Plymouth Chronicle Central & Waterfront November 2022

British

arrives in

Purrfect presentation!

Oliver

Mandy

Stoptober is here…you’ve got this!

Millions of people are joining Stoptober and we’re back with our 11th mass quit attempt this October. We want this year to be our best ever because, while millions of us are kicking the habit, tobacco still causes almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year in England and over 350 in Plymouth alone.

Quitting is one of the best ways a person who smokes can feel better and improve their health.

That’s why we are encouraging you to join in and give quitting a go for the month of October. People who do quit tell us they see the benefits really quickly – they stop feeling so breathless, stop smelling of stale tobacco smoke and save hundreds of pounds.

Research has shown that if you stop smoking tobacco for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

And you can get friendly, personalised support over the phone and face-to-face from Livewell, commissioned by Plymouth City Council.

Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net today to find out more.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from others in Plymouth, with tips on how they quit smoking for good…

Quitting can help you save money

John (aged 56), started smoking when he was 16. Before he became smoke-free he would smoke up to 30 cigarettes every day.

He would consistently wake up in morning with a terrible cough and struggle to make it to the kitchen due to extreme breathlessness. He put his ill health down to smoking and knew it was time to quit.

He called One You Plymouth for support and was promptly booked an appointment with one of their local NHS stop smoking practitioners.

He used Zyban to aid his quit attempt. For the first seven days he took one tablet a day and was still permitted to smoke. After this he was instructed to increase his intake to two tablets per day.

Quit for your family

Jessica started smoking when she was 15 and smoked for 12 years before she became smoke-free. She used to smoke up to 10 cigarettes a day.

Then Jessica found out she was pregnant. Determined to protect her baby and have a healthy pregnancy, she knew she had to stop smoking.

She successfully quit through One You Plymouth’s ‘Swap-to-Stop in Pregnancy’ vaping programme. She received a 12-week supply of vapes and vaping fluids to help her on her quit journey.

Jessica said: “It gave me confidence knowing the vape was there in case of cravings. I used to smoke in the car when stuck in traffic and when watching the TV in the evening; the cravings are worst at those moments. Vaping really helped me cope.”

Jessica also worked out that she was saving around £70 per month!

She received regular supportive phone calls from her NHS stop smoking practitioner Lisa.

“Lisa was so friendly and non-judgemental; I knew I could be honest with her without the fear of being judged. I felt that she genuinely cared about my wellbeing; we could even have a laugh and built up really good rapport.

“She also said that I could text her between phone calls. It was nice to know that there was additional support out there.”

Inspired by Jessica’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

To his surprise he found that smoking made him feel sick and he could not stand the smell of smoke any more.

John said: “I needed to change for my health; it was really starting to affect me. After starting the treatment I never smoked again and still don’t to this day. I wake up in the morning and have a whole new lease of life and so much more get-up-and-go! I don’t have a bad cough anymore and I have so much more energy.”

With his breathlessness and coughing completely gone, he is delighted that he can take long walks; something that was not possible while he was smoking.

He also noticed that food tastes so much better now and can eat proper meals again instead of just snacking on food.

What’s more, John is delighted by the fact that he is saving so much money by not buying expensive cigarettes.

“I am saving roughly £10 per day! With all the savings, I can afford for me and the wife to go on a lovely holiday.”

Inspired by John’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

John...saving

Mental health – a priority for everyone

We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy and healthy lives and can help us sleep better, feel better, do the things we want to do and have more positive relationships. The little things we do for our mental wellbeing really can improve our lives and help us cope with life’s challenges.

World Mental Health Day is an annual campaign held on 10 October and is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

If you, or anyone you love or care for needs help with mental wellbeing there is lots of support available in Plymouth.

New free online mental health service

Commissioned by the NHS and Plymouth City Council, Qwell aims to help people manage their own emotional health and wellbeing.

It focuses on supporting selfcare and provides a safe space for adults to access therapeutic activities, with a peer support community, self-help articles

and forums and discussion boards moderated by qualified practitioners.

It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As well as the self-help and community support, there is an anonymous one-on-one counselling, live text chat and messaging counselling service with a team of professionally qualified practitioners.

Go to www.qwell.io.

Plymouth Options

An NHS talking therapy service for people aged 16 and over, Plymouth Options can help you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Go to www.livewellsouthwest. co.uk/plymouth-options.

First Response

Livewell Southwest’s 24/7 crisis line provides advice, support and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. If you feel worried about your mental health, or that of a loved one or a friend, reach out now.

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Gables appeal after puppy farm horror find

Gables Dogs and Cats Home are no strangers to the horrendous damage that backstreet breeders, commercial breeders and puppy farms do to the health and wellbeing of dogs, having taking in close to 100 dogs from local puppy farms in recent years.

Gables had hoped that the huge demand for dogs would fall as people returned to work after the pandemic. Sadly this is far from the case as there is still a huge demand for puppies, which is encouraging breeders to cash in while they can.

This current demand for puppies has resulted in 90 dogs and puppies, living in horrific conditions, being removed from a single Devon property, with Gables taking in 23 of them.

The dogs, a mixture of small ‘designer breeds’ ranging from seven days old to 12 years old, had been living in terrible conditions resulting in them all suffering from overgrown claws, flea and worm infestations, as well as severe malnutrition.

On arrival at Gables most of the dogs were extremely matted and covered in their own faeces as well as suffering from ammonia burns on their skin from living in their own urine. The tight matts have made it difficult for the dogs to move about and go to the toilet as well as causing incredibly sore spots on their skin.

The huge flea burden has resulted in some of the dogs constantly scratching, leaving them with

open sores from the self-inflicted wounds. The mothers of the puppies had been struggling to keep up with the demand of having to continually nurse litter after litter in these conditions. It is feared that it may already be too late for the weakest of the little puppies, but Gables is doing everything they possibly can to keep the puppy alive. Gables have also started supplementing all

the puppy’s diets with specialist puppy milk to give them the best chance of survival, while their emaciated mothers start to build up their own strength.

All the dogs have been seen by Gables contracted vets, Filham Park in Ivybridge, and there are concerns some of them may have some serious underlying medical issues caused by inbreeding

Celebrations as district nurses graduate for first time in 15 years

Plymouth University is celebrating the graduation of its first district nurses for 15 years, following a shortage of this specialist area of the profession in the South West.

District nursing is a specialist postgraduate qualification, validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and enables those in the role to take on more responsibility such as nonmedical prescribing and advanced clinical practice.

Based in the community rather than a hospital setting, the University relaunched the programme as a degree apprenticeship in 2020 following a demand for the role across the South West.

Now the first cohort in 15 years has celebrated its success, with seven students graduating and already making a difference in the community.

Interim programme lead, Lisa-Marie Rowe, who delivers the programme alongside Linda Duggan, said: “The University of Plymouth would like to congratulate you all. We have been privileged to witness this cohort becoming specialist practitioners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to lead, manage and promote evidence based, advanced patient centred care in the community.

“These graduates will change the face of community nursing in the region. Their passion, drive and commitment to community nursing, make them a credit to their employers and to the University of Plymouth.”

Dr Crystal Oldman, chief executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI), added: “I am absolutely thrilled

as well as the terrible living conditions they have been forced to endure.

Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “When we were contacted about these dogs I could not believe help was needed with yet another local puppy farm, it was truly heart-breaking. These traumatised dogs have to suffer such terrible conditions purely for money. It is so frustrating how easy it still is for breeders to get away with it. I am glad we are able to give these dogs the love, care and attention they deserve and our priority is to carefully remove the matted fur and give them the support and treatment they need to go on to find new loving homes”.

It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £5,000 to cover the costs of all the treatments these poor dogs require as well as their basic care such as flea and worm treatments and ensuring all the dogs and puppies are neutered before looking for their forever homes.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help all these poor dogs.

Anyone wishing to help ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to their ‘Puppy Farm Palaver Vet Appeal’, should call 01752 331602 or alternatively visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/pfp or www.paypal.me/ gablesdogsandcats to donate online.

Celebrating the district nurse degrees

that the University of Plymouth is seeing its first graduates in 15 years from the District Nurse Specialist Practitioner (DNSPQ) programme this summer.

“I remember at the QNI annual conference several years ago, Queen’s Nurses in the South West flagged up that a DNSPQ programme would be hugely beneficial to communities in the region who rely on the District Nursing service. The QNs have been instrumental in making sure that this was designed, created and delivered, with support from local employers.

“My congratulations and those of my QNI colleagues to all those involved with the programme, at the university and in practice – and importantly, huge congratulations from all at the QNI to the District Nurse graduates who have worked so hard for their qualification and are now going on to lead and manage teams in the community, working at an advanced level of practice and serving their local populations. We look forward to the graduates keeping in touch with the QNI as your career develops.”

One of the rescued mums with her pups

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.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Oct 27

Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Mark is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 2.30pm. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Omid Djalili

Oct 27

The veteran stand up comedian brings his ‘Good Times Tour’ to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Details and tickets available at www. comicalentertainment.com

Spooky Weekend

Oct 29 and 30

Plymouth Valley Railway will be running spooky themed trains over the weekend. Go along dressed up and travel to Plym Bridge. Visit www.plymrail.co.uk for details and bookings.

Soup and Sweet Lunch

Oct 29

At Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 12 noon to 2.30pm for £6 and including delicious home made dishes. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Beowulf

Nov 4

South Devon Players Theatre and Film Company present Beowulf at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 7.30pm. The theatre drama based on the 10th century epic poem is suitable for the whole family. Tickets on the door or from www. southdevonplayers.com

Bonfire Night

Nov 5

Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration on The Hoe is a safe and free way to spend the most explosive night of the year. Watch as the huge bonfire is lit, then gaze in awe at the brilliant firework display. If you’re feeling brave enough, have a go on the fairground rides or warm up with a bite to eat from one of the food stalls. More details will be published closer to the time.

Chamber Ensemble of London

Nov 6

One of the Jeanie Moore International Concert Series featuring Peter Fisher at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke at 3pm. Tickets £20 from www. wegottickets.com or on the door.

Plymouth Area Police Choir

Nov 8

The choir presents its penultimate concert of its Golden Jubilee year at Ridgeway Methodist Church, Plympton at 7.30pm. Tickets can be obtained from the church. The concert has been arranged by the Ridgeway Fellowship and is in support of the Dame Hanna Rogers Trust.

Broadway Showstoppers

Nov 11 to 13

Sounds Musical Theatre Company present their three date tour following last year’s sell out sales. This musical concert features top class performers from one of Plymouth’s longest running societies. Broadway Showstoppers showcases hits from past and present respectively at St Boniface’s College,

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

Popular annual event at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm with many stalls present.

Music for Advent & Christmas

Dec 3

Seasonal music by Bach, Chilcott, Palestrina performed by West Devon Chorale at Minster Church of St Andrew in Plymouth at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from 01752 776479.

Christmas Concert

Dec 3

The Music of the Night Choral Foundation celebrate their 10th anniversary with a Christmas concert entitled ‘Tis the Season’ at Pennycross Methodist Church, Beauchamp Road, Peverell at 2.30pm. The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor and their consorts will be attending. Tickets available from 07860 354290, on the door and from choir members.

Christmas Fair

Dec 3

Boniface Lane PL7 3AG; Elburton Methodist Church, Springfield Rd PL9 8PR and Plymstock School, Church Road PL9 9AZ. Book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sounds

Seasonal Concert

Nov 12

South West Chamber Choir, musical director Stephen Trehair, present Just As the Tide Was Flowing at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke at 4pm. Tickets at www.trybooking.co.uk or on the door.

Anniversary Ball

Nov 12

Plymouth Samaritans will be holding their 50th Anniversary Ball at the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth. The evening will feature welcome drinks to a live band - the Smooth Jazz Combo, a quality three course meal, dancing to the Fabulous Swing Kings, a bumper raffle and an auction. The auction will include signed pieces from Adele, Ed Sheehan, Daniel Craig and Mo Salah among other dazzling items. Tickets for the Ball are £55 per head and can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com

The Post Mortem Live

Nov 14 to Nov 17

The Post Mortem Live arrives at Plymouth Guildhall with six live shows offering attendees the chance to solve a murder working with award winning human anatomist Sam Piri in this four-hour long experience. Tickets from £35. For details visit www. thepostmortemlive.co.uk

Annual meeting

Nov 16

Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion at The Club, Market Road, Plympton at 7pm. Membership cards to be brought to vote.

World Aids Day

Nov 17

Light lunch and speakers at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 12 noon. Free entry, donations welcome.

Christmas Lights Switch On

Nov 17

The official kick off for the Plymouth’s Christmas holiday calendar, also marking the start of festive late-night shopping every Thursday night in the lead up to Christmas. The switch on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm and there will be an exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on stage in the Piazza from 4pm. Enjoy live music, with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs.

Annual Christmas Fair

Nov 18 and 19

Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke from 11am to 3.15pm. Variety of sseaonal stalls and refreshments. Free admission.

Grand Christmas Fair

Nov 19

Plymouth Highbury Trust, Outland Road from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Harry Potter stall, cakes, refreshments, crafts, tombola and raffle.

Barbican Lights Switch On

Nov 19

An afternoon of festive fun in the Barbican and Sutton Harbour from 12 noon to 6pm. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he has arrived from across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the local choirs as they perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainment and rides to have a go on, plus a selection of stalls selling some delicious Christmas treats. Take part in the free Christmas trail across the Barbican, with some tasty prizes! Follow the trail around the shops and restaurants, and maybe pick up some wonderful unique Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive refreshments along the way. Look out for festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting the special guests who will be switching on the awesome sparkly Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm.

Crownhill Lights Switch On

Nov 25

Organised by the Crownhill Village Community Network Group, the event starts with entertainment on stage from 5pm till around 8pm, with the lights being switched on by members of Cann Bridge School signing group at 6.30pm. Market stalls, music, etc. Raffle drawn at 7pm. Tickets from Forever Flowers, Morshead Road, Crownhill.

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

St Boniface Church, Percy Street, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. There will be cakes, bottles and tins, Christmas tombola, gifts galore, chocolate tombola, refreshments and a grand draw. Admission 20p.

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

At Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be light refreshments, stalls including home grown produce, preserves, recycled gifts, tombola, books and cake stall.

St Francis Church, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Various stalls, turkey sandwiches and refreshments. Father Christmas will arrive at 1pm bringing gifts for the children.

Christmas Fair

Dec 3

Organised by Elburton Residents’ Association at Elburton Village Hall from 3pm. Lots of stalls to browse with food and drinks available. Santa will be there for the children and the the Elburton Village Christmas lights will be switched on at the event.

Carol Service

Dec 7

In the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Entry £6. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Christmas Raffle

Dec 10

Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

The Christmas Mouse Dec 15 to 24

Soapbox Children’s Theatre present a delightful Christmas show at their Devonport Park theatre. A special seasonal treat for eight year olds and under and their big people. With stunning puppets, this is a Christmas story sure to make memories and warm little hearts. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/soapboxchildrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/

Christmas Express Trains

Various dates

Plym Valley Railway will be running Christmas specials every weekend in December. Booking for either a table for four or compartment for six adults. Every fare paying child will receive a gift from Santa. Visit www.plymrail.co.uk for details and bookings.

The Snowcat at Yuletide

Dec 17 to 24

Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park invite you to join them on this Christmas adventure. With incredible puppets, magical characters and a fantastic soundtrack, our winter season show will take you on a journey unlike any other. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/ soapbox-childrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/

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.

Bonfire Night on The Hoe Photo: Jeff Tomkins One Plymouth

Top pianist to perform at city concert

Talented Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov will join the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra for their upcoming concert in the city in November.

The next Plymouth Symphony Orchestra live concerts are at Plymouth Guildhall on November 23 at 7.30pm and the Public Hall, Liskeard, November 20 at 5.30pm.

The opening work of the varied programme is the cheerful and lighthearted Karelia Overture by Sibelius. It features beautiful bold themes as well as references to the better-known Intermezzo.

This is followed, in great contrast, by Wagner’s moving and mystical Siegfried’s Death and Funeral March from Gotterdammerung, which was the last in Wagner’s cycle of his four music dramas, The Ring.

Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov joins the orchestra for the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor (Plymouth concert only). This is one of Grieg’s most popular and wellknown works and although it was strongly influenced by Schumann’s Piano Concerto it is also rich in Norwegian character.

Ivanov has performed at festivals around the world, as well as playing with leading orchestras in Bulgaria and Italy. This talented young pianist has won many prizes, including being awarded first prize in the Busoni International Piano Competition in Italy in 2019.

Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances (Liskeard concert only) are a series of popular orchestral pieces, which were originally written for piano duet. Although these were modelled on Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, an important difference is that he didn’t actually use Slavic folk melodies and instead used their characteristic rhythms to create the Slavonic flavour.

The final work, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, was inspired by the loss of his artist friend Hartmann.

This had a deep effect on Mussorgsky and an exhibition of Hartmann’s pictures inspired this work, original composed for piano. Maurice Ravel’s colourful and dynamic orchestral arrangement has ensured the work’s enduring popularity in the orchestral repertoire.

Emanuil Ivanov

Businessman Daniel bubbling over with success

A Plymouth businessman is popping open the fizz after his company was crowned the UK’s ‘Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year’, just two years after the company was launched.

Daniel Blatchford, 38, who attended Hele’s School in Plympton and the University of the West of England in Bristol, launched Sip Champagnes with his business partner, Peter Crawford, in 2020.

Just two years later, Sip Champagnes has been awarded this prestigious accolade by the world’s leading wine media brand, Decanter, who singled out the newcomer for its ‘laser-like focus on cutting-edge wines from the region’, and in the words of one judge, ‘is changing the game for champagne.’ Sip Champagnes was also a runner up in the ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Judges Choice’ categories.

Decanter engages with wine lovers in over 100 countries around the globe, providing authoritative content and independent advice on the world’s best wines and champagnes. The annual Decanter Retailer Awards provides an indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK.

Daniel Blatchford, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been awarded the title of UK’s ‘Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year’ by Decanter just two years since setting up the company.

“We put our success down to our continued focus on quality, as well as sourcing and supplying only the best small-batch, handcrafted champagne straight to consumers and the hospitality trade from France’s iconic wine region.

“With the UK’s largest collection of 60 Champagne producers and over 236 individual cuvées from across 25 villages in our range, Sip Champagnes only deals with ethically-sourced and artisan products direct from the farmer.”

He added: “Despite a wider industry decline, UK consumers have certainly not lost their taste for small-batch and handcrafted champagne sourced straight from the grower. Champagne lovers are also willing to pay a premium for a unique, artisan and quality product, including our exclusive collection that they can’t buy anywhere else in the UK.”

Daniel is an experienced product strategist and director. Having owned, designed and built successful cross-platform digital products, teams and services for both start-ups to enterprises, across the media, property, utility and finance sectors, his passion is all things digital.

The latest three releases from Sip Champagnes are unavailable to buy anywhere else in the UK and it is the first time ever that

Sips Champagnes

co-founder Daniel Blatchford and (below) the company’s autumn product range

these three new producers are being made available to consumers and the hospitality trade outside France.

This summer, Sip Champagnes reported a record 219% boost to sales in the last year despite a wider slump across the industry.

Sip Champagnes, which also won The Drinks Business ‘Specialist Online Retailer of the Year Award’ for 2022, is also bucking the industry trend with month-on-month sales growth in 2022 as UK consumers develop a taste for unique grower champagne.

The dominance of the big wine houses and supermarket champagne has meant that champagne choice has been very limited in the UK until Sip Champagnes came along. The small producers previously had no supply chain and no access to highend restaurants, bars, hotels and wine boutiques, which meant consumers had little choice, until now.

Alongside their online store, which sells individual bottles and curated cases, Sip Champagnes also offers curated monthly subscription packages to help people enhance their understanding of the grower champagne movement. Alongside exceptional bottles, there are tasting notes and even live tasting sessions with the farmers themselves.

All Sip Champagnes packaging is made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable. They also invest in carbon offsetting programmes to reduce their environmental impact and they plant a tree for every order placed.

For more information on Sip Champagnes visit www. sipchampagnes.com/collections/ new-producers-champagnes and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/ sipchampagnes; Twittertwitter. com/ChampagnesSip and Instagram www.instagram.com/ sip_champagnes

THOUGHT

Households in Plymouth set to benefit from

Thousands of Plymouth households are soon to benefit from an additional pot of just over £550,000 to help with rising energy costs.

Following an extensive modelling exercise, the money will be distributed to the 1,453 households in the following groups:

Households which are receiving Council Tax support and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £150

Households with residents that are severely mentally impaired and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £100

Households with a Disabled Band Relief and live in a property banded from F to H will receive £100*

Households which have a single person discount and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £100.

In addition, more than 23,000 households which receive Council Tax Support and live in a property banded from A to D will receive a £17.50 payment. This is in addition to the £150 rebate they received earlier in the year.

A further government grant for all households will also be available later in the year as well as additional support for vulnerable households.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting us all. But when faced with the decision of how to allocate this additional funding, it was important to ensure we looked after those who we know are most vulnerable either physically or financially.”

All eligible households which currently pay Council Tax by Direct Debit will receive payment direct into their bank account within the next few weeks

Council Tax Support is a local means-tested scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay their Council Tax. Any owner-occupier or tenant aged 18 or over who is legally responsible for the Council Tax can claim Council Tax Support. Find out more at new. plymouth.gov.uk/council-tax-support.

Where Direct Debit details are not held, eligible households will receive a credit to their Council Tax account.

If households wish to claim the credit as a cash payment they will have the option to request this as a general refund using an online application at www. plymouth-self.achieveservice.com

* Disabled band support relief is for households who live in a larger property than they would need if they or another occupant were not disabled. If you qualify, bills are reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band.

DAY

“When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.” Eleanor Roosevelt

They’re the pick of the bunch!

Two dozen bags of rubbish as well as some larger items of waste were removed during a clear up around Langage Power Station over the first weekend of October.

The ‘Community Sunday’ litter pick was a collaboration between Plympton Rotary and Clean Our Patch CIC. During a 90 minute clean up of the area volunteers from the two groups amassed 24 bags of rubbish.

Afterwards they retired to the Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre for well deserved teas and cakes.

More Community Sunday litter picks are likely to take place in due course.

(Story courtesy of Plympton Podcast)

Plymouth printers get ready for action!

The inaugural Print in Action arts festival is taking place across Plymouth in October.

Co-ordinated by Real Ideas, the weekend festival on October 22 and 23 is a culmination of six months of Print in Action activities designed to showcase a variety of print techniques and celebrate print in all its inspiring forms.

The Print in Action weekend will comprise exhibitions, workshops, music, food, talks and masterclasses with the opportunity to connect with like-minded print creatives across the UK and beyond. Celebrating the talent of printmakers of all kinds, more than fifteen professional printmakers, from across the world and the region, will provide demonstrations throughout the two days.

Key international artists include Polish artist Alicja HabisiakMatczak who is head of the Intaglio Techniques Studio, and Jolanta Rudzka Habisiak, also from Poland, whose work predominantly centres on the art of textiles, alongside her role an academic teacher and rector of the Academy of Fine Arts at Władysław Strzemiński in Łódź

Further UK-based artists providing demos, talks and workshops include Jemma Gunning, Sarah Gillespie, Anita Reynolds, Peter Ursem, Mary Gillett, Simon Ripley, Luke Wade,

Sonja Burniston, Victoria Willmott, Alan Qualtrough, Beth Munro and Theo Carter-Weber. Print collectives including the Bristol Print Collective, the Letterpress Collective, Double Elephant, The Printery and Pressing Matters Magazine are also all heading for the Festival.

Hoardings at Ocean Studios will be dominated by The Truth Wall – a public statement of what is important, directed through the art of print and creativity by Plymouthbased letterpress artist Alan Qualtrough.

Alan said: “Freedom of expression is a protected human right.  However, many of us stay silent when the world rages around us. The Truth Wall at Print in Action will invite participants to make visual what they feel is important to speak up about in the world. Using a range

of letterpress, screen printing and mono printing techniques, the resultant prints will be pasted on the hoardings at Ocean Studios as a public message to the world. Over the duration of the festival, the messages will grow in number and accumulate a powerful collective message.”

Whether consumers or artists are new to print or an expert in a variety of print practices, there’s something for everyone at this wide-ranging festival. The diverse range of printmakers will provide live demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses for people of all abilities.

There will also be market stalls, food and live music, as well as a fashion show with a variety of prints and patterns created for clothing fashionistas. Original pieces will be

available to buy at the Print Pop Up Shop, and a market showcasing a variety of printmakers and suppliers, meaning festivalgoers can find something unique to take home with them or make a connection with an artist or supplier.

It is the first time there has been a collaborative focus on printmaking and showcasing Plymouth city-wide talent across the area. Venues to host the festival are: Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard; The Printery, Mutley Plain; The Craft House, near The Barbican; and the Arts University, Tavistock Place.

Francesca Hawkesworth, programme co-ordinator, at Real Ideas said: “This festival showcases our thriving print community across Plymouth, whilst bringing together individual print artists, and print collectives from across the UK, and beyond with our Polish artists.

“Print in Action also introduces the whole community of Plymouth to printmaking in all its art forms. It is an opportunity for all forms of artists to come and immerse themselves in the print making practice, but also for adults who may not have an artistic background to explore their creativity, while learning a new skill.

To find out more about Print in Action, book workshops, and reserve tickets for the finale festival, visit printinaction-festival.co.uk.

HORIZONS BOOST FROM LOCAL HOUSEBUILDER

Housebuilder, Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 as part of its Community Fund initiative to Plymouth-based sailing charity, Horizons.

Horizons works with young people aged between eight and 19 from

City centre investment zone plans

Plymouth’s city centre could be made an investment zone by the Government, unlocking millions of pounds of investment for much-needed housing and business growth.

Plymouth is one of 38 authorities invited to work in partnership with the Government to create an investment zone to attract investment and unleash growth.

Details of what Plymouth’s investment zone could entail will be part of a business plan that will be submitted to Government, but is expected to include interventions designed to speed up the delivery of proposed housing, retail and mixed use development. Interventions could include:

• Lower taxes – businesses in designated sites will benefit from time-limited tax benefits

• Accelerated development – with designated development sites to release more land for housing and commercial development and to support accelerated development. The planning process could also be radically streamlined. Development sites may be co-located with, or separate to, tax sites, depending on what makes most sense for the local economy.

• Wider support for local growth – for example, through greater control over local growth funding for areas

Richard Bingley, Plymouth City Council Leader said: “This is a massive opportunity to increase household income, business creation and quality urban home building in our Ocean City.

“The fact that Plymouth has been selected as a first wave of investment zones is a testament to our administration’s laser-sharp focus on higher-value job creation schemes. We’ve relentlessly lobbied Government for more funding, more local freedoms, and for tax burdens across the piece to fall.”

The Government has set out the proposed tax offer within planned Investment Zones which are designed to encourage investment and new economic activity, supporting growth and jobs.

Businesses in designated areas within investment zones will benefit from 100 per cent business rates relief on newly occupied and expanded premises.

Local authorities hosting Investment Zones will receive 100 per cent of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years.

disadvantaged backgrounds or who have a disability or learning difficulties. The charity provides educational sailing sessions and courses with participants given the opportunity to undertake formal training and industry recognised qualifications.

Simon Mace, chief executive of Horizons, said: “We use sailing as a tool to create opportunities to learn practical skills through waterbased activities. Our sailors not only have fun, they gain confidence, problem solving skills, teamwork experience, and the awareness to keep themselves and others safe on the water.

“Through our activities participants build their resilience and positive character attributes, whilst gaining transferable skills that improve the chances of success in their wider lives. Donations such as this are vital in helping us to meet our essential operating and boat maintenance costs.”

Nicki Reid, sales director for Barratt Homes Exeter, said: “We are extremely passionate about supporting the communities in which we work and are delighted to have donated £1,500 to Horizons. The difference they make to the lives of young people in our area is inspiring and I would like to thank the charity, on behalf of everyone at Barratt Homes, for all that they do.”

Businesses will receive full stamp duty land tax relief on land bought for commercial or residential development and a zero rate for Employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year.

There will also be capital allowance relief to encourage investment. In addition to the tax offer, planning flexibilities are also being considered with more details about this aspect of the zones expected shortly.

The city also has adopted the Plymouth Plan and Joint Local Plan that sets out the priorities and opportunities for the city centre and waterfront as well as an agreed master plan for the city centre, all of which have been through extensive consultation.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will shortly set out the selection criteria to become an Investment Zone, and the process for designating sites within it.

Talented printmakers will be taking part in the festival

You’re invited to British Art Show 9, the UK’s most ambitious touring exhibition of contemporary art – right here in Plymouth!

From 8 October to 23 December (8 January at The Box), come and see the work of some of the country’s most exciting artists. British Art Show 9 is a free exhibition that visits four cities across the country, once every fi ve years.

British Art Show 9 showcases art produced by 37 different artists from 2015 up to now; a period that begins with Britain voting to leave the European Union and closes with the still unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.

The artists in British Art Show 9 use film, photography, painting, sculpture and performance to highlight and respond to this complex moment; exploring new modes of resistance and imagining a more hopeful world.

Whether you’re an avid art-lover or a fi rst-time visitor, don’t miss this opportunity to see this blockbuster exhibition with family, friends or by yourself, in four of the city’s best arts venues.

British Art Show 9 events include:

Curators Tour

Saturday 8 October, All venues

The Big Draw

Sunday 16 October, The Box Friday 28 October, KARST

Spotlight Talks

Selected dates, from 11am, All venues Film Programme

Selected dates, The Box, Jill Craigie Cinema and Plymouth Arts Cinema

Bitesize Talks

Selected Wednesdays, 1pm-1.45pm, See online for more details

Artist Talks

Selected Thursdays, 6pm-7pm, See online for more details

Half Term

Family Activities

22-23 and 25-29 October, The Box

Florence Peake Performance 26 November, The Box

Visit madeinplymouth.co.uk and britishartshow9.co.uk for full details and more events.

Cut out this slip and take it with you when you visit British Art Show 9 at The Box to add to our comments wall.

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Bold plans to give Armada Way a dramatic facelift

Plymouth residents have been invited to get the low down on one of the biggest and boldest city centre investment projects –the regeneration of Armada Way.

Plymouth City Council has unveiled exciting plans to revive and renew this key route into the city centre and are currently finalising the designs that will see 1980s piecemeal landscaping replaced with a new linear park over a kilometre long, lined on either side by an avenue of trees.

The aim is to create a more impressive route from North Cross roundabout through the city centre and a clear visual link to the sea, which was the original ambition of Armada Way.

The project is part of an ongoing programme designed to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces.

The information event took place on September 29 on the third floor of Drake Circus shopping mall. Council officers along with the design team for the project were on

hand to discuss the plans and answer queries.

The £12.7 million investment project is being funded through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and matched by Plymouth City Council.

As well as restoring the view to create a more impressive and grand welcome into the city centre, new features planned include play and mixed use games areas for all ages, water-based play space and water fountain jets, dramatically improved café seating areas, attractive places to stop and rest, refurbished Braille Garden and Phoenix fountain and a new stepped amphitheatre space, a new running water feature, and linear tree pits.

The Sundial and its settings will also be refurbished, a mobility hub is on the cards as well as an improved crossing on Mayflower Street to enhance north-south connectivity.

The new look will take into account climate change, with the planting of plants and trees that are more resilient to an urban environment.

A sustainable urban drainage system,

integrated into a new stream feature, will form part of a wider strategic network in the city centre. The system includes features such as reed beds, which integrate the drainage system with the new planting to make the best use of surface water.

Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “This is one of the most significant investments in public space in the country at the moment and we are doing it because we want to transform our city centre and make it more attractive to visitors, business and to investors.

“The plans have changed considerably since the public last saw them in a consultation event in 2018, so we wanted to give people the opportunity to see what’s changed –including taking a more sustainable approach. This event is a chance for residents and businesses to see what’s new and talk to the team behind the scheme.”

The work will be carried out in stages in an effort to minimise disruption to the city centre.

PLAN TO TACKLE CHILD POVERTY IN PLYMOUTH OVER NEXT THREE YEARS

A new three-year plan sets out how Plymouth City Council will work to break the cycle of child poverty and ensure that children living in the city are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The Child Poverty Action Plan for 2022 to 2025 was agreed at today’s Cabinet meeting following support from the cross-party Child Poverty Cabinet Advisory Group. The plan has four key themes:

Income and employment: ensuring the benefits of economic growth are felt by everyone and supporting the Skills for Plymouth plan.

Health and wellbeing: supporting children’s emotional and physical wellbeing and continuing the oral health improvement programme. Education and transitions: improving literacy levels, supporting children in Early Years settings to be ‘school ready’ and giving young people the skills to transition into adulthood.

Partnerships: working with private and voluntary sector partners to mitigate child poverty.

Each theme includes a number of priorities and proposed outcomes. These include increasing the number of childcare places available in areas of deprivation, improving literacy in children living in low income families, reducing the prevalence of obesity in children and improving children’s dental hygiene.

The previous plan, for 2019 to 2022, focused on similar themes and despite the impact of Covid-19 had a positive impact.

Successful outcomes included a 63 per cent increase in the number of eligible children claiming free school meals, which not only ensures they receive a healthy meal each day but also results in schools receiving additional funding to support pupils.

Reports from the Department for Work and Pensions also show that more than 770 children living in low income families moved out of poverty between March 2020 and 2021.

for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our new action plan which clearly outlines the steps that we, together with our partners, will be taking to support local families and children.

“We can’t do this on our own and I’m delighted that we’re able to work so closely with partners from the private and voluntary sectors, as well as other public sector organisations, all of whom share our ambitions to break the cycle of child poverty.”

“The plan’s four different themes give us a clear approach to tackling both the causes of child poverty, which includes helping parents into employment, and also the major symptoms.

“We’ll be taking steps to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Plymouth as well as providing opportunities for our children and young people to learn and to be inspired, setting them up for the bright future that every child deserves.”

HMS Montrose in another big drugs bust operation

Team Montrose with the

Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Montrose has delivered a fifth blow to drug runners in the Middle East this year.

Her team of sailors and Royal Marines seized around 870kg of crystal methamphetamine from a dhow in the Arabian Sea during a sixhour operation.

Persistence from the boarding team led to a secret compartment being found aboard the vessel, revealing hidden illegal narcotics.

The haul was brought back to the frigate for inspection and weighing. The drugs totalled 870kg when counted, worth around £15.5m wholesale value in the UK according to the National Crime Agency.

It’s the fifth drugs seizure of the year by the ship while operating under the international Combined Task Force 150 and means Montrose has prevented nearly £47m of illegal narcotics reaching the streets in 2022, denying the proceeds to criminals or terrorists.

The frigate, which has been deployed to the Middle East since the beginning of 2019, also seized two illegal arms shipments earlier this year – all of which underscores the importance of maintaining a major Royal Navy warship in the region on a long-term mission.

“Today we have disrupted the unlawful use of the oceans. A seizure of this size will deal a huge blow to the criminal or terrorist gangs using these illegal narcotics to fund their

“This success proves we will persistently deny criminals the freedom to conduct their illegal activity on the High Seas. Disrupting terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe.

“It is a privilege to command HMS Montrose and the incredibly professional, highly-trained and dedicated personnel that I have on my team. I could not be prouder of each and every one of them.”

The frigate is one of numerous international warships attached to Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, itself part of the wider naval security mission from Suez to the Seychelles and western seaboard of the Indian sub-continent directed from Bahrain by the Combined Maritime Forces, a partnership of 38 nations committed to safety, security and the free

passage of trade on the key sea lanes in the Middle East.

CTF 150 is one of several task groups in the region. It has a specific remit to conduct maritime security operations across a vast area spanning the Red and Arabian Seas, and much of the Indian Ocean, where it combats drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal weapons.

Devonport-based HMS Montrose pounced after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats.

Royal Marines from Bickleigh based 42 Commando – the UK military’s specialists in these operations –seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo.

“The team did really well and I’m really pleased with the outcome. We initially found ten bags, but we suspected there was more. Once we got behind a false bulkhead we found a compartment full of illegal narcotics,” said Lieutenant Liam Speed, the Royal Navy boarding officer.

Combined Task Force 150 Commander Commodore Almutairi Abdullah of the Royal Saudi Navy said: “This was a successful day for Combined Task Force 150.

“We work with other Combined Maritime Forces nations to deter the illicit use of the sea. Successful boardings like this help to deter people from using the sea for criminal purposes. Being able to reassure our regional partners that the task force is strengthening our maritime security.”

Commodore Adrian Fryer, the senior Royal Navy officer in the Middle East – and also Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, said that once again the concerted international naval effort had delivered results, preventing ‘a significant quantity of illegal narcotics from reaching its destination.’

He continued: “The professionalism of all involved from the command of the task force through to the boarding team is demonstrative of our commitment to maintaining rulesbased order at sea.

“I look forward to continued success for CTF 150 and HMS Montrose.”

activity,” said Commander Claire Thompson, the frigate’s Commanding Officer.

Royal Marines from 42 Commando at Bickleigh board the vessel

Historic landmark as Jack Leslie statue is unveiled at Home Park

Plymouth Argyle and Home Park was the focus of massive media attention in October when the statue of former player Jack Leslie was unveiled at a special ceremony attended by hundreds of people.

Jack Leslie should have been England’s first black player when he was named in the squad to play Ireland in 1925. But when the selectors discovered his heritage, his name mysteriously disappeared from the team sheet.

Jack went on to make 400 appearances for Argyle, scoring 137 goals, winning promotion and being appointed club captain.

After leaving Argyle in the mid30s he later went on to spend over 15 years as the boot-boy for West Ham United, ensuring the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Trevor Brooking had perfectly-prepared and polished boots for their matches.

In the light of Jack’s unjust treatment a Crowdfunder campaign to honour Jack was launched by two lifelong Argyle supporters, lawyer Greg Foxsmith and musician Matt Tiller. The campaign, to see a statue of Jack installed at Home Park, caught the attention of football fans and organisations all over Plymouth, as well as the rest of the UK. The target of £100,000 was reached in just six weeks.

Since then, together with a committee of volunteers, Plymouth Argyle and Jack Leslie’s three granddaughters Lyn, Lesley and Gill, the campaign organisers Greg and Matt have worked tirelessly to bring the statue project to fruition.

Fittingly during Black History Month, the statue was unveiled on October 7 by Jack’s granddaughters in a

ceremony attended by around 40 members of Jack’s family, Argyle ambassador Ronnie Mauge, West Ham ambassador Carlton Cole and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

Carlton Cole said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the Jack Leslie Statue at Home Park and to represent West Ham United in paying tribute.

“For all Black footballers, Jack is a true pioneer. His story is incredible, moving from Barking Town to Plymouth Argyle in an outstanding playing career, before returning to East London and working at West Ham United, a club that has always had diversity embedded throughout - something that makes me extremely proud.

“It is so sad that Jack was denied the chance to play for his country due to the colour of his skin, but today shows how far we have come in sport and society, and Jack would be so proud of this moment.”

Argyle’s first team squad were present at the event, along with dozens of invited guests and local schoolchildren.

The unveiling was filmed by BBC and ITV, along with other broadcasters.

Features about the campaign and Jack’s statue were broadcast on national radio and TV, including BBC News, Football Focus and The One Show.

And the ‘icing on the cake’ for Jack’s family came with the announcement at the ceremony that he had been awarded a posthumous England cap by the FA.

Leading sculptor Andy Edwards - who previously created statues of football and music legends, such as The Beatles, Bob Marley, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough – was commissioned to

create the 12 feet tall bronze statue.

Campaign organisers Matt Tiller (left) and Greg Foxsmith pictured with Jack Leslie’s granddaughters Lesley, Lyn and Gill Photos: GreensonScreen/Matt Ellacott Photography

Special day for Argyle supporter Charlie who saw legend Jack play

The unveiling of the statue of Jack Leslie was a poignant moment for his three granddaughters and other members of his family - but it was also a very special occasion for a 96-year-old lifelong Argyle supporter from Southway.

After reading a story in the Plymouth Chronicle about the unveiling plans, Charlie Trevethan wrote to the newspaper pointing out that he was probably the only person alive who saw Jack play.

Charlie started watching Argyle in 1931 at the age of just seven and remembers vividly Jack’s goal-scoring feats.

Charlie said: “I know it was coming to end of Jack’s career, but he and outside left Sammy Black were always consistent goalscorers.”

He added: “I hope Jack’s granddaughters know that there is someone still alive who saw their grandad play.”

After receiving Charlie’s letter, Chronicle editor Chris Girdler contacted the Jack Leslie Statue campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller to let them know about Charlie and to ensure that Jack’s granddaughters were also made aware of the fact that there was a supporter alive who had seen him play at Home Park.

Although Charlie is housebound, arrangements were made to get him to Home Park on the morning of the unveiling, so that he could witness the historic occasion.

Charlie was literally treated like a celebrity during the event. Not only did he get to meet Jack’s granddaughters Lesley, Lyn and Gill, but also other members of Jack’s extended family who were at the ceremony.

He was also introduced to Argyle chief executive Andrew Parkinson, as well as the campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller and West Ham legend Carlton Cole.

Grandaughter Lesley said: “We were all delighted to meet Charlie - he is such a wonderful gentleman with an incredible recollection of grandad’s playing days at Argyle.”

Charlie also got to meet Argyle manager Steve Schumacher, who spent several minutes chatting to him about football.

Charlie is not a great fan of the modern style of playing the ball out from the back and he made that clear to Schuey, as well as encouraging the team to score more goals (something which they did the following day against Accrington Stanley!)

He was also interviewed by the Daily Mail, local radio and a number of TV channels. He also featured in coverage of the event on BBC Spotlight and ITV West Country News that evening.

Charlie said: “This has been one of the best days of my life. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Special thanks to Chris Girdler and his friend Les Walters for getting me to the ground and taking me home afterwards. I never dreamt that I would be able to attend the unveiling in person.”

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Charlie Trevethan, who is 96, chatting with Argyle manager Steve Schumacher at the unveiling ceremony

Charlie Trevethan,who watched Jack Leslie at Home Park pictured in the shadow of the statue

Local partnership gives smiles back to domestic abuse survivors

Award-winning local women’s charity,

has announced it is

with Plymouth-based Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) to deliver life-changing dental treatment to those women affected by domestic violence and abuse.

In the UK, one in four women will experience domestic abuse, while one in 20 women experience extensive and repeated abuse and rape as children and adults. In Devon & Cornwall, there are 14,700 women victims of domestic abuse per year.

Women affected by domestic violence often experience immediate dental trauma like damage to teeth or loss of teeth and ongoing health problems related to lack of dental treatment. This can further lower their self-esteem even when they escape the violence because they no longer feel able to smile.

Many women at Trevi’s Jasmine Residential Recovery Centre and those accessing their Sunflower Women’s Centre may also have been homeless or sleeping rough for a time. In this instance, poor general dental health means they often suffer from severe dental problems such as pain and the lack of any teeth, causing difficulty with eating and speech.

Dental damage serves as a visible reminder of the abuse that survivors have experienced and can significantly affect their confidence. By restoring the smiles and oral health of women affected by domestic violence, can have a significant impact on their lives.

SailGP winner of prestigious new Green Award

SailGP has won a top accolade in the first edition of the BBC Green Sport Awards.

SailGP which was a huge success in Plymouth in the summer won the Ambition and Impact Award - one of just five BBC Green Sport Awards. It is awarded to any elite, professional or or high-performance sporting body involved in the organisation of, or participation in, competitive sport that has net zero and reduction emissions targets by a specified date.

SailGP was lauded by the judging panel of leading sustainability experts for its brave and ambitious approach to purpose, in particular the introduction of its ground-breaking ‘Impact League’ – a second leaderboard which runs alongside the Season Championship and rewards teams for the positive actions they take to reduce their overall carbon footprint and accelerate inclusivity in the sport.

SailGP was also credited for winning three gold medals in the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, setting an ambitious target of 55 per cent reduction of its carbon footprint by 2025 and having already made significant progress in Scope 1 and 2 reductions.

SailGP global director of purpose and impact Fiona Morgan said: “I’m so proud that all our staff and athletes’ hard work and the league’s bold and ambitious approach to sustainability in sports has been recognised at such a high level. It’s fantastic to see the BBC as such a global media organisation creating these awards to celebrate the power of sport in tackling the climate crisis and engaging their audience on such a crucial issue.

“We’re only at the start of our journey at SailGP and we’re excited about achieving our ambition to be the world’s most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports platform, as well as inspiring other sports to do things differently.”

Tammy spoke about her experience of dental trauma during a frightening time in her life and the impact dental treatment will has on her life.

She said: “My teeth have never been perfect.

However, for years I was in a very violent relationship where my ex-partner literally pulled some of my teeth out with a pair of scissors damaging other teeth at the same time. This really affected my mental health, self-esteem and confidence - it was literally like something you would expect to see in a horror movie!

“On discovering I was pregnant and escaping the relationship I fled to a women’s refuge and relocated to Plymouth with the help and support of Trevi. I have tried on numerous occasions to get a dentist here in Plymouth only to be told that there is currently a long waiting list for NHS dentists and I can’t afford to go private.

“I have been able to have teeth removed that were broken and causing pain and other times I

have had to literally pull teeth out myself due to the pain and not being able to access a dentist. I now have no bottom teeth at all and on the top all I have left are a couple of broken stubs that are basically just the roots.

“Every time I look at myself in a mirror it’s a constant reminder of the domestic abuse I suffered for so many years and would love to put that behind me, it makes me feel quite depressed. It would mean so much to me to be able to smile with confidence again.”

Plymouth-based Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise has a reputation in the community for supporting vulnerable adults, including the homeless in the community. They visited Trevi to meet with Ruth and some of the women in need of dental treatment.

As a result, community dentist, Elizabeth Murphy, is now providing regular treatment to Jasmine residents on a Thursday. She meets with the mums and looks at priority needs. Treatment could include

PLYMOUTH CHRONICLE

fillings, extractions and dentures. The impact for the women is huge, allowing them to improve their smiles and build their self-esteem.

Ruth Branagh, Jasmine Recovery Centre manager, said: “Many of our residents have lost teeth due to domestic violence, substance misuse and sleeping rough for many years.  At Jasmine, there is no judgement, and we welcome our residents just as they are.  However, we recognise that as our mums start on their road to recovery and building selfesteem, part of that confidence comes from their beautiful smile.

“The offer from Peninsula Dental Community Outreach Team to provide dental treatment for our ladies will make an enormous difference and will definitely give them something to smile about.  We are thrilled to collaborate with the team and Elizabeth Murphy, the community dentist.”

Karen Burn, Dental Outreach lead for PDSE said: “I am really excited that we are able to offer this service to the women at Jasmine Recovery Centre, as they are a group of people who really need this service to boost their recovery and self-esteem. The impact of poor oral health is far greater than just someone with tooth decay, it can affect their general health with links to heart disease and stroke.

“I am also delighted to be able to support the women in looking after their children’s teeth, by delivering a training workshop where they can ask questions and learn about the importance of good oral health for their children.”

Elizabeth Murphy (front) with members of the Peninsula Dental team and Ruth Branagh, Jasmine Recovery Centre Manager (second from right back row)

HMS Drake’s chaplaincy Haven gets a makeover and re-launch

Sailors and Royal Marines from Devonport have welcomed the bright new environment and facilities after the re-launch of ‘The Haven’ in HMS Drake.

Part of the Chaplaincy and managed by Aggie Weston Pastoral Workers, ‘The Haven’ helps provide pastoral support to those serving, and service families by reaching out to those in and around the area, whether through events at ‘The Haven’, departmental or ships’ ‘Pop-Up Standeasies’ around the base, or by strengthening those establishing links with other agencies of the Royal Naval Welfare Services.

The Aggies Pastoral Workers build on the original work done by the founder of Aggies - Dame Agnes Weston in 1876, supporting Sailors and Royal Marines and their families with a strong Christian Ethos driving all that she did.

New to the Chaplaincy Pastoral team at Devonport are Kate Thorn and Simon Reckless, who have worked tirelessly to bring the re-launch together.

Chaplain Tim Wilkinson said, “Kate and Si, our Aggies Pastoral Workers have breathed new life into the Haven. It now looks welcoming and loved. But most importantly Kate and Si are friendly, wise and compassionate; always looking for ways they can help and support our people”.

“We really can boast a number of great improvements to the layout of The Haven”, said Kate. “We’ve look to make it all feel a bit more accommodating, new art displays on the walls and an art corner where people are invited to try out their artistic capability, new plants, a newly refurbished pool table, hot drinks availability and access to a kitchen area, as well as a tourist corner with up-to-date information on local attractions shopping and entertainment for those new to the Plymouth area. It really is a one-stop shop”.

‘The Haven’ now has two areas, Haven 1 is designed with comfortable sofas, TVs, DVDs, books, games and a pool table for those wishing to relax after a hard day.

Haven 2 is intended as a multi-functional space which is more secluded and peaceful, capable of hosting a range of different activities such as monthly movie nights on the projector screen, Yoga nights run by serving personnel who have expressed an interest in leading the class, two weekly ladies’ nights including mocktails and a Parent and Baby/Toddler area for ‘Storytime’

sessions during the day, and lots more.

Haven 2 also has a specific area where deploying personnel can record popular children’s stories for a loved one through the Aggies Storybook Waves programme.

These recordings are then sent off to Aggies HQ for editing, and sound effects are added before a Storybook Waves pack is then sent out to the deploying person’s family with the recording (including a message from the parent), a copy of the book, a children’s deployment journal for the child to fill out during the deployment, with a range of emotion emojis on each page from happy to sad, and some nice tokens and a miniature medal for the child.

Simon added: “Both Haven 1 and Haven 2 have new 24/7 opening hours, for those who are working late or on shift work and need space away from their rooms to come and relax.”

To accompany the new schedule of upcoming events, people are invited to join the Aggies Devonport ‘WhatsonWhatsApp’ group to stay up to date with the latest activities at the Haven.

Aggie Weston Pastoral Workers Simon Reckless and Kate Thorn

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Tough decisions needed to tackle projected city council’s overspend

Further tough decisions will be needed over the coming weeks as Plymouth City Council continues to address extraordinary budget pressures caused by rapidly rising energy costs and other national and international factors.

Cabinet member for Finance Mark Shayer said the council’s recovery plan will leave no stone unturned to identify ways of reducing costs to deal with the unprecedented budget pressures it is facing for this stage in the financial year.

Councillor Shayer said: “Last month we identified a potential overspend of £13.6 million, caused in large part by national issues beyond our control which are impacting all councils across the country. Since then we have been working hard to identify savings but at the same time have also identified further unavoidable increases in our costs.

“Our additional costs this year now amount to £14.8 million but the work we have done so far means we are in a position to reduce the projected overspend to £8.7 million – a saving of £6.1 million already. This is good progress but it remains a very serious position to be in at this stage in the financial year, especially when we know we will have a very significant shortfall in the resources we need to set a balanced budget for next year.

Emergency help points are now active on city streets

Thirteen new ‘help points’ have been installed in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley as part of a package of measures to make people, especially women and girls, feel safer.

The well-lit help points are located near new and existing CCTV sites, offering increased surveillance in areas of higher footfall where there is a perceived fear of crime, as well as statistically higher crime rates.

Anyone who activates them is automatically connected to the Council’s 24/7 CCTV control room, which has direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth

Against Retail Crime team.

Lighting will brighten on activation and cameras nearby will move to pick up the help points so staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way.

The help points are part of a package of measures awarded Safer Streets 3 funding from the Home Office to target violent crime against women and girls and improve feelings of safety by:

• strengthening the local environment to improve safe passage

• targeting prevention

Councillor Rebecca Smith and Councillor Jonathan Drean pictured at one of emergency help points

• helping the community to develop their own solutions, reclaim community spaces and improve guardianship.

They have been installed at the following locations, selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, bars or local schools nearby.

• Armada Way (near the sundial)

• High Street Primary Academy, Stonehouse

• King Street Pharmacy, Stonehouse

• Mayflower Street (at the Armada Way junction)

• Mutley Plain (outside Starbucks)

• North Hill (outside Spar)

“This is urgent and we have to take decisive action. We will leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.”

“We have now launched a recovery plan that includes thorough reviews of all fees and charges, our procurements and contracts, our capital programme costs, management of debts, reserves, grants and subsidies, our buildings and estates and our current transformation initiatives.

Councillor Mark Shayer

“This is urgent and we have to take decisive action. We will leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.

“While we want to protect services as much as we can, with a budget shortfall this large we simply can’t expect to be able to carry on doing everything we currently do to the same level. Until we get a clear indication of the amount of government financial support, if any, we may have to pause or withdraw some discretionary services. Statutory services of course remain protected.”

A report to Cabinet in September said authorities across the country are facing similar issues due to rising costs. Plymouth’s cost pressures include £7 million of non-controllable costs, including a £4.3 million rise in energy costs.

The council is forecasting that gas bills for its buildings estate, including the crematoria, will increase from £334,000 to £984,000, while electricity bills will increase from £1.3 million to £2.7 million. The energy costs of lighting Plymouth’s streets will rise by £1.1 million and fuel bills for the council’s fleet of more than 200 essential vehicles such as refuse lorries have risen by more than £64,000.

The ongoing impact of the pandemic is also being seen in other rising costs and demand pressures. Changes to people’s working habits have led to an increase in the amount of domestic waste that needs to collected, adding to our annual collection costs. Demand for social care and emergency accommodation has also increased, while income from parking and libraries has decreased.

Councillor Shayer added: “This is not a position that any council administration wants to be in but this emergency has happened on our watch and we will deal with it.

“We are very conscious that families in Plymouth are experiencing the same issues at home that we are as a council, with bills rising to a level no one could have anticipated. We will always listen to the views of all councillors and especially Plymouth residents as we go through this process.”

• Old Town Street

• Royal Parade (Armada Way pedestrian crossing)

• Southside Street (one at Friary’s Lane junction and another outside the Crown and Anchor pub)

• Union Street (one outside Lidl and another on The Octagon)

• West Hoe Park

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities and Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, said: “We want everybody, especially women and girls, to feel safe when they walk around Plymouth’s streets.

“These help points are just one the practical measures we have introduced to improve public safety and hopefully reassure people as they go about their business, whether they are shopping, enjoying a night out or just getting from A to B.”

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We worked with partners and the police to agree locations for the new help points and areas around the city centre, waterfront, Mutley and North Hill were selected as they see high footfall, in particular during the evening.”

The Home Office award was secured via a partnership bid by the Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, NSPCC, Eddystone Trust, University of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association and Street Pastors.

Woodside bowled over by club’s fund-raising

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust has been presented with a cheque for £650 raised by Plympton Bowling Club.

Each year club members select a charity to benefit from the annual charity day and this year it was Woodside which was chosen. A cheque was presented to Maria from Woodside by Plympton Bowling Club president Jan Stapleton accompanied by bowling club members and committee. The day was meticulously organised by Derek Scantlebury and the club’s competition secretary Bob Williams who is responsible for the organisation of all internal club competitions.

The money was raised by the club members having fun playing a ‘Triples Charity Event’ helped with generous donations, raffle prizes plus other money-raising ideas. The club is proud of its charity fund raising events and thanks are due to everyone who assisted and donated. Since 2004 the club has raised in excess of £13,000 for mainly local charities.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Plympton Bowling Club send best wishes to the staff at Woodside, who we applaud for carrying out such a splendid and worthwhile service for animal lovers throughout Plymouth and the South West.

“This band of volunteers are crucial with regard to the

Maria from Woodside, accompanied by Rita the Doberman n, receives the cheque from club president Jan Stapleton

support, health, wellbeing and re-homing of abandon and unwanted animals and are dependent entirely upon donations made by individuals and event raising such as this, in order to be able to carry out their dedicated work.

Maria from Woodside said: “A big thank you this will be a great help in these trying times.” Woodside can be contacted on 01752 347503 or visit their website at www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk

LATE

Special late night buses will be running on Saturday nights until the end of the year to help Plymouth’s pub and club goers get home safely.

The night buses will run three routes from Derry’s Cross at midnight and then 2am and 4am. Each route will be run three times a night.

Route 1 is Devonport – St Budeaux – Ernesettle

– Whitleigh – Southway – Crownhill – Peverell –Mutley

Route 2 is St Judes – Alexandra Road – Lipson – Embankment – Woodford – Chaddlewood –Ridgeway – Merafield – Haye Road – Elburton –Plymstock – Cattedown

Route 3 is Mutley – Lower Compton – Higher Compton – Deer Park – Lower Eggbuckland – Leigham – Estover – Derriford – Woolwell –Crownhill – Manadon – Ham – North Prospect

The buses will help people to plan their journey home even before they go out as the tickets can be pre-booked online to guarantee seats.

A flat fare of £7 will be charged for all trips and can be booked in advance here www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/plymouth-city-council-54258558723

Tickets can also be purchased on the night through the website, but only if there are spaces available.

Security staff – with body cameras – will be on the buses for the safety of all passengers and to make sure there’s no unruly behaviour as well as recording who is getting on the bus.

The service has been made possible thanks to funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets 4 initiative, which focuses on interventions aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), enhancing the safety of public spaces for all.

The University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police secured just over £670,000 for projects to help Plymouth’s residents feel safer. Councillor Rebecca Smith, Chair of the Plymouth Commission on Violence against Women and Girls, said: “This is amazing news. We’ve heard time and again that people are struggling to get home after a night out because they can’t get a taxi or a bus and I’m sure many residents from across the city will be thrilled and relieved to hear these buses are running each weekend.”

Cat Macdonald, chair and coordinator of Plymouth’s Best Bar None, which is an accreditation scheme for licensed premises, said: “We want people to enjoy our great night life and this service will help address the question of how to get home after a night out. This is welcome news for our trade – especially at this difficult time.

“We know people who’ve walked an hour and a half to get home as they couldn’t get taxis, so this we hope will make it easier to get home.”

Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, commander of Plymouth Police and chair of Safer Plymouth, said: “We’ve been listening to what our residents have told us and know that late-night transport has been a problem for some time. “We’re delighted to see this initiative for Plymouth, which aims to help people get home safely.

“Safer Streets funding has enabled us to do this as a trial. If this service proves successful and is well-used, it could become a regular thing which we think will keep people safer and make for a more enjoyable evening out. The more people use it, the more likely it can stay for the future.”

Breast care charity launches major campaign – as figures reveal fewer local women attend screenings

A Plymouth-based breast care charity is launching a three-year campaign to boost the money it raises for local NHS breast services and to increase awareness of the importance of breast care.

The campaign by The Primrose Foundation comes as latest figures show a worrying drop in the number of women in the area attending breast screening. The campaign launch in October 2022 coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The charity, which is based at the Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital, is also using the ‘Support Us to Support You’ campaign to emphasise the benefits of wearing the right fitted bra. And it says that if just 10% of the 25,000-plus people who use the breast care service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust annually donated the cost of one bra each year, it would raise tens of thousands of pounds.

On average, the local service diagnoses 400 cancers every year, many of them detected at screening appointments at Plymouth Guildhall or the mobile screening van. Yet the uptake for screening appointments locally is declining and as many as 30% of those invited are not getting screened.

Dr Karen Paisley, Consultant Radiologist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Director of Breast Screening, hopes the campaign will encourage more to come forward when they are called for their routine checks: “This is a really exciting opportunity to raise breast awareness and promote our breast screening service, especially as the uptake for breast screening across West Devon and East Cornwall has unfortunately gone down to 70% according to recent annual figures.

‘’I am extremely grateful to The Primrose Foundation for their great work in supporting The Primrose Breast Care Centre, our staff and consequently our patients,” she added.

The Primrose Foundation has raised millions of pounds since it was launched in 1995. Its aim at the outset was to help fund a one stop breast care clinic at Derriford Hospital, which was achieved in 2001, with match funding from the then Plymouth Hospitals Trust.

Madeleine Matthews, Fundraising Coordinator for The Primrose Foundation, said that ‘Support Us to Support You’ has several aims: “This is a unique campaign over three years, and it could not be better timed, with the recent

drop in people attending screening - even though we know how vital it is in providing early detection and diagnosis. The main aim therefore is to raise breast awareness and to encourage people to attend their breast screening.

“We are also hoping it will raise awareness about The Primrose Foundation and the incredible work that the charity does. We want to encourage new support from patients and local businesses, so that we can raise even more money for breast care services in our area.”

The Foundation is particularly keen to forge closer links with supermarkets across West Devon and East Cornwall, with the hope that they can display the charity’s information about breast screening, who is eligible, and when screening is being carried out in specific areas. It is also inviting local organisations to become a corporate sponsor of The Primrose Foundation, with the charity offering a range of corporate sponsorship benefits.

Another big part of the campaign is to emphasise the importance of a correctly fitted bra.  The campaign is supported by Marks & Spencer Plymouth, which offers a free bra fit service.

Madeleine said: “Your bra offers a vital support role because a wellfitted bra supports your posture, confidence, and health. Like your bra, The Primrose Foundation supports your breast too. We offer support to those that require breast care, including breast cancer care, so with this campaign, we are asking: ‘would you support us so we can continue to support you’?

“We are incredibly proud of all our amazing achievements over the past 26 years, all of which have been possible thanks to the wonderful encouragement and support we receive locally,” she added

“It is a privilege to help the Primrose Breast Care Centre at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and know that together we are ensuring the best possible breast care services are provided to patients and their families across West Devon and East Cornwall.”

To get involved or donate to the campaign, visit The Primrose Foundation’s JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/campaign/ supportustosupportyouSupermarkets and organisations wishing to take part in the campaign can contact Madeleine by email at madeleine@ primrosefoundation.org or on 01752 975217. For more information about the charity’s work, visit www.primrosefoundation.org

PANTOSAURUS GETS THE MESSAGE ACROSS

A pant-wearing dinosaur has been pounding the streets of Plymouth as he looks to spread an important message to children in the city.

Pantosaurus is a popular figure among school children in Plymouth as he is mascot for the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, which aims to educate children and help them talk about abuse without using scary words.

The NSPCC and Plymouth’s Together for Childhood partners are further highlighting the campaign with PANTS Week in October.

The PANTS campaign, with the help of Pantosaurus, provides parents, carers and professionals with a simple and age-appropriate way to talk to children aged between three and 11 in their care about sexual abuse, using ageappropriate language.During the week, NSPCC staff, partners and volunteers have accompanied the friendly mascot to a variety of schools, early years venues and a library as part of their activity for

the awareness raising week.The PANTS rule uses a simple acronym:

P - privates are private

A - always remember your body belongs to you

N - no means no

T - talk about secrets that upset you

S - speak up, someone can help  NSPCC’s local campaigns Manager, Emma Motherwell said: “This is our second annual PANTS Week in Plymouth and it’s fantastic to see the on-going support from across the city to keep these vital messages top of mind for professionals, parents and children.

“We know the impact that simple conversations can have in helping to keep children safe so we hope this week will get as many people as possible talking PANTS.” The week is an annual event, after the campaign was launched in Plymouth two years ago and falls under the ongoing Together for Childhood partnership that works to prevent child sexual abuse in the city. To find out more about the

Members of the breast screening team (from left) Raquel Barbon, Sophie Geary, Janet McClancy, Karen Bates and Theresa Williams

campaign, visit the NSPCC’s website www.nspcc. org.uk/pants or sign up for free tips and advice on talking PANTS via email by searching https://bit.ly/ PANTSemail

THE HOW DO YOU COMPARE?

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms PlymouthExperience

I was intrigued to read a recent article which stated that any day now the world’s population could tip over the 8 billion mark. 8 billion people! Absolutely staggering.

What is even more amazing to me is the reality that each one of us is unique. That is really quite something when considering how many people there are on the planet. In fact current research suggests that even identical twins don’t share 100% DNA so even those who are most alike are not the same.

Given we are all unique we have quite a tendency to compare ourselves to others. For years people have compared themselves to celebrities and in fact a huge subsection of advertising and marketing is devoted to it. Sports stars are chosen for branding campaigns for products related to health so that we, the consumers, desire the product if we aspire to be like that person. The same goes for film stars in perfume adverts and a whole range of other examples.

Now with social media we are even more drawn to comparison. We look at the highlight reel

images and posts from our friends and family and can’t help but compare ourselves and our lives to theirs.

Comparison can be helpful. It might be you compare yourself to a sportsperson and become inspired to take part in a particular sport or activity yourself. Or perhaps you look up to a particular business person and comparing yourself to them motivates you to change your business habits to become more successful.

Quite often though comparison is destructive. It can chip away at our self-esteem and self-worth without us even being aware of it.

Becoming aware of the comparisons we make and how we compare to others in our own minds is useful in maintaining positive mental health. Do you often have thoughts like: ‘I wish I looked more like him/her’, ‘my house is a mess compared to theirs’, ‘I’m not

Special Council meeting pays tribute to the Queen

Members of Plymouth City Council have agreed a motion expressing their profound sorrow at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and extend their deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles III and members of the Royal Family.

At the special meeting on September 30, the council was united in its tributes to Her Majesty – unanimously paying their respects on behalf of the city. Councillors not only shared their condolences, but also their reflections and memories of Queen Elizabeth II.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, who proposed the motion, said: “It is right that all councillors come together to pay tribute on behalf of the council and their residents to such a well-loved monarch.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the paragon of public service ever since her commitment to the British people at the age of 21. Her life was an example to all of us in the Council chamber who have committed to public service by serving the people of Plymouth with duty, integrity, selflessness, objectivity, accountability and stewardship, openness, honesty, leadership and respect.

“She will be greatly missed. This special meeting of the council has allowed all elected members to pay tribute, and give the official recognition for the love and respect in which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was held by our city.”

The sole item for debate on the agenda was a motion which stated:

The death of the Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 has united people across the country, commonwealth and world in grief.

Her Majesty was welcomed in Plymouth, both as a Princess and a Queen, many times. One of her most special visits to the city was when she opened the Civic Centre in 1962. This was a milestone in the rebuilding of Plymouth after the devastation of the Blitz.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth also unveiled the Sundial in Plymouth city centre in 1988 with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Armada celebrations. Over her seven-decade reign, she showed unwavering and inspirational dedication in service of the nation and the Commonwealth.

This Council therefore resolves to:

Give thanks for the exceptional 70 years of service of the late Queen Elizabeth II

Offer its deep condolences, and those of the people of Plymouth, to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family on the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II

Express to His Majesty the King our loyalty and our conviction that His Majesty will strive to continue the resolute commitment to the happiness and prosperity of his subjects now and in the years to come.

as confident as that person’? When you spend time on social media do you leave feeling better or worse about yourself? If you feel worse is it because you’ve been comparing yourself to others?

Even when comparison leaves us feeling better about ourselves it can be for the wrong reasons. We might compare ourselves favourably to others but what we’re really doing is looking down on someone else; increasing our sense of pride or arrogance and decreasing our ability to empathise and care for others.

As you’ve been reading this article it may have come to mind quite how much comparison you do every day. In writing it I have certainly assessed this myself! It is rife in our society and the world at large and it doesn’t seem as though anyone is immune.

To put ourselves on a more positive footing I

think it is vital we recognise our uniqueness. Not only is it a remarkable fact that we are unique but I believe it is no coincidence.

I believe we were created to be unique. The good book talks about humans as being ‘created in the image of God’. I believe that in our individual uniqueness there is something of the image of our creator. The part of the image we hold isn’t matched exactly in anyone else on the planet.

In uniqueness there is also immense value. The monetary value of an item is decided by its scarcity. Fine art is auctioned for millions because every original piece is unique.

If you’re feeling particularly weighed down by comparison today then stop and take a moment to realise that you are that original piece of art. Whatever else you have told yourself today you have immense value because there is not and nor will there ever be anyone that is just like you.

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

Pay What You Decide attracts new audiences to the Barbican Theatre

Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre is celebrating the impact of a year of selling all their shows as Pay What You Decide tickets, which has encouraged risk taking and brought in new audiences.

The Pay What You Decide events offer audiences the opportunity to pay whatever they feel an event is worth to them - including no payment at all. Audiences can pay when they book or after they have seen the show.

During 2021-22 over 3,100 Pay What You Decide tickets were issued generating income of £17,224 and the theatre’s data shows that over 60 per cent of those attending were new audiences.

Laura Kreifman, Barbican Theatre’s chief executive said: “We’re fuelling a new consistent audience, with shows selling extraordinarily well and with our ‘small’ venue achieving a reach of over two million people in the last two years.

“Our passion has been about creating new routes into seeing ‘culture’ and that means we have to rethink everything from price, value, how you talk about money, coded and biassed language and advertising, what copy and images actually say to totally new techniques to reach different audiences.”

Jo Cann, Barbican Theatre’s marketing and communications manager said: “Feedback from audiences has been incredible, and proves to the Barbican team that Pay What You Decide is making a huge difference to who can attend and benefit from the experience of culture and live events.

“We have spent a great deal of time making sure the language used to communicate how Pay What You Decide works is both accessible and transparent and it’s genuinely so great to see how this has really worked for us and our audiences.

“We now know that the average price people can actually afford to take a risk on seeing a show is just over £9 a ticket.

“While this has an impact on our box office yield, we’re fuelling a consistent new audience, with shows selling extraordinarily well and with our small venue achieving a reach of over two million people

in the last two years.”

Barbican Theatre was able to commit to a year of Pay What You Decide thanks to the support of the Esmee Fairbairn and Garfield Western Foundation.

Another new season of Pay What You Decide events has been announced including Malaika Kegode & Jakabol’s Outlier (gig/theatre October 14-15), Scratchworks’Hags: A Magical Extravaganza’ (comedy/ theatre October 28-29) and Vincent Dance Theatre’s Hold Tight (dance/ theatre November 12).

Tickets are all available at barbicantheatre.co.uk

Bishi performing at one of Barbican Theatre’s Pay What You Decide shows

Dave Simpson

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Work on new Central Park ponds to begin

Work on Central Park’s newest attraction is set to begin.

A network of ponds and features to capture rainwater are planned for the area near the pond at the Barn Park Road entrance, turning this corner into a home for wildlife as well as somewhere for people to enjoy the surroundings.

It is part of a system that uses sustainable drainage that also includes a swale - a shallow channel to capture water run-off – to allow nature to help reduce the localised flooding that occurs in this part of the park.

Repairs to drains and paths as well as the addition of a number of new trees around this area to help contribute to improved air quality and increase biodiversity in the park are also on the list.

Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “Central Park has long been one of the city’s most-loved green spaces – adored and visited by residents for generations.

“These works are essential to ensuring that this part of the park is protected from our ever-changing climate and while it may not look a bit muddy while work is ongoing, it will soon flourish into a place where people can come and enjoy the water and the diverse wildlife that the new ponds will encourage.”

Planning permission for the project was initially approved in July 2020, but was revised in early 2022 with measures to further benefit wildlife and give the scheme a more natural aesthetic, while also addressing some comments received during the consultation for the first planning application. The designs show vegetated walls planted with wildflower seed mixes and spaces for residents to enjoy the new ponds, with opportunities for education and engagement to learn about water and wildlife.

Works will begin in October and are expected to be complete by next summer.

For the first four months of the works, there will be a day time closure on Coronation Avenue, which links Milehouse Park and Ride with the Barn Park corner.

The closure will only effect the bottom half of the path, with pedestrians and dismounted cyclists diverted through Pounds Park. The closure will be lifted at weekends and in the evenings and local signage will be in place.

Find out more at https://new.plymouth.gov. uk/central-park

Unique fashion show raises £5,000 for Chestnut Appeal

Plymouth designer fashion brand, Identity Fashion, together with Bulgarian designer, Nikolay Pachev, organised a unique fashion show in Royal William Yard for the local community, raising more than £5,000 for the Chestnut Appeal for men’s health.

The collection presented was entitled ‘HUG’ based on the idea that individuals are essential to one another and should cherish each moment shared together.

“The concept behind HUG is simple: I’m here for you, I am standing by your side, I am holding your hand. It’s all about support,” said the internationally acclaimed designer, Nikolay Pachev.

When creating the clothes, Pachev used prints of hands and deconstructed geometric shapes to create a unique look.

The show started with classic 80s power suits which evolved to V-silhouette trenches, silk-layered kimonos, and volume pleated dresses. The high point of the show was several huge puffer jackets that resembled hands embracing the body.

The event marked the third collaboration between lifelong friends Denitsa AvramovaBastable, owner of Identity Fashion, and Nikolay Pachev who had previously worked together on other collections.

In order to strengthen the message behind the show, Bastable and Pachev chose friends and close ones to walk the runway.

The collection was shown in three parts culminating in a performance by Bulgarian contemporary dance artist, Aleksandra Spasova. When models were not strutting down the runway, people had the opportunity to bid in an auction for luxury items.

Denitsa said: “Identity Fashion is all about supporting your own style and identity and helping you wear what makes you feel good. We want to put Plymouth on the fashion map

and ‘HUG’ was a cutting-edge show that could fit right into London Fashion Week. Nikolay’s designs are not only superbly stylish but also thought-provoking. The show was a real celebration of people supporting each other.

“Identity Fashion is a lifestyle brand and is all about community. It supports local artists showcasing their work and offering a platform for them to be seen. Our passion is helping the community and I feel we achieve this with the more personal approach we have when customers visit us.

“We have a team of young designers that help us to create unique sustainable fashion with high-quality fabrics that last beyond the seasons and we do our own unique jewellery in our shops to compliment our looks. Our collections are exclusive, bespoke and unique.

“We are based in the beautiful Mills Bakery building in Royal William Yard. It’s such a unique destination, just like our designs.”

All funds raised went to the Chetsnut Appeal. Lesley-Ann Simpson from the Appeal said: “We’d like to thank Identity Fashion for choosing Chestnut as their charity. What a show it was!

“The evening was very well supported, with the help of some very generous people. Thousands of pounds were raised towards finding the missing men of the pandemic. Over 350 men were tested at our PSA testing

Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers co-founder, and Plymouth Deputy Mayor Cllr Chris Penberthy were among invited guests at a grand opening of the city’s Newmedica eye clinic.

Visitors at the ribbon-cutting event heard that staff at the state-of-the-art Derriford centre were already working alongside the NHS to assist with its waiting lists.

Dame Mary Perkins, who cut the ribbon at the event, said: “The NHS is under huge pressure, so this clinic is helping. The aim is to improve people’s lives through better eye health.

“Eye health is so important. If your eyesight is deteriorating, you can’t drive your car, read a book or watch the television. No-one wants to lose the ability to do those things, which is why this clinic has opened.

“Of course, having someone operating on your eyes can be frightening, but the whole team looks after patients and makes them feel at home by treating them like a member of their own family, which helps to take away any fears.”

The Forder House clinic, which has created 24 local jobs, opened its doors last month to begin helping patients.

It provides NHS and private treatment for cataract surgery and aftercare, and also offers YAG laser treatment – a treatment used after cataract surgery. There are plans to offer additional services in the future.

Cllr Penberthy said: “My mum and some friends have had cataract operations, so Iknow the huge difference it can make to people’s lives. Here, we have a locally led state-of-the-art solution to people’s cataract problems, and I’m all in favour

event, which is just one of the projects we are working on across Devon and Cornwall to support men in the community.”

For more information visit the website at www.identityfashion.online

CLINIC IS HELPING THE NHS

of local solutions, so I thank you for the significant difference you will make to many, many people’s lives in the future.”

Newmedica Plymouth is run by a team of five local partners – operational director Amanda Worley, and consultant ophthalmologists Tom Cudrnak, Nick Edmeades, Vasant Raman and Theodora Stavropoulou.

Nick Edmeades said: “This is an exciting day for us. We want to alleviate the backlog of people needing a cataract operation. We’ve got the latest technology, we have fantastic staff, and we want to bring the best possible service to our patients.

“We’re all local: local doctors and local staff so we’re here for the long run, pushing ahead with our plan to provide the highest levels of eye care in the region.”

from independent health provider Newmedica, and has free onsite parking with charging points for electric vehicles, alongside public transport links.

To find out more, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/ clinics or call 01752 421622.

Some of the fashion on display at the event

Designer Nikolay Pachev with models at the show

USEFUL

Bus driver Kyly is pride of Plymouth

Plymouth Citybus driver Kyly Summerfield has been named one of the best bus drivers in the UK at the 2022 Bus Driver of the Year competition.

Kyly took on drivers from England, Wales and Scotland, and had to prove her driving skills, knowledge of bus workings and customer service skills.

She was named the best driver in the Go-Ahead Group (Plymouth Citybus’ parent company) and sixth overall – and was the top female in the whole competition.

Kyly, who lives in Efford, said: “There were 10 different ‘tests’ I had to do on the day, plus a theory test. There weren’t many female competitors, which made it even sweeter when I won. I could see the others who came to the competition with me were choked with pride.”

The Bus Driver of the Year weekend included a gala dinner, as well as the competition itself, and Kyly was accompanied by some of the Plymouth Citybus team. Driver trainer Emma Courtier went with Kyly.

Emma said: “I was like an expectant mum, I was watching her going along the route and I could see she was doing well. Then I heard she got 100% in one of the tests, so I knew she was scoring well too. When they called her name, I screamed, I couldn’t help it! We’re all incredibly proud of her.

“Kyly is so enthusiastic, it’d be nice if more drivers followed her lead and we can defend her title next year.”

As well as her title, Kyly has the cup for a year, a glass trophy to keep and £1,000 prize money. She said, “As I was doing it, I was thinking ‘This is for the girls.’ Now I’ve got something to prove, I want to go back and do even better next time.”

PLYMOUTH’S NEWEST WELLBEING HUB OPENS

The latest addition to Plymouth’s network of Wellbeing Hubs has opened in Mount Gould at The William and Patricia Venton Centre, home of Age UK Plymouth.

The partnership between Age UK Plymouth and Plymouth City Council will see local organisations including Improving Lives Plymouth, Timebank South West, Livewell South West and Wolseley Trust using the Hub to host community groups, events and activities as well as services such as social prescribing and age positivity projects.

The Hub, designed to focus on making access to services easier for the community, will have four main aims: to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for local people, to reduce inequalities in health and wellbeing, to improve people’s experience of care and the sustainability of the health and wellbeing system.

In addition to the newly refurbished area at the centre, Age UK Plymouth have also assembled a new team to specifically oversee the running of the Hub and community projects and services which will be run from the centre.

The offer at Mount Gould’s Wellbeing Hub includes:

• health advocacy through social prescribing

• advice on a range of issues including social care, welfare benefits, housing and consumer issues from Age UK Plymouth’s Information and Advice Team

• a dedicated befriending and phone friend service

• a range of local volunteering opportunities

• signposting of local and citywide providers of health services and community groups and activities

• activities, workshops and events including coffee mornings and lunch clubs

• advice with managing long term health conditions through a partnership with Livewell South West that enables drop in sessions to be made available within the community

• working in partnership with Improving Lives Plymouth, both to provide support for carers and on an age positive programme.

The new Hub will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Councillor Dr John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I am really pleased that we are opening the new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Mount Gould, the result of a very successful partnership between organisations in the city and it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition.

“The Hub will bring people together, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation and offering useful advice, all of which will improve wellbeing. New community projects will compliment the range of services already on offer including veterans’ projects, befriending services and social events, providing supportive services for anyone who needs it.”

Alison Feek, Wellbeing Hub manager for Age UK Plymouth said: “Plymouth’s network of Wellbeing Hubs are a fantastic asset for the city. We are very fortunate at Age UK Plymouth to work collaboratively with other organisations and charities in the city to signpost and refer; but now we and our partners can really strengthen our offering for the community by coming together under one roof.”

Heather Stenning, head of services at Age UK Plymouth said: “We are proud to have been selected as the location for this new Wellbeing Hub, it really speaks to the strength of the partnership we have with Plymouth City Council and is a testament to the success of our community based projects over recent years. We look forward to growing our programme of regular services and events and hosting our partner organisations as they continue their excellent work providing a varied and quality offering to the community.”An open day was held today to celebrate the launch of the Hub, giving members of the community an opportunity to explore the new facilities and access advice and information about the services on offer.

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Wellbeing Hub Launch Event (from left) Benny Wright, chair of the Board of Trustees at Age UK Plymouth, David Wood, Age UK Plymouth CEO, Alison Feek, Wellbeing Hub manager, Councillor Dr John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Heather Stenning, head of services at Age UK Plymouth

Citybus driver Kyly Summerfield with her trophies

New Bishop of Plymouth consecrated at Westminster Abbey in historic ceremony

The new Bishop of Plymouth has been consecrated in a service at Westminster Abbey led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Rt Rev’d James Grier made history shortly before the service on September 29 when he became the first new bishop to swear an oath of allegiance to King Charles III.

Speaking afterwards he said: “It was profound and historic, to be the first bishop consecrated under the new King feels overwhelming, humbling and momentous in terms of the honour and privilege of that role.”

As Bishop of Plymouth, he will have the whole of West Devon in his care, including Plymouth, the South Hams, Torbay and much of Dartmoor.

James grew up in Plymouth before studying for ordination in Oxford and ministering in Birmingham before returning to Devon to be a rural team vicar alongside setting up a youth church in Exeter.

During the service he was presented for ordination by the Bishop of Crediton. He was also anointed with oil and presented with a Bible and a ring by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In the congregation were friends, family and members of the clergy who had travelled to London to witness the ceremony.

Hymns chosen by James included Be Thou My Vision, In Christ Alone and the great Wesley hymn And Can It Be.

His wife Liz, who is training for ordination herself, helped administer the wine during communion and his sons read two of the Bible readings.

The service took place place on the feast day

Bishop James pictured with his mother Sara

of St Michael and All Angels. The theme of angels was picked-up in the sermon, which was given by the Rt Rev’d Graham Tomlin, who recently stepped down as Bishop of Kensington to establish the new Centre for Cultural Witness.

He told James his role was to “Be a messenger who deals in the good news of Jesus Christ and an angel to the people of Plymouth.”

After the service James said: “That for me is what ministry is about, it’s about bringing the good news of Jesus Christ.

“The God of the universe is bigger than our

struggles, he has defeated evil and he brings us hope. That is what I will be saying wherever I am and whatever I am doing, Jesus loves people, he wants to travel with them and give them hope and purpose.”

After his consecration Bishop James undertook a six day ‘Going in Prayer’ walking pilgrimage from Exeter to Plymouth, finishing at St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth on Friday October 7.

He is then due to be officially welcomed to the Diocese of Exeter with an installation service at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday October 9.

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