Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock April 2019 by Cornerstone Vision

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Plympton & Plymstock

April 2019

Win tickets for Miss Ivy Events Gin, Bubbles and Music Festival Details Page 16

KEEP FIT, EARN MONEY Want to keep ﬁt and earn money at the same time? Distributors and checkers needed for the Plymouth Chronicle! See page 20 for more details.

Plymouth Argyle FC have announced exciting new conference and membership plans Page 15

ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Community Job • Community Shop Directory • Cross Rhythms • Dial the Experts Experience

Academy show stoppers!

Students from Plympton Academy who wowed packed out audiences recently with their stunning performance of Renegades in the Ring. • Find out more on Page 3

2 April 2019

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Sherford Life Plympton Academy celebrates World Book Day BREAKING NEWS: The future is bright, there is a happy ending in sight.

You may be surprised to read that sentence, given what we normally read in our newspapers. One problem, of course, is that you are more likely to remember the ‘bad news’ stories in this edition of the Chronicle than the ‘good news’ stories. And By Revd Tom Brassil there are a lot of ‘bad news’ stories in the world – to say otherwise would be ridiculous. At a global level we have wars, epidemics and institutional inequality. At a national level we have terror threats, funding cuts and unemployment. At a local level we have road closures, hospital waiting times and homelessness. At a personal level we have relationship breakdown, redundancy, long-term illness and much more besides. But thankfully that is not the whole story, and it is not the end of the story! As Robyn Schneider wrote in The Beginning of Everything, “You know how they categorise Shakespeare’s plays, right? If it ends with a wedding, it’s a comedy. And if it ends with a funeral, it’s a tragedy. So we’re all living in tragedies, because we all end the same way, and it isn’t with a… wedding.” However, the Christian begs to differ. The historical events of the first Easter bring another aspect to our stories: hope. It’s a story of a God who did what we could not, who beat the enemy we could not – death itself. And not just for himself, but for any who wanted to follow after him, including us! Not only does this story have a ring of truth that stands up to historians’ scrutiny, but this story even reaches through the centuries into our own stories and tells us, “the future is bright!” That is why the apostle Paul could write to his friends, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54, the Bible). In other words, in Shakespeare terms God is offering us the chance for the story of our lives to be a comedy, not a tragedy – to end with a wedding party instead of a funeral. Easter is a great time to remember new life, with lambs and chicks and baby bunnies appearing in our fields and on our greetings cards. And there’s nothing wrong with a few chocolate eggs! But the new life Easter promises is not just for cute baby animals – it is for people too, even us. If you’d like to find out more about Easter and the hope of happy endings, why not drop in on Sherford Community Church? We meet at 10am every Sunday in Sherford Vale School, and in the weeks following Easter we will be looking together at the rest of 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul lays out the exciting hope for us that flows from the wonderful story of the first Easter. In the meantime, if you want to read more about whether life is a comedy or a tragedy, I heartily recommend Glen Scrivener’s short book, Divine Comedy, Human Tragedy. If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to chat more about what God says about happy endings, please contact me at tom@sherfordchurch. net

...and Hele’s staff get in on the act too!

Staff at Plympton Academy celebrated World Book Day this week by dressing up as their favourite literary characters and sharing the stories with their pupils. Jim Strachan, head of Year 10, is photographed as Mad-Eye Moody from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with Claire Worth, Year 7 pastoral mentor, who is dressed as Hermione Grainger (see photo below). Other Plympton Academy staff dressed as their favourite literary characters including a Harry Potter, several Queens of Hearts, an astronaut, Arthur Dent from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (centre) and a Handmaid from Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale.

Staff at Hele’s School in Plympton deﬁnitely put in the effort when choosing their costumes for World Book Day. Every year the staff at the Plympton school dress up to celebrate the annual event and this year was no exception!

GHANA VISIT FOR PLYMPTON STUDENT HANNAH For a week and a half during the Easter holidays a Plympton student will be staying in a small ﬁshing village in Ghana’s capital along with a group of volunteers her age as part of a programme run by the My African Adventures charity and NCS Plymouth Argyle.

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Smith will spend a week in a Ghanaian school teaching young pupils aged from 4 to 22, in class sizes around 38-45.

Hannah said: “I will be given reign to plan the lessons and teach them how I like and for which age groups I choose (with plenty of support from the existing teaching staff) as well as leading sports lessons on site too. It will involve interacting with and getting to know local people, and experiencing and making a difference in a very different world and culture to the one I’m used to. I’m sure it will be an unforgettable and very eye-opening experience which will affect me for the rest of my life.”

Hannah is currently busy fundraising to meet the cost of the trip and she will be holding a quiz night on Saturday March 30 at the Nufﬁeld Health and Racquets Club at Derriford starting at 6.15pm. Entry to the quiz is £3 per person and people can just turn up on the night with their teams. Hannah has also set up a crowdfunding page for anyone who would like to help fund her involvement in the project. This can be found at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/hannah-smith-ghana (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

April 2019

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Plympton Academy students wow their audiences

Students from Plympton Academy wowed packed out audiences recently with their stunning performance of Renegades in the Ring.

New home for St Luke’s in Plymstock With the tills ringing at one recently launched retail outlet to further support its vital service, one of the city’s best-loved charities has just cut the ribbon on another!

Earlier this month, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, which looks after thousands of terminally ill patients and supports their families when time is running short, opened its new pop-up charity shop selling good quality second-hand furniture in the former Toys ‘R’ Us building at Western Approach. It’s been a ﬂying start for the new venture, with enough items sold within the ﬁrst hour of trading alone to help three more families at home – not just through expert hands-on medical care for the patient, but emotional and practical support for them and their loved ones, too. Through the duration of its lease on the site, St Luke’s aims to raise enough to provide such help for 200 families. As well as selling sofas, wardrobes and other furniture, the space is home to Herd HQ for Elmer’s Big Parade*, the sculpture trail which goes live across Plymouth this summer and is expected to attract 250,000 visitors exploring the city to see the enchanting elephants each painted by a talented local artist. Earlier this month some of the artists started work on their masterpieces inside the building, where over coming weeks local people are encouraged to pop in for a preview of the fun to come!

Monday also saw St Luke’s – which relies on the support of the local community to keep providing its compassionate care – open a new store on The Broadway, Plymstock, where members of its Urgent Care Service cut the ribbon. St Luke’s Urgent Care Service is a partnership with Marie Curie, looking after patients at home during a time of change at end of life and supporting their families. Modern and bright, the new shop opposite the Costa Coffee outlet on the Broadway replaces the store formerly at Dean Hill. But while the site is new, the remit remains the same: to sell quality pre-loved clothes, books, toys and bric-a-brac at bargain prices, raising funds to support St Luke’s specialist care. Mike Picken, head of retail at St Luke’s, said: “Our annual retail income is a critical contribution to keep St Luke’s running. That’s why it’s so important that we seize opportunities to not only continue to meet the needs of our existing much-valued customers but attract new ones as well. “It’s fantastic to see our centrally located pop-up shop get off to such a great start, and we need to maintain maximum visibility further aﬁeld too, across all the other areas where we provide our care. Our new store on the busy Plymstock Broadway is located among well-known high-street brands with more big names rumoured to be moving in nearby soon, so we’re ideally placed to attract more customers to support our vital service.”

Gary Durbin, Manager of St Luke’s the new Plymstock charity shop, said: “There has been a real buzz around the launch of our new shop here in the heart of the local community. We’re proud of our attractive store and it’s great to see it busy already with lots of bargain-loving customers keen to support our charity.” The new shop is open seven days a week, including Sunday’s 10am to 4pm, welcoming customers and new donations, too. For more information about Elmer’s Big Parade, visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ elmer

*Elmer’s Big Parade is a partnership between St Luke’s, Wild in Art and Andersen Press, encouraging open and honest conversations about the ‘taboo’ subjects of death, dying and bereavement that can help us all, including schoolchildren who are bereaved and those who strive to support them. The project will also raise money for St Luke’s – the ﬁnale being the auction of the unique elephant sculptures to secure funds to further its compassionate care.

With complex song and dance routines, as well as aerial acrobatics, the cast were challenged in every aspect of performance and dared to try things that they had never experienced before. Jo Crook, director of performing arts at Plympton Academy said; “I couldn’t be prouder of the students. They have risen to the challenge and in doing so have created something that they should be very proud of. This level of performance tradition is still in its very early stages at Plympton Academy but the students have demonstrated a hunger, drive and passion towards the process that has set some very high standards for the future.” The students, from Year 7 to Year 12, demonstrated incredible team work and camaraderie as they worked together tirelessly to create an amazing show. The live band was led by Plympton Academy’s head of music, Nicky Clapson, and created an exciting and foot tapping soundtrack throughout the performances. “I am very lucky to have such a fantastic team to work with,” said Jo Crook. “We share a vision for our students and they have put in many hours to facilitate such high quality performances from every one of our students who took part in the production.”

FIRST GRANTS MADE FROM SOLAR FUND

The Newnham Solar Community Fund has made its ﬁrst community grants.

Solarplicity provides approximately £11,000 per year to the fund, equivalent to £1,000 per Mgw of electricity produced at the Newnham Solar Farm. The fund is totally focused on making the community a better place for all by supporting local community projects, groups and organisations who operate for the benefit of residents who live within the parishes of Sparkwell and Shaugh Prior. The first grants from the Newnham Solar Community Fund have been made to Shaugh Prior Parish Council for improvements to the Lee Moor Play Area and to Shaugh Prior Hall to refurbish their floor. The fund welcomes applications from constituted not for profit community groups, voluntary groups, societies, clubs and non publicly funded charities. All the information needed to apply can be found on the Fund’s website at www. newnhamsolarfund.com The Newnham Solar Community Fund is managed by the Sparkwell & Shaugh Prior Community Interest Company. The concept of farming the sun for energy at Newnham goes back several years and was brought to reality by Solarplicity in April 2016 when the Solar Panel array went live, capable of producing some 11MWh of sustainable electricity. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

4 April 2019

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

The Mermaid’s Magical Purse Mar 14 to Apr 6 Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park A magical adventure of storytelling theatre with amazing puppets, delights and surprises along the way. For information www.soapboxtheatre.org.uk Walks with History Mar 16, Apr 20 and May 18 Oasis Café, 28 Manor Street, Stonehouse from 10am to 1pm These events take place once a month and include walks, workshops, guest speakers, films and presentations and much more. Every month will be different. Please consider coming along and joining to help establish the membership of the group. Tea and coffee will be available. For more information please see https://www.facebook. com/100HomesStonehouse

Not to be missed

Table Top Sale Mar 17 Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth 10am to 12 noon. To book a table (which will be provided) call Jill on 01752 249337. Spring Fayre Mar 23 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall,The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3 pm. There will be several tables selling goods, including children’s toys, gifts, jewellery and beads, bric-a-brac, etc. Refreshments available. There are still a limited number of tables to hire at £5 to book call 01752 362161. Collectors Toy, Train and Craft Fair Mar 24 Organised by Plymouth Diecast Club at at the Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth PL2 2PQ. The event is open from 10am to 2pm and admission is only £1 and children free. There is plenty of free parking and the café will be open. Devon Family History Society Mar 26 Guest speaker Rebecca Smith will give a talk on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Sturgeon Hall, Mutley Plain (free parking) at 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm, light refreshments available. Table Top Sale Mar 30 Saltash Wesley Methodist Church in the sports hall 9am to 11.30am. Tables cost £4. Contact Bob Cartwright 01752842069 to book a table. There is a coffee morning in the church at the same time. Shopaholic Fashion Show Mar 30 Back by popular demand at Trinity United Reformed ChurchTorr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth. In aid of the Big Build Project. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Clothes are from high street and online retailers such as M&S, Next, Monsoon, White Stuff, Joe Browns, Jaeger, Phase Eight and many more. Admission £5 to include a welcome drink. Ideal Mother’s Day gift! Please text Fiona 07554 446 875 to book tickets before they sell out! Mother’s Day Snow Drop Planting Mar 31 Saltram House Mother’s Days are made of moments like these. Treat your Mum to a blooming lovely day out at Saltram and plant a snow drop in the garden together. Free event, but normal admission charges apply. Booking not needed. Plymouth Railway Circle Apr 1, Apr 15 and Apr 29 Meetings at St St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell, at 7.30 pm, Admission £1 (members), £2 (visitors). Visitors are very welcome. April 1: Ken Mumford: The Devon Belle. A journey on this once reknown Pullman train from Waterloo to the West Country. Digital presentation. Apr 15: Steven Andrews: Narrow Gauge - Past & Present. A reflection on British,Welsh & Scottish narrow gauge railways (on DVD) over the last 10 years. April 29: Richard Jones: 50 years with Heritage Railways. Richard reflects on the railways with which he has served through a photographic and narrated journey. He is currently head of operations at the West Somerset Railway.

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Mar 23 Red House Theatre, Millbay Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed new show begins its second leg of touring. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in the UK. Tickets from www.laughablecomedy.com Tamar Bridge 10k Mar 24 A new running event staged by the organisers of Britain’s Ocean City 10k and Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon. A chance to make history by taking part in the first 10k challenge across the Tamar Bridge. The race starts at 8.30am at Kings Tamerton Community Centre and the route takes runners across the bridge and along a circular route around St Budeaux before finishing at Kings Tamerton Community Centre. Registration is now open at www.runplymouth.co.uk Coffee morning Apr 6 At Crownhill Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12 noon in the church hall with various stalls including delicious cakes and savouries, gifts, toys, jewellery, books, and a raffle. All monies raised will be used to support Wycliff Bible translators, represented by the daughter and son-in-law of two of the church’s members, in Papua New Guinea. All are welcome and admission is free. Entrance to the church hall is from Crownhill Road or the car park behind Crownhill shops, with free parking. Crochet for Beginners Apr 6 Crafts By You, 3 Moon Street, Plymouth from 2pm to 5pm. Learn the art of crochet from different crochet forms to the tools and materials used. During the workshop attendees will learn how to make a scarf and follow crochet patterns. A delicious afternoon tea will also be provided. £28 per person. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Apr 6 - 22 This year, Saltram House will be running the eggcellent Cadbury’s trail for the whole two weeks of the Easter holidays. £2 entry, booking not needed. Living Christianity Apr 10 Organised by the Christian Institute at St Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade at 7.30pm. Nigel Kenny and Rodney Aiken will speak on a range of topics including family, Gospel freedom and gender ideology.

Men’s Day Out Mar 30 One of the city’s best-loved charity events is back for 2019, with a multitude of men set to get together to stride the streets, enjoy banter with their mates and show their support for the vital work of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Men’s Day Out is a charity walk with a difference: a guys-only gathering giving men the opportunity for a great day out with the boys, walking a 12km route through Plymouth city centre which takes them past some of Plymouth’s most famous sights, including The Barbican and Plymouth Hoe waterfront. They’ll then enjoy a wellearned pasty and pint, returning to Albion’s ground in time to see the club’s not-to-be-missed clash with Birmingham Moseley. Powered by IU Energy, the event will see up to 2,000 men – many in fancy dress – out in force to raise funds for the specialist end of life care given by St Luke’s across Plymouth and surrounding areas. Among them will be those walking in memory of loved ones cared for by the

charity at home, in hospital or at the specialist unit at Turnchapel. Registration for the event is £32, which covers a t-shirt, pasty, pint and rugby ticket as well as the logistics of the day. To register, visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/fundraising or call 01752 492626 for further details.

Art Exhibition Apr 11 to 13 Plymstock and District Art Society (PANDAS) will be holding their annual art exhibition and sale at Plymstock Library from 9am-6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A great chance to see the varied work of local artists as the exhibition will have around 80 plus original framed pictures and many unframed browsers to thumb through. Watercolours, oils, acrylics and pastels on a wide choice of subjects that will tempt you to be happy and healthy by giving up chocolate and buying a painting for a life time’s reward!

theatre show for babies from six months to the age of eight years. Created to delight and immerse tiny audiences and their big people! The show follows the tale of two caterpillars, Bob and Bob and the journey that they go to become butterflies. With live music - a delight for the senses! For details www. soapboxtheatre.org.uk

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir Apr 12 The Choir presents ‘Seeking the rainbow through the rain’ at Crownhill Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 each are available from Maureen Blatchford on 01752 292118 or at the door. Early arrival is recommended as seats are unreserved and these concerts are usually popular. Free parking is available in the car park adjacent to the church behind Crownhill shops. Spring Fayre Apr 13 Pennycross Methodist Church, Beauchamp Road from 10.30am to 12.30pm. In aid of ‘Hotizon’ and church funds. Caterpillar May 1 to May 11 Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park. A

Retro Rum and Gin Festival Apr 6 Plymouth Guildhall Miss Ivy Events is pleased to bring the first Gin and Rum festival to Plymouth. Bar with 40 different gins and rums, plus a cocktail bar serving an array of different cocktails to suit all taste buds! On arrival, you will receive a welcome drink of either rum and coke or gin and tonic. Get your dancing shoes on as there will be live 70s and 80s music throughout the day from local artists including the ever popular Little Miss Mojo. Feel free to dress up in retro era costume and have your photos taken in the photo booth! Prize for the best dressed couple!

Soundhouse Brass May 4 Concert at St. Edward’s Church, Eggbuckland 7.30 pm. Tickets £5. Light refreshments available Historical Association History Talk May 14 Laura Quigley, author and historian is giving a talk entitled Plymouth Under siege: Plymouth and the Civil War. 7pm at Lecture Theatre 2, Rowland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University. Photo Exhibition May 17 Fund raiser on behalf of the Oasis Cafe Food Bank, entitled ‘I am poor, but I am NOT ashamed.’ Effervescent Studio (Rumpus Cosy), Radiant House, 12, Derry’s Cross, Plymouth 6.30pm to 9pm. Free entry. Plymouth Camra Beer Festival Jun 27 to 29 At the TA Centre, Prospect Place, Millbay, supporting a military charity. From 12pm to 11pm each day.

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Big Spring Fair for St Mary’s Church

Plympton St Mary’s Church is planning to hold a big Spring Fair. It will take place in the church and its grounds on Saturday May 18 from 10 am until 2 pm. There will be entertainment for all ages and a wide range of stalls with cakes, preserves, brica-brac, books, cards, plants, games and church merchandise. Food and refreshments will be available, including the always-popular barbecue. Stalls from local organisations and charities will be welcome. Such organisations are asked to provide their own tables and to bring gazebos in case of inclement weather. The cost is £6 for each plot and bookings may be made by contacting Claire-Louise Journeaux on 01752 513093 as soon as possible. Funds raised by the event will be in support of urgent church maintenance which remains vital to the future of the iconic building which dates back over 700 years. A church spokesperson said: “We look forward to seeing our many friends and supporters from the local community and from further aﬁeld whose kindness continues to astound us.” This event coincides with the Heritage Week organised by the Plympton Civic Society who will be having various displays and activities in the church hall and on the Priory site so visitors can look forward to an enthralling day! (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP

6 April 2019

@PlymChronicle

James Watt, Head of Land and Property with Tudor Evans, Leader of the Council

Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

All local businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals organisations and groups are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is the 10th of the month prior. HOSPITAL RADIO PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEERS Hospital Radio Plymouth the award winning station, celebrates 50 years of broadcasting this year to hospitals around the Plymouth area. We are looking to expand our live coverage of programmes both during the day and evenings.vWe are looking for additional volunteers to help our charity. If you have what it takes to get involved, then give Robert Goodall a call on 07733 055519. BOOK TROLLEY ROUNDS Royal Voluntary Library Service Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information. SUPPORT WORKER The Candle Trust are looking for a support worker who understands the needs of people with autism, works in a person centred manner, can engage positively with service users, can undertake personal care, can be flexible with their shifts and has got at least a NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. For more details, please ring Linda on 01752 212168 BODY REPAIR/PANEL BEATER/SPRAYER Westover Bodyworks is looking for someone to help part time with accident repair, dents, scratch removal and bodywork repair. Based in a busy workshop environment, you will be required to be adaptable to all accident and vehicle repairs; car and light commercial. Experience in car repair is preferable. Email westoverbodyworks@talk21.com ENGAGEMENT VOLUNTEER Healthwatch Plymouth is a local service to give the people of Plymouth a voice with regard to their experiences of health and social care services. We are looking for people to talk to other people about their experiences. We operate from various locations across the city. We provide training, expenses (out of pocket and travel), transport and you will be with a positive and supportive team. No experience necessary just the ability to listen to people and hear what they are saying. You will meet new people, have fun, build your confidence, build on your CV and gain new skills. Contact details are volunteering@ healthwatchplymouth.co.uk or 08009230039 for further information VOLUNTEER RECEPTIONIST Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road PL2 3PY, Looking for a part time receptionist at the centre. Experience not necessary as training will be given. For more information please phone Robert Parkins (Chairman) on 07980 581177. Charity no 288813 VOLUNTEERS WANTED The Primrose Foundation, Plymouth’s only breast care charity supports those going through the breast care pathway, and are looking for enthusiastic volunteers. You’ll be helping at coffee mornings and spending time with patients and their families - so you’ll need to be comfortable chatting and listening. Please contact Madeleine Matthews on 01752 975217 or email madeleine@primrosefoundation.org for more information. DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area. Transport an advantage, own phone number essential. We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email john@cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623

Jobs boost as Hearder Court expansion is approved Plymouth City Council has approved the business case to build Phase 3 of Hearder Court at Langage Business Park. Up to 68 jobs could be created as a result of the high quality commercial workspace that is now getting the go ahead. Phase 1 of Hearder Court at the business park was completed in 2015 and the entire 30,000 sq ft high quality scheme quickly got snapped up by local and expanding upmarket food producer Dartmouth Foods Ltd. Phase 2 was finished last November and is already 40 per cent let, with significant market interest. Now it’s all systems go for the third and final phase of the development as part of the Council’s ongoing pro-active

approach to attracting business. Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We are creating much needed work units for businesses to come here or expand. “This is a real success story for Plymouth, for its businesses and for our residents. We are tackling the shortage of suitable modern work space, by building units for business. This makes sound business sense for us. Not only are we helping local businesses and their staff, but the rent we receive from these buildings will help keep vital services running.” The proposed new development will be similar to phase 1 and 2 and will comprise up to 2,485sq m (26,750 sqft) of high quality

commercial workspace. The scheme will incorporate sustainable technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs, potentially including: solar photovoltaic, increased levels of insulation, increased levels of natural daylight and ventilation and highly efficient heating systems. Commercial agents reporting on the industrial market in Plymouth say it has continued to improve with a greater number of transactions being carried out. The improvements within the market have seen industrial estates, which have always had a turnover of tenants and a number of units vacant, now being fully let.

Recognition for tennis coaches Fiona and James Two Plymouth-based rising stars in the world of inclusive tennis have been rewarded for their hard work.

Fiona Murphy, of Double Bounce, was awarded the Disability Award for her dedication to inclusive tennis in the South West at the Devon Tennis County Awards. Her huge efforts and commitment over the past year or so have opened up tennis to a whole range of people who may never have considered the game previously. Fiona was delighted to receive the award and said: “It is wonderful to be recognised for getting more disabled and older people to play tennis. I just adapt the game to suit the players, often using sponge balls and short rackets and playing inside in a small area”. James Jennings was also successful at the Devon Tennis awards. He narrowly missed out on winning Young Coach of the Year, but was then rewarded for his hard work with a special Chairman’s Award. These awards are only handed out to particularly deserving individuals and this year, one of those was James. James has grown up playing tennis

and represents the South West at Special Olympic tournaments at both a regional and national level. It was because of his inspirational coach that he decided to become a tennis coach himself in spite of the challenges of being autistic. He gained qualifications in sport at City College Plymouth where he also got the opportunity to gain the LTA Level 1 tennis coaching qualification before accepting a year long Royal Foundation Coach Core apprenticeship at Ivybridge Tennis Club where he still volunteers whilst preparing to take the LTA Level 2 qualification in April. He has a great manner on court and is always enthusiastic and professional. He is fantastic with the younger players and is always willing to learn from more experienced coaches. He is definitely an upand-coming coach of the future and will be a great asset to the county! James assists Fiona with disability tennis sessions including wheelchair tennis at Ivybridge and learning disability tennis at Whiteford Road Tennis Club, which is for players from the DOVE Project. The project specialises in care and support

packages for people with learning difficulties and is Plymouth based (01752 676841). If you’d like to have a go at tennis but feel you may need a little support, please contact Fiona Murphy on 0773 1831255 or email DoubleBounce2017@gmail.com

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April 2019

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Go-ahead is given for Plympton planning referendum

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The go ahead has been given for a referendum in the Plympton St Mary ward on May 2 to approve a neighbour plan put together by the Plympton St Mary Neighbourhood Forum.

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The March Cabinet meeting of Plymouth City Council agreed the Yes/No referendum to coincide with the local council elections planned for the same day, saving £10,000 on polling costs for the referendum which would otherwise have cost £25,000 if it had to be conducted in isolation. There will be no threshold of voters needed to take part in the vote, it will be determined by a simple majority of those who decide to turn out and take part. Voters will be asked to indicate Yes or No to the question ‘Do you want Plymouth City Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Plympton St Mary to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’ If more people say yes than no, it will be adopted into the council’s planning policies to sit alongside the Plymouth Joint Local Plan. The Cabinet heard that this could be the first of a number of planning referenda in years to come, with three other local neighbourhoods across Plymouth currently advancing with their own area plan. Plympton’s plan has been the first to reach the referendum stage. Neighbourhood Plans were first brought into power by the Localism Act 2011, aiming to give individuals and communities more decision-making powers. Plympton St Mary’s Neighbourhood Forum submitted a plan for independent examination last December. The plan lays out how they wish to see the city’s planning agenda reflected in their local area by proposing environmental and infrastructure improvements, such as designated local greenspace sites. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “It is great to see a neighbourhood that has aimed to come together to create a forum, write this plan together to reflect their aspirations and take it to their community for a decision to be made. “I really support empowerment for neighbourhoods to set the local planning agenda for their community, within the framework of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.” (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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Plympton St Mary Neighbourhood Forum Chairman Rose Hamley with a copy of the plan which is being put to a local referendum

8 April 2019

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New cafe and coffee shop venture is Shelley’s cup of tea

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Plympton firm fund raise for Hannahs Staff at Applied Automation in Plympton have been busy fundraising for the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust over the past year and recently presented a cheque for over £700 to the charity. Applied Automation chose Hannahs as their nominated charity for 2018. During the year they organised a raffle, took part in a skydive challenge, bought Hannahs raffle tickets and helped with bucket collections at the Devon County Show. Daniel Burke, Hannahs head of fundraising, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the staff at Applied Automation for all of their support during 2018. We were delighted that staff helped Dame Hannahs to raise vital funds through buying raffle tickets, signing up to our skydive challenge, organising a raffle and joining us at the Devon County Show to do bucket collections. "We’d also like to thank David Rowe for the donations received from his birthday celebration. The support received from our local business community can’t be underestimated in helping us to provide opportunities for children and young adults with complex disabilities in our region. Thank you everyone at Applied Automation!” David Rowe, managing director of Applied Automation, said: “I’m really pleased our staff and friends have been able to help raise funds for such an important and deserving local charity. Hannahs does some wonderful work. I wish everyone involved with Hannahs our warmest wishes and all the very best for the future.”

A Plymouth based woman who hails from South Africa feels that she has found her vocation with her new cafe / coffee shop which has just recently opened in Plympton (right across the road from Hele's school). Shelley Parsons launched the Bean a Day! Cafe in Seymour Road on February 16 and hasn't looked back since. After working in a number of corporate roles for over 25 years Shelley felt the time had come to find something which would give her a greater sense of fulfilment and after seeing the cafe premises she decided to jump right in! In just a few weeks Shelley has started to build up a loyal customer base and a special pancake evening on Shrove Tuesday saw upwards of 80 people visiting the cafe to partake in the pancake fest. Now Shelley is focusing her thoughts on Mother's Day and is planning to lay on a special afternoon tea on Sunday 31 March where people can bring their mums along for something special. The Mother's Day afternoon tea is expected to be quite popular so advanced booking will be essential. Shelley is hoping her cafe will become a bit of a community hub where members of the business community can drop in for informal business meetings over a cup of coffee and make use of the free WiFi facilities. She also offers the premises for hire for local community groups to have meetings in as well as having it available for private functions like baby showers and birthday parties. Anyone wanting to find out more can contact Shelley on 07771 298758 or make contact via the cafe's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Beana-day-Cafe-794686477532859 (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) Hannahs Community Fundraiser Charlotte Nicholls with David Rowe, Managing Director, Applied Automation

April 2019

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Apprentice Reece marks expansion for Plympton removals business Plympton-based company, Cambridge Removals and Storage, has marked its expansion into brandnew, purpose-built premises by recruiting its first apprentice. 18-year-old Reece Farrar, has joined the familyrun firm as a warehousing and logistics apprentice after carrying out work experience alongside his father, who also works for the company. With their sights set on developing the company, the directors of Cambridge Removals and Storage contacted the business engagement team at City College Plymouth to take their first steps towards investing in Reece’s development and the future of the business by taking on an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, Reece not only benefits from learning on-the-job through his day-to-day duties with the company, but also earns a wage and receives the support of City College Plymouth who are known for their ‘outstanding’ apprenticeship provision with achievement rates 15% higher than the national average. Cambridge Removals director, Jason Day, runs the business alongside his wife Kelly. He says: “We are a family-run firm and our team has been moving and storing people’s belongings for almost 40 years. We see our work as a skilled trade, and it is important that we continue to recruit new people like Reece into the business in order to pass on our knowledge and insight for the company’s longer-term future. “Our way of doing things and the care we take with people’s belongings, is key to our success. We have over 80 five-star reviews and are approved under Plymouth City Council’s Buy with Confidence scheme, which is in partnership with trading standards. We are also members of the Road Haulage Association. He adds: “Reece carries out a wide range of duties with us. He has a front of house role dealing with customers, as well as packing storage items into crates and placing them in secure storage. He’s learning about every aspect of our work and the importance in the detail. We take the utmost care and have a huge amount of knowledge and experience when it comes to packing, storage and removals.” Director of marketing and business engagement at City College Plymouth, Pauline Hands, says: “Apprenticeships can be key to ongoing growth for companies of all sizes. Cambridge Removals has a highly experienced team of eleven staff including the directors and they wanted to recruit someone who could be moulded into their way of working, and hopefully have a long career with them. We are delighted to be working with Kelly and Jason as they continue their ongoing growth - it’s great news for the area.” Reece adds: “I’ve moved down from Halifax to start this job and live with my dad, who has worked for Jason and Kelly for a few years now. I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning the ropes, working my way up and getting to see lots of new places – not just in the South West but in other areas of the UK too. I’m learning a lot about storage and also planning on getting my HGV licence which will create more opportunities further down the line.” For more information about apprenticeships at City College Plymouth, visit cityplm.ac.uk, e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 305026.

Apprentice Reece pictured with proprietors Jason and Kelly

10 April 2019

@PlymChronicle

A new battery recycling scheme has been launched at Plympton Academy. It’s hoped students, parents and staff will recycle their batteries at the school and not put them in the bin. When batteries begin to rot away in landfill sites the chemicals leak into the ground, which can cause soil and water pollution. When chemicals contaminate soil and water, animals, humans and the environment can be harmed. There are many different types of batteries which can contain dangerous chemicals including: lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and even mercury. More than 12,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions could be avoided if the UK can meet its target of recycling at least 45% of batteries. Hoping to help achieve this target are Plympton Academy students, Joshua Tucker and Ethan Wilkes, both aged 12. They helped launched the scheme recently. “Most batteries are put into rubbish bins and then taken to landfill sites,” they said. “Recycling is a great way to help protect the environment. Each battery placed in the recycling box will be taken apart and the materials will be used to make something new,” they added. Teacher Martin Edmonds said; “Plympton Academy students achieved the Gold Award from the Woodland Trust last year and we are very keen to continue and deepen our environmental activities.”

New recycling battery scheme launched

Mark adds prestigious award to his accolades Mark Ormrod has been awarded a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Plympton.

Rotary President George Benjafield presents the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Mark Ormrod

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Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and following his death a recognition award was created in his memory. In some parts of the world, it is recognised for donations to the Rotary Foundation but in some other parts, such as here in the UK, Rotary clubs present them to deserving people who have gone that extra mile. Usually, this will be Rotarians although very occasionally they have been awarded to nonRotarians. Plympton Rotary have only ever awarded twelve of these awards - with just two going to non-Rotarians. Now though a thirteenth recipient (and third non-Rotarian) has been added to the list of those who have been recognised with this fellowship. Following his talk to Plympton Rotary members four years ago, Mark Ormrod returned to talk to them again a few weeks ago when he informed them what

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he had been up to since - his #nolimbits documentary and taking part in the Invictus Games. Many Plymothians will have been aware of these endeavours but to hear them from Mark himself in his own words made the evening a special occasion for members of the Plympton Rotary. It was only a few months ago that Mark’s daughter Kezia was awarded the club’s Ted Osmond award to recognise an outstanding young person of the local community. This was not to be outdone however, in recognition of his charitable work and the way he is such an inspiration to so many both able and less able bodied - the club awarded Mark with a Paul Harris fellowship, one of the highest awards Rotary clubs can bestow in the UK. On presenting the award, Plympton Rotary President George Benjafield said: “I could not think of a more deserving person than Mark, who has overcome so much yet has shown that with determination, you can achieve anything and inspire so many.” (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

‘Accidental Deaths’ exhibition at Ford Park

Ford Park Cemetery’s exhibition ‘Accidental Deaths’ continues in the Visitor Centre throughout April. It is open for public viewing on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.30am and 3.30pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The exhibition is free of charge and donations are welcome. Mad Dog Mcrae will be preforming a charity gig on behalf of Ford Park on April 5 at 8pm. The concert will take place at the Railway Club, Stuart Road, Pennycomequick. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Cemetery Office (weekdays only). Enquiries Plymouth 665442. The Heritage Team will be heading up a guided walk on Sunday April 7 in conjunction with the Accidental Deaths exhibition. Meet at the Visitor Centre 2pm. As with exhibitions, walks are also free of charge but donations are always welcome.

April 2019

@PlymChronicle

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth champions campaign to widen access to care One in four terminally ill people in the UK are known to be missing out on the end of life care they need, according to research by national charity Hospice UK.

That’s why St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth has been joining its counterparts, backing this month’s national Open Up Hospice Care campaign to widen access to this vital support for people with lifelimiting conditions. While Hospice UK’s nationwide campaign highlights the wideranging provision of hospices, including bespoke care for people who want to be looked after at home, St Luke’s is shining a light on the end of life care needs of one of the most vulnerable groups in society, homeless people. Along with those who live in remote areas where accessing all kinds of services can be more difﬁcult, the homeless in our community are currently at greater risk of being overlooked when it comes to getting hospice care when they need it. So, in keeping with its ethos of looking after people ‘no matter where’, St Luke’s is spearheading open conversations about the challenges of ensuring its help reaches all who

need it, so that nobody has to die alone, in pain or in distress. George Lillie, clinical director and deputy chief executive at the charity, said: “St Luke’s is a hospice without walls, and many of those for whom we provide care want to receive it in the place they call home, whether this is a ‘traditional’ setting, or whether they live in a remote area, a care home, a hostel, or even in prison. Terminal illness does not discriminate and neither does hospice care, so it’s important we work closely with the communities we serve to address the challenges so that no-one is left behind.” While people living on the streets or in hostels often have shorter life expectancy, those with terminal illness may not be known to a GP or other health professionals, so St Luke’s is pioneering work with fellow health and social care providers that can help ensure they are not forgotten at such times. Specialist nurse Gilly Barringer said: “No-one who needs our care is ever turned away, so we’ve been working closely with charity Shekinah and George House Hostel to gain better understanding of the challenges faced by them and those they support.” At George House Hostel, which provides 48

Specialist nurse Gilly Barringer with Sean Mitchell, manager at George House Hostel

of the city’s 250 beds for homeless people, Gilly comes alongside residents identiﬁed as in need of St Luke’s compassionate care. She said: “Working with hostel staff enables me to build a relationship with the terminally ill person, even if I have to be opportunistic in my approach because often they move from place to place. “We discuss their care and where they want to be looked after, which for some is within the hostel because that’s what they regard as home. It’s so important to have these conversations particularly because sometimes, due to drug or alcohol abuse, their care needs can be more complex and deterioration more rapid.

“Working with the person, their GP and hostel staff means together we can put a tailored plan in place to help ensure they’re where they want to be, receiving the high-quality care at end of life.” Sean Mitchell, manager at George House Hostel, said: “With the support St Luke’s provides, we are better equipped to help terminally ill residents realise their wish of ending their days in a more positive way here, with people they know around them, rather than dying alone in hospital or on the streets.” Find out more about St Luke’s work in opening up hospice care to everyone who needs it – and how you can help - at www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/openup

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their own way back to the docking station once finished. You don’t need a neat rectangular plot to use one – with many of today’s robotic mowers able to cope with oddly shaped gardens, slopes and obstacles such as flower beds and trampolines. And robotic mowers are mulching, meaning they cut up the grass into fine clippings and scatter them back on the lawn to feed the soil with nutrients. Many leading makes of mowers are in stock, including Mountfield, Atco, Husqvarna and Countax and any model not available from stock can be obtained usually within fortyeight hours. The specialist team at Plymouth Garden Machinery ensure that all equipment is checked and set up before being delivered, and that customers are made fully aware of how to use new equipment They also stock a wide range of brush cutters, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, also including all top names, together with accessories, protective equipment, oils and fuels.

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Plymouth Garden Machinery are run by people who really know what they are doing – and are not just for sales only. They will make sure that their customers know how to get the best out of the machines they purchase and are happy to offer step by step guidance on how to programme the most up to date equipment. They also offer regular services and can repair machines whether they have been previously purchased in store or not. They even have a collection and delivery service to make it even easier to sort out those machines lurking in the back of the shed, untouched since last autumn. So, if you would like to tackle the garden this year in true military style, with a full arsenal of tools, a visit to Plymouth Garden Machinery in Valley Road Business Park, Plympton (next to Cleanspares) could be a very good use of time. They are now open Sundays from 10.30 to 4.30pm and Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm. Call 01752 710121 or visit www. plymouthgardenmachinery.co.uk

Homes &Gardens

Do It Yourself - or call in the trades? Spring is just around the corner – honestly! And for many that signals the start of indoor and outdoor home improvements, anything from swapping light bulbs for energy efﬁcient LEDs, and giving the home a fresh lick of paint, to sorting out the garden, building a deck, laying a lawn, and generally sprucing things up.

Can you do it yourself, or do you need help? Changing light bulbs used to be simple – now there’s so many types and some need special light switches, we almost need an electrician to get it right. And bulbs in the garden – is it too late to plant summer ﬂowering bulbs? And why didn’t your daffodils ﬂower this year?

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Some things you can tackle knowing that if it goes wrong, the most you’ll get is a few wilted petunias or some peeling wallpaper. And it’s satisfying, even therapeutic when it goes well - nothing beats the feeling of a job well done, especially one that you weren’t too sure about to start with - it boosts your conﬁdence. But other things, like wiring, carpentry and building really do need some expert attention. And if you’re stuck for time or if, like some of us here your DIY skills are more like Destroy it Yourself, it’s worth calling in the people who make it look easy. Fortunately Plymouth has plenty of trades and services that can help, not to mention independent DIY shops and garden centres. Some are on these pages, some are in our Dial the Experts page and more will feature next month in the second of our spotlights on Spring Homes & Gardens. Give them a call, always get two or three quotes to compare, sit back and enjoy the results! For homeowners thinking of selling their house, spring is a good time to do it. After winter and before the summer holiday season hits can make every home look a little more tired, so it’s time to get busy sprucing up ready to sell. The bathroom and kitchen should deﬁnitely be up to par if the marketing campaign is about to begin. In the DIY department, homeowners could repair tiles, reface cabinets and even replace kitchen countertops. If these projects are left for buyers to do, they will have ammunition in the negotiation process.

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14 April 2019

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Councillor’s Corner with Rebecca Smith

Rebecca with local residents campaigning for safer crossing I can’t believe another month has ﬂown by already! And it’s been no different to every other month since I became one of your Councillors - plenty to keep me busy! I’ve had some really productive meetings with a number of Council Ofﬁcers about issues across the Ward - of particular note was when I was able to take the Head of Highways to a number of sites across Radford Ward where issues have been raised with me. One big ask relates to the lack of a permanent pedestrian crossing between the Broadway and Elburton up Dean Hill and along Furzehatt Road. This is a particular problem for residents who are sight-impaired or with young children who struggle to get across the road. I’ve got everything crossed for a positive outcome!

You may have noticed the growth in recent months of local litter picking and beach clean groups across the city. This is something I really welcome - I think we’d all agree that dropped litter and plastic pollution is something we want to tackle for the sake of our land and seas. The Plymouth Beach Clean Volunteers have been carefully leading beach cleans at Mount Batten and Jennycliff, as well as Bovisand to rid them off minuscule bits of plastic, fishing wire and anything else they find. Clean our Patch is a community litter picking group which is rapidly spreading it’s work across the city. We’ve got two new brilliant Clean our Patch Ambassadors, Meg and Vasihali, who are setting up fortnightly litter picks across Plymstock with the first one kicking off on Sunday 31st March at 10.30am meeting in the Western Electrical Marine car park (next to Supertramp). To find out more info about either groups, check out their Facebook pages or drop me an email. facebook.com/CleanOurPatch facebook.com/plymouthbeachcleans I’ve been using some of my Community Grant to buy them the kit they need! As ever, if there is anything I can help with locally, my email is rebecca.smith@ plymouth.gov.uk, telephone on 07825 034970 and you can reach me on facebook at facebook.com/CllrRebeccaSmith

Lest We Forget roadshow reveals more First World War treasures

Hand-carved mementoes from prisoners of war and reminders of one of Britain’s infamous defeats in the First World War were all revealed at the final Lest We Forget roadshow. Plymouth residents came out in force to share the memories of how their forebears had fought and died in the conflict, bringing tales and family heirlooms to be recorded for the next generation. The final of four national roadshows was hosted at the University of Plymouth on Wednesday 6 March and gave people the chance to have their stories added to the growing Lest We Forget digital archive, a joint project between the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and the University of Oxford. Among the items brought in were a handcarved wooden photo frame that had been made for a British soldier by a German prisoner of war he had been guarding. Other visitors had chess sets made by relatives to keep themselves entertained in the trenches alongside letters, photographs and medals. John Hockaday from Noss Mayo brought along his father’s badge, received in honour of his presence during the Siege of Kut. In 1916 the British-Indian garrison at Kut-al-Amara, in modern-day Iraq, surrendered following a brutal siege from the Ottoman Empire. Of his dad, John said: “My father was there in the Siege of Kut but because it was considered a failure it never gets talked

about much. But they really went through a lot so we need to remember what happened. I don't think their story has been told enough and, it being about my father, it's also a personal story to me.” Alongside the badge, John was able to tell the Lest We Forget volunteers about his own experiences as a young child playing war songs on piano for his father and his surviving comrades, itself a personal reminder of the life after the war for that generation. Celia Bean from Plymouth said: “I brought along letters from my grandfather's brother. He stayed on after the war and ended up on the airships project where he was later killed. These letters he left behind are a link to the past. They're also a part of me and who I am. You get a feeling for who someone is when you have something like this and I wanted to share that.”

Max Dutton, assistant historian for CWGC, said: “It’s been fascinating hearing the public’s stories and memories and being able to take a permanent record of them to share with the next generation. “The people of Plymouth brought along a wonderful variety of photos, medals, letters and some unique artefacts that help build on our understanding of what it was like for those whose lives were touched by the First World War. “The most rewarding part of the Lest We Forget project has been to see the enthusiasm the public has for keeping these stories alive and making sure that collectively we continue to remember the wartime generations.” A number of volunteer-led Lest We Forget collection days will continue to take place in the coming months and the whole digital archive, made possible thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund, will remain freely accessible at: www.cwgc.org/lest-we-forget

April 2019

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth Argyle unveil new Pioneers membership plan

Plymouth Argyle Football Club has revealed further details of its new Home Park Stadium development as it launches the first of its exclusive membership packages for businesses and fans. The £6.5m investment in Home Park will see major improvements to the Mayflower Grandstand, creating a new landmark for Plymouth featuring 5,304 new stadium seats; four fully functional and flexible hospitality spaces, with capacities from 40-440 and outstanding conferencing and events facilities. The newly launched stadium website, www. homeparkstadium.com showcases the full Home Park experience fans can expect, and reveals details of The Pioneers; the top tier of membership to Club Argyle. Only 102 Pioneer memberships will be available and will offer first-class hospitality and service; unrivalled views of the pitch and all-inclusive food and drink - without doubt the most exclusive of match-day experiences. Details of further membership packages will be revealed later this month. Home Park Stadium is a major investment for chairman and majority shareholder Simon Hallett, who has brought in Premier League expertise to drive the improvements that were initiated by Simon’s predecessor of seven years and fellow shareholder, James Brent. Andrew Parkinson joined the Argyle team in December 2018 as head of conferencing, Hospitality and Events, following six years as Operations Director for Liverpool Football Club. At Liverpool, he was responsible for customer experience and led the development of the main stand at Anfield

to increase the ground’s capacity and offer improved corporate hospitality. Andrew Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this exciting moment in the history of Plymouth Argyle. We’ve carefully asked for and listened to the feedback from

our supporters who enjoy VIP match-day hospitality with us and we think we have created something really special for the most discerning of Argyle fan. The Pioneers has a strictly limited 102 places available and we expect these to sell quickly, so would encourage an early conversation with our commercial team.” Scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2019, the Home Park Stadium development will create unrivalled experiences and facilities for fans, visitors and the wider community right across the South West. For more details of the Home Park experience and to enquire about membership of The Pioneers please visit www.homeparkstadium.com or call 01752 302204.

City College appoints new chief

City College Plymouth has appointed a new principal and chief executive officer. Jackie Grubb, who is currently principal at City of Westminster College, will take up the post in the summer. The college’s Chair of Governors, Pauline Odulinski, said: “On behalf of the Board I am delighted to announce that, following the very robust recruitment process, we have appointed Jackie Grubb as the new principal and chief executive officer at City College Plymouth. “She was overwhelmingly the recommendation of those involved in the recruitment process which included staff, students, managers and stakeholders.” “The Governing Body was unanimous in its decision to appoint Ms Grubb and felt she had all the qualities, skills and experience needed to lead us in the next part of our journey to excellence. The Board was particularly impressed with Ms Grubb’s excellent track record in leading and managing in both Good and Outstanding organisations.” Jackie commented that she is looking forward to working at the college: “I am honoured to have been appointed principal and chief executive officer at City College Plymouth and am looking forward to working with such a dedicated team of staff, Governors and stakeholders, to ensure that all students continue to receive an outstanding experience and the college remains at the heart of the community.” Jackie has a wealth of experience in further education having commenced her career as a lecturer more than 30 years ago. As well as being principal at City of Westminster College, she has been deputy principal at Basingstoke College of Technology, director of curriculum at Swindon College and an additional inspector for Ofsted. Jackie will take up her post this summer and is keen to spend time at the college before she joins. She will be meeting with local stakeholders when she visits.

16 April 2019

@PlymChronicle

Labour Councillors support city-wide Clean Our Patch litter-picking

Volunteer-led community action group Clean Our Patch has been supported by Labour Councillors from across the city, and the council’s Waste Management Team, to support them in their mission to clean up Plymouth. Using grant donations from Labour city councillors, Clean Our Patch has purchased an

events gazebo and around 60 litter pickers, 30 hoops, and 30 high visibility jackets, to support recruiting more volunteers and ensure their safety when out collecting rubbish. Clean Our Patch was started in 2018 by El Clarke and Ash Samuels and has led around 80 litter picks across the city, including in Honicknowle,

West Park, Keyham, Devonport, Mountwise, Mutley, Plymstock, Plympton, the Hoe, Bovisands, St Budeaux, and Burrington Park industrial estate. The volunteers have an arrangement with the City Council to collect rubbish after the litter picks. In 2018 volunteers with Clean Our Patch collected 1280 bags, roughly 12.5 tonnes of litter, plus a range of large items. The ﬁrst two months of 2019 have already seen the collection of 681 bags or 6.5 tonnes of litter. Some of the more colourful items picked up include safes, ironing boards, a commode, Nikes, scooters, wallets and purses, stolen bank cards, piles of dirty nappies, needles, noz canisters, a satellite dish, a microwave, children’s toys, shopping trollies, Christmas trees complete with strings of lights, and a toilet brush! Caroline Fisk El Clarke, co-founder from Waste of Clean our Patch, said: Management “When we ﬁrst started (centre) with out, we never imagined El Clarke (left) that it would grow into and volunteers something so big. Words cannot describe the gratitude and appreciation that we have for all of the support we have received. We have been able to grow and develop our ambassador scheme and it is looking hopeful that we will have recruited in Keyham, Plympton and Plymstock. With the funding we have received we have been able to facilitate this growth and in time we will have groups in every ward of Plymouth! In some areas this may involve merging or collaborating with pre-existing groups. As well as the practical litter picking we will be developing an education

scheme that will aim to educate at a grass roots level. We hope that this will be the key to making lasting change happen.” Cllr Pam Buchan, Labour Councillor for Honicknowle ward, said: “The work Clean Our Patch are doing is so important. To clean up the city we need a cultural change around littering. Getting areas clean to start with makes new littering more noticeable and helps people feel that their area deserves to stay clean. This can inspire a feeling of hope within communities. Hope has the ability to make great things happen and if we can give communities hope by picking up litter, it is worth it. “Clean Our Patch provide opportunities for residents to show their appreciation for the area they live in and give up some of their time to do so. Their dedication and hard work helps to save the council money, giving our street services ﬂexibility to can focus on other vital local issues. I’m passionate about environmental citizenship and litter-picking is such an easy and accessible way for people to start helping the environment.” Cllr Margaret Corvid, Labour Councillor for Drake ward, said “Picking litter with Clean Our Patch gives me a big boost. It’s brilliant to walk around the community and clean up, and residents see us and often ask how they can get involved. We have people from all ages, walks of life, and ability levels picking litter, and we are glad to support the wonderful work of these hard working teams.”

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Sunday of the event. Lucky winners will receive a half price drinks token as part of the prize (does not include cocktails). As well as sampling exotic street food and gins from local distilleries, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy musical entertainment, play outdoor games, socialise in a stunning location and listen to talks and distilling sessions from local distillers. What to expect: • Street food • Beetle Juice – the VW cocktail bar! • Local Gin distillers • Local traders, from jewellery to clothing and more • Lawn games including a

Join Miss Ivy Events for an afternoon of Gin, Food and Entertainment in the picturesque surroundings of Mount Edgcumbe on Saturday April 27 from 1pm to 6pm and Sunday 28th April 28 from 12 noon to 5pm. The Plymouth Chronicle has teamed up with Miss Ivy Events to offer 15 pairs of tickets, which will be available for use on either the Saturday or Sunday of the event. Lucky winners will receive a half price drinks token as part of the prize (does not include cocktails). As well as sampling exotic street food and gins from local distilleries, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy musical entertainment, play outdoor games, socialise in a stunning location and listen to talks and distilling sessions from local distillers.

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April 2019

Encouraging women to take on STEM roles Women currently make up about one in five of the STEM workforce in the UK. This underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries limits the diversity of ideas and contributions in what are arguably some of the most important industries in society. Women in STEM Plymouth (WISP) is a local organisation trying to change this and increase gender equality. As an organisation, WISP use their influence to publicise the achievements of women working in STEM roles across Plymouth to provide role models to inspire young people. They also engage with local schools and public events. They focus on three main aims: to inspire, to support and to promote. I spoke to WISP Committee Members Lorna Dallas and Becky Veater about their views on this gender bias in STEM careers. Why do you think so few girls choose to study or pursue a career of the other subtle issues which make life more difficult, women in STEM? can feel utterly out of place in these workplaces. LD: Firstly, there’s definitely going to be some women who However, I’m lucky to have had a fantastic career in STEM simply aren’t interested in a STEM career. There are, however, and have absolutely loved it, as I am quite strong-willed and many reasons why so few women choose STEM pathways – one have become quite confident at this stage in my life. But, one of those is our need to fit in to our surroundings to ensure we of the things that WISP does is work towards this not being feel comfortable and happy. If you look at a company and see necessary. You shouldn’t have to be a confident and outspoken no one who looks like you, whether that’s because of gender, woman to have a career in STEM; you should be able to be a race or religion, it’s very easy to feel that you won’t have a good shy and retiring wallflower. All sorts of people bring something time there or find it to be a fulfilling career. different to the table, so our possibilities for ideas That’s one reason why female role models are so and contributions are reduced by emphasising this important, as they can inspire young women and help very confident nature and encouraging what are more them to break the preconceptions society has set. It is stereotypically ‘male’ traits, rather than celebrating a self-perpetuating cycle – there aren’t many women diversity. in STEM careers, so girls don’t think the opportunity is There are lots of case studies of women who work there for them to go into those careers. Language can in STEM or other male-dominated areas who find be another reason why girls find it difficult to pursue themselves wearing more masculine clothing, such as STEM, as there is a lot of unconscious bias against wearing shoulder pads in the 80s. Women are almost Lorna Dallas them in the language used in the workplace. encouraged to conform to this masculine image by ‘power With STEM, people also seem to assume there are very dressing’ and talking more loudly to seem more dominant which specific career paths available, which is completely not true. encourages a hierarchical outlook, rather than encouraging There are so many roles available - science isn’t just about them to act in whatever way they feel most comfortable. That being a biologist, technology isn’t just about becoming a web can be tiring to pretend to be someone you’re not, simply to fit developer – there are a lot of different roles within that. I’m in. an engineer in my day job, and people assume that means I BV: I’m quite lucky too because I started up my company with physically fix cars and am hands on with components, but that’s a group of friends from university, meaning we’ve always been just not true. I spend most of my day in an office with meetings; level, so there’s never been that hierarchical outlook. However, it’s a creative job, it’s a job about problem solving and about the place I have noticed it most is at traditional networking communication. events. Often, I would walk into a room and be one of only BV: It really comes back to the teaching of girls as they grow four women in a group of fifty people and felt like I had to be up that the definition of STEM isn’t as narrow as it’s made out to someone else and change my persona to fit in and get into be, but instead we need to strive to make these young people conversations. aware that these industries are varied, as this may That’s one of the other things we are trying to encourage a wider range of interest in the first place. lessen through WISP as we run friendly networking People assume there are four roles within events to allow anyone (but especially women) STEM – scientists, technologists, engineers and to make connections in the STEM community in mathematicians – whereas there are hundreds of Plymouth. individual career options under each of those wider In those groups I find it much easier to find my categories. I attach myself to the creativity in STEM place and get involved as there isn’t that element too, and say to people that for me, whilst I may be a of gender bias. We are both lucky to have not developer and write code, it’s a hugely creative role. Becky Veater experienced the full force of this gender bias and It’s a creative process in which I take a blank page discrimination, but that isn’t to say that it doesn’t happen to and using code, turn it into something that does awesome stuff. other women. Our own experiences don’t exclusively inform Why do you feel these industries are traditionally malewhat we are trying to do as an organisation, as we know that dominated? other women have had very different and in some cases much LD: A lot of STEM industries have long histories of being more difficult experiences than we have. WISP is designed to relatively academic professions, rather than trades. Historically use women in STEM who are often these very confident women women were not allowed to do these things – they didn’t have to reach out and use our experiences to help those women who access to education in the same sense, they weren’t allowed work in these industries who still do need support. to go to university to study these subjects, to become these What do you feel needs to be done to lessen the gender bias professionals. Once that idea becomes engraved in society, within STEM industries? people begin to think women can’t do those things. LD: There are lots of ways that you can chip away at that The longer we go with the mindset that women are not problem. The idea is that we would like there to be 50/50 allowed to do those things, the greater the issue becomes. In men to women in any job, whether it’s in STEM or any other actual fact, there is no reason why women can’t do what anyone industry. The real thing we need to do specifically with STEM else can. Society has actually just shaped particular ideas is break down the stereotypes. We need to realise that not all about gender, so over time we begin to find difficulty changing scientists wear white coats, engineers don’t all carry spanners, these ideas which have been embedded into our brains. It’s like technologists don’t all sit in quiet corners with laptops and suggesting women are naturally more nurturing than men, when never speak to anybody. What we really need to do is show actually we have no scientific backing for this, we have just people that the sort of people working in these fields are just been conditioned to believe this through society’s stereotyping normal people. of gender. BV: It’s very much happening now, as we are in the middle of What is it like to be a woman in what is therefore traditionally a time where there’s a lot of media coverage in recent months a male-dominated industry and have you faced any challenges with the #MeToo movement and encouraging equality in the during your career that male counterparts may not have had to workplace that it is beginning to change. A lot of the change face? begins with this awareness, even of little things such as the LD: Personally, we’re quite lucky. I go into work every day language used by companies. Some of the work we do, such as and I’m the only woman in a team of about 20, but they’re a our ‘Watch Your Language’ course, encourages using the right really nice bunch and it’s absolutely fine. Yet, there are always language to attract diversity and reduce subconscious gendered some things more generally that are challenging for women in messages to tackle those stereotypes. It’s all about starting the these industries. There are statistics that show that unless your conversation so that people can go away and create a ripple demographic makes up more than 30% of the room, people effect to encourage gender equality and create wider societal often treat your opinion as if you’re an ambassador for your change in terms of the way we think about gender and careers. demographic. Women in STEM Plymouth are currently looking for people If you’re the only person of a particular demographic to join the WISP Committee to make an impact on future or minority within a group, you can feel as though you’re generations. Something needs to change, so rather than representing the entire female population with your opinions, simply sitting around and watching, join today to actively help which often causes you to censor yourself. Obviously, there combat this gender bias. Things won’t change unless we do. are also practical challenges in the workplace such as sexual Visit https://winstemplymouth.org/ or contact WISP on hello@ harassment or a lack of facilities for women. Combined with all winstemplymouth.org to join today.

Story by Erin Downes

18 April 2019

@PlymChronicle

Students study the skies

From left to right, Stephen, Lewis and Ben with their telescope.

Poetry prizes at Plympton Academy

Students at Plympton Academy have been busy reading poetry and writing their own, as part of a school wide poetry competition. Everyone was ﬁrst asked to read Charles Causley’s famous poem ‘Devonport’ and then to imagine how the story might continue, before putting pen to paper. “As all the poems were about the sea and travel we thought it would be apt for someone from the Naval Base to present the prizes,” said Plympton Academy teacher, Martin Edmonds. The four winning authors were presented with their prizes by Lieutenant Commander Simon Boon, the Base Executive Ofﬁcer of HMS Drake in Devonport.

“I was delighted to be asked to award the prizes for this competition based on Causley’s poem,” he said. “As Charles Causley lived in Cornwall and served aboard both HMS Eclipse and HMS Glory, his poem made a marvellous focus for the competition.” Teacher Martin Edmonds explained that Plympton Academy is committed to encouraging a reading culture amongst all students. “It was wonderful to see the level of interest our students have shown in both Charles Causley’s poems and in writing their own work. It was very difﬁcult to pick the ﬁnal winning entries due to the high level of quality which is why we had four winners.”

Students at Plympton Academy have been supporting the Campaign for Rural England’s (CPRE) light pollution survey. Stephen Heighway, aged 12, Lewis White and Ben Bacon who are both 13 years old, recorded the number of stars they could see in Orion, and the results were submitted to the British Astronomical Association in London. Light pollution means many people can’t see the stars and this campaign by the CPRE is aiming to reconnect people with the wonder of the night skies. Stephen said; “It is really shocking how much light pollution there is around Plymouth and how few stars we can see.” His fellow star gazer, Ben, agreed; “It took me a while to ﬁnd the constellation due to light

Left to right: Plympton Academy Business Director, Teresa Lakeman, Jessica Bean, Hannah Evans, Lieutenant Commander Boon, Elizabeth Richards and Shah Ali.

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pollution but when I did I was surprised how many stars I could see.” Lewis added; “It was a very clear night when I took part but I could only see the three belt stars and three others.” Teacher Martin Edmonds explained; “Orion’s belt is very easy to spot on a clear night and people were asked to record the three belt stars; Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, plus any other stars that were visible in that constellation. There are around 40 stars within that boundary. If you can see that many stars then you would be in one of the darkest places in the country. Most of us would be able to count far fewer stars than that and people in very bright urban areas may only see the three belt stars.”

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Learning about the meaning of Lent

Students from Plympton Academy welcomed Reverend Andy Day from Ridgeway Methodist Church into school recently. The Minister was in to explain the meaning of Shrove Tuesday, Lent and Easter. The students had pancakes with him and thought about how they could challenge themselves as part of Lent. The students’ own suggestions included eating fewer sweets and spending less time on computer games and their mobile phones. Reverend Day said; “Lent and Easter are very special times of the year. Lent is a journey that Christians take to help us be ready to celebrate the events of Easter Day. During Lent many people try to give up something they love – like chocolate, sweets or biscuits, or try to take up something and to make a positive effort to be more helpful or kinder to others. It was marvellous to be able to talk about the nature of the challenge and to meet such enthusiastic young people.”

April 2019

@PlymChronicle

'Talking about my mental illness changed my life' Most of us have either suffered with poor mental health or felt helpless watching a loved one or friend struggle. It’s a difﬁcult time for everyone involved, and it can be stressful waiting for support. Often, empathy from someone who understands ﬁrst-hand how debilitating and terrifying emotional crisis is can be the much needed relief that helps to manage what’s happening. Since July last year, Plymouth has had an out of hours drop in service called ‘Head Space’. The service has been commissioned by the NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part of their long term plan to improve mental health services in collaboration with Devon & Cornwall Police and mental health professionals. It is run by Colebrook South West, a charity working with vulnerable people in Plymouth since 1983. It was recognised that evenings and weekends can be especially troubling times for people approaching a mental health crisis. There is little help available and it can be terrifying to try and manage these powerful feelings alone. Judging by service users’ feedback, it is already a success. 'So helpful to have somewhere safe to come,

really friendly and calm' 'Got somewhere to go now, where people actually listen' 'Really pleased I came here. I have so much to think about. For once I am looking forward to tomorrow' 'I am so grateful you were open on Christmas Day, it’s the ﬁrst year in a really long time that I didn’t have a suicide attempt' The CCG Mental Health Commissioner said: “It’s been a really exciting service to develop, providing a calm understanding space for people who are experiencing a difﬁcult time in their life. People don’t need a ‘diagnosis’ or a referral to use the service. It provides a real alternative for people not only reducing demand on services such as the police or A&E but people who have used the service have said it’s a much better experience for them”. The CCG working with Devon Partnership Trust and Devon County Council has already commissioned services across wider Devon following the success of the Plymouth model and hopes to be able to expand the availability of the Plymouth services. Dedicated volunteers, who have their own

lived experience, make up a team alongside paid members of staff. Together they offer a nonclinical, safe, calm space to support people who feel they are approaching crisis. The service currently operates from the Jan Cutting Centre four days a week, but from April the service will be open Wednesday to Sundays 6pm-10pm at the following centres: Wednesday: The Rees Centre, Mudge Way, Plympton PL7 2PS; Thursday and Friday: Four Greens Wellbeing Hub, Whitleigh Green, PL5 4DD; Saturday and Sunday: The Jan Cutting Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, PL2 2PQ People can also phone for support during these hours, or for reassurance before accessing the service on 07890 257614. For email to make an enquiry, or a professional referral, the contact address is headspace@colebrooksw.org Contacting Head Space prior to arrival with any relevant information is useful, but people can just drop in during the above hours. What to expect Upon arrival a triage system is used (similar to A&E). Some details are taken about you and your situation. The service is completely conﬁdential, and these details help to prove how essential the service is. You will be offered the option of a private 1-2-1 chat; you can take part in some activities in the main area, or just have a warm drink and a snack in a safe and welcoming environment. Staff will explain to everyone using the service its code of ethics which aim to create a safe space

and nurture a culture of respect towards each other. Members of the team have a good understanding of Plymouth’s mental health support systems and services. They will listen to users and share some of their experiences. There is scope for onward referrals to access further support or signposting toward relevant support groups etc that may be of benefit. Who is it for? Adults 18+ who feel they are approaching a mental health crisis. Carers, concerned friends and family members who want to support someone they care about by encouraging them to talk with someone who understands first-hand how scared, overwhelmed or hopeless they are feeling. Head Space does not offer therapy or diagnosis and it’s not suitable for those having an acute psychotic episode. Head Space recognises that in order to help more people, the service will be needed additional nights a week and at different points across the city. More volunteers and donations of games and craft items are needed to make this possible. If you or someone you know has experience of mental health issues and would be willing to share their insight and understanding to help others, we encourage them to find out more. A volunteering application form is available from www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/ To find out more contact the team on 01752 563492, on Facebook @HeadSpacePlymouth or email:headscount@colebrooksw.org

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20 April 2019

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A man who walked the talk THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms

Experience

I remember sitting in a large ﬁeld on a sunny day in August in the early 1990s with a few thousand Greenbelt Festival goers listening to a motor bike riding, leather-clad preacher from Australia share the most authentically spiritual and powerful message on personal identity and value and the meaning of life I had ever heard.

It was so powerful that we play a recording of this condensed message on Cross Rhythms radio and affiliate stations around the world virtually every day. Reverend John Smith died in early March this year at the age of 76. He had the opportunity to at least finish a documentary about his incredible life since he had wrestled with cancer for almost 19 years. As with anything about his life he was a fighter, not for self, but for others. On the occasional times we connected they were always life changing and inspiring for me.

His most famous book was called ‘On the Side of the Angels’ and he was regarded as the pastor of many outlaw motorbike riding clubs including the Melbourne Chapter of the Hell’s Angels. He would bury and marry their members; from these folks - considered by many to be on the margins of society - he gained a grudging respect because he ‘walked the talk’. John started his ministry in the sixties and seventies which some have considered the most culturally diverse and challenging Chris Cole decades of the last century in the western world. They used to say that you could tell if you were a child of the swinging sixties, because if you were there, you probably couldn’t remember it. In other words, for many, it was a crazy time.

He was a product of the phenomenon known as the Jesus People Movement revival of the sixties and seventies which birthed the different genres of contemporary and worship music you can listen to on our radio stations and online today. However, John came from a completely different background. He was very conservative and a school teacher, but a teacher with a great deal of compassion. The story is too complex for this article, but he ended up, motivated by love of Jesus Christ ministering to the outlaw communities as Jesus had done with the lepers of His day in Israel. John and his wife Glena have left a legacy which will grow and grow because it wasn’t initiated by them, but their love of Christ. Like ripples

in a pond their spiritual inﬂuence will continue to grow, ﬂourish and bear much fruit as does the Kingdom of God, which is described in the biblical book of Isaiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.” John is at peace now. He has run a faithful race. He didn’t do it in an attitude of self-righteousness, but in acknowledgement that his life was undergirded and led through the grace and genuine love of His saviour, Jesus Christ. When you listen to our programmes and you hear his voice, know that John, deep within his heart, ‘walked the talk’.

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Pam Greenwood presents the cheque to Hannah Whiting of Friends and Families of Special Children

Lions Club is helping local charities A number of local charities and individuals have received donations from the Lions Club of Plymouth.

Friends and Families of Special Children received £300 towards its work in Plymouth. The charity raises funds for the whole family to participate in activities together, such as 10 pin bowling or a trip to a leisure park, alongside other families in the same situation. They can support each other and enjoy an outing or event together. It can provide a valuable form of respite for the families. Life with a child with special needs in the family can be challenging, exhausting and isolating. It can also be lots of fun, and Friends and Families help to enable this. Clive Pattison and three companions have received £200 towards their fund raising for Meningitis Resarch, because of his son’s close call with the illness. Clive and the team will be competing in the ‘The Wacky Rally’ which starts on July 5 in Lille, France and ﬁnishes in Barcelona three days later, by converting a Saab95 estate into a tank with working turret and operating water cannon. They have registered the team as ‘Green Army 1’ because of his son’s avid support for Plymouth Argyle. Meanwhile £200 has been pledged to the mother of Corgan, an eight year old local deaf boy to help her acquire Level 3 British Sign Language. The fees for this are about £1000 and the Lions already gave him a special laptop some years ago. Future fund raising events by the Lions include Sponsored Knitting at Emmanuel Church Hall, Mannamead on April 13. The aim of the event is to be sponsored to knit as many squares as possible within a given time period. At a later date, the squares are sewn together and distributed to retirement or nursing homes and individuals within the Plymouth area. The event will be open from 10am until 4pm, with music, a free lunch and refreshments available. This year’s Dartmoor Walk will be held on July 7, starting and ﬁnishing at Wotter Village Hall. Teams of all ages and abilities can join the walk to raise money for their own charity and local Lion’s charities. For further information on this event please contact Lion David Turvey on 01752 772 536 or dpturvey16@gmail.com The Lions Club of Plymouth always welcome new members, should you feel you would like to become involved in raising funds for the Local Community and National/International disasters, please contact the Membership Secretary, Lion Lionel Marsh on 01752 345 623 email: lionel.marsh@btinternet.com

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

ARCHITECTS

J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN House & Building plans Extensions • Conversions • Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Fast & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk BLINDS

UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd We won’t be beaten on price or choice! Comprehensive Range of Styles & Fabric Free Measuring, Quotation & Fitting Discounts for Multiple Blinds 01752 300923 | 07765 033470 www.ukblindsplymouth.co.uk

BUILDERS D HEWLETT GENERAL BUILDERS • All general household maintenance work undertaken • • No job too small • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Plastering • • Carpentry & joinery • Guttering • Windows • Bricklaying • • Bedrooms • Facias • Driveways • Patios • Decking • Call Derek on 07967 233257 or 01752 777578

T.CLARKE BUILDING & ROOFING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE All jobs done from a slipped slate to house renovation. Trading Standards approved and Buy With Confidence Member Tel: 01752 267507 - Mob: 07967150441 tclarkebuilders@outlook.com

CARPENTERS ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS Trading Standards approved company Bespoke joinery • doors • staircases • bars Box frame windows • counters • PCstations. Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms. All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling Tel 07704448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk 01752348648 allwoodinstallations@icloud.com

MALCOLM WILLS • COMPLETE CARPENTRY SERVICE All aspects of carpentry repairs, refurbishment, new work, doors, flooring and alterations, shelving and storage Call for estimate.

07599 888841 • 01752 255154 malcolmwills2017@outlook.com CARPETS

EXMINSTER CARPETS

Carpets - Rugs Complete fitting service - Free estimates Large Showroom (5-7 Byard Close, PL5 2AQ) Tel 01752 361 096

www.exminstercarpets.co.uk

ELECTRICIANS GIFFORD ENERGY & ELECTRICAL LTD

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES. SOLAR INSTALLATION, SERVICE AND REPAIRS 42 Gifford Terrace Road, Plymouth PL3 4JE Tel 01752 249543 Mob 07891 909846 email info@giffordenergy.com

R.C. Electrical - Ryan Cross Fully qualified ‘Approved Electrician‘ Which? Trusted Trader & Reviews on Yell.com • Over 17 years experience • FREE quotes •

www.rc-electrical.net info@rc-electrical.net 07813 195943

RDJ Electrics, a committed and reliable

electrician in the Plymouth area. All domestic work covered from an extra socket to a complete re-wire. Get in touch for a free quote! 07983 554526 • www.RDJ-electrics.co.uk ross@RDJ-electrics.co.uk • www.facebook.com/rdjelectrics

ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

Do you find it hard to get someone to come and do a small job? • Fully Insured • Fully Qualified Electrician • NIC EIC Reigstered • No job too small or big • Free Quotations • Reasonably Priced • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Call 07860 555011 - 01752 548766 info@rowe-net.net

STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 20 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work. Will beat all other reasonable quotes. • Call Steve 07894 208842

FENCING & DECKING

Absolute Fencing & Decking Ltd The No. 1 Fencing & Decking Company in Plymouth

Specialists in Fencing • Decking • Gates • Patios

07494 575140 • info@fencedevon.com www.fencedevon.com See our Facebook page for examples

GARAGE DOOR SERVICES PLYMPTON & SOUTH HAMS GARAGE DOORS – Local family business; repairs and servicing, new garage door installations, remote electric operators for new and existing doors, electric gate automation, electric/manual roller shutters. Free estimates and surveys. Tel 01752 348488 www.psgdoors.co.uk

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING

01752 341613 www.evglimited.co.uk

• Tree removal • Tree & hedge reduction • Stump grinding • Turfing • Hedge trimming • Grass cutting • Clearances • All aspects of fencing • Tarmacing, block paving & resin bond • Landscaping • Decking • Retaining walls • Construction • Hardwood logs delivered

Free quotations, fully insured

MDN Tree and Garden Services Tree Surgery Hedging Fencing and Soft Landscaping mdntreeservices@outlook.com 07984296871 or 01752 851032 R.J.B GARDEN SERVICES LTD GARDEN MAINTENANCE, HEDGE & GRASS CUTTING, LANDSCAPING Tel: 01752 319510 Mob: 07985 040658 Email: rjbgardenservice@gmail.com Find us on Facebook RJB Garden Services Ltd

ROB'S LANDSCAPES Landscaping AND GROUND MAINTENANCE IN PLYMOUTH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Landscaping • Gardening • Natural Stone Walling • Fencing • Gates Block & Brick Walls • Patios • Decking • Ground Maintenance • Block Driveways Pressure Washing • Turfing Artificial Grass • Chainsaw License Free estimates • 18 yrs experience • Find us on Facebook

07506 739819

robslandscapes@icloud.com

GUTTERING

TOTALLY GUTTERED BLOCKED, BROKEN OR DIRTY GUTTERS? Domestic & Commercial, High Level Gutter Vacuum (up to 4 Storey) Prompt, Efficient Service from a Local Family Business Call on 07467 297363

LOCKSMITH All Hours Locksmith - 24 hr Locksmith • Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting • Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs • Replacement Glass • Free Quotes 17 Ivydale Road, Mutley, Plymouth, PL4 7DE Tel 01752 516877 Mob 07989 599969

MOBILITY AID WLS STAIRLIFTS RECONDITIONED FROM £749 NEW FROM £1349 RENTALS FROM £52 PER MONTH

Mob 07887587957 Office 01752212136

OVEN CLEANING SERVICES

GREENS OVEN CLEANS Let me give your oven a new lease of life Call Trevor on 07501 645208 trevgreen4@gmail.com Fully Insured

PAINTERS & DECORATORS ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

Decorating internal & external • Plastering Renovations • Flooring • General maintenance Garden decking & fencing • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis-ball@hotmail.co.uk

S.G.F Decorating Services Plastering & Decorating Specialist Painting - Plastering - Wallpaper - Interior & Exterior Work - Over 30 years experience C.S.C.S Registered - Friendly & Reliable 07859 804389 stevefull@live.co.uk

PLASTERING A R PLASTERING & BUILDING From a small repair to the whole house All Internal & External Work undertaken • Plastering • Rendering • Building work • Decorating • Damp proofing • Tiling • and more Free estimates call Alex on 07904755491 MJB PLASTERING

• Internal & External • Reliable • Clean • High quality service at affordable prices Mat Bradley - Time served Tradesman Tel: 07716 728258 Home: 01752 211649 mjb-plastering@hotmail.co.uk STEVE BENNETT PLASTERING Internal/External Plastering • Spar Dash Specialist • Insurance Work Welcome • UPVC Facias, Soffits and Guttering • Property Maintenance • Painting/Decorating • Coving

Prompt Polite Friendly Service • No Job Too Small • Free Estimates

01752 368601 • 07971 741068

www.stevebennettplastering.co.uk • facebook.com/plasterersofplymouth

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • VAILLANT approved installer Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

Interested in advertising in Dial The Experts?

Call Glenda on 01752 225623 or email glenda@cornerstonevision.com

Want to reach 90,000 homes around Plymouth? Your business could be advertised in Dial The Experts

RIGHT PRICE PLUMBERS (SW) LTD All Plumbing Work• No Job Too Small NO VAT • OAP Discounts Water Safe Registered• 30+ Years Experience T: 07710 200299 E: bedford9096@gmail.com PINK PLUMBERS Fast, Friendly, Reliable and tidy service by your local FEMALE plumber. Specialist in small to medium jobs (NO VAT) 01752 412070 07540 956436

T.R.B Heating - Trevor Bryant

Full Heating Systems • Boiler Exchanges • Fire and Fireplace Installations • Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation • Former British Gas Heating Installer • Gas Safe Registered Special offer on servicing boilers £50 (T&C Apply) 0790 6706 799 www.trbheating.co.uk trbheating@live.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

One Call Maintenance

Call Richard • 07974101028 • • or email

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS PLUMBING REPAIRS ROOF REPAIRS All repairs expertly undertaken

1callplymouth@ • gmail.com

StepUp Maintenance

Home repair and improvement ◆ Garden Maintenance Domestic cleaning ◆ Window Cleaning Power washing ◆ And more (no job too small) Contact Marc for free quote 07951 029947 help@stepupmaintenance.com - www.stepupmaintenance.com FULLY INSURED SERVICE

REMOVALS A M Removals Man & Van Service Plymouth Single items to full house moves 1 or 2 men available Fully insured Local/national work 07845735818 • 01752930301 www.amremovalsplymouth.co.uk

ROOFING

DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects. Pitched or flat roofs • GRP (fibreglass) •lead-work uPVC Fascias & guttering • Roof-lights • Fully insured A fast & friendly service. Competitive rates. Call or email Neil for a free estimate • 07543363225 • 01752216765 devonshireroofing@live.co.uk • www.devonshireroofing.co.uk 10% discount to Forces Veterans

LES PIKE • Emergency roof repair specialist • Concrete tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings All building & construction work undertaken. 45 Years experience in the building industry. Tel: 01752 787708 Mob: 07977949898

WASTE REMOVAL

KSR Licensed Disposal REMOVAL OF WASTE Cheap rates for OAPs, For a FREE Estimate, CALL Kevin: 07810 450940

J&S RUBBISH REMOVALS House/Loft/Garage/Garden Clearances Licence carriers. Discount for OAPs. Free estimates Call Steve today to take it away Tel: 01752 600570 Mob: 07929000918 info@js-rubbish-removals.co.uk

WINDOWS & DOORS

RESOLVE PVC Door & Window Repairs

Door dropped? Difficult to lock? Windows draughty? Misty or Cracked Glass? Adjustments, Handles, Hinges, Mechanisms, Letterboxes, Seals, Panels, Cat flaps, Childproof Restrictors, Tilt & Turn Repairs Let us “RESOLVE” the problem for you!

Free Estimates, Friendly Service. Call 0787 204 1114 Email: info@resolvedoorandwindowrepairs.co.uk

22 April 2019

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Plympton Library Family History Help Desk Tuesdays, 9.30am - 11.30am Get help and advice in tracing your family history. Booking required. Rhymetime Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am Thursdays, 2pm - 2.30pm Saturdays, 10.30am - 11am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers. IT for Beginners Wednesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to ‘Learn My Way’. Staff will be on hand to help. Feel Better with a Book Wednesdays, 11am - 12pm Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small friendly group. Book Group Thursdays, 6pm - 7pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss. Board Games Evening Thursdays, 6pm - 8pm Drop in for an evening of gaming in a family friendly space. Games will be available, but feel free to bring your own. Hello World - Coding and Making Saturdays, 9.30am - 10.30am After school club for anyone interested in coding and digital making. For 8 to 13 year olds. Memory Conservatory Mondays, 2pm - 4pm Drop in for a reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa. Plymstock Library Feel Better with a Book Tuesdays, 10am - 11.30am Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small friendly group. Film Show Monthly, second Tuesday of the month, 2pm - 4pm Join in the fun for a free showing of a classic film. Check with the library for this month’s title. Hello World - Coding and Making Tuesdays, 4pm - 5pm After school club for anyone interested in coding and digital making. For 8 to 13 year olds. Rhymetime Thursdays, 2.15pm - 2.45pm Saturdays, 10am - 10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers. Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s. Lego Club for Grown Ups Thursdays, 6pm - 7.30pm Lego is not just for children! Why not join the Lego group for grown ups? The Lego is provided, you provide the building skills. No booking needed. Share a Story Saturdays, 10.30am - 11am A weekly drop in session where you can read stories and do activities together. Each week follows a different theme. Lego Club Saturdays, 2.30pm - 4pm Do you have a big imagination and like making things? Why not join the Lego group? For children aged 6+. Film Show Monthly, third Monday of the month, 2pm - 4pm Join in the fun with a free film show. Check with the library for this month’s title. Plymstock Library Writers Group Amateur authors of stories and verse seek similar minded people for the sharing and discussion of each other’s work. We meet in the Plymstock Library on

the ﬁrst Thursday of every month for 2 hours starting at 5pm. Interested, then come along, or should you want more information on the Plymstock Library Writers Group ring Tom on 01752 208735. Plympton Litter Picking Group First Saturday of month From 10.30am to 12.30pm - come for as little or as long as you like and join in with our merry-band of litter-pickers! All ages welcomed. Bring your own gloves, everything else that you need is provided. We often have tea and cakes afterwards. It’s good exercise, enjoyable and a pleasant way to meet new people. We tackle different areas of Plympton, so the meet-up venue varies, for information email peacham2@hotmail.co.uk, 07877353465 or visit Plympton Library where it will be added to the What’s On book. Sequenced Dancing Tuesdays Everyone welcome, come and make some friends over an afternoon of dancing. Plymstock Community Centre 2pm-4pm. Contact 01752 251313 or 668017 for further details. Bring your own drink if you want. Plympton Painting Group A fun thing to do! If you are interested in any sort of drawing/painting, why not join? Meeting in the multipurpose room at The Rise, George Lane, Plympton on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month between 7pm and 9pm. There are great speakers, most of the time demonstrating watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels and drawing - a wide variety to suit everyone! Don’t worry if you haven’t got the right equipment members are happy to share and advise. It is a group of enthusiastic amateurs who love to paint. Come and see for yourself at one of the meetings, and enjoy the fun. Ring Gill on 01752 340544 for more information. Plymstock Gardening Society Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at Plymstock United Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston from 7.30pm to 9pm. The hall is open from 7pm and there is parking available at the rear of the building. Visiting speakers on a range of topics with tips for jobs to do in the garden in the coming month. There is tea and coffee and a rafﬂe. New members and visitors are made very welcome and disabled access is available.

MTV Music Week extravaganza MTV is returning to Plymouth this summer with a four-day music extravaganza.

Running from June 5 to 8, MTV Music Week will see a huge range of acts perform in the city at live evening shows, along with inspirational daytime events targeted at young people with a passion for music. Supported by Plymouth City Council, MTV will host four exciting evening events at venues across the city: • MTV Push on Wednesday June 5 at The Treasury • MTV Presents on Thursday June 6 at Plymouth Pavilions • YO! MTV Raps on Friday June 7 at The Hub • Club MTV on Saturday June 8 at Plymouth Pavilions The impressive line-up so far includes: Ghetts, Jvck James, Pale Waves, RAY BLK, R3WIRE & VARSKI, Snoochie Shy and The Amazons with more acts and speakers due to be announced in the coming weeks. MTV Breaks will also be presenting a series of free daytime events including talks, panels and workshops focusing on everything from networking skills, inclusion and social inﬂuencers to UK rap music and women in music.

The Amazons Photo: Alex Lake

Music fans can also sign up for a DJ workshop at The Hub and speed networking events to meet music industry professionals. Following on from MTV Crashes Plymouth and MTV Presents: Ocean City Sounds, MTV Music Week Plymouth marks a new direction for the Plymouth showcase, focused on curated events relevant to young fans, in addition to live music events. Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “We’re passionate about supporting music in Plymouth and excited to be working with MTV to bring such

Coffee Morning First Wednesday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a friendly coffee morning 10am to 12 noon. Cost is £2 that includes a second cup of coffee and homemade cake. Everyone welcome. Come and make new friends.

creative, come along and join this friendly group. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. £3. Music for the Memory. 2pm - 3.30pm. Free. Busy Fingers Knitting Group, also on Wednesdays and Fridays. 9.30am - 11.45am. £3. Reading Group, every third Monday of the month. 10.30am - 12pm. £3. Tuesdays Tai Chi for beginners and improvers. 10am - 11am and 11.15am - 12.15pm. £4. Bingo. 1.45pm - 3.30pm. £5. Walking football run by Plymouth Argyle. 1.30pm - 2.30pm. Suggested donation £2. Wednesdays Relaxing Yoga. 10am - 11.30am. £6. Singing Group. 1.45pm - 3.45pm. £3 Thursdays Short Mat Bowls. 9.30am - 12pm. £3. Art Group. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. £3. Line Dancing. 2pm - 3.30pm. £5. Fridays Scrabble. £3. Computer Lessons. Come and learn new skills from getting online safely to reading emails. Booking required, free. Quilling. A unique skills rolling, shaping and gluing paper to create interesting designs on cards and paintings. 9.30am - 11.45am and 1.30pm - 3pm. £3. Memory Lane Group, for carers and the with memory loss. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. £3. For more information please ring 01752 405632 or visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk

Age UK Activities Age UK Plymouth’s William Venton Centre in Plymstock provides a wide variety of regular, friendly activities for over the 50s and carers. A range of social and creative activities for all abilities: Freshly cooked lunches are available daily at just £6 for three courses. Mondays Card and Puzzle Group. £3. Art and Craft, also on Wednesdays, if you enjoy being

Plym Valley Sugarcraft Guild Meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at Norley Hall, 70-74 Plymstock Road, Plymstock. We are a friendly group of likeminded people of varying ages and skills, from beginners to the very

Plympton Gardeners Association First Thursday of every month at 7:30pm at Harewood House, Plympton. We have talks from visiting speakers on gardening topics, monthly and annual competitions for members and we hold two ﬂower and produce shows every year. We also run a Trading Hut during the growing season where gardening supplies can be bought at competitive prices. Visit www.plymptongardeners.com for more details. Plympton and District U3A General meetings of the group are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Harewood House, Plympton at 2pm. Visitors will be made most welcome. Last year was very successful and many outings were enjoyed by our members. Outings groups include: Garden visits, bus-pass outings, theatre visits, stroll with a camera, dining club, long & short walks. See our website for more details https://u3asites.org. uk/plympton/welcome Join us and share a year of possibilities. Contact: Maggie Holmes on 01752 957044

Sequenced Dancing Tuesdays and Saturdays Plymstock Community Centre Tuesdays 2pm-4pm; Saturdays 7.30pm-10.30pm All welcome 01752 251313 or 668017

an amazing range of genres to the city. “Our ongoing relationship with MTV is just one of the ways we’re working to protect and build Plymouth’s amazing music scene. “This new format is really exciting for anyone in Plymouth interested in breaking into the music industry with the daytime workshops giving a unique chance to meet and learn from talented industry professionals, in addition to the four spectacular live music events for all music fans to enjoy.” For more info visit www. mtvmusicweek.co.uk.

experienced. We hold various demonstrations and workshops each meeting from flower making to how to stack a cake. Contact chairman Ros Hawkins at roshawkins@talktalk.net or secretary Carol Tweedie caroltweedie@hotmail.com More details at www. bsgregion6.com and Facebook page Plym Valley British Sugarcraft Guild. Sandy’s Plymchords U3A Fun Choir Tuesdays Chaddlewood Farm Community, Glen Road, Plympton 10am to 12 noon. Singing lots of popular songs in unison. No need for auditions or to be able to read music. For information ring Sandy on 01752 930524 Hooe and Turnchapel Ladies Group Meet on the first and second Tuesday of the month, 8pm at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre. Call 01752 311931 for more details. Plymstock ‘Wednesday Wives’ An independent group of women who meet for a varied programme including speakers, workshop evenings, games, meals out and visits, and of course, chat!! We welcome all ladies (married or not) to the Hall at the United Reform Church Plymstock Rd, on Wednesday evenings (not first one in the month/and not school holidays generally) from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. We have tea/coffee and a light supper which we take it in turns to provide. For details/dates please contact Jacky Partridge 01752 231139 ansaphone on. Monthly Market Third Saturday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a monthly market with crafts, jewellery, cakes, bric a brac and books etc. 10.am - 1.pm. Good refreshments available. Free entry. Why not pay us a visit? Sparkwell WI First Wednesday of month Sparkwell Parish Hall. Guest speaker this month Mark Rendell on the topic Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Come and see what we are about. No obligation but you are most welcome. Contact Heather Harvey 01752 893 249

@PlymChronicle

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Colebrook Community Centre Colebrook Community Centre is a totally self-funding charity. Regular Events Monday: Diabetic group, 4 - 5 Children’s Language class Tuesday: 2 - 4 over 60’s group 4 - 7 Dog Training Wednesday: 9.30 - 10.30 Pilates 4 - 5 Children’s Language class Thursday 2nd week of month: 9.30 - 1 Fostering Thursday 3rd week of month: 10 - 1 Multiple Sclerosis 1.45 Pilates Friday: 9.30 - 10.30 Pilates; 11 - 12 Children’s Language class Friday: 1st and 3rd week of the month Country Dancing Car Boot Sales at Peacock Meadow & George Park & Ride March - October Available for hire suitable Children’s Birthday Parties Contact Kay for further details tel 01752 200046 Woodford Methodist Community Church Church and Worship Morning Worship and Children’s Sunday Club 10.30am 2nd-5th Sunday of every month. A guaranteed relaxed service, with friendly ministers and congregation. A team of wonderful Ministers keep each week fresh and rewarding. Experienced children’s workers in Junior Church teach and care for children from toddlers to teenagers with age-related activities. Those with babies and very dependent children are welcome to join in with this group. Prayer Team available to talk over your worries at the close of the Service. Drinks, biscuits and opportunity for friendly conversation in the hall after every service. We have grown to expect the unexpected in this modern, happy, friendly church. Monthly Early Traditional Service (followed by Messy Church) 1st Sunday of every month. 9.30am Traditional Service with hymn books, prayer and a sermon. This is a wonderful time of worship with the traditional contents of a Methodist Service with a modern joyful twist. Members of the Prayer Team are available for you to speak with at the close of the service. You are then invited to go into the Hall for hot drinks and biscuits. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the members of this church and stay for the Messy Activities or just relax and have a chat over a hot drink. Messy Church - begins at 10.30am with a session of arts, crafts, fun and mess in the Hall for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Hot drinks and biscuits are available and the opportunity to stay for lunch at the Church for a minimal cost. The items made are then taken into the Chapel for a very informal short Service. The children are asked about the things they have made, before heading back into the Hall for lunch, or more coffee etc. This is a great opportunity to get to know the church and the people involved in it. ‘Overflow Praise & Worship’ service 6.30pm - 8.30pm on 2nd Sunday of every month. Time in God’s presence:- worshipping, giving thanks, praying and sharing what God has laid on your heart in an awesome and amazing way. Refreshments will be served during the evening. Prayer Group Tuesdays 9.30am-10.30am (In the Lounge).In all the hustle and bustle of life these days, people struggle to cope, but look to fill that gap in their lives where something is missing. That gap can be filled with the loving family of God in a local church. Giving up a bit of time for regular prayer, together with others, can help you cope with the stresses and worry that life throws at you. We provide a non-judgemental circle of friendship and welcome everyone, regardless of background, luggage and history, to come and seek our friendship. We open our doors every week, for anybody and everybody to walk in freely and pray with us. Every word spoken is treated with the upmost confidence and privacy, along with unconditional friendship. Come along and pray with us - life is easier to cope with among friends. You can come in and out as you need and should you need to stay longer or talk to anyone at the end, you will not be turned away. If the doors are locked, knock on the window (room on right-hand end of the church). You do not need to attend any church to come and pray with us. For further information on Woodford’s church and worship events contact Sheila on 338517. Community Groups: Woodford Wives (1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm) This group of friendly women meet twice a month to listen to various speakers and meet socially. They also raise funds by holding a Coffee Bar at Harewood House and stalls throughout the year. There’s always time for a chat! Day trips away as a group of friends. In recent years they have raised much needed funds for Help for Heroes, Bowel Cancer West (Derriford Hospital) and Shekinah Mission. To find out more Telephone Anne Eames on Tel. 216643. The Linda Mortimore School of Dance Mondays

Disney Magic will be coming to Plymouth

Disney will be sprinkling its magic across Britain’s Ocean City in September 2020, with the inaugural visit of the Disney Magic cruise liner.

The Disney Magic is over 300 metres long and can accommodate more than 2,800 passengers, which will make her one of the biggest cruise ships to ever visit Plymouth when she arrives on September 7 2020. This has been made possible thanks to support from Destination Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Associated British Ports (ABP) Plymouth. The visit of the Disney Magic is expected to attract a huge amount of attention - when she made her first visit to other UK ports, such as Liverpool, huge crowds turned out to see the ship. As she will be anchored in Plymouth Sound, the Hoe will provide the perfect viewing point for those wanting to catch a glimpse. Passengers on board will land at both Millbay and Commercial Wharf on the Barbican via tenders. For over a year, local companies and attractions have been working in partnership with ABP Plymouth, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and the Queens Harbour Master, as well as Plymouth Boat Trips, to develop proposals for shore excursions in and around the city. Amanda Lumley, executive director of

4.15pm-8pm and Wednesdays 4.15pm-7pm. Linda trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and teaches RAD ballet and the ISTD tap, modern and jazz. The school holds a very popular adult tap class and produces stage performances, with regular productions. Dance is a great platform for socialising, learning posture and gaining confidence. Learning to dance can lead to a career or for just having fun. Call 01752 343791 for details. Women’s Fellowship (Tuesdays 2.30pm-3.30pm - In The Main Hall) Come and join this lovely group, with a vast programme of speakers, covering many subjects. They enjoy watching various films and slide shows, have annual outings and visits by choirs. The group also hold a regular Bring and Buy table to support designated charities. It is a really friendly, welcoming group with lots of stories to tell about living through different situations and stages, as Christians. Some of the members may well be in their latter years, but have fabulous personalities and lots to share. They enjoy each other’s company and are most definitely young at heart! To find out more about this wonderful group of ladies Telephone Muriel on 345284 or Pat on 348672. Rainbow Girl Guides Rainbows is a section of the Girl Guides organisation which is all about developing self-confidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun. Our group is not running at present, but there are other groups in the area. To find a group go to www.girlguiding.org.uk and register your details. Woodford Men’s Meeting 10am (2nd and 4th Wednesday month) The Men’s Meeting, welcome any men who wish to join this convivial group. Session start with a cuppa before a speaker gives an interesting and entertaining talk, sometimes accompanied by a slide show or film, for about one hour. The meeting ends at 11.30am. A small charge of £2 is levied to cover refreshments and fees. Guest speakers, specialising in a variety of subjects have enthralled those attending. Members and friends are always welcome to give a talk on a subject of their own choice! The group share a huge range of experience, knowledge and stories - why not come and share with them? We always welcome new friends and our group

Destination Plymouth, said: “We have been working very hard over the past three years in the cruise market, supported by Cruise Britain and with funding from Visit England, to encourage cruise vessels to come to Plymouth. “This visit is particularly exciting for us both in terms of the amount and type of passengers visiting but also in terms of developing our relationship with the Disney Cruise brand. “Over the next 12 months our cruise liner volunteers will be receiving extra support including additional training, new uniforms and a new base to work from so they are ready to provide the very best possible port welcome in 2020. We will also be working closely in partnership with the city’s businesses to ensure that all those visiting recommend Plymouth as a great place to come back to visit.” In 2018, four cruise vessels stopped in Plymouth, with seven currently booked to visit in 2019. A further 12 vessels have already booked to berth in 2020, which will equate to around 13,000 passengers. Destination Plymouth aims to increase this post-2020 as a strong legacy of Mayflower 400. Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Tourism is an incredibly important industry in Plymouth and the thousands of passengers arriving on cruise ships offer a huge opportunity for local businesses.” currently range from middle-age upwards. Come along you will be very welcome and have instant friendship in this cordial atmosphere. To find out more, ring Harold on 01752 337085. Pins & Needles Knitting Club 2.30pm (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month). This traditional hobby has bounced right back up in the popularity charts. People of varying ages are now picking up knitting needles and are all most welcome to come and join this group, which hand-produce and send knitted goods such as jumpers, blankets and hats for poor children in two areas of Romania and are sometimes asked to produce adult hats for Shekinah Mission, asylum seekers and refugees. One of the members makes cardigans, hats and small blankets for the Neo-natal Unit at Derriford Hospital. It doesn’t matter if you have been knitting for years, or have never seen a ball of wool before - the group will openly welcome you and share their knowledge and skills! To join them, please contact Jean Milroy on Tel. 337578. Games 4 U 2.30pm-4pm (2nd and 4th Thursday of every month) A group of friendly men and women who meet during the autumn and spring school terms. The group play various board games from the easy to the quite demanding. No matter how much you need to concentrate, the club never lose sight that you are playing games and so there is always opportunity for light conversation during the tea and biscuit break! To find out more about this wonderful group telephone Joyce on Tel. 216343. ‘Woodys’ Youth Group 6pm-8pm. A new group set up for the community by the church. There is a good mix of children from 8-16 where they can test their scooter and skateboard skills on the ramps and jumps. Air-hockey also available. Youth workers work alongside members of the church and other volunteers to support this wonderful project. Primary-age children session 6-7pm and Secondary-age children session 7-8pm. Laira Youth Band (Thursdays 7.15pm). The Laira Youth Brass Band started in 1972 from the members of the Sunday school at Laira Congregational Church, it has performed hundreds of concerts over the years, in every corner of the City and beyond. Scores of children

April 2019

have passed through its ranks. Most were taught to read music and to play their instrument whilst in the Band, and many have continued their musical hobby into adult life, some choosing a professional career in music. As well as part of the band performing (amongst others) in the weekly church service here at Woodford, the Band also put on regular concerts to raise money for local charities and take part in parades and perform at special church events. To find out more call Tony Hollick on 01752 216784. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Sundays: Church service 10am to 12 noon 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Square dancing 5.30pm -9pm Mondays: Salsa classes 10am to 11am. Chatterbox 1pm to 3pm. Table Tennis 6pm to 9pm 1st Monday of the month Federation of Pensioners 1pm to 4pm (Phoenix Club) Tuesdays: Baby sensory classes 10am to 12 noon. Valannes’s Dance School Children’s Ballet & Tap 4pm to 7pm. Line dancing 7.30pm to 10pm. Wednesdays: Over 60’s Club 1pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Latin Line dancing 7.30pm to 9.30pm Thursdays: Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults. Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Line dancing 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Fridays: Evergreen Club 2pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Hall and lounge meeting room for hire telephone Lesley on 07952 465836. Licenced Bar - Open from 7.30pm week days and from 4pm weekends. Soft drinks and hot drinks also sold. All welcome. Energie Fitness for Women Classes at Lister Close, Plympton Tuesday 9.30am Ladies only Legs, Bums, Tums Tuesday 10.15am Ladies Only Pilates Wednesday 9.15am Ladies only BodyPump Wednesday 11am Ladies Only Pilates Friday 6pm Ladies only FatBlast Saturday 11am Gentle motorised exercise Sunday 9.15am Mixed Class BodyPump For more information call 01752 340044 Plympton Moving On Stroke Club Alternate Wednesdays Meet at Pocklington Rise, George Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JL 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a small charge to cover the rent of the room, and for refreshments £2 per person. We tend to have a speaker one week, and an activity the next. Contacts Tony Stoneman 07834276371; Steve Fairbairn 07718749008. Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome. Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Sonia on 514119 for more info. Sandy’s Songbirds Wednesdays A thriving, happy mixed choir. No auditions. No need to be able to read music either. This is a fun-filled community choir meeting weekly with refreshments and raffle too. Wednesdays 10 am to 12 noon at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre in Glen road behind the Coop. For details contact Sandy on 07737 461431. Hooe’s Place Cafe St John’s Church Hall, Hooe. Open to all. 10.30am 11.30am for coffee. Freshly cooked lunches from 11.45am - 1.30pm. St John’s Church open through the hall 10.30am - 2pm. The only bus now travelling to Hooe is No. 2B every 20 minutes stopping outside the church. Past Times Past Times group was started over 20 years ago to encourage people, especially those on their own or new to the area, to share their hobbies, knitting for charity, cross stitch, board games, quizzes or just pop in & enjoy some friendly company & a cup of tea. We also have a list of other groups, clubs & activities available in Plympton. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month, at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Market Road, Plympton 1.30pm until 3.30 pm. More details are available from the parish office Monday to Friday 9am until 1pm 01752 348525 Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7:30pm at Hooe and Tunchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee and biscuits. Weekly raffles and late raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for more details. Table Top Sale Second Saturday in the Month (not January) Plymstock Community Centre: Vintage, Collectables and Craft 9am to 2pm. These table top sales are held in Plymstock Community Centre (top of Plymstock

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Broadway Car Park). A friendly and welcoming atmosphere prevails and there is something for everyone from antiques to knitted gloves and hats to books and records and jewellery. We hope to bring something new each month. Entry is 20p per person but children are free. There is a selection of hot and cold refreshments. Enquiries to Paula 01752 342321. Circle Dance Thursdays Yealmpton Circle Dance Group. Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, PL8 2HF. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A variety of dance styles from gentle and expressive to lively and joyful. Traditional and contemporary world music. Good for mind, body and spirit. Clearly taught and easy to learn. No partner needed. Friendly and fun. Call 01752 880196 for details.

Freedom Community Festival returns in June

Boxing Classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Carl’s boxing stable has opened a new gym in Colebrook training for all ages to compete or just get fit. 7pm to 8pm. Details from Carl on 07837 920150.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Your local sanctuary for most types of unwanted domestic pets. Good homes always needed - have a look at lovely animals, and what we do on www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk. We don’t destroy any animal unless it’s beyond veterinary help or dangerous and we have special units for elderly residents. Please don’t allow your pet to breed, ask us for friendly advice, or about our spay and neuter scheme for owners on benefit instead. Based in Elfordleigh. Tel 01752 347503. Ballroom & Social Sequence Dancing Various dates Plymstock Community Centre every Tuesday afternoon 2pm until 4pm and every other Saturday from 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Details 01752 251313 or 01752 668017. Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info. Guitar Classes Guitar lessons for children aged from 6 - 12 years. Taught in small groups of 2 or 3. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3.45 or 4.30pm Fridays at 4pm Saturdays between 9.30 - 4pm For more details Tel: 01752 216456. Classes held in the Woodford area. Sounds Musical Theatre Company Wednesdays Founded in 1911, we are a friendly, diverse group of people who love Musical Theatre and produce two shows a year. In March/April we perform our annual full musical production, with a musical revue in October. Rehearsals are every Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Oreston Methodist Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston. Visit www. soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk for more info. Plymstock & District Art Society (PANDAS) Pandas is a small friendly group of amateur painters meeting for two hours (7.30-9.30pm) every Wednesday fortnight at the Radford Family Centre, Plymstock. Members paint and draw in all media and enjoy occasional demonstrations and models. We are not a teaching class but help each other and have programme of themed evenings. Each year our annual exhibition takes place in Plymstock Library. New members are always given a warm welcome so please contact Mike on 794281. Beckly Centre Regular events at the Beckly Centre at Mayers Way, Hooe Road, Plymstock include: Mondays 7pm to 9.30pm adult social group with a variety of activities including crafts, life skills, cooking, quizzes, bingo and outings; Thursdays 7pm to 9pm youth group providing social activities in a small friendship mixed ages and ability groups for young people with additional needs; Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 3.30pm weekend activity groups for mixed age and ability

for sale. 2pm to 4pm. Proceeds to support the local Samaritans and the Smile train, an overseasd medical charity, repairing hair lips and cleft palates. Breathe Easy Plymouth First Tuesday of the month Breathe Easy Plymouth, a local support group for anyone with a lung condition, their carers or anyone interested in supporting the group, meets regularly at Tothill Community Centre at 1.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Entry is free and there is tea and coffee with biscuits, then usually a speaker. All are welcome. For more details phone Anne on 01752 402310 or Christine on 01752 220919 Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Jacqui on 07814 355844.

Mini Dance Machine Thursdays At Rees Youth Centre, Mudge Way, Plympton. Modern fun disco dance group for children. 4.15pm - 5pm for ages 4 to 6; 5pm - 6pm ages 6 to 10. £2 per session. Call Lisa 07896 105 479.

Time Out Second and fourth Wednesday A group for individuals who are lonely and isolated. Come for a chat and make new friends. Plymstock United Church, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Refreshments £1. Contact Lin: 07818 254527.

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Plans are well under way for this years Freedom community festival, a free annual event due to be held on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 in Freedom Fields Park, Plymouth.

It provides culture, great local music, a variety of delicious food, market stalls and many activities to show off Plymouth at its best. This year we aim to provide an enhanced community family zone that offers creative and learning opportunities and to promote an environmental theme. We welcome support to sustain this event including: volunteering, sponsorship and offers for family friendly activities. For more info on how to get involved go to: www.freedomcommunityfestival.org or visit Facebook@freedomcommunityfestival or call Jonathan on: 07722308462.

groups of children and young people with special needs offering a good range of social and group opportunities; school holidays weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm holiday playscheme activity sessions for small friendship groups of children and young people with special needs. For details call 01752 484433 or 07780 662391.

RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) Dates of branch meetings for 2019 are as follows: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, Aug 28, Sept 25, Oct 23 and Nov 27. Meetings will start at 10.30am, followed by a coffee break around 11am, all held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth. The Branch AGM, will be on March 6 at 12 noon, followed by a lunch break again at Raffles break.¬†We look forward to meeting members old and new. Please try to come along to these meetings and show support to your Branch and the committee and also help to keep the association alive.

This ever populur event brings people together of all age groups to celebrate our rich diverse community. This event is organized and run by a dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to make it all happen. It also comes with great support from a number of local and City wide organisations, performing artists, local people, plus sponsors and grants.

Fun Club Fridays in term time Fun filled club for primary school aged children from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock. Games, crafts, stories, songs, tuck shop etc. 50p entrance. Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7.30pm At Hooe and Turnchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee & biscuits. Weekly raffles and meat raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for more details. SING Every Thursday in school term times Plymouth Community Choir at Pomphlett. Great songs, lovely people and loads of fun! Do you want to sing with us? We meet on Thursdays 7.15pm-9pm at Pomphlett Methodist Church Centre (just behind Morrisons in Plymstock). We sing songs at the soul funky/world music end of the spectrum. Visit www. singdevon.com. Or ring Pete Scott on 07896 276577. First session free! Book online or by phone. Yoga Classes Run for all levels in Staddiscombe and Oreston, mornings and evenings. For details contact 07779 679305 or email annamarie193@sky.com Flamenco Beginners Lessons Thursdays Friendly and social group with a passion for Flamenco and Spanish culture. Lessons are for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome as we use a range of levels where students can develop their technique through hand and arm movements and foot tapping. Flamenco is a fun way to exercise whilst learning this fiery and emotional dance. Meet at Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Sevillanas Rumbas & Castanets 7-8pm Compas of 12 & Rumbas. For details call Mercedes on 07848836630 or FB Mercedes Romero Flamenco Salsa and more.

RASC/RCT/RLC Association (Plymouth Branch) Branch meetings are now held on a Tuesday evening at 8pm in order that we may be able to meet up with the Army Reservists after their drill session. The branch meetings will be held as usual at the Army Reserve Centre Brest Road Derriford and the dates for 2019 are as follows: May 14, July 9, Sept 10, Nov 12. The AGM will be on Tuesday Jan 14, 2020 at 8pm. Please attend as many meetings as you can to give support to your committee, in order to keep the branch alive. If any member need support please contact the branch secretary or welfare officer. The Corps Annual Dinner will be held mid January 2020. Aden Veterans Calling all Aden Veterans. Did you know that the Aden Veterans Plymouth Branch meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at the RAOB Club in North Hill at 7.30pm. Why not go along and meet like-minded people. Adult Children of Alcoholics Meetings Tuesdays 6pm – 7.15pm. St Barnabas Church, The Lounge (enter by separate entrance to left of surgery), St Barnabas Terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth PL1 5NN. Visit the website at www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk. National Phone 01590 610 936. Badminton Club Fridays Non league club meets on Friday evenings at Whiteford Road, Plymouth to play casual badminton. All adults welcome including over fifties. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com Book Stall, Social Call Second Saturday of month Join in the games and fun at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. Books, tea, coffee and cake

Club Focus Camera Club Mondays Meets at the Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth. Meets first and third Monday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For details see www. clubfocusplymouth.co.uk Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary. Free. Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk CSPA Second Tuesday of the month The Civil Service Pensioners Alliance meet at the Raffles Club, 5 Ermington Terrace, Mutley from 10.30am to 12 noon. All members of the Plymouth and District branch are welcome to attend. For more information call 01752 946896. Dancing Duo Fortnightly on Saturdays The Elm Community Centre, Estover PL6 8EU 7.45pm to 10.45pm with Henry and Jeannie. Ballroom, Latin, Sequence, Old Time and more. Free parking. Entry £6. Bring your own soft drinks and snacks. For more information call Jeannie on 01803 325905 or visit www.dancingduo.co.uk Dartmoor Gliding Friendly Flying on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Call 07873 483001 for details or Google Dartmoor Flying. Devon Army Cadet Force Voluntary uniformed youth organisation which allows young people aged from 12 to 18 to gain a wide variety of skills and experiences. There is no commitment to join the military, you don’t even need an interest in the military. Parade two nights a week at eight different locations in the Plymouth and surrounding areas. For details of local detachment and further information please call 01752261525. The telephone line is not manned 24 hours so please feel free to leave a message. Eddystone Model Flying Club Provide help and free instruction for flying radio control fixed wing. Members fly 24/7 weather permitting. New members are welcome as well as experienced fliers. For details visit www.eddystonemfc. net or phone Dave on 07941 040633 or Mike on 01752 403124. Families Need Fathers (FNF) Second Wednesday of every month Monthly support meeting 7.30pm to 10pm at the RAOB Club, 41 North Hill, Plymouth, PL4 8EZ. If you are separating or divorcing and are worried about not seeing your children, please come to our monthly meeting for support, information and advice. Talk to people in a similar situation or who have been through similar experiences and understand the family court process. FNF is a registered charity founded in 1974 that helps thousands of parents

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

every year. We believe that each parent has a unique contribution to make to their children’s development and that children have a right to enjoy a loving relationship with both parents after separation. Meetings are open to mothers and fathers and to family members and friends who would like to attend with or on behalf of a parent. For more information, please call Andrew Bull (general secretary) on 01752 793 325, e-mail us at info@plymouth.fnf.org.uk, or visit the website at plymouth.fnf.org.uk Buddhist meditation classes Weekday lunchtime meditations 12.15pm - 12.45pm, Wednesday evenings - Introduction to meditation class - 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday evenings - 7.30pm - 9.30pm Meditation - The Art Of Positive Thinking, Sunday mornings 11.30am - 12.30pm Find Inner Peace, Sunday mornings - Children’s classes - 10.30am 11.15am. Held at Ashoka Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 33 Sutherland Road, Plymouth. Tel 01752 224137 www. meditationinplymouth.org GraceNotes Acapella Group Mondays, Burraton Community Centre, Saltash. 7.30pm to 10pm. GraceNotes Acapella is a ladies close harmony acapella chorus who sing a wide and varied repertoire from traditional barbershop songs, through to modern Disney classics! Competing both locally and nationally, as well as performing at many singouts throughout the year, new members are always welcome! Rock up to a rehearsal and see what we do! Email gracenotessaltash@gmail.com or find them on social media for more information. Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly. 11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn. mckenzie1@nhs.net Kreative Kidz Tuesdays Crafts, Science and cookery- age 6 months - preschool 12.30pm to 2pm. £5 or £4 if booked in four week blocks. To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from ages 5 to 16. Cooker, crafts and STEM activities. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm.To book email: info@wkuk. org. Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops - activities range from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10 per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info@wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport. We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions. Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800. Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events. Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start. Details of groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Phobias Support Group Meets on Mondays at the Estover Elm Centre at 6.30pm. For details contact Daniel on 07500 837703 Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action GroupIf you are more than fifty years old and live in the Plymouth area we invite you to come to our regular meetings and meet some new friends. On the second Friday of each month we have free meetings and invite MPs, local councillors, local businesses, anyone able to speak on issues that affect older people, to come and talk to us. These meetings are held in the Wolseley Trust Community Building (next to Sheila’s Café in Wolseley Road), behind the Co-op just down from Milehouse traffic lights going towards St Budeaux.

Vital medical equipment donated to Trevi House

Heartswell South West, the regional heart charity, has donated a new defibrillator and cabinet worth £2,000 to Plymouth’s leading women’s charity, Trevi House.

Heartswell South West is a charitable organisation whose aims are to make a positive difference to people affected by heart disease or heart condition and to provide accommodation for relatives, friends and carers of people undergoing treatment in hospitals across the South West. A defibrillator is a machine which restarts the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest. If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates jump from 6%-74% and therefore could save a life. The charity has been running a vital defibrillator programme for the past five years providing defibrillators for communities, clubs, schools and organisations across Devon and Cornwall. It aims to ensure that as many defibrillators as possible are placed in across the South West. Normally the charity requests that organisations pay between £500 and £1,750 towards the cost of the defibrillator. However Heartswell, on this occasion, agreed to support Trevi House

Hannah Shead (left) and Liz Harding with the defibrillator

in fully funding the equipment. Trevi House is a women’s only residential rehabilitation centre and can accommodate up to 10 women and their children at any given time. It’s the only women’s centre in the UK where women can keep their children through rehab. Trevi House has been treating mums for their addiction to drugs and alcohol for more than 25 years and its employees will now undergo training in how to use the lifesaving defibrillator should the need arise. Hannah Shead, chief executive of Trevi House, said: “We are really grateful to Heartswell for their generosity and support for the women and children that we care for

These meetings start 10.30am and end at 1pm, many buses stop outside the Co-op and if you come by car parking is usually available. We also have regular social meetings and would like to advise everyone that these will now be held at the Oak Villa Sports & Social Club in Ferndale Road, Plymouth (PL2 2EL) just down the road from Weston Mill Cemetery. The No 13 Target Travel bus stops quite near it, and there is a large car park virtually next door to the hall. These meetings are from 2pm to 4pm and we supply a very good buffet and as with all of our meetings we do have a raffle. Members of our group have free access but non-members will be asked to pay £2. Anyone intending to come regularly to these meetings would find it more economical to pay the £12 single £20 double annual membership fee, and would also be eligible to take advantage of our subsidised taxi scheme (£2 each way). Members are also able to enjoy our regular meetings when we have short mat bowls, darts and other activities, and come to the two meals out every year. So anyone looking for good company and interesting meetings and would like more information please contact the Secretary Mrs Margaret Williams 01752 350498 or email tomag42@ hotmail.co.uk Performance Training (5-25s) Barbican Theatre’s dance and theatre workshops enable young people to build their confidence and learn new skills and techniques alongside professionals. Visit www.barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131. Play-writing, Performing, & Creative Writing The Playwriters Organisation meets on Monday nights (6-8pm) for Creative Writing & Acting, Wednesday nights(6-8pm) for Acting & Theatre Production, Friday (10.15am-12.30pm) for Play-writing & Creative Writing. All sessions are at the Playwriters mini-theatre above The Noah’s Ark, Courtney St (behind WHSmith). Contact on 01752786777 for more details or go to www.playwriters.org. Plymouth Archers Tuesday and Friday Archers who are registered with Archery GB are very welcome to come along. We run taster and beginner’s sessions throughout the year and have very good indoor and outdoor facilities at Stoke Damerel Community College. For more information visit www.plymoutharchers.co.uk or contact the

every year. “We know that the women we support have a higher than normal risk of cardiac problems and so it is reassuring to know that we now have a life saving defibrillator on site.” Liz Harding, operations manager, Heartswell South West said: “Trevi House provide incredible support to women who are at a high risk of cardiac arrest and we are glad that together, we have been able to ensure that their first aid kit is now fully equipped with a defibrillator. The Trevi team will be fully trained in CPR and defibrillation creating both a safer environment at the centre and more lifesavers in our local community.”

chairman on 01752 784051 mobile 07443432375. The club is open to anyone over the age of 10 and the school has very good disability access. We also arrange social activities throughout the year. Sessions take place between 7pm and 9pm. Plymouth Petanque Club A friendly club and a great way to be active for people of any age and ability. We meet for social games every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons throughout the year. Average attendance is about 25 -30 players. These sessions are suitable for new players as we play to basic rules with the emphasis on fun, and we always stop halfway through for tea and biscuits (or cake for celebrations!) and a chat. We play at Brickfields Sports Centre and further information can be found on our newly updated website. www. plymouthpetanque.org.uk Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are DBS checked, and teach Shotokan karate. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards. For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@ plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Plymouth Handball Club Thursdays Between 6pm and 7pm at Plymouth Life Centre. Come and play an Olympic sport. A fun/recreational session for adults 18+. All levels and abilities welcome. Session is £3 (1st session free) Contact Dave 07983605639, Facebook Plymouth Handball Club, email plymouthhandballclub@hotmail.com Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events

April 2019

throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse, Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more. If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www.plymouthmac.co.uk Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings. Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group Second Thursday of the month The Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group aims to offer friendship and support to anyone who is affected by Lymphoma (Hodgkins or Non Hodgkins Disease), whether patient (past or present), carer, family member or friend, and meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Derriford Health and Wellbeing Centre from 3pm to 4.30 pm. For information, please call Pam on 01752 785094 or Scott on 01752 661035 Plymouth Play Association For hire of resources for play, recycling scrapstore and arts and crafts. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10am-2pm, Thursday 10am-7pm. Details 01752 256633. Plymouth Proprietary Library Weekdays except Friday The Library has moved into new premises in the former doctor’s surgery in St Barnabas Terrace in Stoke. The library is now open and continuing to run its usual activities which range from reading and poetry groups to monthly lunchtime talks and coffee mornings. Suggestions as to new groups and ways which the library can reach out to the wider community are always welcome. Open every week day except Friday from 11am-3pm. So why not take advantage of the free parking and call in for a coffee and a look round? Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764. Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available. Plymouth Visually Impaired Bowls Club We play in the Plymouth Life Centre at the bowls hall on Tuesday morning from 10.30am to 1.30 pm and Friday morning from 12 noon to 2 30pm. In the summer we play on Tuesdays and Fridays on The Hoe from 10 30am to 1.30pm .If you require any more information please contact Colin Harris on 01752 222184. Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford. The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926 Plymouth Bridge Club We meet for sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7pm, or Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1pm. It is thought that learning a foreign language or playing bridge is conducive to maintaining a healthy brain. The former is difficult whilst the latter is much easier. We also offer teaching for beginners and intermediates either Monday mornings at 10.15am or Thursday evenings at 7pm. Why don’t you call Steven Lacey on 07990 521570 or email admin@plymouthbridge.co.uk and come along and join our friendly and conveniently situated members owned club, just off Mutley Plain. Plymouth Magic Circle Every second Thursday We meet the second Thursday of every month at The Walrus, Athenaeum Street, from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to join us, come along to a meeting. A list of current events is at www.plymouthmagiccircle.co.uk Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to 18. Try your hand at performing, set

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design and construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. St Bartholomew’s Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop.co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact David on 01752 402981. Plymouth Radio Club Second Tuesday of every month. The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth. Commencing 7.30 pm. For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail. co.uk or telephone 07815542477. Plymouth West Country Embroiderers Various dates Started in 1972. A friendly group of enthusiastic needleworkers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Trainees (age 8-15) meet first Saturday each month from 11am to 3pm. Adults meet on second Thursday and fourth Saturday each month from 10.30am. We welcome experts and beginners of all ages. Contact Mary 01752 200047 for details.

Record breaking pub quiz raises £5,000 for Shekinah Engineering consultants, Services Design Solution (SDS) held their fifth annual charity pub quiz at the Walkabout Pub in Plymouth and raised a staggering £5,000 for Shekinah. John Hamblin, chief executive of Shekinah, gave a presentation about the work of the charity and said the money raised will support the work Shekinah does in ending rough sleeping and helping people improve their lives away from the streets. A total of 29 teams took part in the quiz, comprising engineers, contractors, architects, project managers and clients, who enjoyed a fun, well-organised evening, and deserving champions of the night were engineering and services provider N G Bailey. Members of staff from Santander helped out on the night by selling raffle tickets and generously contributed £1000 to the total

amount raised for Shekinah. Local photographer Trevor Burrows was also on hand to capture the evening’s highlights. Following the quiz, there was an impressive raffle of prizes donated by the teams. SDS, whose head office is in The Millfields, is committed to ensuring that they contribute positively to the community. In addition to supporting local charities, they provide mentoring and work experience schemes for aspiring engineering students. SDS also take part in the ‘Building Plymouth’ initiative to encourage careers in construction, and they currently have six apprentices across their offices in Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol. Shaun Hoppins, managing director said: “We are so pleased to be able to support this local charity and bring clients and colleagues together to raise a record amount from the quiz.”

Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night. Plymouth Meet Up Group First Tuesday of the month A social group for people with disabilities. Meets at Igrow Workspace 25 Phoenix Street from 4pm to 7pm for a chat and games and a short walk to the nearby Mount Pleasant pub for a meal. £2 for members and £3 for non-members. For more information call David on 017523 268777. Plymouth U3A Second Monday of the month If you are retired, no longer in full time employment looking for new interests and to make new friends, then come along to the next monthly meeting of the Plymouth U3A and listen to our speaker. We meet at The Crowne Plaza from 10am to 12pm. Coffee available on arrival. U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is organised and run by volunteers, there are over 70 groups to find out about and maybe join, creating opportunities for continuation of learning. A non member can attend as a visitor, further information can be obtained via the welcome and promotions desk on the day, or in advance by telephoning 01752 563551, joining on the day is also an option. We look forward to meeting you. Plymouth Fishkeepers Society First and Second Wednesday of the Month. 8pm at the Hyde Park Social Club. If you are interested in the hobby of keeping tropical fish and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. Interests among members are diverse, and there is without doubt someone in the society who can answer questions covering most aspects of the hobby. The society caters for newcomers to people who have been in the hobby for a long time. Just bought your first fish tank? Then Plymouth Fishkeepers Society is the place for you. Plymouth & District Egyptology Society First Saturday of the month We are a society of some 50 members whose passion is all things related to Ancient Egypt. Between the months of September of one year to May of the next, we meet on the first Saturday of each of those months, including Day Schools, and long weekend visits to UK and European cities to view Museum Egyptology Exhibitions, enjoying the local sights etc. The Society meets at the The Quaker House on Mutley Plain. Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture. Contact Details: janis. naylor@aol.co.uk Pray Plymouth Every Wednesday morning Organised by Churches Together in Plymouth from 7am to 8am at Open Doors Language School, 14-15, Woodland Terrace Lane, Greenbank, Plymouth. Breakfast from 8am to 9am. Details 01752 249187. Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader. Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc. No previous experience

is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition. Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@ gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you! Plymouth Cycling Touring Club Meet Sundays for a leisure cycle ride. For our latest rides list and meet time/place see www.plymouthctc. co.uk or contact Graham Black 01752 606650 or Andy Prideaux 01752 345170 for more information. Plymouth Die-Cast Model Collectors Club First Wednesday of the month A club for anyone interested in or a collector of old toys, Dinky, Corgi, Tinplate etc. Meetings are quite informal, any club business is discussed along with a good gossip over a cup of tea or coffee. The meetings are held at the Jan Cutting Centre, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 7pm - 9pm. New members are always made very welcome with no charge for a first visit. For further details or information please contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250, or check out the Club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com. Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome. For more details of club activities please visit www. plymouthanddistrictkoikeeperssociety.org or ring Sandra Crocker on 01752 210118. Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club for all Disabilities Sundays 11.15am to 1.15pm at Plymouth Life Centre. Adults £2.50 per session, children £2 per session. Under 5s free. Annual membership £5. Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well estab lished walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth. The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on

344048 or the chairman on 519452. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 4” the fourth book in a popular series of local walks. Plymouth Inter Varsity Club We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more? You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org , look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact 01752 550492 or 07810065982. Boys’ Brigade Various dates and Venues For more information visit www.boys-brigade.org.uk or Facebook, Boy’s Brigade Plymouth. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Judes Church (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays). New members very welcome. Age groups: Anchors (5-8); Juniors (8-11) and Company/Seniors (11-18). The Boys’ Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people. 5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time, and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6.30pm-7.45pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 11-18yrs (6.30-9pm). Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp (8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life. Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@blueyonder.co.uk 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and

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Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit 7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with plotting or characterisation. The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays). Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall with break in between for refreshments. Nice friendly atmosphere and a variety of music sung. Why not come along and see what it is all about. Musical director Catherine Davies, accompanist Olga Drougaleva. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434. Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit well-respected community based Martial Arts club founded over 35 years ago. Classes at Woodview Learning Campus (off Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh) on Mondays and Coombe Dean School, Elburton, Plymstock on Fridays. Times: 7- 8pm Juniors, 7-9pm Adults. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art suitable for both Men and Women learning and working together. Enjoyable, interesting, useful, physical, family-friendly activity with Child Safeguarded/DBS Nationally qualified Instructors leading to recognised gradings appropriate for students of all ages 7yrs to 70yrs. Fees with concessions; excellent value. Quality equipment including clothing available for purchase at non-profit prices. Checkout www.plymouthaikido. co.uk or Facebook Page. Contact Tre or David Worsley 403325, or Phil Smith 219355 for more information. Port of Plymouth Canoe Association Mondays , Thursdays and Saturdays May until September. Offering various introductory, taster and child ( 8-11 ) sessions throughout the spring and summer. For more information please contact Tracy Jones 01752 510653 email intro@ppca-club.org.uk or visit www.ppca-canoe-club.org.uk Road to Recovery Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting every Friday at St Matthias Church Hall, North Hill. Doors open 6.30pm. Meeting 7pm- 9pm. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Family, friends, health professionals etc also welcome. Contact: Matt 07766 006 153 or Jo 07918 141715. AA Helpline: 0800 9177 650. Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone. From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session. Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for organisation and safeguarding. The club is operated by parents for all children and young people. The club trains every Sunday between 10am - 1pm at Bull Point ATP. The club cater for young people from 4-16 years and no previous experience is required. The first 6 weeks are free to new members and everyone who trains gets to play. For more information, please see the website at www.plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob on 07861 250682. Solaris Yoga Enjoy vital relaxation, strengthening and toning muscles. Pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and adult yoga held at Plymouth Swallows, St Andrew’s Cross, Church of the Holy Spirit Southway, Crownhill Fort and Jump. Please call Shilpa on 0771 1899 530 for times of classes. Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Brass Academy Thursdays Want to play with one of the finest Brass Bands in Devon then why not come along and give us a try. We also have a thriving Youth Band for younger players which is supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service. Both groups practice at The Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover on Thursday evenings

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• COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY •

April 2019

(Juniors 6p.m. to 7.30p.m. and Seniors 7.30-9.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www. soundhousebrass.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details.

Emergency Numbers

South West Chamber Choir Wednesdays Marjon Chapel 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We are a friendly auditioned choir of 25 to 30 singers specialising in unaccompanied singing, with a programme of madrigals, partsongs and sacred works. We give four concerts annually as well as a weekend of sung services at a cathedral each July. A reasonable standard of sight-reading is needed to join. We welcome enquiries. www.swcchoir.org.uk Shotokan Karate Club Shotokan Karate club in Devonport High school for Girls on Monday and Friday evenings for all ages and grades starting at 6pm. This is an authentic Japanese art, taught in the same disciplined manner instilling personal responsibility for actions, promoting confidence and self esteem. Karate taught in this environment is deemed to be beneficial for all ages and genders. All Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained.Contact club secretary Steve on 07518471142 or Colin on 07968061887. Shotokan Karate Club in Eggbuckland Community college Drama studio on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 to 8.30 for all ages and grades. . An authentic Japanese art, all Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained. Contact Georgina on 07807184279. Children’s Shotokan Karate Class in St Budeaux parish church hall, specifically for ages 7 to 12 years old, parents can train alongside their children in a relaxed and friendly environment. All Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained. Saturday mornings 10am to 11am Contact Georgina on 07807184279 Tea Morning Wednesdays Plymouth Unitarian Cafe 10am - 12 noon. Why not drop in for a bit of relaxation, a cuppa, knitting, a game, some reading or colouring? Or just have a sit down and rest. Dementia friendly. Tea/coffee and a biscuit 60p. All money taken goes to our charities for the year, Plymouth Samaritans and the Smile Train The Specials Wednesday Club For adults with learning disabilities. YMCA Plymouth, Honicknowle Lane from 6pm to 8pm £3 per week. Further information www.sopd.org.uk The Arts Society South Devon We are part of The Arts Society, the National Association, and have about 250 members. We hold monthly evening lectures on a wide range of Arts topics, occasional morning lectures, Study Days, Tours, Visits and Concert visits. We would be pleased to welcome new members and introductory guest visits are available. See website for programme information and other details (www. theartssocietysouthdevon.org.uk) or contact Jim Stevens, Membership Secretary (jst74@hotmail. co.uk). Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk. Tel. 07949 839088 The Pythagorean Society First Friday of the month held at Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road, PL2 3PY. 7 pm – 9 pm. We have a different topic each month with a guest speaker, covering a wide range of esoteric subjects. Please see our website for details www.pythagoreansociety.wordpress.net or email mail@pythagoreansociety.net The Plymouth Regional Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Our group is specifically aimed at head and neck patients, their partners and/or carers. Our support group will also welcome anyone who wishes to join us for whatever reason. You don’t have to be a cancer patient to join us but those cancer patients without a support group of their own will be made especially welcome. Due to the nature of this particular disease, most of our members are from the older age group. We meet up once a month and take a trip out somewhere away from the clinical environment. We might also be able to help with transport if necessary. Please contact: Geoff Read on (01752) 563 800 or email Secretary.PlymouthHNC@gmail.com

USEFUL NUMBERS Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 08451 558155 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Transco (Gas Emergency Service) 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Helplines

City College Plymouth has received £280,000 funding from the Construction Industry Training Board to develop and deliver a two year immersive learning project in close collaboration with Kier Living and We Are The Moment, partnering with Plymouth Construction Training Group and Building Plymouth.

higher technology skills at the college said: “Central to the project is the development of a VR ‘house’ environment. This will be based on a Kier Living four bed construction, as seen around the Plymouth area. The house will be used to demonstrate real-life examples to aid health and safety practice in a secure and safe environment, adding a key immersive element to the classroom-taught curriculum currently taught at the college. “The project will also be going ‘on the road’ later this year, when students and potential new recruits to the construction industry will be able to try out the VR challenges at roadshows, Apprenticeship fairs and College Open Days.” If you would like to find out how you could develop the skills required to join the booming construction industry, call 01752 305300 or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk.

Plymouth and District Parkinson’s Group Gentle exercise led by a fully trained physiotherapist every week at four locations. Tuesdays 10.30-12 noon at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall Milehouse contact 556651; Tuesdays 10.15-11.45 at Plymstock United Church Plymstock Road: contact 402340; Wednesdays 10.30-12 noon at Mount Gould Methodist Church Hall: contact 560289; Wednesdays 1.15pm-2.45pm at Emmanuel Church Hall Mannamead: contact 768890. A monthly meeting is held on the second Tuesday of every month at Emmanuel Church Hall; Monthly Drop In with Dance Session: Contact 55665; Carers coffee meet first Monday of the month: contact 704075. Other activities include lunches, outings, and an annual holiday.

Devon Family History Society Fourth Tuesday of month Come along to our meetings and hear interesting and varied talks. Occasionally, we hold members evening where people can give a resume on their family history. If anyone is hitting a brick wall, members will offer advice on how to resolve it. Meetings take place at Sturgeon Hall, Mutley Plain, (parking is free),starting at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are available. Any queries on membership or meetings please contact markparkman@icloud.com

The project will develop state-of-the-art training experiences to support the booming investment and 10,000 projected new jobs expected in construction in Plymouth over the next five years. The partnership will promote the implementation of new virtual reality (VR) technologies in both higher education and further education and in the construction sector, attracting and retaining talent to improve productivity and address skills gaps in this vital industry. Lance Chatfield, academy manager for

Dartmoor Rambling Club The Dartmoor Rambling Club is a long established Rambling Club based in Plymouth. We have a regular programme of walks on alternate Wednesdays and at some weekends. The Wednesday walks generally use public transport from Plymouth City Centre to the start of the walk. Wednesday walks are usually about 8 to 10 miles on Dartmoor or on the coast and are taken at a pace to suit the participants. The weekend walks may use cars for transport and may go a little further afield. We are a small group looking to welcome new members. Our annual subscription is just £5. We can email you our programme if you email johnskinner@tinyworld or more details can be obtained by phoning John (Chairman) on 01752 782454, John (Treasurer) on 01752 218476 or Ron (member) on 01752 674230. Plymouth City Roller Derby Roller Derby is in your city and recruiting now! The only Roller Derby club in the West Devon - East Cornwall region, Plymouth City Roller Derby has been an active bouting club since 2010, achieving a clean sweep of wins for our female travel team at all our 2018 British Championship bouts. We are a skater owned and operated CIC and accepting new starters. Roller Derby is a full contact sport, participants must be 18+. sessions Wednesdays 8-10pm at YMCA John Kitto for all new recruits, 1st taster session free, £5 per session thereafter. 2nd session 2 participants for the price of one if bringing a friend. No skating experience required to begin. see www.plymouthcityrollerderby.co.uk/join-us for more details. Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults Thursdays Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. The Burrator Inn, Dousland, nr Yelverton Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon. Easy car parking at both venues. For more information call Janet on 07742 983311.

Discovery Writing Group First Friday of the month A small community of writers who meet to write and discuss writing, and to encourage one another to maintain our creative momentum. Prose, poems, scripts, whatever. All welcome. Writing games and exercises, opportunities to share work and publishing possibilities. Latest info on Plymouth cultural activities over free beverages. Donations welcome. Meet at The Clipper on Union Street 10am to 12 noon. Details James Bridgwater 07506716546 bridgwaterjg@gmail.com Yankee Yoga Various days All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes. Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class: Yoga Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill). Contact Emily on 07478 257080. National Trust Plymouth Centre St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 19 Larkham Lane, Plympton. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm. Entrance is £3 for members and £4 for non-members, which includes light refreshments. For more information regarding membership please contact Judy Unitt on 01752 290437 or email judy.ntt@gmail.com Devon and Cornwall Carving Club Tuesdaya (term time) 7 pm – 9 pm At Sir John Hunt Community Sports College, Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh, Plymouth. Cost of membership is £22 per person, per term. All new members welcome. Please call Neil Smith for more details on 01752 82121. Plymouth Area Osteoporosis Support Group Meets four times a year The Abbey, St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth 2pm to 4pm. Mar 25: Speaker Jo Turpin, speaking on Pilates; Jun 4: Osteoporosis Medical Update with two consultants from Derriford Hospital; Jul 16: Speaker oral surgeon Kamran Ali; Nov 19: Podiatrist Emma Cowley from Plymouth University.

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 0800 1111 Childline Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 01752 666777 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Association 07410 977598 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 0845 4647 NHS Direct National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 01752 242980 West Country Landlords Assn

Travel

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

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

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Reel Cinema 01752 225553 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

28 April 2019

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth-based frigate HMS Argyll in dramatic rescue of all 27 crew from blazing ship in Bay of Biscay Royal Navy sailors from Plymouth-based HMS Argyll have saved the 27 crew of a container ship which turned into a raging inferno in the Bay of Biscay off the French coast. The crew spent eight hours saving every soul aboard the Grande America in the Bay of Biscay after the ship’s cargo of containers and cars caught fire. The frigate – on her way home to Plymouth after nine months away in the Asia-Pacific region – responded to a mayday from the 28,000-tonne merchant ship about 150 miles southwest of Brest: the crew were fighting a losing battle against the flames and were abandoning ship into 5m to 6m seas at night. When they did, all 27 crammed aboard the lifeboat which smashed into the heavy seas as it launched, damaging the craft which was unable to make headway. Despite very difficult sea conditions, Argyll succeeded in launching her sea boat which nudged the lifeboat against the frigate’s side so the Grande America’s crew could be brought aboard. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “HMS Argyll’s swift and selfless response to very dangerous situation in difficult conditions undoubtedly saved 27 lives. I commend her crew.

“This rescue demonstrates that even on the final leg of a challenging nine month deployment to the Far East, the Royal Navy’s sailors remain vigilant and professional at all times.” “In the heavy seas, the orange

Start date for Plympton Road improvements announced

More than a year after the work was due to get underway a start date has finally been announced for part of the Eastern Corridor Road Junction Improvement Scheme.

HMS Argyll’s sea boat alongside the MV Grande America lifeboat, with the container ship ablaze in the background. Below: One of the exhausted survivors aboard HMs Argyll

lifeboat was bobbing around like a cork in a bathtub,” said Lieutenant Commander Dave Tetchner, HMS Argyll’s weapon engineer officer. “The conditions were horrendous ‚Äì the vessels were rolling at 30 degrees which made it extremely hairy getting the sailors safely on board. Royal Marines were on the ropes hauling people up, the sea boat was pushing the lifeboat against Argyll.” The 27 sailors rescued were taken to the French port of Brest. Lt Cdr Tetchner said none suffered lifethreatening injuries but some would require hospital treatment and all were stunned by their ordeal. “It was pretty awful for them - they’d had to fight a fire in dreadful seas. Every one of them suffered smoke inhalation. Then they faced the prospect of abandoning ship and then their lifeboat failed. It was pretty awful all round and they were shocked. “You see container ships like this every day when you’re sailing around the world. What

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you do not see is one in flames - it was a dreadful sight.” MV Grande America was still aflame when Argyll left the merchant ship. The Italianregistered vessel had been bound for Casablanca from Hamburg when the fire broke out at 8pm on March 10. Lt Cdr Tetchner said the manner in which the 200 sailors and Royal Marines aboard HMS Argyll responded to the incident had been exemplary. “You couldn’t single any one individual out - the way the whole ship responded was magnificent and demonstrated how good our training is and how every person on board reacted: the sea boat crew and the seamanship specialists, the Royal Marines getting stuck in, the bridge team handling the ship, the communicators co-ordinating things, the doctor, medics and stewards treating people and the chefs cooking up beans on toast

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe. The May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on April 12 with a copy deadline of April 1. The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than

in the middle of the night. “These are the things people join the Navy for - a real life, really worthwhile job, especially when the result is a good one like this.” Commanding Officer of HMS Argyll, Commander Toby Shaughnessy said: “I am incredibly proud of my Ship’s Company and the way they performed in this rescue effort in the most challenging of conditions. Without doubt this was a near run thing. The conditions were on the limit for recovery and this could just as easily been a different result. It was an exceptional team effort and there’s a great feeling on board after a successful result everyone was saved.”

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The initial phase of the project will start on March 18 with the creation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Cot Hill and Merafield Road. Temporary three way traffic signals will be in place for the period of the works which is expected to last five weeks. A workmen’s compound will be sited on the pavement and verge areas adjacent to the junction while the work goes on. Residents waiting for improvements along Plymouth Road will however be disappointed as this work will not be getting underway until later in the year. In a letter being sent out to households in the area, Neil Honey, Plymouth City Council’s Transport Planning Officer, said: “The works for the rest of the Eastern Corridor Junction Improvement Scheme will start later on this year and will replace ageing traffic signal equipment on Plymouth Road with the latest technology, whilst providing more road capacity and improving routes for pedestrians and cyclists.” “A major part of the scheme is an extension to the eastbound, right turn lane to Cot Hill where the road will be widened, reducing queues at this junction. Specific details of the works for each junction will be issued nearer to when they are due to start.” The new road scheme aims to reduce journey times for motorists and buses as well as improving pedestrian safety and facilities for cyclists Mr Honey added: “It is part of wider plans to reduce delays to all road users across the city and help keep the city moving as it grows.” (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Death of former Plympton councillor

A former Plympton councillor, Alderman and Lord Mayor has passed away. John Leslie Mills was a councillor for Plympton Erle Ward from 1967 to 1995 and was made an honorary Alderman of the city of Plymouth in July 1995, having previously been Lord Mayor from 1985 to 1986. He passed away on February 15 and a funeral service was held on March 8, at All Saints Church in Sparkwell. The City Council flag was flown at halfmast until sunset on the day of his funeral. Alderman Mills served on a number of Council committees, including Planning, Libraries and Museum and Leisure Services. Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Alderman Mills was a well-respected Councillor who dedicated a huge amount of his time to serving the people of Plymouth. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Chronicle Plymouth

April 2019

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Plympton & Plymstock

Plymouth Argyle FC have announced exciting new conference and membership plans Page 15

ALSO INSIDE:

• Out and About • Community Job • Community Shop Directory • Cross Rhythms • Dial the Experts Experience

Academy show stoppers!

Students from Plympton Academy who wowed packed out audiences recently with their stunning performance of Renegades in the Ring. STORY ON PAGE 3