Plymouth Chronicle June Central 2024

the BIG Green Trail

Saturday 22 June 2024 10am - 4pm

Stroll, roll, scoot or bus between stops as we discover new ways to travel around our vibrant city.

From the National Marine Aquarium to The Box to Theatre Royal Plymouth, Union Street and Victoria Park and many more stops in between!

*For more information visit climateconnectionsplymouth.co.uk/the-big-green-trail

UK BREAKS

Departing Fri 12 Jul ‘24

Let us whisk you away to the Isle of Wight, for a perfect weekend to rejuvenate. Tailored for those who seek relaxation by the sea, along with a desire to explore, this break includes a visit to the historic town of Newport and an optional ‘Round the Island’ tour.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth & Saltash

 3 nights at the 2-star Holliers Hotel, Shanklin with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment on one evening

 Excursion to Newport

Optional Island highlights tour (Ryde, Cowes, Yarmouth, Alum Bay & Ventnor) (£14pp)

Departing Thu 8 Aug ‘24

One of the most stunningly rugged regions in the UK, the west coast of Wales is renowned for its grand hills, dramatic coastline, ancient sites and purple-heather moors, and we discover it all on this five-day break.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen with dinner & breakfast

 Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway

 Excursions to Aberystwyth, Tenby & Saundersfoot

Optional excursion to Cardigan & St Davids (£13pp)

Join us on the Big Green Trail for fun, free and inclusive activities taking place across Plymouth!

Ride FREE on the Beryl e-bikes and kids go FREE on bus travel*

Departing Mon 9 Sep ‘24

On this fantastic break we enjoy the island’s natural beauty as well as a nostalgic journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and a visit to fascinating Osborne House. The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing few days away.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Plymouth & Saltash  4 nights at the Shanklin Beach Hotel, Shanklin with dinner & breakfast

 Heritage train journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

 Excursions to Osborne House, Cowes & Ryde

Optional Island Highlights Tour (£13pp)

5

Plymouth’s Paul Soley embarks on gruelling mega triathlon

Plymouth resident Paul Soley has embarked on a monumental ‘reverse triathlon’ in support of Plymouth Samaritans.

Paul started his adventure by running the London Marathon in April and he will then embark on the gruelling L’Etape du Tour on July 7 where he will be one of 15,000 amateur cyclists riding the 20th stage of the Tour de France between Nice and the Col de Couillole.

L’Etape is a 138 km route with more than 4,600 metres of ascent including the climbs of Col be Braus and Col de la Colmiane.

Paul will finish his reverse triathlon with the River Dart 10 kilometre swim in September.

Paul said: “I am proud to be undertaking these exciting challenges and raising money for Plymouth Samaritans. They are a much-needed resource. If I can do anything to raise funds that will keep a Samaritan on the end of a phone for someone who is in desperate need, then I’m all for it.”

Anyone wishing to support Paul with a donation can visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/page/paul-soleysamaritans-2024

Celebrations at St Peter’s Primary following Ofsted’s ‘Good’ rating

The whole school community at St Peter’s Primary in Stonehouse is celebrating after being judged as a ‘Good’ school by Ofsted inspectors!

In a remarkable turnaround for the school, the positive Ofsted rating comes after previously being judged as ‘Requires Improvement’ since 2016.

The inspectors, who visited the school in Stonehouse over two days in February, reported that: ‘The school sits at the heart of the locality. Staff have an astute awareness of the needs of the local community and strive hard to meet these - they support pupils to flourish.’

Inspectors recognised the significant improvements that have been made since the previous inspection and stated that: ‘The school has maintained a relentless focus on improvement. Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum.’

There were also key strengths arounds Personal Development. This was recognised by school initiatives, such as Pupil Parliament and the carefully planned broader curriculum offer provided. Pupils were described as being advocates of the school, which enabled them to have a ‘mature understanding of British values.’

Headteacher, Marc Wheeler, said: “Our mission is for our community to flourish and this Ofsted report really shows that this is becoming a reality. Staff, Governors and everyone within the St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust are passionate about making sure St Peter’s is a school that the community can be proud of.

“This report shows that with hard work,

determination and collaboration we can all achieve. We are delighted that our school is now officially a ‘Good school.’ However, we will maintain our relentless focus on school improvement to ensure the school continues to go from strength to strength and serves our community.”

Deputy headteacher, Paddy Kumar, added: “Since Marc and I arrived 18 months ago, we have been extremely pleased to see the school go from strength to strength and the commitment shown towards improving our school.

“We are delighted for the whole school community at St Peter’s to see that the inspectors recognised and praised the efforts and achievements of our pupils and staff. We always want the best for our pupils, and we will continue to provide a positive, hard-working and welcoming environment to enable our children to flourish.

“We would like to thank everyone who has played a part in supporting both the two of us and our school since we arrived, as it has genuinely been a real team effort to secure this wonderful grading.”

ROAD CLOSURES IN NORTH HILL FOR GAS PIPES UPGRADE

Work to upgrade gas pipes in North Hill will lead to road closures in the coming weeks.

The work is due to start on May 20 and Wales & West Utilities say it is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people safe and warm for generations to come.

Barring any engineering difficulties, the work is scheduled to finish at the beginning of July.

As part of the work, the gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Plymouth City Council and it has been agreed the a number of road closures will take place as part of traffic management. These are:

• Chester Place from the junction of North Hill to 11 Chester Place (May 20 to June 10)

• Alton Place from the junction of North Hill

to Alton Terrace Lane (May 20 to June 10)

• Cobble Mews from the junction of North Hill to the rear of 29 Hill Park Crescent (June 3 to July 1)

Wales & West Utilities Abby Smith, who is managing the work said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“While most of the gas network is

underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the Plymouth area.

“Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

The Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team can take calls if anyone has questions about the work. They can be contacted on freephone 0800 912 2999.

Headteacher Marc Wheeler (right) and deputy headteacher Paddy Kumar celebrate with children at St Peter’s

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

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir Concerts

Various dates

This summer the choir’s musical director Jenny has turned her thoughts to tropical islands with some of the choir’s favourites. The first concert is on June 14 at Plympton St Maurice Guildhall at 7.30pm, the opening event of the Midsummer Festival weekend. Tickets £7 on the door. Refreshments available. The choir’s next concert is on June 29 at Plymstock United Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 on the door in aid of church funds. Refreshments included. The final charity concert is at Compton Methodist Church on July 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 on the door.

Summer Fayre

May 18

Eggbuckland Hall, St Edward’s Church, Eggbuckland from 2pm to 4pm. Plant sale, children’s activities, refreshments, baked goods, jams, toiletries, chocolate, raffle, crafts, Dartmoor meats, eggs and veg. In aid of church funds.

One for the ladies!

May 18

Ladies bowls morning between 10am and 12 noon at Plymstock Bowling Club, Furzehatt Road, Plymstock. All ladies (and partners if they would like) to come along and try both outdoor lawn bowling and indoor short mat bowling at this friendly club. No experience necessary, just take along a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers. Refreshments supplied. For more information contact Chris on 07956877688 or email info@ plymstockbowlingclub.co.uk

Spring Fayre

May 18

St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle from 12 noon to 2pm. Various stalls, including tombola, gifts and grannie’s attic. Tea/coffee and light refreshments.

Pasty and Quiz Night

May 25 Ford Park Cemetery at 7pm. Tickets £10. To book call 01752 665442.

Sleeping with the Sharks

May 25

Join the National Marine Aquarium in an unforgettable sleepover, where guests will get to experience what happens after dark in the underwater world! Explore the aquarium after hours and see whales, stingrays, fishes, jellyfish and more all while getting involved with games, crafts and even some exhibition tours! The night will also include a number of educational opportunities. Then enjoy a movie on the big screen before tucking in and settling down for bed in front of the Eddystone Reef tank which contains fantastic local species such as sharks, crabs, lobsters and eels! Details at www.national-aquarium.co.uk/events/ sleeping-with-sharks-at-the-aquarium

Green Man Weekend

May 25 and 26

Fantastic mix of entertainment provided by local bands circus acts, Morris Dancers, re-enactment groups and much more ay Mount Edgcumbe. Traditional family activities will be running throughout the event along with food and craft stalls, bouncy castles, beer tent and much more. Details at www. mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Freedom Community Festival Day

May 26

This year’s one-day event from 11am to 6pm will feature a folk/acoustic line up of local music including the Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band, Andy Quick, Dr Thuds Remedy, Matthew North, Modern life, The

Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Spectacles, The Ukeabillies and Mad Rush. This year will also feature a dedicated local history tent hosted by Old Plymouth society. This will be focused on events linked to Freedom Fields Park and the siege of Plymouth during the English Civil War. Plus all the other usual family friendly attractions, craft stalls, catering, inflatables and community information stalls. For details call 07722308462.

Flavour Fest

May 31 to Jun 2

The south west’s largest food and drink festival returns to Plymouth city centre for its 20th anniversary. This year’s event will be even bigger and better, featuring an exciting new entertainment zone where visitors can kick back and relax, soak up the atmosphere of live music and enjoy amazing food. Over 80 stalls of fantastic local produce, tasting sessions and, new for this year, bookable masterclasses, workshops, themed demonstrations and children’s activities, to mark the anniversary. Details at www.flavourfestsw.co.uk/

Charity Murder Mystery Evening

May 31

Candlelight Murder Mystery present the event in aid of the Samaritans Plymouth at Plympton Conservative Club at 7pm. Tickets £35 including a two course meal. Call Vanessa or Suzanne on 07942 740759 or email shooper2021@gmail.com for details and tickets.

Monsters and Magic Concert

Jun 1

A free themed music concert presented by the University of Plymouth Orchestra at the Davy Hall on the Plymouth University campus. Children’s concert from 3pm, all welcome. Evening concert at 7.30pm. Concerts to include music from Harry Potter, Night on a Bare Mountain and Concerto for Two Clarinets. Admission and refreshments free but donations welcome. Tickets can be booked www.plymouth.ac.uk/ whats-on

Coffee Morning

Jun 1

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12noon. Various stalls in aid of Shelter - the housing and homelessness charity. All welcome.

Caribbean Family Fun Day

Jun 2

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park from 10.30am to 4pm. Featuring steel band and live music, dancing, Caribbean street food, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, rum and cocktail bar and much more. Tickets at www.missivyevents.co.uk

Impressions of an Ocean City

Jun 3 to Jun 10

Plymouth Arts Club exhibition and sale of work at The Ocean Studios Cafe, Royal William Yard. Monday to

displaying a large range of static and radio controlled models. These are supported by model railways and traders selling models and accessories. The Centre is disabled friendly and also has a cafe onsite. Admission adults £5, concessions £3 and families £10. Further details from Ken Cork, 01752 258604 or email: ekcork@btinternet.com

Shark Month

Throughout July

A month-long partnership between Royal William Yard and the Shark Trust will see a host of events and activities on various dates during July. Featuring Oceanic 31 Exhibition, Family Art Activities at Ocean Studios, Shark Quiz Night, Jaws at Everyman Cinema and much more. Full details at www.royalwilliamyard. com/shark-month

The Devil Wears Pre-Loved Fashion Show

Jul 6

Saturday and Sunday

Miles Jupp on Tour

Jun 4

Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Miles Jupp brings his On I Bang tour to the Main Hall at Plymouth University at 7.30pm. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Open Day

June 12

At the Royal British Legion Plympton & District Club from 12 noon. Usual stalls, attractions, entertainment, grand draw and barbecue. Free entry all welcome.

Plymouth Hope Festival

Jun 15

Annual family fun day festival in Victoria Park from 10am to 5pm. Now the city largest multicultural festival and one of the largest in the region. Celebrating diversity in the community through sports, music, games, art, children play, and food from around the world.

Plymouth Motor Show

Jun 15 and 16

Albion Oaks Rugby Club, Staddiscombe from 10am to 6pm each day. Admission £5 per day. Children under 16 free. Discover a wide range of vehicles on display, from classic cars to modern marvels. Enter precious pets into the Paws4Proceeds Fun Dog Show, with a wide range of catergories, to suit everyone on both days, so giving four-legged friends, a chance to win that much deserved rosette. Registration from 11am, but will except entrants up to the start of each class all classes £1.50 per dog per class. A real treat for all car enthusiasts with food and refreshments available.

Sea Themed Concert

Jun 22

Plymouth Plymouth Philharmonic Choir are offering a sea themed soundscape with a concert at 4pm at the Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. They will be performing Carter’s Horizons and Stanford’s Songs of the Sea. The choir will be joined by soloists Elinor Chapman (Soprano) and Mark Boocock (Baritone). The choir are also delighted to welcome children from the Fletewood School to sing a selection of Sea Shanties Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from wegottickets. com/event/596024 †or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, please visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Plymouth Model and Railway Show

Jun 30

The show will be held at the John Kitto YMCA Centre from 10am to 4pm. Features include a D-Day 80 display along with local and south west model clubs

Charity show in aid of The Primrose Foundation. An afternoon dedicated to recognising and highlighting the benefits of purchasing pre-loved good-quality clothing at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel from 12 noon. Tickets include welcome drink and two course lunch. Visit www.www.primrosefoundation.org/event-tickets/ the-devil-wears-pre-loved-fashion-show

Summer Fair

Jul 6

St Boniface Church, Percy Street, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. Good choice of stalls including tombolas, homemade jams and chutneys, cakes and plants. Delicious refreshments and a grand draw. Something for everyone.

St Luke’s Midnight Walk

July 12

The iconic Midnight Walk fundraiser returns with three route options - three miles, six miles or 13.1 miles. The whole family is invited, from young children, teenagers and prams through to seasoned long-distance striders of all ages. This year the walk will start from the Plymouth Argyle Fan Zone at Home Park with a pre-walk warm up from Clubbercise. Details and registration at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/midnight-walk/

RNLI Concert

July 19 and 20

The Down Thomas Singers are dedicating their two night Summer Concerts to the RNLI as it is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The concert ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ held at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas, on July 19 and 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 each with light refreshments and free parking. The music is light and romantic for a summer evening with maybe a Sea Shanty for the worthwhile cause! There’s always a good raffle and closing bucket donations. Tickets available from Secretary June on 01752 299204.

Plymouth Gang Show

July 25 to 27

The Plymouth Scout & Guide Gang Show will be performing at The Devonport Playhouse from July 25 to 27 at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Adults £12 Concessions £10 For more information please contact Andrew on 07810 880536 or go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/plymouth-scout-andguide-gang-show

Falklands Charity Ride

Aug 4

Raising funds for the SAMA82 charity. £5 per bike. Depart Westwood Inn, Lee Mill at 10am finishing with welcome party on Plymouth Hoe at 12 noon. There will be refreshments and charity stalls along with entertainment for children. To register or for further details contact 07714 561287.

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

Friday 9am to 5pm,

10am to 5pm. Details at www.plymouthartsclub.co.uk

The iconic St Luke’s Midnight Walk returns on July 12 starting from Home Park

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Police crack down on rogue drivers in road safety blitz

Following concerns surrounding road safety in the Devonport and West area of Plymouth, local police recently ran an operation aimed at improving safety on the roads by cracking down on dangerous driving and deterring motorists from exceeding speed limits.

The road safety operation deployed plainclothes officers to identify vehicles and drivers committing or suspected of committing road offences, such as driving without a seatbelt. Officers were also supported by colleagues from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), who carried out a range of safety inspections on larger vehicles.

During the road safety operation, fourteen drivers were pulled over for motoring offences including driving whilst on their mobile phone, driving without insurance and MOT, and driving without a seatbelt. All drivers have been reported and suitable penalties will be issued, including speed awareness courses, points on licenses and fines.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) conducted community speed watch checks and were pleased to report the vast majority of drivers were within the speed limit, driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions. Several drivers were given warnings regarding their speed which exceeded the roads’ limits.

The DVSA inspected multiple vehicles and dealt with a number of issues including insecure loads, trucks that were overloaded with contents and tyres that were unsafe. In total, the DVSA team temporarily prohibited 23 vehicles from re-joining the carriageway until the dangerous defects were resolved.

“This road safety operation ran as a result of reviewing crime reports and by listening to the concerns raised by members of our community,” said Police Sergeant Simon Coffield, who led the road safety operation.

“The roads in Devonport are largely safe and serious incidents are very rare, however, residents have made it clear that speeding and careless driving is an issue on our roads. Without those reports from the public, we wouldn’t have been able to plan such a targeted and successful operation.”

There are contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions, which are known as the ‘Fatal Five’. This includes careless driving, drink/drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, using mobile phones (and other in-car distractions) and speeding.

Drivers who commit offences could receive a fine and points on their licence, a court appearance and even imprisonment for more serious offences.

Plans for second chess congress are announced

Plymouth Chess Club has announced plans for a second major chess congress after the success of the first held in 2023.

The event, known as the Plymouth Schools Swiss Tournament is open to all primary and secondary age students and will take place at Plymouth College on June 22.

Alan Crickmore, president of the club, said: “We know there are many more students, both boys and girls, playing chess in schools and our objective is to encourage these groups and what better way than to hold a congress, which will be free to enter.

“There are many advantages playing chess: it appears to improve logical thinking, academic performance, confidence, patience, a sense of fair play and above all the opportunity to meet and communicate with new friends.”

The congress will have different age groups including Under 18, 15, 13,11, and 9. There will be prizes and certificates in each section of the competition. The event will have 30 minute rounds starting at 9.30am with regular breaks for refreshments. Free light refreshments will be available.

Further information about the competition is being sent to all Plymouth schools in the coming weeks.

Alan added: “Our overall aim is to generate more chess in schools, have a successful on-line inter-school league and ultimately to encourage more students to join the Plymouth Chess Club.

Graduate shows

Arts University Plymouth’s Tavistock Place campus, between The Box and Drake Circus, will be open to members of the public from Friday June 21 to Thursday June 27 for the main undergraduate Graduate Shows

This event offers a once-a-year opportunity to look around the University of the Year for South West England, as voted for by students, and see examples of the very best work created by graduating students who are completing a wide range of creative qualifications, from BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling and BA (Hons) Costume Production to BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts and BA (Hons) Graphic Design. BA (Hons). Fashion Design students will be showcasing their work at Royal William Yard’s Ocean Studios for a catwalk fashion show on Friday July 5. For more details visit www.aup.ac.uk

Devonport Naval Base stalwart awarded Imperial Service medal

At a special ceremony in Devonport Naval Base, former dockyard stalwart Dave Trigger was presented with the Imperial Service Medal, after over half a century of exemplary and meritorious service working in Devonport Dockyard and across the Plymouth area.

The Imperial Service Medal is affiliated with the Imperial Service Order and is one of the UK’s highest commendations to be awarded in recognition of loyal service with the Civil Service. The medal was established under the statutes of the Imperial Service Order in 1902 by King Edward VII.

There to present the medal was Naval Base Commander of Devonport, Brigadier Mike Tanner, who praised Dave on his distinguished and valuable service of over 52 years to the Royal Navy.

Dave started his career at Royal William Yard in 1971, when it was still the main victualling and stores yard in Plymouth supporting Naval and Royal Marine Units as well as supplying food and clothing for the ships away from base.

“It was physically hard work,” said Dave. “We’d receive bulk loads of clothing and uniforms that needed sorting. I learnt so much about badges, kit for different climates, the variety of sizes needed, protective clothing and how we despatched out to a Fleet around the world.”

In 1975 Dave moved into the Dockyard and started working in food supply and moving towards using more frozen victuals for the ships. A particular proud period came in 1982 during the Falklands campaign, when ships were stored up and turned around in record times to join the Task Group in the South Atlantic.

He also worked at the Royal Navy’s Supply Depot at Wrangaton, near Ivybridge, which served as a depot where vast quantities of stores were shipped from across the country and repackaged for the Navy.

Dave continued, “I returned to the Dockyard in 2002 and became the Wharfmaster. The Sea flows through my veins, I’d grown up near the sea and had been a Lifeguard at Bigbury in my younger days, as well as an Auxiliary Coastguard and served on the Plymouth Lifeboat; my roots have always been touching the water.”

Dave was rewarded with an MBE and a trip to Buckingham Palace in 2006 and served as the HMNB Devonport Wharfmaster until his retirement from the Civil Service in 2022.

King’s School & Nursery receives glowing inspection report

King’s School & Nursery in Mannamead is celebrating exemplary feedback from inspectors after being among the first schools in Plymouth to be examined under new Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) framework.

In March 2024, King’s School & Nursery was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as part of their routine cycle of inspections. As one of the first schools in Plymouth to be inspected under the new framework, the school was delighted to receive an outstanding review of their stimulating learning environment which fosters a love of learning within and beyond the classroom.

The leadership team and staff at the non-selective co-educational independent school earned exemplary feedback from inspectors, who were hugely impressed with the quality of care, standard of teaching and the breadth of opportunities available to pupils.

The new ISI framework places pupil experience and outcomes, along with

school culture, at the centre of the report, providing a more holistic and pupilcentred view of whether schools do what they say they do.

Clare Page, headteacher at King’s School & Nursery, said: “The strength of our excellent teaching, strong sense of community and inclusive school culture was evident and commented on by the inspectors.

“King’s School & Nursery is a very special place for children to grow and succeed, and we are delighted to have this formally acknowledged.”

In accordance with ISI’s new approach, the overall judgement of a school is no longer graded, as was the case in King’s School & Nursery and Foundation Stage inspection in September 2019, where King’s Nursery was judged to be outstanding in all areas of their provision. The new ISI inspection report offers a broader overview of a school’s performance, and is divided into specific sections focusing on leadership, management, governance, pupils’ education, physical and mental health, social and economic wellbeing, and safeguarding.

Children join King’s School & Nursery from eight months old and leave for their secondary school journey aged 11.  Parents with younger children can be assured that ‘the overall effectiveness of the early years provision is outstanding,’ while those with children at the upper end of the school will be pleased to hear that ‘children are highly prepared and carefully supported in the transition process and are ready for the next stage of their education.’

Inspectors also identified that ‘children show great enjoyment in their learning. They are very curious and inquisitive and are keen to explore their surroundings,’ and the school’s extensive extra-curricular programme was also recognised: ‘Leaders provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for pupils of all ages, including beekeeping and the Children’s University.’

Clare Page added: “Our glowing inspection report reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in education. I would like to personally thank my dedicated staff, supportive parents, and incredible pupils for making this possible.”

Places are limited in King’s School & Nursery for a September 2024 start. Contact the admissions Team on registrar@kingsschool-plymouth.co.uk or call 01752 771789 for more information or to book a personal tour. Alternatively, see the school’s website to find out about upcoming open events: King’s School Plymouth Private Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep School at www.kingsschoolplymouth.co.uk

Image by Med Ahabchane from Pixabay

Above: Brigadier Mike Tanner present Dave Trigger with his Imperial Service Medal and (below) Dave’s family, friends and colleagues at the ceremony

New offer for foster carers in Plymouth

Foster carers in Plymouth are set to benefit from a

Plymouth City Council has reviewed the allowances and support that people fostering through Foster for Plymouth, the Council’s own fostering service, receive based on feedback from foster carers. This includes more training, advice and practical, emotional and financial support.

The new allowances aim to recognise the contribution of foster carers and celebrate all the fantastic work that they do, with increased financial allowances reflecting the rising costs of living and where eligible, covering the cost of Council Tax paid by carers. This would apply to both Plymouth residents and those living outside of the local authority boundary but fostering Plymouth children.

When fostering a child, the carer receives a weekly maintenance payment and a reward payment. All of these payments will be uplifted by at least six per cent, bringing the minimum weekly payment that a foster carer would receive to £333.77.

In addition to weekly payments, foster carers also receive financial support for children’s birthdays, one festival per year (for example, Christmas), and up to two weeks of holiday, all of which will increase in line with the new maintenance payments.

Councillor Jemima Laing, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This Foster Care Fortnight, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our foster carers who go above and beyond everyday to provide a loving, caring home to children and young people. We hope that the proposed new package of support shows appreciation for all the invaluable work they do and will also encourage more people to consider becoming a foster carer with Foster for Plymouth.

“On average in the UK, a child comes into care in need of a foster family every

15 minutes. In Plymouth alone we have 523 children currently in care, many of whom are living with foster carers.

“Sadly, we do not have enough foster carers in the city which means that sometimes children have to stay in residential care or move away from Plymouth, when they would really benefit from living in a local, family home environment.

“Children in Plymouth desperately need more local foster carers to help them, so if it’s something you’re interested in I would urge you to please get in touch with our Foster for Plymouth team today to find out more.”

The changes to the fostering support package have been made in consultation with current foster carers and the Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny

Committee and will also be discussed by the Cabinet at an upcoming meeting.

To become a foster carer, you must be over the age of 21, have a spare bedroom and have a genuine interest in the welfare and wellbeing of foster children.

There are fewer barriers to becoming a foster carer than many people realise, and it doesn’t matter if:

You are single

You don’t have children of your own

You’re a tenant and/or live in a flat

You work, are unemployed or retired

You’re living with a disability

You have pets.

To find out more about fostering in Plymouth, visit https://fosterforplymouth. co.uk

Special award for waitress Tori-Lee after medical emergency at city restaurant

A Plymouth waitress has been presented with a prestigious award after going to the aid of an elderly customer during a medial emergency. Tori-Lee Brown, who works at Platters Fish Restaurant on the Barbican, was presented with the Hearts of Hospitality Award after being nominated by Geoffrey Rogers whose 86-year-old friend suffered a fall and injury.

The nomination read: ‘Despite the challenging circumstances of his friend’s fall and subsequent injury, Tori demonstrated remarkable poise, promptly attending to the situation, and ensuring necessary medical attention was sought without delay. Her maturity and calmness under pressure, particularly at the young age of 20, stood as a beacon of exemplary service to others.’

Geoffrey Rogers commented: “Not many individuals, let alone someone as young as Tori, could handle such a situation with such grace and efficiency. Her quick thinking and compassionate response were truly commendable.”

Following an independent panel decision, Tori-Lee Brown was presented with the ‘Hearts in Hospitality’ award by Max Lawrence from the Institute of Hospitality’s Hospitality Assured programme.

Max Lawrence said: “Tori’s dedication to service and her compassionate response in a critical moment exemplify the core values of hospitality, making her a deserving recipient of the ‘Hearts in Hospitality’ award.”

Waitress Tori-Lee Brown pictured with her award, which was presented to her by Max Lawrence

Photo: Emma Bauso at Pexels

Prestigious awards for former Arts University graduate

A former Arts University Plymouth graduate has won two prestigious Royal Television Society Awards.

Sam Evans, a cinematographer who graduated from the BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts programme in 2023, won the Student of the Year Award and a film that he wrote and directed won the Entertainment & Comedy Drama Award at the Royal Television Society Devon & Cornwall Student Television Awards.

The Entertainment & Comedy Award was given to Sam’s film ‘More than Friends’ which he wrote, directed, edited and shot, taking the lead on the majority of roles needed to get the film made, supported by fellow Arts University Plymouth graduate Alexander Austin as assistant camera operator.

The film will now go on to compete in the national RTS Student Awards. His accolade as Student of the Year was in recognition of the excellent results be achieved by leading on so many vital roles in the making of the film.

Sam said: “Winning at the RTS Awards was absolutely unbelievable. I hadn’t expected to win anything and winning the Entertainment and Comedy Drama award made me proud and thankful for my crew and everyone who helped me get into that room. When my name got called out for Student of the Year, I was honestly in shock. I didn’t even know that there was a Student of the Year award until that evening and it was such a gratifying moment and I will never forget it.

“Before I went to Arts University Plymouth, I was working in a job that I wasn’t happy in and decided that I needed a big change, so I decided that I wanted to go to University. Film had always interested me so deciding which degree I wanted to study for was a very short process. I applied to Arts University Plymouth and the day that I had a phone call asking me if I was still interested was the day my life course corrected.

“My aim now is to make more films that people enjoy. The ideal scenario would be to get an entry level job in the industry, so that I am working towards what I love while focusing on my own projects in my free time to build up my portfolio. Basically my plans for the future are to make films forever!”

Apprenticeships creating new nurses at Livewell Southwest

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale and provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable difference that is made by nurses across the world.

In Plymouth Livewell South West has seen more than 100 people benefit from receiving full funding to complete a two-year Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme, which has supported many to progress from health care support workers to registered nursing associates.

Dawn Slater, director of People and Professionalism at Livewell South West, said: “The Student Nursing Associates Apprenticeship Programme is an excellent opportunity for colleagues to attain a nursing degree through a fully funded pathway and offers Livewell Southwest an opportunity to tackle recruitment challenges by attracting new talent, upskilling and retaining current staff, and supports the increasing demand for health and social care.

“Our goal for the future is to continue to build on the success of the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship role by enrolling students on to the programme each year.”

Kirsty Taylor, Tracy Woodham and Sophie Doyne-Ditmas from Livewell Southwest are at different stages of their nursing journey and have shared their experience of pursuing their ambitions to become nurses.

Kirsty Taylor recently qualified as a registered nursing associate, within Livewell’s East District Nursing team, following her completion of the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme in February 2024, and is working towards obtaining her registered nurse qualification.

Being a single mum it was not possible for Kirsty to have given up her full-time job and salary to return to study in university. The Student Nursing Associate Programme allowed Kirsty to pursue her dreams of becoming a nursing associate by removing financial barriers and supporting her to attend University during her working hours.

Kirsty said: “To be able to have my degree fully funded was an amazing opportunity for me. I have an eleven-year-old child to support, so it allowed me to pay my bills, do my degree, be a registered nursing associate and leave debt free which was an amazing achievement.

“I wanted to show my son that hard work can lead you to great things and that any education, at any age, is a good education. I was a health care assistant for 17 working in

nursing homes and agencies before starting with Livewell gaining experience in all different social fields, mental health, older people and those with learning disabilities.

“Once it was completed and I got my nursing PIN and registered on the Nursing Midwifery Council, I felt really proud of myself. All the hard work and challenging times paid off. When I started my degree, I also set myself a personal goal to complete the ARC 50 mile route which is down in Cornwall. I completed the 50 mile challenge the same week as I completed my degree.”

Tracy Woodham is a Registered Nurse working as part of the Integrated Hospital Discharge team, supporting, and facilitating patient discharge from hospitals back into their homes.

Since completing the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, Tracy has obtained her registered nurse qualification and is now able to carry out mental capacity assessments for her patients and acts as a patient advocate to ensure their voices are heard and their best interests are at the forefront of all decisions regarding their care.

Following her own success with the nursing

‘Our goal for the future is to continue to build on the success of the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship role by enrolling students on to the programme each year’

Dawn Slater, director of People and Professionalism Livewell South West

associate programme, Tracy made the decision to become a student assessor for the programme, ensuring every student has the best possible experience and feels supported throughout their studies.

Tracy said: “I started working in health care as an auxiliary nurse, in the learning disability sector in 1985. While working in the out-of-hours service, I met a nurse who recommended the pilot programme for Student Nursing Associates to me. I was unsure if I should apply for the programme as I was 50 years old and did not know if I had it in me to re-enter the world of academia, but I went to the interview and knew from then on, this was the right path for me.

“From this training programme, I went on to do the 18 month top up degree to obtain my registered nurse title and joined the Integrated Hospital Discharge team at Livewell. I am proud to still be in service and approaching my 39th year working in

healthcare. I am keen to see people succeed and I hope to inspire others who like me, thought they were too old to be an apprentice and start again.”

Sophie Doyne-Ditmas is one of the newest recruits to join the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme and aspires to become a registered nurse within Livewell’s CAMHS Eating Disorder Pathway, to support children, young people, and their families to recover from their eating disorder and change behaviours and thoughts towards food.

Sophie said: “Living with tics means sometimes my hands will involuntarily shake and my body twitches. I always knew I wanted to work in health care and was worried that it would end my career before it had even begun.

“I had just turned 18, never applied for a job before or written a CV. I applied to university midwifery courses originally but did not get in and received conflicting feedback as to my strengths and weaknesses. I was stuck at a standstill and starting to feel disheartened.

“I could have gone to university to study adult nursing but that wasn’t what I truly wanted to do, and I didn’t want to be stuck with university fees for something I wasn’t 100 per cent passionate about but thanks to Livewell recruiting directly from colleges, I met Tracy Jones, TNA Lead, who informed me about this programme.

“I was on holiday in Cornwall, with my family, when I received the news that I had been accepted on to the programme. I was in disbelief that what was once a dream was now becoming a reality.

“Livewell have been a great support during my apprenticeship so far. I didn’t want to leave the young people in my service for four weeks at a time and was supported to make my placements five weeks instead of the usual four to allow me to spend one day a week with my team in CAMHS, enabling me to continue helping the young people in our service.”

By working together in partnership with the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University and Scott Medical and Healthcare College, Livewell are changing the way in which they tackle barriers to health and social careers and are committed to investing into the education and development of aspiring nursing associates, and the communities we serve.

For more information on careers with Livewell, visit: www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ careers/apprentices.

Sam Evans at the Royal Television Society awards ceremony

Sophie Doyne-Ditmas

Tracy Woodham

Kirsty Taylor

Photos: Livewell South West

Plymouth professor named among top 100 most influential figures for leading change in global health

Professor Richard Thompson from the University of Plymouth has been named among the individuals who have done the most to influence global health, in the inaugural TIME100 Health list.

Professor Thompson, is head of the university’s International Marine Litter Research Unit has been named as a ‘microplasdtic revolutionary’ in the ‘catalyst’ category, alongside actor and Parkinson’s campaigner Michael J Fox. The list also features luminaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron and former US President Jimmy Carter.

The recognition from TIME magazine comes almost 20 years to the day since Professor Thompson first coined the term ‘microplastics’ to describe the microscopic particles littering the ocean.

The TIME100 list honours the 100 most influential individuals leading change in health, spotlighting doctors, scientists, business leaders, advocates, and more who its editors say are not just at the cutting edge of the health industry but are sharpening it themselves.

Speaking of his inclusion in TIME100 Health, Professor Thompson – also Director of the University’s Marine Institute – said: “It is incredibly humbling to be included on this list, and to be named among people whose work is having a profound influence on global health.

“In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the many challenges threatening the health of our planet and everything living on it. Plastic pollution is unquestionably among them, and our work over more than two decades has demonstrated the scale of the issue, and the potential harm it can cause.

“The current negotiations towards a Global Plastics Treaty are critical in addressing that, and they represent a generational opportunity to deliver a worldwide consensus that results in meaningful action.”

Sam Jacobs, editor-in-chief at TIME, explains how the list was compiled: “With guidance from Dr David Agus and

Arianna Huffington, our team of health correspondents and editors, led by Emma Barker and Mandy Oaklander, spent months consulting sources and experts around the world to select the 100 individuals who are most influential in the world of health right now.

“The result is the TIME100 Health, a community of leaders from across industries – scientists, doctors, advocates, educators, and policy-makers, among others – dedicated to creating tangible, credible change for a healthier population.

“Together, they are a reminder that many things are going right, and their work is enough to inspire the belief that the world of health is in the middle of a golden age of accomplishment and transformation.”

Professor Thompson’s first publication exploring the field of marine litter came in May 2004 with a seminal paper in the journal Science.

Since then, he has worked with colleagues across the university and globally on pioneering studies that have highlighted

the presence of microplastics everywhere from our rivers and coastlines to the deepest ocean, and from polar regions to the highest mountains on the planet.

His current projects include work to explore the impact of tyre particle pollution, and the performance of plastic alternatives, as well as assessments of the effects of microplastics on both humans and wildlife.

This work has directly influenced global policies, including the UK ban on microbeads in cosmetic, and he is currently a cocoordinator of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty and providing scientific evidence to world leaders negotiating the emerging global legislation.

Professor Thompson has won significant recognition for his work, being made an OBE in 2017 for his services to marine science among various other accolades.

In recent years, this has included being part of a collaboration awarded the NERC Impact prize in 2018, the Volvo Environment Prize 2022, and the 2023 Blue Planet Prize.

Until 23 Feb 2025

Professor Richard Thompson - named in TIME100 list

Photo: University of Plymouth

Planet Ocean exhibition highlights city’s key role in marine research

The Planet Ocean exhibition at The Box is plunging audiences into the heart of the world’s vast ocean and exploring how it holds the key to civilisation’s survival in the face of climate emergency.

The highly popular exhibition aims to immerse visitors in Plymouth’s pivotal relationship with the sea, celebrating its role as Britain’s Ocean City, exploring Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – one of the world’s most studied and significant stretches of water – and highlighting the groundbreaking marine research that is taking place in Plymouth and impacting global policy.

Planet Ocean is drawn from the natural history, art and social history collections at The Box and has been supported by a range of partners including the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the University of Plymouth plus a number of South West-based ocean conservation organisations.

With an array of marine specimens, swimming hats and costumes, examples of single use plastics and popular paintings including A Fish Sale on a Cornish Beach by Stanhope Forbes, visitors can learn how essential plankton are to life on Earth, how marine biology has been actively pioneered in Plymouth since the 1880s, how plastics are only one part of a wider problem of marine litter and pollution, and how we have the power to be part of the solution.

The exhibition also features a series of ocean-inspired works by contemporary artists. Bleached by Devon-based Tania Kovats is a response to the beauty and fragility of coral in the world’s ecosystem, while Parachute by Cornwall’s Nicky Harwood comments on our increasing relationship with disposable culture and waste. Made from recycled ocean and rural plastic waste, Underwater Meadows by Rosie Sherwood, evokes the South West’s incredible seagrass and seaweed meadows.

Beyond the main gallery, a new digital commission that tells the story of plankton by Kate Crawfurd and Beth Munro will play on the screens in The Box’s Media Lab throughout April, May and June, while the stunning Because You’re Worth It? II by

One of the exhibits at the Planet Ocean exhibition at The Box: Family picnic on the Breakwater in the early 1900s

The Singh Twins in the main entrance hall highlights the human and environmental cost of consumer demand. A new series of display cases in The Box’s Active Archives gallery have been co-curated with local individuals and community groups and highlight the theme of health and wellbeing in relation to the sea.

Commenting on the exhibition, Sarah Marden, natural history curator at The Box said: “We are all part of one connected ocean, and everyone has the right to a healthy ocean. We want to show how the work that is happening in Plymouth to safeguard the sea has wider consequences around the world.”

“We also want to inspire hope in people. The climate crisis can sometimes feel so overwhelming that it’s hard to know where to start; but small changes in our behaviours can add up to make a big difference.

“We hope Planet Ocean will encourage more conversations and curiosity in our

visitors and by helping them to foster a deeper connection to the ocean, it can play a part in inspiring positive action and driving meaningful change.”

The Box will celebrate UN World Oceans Day on Saturday June 8 with family-friendly craft activities.

Visitors can drop in between from 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 3.30pm (last entries at 12.15pm and 3.15pm) to draw beautiful plankton forms on paper. They can then have them scanned and watch them swimming across the big screens in the Media Lab gallery.

Further events connected to the exhibition will take place throughout the year.

Planet Ocean runs until February 23 2025. The exhibition is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and is free to visit.

More information about Planet Ocean and The Box’s other exhibitions and displays is available from theboxplymouth.com

Construction industry helps Keyham recovery for free

Residents of three households in Keyham are thrilled that work has begun to repair the damage caused to their properties during the bomb incident earlier this year, thanks to thirteen local companies who have volunteered time, materials and equipment.

As part of the ongoing support Plymouth City Council is giving the residents most impacted by the Keyham bomb incident in February, the Council called on the support of the local construction industry to repair the damage left behind by the Army. Building Plymouth is an award winning, Council-led partnership with the construction industry. With over 60 member organisations, they engage with clients, contractors, consultants and the supply chain and have delivered a number of successful community initiatives to help improve the quality of life in the city.

As a gesture of goodwill, Building Plymouth has arranged for local contractors, consultants and suppliers to work together to help repair some of the damage that was left after the incident. The first phase will involve the repair of the boundary line at the rear of the properties – rebuilding the walls, erecting fencing and installing new back gates in order to make the area fully secure. Once this is done, the repair of the gardens will commence. It is hoped that the overall works will be completed by the summer, with the boundary line works now underway anticipated to be delivered by mid-May.

Natalie Jary, one of the residents receiving free help from the construction industry to reinstate her garden boundary wall this week, said: “A huge thank you to Plymouth City Council and Building Plymouth for coordinating such an amazing response to secure free labour, materials and equipment to help us restore our gardens. After the major incident it has been really challenging for all of us residents particularly for those whose gardens have been badly damaged and left so

exposed. We can now look forward to feeling secure and enjoying the privacy of our gardens once again. Thank you to everyone involved, I am so impressed by how quickly and efficiently this free response has been coordinated.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, added: “We are aware that the Army did leave a lot of damage in their wake following the incident in Keyham.

“Whilst it is not the council’s role to pay for repairs to private properties following an emergency, together with Building Plymouth we have done everything we can to support the homeowners as they recover. I am thrilled that so many local construction companies have stepped up to the plate to volunteer their time, efforts and materials to help.

“This is another example of Plymouth coming together and a testament to the public spirited kind and stellar companies we have in our local construction industry. Bravo to all involved.”

Youngsters getting in touch with nature with micro forest project

Scores of children from two Plymouth primary schools have taken part in an inspiring project in Beaumont Park which saw two micro forests take root.

Organised by SocieTree, a pioneering environmental non-profit organisation, the event marked a significant step in rekindling the bond between children and the natural world. Around 150 pupils from Salisbury Road Primary School and Holycross Catholic Primary School took part.

The day began with children gathering under the canopy of Beaumont Park, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mushi, the gentle giant mushroom, whose tales captivated their hearts.

Through an engaging storytelling session, the children embarked on a whimsical journey into Mushi’s world, learning about the magic of forests and the importance of conservation. The children

had the opportunity to delve into Mushi’s next exciting adventure and even received their own copies of the book.

Following the storytelling session, young artists honed their creativity as they learned to sketch Mushi under the guidance of a talented instructor and artist. With pencils and paper in hand, they brought Mushi to life on the canvas, fostering a deeper connection with nature through art.

The highlight of the event came as children, teachers, parents, and volunteers from Veterans Outdoors and SocieTree directors gathered to plant trees, symbolising their commitment to nurturing the environment. Each child planted a tree, contributing to the growth of the micro forests that will flourish in Beaumont Park for generations to come.

The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SocieTree, with funding from DEFRA, under Project 96 along with incredible support from Plymouth City Council.

Micro forests, inspired by Akira Miyawaki’s pioneering planting method, are dense, biodiverse ecosystems that mimic the structure and function of natural forests on a smaller scale. By densely planting native species in a carefully

Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Keyham has been through so much in recent years. The generosity of businesses across Plymouth to support residents affected by the bomb is the embodiment of the Janner spirit.

“I want to offer my sincere thanks to all those businesses who have stepped up to help residents in Keyham and help restore their gardens and privacy with a new wall.”The companies who are supporting delivery of the first phase in reinstating the boundary line of the three gardens are:

YGS Landscapes – the landscaping contractor managing delivery of this overall community project

Travis Perkins Plymouth – supplying building and landscaping materials

Foot Anstey – providing legal advice and drafting the memorandum of understanding for residents to agree to the scope of works being offered Appleyard and Trew – providing construction

contract management advice and guidance

Airey and Coles – undertaking the structural assessment of remaining stone wall and providing the design and advice of delivering the new boundary line

South West Highways – providing advice on highways and ensuring traffic management and resident communications

Gilpin Demolition – dismantling of the existing boundary wall to make the structure safe ahead of the works

Greenlight Safety – surveying of services and digging of the foundations

Plym Bricklaying and Stonemasonry

Contractors – erecting blockwork

Award Group – erecting fencing and installing the new back gates

Jewson – providing the free hire of a micro digger and mixer

Speedy Hire – providing the free hire of a mixer

Red Air Media – filming onsite to track the progress of the community project

Steve Warren-Brown, Managing Director from YGS Landscapes, said: “As proud members of Building Plymouth, we’ve enjoyed delivering various collaborative community projects over the years. When I heard about this particular plight, we were keen to help in any way we could. As a local landscaping contractor, we knew we should play our part in helping to recover the Keyham gardens and it has been brilliant to see so many construction friends stepping up to help too. Another fantastic team effort coordinated through Emma Hewitt’s inspiring leadership of our Building Plymouth partnership.”

Adam Snell, branch manager from Travis Perkins Plymouth, added: “Travis Perkins’ is committed to supporting the communities they are located within, including social, sporting and charitable projects. We are delighted to be a part of the Building Plymouth support network and be able to support the restoration of the damaged gardens for the local residents following the incident.”

Excited pupils get to meet Mushi, the

mushroom

planned arrangement, micro forests promote rapid growth, enhance biodiversity, and provide numerous environmental benefits, including significantly improved carbon sequestration, soil enrichment, and habitat creation, perfect small for urban areas.

Speaking about the event, Steve Warren-Brown founder of SocieTree, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and emphasised the organisation’s commitment to empowering children to become stewards of the environment.

He said: “Today’s event embodies our vision of fostering a deep-rooted love for nature among the next generation. By planting these micro forests,

we believe we’re giving the children a hope, sowing the seeds of a greener, more sustainable future.”

Since the Beaumont planting day, the momentum hasn’t slowed a bit. Another three micro forests have been completed within the grounds of Marlborough Primary, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary and Mount Street Primary welcoming voluntary support from numerous local organisations. The culmination and grand finale planting day of these first six forests took place at St Matthew’s Primary and Nursery Academy in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth. For more information about SocieTree and their initiatives or to volunteer, visit societree.uk

gentle giant

Life-threatening condition led Plymouth mum to book writing

A life-threatening lung condition in pregnancy motivated a Devonport mum to fulfil her dream of writing and illustrating children’s books.

Rachael Atkins was only two weeks away from her due date in October 2019 when she started experiencing agonising chest pains.

“It was Halloween night, of all things,” said Rachael. “I started getting pain in my chest like heartburn and it just got worse and worse. I was very lucky to have had an uneventful pregnancy until then and suddenly I was in the Emergency Department. It turned out I had blood clots on both my lungs, a bilateral pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.”

A week later, Rachael’s baby girl was delivered safely by C-section.

“My husband and I felt so blessed to have our daughter,” added Rachael. “But it was also a very dark and scary time, mentally and physically. A few months later the whole country was going through a very dark and scary time with Covid. I think all of that affected the way I thought about things. I didn’t want to put anything off. I had dreamed, like a lot of people, of writing books for a long time and I decided to just do it.”

Rachael began working on her debut work Feathers McGee (previously known as Ow-Em-Gee) on her phone while her baby daughter

napped in her arms.

“My daughter loved to sleep on me and I loved it too,” said Rachael. “It did leave me with a lot of time sat quite still on the sofa with my brain ticking over! I had taken voluntary redundancy from my job in journalism and I was classed as vulnerable under the lockdown rules because of the clots, so I wasn’t going anywhere. Thinking about the book gave me something to focus on.”

Rachael has been writing stories her whole life - from making her own comic books as a little girl, to completing an English degree, contributing to a local wedding magazine, and in her career as a journalist. Producing her own books felt like the next logical step.

“When the book was published, I was so proud of it,” she said. “I’ve got three out now and I’m planning to do many more. The reaction I get when I visit schools and read to children is just the best – their faces light up. Some even send me their own drawings of the characters. It blows me away.”

Rachael’s rhyming picture books are titled Brian the Dandelion, Feathers McGee, and The Snail Mail and are all available on Amazon.

“Producing books is a slightly addictive process,” she added. “I’ll see a snail in the garden or a bird in the park and feel inspired. Or, sometimes

my daughter, who’s now four, will come out with something bonkers and instantly it feels like a book.”

Book production is a family affair now with journalist husband Paul taking on editing duties and her daughter on quality control.

“I love that we’re all involved. I rely on Paul’s eagle eyes to hunt for stray commas and give me feedback about what works and what doesn’t. I try not to let my ego get in the way. What matters is whether the story works. Our little girl is the perfect critic at her age. She’s very quick to tell me what she thinks. They’re both my secret weapons!”

Feathers McGee, The Snail Mail, and Brian the Dandelion are available on Amazon via www.amazon.co.uk/ stores/Rachael-Atkins/author/ B08FZKMCVH Follow Rachael on Facebook at facebook.com/ratkins. writes and Instagram @ratkins.writes

REFUGEE SUPPORT CELEBRATING 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN JUNE

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special event in June.

‘Our Home, Our Heart: Celebrating Diversity and Belonging,’ will take place on June 22, from 1 pm to 9pm at Leadworks in Plymouth.

Inspired by the theme of Refugee Week 2024, which emphasises the significance of home as a place of refuge and cherished memories, the event will feature food, music, art, and cultural exchange.

Founded in 1999 by Sam and Isatta Kallon, DCRS supported the first asylum seekers dispersed to

Plymouth by the Home Office. Their vision led to the creation of the Masiande Centre which has supported tens of thousands of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in the region. Despite challenges, including the loss of Sam in 2002, Isatta’s perseverance guided DCRS to charity status in 2009.

Today, DCRS continues to fight for its vision of a fair, humane and safe asylum experience for all. The anniversary event embodies the spirit of resilience that defines DCRS’s legacy.

St Luke’s Hospice receives donation from developer

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is the latest winner of a local developer’s Community Champions scheme.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon handed over the £1,000 cheque to the charity that provides specialist advice and support to people with progressive life-limiting illnesses, alongside local councillors Rebecca Smith and Kathy Watkin.

For over 40 years, St Luke’s has been providing specialist end of life care and support to people from across Plymouth, South West Devon, and East Cornwall, whether in the home, hospital or at their specialist unit at Turnchapel.

The hospice cares for people with serious illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease, heart failure, multiple sclerosis and chronic lung disease, treating any adult over the age of 18.

Its teams of specialist doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers work alongside other healthcare professionals including at Derriford Hospital and Livewell Southwest as part of integrated care in Devon.

Persimmon is currently constructing the Saltram Meadow development in Plymstock where the housebuilder has recently secured planning permission for the next two stages of the development, which will comprise of up to 1,684 homes once completed.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 donated to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include St Matthew’s Derriford Summer Fair and Plymouth Night Patrol.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon sales director Jane Cartwright said: “Through our Community Champions scheme, Persimmon Homes proudly supports organisations like St Luke’s, recognising their invaluable role in providing specialised care to our community.

“As we continue to build communities like Saltram Meadow, we are committed to not only constructing homes but also fostering a culture of giving back as part of our mission to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build.

“Together, we hope to help St Luke’s make

a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve.”

Sarah Wallis, Partnership lead at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – added: “We were thrilled that our application was successful and Persimmon chose us as worthy recipients of its Community Champions grant.

“We believe that everyone deserves quality end of life care, no matter where, which is why we work with our community, in partnership with others, to achieve dignity, comfort and choice for people affected by life-limiting illnesses through delivering and influencing exceptional care.

“This donation further helps us to deliver on those goals and we are grateful to Persimmon for their help.”

Cllr Rebecca Smith commented: “It is important for developers to demonstrate how they can help local communities beyond the provision of homes, so I was very pleased to hear about Persimmon’s support for St Luke’s.

“The Hospice undertakes very difficult and very important work, so I am sure that this donation will go a long way with the staff here as well as its patients and their families.”

Cllr Kathy Watkin also said: “It is really welcome to see a major developer like Persimmon donate to cherished local charities like St Luke’s Hospice as part of their commitment to Plymstock.

“I was really heartened to hear about the Hospice’s work during our visit and congratulate St Luke’s on their successful application to this worthwhile funding stream.”

Rachael Atkins

Lord Mayor visits Burts to help mark company’s 25th anniversary

Plymouth’s award-winning snack maker, Burts recently welcomed the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Councillor Mark Shayer and Mrs Samantha Shayer as they visited the Roborough-based offices and factory to celebrate Burts’ 25th anniversary this year.

During the visit, the Lord Mayor and Mayoress discovered Burts’ quality production methods and learned about the graft that goes into producing its handcooked range of potato chips that are made with care in small batches.

From sourcing the world’s hottest chillies from the South Devon Chilli Farm to top-quality beef from Eversfield Farm, Burts always sources local ingredients and potatoes to celebrate the authenticity and craft of each batch.

As the business turns 25 this year, Burts is honouring its history and the authentic journey it has come on, which makes it the award-winning company the South West is so proud of.

Established in 1999 in Kingsbridge, Burts was founded by Artisan food fans Richard Burt and his wife Linda, who discovered potato chips in America in 1995. The

brand was acquired by Europe Snacks last year, enabling growth potential and the opportunity for Burts to be a part of a much larger group of snack-makers.

The Lord Mayor and Mayoress also had the chance to learn about Burts’ ongoing relationship with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the vital, life-saving work that the RNLI carries out across the South West community, not only for local people but also the thousands of visitors to the county each year. Burts takes great pride in supporting the RNLI’s incredible work, so much so that they doubled the on-pack fundraising targets to £40,000 and is in discussions about how to support its bicentenary campaign in 2024.

Commenting on the visit and the 25th anniversary, Mark Shayer, the Lord Mayor, said: “We were delighted to visit the Plymouth factory and witness first hand the manufacturing process of Burts products and were so impressed by the quality that went into every batch.

“Congratulations to Burts on reaching their 25th anniversary; it’s truly a remarkable milestone. It’s inspiring to see a company committed to collaborating with and uplifting local suppliers.”

Maxine Stringer, Burts Director, said: “We work with amazing people and producers from all over the South West and it’s a privilege to give our Lord Mayor and Mayoress an authentic taste of Devon as we celebrate this big milestone. We’re incredibly proud of our provenance, our plant, the product quality and the people who make Burts, here’s to the next 25 years and beyond.”

For more information about Burts visit www. burtschips.com

Success at the double for

Plymouth

beauty salon

A Plympton beauty salon has been named not only as the best in the South West – but also the best in the country.

Purity Salon and Training Academy scooped the prestigious awards at the English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024.

Purity was established 10 years ago in May 2014 by Lucy Phillips after she left the Royal Navy having served for seven years as a warfare specialist. It is not the first time Lucy has received accolades for her business, having won a number of awards over the years.

Lucy said: “Making the finals was a big achievement, but to win the regional and national awards is just amazing. We are all delighted and in a state of disbelief and gratitude.

“It is especially pleasing to have won the awards when we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this month.

“I am so proud of my dedicated six-strong team for this wonferful achievement. They have all been with me for several years

FREE DANCE CLASSES FOR CANCER CARE SUPPORT

Dance For Life Devon CIC, a new not for profit organisation based in Plymouth, dedicated to harnessing the power of dance for health and wellbeing, has announced the launch of its latest initiative, ‘Move to Nurture.’

The pioneering programme offers free dance classes tailored specifically to individuals affected by cancer, aiming to provide holistic support and enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing.

‘Move to Nurture’ is designed to empower participants with the transformative benefits of dance, fostering a sense of community, joy, and resilience throughout their cancer journey.

Led by experienced dance instructors, these classes offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore movement, express themselves creatively, have fun and reconnect with their bodies.

‘Move to Nurture’ classes cover a range of dance styles and techniques, including gentle movement, expressive dance, and relaxation exercises, tailored to accommodate varying levels of mobility and energy.

Participants have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a supportive community network that extends beyond the studio. Each movement session is followed by time to socialise, with

refreshments provided.

The programme is made possible through the generous support of donors and community partners who share Dance For Life Devon CIC’s vision of using dance as a tool for healing and empowerment. Classes are offered free of charge to ensure accessibility for all individuals affected by cancer.

‘Move to Nurture classes are held weekly at Hartley House Dance Club in Plymouth. Registration is open to individuals of all ages and abilities affected by cancer at any stage, at diagnosis, through treatment and in remission. To reserve a spot or learn more about the program, visit www.danceforlifedevon.co.uk

now, which has definitely contributed to our successes over the years.”

Purity is based on the Ridgeway in Plympton and offers a range of treatments include hair styling, nails, brows, lashes, make up and more.

Lucy added: “We have a fantastic team and extremely loyal customers, who continually support the salon not only because of the services we provide but the atmosphere that the team create. We are able to provide not only hairdressing services, beauty and nail treatments but also consultations, professional advice and retail a wide range of products to use at home. Each year we aim to add new services and keep up with the latest fashions and trends.”

Members of the public were asked to nominate their favourite stylists and salons for the English Hair and Beauty Awards and more than 60,000 votes were received.

The awards have been sponsored by Creative Oceanic for 12 years and have celebrated the stylists and salons from across England that represent excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

The success of these awards has led to Creative Oceanic launching Hair and Beauty Awards in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London, Toronto and New York, all of which have been successfully established over the years, increasing the brand’s international appeal and recognition.

A spokesperson for the English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, said: “Winning an award in this prestigious competition is a significant achievement, as it acknowledges the talent and hard work of hair and beauty professionals and sets a benchmark for others to follow. The winners of these awards represent the highest standards of quality and service in the English hair and beauty industry.”

Purity owner Lucy Phillips and team leader Carrie Ham at the awards ceremony

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress pictured during their visit to Burts

Experience

If you’re a fan of these articles in the Plymouth Chronicle or you’re a regular listener to Cross Rhythms Plymouth you’ll be excited to learn of an event coming up very soon.

The Cross Rhythms Plymouth Showcase on Thursday June 20 will be a little bit of everything you love about Cross Rhythms and you are invited!

Music is at the heart of the radio station and we’ll have live music on the night from Plymouth’s own Will Allen as well as Our Atlantic Roots coming from the other side of the Tamar to perform for us.

They both are emerging independent artists who have a passion for their music and their faith. Introducing them to the good people of Plymouth at this event will be our joy and carry on our tradition of doing so for many artists over many years.

We’re also thrilled to have our resident poet Steve Wheeler bring an on stage version of his ‘Poet’s Corner’ radio show to the evening. He’ll be reciting some of

You are invited to our showcase!

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms

his most popular works. Some of them deep and contemplative and others light hearted and fun but always captivating and not to be missed!

I’m also especially looking forward to interviewing Rob Fowler at the event. Anyone who follows Cross Rhythms Plymouth will know of our Life Stories programme.

Ordinary people being interviewed about their lives and encounters with God and why faith is important to them. What happens when you have money success and everything the world says you need but are still deeply unhappy? This was Rob’s story until something dramatically

changed. Find out what happened when he shares at the event.

We’ve done loads of these interviews on the station over the years, in fact you can find them both on our website listen again pages at crossrhythms. co.uk/plymouth and on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@ CRPlymouth.

We’ve never done one in person and on stage before though so this will be new for us all!

It’s going to be a wonderful night and will be taking place from 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on Thursday June 20 at The Worship Centre, Plymbridge Rd,

Plymouth

Plymouth PL6 7LF.

Tickets are free and spaces are limited so scan the QR code here to book your tickets or head to eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Cross Rhythms Plymouth Showcase’. Or if you have any questions or want to find out more about the event, you can email us on info@crplymouth.co.uk.

Student votes bring top accolade for Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth has won University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards.

The nominees and winners of these awards are selected by students based on reviews submitted by students from across the UK, and winners judged by a panel made up of prospective and current university students.

Arts University Plymouth was crowned as the Lecturers & Teaching Quality Winner for South West England, Facilities Winner for South West England and Student Support Winner for South West England. The leading arts university was also awarded Second Place for South West England for Students’ Union.

Ranked out of over 100 of the UK’s top universities at an awards ceremony presented by actor and comedian Lenny Henry, Arts University Plymouth came in fourth place overall in the UK category of University of the Year and top out of all universities in the South West of England.

Voted for by students, Arts University Plymouth took home second place in the UK for the Facilities award, third place overall in the Student Support category, and fourth place in the Lecturers & Teaching Quality category.

Highlighting the quality of Arts University Plymouth’s provision as a leading specialist for creative arts education, the University of the Year award celebrates the overall experience

of students, focusing on lecturers and teaching quality, the Students’ Union experience, facilities and student life.

Arts University Plymouth was the only specialist arts university considered for this category.

The university was awarded Winner in the Facilities award category for South West England, celebrating the access students have to the wide array of subject-specific resources available across all creative disciplines.

Students voted based on Arts University Plymouth’s cutting-edge resources, including Fab Lab Plymouth, diverse multimedia and photography studios, a comprehensive Materials Lab that supports innovative practices in hot glass, ceramics and biomaterials, and the university’s well-equipped Drawing Lab, Fashion and Textile studios.

Being named Winner in the Student Support category for South West England celebrates the

university’s focus on student support and on promoting kindness in the processes of thinking, making and living.

In 2023, Arts University Plymouth won a Kindness in Education Award, recognising the arts university’s collective work to build a kinder and more compassionate university and an inclusive community for staff and students.

Winning the Lecturers & Teaching Quality award for South West England, student votes highlighted teaching excellence on offer at the University.

In 2023, Arts University Plymouth was awarded a triple Silver rating by the Office for Students in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Now in their 12th year, the Whatuni Student Choice Awards are the only annual awards for UK universities based entirely on student opinion, with over 35,000 reviews submitted by students each year. Arts University Plymouth’s Whatuni ranking is based on reviews from 712 students, making up almost half of the leading arts university’s undergraduate student body.

Arts University Plymouth continues to be recognised for its excellence in creative education, providing a world-class ecosystem of resources and talent for the designers and makers of tomorrow. In 2023, Arts University Plymouth was voted second in the category for best Small or Specialist Institution at the WUSCAs, following a first place win in 2022.

Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive of Arts University Plymouth, said:

“We are so delighted with the acknowledgement of our work through these awards. In particular the recognition in the University of the Year category has demonstrated that small and specialist universities like ours have much to contribute to the landscape of UK Higher Education. For the third year in a row, we are proud to celebrate these achievements with our community and with future applicants.

“This accolade is testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented colleagues at Arts University Plymouth, who work so hard to prioritise the needs and experiences of students.

One recent student review of Arts University Plymouth from a BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking student said: “It is a joy to come in every day. I seem to make more new friends every week.

“All in all, attending Arts University Plymouth is proving to be one of the greatest experiences of my life… To be creative and express myself the way I want to. Everyone can be themselves. It is like entering another world walking through those doors each day. A creative paradise!”

A recent review by a BA (Hons) Illustration student said: “It’s a vibrant, perfect uni that feels like home,” and another review by a BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices student said: “This university has the best environment in the South West to facilitate creativity in a number of mediums. The open door policy to all workshops fosters a sense of endless possibility.”

Dave Simpson

Comedian Lenny Henry at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards

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City College students experience live construction site work at Derriford Hospital

City College Plymouth students were recently invited to a building site to find out about different careers in construction and learn about a very special building process currently being undertaken at Derriford Hospital.

The hospital’s Oncology site is currently being extended to include additional linear accelerator bunkers (LINAC), more commonly known as radiotherapy bunkers.

Tilbury Douglas, a UK building and students infrastructure company have been appointed to complete the construction and wanted to invite local college students to the site. After a health and safety briefing, the students were supplied with personal protection equipment so that they could enter the site and find out all about the complex processes involved in constructing the bunkers.

The bunkers will contain linear accelerator equipment which is used primarily to treat cancer.  The equipment must be shielded to prevent high-energy rays from escaping the treatment room and the most used material for this is very thick specialist concrete called magnadense.

Over 1400 tonnes of the magnadense

concrete has been supplied for the bunkers, as the walls and ceilings are up to 2.2 meters in thickness.  The concrete is mixed offsite by a specialist company and brought onsite to be poured and cured.  The complex process was explained to the students by the Tilbury Douglas team.

Paul Gale, divisional director at Tillbury Douglas said: “Our teams were excited to welcome members of the general public and students from City College Plymouth onto site to learn more about the important project. We shared some of the technical specialisms required to build the LINAC bunker.

“Specifically, the detail that went into the pouring of the magnadense concrete which will prevent the radiation used in the linear accelerator escaping the treatment room. We also made sure to highlight the array of roles in construction and early career opportunities at Tilbury Douglas.

“We’re looking forward to sharing more updates on the project and hopefully inviting our guests back for a follow up visit soon.”

Helena Procter, lecturer in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at City College Plymouth said: “We have been on

a fair few visits now and it’s been great to see how everyone approaches it.

“We had some great conversations when we came back to the college and whilst we have talked quite in depth about concrete, we learnt so much more about the uses in terms

of the radiation examples. It’s been a real success for us in terms of passion, confidence and knowledge.”

The project to build the bunkers began in September 2022 and is due for completion early 2025.

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Review confirmed on original Armada Way decision

The independent review into the handling of the original scheme for Armada Way, which led to the felling of 109 trees, will be considered by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet on May 20.

At the Cabinet meeting on July 10 2023, the Leader announced an independent review into the handling of the now over-turned decision, originally planned for once the judicial review proceedings had concluded on March 20.   Cabinet members will now agree the terms of reference, outlining that the review will:

• Provide an opportunity for the council to receive feedback from interested stakeholders to enable it to objectively analyse areas of good practice and areas of improvement for the organisation.

• Obtain an independent, fair and objective appraisal of all relevant facts and factors pertaining to the original decision and the implementation of the original scheme; and

• Provide the council with learning outcomes from which it can identify improvements to its procedures and processes, particularly in relation to governance, decision making and the management of the original scheme as a major project. As part of the court order at the Judicial Review hearing in March this year, the Judge recognised the council’s plans to hold the independent learning review and the council made a

commitment to the Court that this will be undertaken as soon as all remaining legal processes are over.

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “While my administration was not responsible for the decision to fell the trees on Armada Way, it has been my number one priority since taking control of the council to overturn the original decision, clean-up the mess, rebuild our reputation and move forward with a positive plan that will bring life back into the city centre.

“We now have a new plan. A plan that will bring life back to the city centre, with more trees than ever.

“However, it is clear that there are some learning points for the council around our internal processes and we are determined to learn and be better in the future. This isn’t about whether it was right or wrong to fell the trees. This is about the work that went on behind the scenes, leading up to the point that the decision was made, and the trees felled.

“In the meantime, we remain focused on delivering our ambitious plans to make Armada Way a greener, more attractive city centre that is buzzing for businesses.”

The review will be truly independent, with an independent, senior chair from outside of the city with a specialism in local authority governance. They will be joined by two further local government advisors who specialise in legal issues, environment, planning and regeneration.

The panel will specifically examine:

• The approach taken by the council in preparing the original decision and associated documentation

• Details of the decision-making processes from a governance and legal perspective

• Whether a sufficient consultation process was undertaken and the extent to which feedback was incorporated into the plans for the original scheme

• The eventual implementation of the original decision and the events surrounding it

• Recording officer decision making processes and actions

• The impact of the original scheme on the local environment, to include reasons why an environmental impact assessment was not undertaken prior to the original decision

• The financial implications of the events and circumstances arising from the original decision and the implementation of the original scheme, including the costs directly to the council.

Once the terms of reference have been agreed, the council will seek to commission the independent review panel, so their work can begin as soon as all legal proceedings have concluded, in accordance with the Court Order.

A final report outlining the findings of the review will be published and submitted to a full council within three months.

Police step up efforts to ensure people feel safe on evenings out

Plymouth police teams are stepping up their efforts to make sure people feel safe during evenings out in the city.

The local police teams are working closely with partner agencies and local businesses to create a safe environment, where people don’t feel at risk of becoming a victim of crime. The team have a particular emphasis on ensuring that women and girls feel safe, as information shows its females who feel most vulnerable.

Detective Inspector (DI) Kev Morley said: “The nightlife in the city is very popular and there is always a great atmosphere and buzz in the air. However, whilst the majority of people enjoy their night without any interactions with the police, it’s usual for us to see an increase of reports of offences relating to alcohol, drugs and violence.

“One of our priorities at this time of day is to keep everyone safe, especially women and young girls.

“We have put activities in place, including increased patrols, to make sure our officers are doing what they can to ensure that people, particularly women and girls, feel safe and are able to enjoy themselves.

Project Vigilant

Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team said: “Many of our officers have received training on Project Vigilant, our force’s response to tackling violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls in the evenings and late nights.

“The training means officers are highly skilled in identifying predatory behaviour, particularly towards women and us taking proactive action to prevent behaviour from escalating into an offence.“Whilst on patrol, our officers will use a range of tactics which are all intelligence led. Intelligence can come to us via public reports, from staff at key venues, and from CCTV operators who spot a vehicle or a person approaching someone who is vulnerable.

“Violence, sexual violence and abuse will not be tolerated within our communities and we take these crimes very seriously. Our officers will be out on patrol in the city during the evenings, both in uniform and also in plain clothes, patrolling bars and streets to identify individuals looking to commit these crimes and protect the public from harm.”

Patrols

DI Morley said: “All of our patrol routes are intelligence and crime report led, so we know that officers are located in areas and times where crime would be most likely to occur. This means they can effectively safeguard the public and prevent crime from happening.”

Walk and Talk

Earlier this year, Devon & Cornwall Police launched ‘Walk and Talk’, a new trial initiative to encourage women over the age of 18 to speak to the police about areas where they feel unsafe. As part of the initiative, a female police officer will accompany local women as they walk through an area they have concerns about. Inspector Nicholls said: “This is such an important scheme for us. Not only does it help us understand where women feel unsafe in the city, but it also gives us valuable insight about why they feel this way. Knowing why helps us work effectively within our police teams and alongside our partners, like the local council, to look at these issues and devise a plan to tackle them.”

PLYMOUTH MUM BECKY TAKING PART IN RACE FOR LIFE IN HER BROTHER’S MEMORY

Plymouth mum Becky Morrish was close to her older brother Patrick and when he died aged 36, she promised to keep his memory alive by taking part in Race for Life every year.

Patrick Morrish was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer and sadly died just three weeks later.

Becky, together with her eight-year-old daughter Elsie, will be taking part in Plymouth Race for Life on Sunday June 2 at Hoe Park. This will be their fourth year and it is one way they choose to remember a beloved brother and uncle to Elsie.

Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives. That’s why it will be an emotional moment when Becky and Elsie cross the finish line together.

Becky, who lives in Plymstock explained: “Patrick was a much-loved older brother and an amazing uncle, he was always the first person I rang whenever Elsie was sick for advice or comfort.

“Elsie asked me why I was doing the race and we’ve always said ‘to help poorly people like Uncle Patrick.’ Now she’s older, Elsie wants to help do the same. This will be our fourth Race for Life and every year Elsie says let’s help make medicine for all the poorly people like Uncle Patrick.”

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in Race for Life Plymouth. Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents and friends can choose from a 5k or 10k or on July 21 there is a Pretty Muddy - a 5k mudsplattered obstacle course and a kids option too which for those aged between six and 12.

Becky, 35, who is a teaching assistant at Elburton

Primary School said: “It will feel like a magical moment when I cross the finish line at Race for Life with Elsie. Patrick sadly died just three weeks after a latestage bowel cancer diagnosis. We try and take part in various charity events and do these in memory of Patrick.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Every year around 36,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West. Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, said: “We are grateful to Becky and Elsie for their support and know their story will make an impact on everyone who hears it. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK. Whether people are living with cancer, are taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease, or are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”

Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year. Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer today. To enter, visit raceforlife.org

Plymouth woman in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia welcomes new research

A Plymouth woman who is enjoying the retirement she didn’t think she would live to see after being diagnosed with leukaemia, is hoping that new research, funded by Leukaemia UK, could help dramatically reduce the impact harsh treatments can have on those diagnosed.

Linda Sellar, 65, from Plymstock, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2019 after struggling with breathlessness and picking up infections, including a cough. Blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy led to her diagnosis with AML, which is the most common type of leukaemia. Linda had two rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant using donor cells from her son, Jack.     Linda struggled with side effects including losing her hair twice, fevers and a fungal lung infection. Now, the former civil servant is in remission and spending her time walking, skiing and travelling with her husband.

She is also welcoming an announcement of new funding from research charity Leukaemia UK which aims to minimise the impact treatments, such as chemotherapy, can have on those diagnosed.

Linda said: “I can now recognize that my breathlessness was a symptom and am so grateful that my husband insisted on my visit to the GP. I was also lucky that my GP was vigilant. I would urge anyone who has symptoms to visit their GP and insist on blood tests, even if the GP does not consider it necessary.

“I would not be here today without the marvellous medical treatments available to cure my AML and the subsequent fungal lung infection. All this is available to people like me thanks to research and funding provided by Leukaemia UK.”     Professor Terry Rabbitts, Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, is exploring a new approach to targeting AML cancer cells to minimise the impact of treatment.  This news came alongside World AML

Day in April. Professor Rabbitts said: “Leukaemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of normal cells, causing them to become cancerous. Sometimes chromosomes break and are joined to other chromosomes. If this happens it can result in ‘fusion proteins’ – these only occur in cancer cells, so they are specific targets for treatment. My team and I will explore a new approach to targeting fusion proteins by channelling antibodies inside cancer cells.

“We have already begun a new technology that will allow us to deploy antibodies inside cells. Our aim is to get them to bind with the fusion proteins inside cancer cells to destroy them.

“This new anti-cancer strategy will mean fewer side effects for AML patients and should ultimately also benefit other blood cancers and solid tumours.”

Every year almost 3,100 people in the UK are

diagnosed with AML yet its survival rates are among the worst of any cancer type. Just 13.6% of people survive longer than five years after their diagnosis.

Fiona Hazell, chief executive of Leukaemia UK, said: “Treatments for leukaemia, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, are harsh and can cause terrible side effects like the ones Linda sadly experienced.

“We’re delighted to announce Prof Rabbitts’ new project, which, along with our other funded research projects, will help us to accelerate progress in leukaemia treatment and care.

“We want to offer people like Linda the hope of more effective and gentler treatments in the future. Breakthroughs happen all the time and we won’t stop until we have found better, kinder treatments for all those affected.”

Linda Sellar pictured with her daughter while undergoing treatment in hospital

Becky Morrish with daughter Elsie

Add summer colour to your garden space

May brings longer days and warmer weather, finally indicating that summer is coming after a very wet and cold start to the year. It’s time to tidy up any spring gardening and start making room for the new season!

• If you’re planning to have summer hanging baskets or new container recipes, now is the time to plant them.

• Remove any faded spring bedding and plant your summer bedding after the last frost.

• Apply some liquid feed to your tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs to help them grow better for next year.

• As plants start to bloom apply a liquid feed to give them a boost and prolong flowering periods.

• Tie up the new shoots of your climbing plants so they train along fences and walls.

• Start watering your plants earlier and later in the day and try to recycle water where possible.

• It’s a great time to grow fruit and vegetables as the season has started later.

• Time to treat your lawn, killing weeds to adding nourishment. You can also start overseeding. For those who are interested in gardening but don’t know how to start, now is the perfect time to give it a try. Even if you have limited space such as a small patio or balcony, you can still create a beautiful garden.

In Plymouth, we have lots of small spaces so container gardening is very popular whether creating bright colourful displays or herb gardens outside the back door, you can garden anywhere!

No matter what space or size you have, gardening doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive, that’s why this month we’re going to focus on bedding plants, or more specifically our simple idea for creating a wonderful container or hanging basket display.

Thrillers, Spillers & Fillers

Now this simple expression can apply to pots or hanging baskets with each of the three words referring to the category and role of the plants.

Thriller – These are your ‘wow factor’ centrepieces. If you’re thinking about a hanging basket or planted container, you can choose something like a Fuchsia, Geranium, Osteospermum or the Non-Stop Begonia as your thriller. Giving height, they sit in the middle of your

providing structure.

Top tip - If you’re looking for a classic summer plant that stands out from the crowd and can add some impact to your garden, then you might want to check out the Begonia. We recommend the non-stop and trailing varieties. Ours are simply incredible being locally grown, chunky and I have yet to find a better one anywhere! These plants are easy to take care of and pack a real punch of colour. It blooms until October and can handle shade, making it versatile for borders. The non-stop begonias maintain a neat, upright, and compact shape, with continuous double-bloom flowers throughout the summer. The trailing variety will cascade over the edge of the container, adding a pop of colour and contrast against delicate flowers.

Spillers – or hanging plants, will cascade or waterfall over the edges of your container. These could be Trailing Petunias (Surfinias), trailing fuchsias, begonias, geraniums, or lobelia. Bacopa is a best seller and must-have in any recipe. They are low-growing and vigorous, and they will fill the spaces in your container quickly, easily, and happily. Its trailing habit and simple white, pink, or purple flowers make it perfect for cascading over containers, and it blooms for an extended period.

Calibrachoa (Million Bells) is another spiller plant

that flowers profusely but is ‘self-cleaning’ so you don’t have to worry about deadheading the abundance of flowers. There are many colours and double-coloured varieties. Look out for some of the electric pinks and purples!

Fillers – Lastly, fill in the gaps within your container or basket with some bedding plants such as Impatiens, Lobelia, Petunias, Marigolds, Pansies or Violas,

When planting a hanging basket, you want to use either a container or basket compost or a good multi-purpose. Just make sure to add waterretaining granules and a slow-release fertiliser. Start with your centre plant, then the trailing plants between the chains of the basket.

Lastly, fill in the gaps with your bedding plants and water in well. For big, impressive displays, fill most of your soil space. There are no strict rules, just go for it!

After three weeks, feed weekly with a liquid feed and check daily for watering, even after light rain as it may not soak down far enough. Deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage beds to flower all summer long!

A typical recipe would be as follows: Choose a colour theme or mix it up with anything you like.

Hot – reds, yellows, whites, orange

Cool – pinks, purples, whites, blues, Carnival – red, purple, yellow-orange, pink, blue

One Thriller - Geranium

Three Spillers – Bacopa, Calibrachoa, Surfinia. Spread evenly. You can go for all the same plan to create symmetry or for doubles of a plant.

Six fillers - choose a mix of uprights - petunias and impatiens and some trailing lobelia.

arrangement

City College Plymouth hosted SkillBuild 2024 in April - the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

City College hosts largest regional construction skills competition Advertise to over 23,000 homes in Central and Waterfront

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest emerging talent in the industry, where highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-tohead in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Students travelled from across the country to be involved in the South West’s regional competition and competed in trades including bricklaying, carpentry, painting and decorating, plastering, and joinery.

Competitors were tested on their technical abilities, time management, problem-solving and working under pressure. The competition assesses students’ and apprentices’ functional skills against real life work scenarios, alongside providing a unique way of combining teaching, learning and assessment to achieve real results for learners of all ages and abilities. The prestigious competition is proven to improve competitors’ technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options in the future.

The day was also marked by a visit from DIY expert, Craig Phillips. The British reality star and TV presenter rocketed to fame in 2000 as a contestant of Channel 4’s Big Brother, and has since made a name for himself as a reputable TV personality, alongside his successful construction business.

Craig said: “Being in the construction industry at this moment in time has a prosperous future for anybody. I’ve been in the industry for 34 years and I’ve seen a lot of changes, but I often say to students that once you’ve got a trade, that’s going to stay with you for life. They can take that anywhere in the world

and really build their career from that.

“This is why competitions like SkillBuild are so important. There’s constant innovation of different materials, tools and there’s the demand for those in the industry to understand things like technical drawings, and SkillBuild really prepares those students for that experience and gives them an opportunity to put themselves out there as well.”

The college currently has five students in the top three scoring competitors for each trade category, who are hoping to score within the top eight nationally to qualify for

a place at the three-day SkillBuild National Final.

Terry Such, Curriculum lead & development officer for Construction & the Built Environment at the college, emphasised the event’s importance.

He said: “Hosting SkillBuild was a great opportunity not only for the college as a whole, but for our students, too. The competition saw 60 competitors travel from ten colleges and employers across the country, so we were privileged to be selected as a venue for the regional qualifiers.

“It was a perfect opportunity for our students and staff to witness first-hand the work that not only the construction department, but our students, have been up to this year. The competition created a real buzz around campus and we can’t wait to see where the final takes our students.”

SkillBuild highlighted the college’s commitment to creating a platform where young professionals can not only refine their skills but also gain critical exposure to industry standards and expectations, and further solidifies its role as a pivotal training ground for skilled professionals who are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce.

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