisis, also found that more than seven million people have borrowed money or fallen behind on utility or council tax payments with each person averaging arrears of £1,365 and debts of £1,577. Tracy believes there is worse to come: “As we come out of lockdown, people are going to be left with the financial impact of all this and many are just going to bury their heads in the sand which will just cause more complications. But, by putting advisors in the community, we can help people sooner rather than later.”

If you – or anyone you know – is worried about money, please contact CAP on the debt advice line: 07377 262979

16 April 2021

Fishing industry ‘let down’ over EU trade deal call for action Following a passionate plea from the local fishing community, Plymouth City Council is calling on the Government to recognise that the new fisheries and trade deal with the EU fails to deliver on the promises that were made to the fishing industry.

Last month the local fishing community were invited to come forward and give their thoughts on the impact of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

At a special Scrutiny Committee, local fishermen said that they felt disappointed and that the Government had promised them a better deal.

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We have heard from the local fishing community that the Government’s fisheries trade deal is woeful at best. They had their expectations raised throughout the Brexit process.

“Promises of full and absolute control of our waters and better fishing opportunities. However, it seems that these original promises were nothing more than ‘hot air.’ Our fishing community are extremely disappointed.”

At a Cabinet meeting in early March, council members considered the feedback from the committee and are now calling on the Government to deliver on their original promises, addressing issues such as: • Ensuring a fairer share of the total allowable catch • Extending the scope and duration of the compensation scheme to fully cover the costs of the additional burdens placed on the industry • Ensuring the voice of coastal communities is heard by giving local authorities a statutory role in developing fisheries management plans • Working with the Marine Stewardship Council to investigate options for potential fisheries improvement schemes and certification of local important stocks • Continuing to work with the industry locally, to improve the facilities at Sutton Harbour including a wet fish sales outlet, and to promote marine safety • Investing in the workforce of the future by establishing suitable apprenticeship schemes • The integration and digitalisation of data systems to support exports and reduce paper admin.

Councillor Evans, added: “Our fishing community have been misled, left with lots more red tape, bureaucracy and paperwork. They feel abandoned. Instead of selling out the fishing industry, we need the Government to sit up, listen and take action.”

16 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

Oscar winning Hollywood director announced as first patron of Dartmoor Zoological Society Cameron Crowe, the Oscar winning Hollywood director behind We Bought a Zoo has become the first patron of Dartmoor Zoological Society charity.

We Bought a Zoo was based on zoo founder Benjamin Mee’s book of the same name, and Cameron Crowe has pledged to support the charity with the use of his name, after taking a key interest in the zoo’s conservation work.

Cameron’s patronage will help the Dartmoor Zoological Society charity continue its vital work.

Its mission is to provide a future where no animal species faces extinction, by educating, informing, inspiring and empowering people to be more connected with the natural world and take greater responsibility for their impact.

Born and raised in California, Cameron started his career as a journalist, acting as a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine before moving into the film industry. His first big hit was Jerry Maguire (1996) starring Tom Cruise which he wrote and directed. This was followed by Almost Famous (2000) for which he won an Academy Award in 2001 for his screenplay.

Cameron Crowe commented: “I’ve always been a fan of the incredible work the team does at Dartmoor Zoo. Since I adapted Benjamin Mee’s

book for the screenplay and directed We Bought a Zoo, I’ve kept an eye on what they are doing. I love how, as well as doing conservation work with endangered animals, they also help vulnerable people too.

“Ground-breaking stuff with war veterans and kids excluded from mainstream education, connecting them with nature, real nature with

lions and tigers in it and it seems to work! It really is inspiring and that’s why I’m proud to support the great charity which is Dartmoor Zoological Society.”

After establishing Dartmoor Zoo in 2007, the Mee family donated the zoo to the Dartmoor Zoological Society in 2014.

Coral Jonas, deputy chief executive at Dartmoor Zoo, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron as a patron of Dartmoor Zoological Society. After taking a keen interest in the work we do here whilst directing We Bought a Zoo back in 2011, Cameron was keen to know how he could continue supporting the zoo.

“By becoming a patron of the charity, not only will he raise awareness of the vital conservation work we do here in Devon, he will also help to ensure we can continue protecting endangered animal species and raise awareness of how we can all do more to protect the world in which we live.”

Anyone can become a member of the charity, Dartmoor Zoological Society. In addition to showing support for the zoo, members obtain free admission for a year and can benefit from a range of exclusive discounts. For more information about Dartmoor Zoo and Dartmoor Zoological Society, visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk.

Bishop’s special Lent initative The Bishop of Plymouth is supporting South West businesses during Lent by only eating local produce.

The Right Reverend Nick McKinnel and his wife are only eating food sourced in Devon and Cornwall until Easter Sunday on April 4.

Bishop Nick, who is Devonian by birth, said, “This seems a helpful way to support local producers, as well as reducing the need for air and road transport, though admittedly it does go a little against the tradition of fasting in Lent.

The Bishop, who has both Plymouth and Brixham fishing ports in his patch, added: “There is excellent meat sold by local farms and with restaurants closed at the moment, fresh fish landed that morning is available for home delivery.

“Obviously bananas and mangoes can’t be on our menu, but plenty of vegetables, fruit, cereals and other foods are grown somewhere in Devon and Cornwall, as well as drinks.”

The Bishop said that during Lent there was ‘a need to look beyond ourselves.’

He said, “Times are hard for some families at the moment, and even here in Devon there are those who struggle to put food on their plates.

“It’s great to see churches and organisations like Transforming Plymouth Together working with other agencies to collect and deliver food, and to support foodbanks, a real practical example of ‘loving our neighbour.’ ” Bishop Nick said Lent, which lasts for 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, was a good opportunity for people to reconnect with their faith ‘to give time to prayer and reading, opening ourselves afresh to God.’

Rough sleeping declines in Plymouth

Rough sleeping in Plymouth is on the decline for the third consecutive year.

In figures released by the government in February, numbers from the official snapshot recorded in November 2020 showed that 16 people were found sleeping rough, compared to 19 in 2019, 23 in 2018 and 26 in 2017.

The count has a set criteria and includes people seen sleeping or about to bed down or bedded down in the open air in in tents or doorways or people in buildings or other places not designed for habitation like stairwells or car parks.

The Plymouth Alliance is made up of seven different organisations working together to deliver homelessness support and accommodation as well as drug and alcohol and mental health support and was commissioned by the Council in April 2019. The partners are Bournemouth

Churches Housing Association, Harbour, Shekinah, the Zone, Plymouth Access To Housing (PATH), Livewell Southwest and Hamoaze.

This recent drop in rough sleeping numbers is testament to this way of commissioning and the Alliance, who have continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to respond to the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative.

Following the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ directive in March 2020, the Alliance was able to secure COVID-safe supported accommodation for those vulnerable to rough sleeping within 48 hours.

Quickly, two properties were leased to provide 26 individual rooms with staff from across the Alliance providing 24-hour support. The day centre kitchen, which closed during the pandemic, delivered hot meals to the houses instead. In

the first six months of the pandemic, just these properties supported 70 people in total, 22 people moved on to supported accommodation and 5 directly into their own private rented homes.

One resident said: “With the help of the project, my support needs are being met by the staff, and I’ve been supported onto an educational course that has provided much needed structure to my days.

“I can start to sleep better and I have been helped by the workers to speak to a GP. This meant I got a referral for my mental health which has been great for me.”

A further 44 rooms were also leased and the existing supported overnight shelter completely redesigned and adapted to provide eight COVID safe individual sleep rooms and two selfcontained sleep PODS.

@PlymChronicle

Seven dogs living in appalling conditions rescued by Gables Gables Dogs and Cats Home have rescued seven dogs found living in makeshift kennels in appalling conditions on a farm in mid Devon. The cramped, tiny, wooden kennels had no heating and the only ‘bedding’ to be seen was some filthy, compacted straw on the floor.

The seven dogs, aged from three months

to six years old, were very underweight and huddled together for warmth. There were six poodle crosses, all with badly matted coats and covered head to toe in mud and their own waste.

The seventh dog, a lurcher now named Martha, had the opposite problem as she was suffering from severe hair loss and infected

Ruth from Gables Dogs and Cats Home with three of the rescued dogs

sores all over her body. Her tail had been badly chewed and damaged, leaving open wounds that were also infected.

All seven dogs were very nervous and had diarrhoea, with the majority of them also suffering from sore infected ears and in desperate need of dental treatment.

Gables took all seven dogs into their care and after thorough checks from their vet, started the treatment they needed, including a hernia repair for one of the poodle crosses named Alice. They have all been clipped, trimmed and tidied up to help them feel more comfortable by Dee from Deesigner Pets, who kindly volunteered her time to help them.

It is estimated it will cost Gables around £1,200 for all the treatment they have received, plus all the ongoing medical care needed. This will include treatment for their individual medical conditions, neutering, medical baths, dental treatment, microchipping and flea and worm treatment for them all.

Claire Sparkes, general manager said: “Having witnessed first-hand the conditions these dogs were living in, we were determined to get them out of there as quickly as possible.

“Although they were nervous when they first arrived at Gables, most of these dogs have quickly found their feet and it is so lovely to see them enjoying some fuss and attention now. However, a few of them have struggled to cope so will need some

April 2021

Alice needed urgent medical treatment

extra time and patience. As a genuine noneuthanasia charity we are more than happy to give them all the time they need to learn to trust humans again and find the perfect forever homes they deserve.”

Gables Dogs and Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help these seven dogs. If you can help to ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to ‘Seven Manky Pups Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www. virginmoneygiving.com/fund/7mankypups to donate online.

Could you foster a teenager and help them to find a brighter future?

Raise a smile, make the call.

PROVIDING HAPPY HOMES FOR CHILDREN ACROSS PLYMOUTH

Our teenagers need you.

Call 01752 308762 or visit fosterforplymouth.co.uk

17

18 April 2021

PROMOTING HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAYS IN PLYMOUTH More Plymouth children are set to get ‘Fit and Fed’ during the school holidays thanks to £1,042,910 from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity and Food Fund.

Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit will be working in close partnership with various organisations, including Plymouth’s school meals provider CATERed, to provide holiday activity and food programmes to disadvantaged children during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “We know that school holidays can be difficult for some families, with children at risk of missing out on healthy meals, activities and learning opportunities.

Programmes like Fit and Fed are a direct response to this issue and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and their families.”

The 2021 programme gets underway over the Easter holidays, with 40 holiday clubs across the city providing 1,445 places for children who receive benefit-related free school meals to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday.

All clubs will be delivered in a COVIDsafe environment and in line with current government guidance.In response to reduced inactivity levels caused by the COVID pandemic, 1,000 Fit and Fed holiday packs – with a food parcel and physical activity bag – will also be given away this Easter to children on benefit-related free school meals attending primary schools in the city’s most deprived areas.

The food parcels are being provided

by CATERed and will contain a range of nutritious food to make five healthy twocourse lunches with additional snacks.

The parcels will also contain a recipe booklet to help plan some exciting meals.

Louise Kelley, the council’s sports development manager, said: “These physical activity bags are specially designed to encourage children to keep physically active in a fun way.

Each bag contains a variety of items, including a large foam dice, bean bags, skipping rope, spot markers and bats and balls. Using the dice and the activity cards provided, children will be able to enjoy a number of fun activities that will help to keep them active every day.”

“The funding will also support the Fit and Fed programme taking place during the summer holidays, when it is hoped an even greater number of holiday clubs and park activities will be available.Councillor Smith added: “This will be a huge benefit to so many of our children and I’d like to thank everybody involved. We know that being active is a benefit to not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. Sport and physical activity are so important and these specially designed packs will help children have fun and stay active.”

Anyone interested in providing opportunities for disadvantaged children as part of this programme should contact the Sports Development Unit – email sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk.

18 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

Cremyll Ferry is going electric!

The Cremyll Ferry is set to go electric after Voyager Boatyard and Plymouth Boat Trips won funding from Innovate UK to design and build e-Ferry.

The fully electric boat will become the flagship vessel on Plymouth Boat Trips’ historic Cremyll Ferry commuter route, between Plymouth and South East Cornwall.

Following the company’s recent conversion of a small, diesel work boat to e-Voyager, a 12 passenger electric design - this larger, 150 capacity vessel will operate for up to 14 hours a day on a single charge.

The funding from Innovate UK, comes as part of UK Research and Innovation, which is investing up to £191 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects, via the Sustainable Innovation Fund, over the next two years. The aim of these competitions is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19.

The team at Voyager Boatyard have taken full advantage of quieter times, caused by COVID-19, to focus on the development of zero-carbon, fully electric propulsion systems for the domestic passenger vessel and under 24 metre commercial workboat sector.

Project leader, Andy Hurley said: “We have used the down time to apply for funding, that will enable us to further develop our zero-carbon agenda.

Following the success of e-Voyager, we’re delighted to move to the next phase and, once again, lead the way towards a sustainable marine future with e-Ferry.”

Voyager Marine and Plymouth

From this...the Edgcumbe Belle on the Cremyll Ferry run ...To this: computer generated image of the new ferry

Boat Trips will be working with Solis Marine Engineering, a team of expert naval architects, to create a clean hydrodynamically efficient hull form that maximises use of the stored energy available.

Simon Hindley, managing director of Falmouth based Solis Marine Engineering, said: “Projects which advance the zero-carbon agenda and marine renewables sector are

central to our work. For this project, we will be working in partnership with Pelagic Design to deliver an optimised low resistance design which helps to advance the use of clean energy in the South West.”

Both Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council have established targets to become carbon neutral by 2030 and plans are underway for charging points to

be installed on Plymouth’s Barbican Landing Stage and other sites.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This is a fantastic project for the South West and we wholeheartedly endorse it.

“Economically, to see two South West-based companies combine to produce industry-leading technology does wonders for our marine sector in the city.

“I’m also delighted from a climate emergency perspective. We want Plymouth to be carbon neutral by 2030 but as a Council, we can’t do it alone. That’s why it’s so great to see a high-profile Plymouth company setting an example to others by pulling up their sleeves and helping us to meet our ambitious target.”

The e-Ferry will be designed and built to effectively operate in a congested maritime environment, with strong tidal conditions, rough seas, and challenging berthing locations.

It will also include additional zero-carbon solutions such as photovoltaic panels or similar renewable energy sources.

Andy Hurley added: “Our aims match the government’s Clean Maritime Plan, to have zero-carbon commercial vessels operating in UK waters by 2025.

“To help meet this objective, we are transitioning our business from a traditional boatyard, to a specialist hub with the knowledge base and skills to design, build, convert and maintain zero-carbon, electric, commercial vessels across the UK and globally. It’s a very exciting time for the maritime industry and the South West.”

...and so is the Mount Batten Ferry!

A vessel from the Mount Batten Ferry service fleet has had its engine replaced with a new electronic drive propulsion system and solar charging capability.

Copper, the smaller of the Mount Batten Ferry business’ fleet, has undergone the transformation to electric power over the last few months as the service has been closed to passengers due to the ongoing pandemic. The Mount Batten Ferry usually runs daily, all year round between The Barbican and Mount Batten.

The electric drive install was designed and fitted in-house by Universal Marine Services, which owns and operates the Mount Batten Ferry service, with the help of a local engineering company, Flint Engineering.

Copper’s sister ferry, Sulphar, has also had its diesel engines replaced with two fuel efficient smaller Beta engine units.

Harbour Master for Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, Captain Richard Allan said: “A year ago we launched the Port of Plymouth Air Quality strategy and invited our stakeholders to input into the strategy and consider and implement any new ideas that they may be able to adopt to improve air quality.

“With the installation of the Plymouth City Council charging points on the Barbican Landing Stage, and Copper’s new electric engine and solar charging capability, this is another hugely positive step forward as part of the Port’s commitment to improving air quality. We congratulate Captain Stevens and his team for making this conversion to electric and look forward to welcoming Copper back into service in the coming months.”

Captain Dan Stevens, owner of Universal Marine Services said: “Copper was chosen for an electric drive retrofit as it is one of Plymouth’s busiest

ferries and operates daily between The Barbican and Mount Batten. She made an ideal vessel to trial a new electric drive and will hopefully make a great addition, and leap forward, to Zero Carbon Emission transport for Plymouth’s waters.”

Copper is the second passenger ferry to be converted to electric recently, last year Plymouth Boat Trips launched e-Voyager and after undergoing rigorous sea-trials she will come into service in April.

Captain Allan added: “It really is excellent to have both ferry operators in the Cattewater investing significantly in electric craft.”

April 2021

@PlymChronicle

19

Mother’s battle with cancer was ‘chief inspiration’ for Jemima behind building her business Young Plymouth entrepreneur Jemima Ellis has praised her mother’s courage as inspiration to help lift her emerging lingerie business specialising in post-surgery underwear for women off the ground.

With a strong, all-female team, ELAN’s new collection is manufactured in the UK and made from 100% biodegradable fibres, naturally grown without the need for intensive use of chemicals. The soft bamboo fabric has been carefully and mindfully selected with comfort and Inspired by the strength and determination of practicability in mind. her mum Ruth’s battle with breast cancer, Jemima Jemima said: “After such life changing surgery, founded ELAN Lingerie in 2020 after identifying my mum struggled to find beautiful lingerie a huge gap in a market that overlooks the that made her feel special. Her confidence was challenges facing women who, post-surgery, are knocked, and her only option was uncomfortable shopping for attractive underwear to suit their and unattractive underwear. new bodies.

“She has been a vital part of my design Jemima, who lives in Ford, said: “My mum has and development phases, offering insight and been an inspiration to me for as long as I can advice from the perspective of a women who has remember, and it has been so special sharing this undergone surgery for breast cancer.”

Jemima with journey with her and making her proud.”

For Jemima, ELAN really does come from the ELAN Lingerie Now set to launch her first collection in heart. She does not just see the business as an products spring 2021, Jemima is working closely with achievement for herself, but for all the incredible industry experts and women who have their women who have helped and supported her along own experiences with breast cancer to create fashionable, the way and all the women out there rebuilding their confidence comfortable and sexy underwear which she hopes will empower through their breast cancer journeys. women to feel special and feel like themselves again, regaining For further information visit www.elanlingerie.co.uk or their confidence one bra at a time. www.facebook.com/elanpostsurgery/Instagram: @elanlingerie

Then and now...Plymouth in the Blitz and the scene today by trainee Royal Navy photographer

Iconic images of World War Two bomb damaged Plymouth and Devonport, have been faithfully recreated by a trainee Royal Naval photographer, as part of a collection of pictures for his Defence Photography Course.

Encouraged by the rich history surrounding Devonport Naval Base and the barrack area of HMS Drake, Able Seaman Gareth Smith meticulously researched where a series of 1940s pictures were taken during the war and placed them alongside what is there today.

“I took the inspiration from working day to day around the Base and the city,” said Gareth. “I found I could identify some of the places and with a bit of leg work, research and looking around, certain landmarks in the background pointed me to the right place. Much of what was there has gone, redeveloped soon after the war, but it was amazing to get the right location, after all these years.”

The Plymouth Blitz was a series of bombing raids launched during WW2 by the German Luftwaffe. The Royal Dockyard at Devonport was the main target and in early 1941, five raids in particular reduced much of Plymouth to rubble. Nearly every civic building was destroyed. More than two dozen schools suffered the same fate, as did 40 places of worship. Most were rebuilt but Charles Church was left in ruins as a memorial.

Despite this, and the high level of civilian casualties, the Dockyard continued in operation.

Gareth added: “This personal project really brought a sense of perspective to the catastrophic damage caused to Plymouth during the Blitz. I sought to revise important historical moments captured during

US troops by the Tamar

Derry’s Clock Tower

Sailors dancing on The Hoe

Charles Church

WW2 in Plymouth and Devonport, comparing them to the peaceful present day.

“It’s truly remarkable how the city rebuilt itself after the war. 1,174 people were killed and 4,448 were injured in Plymouth over the course

of the war and around 30,000 people were left homeless.”

More of Gareth’s images can be found on his Instagram page at Gtsasmith Photography.

• 95-year-old Southway man’s memories of the Blitz: Back page

Jemima with her inspiring mother Ruth

New plans unveiled to make travelling around Plymouth cleaner and greener by 2023 Plymouth City Council has launched a consultation on ambitious plans to install a network of Journey Hubs, designed to make travelling around the city cleaner and greener.

To help curb emissions and encourage residents and visitors to use low carbon modes of transport, the council aims to install up to 50 Journey Hubs across Plymouth by 2023. Each hub will provide electric vehicle (EV) charging points, e-bikes, an EV car club and links to public transport.

The scheme also includes plans for the UK’s first sea-going electric ferry.

As part of the consultation, the council wants to ask residents, businesses and commuters how they would use Journey Hubs, what features they should offer and where people think they should be located throughout Plymouth.

The council plans to install smaller hubs in residential areas and larger hubs offering more features in the city centre and main railway station.

The network of hubs will provide 300 EV charging points, 400 e-bikes and a car club, all operated through a smart booking system.

The hubs can also incorporate additional facilities such as live information boards for bus and train times, bike repair equipment and waiting areas. Local residents, employees, businesses and visitors will be able to use the hubs to plan their journeys on public and shared transportation, both in the city and on the main routes into Devon and Cornwall.

Cllr Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “Plymouth

has already declared a Climate Emergency and is committed to being net zero carbon by 2030 so we need encourage everyone to travel around the city in cleaner and greener ways.

“Creating the new journey hubs

Cllr Mark Coker

ticks off yet another action in our Climate Emergency Action Plan.

“Our hubs have the potential to revolutionise how we travel, offering the chance to ditch polluting petrol cars and use more sustainable, low carbon electric vehicles and e-bikes, available to hire through a smart booking system.

“We want feedback on our exciting plans and need your help in deciding what features our network of hubs should offer and where around the city they should be located to encourage maximum take-up.”

Further information on the council’s Journey Hub plans including a short video and how to respond to our consultation can be found at: https:// plymouth-consult.objective.co.uk/ portal/climateandenvironment/ mobilityhubssurvey2021

20 April 2021

20 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

The one hope that is everlasting...

THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience I recently went for my usual exercise walk where we live and I experienced a beautiful feeling of profound gratitude as I observed the beauty of the countryside and the privilege of living in the South West.

I am ‘not the sharpest tool in the box’ when it comes to appreciating the beauty of creation and so it was unusual that my thinking went to the thoughts of the emergence of many creatures coming out of hibernation at the beginning of Spring.

I felt it was like how many of us are probably currently feeling, especially with the increased confidence provided by the vaccine, as we inwardly ‘cry freedom’ for the emergence from lockdown.

This appreciation of coming into Spring is also the hope of the Easter Celebrations of life coming out of death.

Like the seasons it is the rhythms and cycles of life and celebration in the Christian calendar. A journey through the good and challenging times is part of our collective human experience. The birth

of Christ at Christmas and His death and resurrection at Easter.

At the time of writing, we will have all endured almost a year of one of the most difficult times since the second world war.

Chris Cole However, we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel with the provision of the vaccine, which hopefully will not be the light of another train coming down the tracks.

Loss of life and economic uncertainty have been and still are the consequences of this pandemic which we still have to navigate through.

I have had my first jab, but still feel very conscious that we are not through this yet and I do not want to succumb to ‘well it’s OK for me now’ because we can still transmit the virus according to some health officials even after the jab. It is important to be

wise and prudent for the sake of others.

The evidence is still being gathered about passing on the virus after being vaccinated.

However, things are looking very positive, and it is hope which is such a powerful concept during challenging times.

The hope which I believe in is important and is not just the hope of going on holiday or getting a haircut. Those are good and totally understandable, but they are not the hope that undergirds us when life really gets tough. Health and economic security are still the real issues we all wrestle with as human beings.

I am increasingly mindful of the millions of Christians around the world who do not have much hope other than their faith in God. This is the hope that provides the

foundation within the Christian community, especially across the world, where Christians are severely persecuted for their faith especially in Iran, North Korea and China.

This hope understands what Jesus told Martha at the death of her brother Lazarus.

Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11 v 24 – 27.

The hope in the eternal gives us hope in the day to day.

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

Plymouth sight loss group supporting locals in need Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group is continuing to help local people affected by sight loss during the pandemic.

Vispring’s Plymouth factory employs 200 people

Competition for students to design a bed for Vispring

Plymouth based luxury bed maker, Vispring, has launched a competition in partnership with Plymouth College of Art, giving interior design and styling students the opportunity to design a limited-edition bed.

The winning design will be marketed and sold in the European and Asian markets in 2022.

Founded in London in 1910, Vispring is synonymous with comfort and opulence, furnishing the suites of high-end hotels, including London’s Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and the bedrooms of the finest homes around the world. In 1971 the factory relocated from London to Plymouth, where the beds are still made by hand, by its 200 skilled craftsmen and women.

Head of communications at Vispring, Victoria Soares said: “With our workshop based in Plymouth, it was important to Vispring that we support the progression of local design talent and we are very excited to see what the Plymouth College of Art students create.

“Vispring is looking for a stand-out piece, that showcases our brand’s beautifully handmade beds, with style and imagination, while also considering the practicalities of production viability.”

Three finalists will be chosen and reviewed by Vispring and fellow Plymouth company, Lang and Potter, which creates Vispring headboards.

The winner will then be selected by a panel of expert judges, including Vispring’s senior team, alongside designer and stylist, Despina Curtis and founder and director of London based PR agency, Tomorrow PR, Neil Byrne.

Cathryn Bishop, senior lecturer and subject leader at Plymouth College of Art said: “We’re delighted to partner with Vispring on this amazing opportunity for our Interior Design and Styling students.”

“Working with real briefs from industry leaders like Vispring is what our programmes are all about at Plymouth College of Art, we want to give our students an experience, as close to being in a real design studio as possible.”

The winning designer will also be invited to attend and assist the official photography shoot and experience a tour of the Vispring workshop.

It will be holding its 50th consecutive group call on March 24 at 11.30am. The group, one of more than 400 organised by leading sight loss charity the Macular Society, is open to anyone affected by macular disease, the biggest cause of sight loss in the U.K., which currently affects around 1.5 million people.

When the pandemic first hit last year, the Society introduced a range of telephone and online support services for anyone affected by sight loss.

The Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group, which is run by local volunteers and led by Brian Heather, hold their calls at 11.30 every Wednesday morning, and family members and friends of those affected are also welcome to attend.

Brian, 85, who took on the group leader role two years ago said: “The key word for our group, and all the charity’s groups, is support. Not only do we frequently have expert guest speakers who provide the latest advice and information but we also encourage and help each other come to terms with macular disease. We share lighter moments too with talks of local interest, quizzes and marking people’s birthdays.

He added: “We have a hard core of about 15 people who regularly dial in, and who frequently say that the calls are the highlight of their week. In fact, one member has told her family not to disturb her on a Wednesday morning!

Joking aside, moving to weekly calls has enabled us to build a lovely online friendship, and provides a great base for us to grow from when we are able to meet again face to face.”

Judy Pride, Macular Society senior regional manager, said: “Brian is a really enthusiastic, committed and effective group leader. He does a fantastic job of keeping

the group going, and staying in contact with those members who are unable to dial in.”

“As the pandemic continues to have an impact, the health and wellbeing of everyone remains our priority.

However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it. Although our faceto-face services were suspended last year, we are still on the end of the phone for anyone affected by sight loss, including their family and friends.”

Judy added “Our telephone support groups enable people to better understand macular disease and to help them come to terms with sight loss; exactly the way our face-toface support groups used to do.

The sessions also help to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.”

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement.

There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

If you would like to join the Plymouth group call, or for more information about additional support services available locally, please contact Judy on 01264 560 229/0794 737 3244 or email judy.pride@macularsociety.org For information on other services currently available from the Macular Society, please call the charity’s Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111 or email help@ macularsociety.org

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

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22 April 2021

22 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

Second phase of Oceansgate development complete The second phase of Plymouth City Council’s Oceansgate development, a world-class hub for marine industries, has now reached completion.

The landmark was celebrated with a virtual event, with building contractor Kier Construction ‘handing over’ the keys to the council.

The project is transforming disused Ministry of Defence land in three phases, creating a purpose-built environment with both offices and industrial units designed with the needs of marine and maritime businesses in mind.

Phase 2 gives an additional 1,350 metres squared of light industrial space in three separate buildings and 1,100 metres squared of office space. The new office building is named Nesbitt House in honour of Plymouth-born Kate Nesbitt, who became the first female member of the Royal Navy to be awarded the Military Cross for her service in Afghanistan in 2009, celebrating the site’s defence links and proximity to the Naval Base.

The newly completed phase is already over 90 per cent prelet. Tenants moving into Phase 2 include ESL Group’s Space and Defence Solutions division and City College Plymouth, which is creating a new dedicated learning environment offering university-level courses in marine and engineering subjects.

Oceansgate is the city’s Marine Enterprise Zone and sits within South Yard which is a key part of the new Plymouth and South Devon freezone. The freezone offers specific tax and relief benefits for companies based within it, incentivising employers to invest and create new jobs.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth City Council

Nesbitt House, the new office building at Oceansgate

is incredibly proud of Oceansgate, which has fast become a thriving community of marine and maritime businesses and will be a core site in the city’s new freezone, showcasing our commitment to high tech marine innovation.

“It’s fantastic to see Phase 2 come to completion despite everything that has happened during the last 12 months. Our economic recovery plan Resurgam is now well underway and Oceansgate has an important role to play in this, safeguarding and creating new high-skilled jobs in the marine, defence and technology sectors which is crucial after such a difficult year for so many businesses.”

Phase 2 of Oceansgate is a £7.6 million project funded

by the Council and a £2.25 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Doug Lloyd, operations director at Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted to have handed over Oceansgate phase 2, an important project for the people of Plymouth.

“Over the duration of this project, we have worked collaboratively with Plymouth City Council and Building Plymouth to deliver this first-class new building, with technical excellence and social value at the heart of this project.

“As part of our commitment to leave lasting legacies in areas in which we build, we have worked with local supply chain partners, provided job and training opportunities as well as hosted careers events to showcase the breadth of roles available within construction.”

During the construction of Phase 2, 82 per cent of all Kier’s spend has been with local suppliers. Throughout the construction process, Kier employed 12 new apprentices, totalling 291 waged training weeks for apprentices. More than 240 hours were dedicated to employment skills activities, with 17 construction-focused careers events for the local community.

Phase 1 of Oceansgate was completed in April 2018, and is now a base for eight businesses. The next steps include work on Phase 3.1, which will see the development of a new Marine and Defence Innovation Centre.

Find out more about Oceansgate at www. oceansgateplymouth.com.

COVID-19 testing for those with NO symptoms rolled out for essential workers across city Many essential workers or those providing vital care and support for the most vulnerable people in Plymouth now have access to a rapid COVID-19 testing programme.

Up to one in three people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but that does not mean they are not infectious.

Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are one of the tools being used to help us to detect and fight COVID-19.

These tests can allow individuals with no symptoms to check if they have the virus, when they otherwise wouldn’t know. Anyone who has a positive result should self-isolate, to make sure that they are not putting others at risk.

The rapid turnaround lateral flow tests can give results in under an hour, without the need for laboratory processing.

Over the past few weeks, Plymouth City Council has been piloting the testing programme with its own frontline staff. Now, the council has expanded its offer with a mobile unit, travelling around the city to key locations where essential workers or volunteers are based. This includes the City Business Park, Four Greens Wellbeing Hub and the Age UK Centre.

The new service aims to complement the Government’s Rapid Workplace Testing programme. It is hoped that over the weeks and months ahead even more lateral flow

testing will be available across the city.

The lateral flow testing is in addition to

the symptomatic testing - sometimes called PCR Testing - that is already available for

those displaying COVID-19 symptoms at three venues across the city.

Ruth Harrell, director of Public Health for Plymouth City Council, said: “Roughly one in three people who have the virus do not have symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it.

“Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, enable people to take immediate action and self-isolate and ultimately break chains of transmission.

“We will be expanding up our testing over the weeks ahead as more and more people will want to access the service when lockdown restrictions begin to ease.”

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and need a test Currently anyone who does have one of the main symptoms of a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell must selfisolate immediately and book a test.

Testing is available by appointment at the drive-in test site at the former Seaton Barracks site off William Prance Road or either of the walk-through test sites at Marjon and the Guildhall, or via a home test kit. All the testing sites in Plymouth are operating seven days a week 8am to 8pm, so anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should book a test by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS website atwww.gov.uk/getcoronavirus-test

Winter grant scheme extended to help families over Easter Plymouth City Council has been awarded nearly £322,000 as part of the Government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme.

The money means the council will once again be able to provide families entitled to Free School Meals with vouchers to cover the two week Easter break.

The council will begin sending batches of unique food e-voucher codes to city schools and Early Years settings from March 22 for them to distribute to all families on their

free school meals registers. Each code can be used once to redeem vouchers to the value of £30 per child - £15 per week for the two weeks of school holidays - at various supermarkets.

Councillor Chris Penberthy Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development said: “I’m really pleased that we have received these much needed extra funds from the Government to be able to provide support for families over the two week Easter

break. We understand just how difficult the last 12 months have been for low income families, so being able to ensure children who are entitled to free school meals will not miss out over the break is great news.

People eligible to claim free school meals who haven’t registered should apply via www. plymouth.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals Councillor Penberthy added: “Despite this being good news we do know this money can’t reach everyone who is struggling and

I would like to remind residents that if you, or someone you know is struggling to access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food, help is out there.

“The Plymouth Online Directory has a list of all the organisations and schemes in the city that are providing support.”

To find out more information visit www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ covid19/caringforplymouth/foodshopping/ foodbanks

USEFUL It’s fun and games galore - literally! NUMBERS April 2021

@PlymChronicle

23

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Helplines

With lockdown restrictions easing, a Devonport-based group is looking forward to brightening up local events again with a selection of brilliant games.

The group, called Games Galore, provide the games to local clubs and community groups for their events, helping to keep all ages happy, laughing, entertained and engaged.

Games Galore is a small local group which makes large traditional wooden games from around the world and are happy to take them, totally free of charge, to any local clubs or community groups for a fundraising or social event.

All they need is space - indoor or outdoor - and they can have as many games as they can fit in. Games Galore have a selection of around 30 table top games to choose from that are suitable for the whole family.

One of the parents at a recent event said: “It’s good to see my children enjoying these

old-fashioned games instead of computer games and realising they are even more fun.”

The games are great icebreakers for people who don’t know each other well and perfect for lifelong friends. The Games Galore team will deliver, set up the games and will then stay to supervise and show participants how to play.

Devonport resident, Rob Preston came up with the idea for Games Galore in 2019 after being inspired by seeing something similar in a town square in France.

Rob said that he started by making a few large games and then tested them out at a games night for the local Plymouth Petanque Club at the Devonport Live Cafe. He was so encouraged by everyone’s involvement and enjoyment that he made more games from small table games to some as large as eight feet long.

Wherever possible Rob makes the games from recycled or repurposed timber.

Other retired folk became interested and

Rob gathered a small team of like-minded friends who love to play games and they started taking the games to other clubs and events. Sandie, one of the helpers and a retired SEN teacher, said: “It is so rewarding to see young and old playing the games together as a family. I always like to ask which one is their favourite.”

Rob said: “We could always do with a few more volunteers to help take the games out to the community so if playing games and meeting new people is your thing do please get in touch.”

He also appealed for help with creating a website for the group.

“As soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted and people can meet in groups again, the Games Galore team look forward to hosting your event. If you want to see some of these games in action check out our video on YouTube...just search for Games Galore 2019.”

For further information contact Rob on 07772 730098.

Government funding to support city’s most vulnerable children falls short Plymouth City Council has to find an additional £500,000 to help support the city’s most vulnerable children, due to the Government relying on outdated figures to calculate the local funding allocation.

Publicly-funded schools in England get extra funding from the Government to help them improve the attainment of their disadvantaged pupils.

The pupil premium grant supports children, such as those from low-income families and have been entitled to free school meals, children of service personnel and those who are looked after.

However, in the latest round of funding, the Government used old data to calculate the amount that Plymouth should receive.

The allocation ignores the additional applications that have been received during the pandemic. As a result, the city has to find in excess of £500,000 to cover the gap.

In a letter to Gavin Williamson MP, Cllr Jon Taylor the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation for Plymouth City Council, said: “In an average year Plymouth would normally have approved approximately 1500 new applications for free school meals. However this year, we have seen this number rise to over 2000. It is clear that many more families in our city are struggling to make ends meet.

“In Plymouth, we have seen over 400 additional applications for pupil premium.

However, as the Government based it’s

calculation on outdated school data, there is a huge gap in the funding allocation. The result is that the Plymouth will lose in excess of £500,000. This is money that could have been spent on supporting Plymouth children in the classroom with additional resources and extra teaching assistants.

“We cannot simply stand by and let this go unchallenged - we would urge the Government to reconsider their decision and use the most up to date datasets to calculate pupil premium eligibility.

“In whatever decision the Ministers are making at these transitional times, the Government must make sure that our children and their needs are central to our national recovery plans.”

NEW FAMILY HUBS WILL TRANSFORM SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Plans to transform support for local families with children of all ages, are one step closer.

Last year, Plymouth City Council asked for views on proposals to expand children’s centres, and bring other family support services closer together, to transform the way that local services are delivered through a network of family hubs.

At a Cabinet Meeting in March, it was agreed that a new Family Hubs Innovative Partnership will be created. It will be made up of local organisations who will work together to support children and their wider families.

It will bring services together, for example, family and parenting support, young carers services, and youth work, across voluntary and community services and those provided by the

council. The Partnership will make sure that the voices and views of children, young people and families is at the heart of the design of future services.

The Hubs aim to not only help keep children and young people safe and protected, but they will also have a focus on prevention and early intervention.

The Hubs will work with local families, providing support early to try prevent problems getting worse, and avoid families needing more formal intervention from statutory services such as children’s social care.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People for Plymouth City Council, said: “This pandemic has caused unparalleled challenges for many people in

Plymouth, but it has been particularly difficult for many vulnerable families who need the most support.

“Our new Family Hub partnership model we are developing focuses our resources in the areas of most need and should, for many, provide a more effective service because we’ll be working far more closely across our services and with partners to provide integrated support in one place. It will transform the way we provide support to local families.”

Work will now begin on the of launch an innovation partnership to work with the council and other partners in the city, starting with design of the way the Hubs will support families from 2022 onwards.

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel RAC Green Flag Rail Travel, national enquiries Plymouth Citybus National Express Coaches Brittany Ferries Cremyll Ferry Torpoint Ferry Tourist Information Passport Office, National Helpline

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

Leisure

Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 April 2021

24 April 2021

@PlymChronicle

Memories of the Plymouth Blitz come flooding back for Charlie News of plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz in 2021 with a series of special events led 95-year-old Charlie Trevethan to contact the Chronicle about his wartime memories.

Charlie, who was born in December 1925, lived with his parents, brother and two sisters in Rosedown Avenue, North Prospect when the Second World War broke out.

He has vivid memories of the bombing raids which wreaked death and destruction across the city in March and April 1941.

“During one of the raids me, my mum, and my brother and sisters were in our Anderson shelter in our garden when a bomb was dropped between two Anderson shelters in one of our neighbour’s front gardens killing everyone - including one of my friends.

“Debris from the bomb blast and parts of the shelter fell on to the roof of our shelter and I remember putting my hands up to stop our shelter from collapsing.”

Charlie said that his father, also called Charles, signed up as a Special Constable during the war and would be called out to attend the sites of bombings.

“That night he had gone to the workhouse in Wolseley Road where the police were stationed.

He was one of only two constables on duty along with the sergeant. The sergeant had been told that a bomb had hit a house in Rosedown Avenue - and he knew that was where we lived.

“He told the other constable to attend - but my dad overheard the sergeant and said ‘My family is up there. I’m going up there.’

“By the time he got to Rosedown the raid was over, but on the way he heard someone say that all the Trevethans had been killed. I don’t know what he must have thought at the time but luckily it wasn’t us.”

Charlie and the rest of the family had to be rehoused in nearby Laurel Road, North Prospect - only for a land mine to be dropped close by, which meant they all had to move again, this time to Dingle Road.

Chronicle Ads 2020.indd 5

Charlie Trevethan with his Argyle shirt and birthday card

He remembers visiting the city centre and seeing the devastation caused during the dozens of bombing raids which left over 1,100 civilians dead and nearly 4,500 injured. He recalls the deadly attack which led to a direct hit on a communal air raid shelter in Portland Square killing 76 people.

“It was a horrifying time, but as youngsters we just got used to all the bombings. I would often go out with my friends the day after a raid and collect shrapnel from the streets,” he added.

Charlie attended North Prospect School and having passed his 11 plus went to Devonport High School for Boys - but his education was curtailed by the war.

In June 1944 he was called up and served in the Devonshires

for four years, ending up in India fighting the Japanese.

Returning to Plymouth he met his wife Violet when they were both working at a local laundry company. “It was love at first sight,” said Charlie. They married in 1950 and eventually settled in Southway, where Charlie has lived for the past 63 years.

They had a daughter Jill, who became a teacher, but sadly lost a son at 10 weeks with cystic fibrosis.

He is extremely proud of his daughter and his grandchildren, Amy and Miles. Amy, who studied at the University of Oxford, was elected as a councillor in Barnet when she was just 21 and at 22 stood as a Labour candidate in the 2015 General Election, increasing the party’s vote from 12,000 to 18,000 in the Tory

stronghold of Chipping Barnet.

Miles studied at Cambridge University.

Charlie is looking forward to seeing them all again when lockdown restrictions are lifted completely.

Sadly, Charlie’s wife passed away in 2019 after a long illness.

They were together for over 70 years and married for 68 years.

Like Charlie she had also grown up in North Prospect.

Charlie spent 35 years working for Farley’s Rusks, taking early reitrement at 60. A keen sportsman he played cricket for Farley’s as a fast bowler - right up to the age of 60.

The other love of Charlie’s life is Plymouth Argyle. He attended his first match at Home Park in 1931 - and has followed the club for 90 years. It may make him Argyle’s longest-serving supporter - unless someone else knows differently!

He remembers seeing the legendary Jack Leslie play as well as larger than life figures Jumbo Chisholm and Harry Cann. “We were allowed to sit on the grass at the side of the Milehouse goal (now Devonport End) and I can remember Harry Cann so vividly,” said Charlie.

Charlie was also one of 43,596 fans who saw the Second Division match against Aston Villa in 1936. It was Argyle’s biggest-ever crowd.

Plymouth Argyle marked his loyal support on his 95th birthday presenting him with his own personalised shirt and a birthday card signed by all the first team squad.

Charlie’s story was featured in The Pilgrim - Argyle’s match day programme - as part of the Argyle Community Trust’s Tackling Loneliness Together initiative.

A member of the Argyle Community Trust team visits Charlie on a regular basis to check that he is well and presented him with a hamper at Christmas.

Charlie said: “I’m so lucky...I live in my own home and have wonderful neighbours who can’t do enough for me.”

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Chronicle Plymouth

April 2021

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

95-year-old Charlie Trevethan from Southway has been sharing his memories of the Plymouth Blitz See page 24

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Young entrepreneur Jemima Ellis was inspired to launch a business by her mum’s battle with breast cancer See page 19

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Enter the dragon!

Image credit Carl Robertshaw

A spectacular dragon will hatch in Plymouth City Centre this summer, and grow to the size of a double-decker bus. The Hatchling is a ground-breaking outdoor theatrical performance that will unfold over a weekend of events in August and reaches an extraordinary finale on The Hoe - see story on page 4

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