Plymouth Chronicle August East 2023

Photo: Paul

Plympton Hele’s School is world class - that’s official!

Hele’s School in Plympton has been accredited with the World Class Schools Quality Mark, joining a coveted network of just over 140 schools in the UK.

The Quality Mark is awarded by education charity World Class Schools Quality Mark, whose unique assessment framework assesses the students, for their demonstration of World Class skills and competencies. The premise is that if the school is truly World Class, then its students should be able to demonstrate this in whatever context they find themselves.

Hele’s School is one of just a handful of non-selective state schools to be awarded the Quality Mark in the 2023 academic year. It was achieved following a challenging assessment process in which students worked to identify and demonstrate their World Class characteristics using the WCSQM character development framework as a benchmark.

The framework highlights characteristics across individual areas including leadership, community, learning and workplace for secondary students, and ‘I learn’, ‘I am’ and ‘I feel’ for primary students. Over time students demonstrated how they had met each characteristic, either at school, at home or in their local community, uploading evidence and a summary for each completed characteristic via the WCSQM internet-based app, BeWorldClass.

Once a significant number of students are proving World Class characteristics, WCSQM assesses the students’ completed portfolios via a student-led assessment process.

WCSQM director, Miranda Perry, said: “At WCSQM we wholeheartedly believe it is the students that make a school, and a school that prioritises the development of World Class characteristics in its students will always be World Class. The skills and competencies these students have demonstrated will help them excel in any environment, and make them ideal

STANNATOR’S PLANS FOR BIG STANNARY TOWNS BIKE RIDE FUNDRAISER

Plympton’s new Stannator, Andy Cooper, has released details of his fundraising bike ride this September to raise funds for two worthy charities.

Andy said: “I will be riding a push bike from Plympton to Ashburton, Chagford, Tavistock and back to Plympton on Saturday, September 9. Anyone is welcome to join me for part or all of the ride. Meeting at the Guildhall, Plympton St Maurice at 7am, setting off at 7.30am.”

Those towns of Ashburton, Chagford and Tavistock have been chosen as, along with Plympton, the four are Devon’s ancient stannary towns. The route will involve 85 rather hilly miles.The two charities to benefit from the bike ride will be MND and iHeart.Andy explained:

“The Motor Neurone Disease Association provides support for people who have been diagnosed with this horrific disease, their carers and families. My mum passed away in September 2022 after a long battle with MND.

“It was a very difficult time for Mum and other family members. If we can provide even a small amount of extra care it would make a huge difference to those affected by MND.

”Also I will be splitting the money raised with iHeart, a charity set up to provide support and training for support staff to visit schools and talk to the youth about mental wellbeing and resilience.”Andy hopes to raise £5,000 with the bike ride venture and 24 initial supporters have pledged just under £1,000 towards the total.

Further donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/stannatorsbikeride

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

candidates for whichever further education or career pathway they choose to take.”

“These are the World Class citizens of the next generation, and we’re incredibly proud to award them for their achievements so far.”

Justine Mason, Principal at Hele’s School, said: “We believe wholeheartedly that every young person should be exposed to opportunities both within and beyond the classroom to ensure they become rounded and grounded citizens, who not only can successfully participate in local, national and global communities, but have the skills, confidence and moral purpose to be positive agents of change in those communities.

“At Hele’s, we challenge each other – adult and child - to be the best that we can be and to leave a legacy for the next cohort of young people joining our school.”

“The students from Year 10 and Year 12 who have had their portfolios scrutinised against a rigorous external framework and demonstrated World Class skills and competencies is a cause for celebration – we couldn’t be prouder of the achievement of our students!

“This wonderful achievement is also testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who plan and deliver such a wide range of opportunities to develop leadership, communication, the world of work and community – this is a fantastic Team Hele’s effort to achieve such a prestigious award!”

Building on the news of the WCSQM being awarded to Hele’s, the school has also been informed that Year 12 student Xsara Lord has been shortlisted for World Class Schools Student of the Year – Hele’s will receive further news of Xsara’s placement in early July, though to be shortlisted for such a prestigious accolade is a huge achievement in itself.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

REFURBISHED TENNIS COURTS OPEN ACROSS THE CITY

Tennis lovers are being served up a treat this summer with the reopening of improved facilities in different corners of the city.

The courts at Devonport Park, Hartley Park and Tothill Park have been refurbished with brand new, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) approved surfaces as well as new nets and posts.

The courts are now run in a similar way to the Central Park and West Hoe courts using the Clubspark online booking system, on a pay to play basis.

A family Park Tennis annual membership for all of our courts at Central Park, West Hoe, Devonport Park, Hartley Park and Tothill Park will cost £40 (£30 for concessions) and individual pay to play sessions will cost £6.

A family membership is available for entire households of up to ten people and entitles holders to book eight, one-hour

slots every week. The income generated will support the costs of maintenance ensuring a high-quality offer across the city for residents to enjoy for the long-term.

The improvements have been funded from a £95,000 grant from the LTA as part of its UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation funded Park Project, which will impact over 3000 existing park tennis courts across Britain. The council also contributed £48,000 from section 106 funding.

The council will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the sites including weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided.

All courts and sessions at all sites are available to book online via the Plymouth Parks Tennis booking platform - www.plymouth. gov.uk/park-tennis-plymouth - or via the LTA Court Booking Portal - www.lta.org.uk/play/book-a-tennis-court

Hele’s School Principal Justine Mason (back middle row) with Hele’s School’s World Class Students from Year 10 and Year 12, including Xsara Lord in Year 12 (back row, third from right) who has been shortlisted for World Class Student of the year

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

Victorian Symbolism

Until Aug 26

Ford Park Cemetery’s Visitor Centre hosts the latest exhibition featuring Victorian symbolism. As opening times vary, details can be obtained by phoning 01752 665442.

Summer Fair

July 15

Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm. There will be many stalls including ones for books, jewellery, cakes, puzzles, dvd’s, and bric a brac with refreshments available. Admission is free but it is hoped that as many people as possible will attend to help raise funds for the maintenance of the cemetery.

Stoke Village Fun Day

July 16

The fun day in Stoke is back organised by The Village Hub, Stoke Village Fun Day and Diverse Events. Activities in Blockhouse Park and in the village centre. Stalls, music, food and entertainment for all the family from 11am to 4pm.

Sparky’s Woodland Adventure

July 22 to Sept 3

Grab your little adventurers and head for Dartmoor Zoo! Sparky the dragon has lost his belongings and he needs help to find them and save his summer travels! Follow Sparky’s trail around our Zoo, mark off where you’ve found his items and find Sparky at the end of your trail to enjoy your yummy gold coin wages! For details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk

Ballroom Dancing

July 22, Aug 5, Aug 19

Join Jeannie and Henry at the Elm Community Centre, Ley Park Walk, Estover from 7.45pm to 10.30pm. Bring your own drink and snacks. Price £6. For more details and more dates visit www.dancingduo.co.uk or call 01803 325905.

Yard Sessions

July 28

Sundowners at sunset with great music and vibes at the Firestone Arch, Royal William Yard from 5.30pm to 8pm. Featuring the George Corner Quartet with a selection of infectious groove and funk instrumentals.

Summer Fair

July 29

Moments Cafe, 69A New George Street, Plymouth from 11am to 3pm. Everyone welcome with craft stalls, raffle, face painting, game stalls and cakes. Raising funds for Memory Matters and Moments community dementia friendly cafe with free access to dementia advice and support.

Inflatable Mondays

July 31, Aug 7, 21 and 28

China Fleet Country Club and High Five join forces to provide fun for families this summer. Sessions from 9am to 10.30am for five to seven year olds, 11am to 12.30pm for eight to 12 year olds and family session from 1pm to 2.30pm. Details from www.china-fleet. co.uk/events/event-calendar

Plymouth Arts Club Exhibition

Aug 1 to Aug 6

In aid of the Tower Repair Fund at the Church of the Ascension Church Hall, The Lawns, Crownhill from 10am to 4pm. Details at www.plymouthartsclub.co.uk

Nerf War Wednesdays

Aug 2, 9, 23 and 30

China Fleet Country Club and High Five join forces to provide adrenaline-pumping action-packed Nerf battles. Sessions from 9am to 10.30am for five to

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

The ever-popular British Fireworks Championships are back in August

seven year olds, 11am to 12.30pm for eight to 12 year olds and family session from 1pm to 2.30pm. Details from www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar

Plymouth Jazz Club

Aug 3

Join Plymouth Jazz Club and Plymouth Boat Trips on a cruise up the Tamar to the lively sound of Dave Vaughan’s North Coast Joymakers traditional jazz band. Boat leaves the Barbican Landing Stage at 4.30 pm., returning 9.30 pm. 1 hour stop at Calstock. Pasties (£4) available at Calstock, order when booking. Fare £28, including welcome aboard drink. Book with Plymouth Boat Trips on 01752 253153.

Down Thomas Singers’ Summer Concerts

Aug 4 and 5

The charity concerts in aid of Asthma and Lung UK take place at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 and include refreshments plus there is a raffle with good prizes. Parking is free. The concert of popular light music is called Sounds Familiar. Tickets from the 01752 299204.

Love Summer Festival

Aug 4 to Aug 6

Now in its 12th year the Love Summer Festival returns to Newnham Park in Plympton. The family friendly festival offers three stages featuring cutting edge music, children’s area, clamping and great food. Caravan and camper friendly. For details visit www. lovesummerfestival.com/festival-2023/

Coffee Morning

Aug 5

In aid of St Luke’s Hospice at Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Books, cakes, raffle etc.

Mount Edgcumbe Classic Car Shows and Summer

Fayre

Aug 6

Attracting over 900 cars of all marques, this is an event not to be missed for the budding petrolhead! But that’s not all – there is something for everybody during the day: over 100 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, clothes and much more, food a nd drink outlets including a licensed bar, bouncy castles, fairground rides and family friendly entertainment from jazz music to magicians.

Annual Exhibition and Sale

Aug 11 to 13

Derriford Art Club is holding its annual exhibition and sale of members work at Clearbrook Village

Hall. Opens 12 noon to 4pm Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission free, tea and coffee available.

Big Tribute Festival

Aug 11 to Aug 13

After the huge success of 2022, the BIG Tribute Festival 2023 is back bringing more of the BEST UK Tribute acts over three days at Central Park under the 4,500 capacity tent and larger site location for 2023. Friday is family-friendly focused with fairground rides and bouncy castles. Tickets and information at www. bigtribfest.co.uk

British Firework Championships

Aug 16 and 17

The beloved British Firework Championships return to The Hoe providing one of the best free events in the South West. Tens of thousands of people will flock to the waterfront to watch three companies compete for the title on each night.

Summer Exhibition

Aug 16 to Aug 20

Plymouth Arts Club exhibition at The Lead Works, Rendle Street, Plymouth from 10am to 4pm. Details at www.plymouthartsclub.co.uk

Plymouth Jazz Club

Aug 20

Featuring the Jake Leg Jug Band at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill starting at 7.30pm. Authentic sounds of the 20s and 30s America. Admission £15. Tickets on the door only. Details at www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Seth Lakeman

Aug 26

Devon’s own popular singer songwriter is accompanied by Benji Kirkpatrick and Alex Hart at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Concert starts at 8pm. Tickets fromwww.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sethlakeman-tickets-598514873097

West End Carnival

Aug 26

Plymouth City Centre Company is hosting the Carnival with a full day of carnival fun for all the family. There will be a parade at 11am and lots of music and entertainment throughout the day.

Saltram Rotary Classic Car Show

Sept 3

In the beautiful setting of the Lyneham Estate near Yealmpton, PL8 2LG from 11am to 4pm, supporting Devon Air Ambulance. Food and craft stalls, jazz band, drinks bar, bouncy castle.

Circus Berlin

Sept 6 to Sept 23

From the producers of Circus Extreme comes the incredible and jaw dropping Continental Circus Berlin in Central Park. With an array of brilliant circus acts, music and real youthful energy, enjoy an international production packed full of comedy, daredevils, dancing and aerial acts. Housed in one of the UK’s largest circus big tops this show will delight young and old alike and promises to be a family treat. For details visit www.circusberlin.co.uk

Seafest Plymouth

Sept 16 and 17

Seafest Plymouth - formerly Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival - is a must for seafood enthusiasts. The festival will include lots of trader stalls, tasty treats, and demonstrations from the cookery theatre. Children can take part in the free activities including a find the fish trail. The popular cardboard boat race will also be taking place on Saturday. The free Seafest Plymouth is organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, and takes place on The Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront.

In Conversation with Judith Weir

Sept 18

Opening event for the new Musica Viva season at the Levinsky Hall, Plymouth University. Featuring composer Judith Weir, Master of the Kings Music, for a public evening of conversation with Robert Taub about her music, inspirations for her creativity and her current projects. Judith’s recent orchestral overture Brighter Visions Shine Afar was performed at the Coronation of King Charles III. This special evening will include an opportunity for members of the audience to pose questions to Judith Weir. For further info and tickets visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/ arts-institute

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

BRITTANY FERRIES TO CELEBRATE WITH A BANG

Celebrating half a century in business, Brittany Ferries has partnered with this year’s British Firework Championships, which will once again be hosted on Plymouth Hoe.

Returning to Plymouth for its 26th year, the championships will take on August 16 and 17, welcoming over 100,000 visitors to the city, who will enjoy six stunning 10-minute displays by some of the leading firework display companies in the UK as they compete for the title – British Firework Champions 2023.

With the addition of live music and fairground rides, as well as family entertainment and food and drink, the event is set to be a great evening out for all the family.

Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council, and Cabinet Member for Events at Plymouth City Council commented: “We’re so grateful for the support that Brittany Ferries – who are currently celebrating their 50th year of service - are providing for the event.

“In recognition of this partnership, we will be illuminating our very own Smeaton’s Tower over the course of the weekend with their celebratory logo. The partnership has provided us with an amazing opportunity to celebrate our shared values and links to the ocean.”

Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries said: “While Brittany Ferries today links 12 ports in France, UK, Spain and Ireland, we never forget that the beautiful city of Plymouth was our very first destination port back in 1973, when Breton farmers established a ferry route from Brittany to Devon.

“So, we couldn’t think of any better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary year than to become a partner of the British Firework Championships. This unique and spectacular event showcases the very best of what Britain’s Ocean City has to offer to tourists. We can’t wait to play a part, and to invite our French and British customers to come to Plymouth to take part in the festivities.”

As one of the most popular events in the South West each August, accommodation in and around Plymouth gets booked early.  James Gardiner, CAptain - hotel manager – for the newly-opened Moxy Plymouth, who are the official accommodation partner for the event said: “We’re delighted that we have managed to open our new Plymouth property just in time for the British Firework Championships.

“As the official accommodation provider, we are really looking forward to welcoming people to our hotel where they will be able to enjoy our vibrant new waterfront quarter, within the historic docks.”

Over the course of the two-day event, there will be an action-packed entertainment programme with live bands and performers onstage from 5pm until 8.45 pm, before the fireworks commentary and displays begin each evening at 9.30 pm. Further details on the full programme will follow in the coming weeks.

The most popular locations to watch the British Fireworks Displays are on The Hoe and along Hoe Road. The event is free to the public in these locations.

An accessible area for viewing will be located on top of the Belvedere for those wishing to stay away from the main crowds and will be accessed via the Hoe Promenade. This will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit visitplymouth.co.uk

Brightening up Elburton

Elburton Methodist Community Church is brightening the local area with a nature-inspired mural and wild flower garden.

Talented local artist Ellie Johnson – better known as Mrs Murals – has created a beautiful scene on the previously blank wall of the Methodist Church, located next to the busy Springfield Road in Elburton.

The design is of the dove of peace holding an olive branch whilst surrounded by nature. In front of the wall of the church which displays the mural there is a piece of ground upon which the church hopes to create a wildflower garden.

Not only will this reflect the message of the artwork but also hopes to attract birds, bees, butterflies and create a peaceful space for the community where nature can be admired by the people of Elburton.

Reverend Darren Middleton said: “Nature, in itself is a beautiful expression of God’s love for each of us - unconditional and fully inclusive... It is our sincere prayer that this mural brings a real message of hope and love to our community.”

Plymouth Arts Cinema’s season of film by the water’s edge is a highlight of Plymouth’s summer calendar, bringing people together to sing along to musicals, lose themselves in the latest scifi, or enjoy favourite classics in the stunning location.

Tinside is a 1935 Art Deco lido – and truly one of Plymouth’s architectural gems.

Professor Paul FieldsendDanks, Vice Chancellor of Arts University Plymouth, said:” Arts University Plymouth is proud to be sponsoring the Open Air Cinema for the fifth consecutive year. This event organised by Plymouth Arts Cinema is truly a highlight of the summer for the city, and we are delighted to be able to support them in bringing the community together to celebrate great cinema in our amazing ocean city.”

All profits are invested in PAC’s charitable mission of enabling as many people in the community as possible to experience great cinema.

This year’s films are: Grease (PG) August 11; Jaws (12A) August 12; Enys Men (15) August 13; Everything Everywhere All At Once (15) August 18; The Blues Brothers (15) August 19; Roman Holiday (U) August 20; Tickets go on general sale on June 21

JAWS IN OPEN AIR CINEMA LINE-UP

at www.plymouthartscinema. org/event-attribute/open-aircinema/

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• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible shift patterns and more

Discover our range of career opportunities and apply at www.princessyachts com/careers or scan the QR code below

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GRASS-CUTTING TEENAGER PRAISED BY COUNCILLOR

A Plympton teenager who has set up his own grass cutting business and has been cutting back grass bordering public footpaths and in parks for free has been commended by the cabinet portfolio holder in charge of grass issues in the city.

The 13-year-old, known locally as Olly D, set up T&O Services offering grass cutting services and the like to neighbours to earn himself a bit of money. This then spread to residents elsewhere in Plympton and then he started cutting back overgrown public areas for free when the council was slow to act on residents’ concerns.

The issue of residents volunteering to cut back grass in areas which are the council’s responsibility was raised by Conservative councillor Rebecca Smith at June’s full meeting of the council.

Labour Cabinet member Tom Briars-Delve said he was aware in particular of the work being done in Plympton by a local teenager.

Cllr Briars-Delve said: “I’d like to applaud the teenager involved. That young gentleman felt he wished to give back to his community and I think that should be applauded.”

He added the caveat: “The former teacher in me hopes that sensible health and safety precautions took place as well.”

Plymouths new family-run dental practice based in Elburton

After moving back to the area where she grew up Dr Roxanna Smith decided to set her sights on creating a dental practice with a difference – offering high quality service at a fair price Here at elburton dental we want our patients to receive the treatment that’s right for them, clearly discussing the options available so that you can make the choice of treatment that suits you best After all, they are your teeth!

We offer a wide range of treatments and are taking on new patients right now

You can register with us online at www.elburton.dental or give us a call on 01752 310000

On the wider issue of whether it should fall upon local residents to take grass cutting into their own hands Cllr Briars-Delve reminded Cllr Smith that the new Labour administration is currently working with the budget and cutting regime introduced by the previous Conservative administration but an ongoing review is taking place.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

REPAIR CAFE PLAN

The Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub in Mudge Way is hoping to launch a repair cafe and is seeking help from suitably skilled volunteers to get the project off the ground.

To bring the project to fruition they are looking for experienced fixers, makers and menders and other people who can assist with the administration of the cafe.

A typical repair cafe is a place where people bring along broken items, whether they be mechanical, plastic, electrical or wooden items. Volunteer repairers then try to help to repair these broken items so their owners can carry on using them.  Some such cafes also have sewing machines and volunteers experienced in mending damaged clothing. If you are interested in being part of this exciting initiative then please e-mail rcwbh@barnardos.org. uk or telephone 01752 340550. The current plan is to operate the repair cafe on one or more Saturdays each month when things get up and running.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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CULTURE’S £98M VALUE TO CITY’S ECONOMY

Key cultural ambassadors from city and towns across the country have visited Plymouth to hear all about the city’s stellar cultural journey.

As The Box prepares to open its major new exhibition of the life and works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, members of the Local Government Association’s Culture Sport and Tourism board were in Plymouth to get the low down on why culture matters as well as see the scale of work going on in Britain’s Ocean City.

As well as attending their own meeting at the Devonport Market Hall, the group were given a tour of the Theatre Royal Production Centre TR2 – where the magic happens in terms of transforming ideas into fantastic stage sets that travel the world. They then ended their day with a tour of the Box.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth was home to Sir Joshua Reynolds who went on to found the Royal Academy. This week the Box will be launching a major exhibition of his work and we will soon celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birthday.

“Art and culture is a key driver for us – in whatever form it takes. Culture is critical to a thriving, exciting city where people want to live, where they go out, do stuff, see stuff, encourage families, children, communities to get involved in performing or creating and learn be curious.

“It takes commitment and courage to keep on this path. But here we are: over 500,000 visitors have now enjoyed the Box, the Theatre Royal continues to attract and create world class productions and the city now has 365 enterprises – one for every day of the year supporting over 2,200 jobs. It’s magnificent –which is why we want to share and show off to our colleagues in local government.”

Deputy Leader Jemima Laing, who is a member of the LGA CTS Board and invited the group to Plymouth, added: “It’s been a mammoth team effort across the city and region and relationships with the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery over 10 years has been pivotal investing £50m in the city.

“Simply put investment in culture stacks up on so many levels: it’s good for our residents, our communities, our sense of worth and place, our night life, our economy and quite simply brings a lot of happiness to many, many people.

“It was a joy to show them all around and share the story of how we got here and our unshakeable commitment to Plymouth’s cultural agenda in the future.”

Some facts and figures about Plymouth’s cultural scene

• It is worth £98m to the city

• £50m external cultural investment in five years

• Visitors spend £34m on cultural tourism

• Plymouth has invested in large scale cultural infrastructure: Ocean Studios, Karst, Market Hall, The Box, and Theatre Royal

• It has hosted the British Art Show twice and the only UK showing of Songlines with the National Museum of Australia

• There are eight non portfolio organisations funded by the Arts Council

• The city has 8000 students studying arts and humanities

• There is a new Arts University

• Plymouth enjoyed a combined cultural audience of 850,000 in the last year

Wembury artist celebrates opening of Plympton’s first fine art gallery

Plympton Ridgeway’s high street is now home to a brandnew fine art hub: The Mad Cow Gallery.

Named after one of the most recognisable paintings of its owner, Lara Phillips, the gallery celebrated its grand opening in June.

Dozens of local business people, artists, buyers and passers-by dropped into The Mad Cow Gallery during the launch, for a chance to experience the best of Plymouth’s up and coming artists.

Lara, a former art student and lifelong Wembury resident, took a leap of faith earlier this year in setting up her own gallery.

For many years the 26-yearold worked at HOST Galleries, an independent gallery based in Plymouth city centre which closed down last summer.

Since the closure of HOST, Lara has been trying her hand at other industries, while painting in her spare time for leisure, and producing bespoke commissioned portraits for friends and family from her Wembury home. Though most well known for her lifelike animal and pet portraits, in 2018 she was commissioned to paint a family portrait for the family of Grammy award winning singer Dua Lipa

Lara decided to pursue her longstanding ambition to run her own gallery this year, showcasing not

only her work, but also her father David Phillips, a talented artist himself who inspired her to paint at a young age. Though she recognises that the arts have struggled in recent years as a result of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, Lara is determined to make viewing, buying and owning art a more accessible activity for all. To that end, The Mad Cow will soon be offering payment plan options.

The culture hub hosted a successful opening evening, with

Plymstock GP practice uses technology to meet demand on its services

Patients at a Plymstock GP practice have been offered new technology to help meet their day to day needs.

Church View surgery in Holland Road, introduced the changes at the end of June to improve how quickly patients receive a response from the surgery and to better manage the volume of enquiries for both the clinical and administration services.

The practice, like many others, has been struggling because there is a national shortage of GPs. The patient numbers at Church View have stayed about the same at 12,000 in the last 10 years but the amount of GP time on offer has halved. There is no quick-fix to the GP shortage which means the practice is having to work in a different way.

The new technology is a system called Anima and patients can access Anima on their phone, their PC and their tablet. It is known as an online consultation. Many of the things that patients contact the practice for by phone or in person, can be done through Anima.

These technical solutions have been used successfully in other GP practices in Plymouth. They have worked well for their patients and the practice is

confident that they will work well for Church View patients. Another benefit is using the online system frees up the phone lines for the most poorly patients to make contact.

All clinical queries are still considered by one of the clinical team which is not just the GPsthere are other highly skilled health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, advanced nurse practitioners, paramedics, older persons care teams and mental health practitioners.

Patients are able to track the progress of their request through Anima without needing to contact the practice. Patients can still contact the surgery by phone or in person if they need to.

Dr Beth Shewing at Church View practice said, “We have a set of very loyal and supportive patients at Church View and I’m pleased at how they’ve worked with us to make the new way of working a success. I do also appreciate and recognise that this change will be easier for some patients to manage than others. I would want to reassure our patients that they can still call us or come to the practice if using the new system isn’t possible.”

artist Lara Phillips said: “It was a pinch-me moment to welcome my friends, family, local artists and residents to the opening night of The Mad Cow Gallery. Plympton is already a vibrant, bustling community that is rich in history and culture, and I hope our gallery adds to that in the years to come.

“The Mad Cow offers both residents and visitors to Plymouth a unique cultural experience, where people can immerse themselves in the local art scene, attend exhibitions, art classes and other events.

“It is an inclusive space where everyone is welcome, whether you are an art collector, an enthusiast who enjoys browsing, or someone who hasn’t been involved in the art scene before.”

sales on the night making some welcome room in the packed gallery. The business has already been positively overwhelmed by requests from local talent to exhibit their work.

The gallery currently features a variety of original and print works by artists, including Josh Bygrave, Alyson Howard, Neil Pengelley, Tamsin Pearce, Hellen Allen, Killixn, and Lara herself.

Commenting on the grand opening of The Mad Cow Gallery, owner and

Thanking those who made the launch a success, Lara added: “I’d like to thank all the talented local artists who have put their trust in me to showcase and sell their work, and my family for supporting me in fulfilling a lifelong dream.”

She also thanked her friends and local tradespeople, ‘for spending many days and nights helping me paint walls, fit electrics and prepare for The Mad Cow’s launch.’

The Mad Cow Art Gallery is located at 96b Ridgway, Plympton. Contact lara.phillips@themadcowgallery. com for further information.

in cost-effectiveness and reliability for the floating offshore wind industry.

A judging panel of academics and civil engineers awarded the first prize of £250 to Nilesh in recognition of the high standard of his research paper and engaging presentation.

A University of Plymouth student has won a regional engineering competition for a research project, which could have important implications for the future development of floating offshore wind in the region.

Nilesh Jeetah, (pictured) who is studying for an MEng (Hons) degree in civil engineering, came top in the final of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Emerging Engineers Award 2023. The competition encourages and rewards the communication of civil engineering ideas, research and best practice in projects and design.

The undergraduate presented a 4,000-word research paper aimed at gaining a better understanding of the scalability and upper limits of the cylindrical steel shells that make up the floating platforms for offshore wind turbines. Ultimately, his research could pave the way for improvements

Nilesh said: “I chose to research floating offshore wind turbines due to their immense importance in achieving net zero carbon by 2050 and their potential to showcase the capabilities of civil engineers. This innovative technology has the power to revolutionise the energy landscape by providing a scalable and sustainable solution to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.”

The University of Plymouth is at the forefront of the race to harness the power of the ocean – a global leader in offshore renewable energy (ORE) education, research, and innovation. Its state-of-the-art facilities are unrivalled across the sector, and the university is home to the UK Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test Facility.

Nilesh will now represent the South West in the international final of the ICE Emerging Engineers Award in October this year, where he could win £1,500 and see his research included in a top publication.

Mad Cow owner Lara Phillips (centre) and two happy customers who purchased art during the launch event

Plymouth to support residents in ageing well

Plymouth is set to become a more welcoming city for older people in new plans laid out by Plymouth City Council.

The council is committing to ambitious plans for Plymouth to become a city where people age well, where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.

A city-wide steering group will be created to develop an ageing well programme for Plymouth.

Plymouth’s plans will follow the globallyrecognised framework of the Centre for Ageing Better, which sets out how places can overcome barriers and provide proactive support in eight different areas. These are:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings: ensuring public buildings and the environment is safe, accessible and comfortable

• Transport: ensuring there are affordable, reliable and convenient transport options

• Housing: helping to maintain good quality housing, which impacts on physical and emotional health

• Social participation: encouraging participation in leisure, cultural and spiritual activities to help tackle loneliness and isolation

• Respect and social inclusion: fighting

against ageism and treating everyone with respect

• Civic participation and employment: providing options for older people to contribute to their communities through paid employment or voluntary work

• Communication and information: helping people to keep connected and ensuring information is accessible for all abilities

• Community support and health services: offering accessible health care services, community support and opportunities to keep active

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I’m really excited by the potential that this has to make sure that Plymouth is an accessible and inclusive city where everyone can thrive regardless of their age.

“Let’s face it, we are all getting older, and we all deserve a good quality of life, whether you are as fit as a fiddle, or have daily challenges to face.

“The plans we are going to be developing will help to make sure that residents are supported to age well, to have a good quality of life and play an active role with friends and families, and in the community.”

TRIBUTES PAID TO FORMER COUNCILLOR

Councillors have expressed their sadness at the news that former city councillor Ted Fry has died.

Ted Fry served on the council for more than a quarter century, having been elected to represent the Compton Ward in 1992 and serving continuously until 2018.

Ted, who also had a career in teaching, served on many committees and was leader of the Conservative Group for a few months and deputy leader for five years.

His Cabinet responsibilities included economic development, planning and strategic housing. When the Americas Cup came to Plymouth he carried out a number of media interviews that were seen around the world.  Ted was selected as Deputy Lord Mayor between 1995 and 1996.

He also served as a member of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. As a teacher Ted worked in mainstream secondary and in remedial and special education. He sat on the National Council for Special Education. His final appointment for 29 years was as head teacher of a large 11 to 18 special school where his staff achieved a National Curriculum Award.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer said: “Ted served his ward and the people of Plymouth for more than a quarter of a century and was held in high esteem by colleagues from across the council. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

The funeral took place at Weston Mill on June 15.

On your bike for a thrilling hospice care challenge!

The boldest charity cycling challenge in the South West is back for 2023. St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is inviting bike enthusiasts to get into gear and sign up for the perennially popular Tour de Moor to support compassionate end of life care in the local community.

Whizzing into action on Sunday October 8, the event promises a thrilling two-wheel experience on beautiful, rugged Dartmoor for cyclists of all ages and abilities. This year’s theme is ‘We ride as one for hospice care’ and there’s an exciting option for every rider, whether they are a seasoned competitive cyclist looking for the ultimate adrenaline charge or one who would prefer the buzz of a shorter scenic spin the whole family can join in.

Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, the challenge offers three distinct routes – a fierce hill-filled 52km for aged 12 and up, a brand new intermediate 33km based on Dartmoor National Park’s Granite and Gears Cycle Trail for ages nine and over, and a gentler 11km along the tarmac Drake’s Trail. There’s also a new challenge for school groups.

Registration fees - £35 for the 52km and 33km, and £15 for the 11km - cover the running costs of the event. It’s entrants’ sponsorship and donations that really make the difference for St Luke’s, supporting the critical service it runs 365 days a year, covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

Penny Hannah, head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “The Tour de Moor challenge offers a terrific combination of fitness, fun and phenomenal

surroundings, and we’re so excited to be ringing the changes this year with a brand new 33km route, as well as an opportunity for school teams to get involved.

“It’s a really inclusive event that adults and children can join in, choosing the route which suits them, all riding together with the same great aim in mind – helping St Luke’s provide the very best support at home, in hospital and in our specialist unit, for local people with terminal illnesses and their families.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our Sponsor Print Copy Scan and everyone who takes part. Whether you are cycling in memory of a loved one who was looked after by our teams, or you’re there to push for your personal best performance, it’s your

City project wins national recognition

Environment Plymouth, the city’s strategic green network, is celebrating national recognition.

sponsorship and generous donations that make an enormous difference.”

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said: “So many families rely on the superb care and support provided free of charge by St Luke’s at the toughest time of their lives. As a community we must never take what the charity provides for granted.

“We’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again, knowing that all the money raised by those taking part goes directly to bespoke care for terminally ill people living in the local area.”

The Tour de Moor challenge will depart at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes at the same location. To sign up visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/tourdemoor.

FATHER ROBERT CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

One of Plympton’s most well-known clergymen has celebrated 40 years of priesthood and was joined  by scores of parishioners and familiar faces from his previous parishes to mark the occasion.

A special Sung Eucharist took place in St Mary’s Church on June 28 in Thanksgiving for the 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of Father Robert Harris, Plympton Team Ministry’s Team Vicar. This was followed by a buffet reception in the church hall.

During the service the congregation prayed for the people and clergy of the parishes served by Father Robert during his Ministry.

As well as Plympton St Mary and Plympton St Maurice these included St Mary in Portsea; St John the Evangelist in Clevedon; St Mary the Virgin, Felpham; St Michael and All Angels, Southwick and Holy Trinity & St Peter in Ilfracombe with St Peter, Bittadon where Father Robert served before moving to Plympton.

The Sermon at the service was given by The Rev’d Cannon Charlie Allen, Canon Chancellor of Durham Cathedral who herself was celebrating 20 years of Ministry.

In the church hall afterwards the evening took an unexpected turn when Father Robert dropped the bombshell news that he would be leaving the Plympton Team Ministry in the Autumn.

Father Robert, who has recently reached 65 years of age, explained it had been his intention to retire completely once he became 65, but he had had a partial change of plan as he will be continuing his ministry on a part time basis two days a week in the Channel Islands where he will be taking up a new

position later this year.

No exact date for his departure from Plympton has yet been set but it is likely to be towards the end of September or beginning of October.

Father Robert first joined the Plympton Team Ministry as team rector in March 2016, having previously been Priest in Charge of Ilfracombe’s Holy Trinity and St. Peter’s church and also linked churches in Lee, Woolacombe, Bittadon and Mortehoe in North Devon.

He was later promoted to team vicar in Plympton and became very much part of the fabric of the local community.

In June 2016 Father Robert was chosen to be the presiding clergyman at Stannator’s night by incoming Stannator Rose Hamley. In

2017

In 2018 as chairman of Governors at St Mary’s Infants School he saw the school become part of St Christopher’s Multiacademy Trust.

Also in 2018 Father Robert was installed as a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral, in 2020 he hosted programmes on Devon Gold Radio and in the same year he became the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain for Cllr Terri Beer during her time in that role.

Commenting after the news of Father Robert’s impending departure from Plympton was announced Cllr Beer said: “I’m certainly going to miss him and his wife Christine who have done so much to support me and my residents.”

Former Plympton Stannator Andrew Hill added: “Over the past seven years Father Robert has become such an integral part of the local community, quietly supported in the background by Christine.

“His loud, clear and distinctive voice has been a bonus during services and events and he has helped the church maintain its focal point in the community.

“He has overseen a number of important initiatives such as the Plympton Foodbank and the relaxation in rules which has allowed remarriages to take place at St Mary’s and St Maurice.

“Thankfully we will have him for a few more months yet, but he will be sorely missed when he eventually leaves. Our loss will very much be the Channel Islands’ gain.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

After five years, work on the network’s keynote project – Plastic Free Plymouth – was one of three active campaigns shortlisted for the 2023 Surfers Against Sewage’s national Plastic Free Communities Awards in Bristol – an award eventually won by a team from Cornwall. Originally launched in 2017 and inspired by coverage of marine plastic pollution in the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 series, the project has gone on to work with over 350 businesses of all sizes, community groups and individuals and, through the Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution Project, 18 international partners.

The nomination for the award particularly focused on the action taken to remove plastics from the National Fireworks Championships –action that has since attracted interest from around the UK.

Environment Plymouth’s chair, Hugh Janes said: “These awards are nationwide and have enormous significance within the environmental movement. It shows the work being done by Environment Plymouth is having an impact and it is encouraging to everyone in the team to be recognised in this way.”

Focusing on single use plastics, Plastic Free Plymouth doesn’t expect plastic to disappear. Sadly it is now found in almost every environment and not just kitchens, bathrooms and supermarkets.

Plastic Free Plymouth does, however, ask people to consider what they’re using and to refuse single use plastics in favour of something more eco-friendly. A reusable cup, for example, could prevent up to 168 plastic bottles from entering the waste stream.

To date Plastic Free Plymouth has identified over 80 different, commonly used single use plastics that could be replaced – some very obvious and others a little more unusual.

The campaign is currently developing advice and support specifically for the hospitality, tourism and take away sector in the city as the Government’s planned ban could have a particularly damaging impact on the resources they use every day.

Working with Mallorca’s ‘Save the Med’ project, Plastic Free Plymouth is currently planning how to prepare the sector for the forthcoming bans on single use items being introduced by the Government on October 1.

Project manager, Jackie Young, said: “The new list of items to be banned includes plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene containers, plates, bowls and food containers that are not pre-packed. In reality it will revolutionise the take away industry but we are wondering just how many members of this important economic sector know what’s facing them. With expensive orders at stake it is essential that no-one gets caught out.”

A handy guidance document will be published later this summer with accompanying workshops if the demand is there.

Photo credit – Paul Slater

Father Robert worked with students at Plympton Academy on a project to distribute books and magazines to the community.

Father Robert with his wife Christine at the celebration

Spanish galleon sets its sights on Plymouth!

A full size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon will visit Plymouth this summer and be open to locals and visitors to the city to step onboard.

El Galeón will be moored within the Cattewater with visitors being able to explore this ‘living museum’ during her stay.

The impressive tall ship is nearly 50 metres in length and will be impossible to miss when she arrives in Plymouth at the start of August. As a floating museum, members of the public will be able to go onboard and explore the ship’s six decks which offer a fascinating range of features, exhibits and displays.

El Galeón’s live-in crew will also be on hand to talk to visitors and explain more about the ship and the history behind the Spanish galleon fleet which were used predominantly between the 16th and 18th centuries and took the lead role in many of the world’s trade and cultural routes that were the longest in length and duration than any other in the history of maritime navigation.

And, while these were the ships that comprised the Spanish Armada which in 1588 attempted, unsuccessfully, to defeat an English fleet led by Sir Francis Drake it was the galleons that brought the “two halves of the Earth” together, exchanging goods, people, cultures, ideas and aesthetics from several continents.

Captain Richard Allan, chief executive and Harbour Master at Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to secure a visit from El Galeón as part of her summer programme and to be one of the very few UK ports that she will be visiting as part of her wider European schedule.

“It will be quite a spectacle to have her moored in the Cattewater - vessels such as El Galeón were

the forerunners for the modern day cargo vessels that we have entering the port on a daily basis.”

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure & HR, Plymouth City Council said: “A Spanish galleon in Plymouth? I think we can safely say we’ve all moved on from the days when this would be feared. In fact, it is wonderful to be able to welcome this ship into the Sound and for people to climb aboard and learn about life on board.

“It’s also a good reminder that ships were more than about skirmishes, but about forging trade and culture links between nations.”

Built by the Nao Victoria Foundation at the Punta Umbria shipyard at Huelva in Spain, El Galeón was launched 2009 and has since covered more than 70,000 nautical miles around the world’s oceans, visited ports in four continents, participated in many cultural projects, and has been visited by thousands of visitors at over a hundred ports all over the world.

El Galeón will be in port for five days at the start of August and online booking for tickets will be going on sale shortly. Access to the galleon, which will be moored in the Cattewater, will be via a dedicated tender operating regular crossings from the Barbican Landing Stage each day.

Major investment and jobs boost announced for Freeport

Plymouth City Council is planning new multi-million pound investments in the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

Plans are being developed for £15.6 million of new investment across two Freeport sites in the council’s ownership. The first is a £6.5 million investment in a further phase of the Oceansgate development in Devonport which will deliver 1,772 square metres of high quality lettable space for manufacturing and synthetic testing, creating 49 jobs.

The second is a £9.1 million investment in industrial units at Langage Business Park in Plympton which will deliver 5,615 square metres of flexible, high quality, sustainable workspace, split across four different units at Beaumont Way and create 138 jobs.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “One of our key priorities is driving green investment, jobs and skills. The Freeport does exactly that.

“This is an historic opportunity for Plymouth to fully orientate our economy into delivering more skilled jobs and become a core

City welcomes its first female Archdeacon

The first female Archdeacon of Plymouth has been officially welcomed into her new role during a special service at Tavistock Parish Church in June.

The Venerable Jane Bakker was previously a parish priest in Southampton. Before becoming ordained she worked in accountancy following a career as an air traffic controller in the RAF. Her inauguration service was led by the Bishop of Exeter and attended by the Bishop of Plymouth, Bishop of Crediton and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Clergy, licensed lay ministers and parishioners from across Plymouth Archdeaconry were also there to welcome her.

Afterwards Jane, who is a keen walker and crafter, said “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and the parishes of the archdeaconry and exploring Devon and getting out and about to meet people.

“Devon is stunningly beautiful, I was previously in an urban area, so it is wonderful to be out in the countryside and the welcome is stunning.

international trading location. It is my priority now to make sure it delivers, driving forward our plans to create at least 3,500 jobs across the city.

“We want the Freeport to not only be an economic boost for the city, but also be a hotbed of innovation. Whilst these plans are still in their infancy, it is clear that we are ambitious and driven to move forward at pace.

“The end result will be that we not only attract investment, and stimulate growth in green technologies to help our economy, but we put Plymouth on the map as a city where it make’s financial sense to do business.”

Oceansgate...£6.5m investment announced

The Freeport in Plymouth and South Devon is a zone designated by the Government with certain allowances to boost the economy, such as lower taxes and customs e.g. VAT or duties.

The Freeport aims to unlock millions of pounds worth of funding for the region, encouraging a resurgence of economic activity with businesses more inclined to open in the area. In turn, this will create thousands more jobs and bring vast investment into the local community.

Plymouth Archdeaconry covers West Devon and is one of four archdeaconries in Devon. Jane will be based in the city of Plymouth and will have around 76 churches under her care. She said “My message is one of encouragement. The local church is the hope for the world.

“We can transform our communities and the places where we live with the message of Jesus.

“That is a message of hope, faith is not just about transforming ourselves but the places where we live as well.”

Venerable Jane Bakker pictured with the Bishop of Plymouth the Rt Revd James Grier

New wards at Mount Gould Hospital will help ease pressure on Derriford

Two new wards have been officially opened as part of the new Discharge Assessment Unit at Mount Gould Hospital, being run jointly by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) and Livewell Southwest.

The new wards, Saltram and Lopes, now provide holistic and comprehensive discharge assessments and reablement for those with complex needs. This allows medically fit patients to be discharged from Derriford Hospital to a facility that is equipped to support their recovery and ultimately their return home; all with the aim to support people to live independently for longer.

The opening of the unit has been made possible thanks to £5 million funding received from NHS England, as well as collaborative working between UHP, Livewell Southwest, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, Plymouth City Council and a number of community partners, including Age UK and Herts Urgent Care (HUC - formally Devon Doctors).

“We are delighted to have opened the new Discharge Assessment Unit at Mount Gould,” explains Jo Beer, chief operating officer at UHP. “This now means we can give every patient the opportunity to return to independence following a period of acute ill health and hospitalisation, as well as promote home as the preferred discharge destination.

“This new unit also releases bed capacity at Derriford to provide space for care and treatment for patients waiting for elective and urgent care. It’s a new way of working for UHP and an opportunity to strengthen working relationships with our Livewell and Plymouth City Council colleagues for the benefit of patient care. We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the teams who have worked very hard to get this project completed.”

The unit, which has capacity for 40 beds, is made up of a team of both UHP and Livewell staff nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapeutic support workers. They monitor and support patient health and wellbeing, carry out assessments to help with recovery and plan for discharge. GP support is also provided.

“Although we’ve only been open a matter of weeks, we’ve received some wonderful feedback from patients so far,” explained Samantha O’Driscoll, ward manager for the unit. “Our patients really feel that they

regain their independence here and can relax in a non-acute setting whilst still keeping reablement as their focus, with the goal of returning home with confidence and the right support. One patient in particular said that the unit is ‘wonderful’ and a ‘joy to be at, because the care for everyone is excellent’.

“Through helping patients to increase their confidence in the activities of daily living, the Discharge Assessment Unit also offers staff a real opportunity to get to know their patients and increase their knowledge around reablement. I have had some outstanding feedback from our staff, in that they feel supported in their role and truly enjoy the environment in which they all work. We have some wonderful learning opportunities here and staff feel excited about the future of the unit.”

Michelle Thomas, chief executive of Livewell Southwest, said: “These new wards symbolise an important commitment to supporting patient reablement and will complement our existing out-of-hospital pathways in the city. As partnered organisations, we share the goal of supporting our service users to maintain healthy, independent lives and we are pleased to be making a positive contribution at the Discharge Assessment Unit.”

Rachel O’Connor, director of Integrated Care and Partnerships at UHP, adds: “We

are hugely appreciative of the additional capital that has been made available to help provide important additional reablement care, to support people to return home and continue to live independently for longer. The additional beds as part of a wider community model of care will also relieve pressure on our acute hospital beds for those who need medical intervention.

“We recognise that most people will recover better at home once they are safe to be there, and we are working with our other health and social care partners in the system to ensure that people get home promptly.

“The development at Mount Gould is one part of a model of intermediate care that through our partnership with Livewell we are looking to implement to better prepare people for early and supported discharge and help maintain their ability to return home to live as independently as possible. It has been wonderful to see the joint working between our teams and receive such positive feedback from patients so far. We remain excited about the opportunities for further development and improvement together.”

Through bringing all community teams together for the purpose of discharge from hospital, it is hoped to encourage a culture of empowering patients to continue their ongoing care at home, where possible.

Ann James, chief executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust officially opens the new unit, watched by colleagues and Luke Pollard MP

Sherford Life

Are you counting down the days? We have a big calendar up on the wall in our dining room, currently showing all of July and August.

It’s helpful for our kids because we can write in all their activities – swimming lessons, end-of-term school discos, dates we’re having friends round to play, etc. But it also means we can count down the days until the holidays begin!

We’ve got holidays booked in North Devon, and with family up in the Lake District later in the summer. Lots to look forward to. And we definitely need it! Because the reality is that we can’t keep working all the time.

As humans we have inbuilt limitations: we need regular sleep alongside time awake; we need regular rest time alongside our work time. We’re not designed to be idle all the time, but we are designed to need those times of rest.

It’s a great privilege living in Plymouth for this reason, among so many others. The city we call home is known nationwide and even worldwide for some of its key industries –the dockyard and the naval units stationed here.

Council reveals ambitious plan to build a better city

Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, filling in potholes, creating cleaner streets, building new homes, green investment and better access to healthcare and dentistry are front and centre of the new Labour administration’s vision for Plymouth’s future.

A new Corporate Plan outlining how Plymouth City Council will address looming local challenges, including the cost of living crisis has been approved by the council’s Cabinet.

At the heart of the plan is the council’s ambition to make Plymouth a fairer, greener city where everyone does their bit, making Plymouth a great place to grow-up and grow old, whilst minimising the impact of the cost of living crisis.

There are six priorities:

• Working with the Police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour

• Fewer potholes, cleaner, greener streets and transport

• Build more homes – for social rent and affordable ownership

• Green investment, jobs, skills and better education

• Working with the NHS to provide better access to health, care and dentistry

• Keeping children, adults and communities safe

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We have spent the past 12 months listening to people on the doorstep and have heard loud and clear what residents want.

“People are fed-up of the rising tide of anti-social behaviour and crime. They are tired of potholes, fly-tipping, litter and graffiti blighting our streets. They are unhappy as they cannot afford a home or struggle to get a quality job, and they are angry that they can’t

access healthcare services or a dentist.

“We are making these challenges our priority over the next year. We are ambitious to deliver real change. Change that can be seen by every person in the city.

“At the same time we are also conscious that the cost of living crisis is hitting Plymouth people hard. With petrol and diesel prices sky-rocketing, not to mention energy bills, rent and mortgages, it is incumbent on the Council to do all we can to minimise the impact that rising costs have on the wallets of our residents.

“At the heart of all of this is our ambition to make our city a great place to grow up and grow old. We want Plymouth to be a city where people age well, where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.

“We are thinking big and if we don’t deliver, I will expect residents to hold us to account.”

Plymouth Practice Plus Group receives Veteran Aware Award

Practice Plus Group Hospital Plymouth has been recognised for providing focused support and care to the local Armed Forces community and has been awarded with Veteran Aware accreditation.

The award has been announced during Armed Forces Week and the hospital celebrated by holding their own Veteran Aware Day on site.

By Revd Tom Brassil

We have a proud history of hard work for the sake of our city and our country. But we also live in an area that is an attractive holiday destination. When my family arrived back in Plymouth in summer 2014, we initially felt like we were on a month-long holiday (helped by a particularly sunny July and August that year)!

Last month I wrote about all the wonderful things to do and places to visit in our local area whenever we have a sunny day off. This month I want to remind all the Chronicle’s readers: take the time off when you can!

If you’re in a job you love, then you are very fortunate. (I consider myself very fortunate in that regard!) But lots of us are not so lucky. And we all know the toll our work (whether paid employment, school work or caring for loved ones) can take on us. It’s a normal human experience to long for the end of term, and the start of the holidays.

C. S. Lewis, writer of the much-loved Narnia stories, picks up on this in his description of the Narnian version of heaven at the end of The Last Battle. The Lion Aslan describes it like this: “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”

Here’s the wonderful thing about C. S. Lewis’ vision: it doesn’t just chime with our deep longings. It also chimes with the promise of rest offered in the Bible; the ultimate rest that is the hope of the Christian faith.

This rest isn’t just a temporary pause on the toil and trouble of life; it’s a permanent end to the struggles and difficulties we face daily.

An endless opportunity to enjoy being with the God who invented fun and who has infinite ways to bring us joy. Sounds like a great holiday to me!

The award was presented by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Mark Sawyer and Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) representative, Tony Armstrong.

Veteran Aware accreditation means Practice Plus Group Plymouth has committed to making sure that members of the armed forces community will not be disadvantaged in the care they receive and where possible, receive personalised care to improve patient outcomes in line with the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Accreditation was carried out by the VCHA, a national NHS team, that develops, shares and drives the implementation of best practice, while at the same time raising standards for everyone.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Practice Plus Group Plymouth Hospital joins University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and St Luke’s Hospice with this award, which means that care and support provided to the Armed Forces community locally has been reinforced.

Practice Plus Group as a whole has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, with their other nine hospitals and surgical centres set to follow Plymouth’s lead in due course.

Practice Plus Group Plymouth medical director, Andy Burgess, who is a veteran, said: “Having completed a significant number of deployments in the military, particularly the latter Iraq and Afghan ones, I have had a strong desire to make sure care for our military personnel continues after they have left the military. I have also seen the differences in the way we in the UK treat our veterans compared to the likes of the US who bend over backwards to help theirs. Anyone deployed

to the likes of Afghanistan is never the same and I include myself in that. Anything I can do to help our veterans deal with life in Civvy Street must be useful.”

The South West has one of the highest UK armed forces veteran populations in the UK. In Plymouth, 8.4 per cent of the population aged over 16 years and over have served in the armed forces.

Practice Plus Group Hospital Plymouth employ a number of veterans and are now training two of them as health champions for veterans. Grace Todd works as a radiographer at Plymouth Hospital and knows all about the lives of those in the forces. She has served with the Royal Navy and after having children and getting married, she now supports her husband who is serving in the Royal Navy. Her family are all from a Naval background too.

Grace said: “I know all about the pressures of serving, and being at home when my husband is away. I am really excited to be able to have an

input here and be a representative for our Veteran Aware status.”

Another veteran who works at Practice Plus Group Plymouth is James Potter. He is a physician associate, works in anaesthesia and is also a wellbeing champion at the hospital. James was originally a weapons and bomb disposal specialist in the military, before he moved into health care.

James said: “This will allow us to identify veterans and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment that may improve their experience both during their stay and post-op. Many veterans suffer with mental health difficulties and hospitals can be the kind of unfamiliar environment that triggers many of these painful memories.

“I hope, as a veteran suffering with PTSD myself, we are able to use that relative experience to establish bridges with a community that can feel increasingly isolated since the end of the ‘Help for Heroes’ era.”

For more details visit www.veteranaware.nhs.uk/

Plymouth Lord Mayor Cllr Mark Shayer and Tony Armstrong of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance present the Veteran Aware Award

Saltram and The Box exchange works for Sir Joshua Reynolds exhibition

The National Trust at Saltram have partnered with The Box to exchange works from their collections to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of one of England’s greatest artists Sir Joshua Reynolds.

To Tell Them Where It’s Got To a small painting by artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye loaned by The Box, is now hanging in the Red Room at Saltram in place of Reynolds’ portrait of Francesco Bartolozzi (1773), encouraging a comparison of different approaches to portraiture.

In return, two paintings from Saltram are shown at The Box in Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration. These are Reynolds’ portrait of Florentine engraver Bartolozzi and one of the artist’s great works, the newly cleaned portrait of Theresa Parker which was completed in 1773.

In contrast to the surrounding historic painting collection at Saltram, depicting known people in public displays of status, Yiadom-Boakye is inspired to create paintings of invented people created from found images, and her imagination.

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye initially learned to paint by working from life but changed her approach whilst studying at Falmouth School of Art. She realised she was less interested in making portraits and more in the act of painting itself. The painting displayed was shown in 2022 at Tate Britain in the arist’s solo international touring exhibition and can be seen hung at Saltram until the end of October.

It is the first time in 250 years that Reynolds’ full-length

The

portrait of his patron and friend Theresa Parker has been displayed outside of Saltram’s Saloon – the place for which it was commissioned – since its completion and display at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1733.

The painting recently underwent cleaning at the Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio and will return to Saltram for visitors to view again from 2024. In the interim a print of the painting by Thomas Watson is displayed at Saltram in its place. Theresa Parker commissioned the print in part because her brother in Spain was desperate to see the painting.

Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “Staging a major exhibition like ‘Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration’ would not be possible without the support of a range of partners, so we’re delighted to have collaborated with the National Trust to help tell the story of Reynolds’ life and career, and to have loaned a work to them as well.

Saltram’s grand portrait of Theresa Parker is the first painting visitors see when they arrive in the exhibition and it looks stunning post-conservation. In return, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye has received great acclaim for her paintings in recent years, and we hope audiences to Saltram House will enjoy making the connections between her work and the other historic paintings it’s displayed alongside.”

Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration is at The Box until October 29.

Above: Reynolds’ full length portrait of Theresa Parker which will be displayed outside Saltram for the first time in 250 years Below: Reynolds’ portrait of Francesco Bartolozzi

National Trust specialists hanging the portrait by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye in the Red Room at Saltram

Could you deliver the Plymouth Chronicle?

Having been on holiday at half term, I hit the ground running when I got home and feel ready for another break!

Did you make it to Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe? I love combining my local community work with my role with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and enjoy the time we spend meeting members of the public and sharing our work. Big shout out to my amazing team of volunteers!

And thanks to the City Council team for organising such a great event again. Don’t forget if I can help your local community group with a talk or tour about our local War Graves, do get in touch!

It was also great to catch up with Man Culture Team which was born out of the work of the Violence against Women and Girls Commission which I led. They are hosting a conference in September which is open to anyone interested in the work they are doing to empower men to be part of a change in culture around VAWG. Let me know if you’re interested in attending and I’ll link you up.

I’ve spent a lot of time focussing on parks and open spaces this month. The fantastic weather we had at half term led to some challenges at local leisure spots like Oreston Quay. It’s really important that the whole community gets to enjoy local green and blue spaces across the city, but it’s always a shame when a few spoil it for the many. However, I was able to bring some key players together to look at how we could tackle the anti social behaviour of a few young people to ensure that the vast majority of those using the water in Oreston could continue in peace. Thanks to the Cattewater Harbour Commissioner, Plymouth City Council, the Police, local schools and members of the community for working together to see the problems eased.

Some our local parks could do with some TLC and I’m working with the Community Payback team to see if it might be something they can help with. I’ve also been pushing on ensuring the grass in local play areas is kept short to enable our children and young people to play safely.

Looks like I have an other local park to visit and see if we can work some magic there too. Fingers

Rebecca’s Review

By Rebecca Smith Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South West Devon and Councillor for Plymstock Radford Ward

recently for a coffee and catch up. As well as my one-to-one meetings with them, they are also holding a drop-in session at the Broadway on the first Friday of each month – from 10am to midday. Do drop in and see them if you have any issues you’d like to raise.

I recently took part in the South West Landlord Association’s (SWLA) first in-person training course for local landlords since the pandemic. Having met Iain Maitland and his team last year when I was Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, I was keen to find out more about their work supporting and equipping local private landlords. The role that good quality private rented homes play in the housing market is critical, and having rented from an excellent landlord myself in the past, I know how important good landlords are to tenants.

It was also good to spend time with staff from local housing charity, Plymouth Access to Housing, who I first worked with 20 years ago. The work they do supporting people into sustainable tenancies is another crucial part of the housing jigsaw locally.  I look forward to an ongoing relationship with the SWLA in the years ahead as I continue to develop my interest in housing policy at both a local and national level. It’s so important and something worth fighting for.

crossed for a positive outcome!

I’m also working with the council, Persimmon and the National Trust over the future of a redundant quarry behind Saltram Meadow to see how best it can be used as a community asset. Watch this space for more information on that.

We’ve got some changes taking place in our local Policing Team and it was good to meet with new officers, Chris and Elliot at Plymstock Broadway

Finally, it was wonderful to be at the City College Plymouth Student Awards night recently. We have some incredibly impressive students in our community and it was fantastic to celebrate them and hear from Baroness Floella Benjamin (children of the the 70s and 80s will know who I mean!).

As ever, do get in touch if I can help in any way. Email is best - rebecca@rebecca-smith.org.uk or Facebook - Facebook.com/SWDevonRebecca

Task force to tackle NHS dental crisis

A task force is being set-up to tackle the city’s growing dental crisis, following a commitment from the new council administration.

There are currently over 21,000 people in Plymouth waiting for an NHS dentist – an increase of nearly 120 per cent over the past five years.One of the priorities of the new administration is to set-up a cross-party, Dental Task Force, bringing together key stakeholders and NHS leaders from across the city to discuss what can be done to improve dental provision in Plymouth.

The three local MPs have also been invited to join.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “It is shocking that there are no NHS dentists taking new patients in Plymouth. There are thousands of people who are not able to get an appointment.

“Many people simply can’t afford to pay huge sums for a private clinician, and why should they? This means that without regular dental care they are at greater risk of tooth decay, gum disease or in some cases mouth cancers going undiagnosed.  Why should people live in pain when there are local solutions to this issue?

“We are already seeing the impact of this in our children’s health. Over the past year over 600 local children have,

between them, had over 4,000 teeth removed. This is not acceptable. Particularly as it is entirely preventable and ends up costing the health system approximately £1million per year.

“Put simply, this cannot go on.”There are a number of oral health improvement projects that are being delivered in Plymouth, including a supervised tooth-brushing scheme for children, a fluoride varnish scheme and a first dental steps programme.At the same time, there is a significant amount of local NHS underspend for dental care, around £7million across Devon as a whole each year.

“If this money isn’t spent, it is simply returned to NHS England.The new task-force will work with NHS partners across Devon to consider if this unspent money can be used to provide more services in the city and what more can be done to improve access to these services.

Councillor Aspinall, added: “The time for posturing is over. We need action. We need to increase access to urgent and emergency dental care, we need to improve access to services for the most vulnerable children and adults and those with complex needs and we need to expand current oral health improvement initiatives.

“We know that there is funding available to make some significant changes. We need decisive action to make sure that it is spent in the right way, making the biggest difference to those who most need it.”

Rebecca pictured with Andy and Matt from Man Culture at Armed Forces Day

Talented student Sky inspired by Prince’s Trust

Brilliant young dancers to perform in Plymouth

A talented 18-year-old arts student from Plymouth has been inspired to launch a creative business ideathanks to the Prince’s Trust.

The Prince’s Trust visited Palace Court, the arts university’s Pre-Degree and Sixth Form campus, to work with students to develop their business ideas through the Trust’s Enterprise Program.

got the email from my tutors telling us there was an opportunity to expand a business idea that I wanted to do that for my project.

Sky’s Soulster character

The National Youth Dance Company is bringing its 10th anniversary tour to Plymouth in July.

The country’s flagship company for young dancers, which is run by Sadlers Wells, will be performing at The House, Plymouth on July 15.

The company’s new work, Novacene, is choreographed by guest artistic director and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Wayne McGregor.

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

alongside NYDC staff and the artistic team. The year-long experience within the company provides members with the necessary skills and techniques to find career opportunities and raise aspirations, self-esteem and confidence.

The group of 35 dancers aged between 16 and 24, dancers are mentored during four intensive residencies in school holidays to create and rehearse the new piece.

The event takes place at The House, Plymouth University on July 15 at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01752 600600.

Students aged 16 to 17 took part in a two-day business incubation course, focussing on business models, profit and loss, business plans and more. Students aged 18 and over participated in a two-day business development course that culminated in a £500 startup fund for successful students, as well as a partnership with a business mentor for 12 months.

Sky Purchase, who is studying for an Extended Diploma in Creative Practice at the Arts University Plymouth pre-degree campus, used the Enterprise Program to expand her business idea called Soulster - a brand of characters created as part of her studies.

Sky said: “Late last year, we had a module where we had to make a book. I was freaking out about it until I came up with the idea of a character line that I made into a book. It was only when I

“Now I’m coming up with all sorts of merchandise ideas, stickers, keyrings, etc, with a final product of a doll. I did a poll with some friends as market research for a name and Soulster was the one that came out on top!”

Sky added: “The Prince’s Trust were really lovely and insightful with their ideas. It helped me budget more, something I already do, but there’s so much to learn. I’m in contact about getting a mentor and I’ll be applying for the start up funding of £500.

“It’s such a big opportunity that I couldn’t not. If that all goes well, they also have a grant of £5,000, which I’ll apply for too. I’ve got a big fear of talking in front of people, but I knew I had to present as part of the course.

“It actually went really well and I learned not to feel so worried talking about your ideas. I felt really confident by the end of the course.”

Sky, who will be studying BA (Hons)

Illustration at Arts University Plymouth in September said: “Growing up in Plymouth, I always used to see the arts university building, thinking it was so cool. I’m from a family full of artists so I knew since Year 8 I wanted to come to the university. The teachers are great, the sweetest people and very supportive. If you need help, they’re there to talk to.

“All the students are lovely too, it’s such a family vibe here. I’m a digital artist mainly, using different brushes and techniques, but I’ve done a lot of experimenting with paint and clay.

“I’m trying to get into different mediums, but illustration is my favourite, so I was so excited to see my offer was accepted to continue my studies at Arts University Plymouth on BA (Hons) Illustration.”

ANDREW WARD is managing director and sales director of Ability Bathe, a family-run independent bathroom installation company which was founded by Andrew and his wife in 2012.

Andrew has owned and run a complete bathroom supply and installation company for 25 years, fitting all types of bathrooms and wet rooms in the North of England. Since expanding into the South West, Andrew – together with a small team of employees – has specialised in installing and fitting not just bathrooms, but also walk-in showers and wet rooms.

Let Ability Bathe make your life easier. It is small enough to be very personal and approachable, and large enough to have the experience to complete a wide range of bathroom installations quickly and successfully to a very high standard.

Andrew personally goes out to the initial consultation, paying great attention to detail and customer requirements. On commencement, he again attends and personally sets up the installation, running through all points raised with his employees, who will do the hands-on installation.

Then he spends the final finishing hours at the customer’s home to make sure the customer is happy with the installation quality and service. Ability Bathe’s motto is: “A bath to shower in 48 hours”

Andrew says: “We make the promise that we don’t come to you until our previous job is complete and we will not leave you until yours is complete”.

Ability Bathe offers home appointments up to 8pm; for a free, no-obligation quotation call 07711 184309.

Sky Purchase

Dunstone Diary

By Councillor John Stephens

One of the privileges of being a Plymouth City Councillor is being able to meet with people who do extraordinary things without any fanfare but which make a huge difference to the people and the communities they seek to serve.

Across the Plymstock Dunstone ward, this ranges from dedicated folk who volunteer to provide lunch and social clubs for older folk who often live alone, lead and assist with groups for children and young people at local churches, sports clubs for all ages and abilities, Guide and Scout association groups, and many more.

Last month, I met with the committee of Plymouth Senior Citizens Forum, a group I have joined as a link councillor. The friendly, hard-working group commit themselves to liaising with the city council to support and share concerns relating to the interests and quality of life for all senior citizens. For people over 50, they organise monthly trips through most of the year to places of interest and beauty across Devon and Cornwall.

Weekly bingo sessions are held at The Guildhall and they invite visitors to come along for interesting talks every few months ranging from learning how a local champion wheelchair badminton player got into the sport to the Head of Bereavement Services at Plymouth City Council talking about the new crematorium, which will open in Spring 2024.

Within the Plymstock Dunstone ward, there are many people who undertake tasks voluntarily to help make our area an even better place to live.

Since spring, Elburton and District Residents Association have promoted a monthly gardening group which has helped transform an area near Haye Road South car park in the village into an attractive planted bank and bed.

Several volunteers across the ward participate in the Clean Our Patch scheme, litter picking along hedgerows, streets, and fields. More often than not, litter is discarded by people who simply cannot be bothered to take it home or put it securely in a bin.

But rather than ‘tut, tut,’ these volunteers act by spending a short time tidying up for the benefit of the rest of us and nature.

On the back of this, several residents in the Staddiscombe area have expressed an interest in helping now and again to keep some footpaths clear of weeds and moss that have developed over time and are often off the beaten track of the grass cutting team.

No gardening expertise is needed, just a desire to Tidy Up Staddiscombe and an ability to use shears, a brush or a spade! This would be a great way for older and younger people to meet and help together for the benefit of the lovely community we live in.

If you are interested in any of the groups mentioned above, or would like me to help you with any local issues or ideas, please contact me at John.Stephens@plymouth.gov.uk or Facebook@ CllrJohnStephensforPlymstockDunstone

Submarine refit will sustain 1,000 jobs

Preparation work has started on HMS Victorious ahead of a planned multi-million pound refit which will sustain hundreds of jobs.

The maintenance programme on the Vanguard-class submarine, taking place in Babcock’s Devonport facility, will sustain more than 1,000 jobs in the south west region and will see the boat modernised and improved to continue operational patrols into the 2030s.

The multi-million pound, longterm programme will involve Babcock employees from those working directly on the boat to others working in production, design, commissioning and the wider supply chain.

HMS Victorious’ arrival is in tandem with significant investment in the naval base’s facilities, creating additional jobs for people in the region.

As well as supporting the maintenance of existing and future classes of submarines, it will also enhance Devonport Dockyard’s ability to deliver major defence projects.

Brigadier Mike Tanner, commander of HMNB Devonport, said: “I am delighted to announce that the work has begun to prepare HMS Victorious as she commences her major refit.

“This activity will sustain jobs and key skills for Plymouth and the wider south-west region for the foreseeable future.”

Paul Watson, managing director of Babcock’s Devonport facility,

added: “As part of the UK’s critical continuous at sea deterrent, HMS Victorious represents one of the most complicated pieces of engineering there is.

“Work on the vessel has started and the capability, knowledge and experience our people have gained through the delivery of similar projects supporting the Royal Navy fleet, along with new and innovative and collaborative approaches with our customer, means we are well prepared to deliver this important

overhaul project.”

HMS Victorious and the rest of the Vanguard fleet are key components in the UK military’s longest operation –Operation Relentless.

Since 1969, at least one nucleararmed ballistic missile submarine is maintaining the continuous at sea deterrent posture at all times, deterring the most extreme threats to the UK and the country’s way of life. The Vanguard fleet will be replaced by the Dreadnought-class submarines from the early 2030s.

80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR HELE’S COMBINED CADET FORCE

A celebration has been held to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Hele’s School.

The origins of the Hele’s School Combined Cadet Force can be traced back to the formation of an Air Training Corps Squadron by the Senior Master J A Jenkinson in June 1943.

Current CCF staff and cadets celebrated 80 years of cadet activity at the school recently with former CCF staff, as well as some other invited guests. It was particularly pleasing for them to have the three most recent Contingent Commanders, as well as the current Commander, Major Kevin Randall, in the same place, especially when some of those appointments date back to the 1970s.

The celebrations started with a buffet lunch which was prepared by the school’s Year 9 GCSE Hospitality and Catering students, some of whom are also cadets. The visiting guests then had an opening address by the Principal Mrs Justine Mason, who welcomed the guests and spoke about the benefits of having a contingent based at the school. Attendees then watched a presentation about the

history of cadet activity at Hele’s School, followed by a video showing photos which covered the span of the last 80 years.

There were also some messages from former cadets detailing the careers they have followed and how the cadet experience helped them in their current roles and their separate journeys through college, university, apprenticeships or the world of work.

The visitors were then escorted by Senior Cadets to see a normal training evening and were able to witness Hele’s Royal Navy cadets practising their drill and then completing PLTs.

Hele’s Army cadets were undergoing Skill at Arms training and also shooting on a 25m indoor range and learning first aid and the school’s RAF cadets showed how using the Oculus headset and Virtual Reality scenarios helped develop their leadership skills, as well as class-based activities and some drill skills.

Finally everyone reassembled in the Studio to celebrate the achievements of Hele’s very best cadets who received the following awards:

• Admiral Nelson Award: Presented by former Contingent Commander Paul Glasspoole awarded to Cadet

Dominik Drajer;

• General Monck Coldstream Guards Award: Presented by former Contingent Commander Tony Williams MBE awarded to Cadet Lily Dyson;

• Sir Douglas Bader Award: Presented by former RAF Section Commander Wendy Burnman to Cadet Isobel Prowse.

A number of promotions were also made, one of which was for the school’s current Head Girl and CCF cadet, Grace Weaver. She now has the rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major for the Army Section. Grace was presented with the Pete Stabb Pace Stick. This was kindly donated by a former cadet who was in the Army Section in the 60s and 70s and was a Master Cadet.

The pace stick will now be awarded to any cadet reaching the rank of Cadet CSM and Hele’s hope that this inspires recipients to follow in the footsteps of one of the school’s most successful cadets.

Hele’s are now very much looking forward to building on the successes of those who went before and continuing to provide lifelong experiences and memories for those to come.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Elburton Village garden project

HMS Victorious arrives in Devonport

This week, Kerry and I watched an old film produced in 1942 starring Noel Coward called ‘In Which We Serve’.

It was a film created to inspire the audience to endure what at that time required great courage and service from all who found themselves facing the existential threat from Nazi Germany. The end of the film focusses on the Navy’s role at Dunkirk, which was at first a great defeat, but eventually regarded as a great miracle with the saving of almost 330,000 army personnel from the beaches of France.

Also, the great bombing and loss of life in Plymouth is also creatively documented. They don’t make films like this anymore!

As I grow older, I am often conscious of my mortality and relationship with God and the natural thought processes that go along with what some folk of my age experience, by on occasion being labelled as a ‘grumpy old person’ especially in making sense of a changing landscape in society for good or ill.

In talking with my wife about these philosophical questions, I don’t think I’m any grumpier than many people my age. Growing

Growing old can be fun too!

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms charity

older isn’t always fun and what is there to look forward to? Yet there is much from the Bible that can really help in this process of ageing. I think, like a lot of people who have been around a long time, you can mature in terms of simple common sense and wisdom. You’ve survived this long – right?

In many cultures, the elders of the family are honoured for precisely that – growing old. Precisely because they are still around, and their life experiences can be regarded as wisdom and worth drawing on by younger members of the family.

Chris Cole

to safety’. My moustache is grey, but my hair is holding out pretty good. I have spent many years in media youth ministry surrounded by great music and the exuberance which comes with youth. I’m aware that many young people, including my children and grandchildren, will have to face issues that my generation didn’t.

I am also aware that many of our forbears endured deprivation and difficulties that saved our nation from annihilation as they navigated through World War Two. We’re all on a journey.

of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) in 2022 of the late Queen. He started the article by asking God in 2015 for an example of a whole-life disciple of Jesus Christ and felt the Lord bring his focus on Queen Elizabeth II. It is a great article and worth reading. It has nothing to do with being a royalist or not, but a focus on a person who lived their faith as best they could in alignment to Him and shared every Christmas about how this personal faith in Jesus Christ encouraged her in life.

The Queen knew the scriptures about God putting the broken into families and the realities that families are made up of broken people. Her family life was on show for all the world to see.

For better or worse she endeavoured with her great wisdom to be a source of reconciliation, love and care for all. We all, whether young or old, have the opportunity to leave the planet a little better than we found it by the wise choices we make in the good and bad times.

Isaiah 46:4 – ‘And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn grey, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you

What inspired me to write this article were the circumstances of watching the 1942 film and reading an obituary written by Mark Greene of the London Institute

The obituary written by Mark Greene is worth a read again. This is where social media can be such a blessing. Have a great summer.

www.licc.org.uk/resources/obituary-queenelizabeth-ii-beacon-of-grace/

CROWDS TURN OUT FOR GLORIOUS LAMB FEAST

Organisers of this year’s Plympton Lamb Feast may have had a few nervous moments the evening before when a long dry spell was ended with overnight rain but they were subsequently blessed with glorious weather by the time this annual event got underway on the Castle Green in St. Maurice.

There were over forty stalls from a mix of local charitable, voluntary and business organisations, a bouncy castle, various games, archery and arena entertainment such as a judo display, a sack race, a three legged race and the climax of the afternoon’s entertainment was a series of tug-of-war contests. Former local radio presenter John Govier acted as the master of ceremonies for the arena events and announcements.

For those who enjoy motoring nostalgia there was a display of vintage and classic cars plus, for those with canine companions, a dog show consisting of various classes.

Mascots from the local police and solicitors’ firm Wolferstans mixed with the crowds and provided photo opportunities and In the nearby St Maurice Guildhall the public were able to see a free display of artwork and partake in refreshments. The artwork on display was the work of members of the Plympton Painting Group who meet twice monthly at The Rise in George Lane.

The afternoon ended with celebrations among patrons of the Post Office Inn with both their men’s and ladies teams winning their respective tug-of-war contests. Videos of their victorious pulls can be seen on the Plympton Podcast Facebook page.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Funds raised for local charities by Soroptimists

Over £1,000 for local charities which support women and girls was raised at Plympton’s historic Lamb Feast in June, thanks in large part to the generosity of local companies and individuals who kindly donated prizes.

Plymouth Soroptimist Sue Miller – along with other members – was very successful in sourcing magnificent prizes from businesses including The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Brittany Ferries, Bedford Hotel, Peter Goord Travel and Delta Force Paintball to name just a few.  Sue also thought of everything to ensure a successful event, right down to ensuring there were water bowls for passing dogs!

A team of members worked hard in the heat throughout the event attracting visitors to the

stand, inviting them to take part in the tombola and raffle.

Sue said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who donated prizes, especially in the current difficult financial climate. Our thanks also go to all those

wins

who very generously bought raffle and tombola tickets.  It was amazing to raise over £1,000 for our project funds which will support local, national and international charities helping women and girls.”

Post Office Inn team members celebrate their tug-of-war

Charlotte Willis with the police mascot

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Council launches new blitz on city’s potholes

Innovation continues to be explored by Plymouth City Council in its fight against potholes, with the trial of a new, quick, low carbon, road patching system.

A six month trial has begun to trial a Velocity road patching system, a machine that can carry out permanent, durable repairs at a fraction of the cost and, because there’s no excavation, no waste and no heat involved, it creates a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, watched the new machine in action in Plymstock. He said: “We made a promise to fill more potholes more quickly to help keep our roads safe and the city moving.

“This new machine means there’s no excavation, no waste, often no need for road closures, and repairs are ready to drive on in minutes. The repairs cost a third of the price of traditional techniques, and because there’s no heat involved, it’s also exceptionally low on carbon emissions.

“The council is facing significant financial challenges and, with reduced funding and spiralling costs, it’s crucial we explore more cost-effective ways of maintaining the city’s road network.

“By focusing more on techniques like sprayinjection patching, we can repair more defects and extend the life of our roads with significantly less cost and disruption – and, importantly, far fewer carbon emissions.

“Over the next year I will continue to look at what further innovation can be identified in the fight against potholes and working with our contractors we will explore lower-carbon methods in maintaining our highways.”

Highways inspectors will continue to assess potholes based on the current criteria but, in a change of approach, surrounding potholes that don’t quite meet the required levels will also be repaired.

In some cases, the whole road may be treated (although this will require a road closure and more lead-in time).

Other treatments including micro-asphalt surfacing and surface dressing will continue to be used, along with full resurfacing where appropriate.

BY-ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN TWO PLYMOUTH WARDS

By-elections will be held in the Plymstock Dunstone and St Peter and the Waterfront wards on Thursday July 27, following the sad passing of Councillor Vivien Pengelly and the resignation of Councillor Sue McDonald.

The Notice of Poll can be viewed at www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymstockdunstone-st-peter-waterfront-election-information The deadline for registering to vote in these by-elections is midnight on Tuesday July 11. Anyone who has not registered can do so at www.plymouth.gov.uk/registervote

change voting preferences (for example to vote by post). If you are already registered and would like to vote by post you can download an application form at www.plymouth.gov.uk/how-vote. Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on Wednesday July 12. Anyone with queries should contact the electoral services team on 01752 304866 or email ero@plymouth.gov.uk

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate in the by-election will need to complete a set of nomination papers, available on our by-elections page or from our electoral services team. Completed papers must be received by 4pm on Friday 30 June.

Potholes blitz (pictured from left) Kevin Northcott, Highways maintenance manager; Leon Donavan, Velocity operative; Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport; Leon Simon, Velocity operative

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Free holiday clubs helping families this summer

The popular Fit and Fed programme is returning to Plymouth this summer, supporting families by providing funded holiday club places for eligible children.

There are more than 80 different holiday clubs taking place during the summer holidays for children aged four to 16 years old.

Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), the clubs are designed to support families with children that receive benefits-related free school meals.

The aim is to provide children and young people with the chance to get active and try new activities, as well as to provide them with a healthy nutritious meal.

There’s a huge range of activities on offer at the holiday clubs, including dance, football, scuba diving, forest schools, water sports and snow sports as well as creative activities, videography, musical theatre and even tabletop gaming.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “We know that families are really feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living and this is something we’re working to tackle by developing a new Cost of Living action plan that will support Plymouth residents.

“The fantastic Fit and Fed holiday club programme will provide vital support to local families over the six-week summer holidays. Not only will the young people taking part

receive a tasty, filling and healthy meal each day, they’ll also have the chance to create amazing memories and try out some fantastic new activities.

At a time when food costs are at a record high and holidays and days out are sadly becoming unaffordable for many, this is needed now more than ever. I’m really pleased that this year our Fit and Fed offering is bigger, better and more inclusive than before so that more families can benefit, with

new day sessions for teenagers and more support for children with additional needs too.”

New for this year are Teen Taster sessions, which offer a flexible way for teenagers (12 to 16 years old) to try activities without having to commit to attending every day. The activities on offer include trampolining, go karting, football, ten pin bowling, sailing and laser tag. Food will be provided after each session.

There are also more specialist holiday programmes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this year, provided by local special schools and organisations.

While the clubs are primarily for children who receive benefits-related school meals, funded places are also available for: young carers, looked-after children, children with Education, Health and Care Plans, children of recognised refugees, asylum seeking and Ukrainian families, children under Child Protection Plans and those who are home educated but would be eligible for Free School Meals if they were in school.

Bookings for Fit and Fed holiday clubs are now open. Parents and carers need to confirm their child’s eligibility before booking and will then receive a code which enables them to book directly with club providers. Each child can attend a total of 16 days across the summer.

Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/fit-and-fed

Purple Flag accreditation awarded to Plymouth for another year

Plymouth has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy for another year.

The Purple Flag is similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, given to cities and towns that surpass the standards of excellence in managing its evening and night time economy, and businesses are able to use the logo to encourage visitors to the city.

Plymouth was assessed on the many elements to make it a safe city to visit and to live, such as the emergency help points, the safe bus, the continued work and focus on VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) and the night bus that ran last year.

Areas awarded the purple flag are recognised as providing a vibrant and diverse mixture of entertainment and culture, whilst promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

A large number of organisations work together to make Plymouth a welcoming and successful destination including the Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, pubs, restaurants, sports and entertainment venues, retail and transport operators, dedicated street pastors and taxi marshals.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries and Crematoria, said: “We are delighted that the city has been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for another year, and to be recognised for all of the initiatives that we have in the city is amazing news.

“We have worked collaboratively across the city with different organisations to help keep Plymouth safe at night, and I am so pleased for our city.”

Councillor Zoe Reilly, VAWG Champion added: “I know that people and organisations in the city have worked really hard to keep Plymouth safe as much as they can, and continuing the important work surrounding VAWG.

“I am so proud of the city being awarded the accreditation again and as VAWG Champion, this is something that I am extremely passionate about.”

Cat MacDonald, Chair of Plymouth Best Bar None scheme, said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for another year, and that all of the hard work and dedication that it takes to make our bars, pubs and clubs in Plymouth safer places to socialise, has been recognised.”

Sergeant Dave Moore from Devon and Cornwall Police Alcohol Licensing Department, added: “The support from all of the partners involved in working together has been critical in Plymouth successfully retaining the Purple Flag accreditation.

“We have worked and will continue working hard on the multiple campaigns that we run to make the night time economy safe in the region and in Plymouth, such as the antispiking campaigns and Ask for Angela, which we encourage people to engage with and report and flag concerns when they have them to our trained night time staff.”

Sisters run year-long project re-connecting the people of Plymouth to the Sound and sea

Running online embroidery sessions, night-time rock pooling tours, Withy Pot making, folklore writing workshops, or engaging in forgotten crafts, stories and traditions, these are some of the elements of an innovative new community seabased project run by The Conscious Sisters entitled ‘The Gathering.’

Karen and Fiona Evans, real-life sisters, and Co-Founders of The Conscious Sisters CIC, have hosted a season of city-wide sea-based activity and workshops with the aim of bringing people living in Plymouth closer to the sea and to develop a deeper connection with Plymouth Sound.

A variety of workshops and projects has been igniting a love of the ocean across the city while capturing people’s thoughts and experiences of their relationship to the sea. A pop-up exhibition of participants’ work will be on display across the city in the Autumn and ideas harvested through the project will inform a future event for the city which will be piloted in 2024/25.

Over the past 10 months, The Conscious Sisters have created five community-based creative groups across the Stonehouse, Devonport and Whitleigh areas working with Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council, First Stonehouse Cubs and Scouts, St Peter’s CE Primary School, Mount Wise Community Primary School and Brook Green Centre for Learning.

The work created, through socially engaged art, explores working class local history such as the Siege of Plymouth in 1642 when the city was saved from starvation by a shoal of sardines.

Over the course of the project, some fantastic local history has emerged. This includes the discovery of a local fishing jumper and traditional craft that had been otherwise forgotten. The ‘Gansey’ is a hand-knitted jumper worn by fishermen in the early 20th century, and before, and the design would differ from town to town.

By using old photos and moving imagery from both The Box archive and magic lantern images from the Fisher Collection, The Conscious Sisters have been able to compose authentic gansey designs to create a standard Janner Gansey.

This new gansey is being knitted to fit local crabber

BJ Tapper by knitter Maya

Izumi who is part of the Women’s Craft Collective at The Box. Maya has been knitting the replica jumper on the beach at Devil’s Point – out in the fresh air and with views of Plymouth Sound.

The first prototype will be on display at The Box in 2024 but the people of Plymouth will be able to see it and even try it on at various pop-ups this Autumn.

Another piece of sea-based history the project has highlighted includes Withy Pot making. Withy pots have been recorded in old paintings dating from 400 years ago, but the craft goes back further as humans have used traps to catch fish and crabs since people first inhabited our shoreline.

Sue Morgan of Crab Pot Cellars, whose husband is a crab fisherman, engages in this traditional craft using the Hope Cove pattern. As part of The Gathering Project, Sue Morgan ran workshops with Plymouth Community Home’s residents living in the towers in Devonport showing them how to make the traditional crab pots which would have been seen across the local coastline until the late 1960s and are now on the red list of endangered heritage crafts.

Alongside ancient craft, The Gathering has also been shining a light on local jobs long forgotten. Martin Crossthwaite became a

supernumerary lighthouse keeper on the Eddystone at aged just 20, he was one of many speakers who were curated to chat while women embroidered online. Martin said: “I wanted to do something different before I settled down and had a family. The Eddystone was a noisy place, the noise of the generator, the noise of the sea and it was always windy. We used to kite fish on the towers, it was safer than standing in the doorways”

The project has also run a series of folklore creation workshops with local writer Jon Nash where some fantastic local stories have been shared and new ones created.

The Conscious Sisters, whose ancestors were fishers, are passionate about connecting Plymothians to The Sound. They said: “Plymouth has often been referred to as a city that has turned its back on the sea. We truly believe that emerging ourselves in our rich and fascinating ocean heritage using creativity can transform our relationship with The Sound and ultimately with ourselves. Let’s put the narrative of colonisation on the back boiler and celebrate our rich working class history.”

The Gathering project will create a large-scale community event that celebrates the everyday heritage of The Sound and its lost traditions.  An event that encourages the community to care for this incredible space.

With suggestions collated already from the community you can vote for your favourites by filling in a simple questionnaire online https:// forms.gle/W7RHMST4Gq7EewKs9

The Gathering is funded by: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, The Box Plymouth, Arts Council England, Nudge Community Builders, Plymouth Community Homes, Sovereign Housing Association, Local Emergencies Fund, BA Better World, Plymouth Citybus and Crowdfunder.

For more information on The Gathering and The Conscious Sisters CIC, visit www. theconscioussisters.com and sign up to their mailing list.

Knitter Maya Izumi working on the Janner Gansey at Devil’s Point

Sue Morgan of Crab Pot Cellars demonstrates how to make a traditional crab pot

‘All you need is art’ exhibition

The Plymouth Colour Collective group of artists have taken inspiration from the Beatles’ connection to the city for their 2023 exhibition, which they’ve called All You Need Is Art.

The artists – Brian Pollard, Laura Edmunds from Serendipity Sea Crafts, Arth Lawr, Henry Sells and Lou C Fused Glass – all share the theme of bright colours in their work. The exhibition is at the Kaya Gallery in Southside Street on the Barbican from August 12 to 29.

Founding member Arth said: “We’ve done a tongue-in-cheek play on words with All You Need Is Love to say All You Need Is Art to bring some colour and fun into your life, which is what we are all about.”

Arth, Brian, and Henry are all painters but with different styles; beach clean artist Laura creates collages from cleaned-up discovered items she has collected on local beaches; and Lou C Fused Glass makes highly visual glass wall art for the home. All five share a love of Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall and much of their work celebrates the area’s most iconic landmarks and seascapes.

Arth said: “By a happy accident, some of us have created the same scenes, so looking at the different ways we’ve done that will be interesting for people to see.”

Arth will be exhibiting his latest pieces in which he uses natural and chalk-based paints, and some of his ceramic work: “I find I get more solid colours from chalk-based paints, and I’m intrigued by the environmental side of using them,” he explained.

For her new work, Lou C has ventured onto the water to capture the places which hold happy memories for her, such as Dartmouth, Salcombe, Slapton and the Plymouth waterfront: “I like to add a bit of history and my own personal take, drawing on my memories of these places,” said Lou.

“Because some of them have been done from a boat on the water, you can see these scenes from a different angle.  And I think places look more colourful from the river or the sea, looking up at all the colours on the land. Plymouth is a great example, with Tinside Lido and Smeaton’s Tower.”

Like Lou, Henry is also presenting his unique perspective on places that having meaning for him. Among his major pieces of work are a 1-metre painting of the Barbican’s legendary pub, The Dolphin, and a related series of paintings of the Tamar River at Halton Quay: “My mother’s house

was near there, and we used to sail from that spot a lot, so it’s a special place for my family. And I love The Dolphin. Beryl Cook painted it, and Brian painted it, so I thought I’d be in good company. The cobble stones outside the Dolphin look fantastic and I’ve done a scene on a rainy day, so it has captured the reflection of The Dolphin in the cobbles. And Beryl was right, you can see all of Plymouth there.”

This year, Laura’s beach find collages are bigger, brighter, and more colourful than ever before, making use of found ceramics, sea glass and bits of plastic for her artwork: “I’m also using more artistic licence so that although the places I recreate are still recognisable, they’re more technicolour than real-life. They’re happy pieces.”

Scenes include the River Tamar, Drake’s Island, Sutton Harbour, and The Barbican: “I’m always at the beach or swimming or on the water in my

kayak, so the views I create reflect that. We’re so lucky to have all these inspiring places on our doorstep,” she added.

Brian is exhibiting 14 new paintings, including some of places he’s never painted before, such as the Royal William Yard and Plymouth restaurant Cosmic Kitchen, named by Tripadvisor as the best vegan restaurant in the UK and the third best in the world.

When Brian co-founded the collective, one of the aims was to bring together artists from different artforms, and he takes great delight in seeing the other artists develop: “When people come to our exhibition, they’ll see a fantastic contrast in how we present our work, and totally different interpretations – for example in the way that Laura and Lou use their techniques.

“And I’ve been trying to persuade Henry to paint the Dolphin for years, so it’s great to see how he’s done it. It’s a wonderful painting. Together with Arth’s own unique style of painting, the exhibition offers lots of perspective which I think people will enjoy, particularly children.”

The Plymouth Colour Collective exhibition can be viewed during the Kaya Gallery’s opening times, 10.30am to 4.30pm, seven days a week. www.kayagallery.co.ukPlymouth Colour Collective are on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ plymouthcolourcollective

Helplines

Artists Arth Lawr, Brian Pollard, Lou C, Henry Sells and Laura Edmunds of the Plymouth Colour Collective replicate the iconic photo of The Beatles on The Hoe (below) to promote their exhibition

Student successes celebrated

City College Plymouth celebrated its students and apprentices at their annual Student Awards at the end of June.

Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the award ceremony is the college’s celebration of the successes and hard work students and apprentices have achieved over the past academic year.

Award winners, their families, college staff and esteemed employer guests were treated to a performance from the college’s dance students as well as an entertaining and engaging address from special guest speaker, Baroness Floella Benjamin. The pioneering actor, writer and campaigner, praised those students and apprentices who had overcome challenges and adversity to earn their well-deserved awards.

She also highlighted the college’s commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity, issues which Baroness Benjamin has campaigned on for over 25 years.

Students receiving recognition in each of the college’s 36 curriculum areas, spanned a crosssection of abilities and backgrounds representative of Plymouth’s vibrant population. The ages of the award recipients crossed generations, from Tourism Student of the Year, Ryan Collins, 16, who is also taking his maths and English GCSEs at the college, to self-proclaimed ‘positive pensioner,’ Anthony Miller. The 71-year-old had double the reasons to celebrate, as he had recently secured his place at university following successful completion of his Access to Higher Education in Humanities course at City College.

Eight of the curriculum award winners were also specially selected to receive additional merits by the college’s employer partners. These top Plymouth employers work closely with the college to create real-life learning experiences,

develop training and curriculum programmes, and contribute to the college’s state-of-the-art facilities.

This year’s recipients of the employer sponsored awards were: Lewis Bonner, Digital Innovation Award sponsored by C-learning; Isabelle Rickett, Employability Award sponsored by Portcullis Legals; Emilia Dawes, Leadership Award sponsored by Plymouth Argyle Football Club; Liam Harvey, Peer Support Award sponsored by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Miles Roser, Perseverance Award sponsored by Bailey Partnership; Kai Aye, Student Voice Award sponsored by Babcock; Cameron Harris, Sustainability Award sponsored by YGS Landscapes and  Ellis Falconer, Volunteering Award sponsored by Redrok Events.

Awards were also presented to Cameron Harris by the Students’ Union and Gbenga Omole-Great by the Board of Governors in recognition of their

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positive contributions to college life.

The final award of the evening went to Rose Hamlett who received the Chief Executive’s Award. Rose was recognised as an advocate for her fellow students on the Student Council and for her commitment to promoting sustainability. Passionate about environmentalism, she delivered training sessions for the college’s staff and Executive Leadership Team on the issue earlier this year.

“I was immensely proud to celebrate our exceptional students and apprentices at this year’s awards,” said City College’s chief executive, Jackie Grubb. “Their stories of success, personal growth and exceptional accomplishments make what we do as both educators and employers worthwhile. I hope that all of our students and apprentices, not just tonight’s award winners, can take this feeling of pride in their achievements with them as they take their first steps towards their future careers.”

The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on August 24 with a copy deadline of August 14. The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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Baroness Floella Benjamin and City College chief executive Jackie Grubb (front centre) pictured with the award winners