Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock August 2021 by Cornerstone Vision

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Plympton & Plymstock

August 2021

COVID UPDATE

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Little Ruby Leigh has a wonderful new sensory garden - thanks to the community spirt of Sherford See Page 14

Plympton landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Local news and Experience views • Useful numbers

Action stations! The Great Britain team will be battling for victory when the spectacular SailGP event takes place in Plymouth on July 17 and 18. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to watch the action along with a global TV and internet audience of millions • See story on page 13

2 August 2021

We must continue protecting each other The Government’s proposed easing of the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions from 19 July makes it more important than ever that we take personal responsibility for protecting ourselves and those around us.

The proposal is that from 19 July we won’t be required to socially distance, wear face coverings or limit the number of people we meet. Venues that are currently closed will be able to open with no capacity restrictions. This does not mean that it will be safe to stop taking safety measures completely. For example, the Government has made it clear that we may choose to wear face coverings when we come into contact with people we don’t usually meet in enclosed and crowded spaces. It’s likely that many venues, businesses and employers will continue to ask people to take precautions, in line with their own risk assessments. It will be important that we check what measures are in place at each location. Keeping our guards up is vital in light of the

rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in Plymouth – and around the rest of the country – in recent weeks. We have seen the highest increases in our weekly rates since January, which reflects the dominance of the Delta variant, which spreads very quickly. Many cases are being seen in the under-25s – the age groups who don’t have the protection of vaccination yet – but we are also seeing a rising number of cases across all age groups. This is because the vaccine, although very good, does not stop transmission or illness completely. The Prime Minister has said that learning to live with the virus means cases could continue to rise significantly, even if the success of the vaccination programme means hospitalisations and deaths rise at a lower level than during previous peaks. I hope that when the Government ends the mandatory restrictions, we continue to keep looking out for each other in Plymouth and always consider the risks for ourselves and for others, particularly those in our community who may be more vulnerable.

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Basic COVID safety can remain part of our daily lives without significantly disrupting how we live. This means keeping up the routine of washing hands, wearing face coverings in busy indoor spaces, being careful about how close we get to people and making sure there is plenty of ventilation when indoors with others. Taking two free lateral flow tests a week when you don’t have symptoms is also a really effective way of ensuring you are not spreading the virus to others, including friends, family members and work colleagues. The tests are easily available through pharmacies, libraries, the test centre in Place de Brest, the mobile test site touring the city and the Gov.uk website.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

Get your COVID-19 test this week! The Council is continuing to take its mobile testing site on a mini road trip to hand out free COVID-19 testing kits, for people without symptoms.

The team will again be visiting busy parts of the city to make it as easy as possible to pick up a kit and to get a test. The upcoming dates and locations are: • Monday 12 July: Colin Campbell Court • Tuesday 13 July: Crownhill Village Car Park

COVID PASSPORTS - SCAM WARNING!

Across the country, there are reports of people receiving scam text messages inviting them to apply for COVID-19 passports.

The NHS vaccine pass can be used to prove you’re vaccinated against coronavirus before attending events or when travelling abroad. It appears scammers are already trying to use this scheme as part of a bid to trick people out of cash. Fake emails on the COVID-19 vaccine passport have also been reported in other parts of the country. Please do not click the link. Vaccination status is obtained for free through the NHS app, website or by calling the NHS on 119. There is no admin fee, so if anybody asks you to pay a sum of money then it is a scam. The scam works by getting people to click the link to take them to a fake site, designed to look like an NHS one. Find out more about the real COVID-pass at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/.

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19.

NOTE: The information on this page was correct at the time of going to press on July 8.

• Thursday 15 July: West Park Car Park • Friday 16 July: Mudge Way North Car Park • Sunday 18 July: Barbican Leisure Park You can also pick up home testing kits from libraries, but tests themselves will not take place at these locations. The mobile locations are in addition to the site at Place de Brest in the city centre, which is open Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing and handing out home testing kits. All of the city’s pharmacies also stock the testing kits or you can order them online or through 119, to be delivered to your home. For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/gettested.

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

Yoga at the Aquarium Various dates through to December Yoga at the Aquarium is back for 2021. With sessions led by Karen from Ashtanga Yoga Plymouth, relax, unwind and destress in front of the Eddystone exhibit. These sessions are accessible to everyone in friendly, authentic, inclusive, affordable classes, helping you to discover all the endless benefits to both mental and physical health of this very traditional and innately wise practice. www.nationalaquarium. digitickets.co.uk

Theatre. Details www. comicalentertainment. com/

SailGP is coming to Plymouth on July 17 and 18 and the Great Britain team will hope to take line honours. Here shore crews and technicians crane the Great Britain SailGP Team’s F50 catamaran out of the water to get it prepared for the next days racing at the end of Race Day 1 in Italy in June Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Sept 5 Originally scheduled to take place in May, the Festival was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thousands of runners are now expected to take part in the Half Marathon, 5k and 10k races which take place simultaneously. For more details visit www.runplymouth. co.uk

SailGP July 17 and 18 One of the world’s most impressive sailing events, SailGP will stop in Plymouth, following opening events in Bermuda and Italy. Following the season opener in Bermuda in April and the Italy Grand Prix in Taranto in June, the championship will return to UK shores July 17 and 18 for the third event in Season 2, featuring the world’s fastest sail racing. The adrenalinefilled racing between competing nations will take place on Plymouth Sound in partnership with Plymouth City Council, with support from Associated British Ports, English Cities Fund and Sutton Harbour Group. For more information visit www.sailgp.com National Youth Regatta 2021 July 25 to 31 Plymouth Youth Sailing is hosting the National Youth Regatta organised by the National School Sailing Association. Up to 500 Up to 500 young people, from across the UK aged 19 and younger will sail in hundreds of single and two-handed dinghies in Plymouth Sound. In association with the Mount Batten Centre. Freedom Community Fun Day July 31 At Freedom Fields Park from 11am to 6pm.The event hosted by Onward community group will feature Scrap store craft sessions, table top games, family learning activities, history walk and talk, sports, soft play, inflatables, plus craft stalls and catering outlets There will be live music and performance featuring Joanna Cook, Rob C, Easy riders, Tim True and Aimee Beth Mitchell plus Street factory and Drum Abundance. Clean our patch community litter pickers will be running some environmental activities as well as helping to keep the Park ltter free. This event will be fundraising for next year’s community festival, and is subject to council permission and possible Covid restrictions. All enquiries call Jonathan on 07722308463. Plymouth Pride Aug 7 The colourful loud and proud Plymouth Pride Festival returns to The Hoe promoting and

supporting the diversity that exists in Plymouth communities from 12 noon to 6pm. Details www. prideinplymouth.org.uk The Hatchling August 14 and 15 Plymouth hosts the world premiere of The Hatchling, a ground-breaking theatrical performance over two days which will see a spectacular dragon hatch in the city centre and grow to the size of a double decker bus before attempt to take to the skies on The Hoe. Created by a leading design team specialising in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre. Details at www.thehatchling.co.uk. British Fireworks Championships Aug 18 and 19 Tens of thousands of people will flock to The Hoe for the return of the pyrotechnic spectacular as six companies battle for the title of British Fireworks Champions. Midnight Walk Returns Aug 20 St Luke’s popular Midnight Walk is back! It’s an opportunity for women and girls of all ages to come together as one to pay tribute to relatives and friends who are gone but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets

of Plymouth for either a five, 10 or 15 mile sponsored walk. Sponsored by GA Solicitors, this year’s event kicks off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium and is set to be a night to remember. Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ midnight-walk/ 1 Big Summer August 27 to 29 Spectacular three day music event featuring Ibiza Classics on Friday featuring a full 26 piece live orchestra as well as including a DJ set by Chase & Status and Rage, top names such as Deadmau5 and Raye on Saturday and the Great British Sausage and Cider Festival on Sunday. One for the whole family with games, competitions and food and entertainment all day. For tickets and information visit www.1bigsummer.com West End Carnival Aug 28 Live entertainment and free fun for all the family hosted by Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Market in the market and around the West End of the city centre. Gary Delaney Sept 3 Star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is appearing at Marjon’s Quad

The Box shortlisted for four awards The Box is on the shortlist for no less than four prestigious awards and it needs the public’s help to win one of them.

The city’s major new museum, art gallery and archive is in the running for the ‘People’s Choice’ category of this year’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards. The finalists cover a diverse range of civil engineering schemes that are having a positive impact on people’s lives, including coastal and flood defences, a new helicopter base and highways improvements. The award judges selected The Box after hearing how it’s created the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space in the South West, with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive and a new public square. They were impressed by The Box’s ambition to transform three buildings of historic and cultural importance to create a world-class venue for Plymouth and the wider region. Now, The Box needs the public to help it win and people can cast their votes via www.ice.org.uk/sw/awards by 5pm on July 30.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “Everyone in Plymouth should be proud of The Box and I really hope as many people as possible vote for it before the end of July. “Completing a project of this scale in the middle of a global pandemic is no mean feat, and the visitor feedback it’s received since it opened last year shows just what a difference it’s already making.” The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on September 30. The Box has also been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friend Museum Award. It will be visited by undercover family judges during the summer and the winner announced in October. Before that, The Box will also be hoping to celebrate success at this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards where it’s been shortlisted in the ‘UK Exhibition of the Year’ category for its permanent galleries and for the ‘Shop of the Year’. The Museums + Heritage Awards celebrate all things great in museums and heritage across the globe and the results will be announced in July.

Tom Jones in Central Park Sept 18 One of Britain’s bestloved entertainers Sir Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records in a career spanning more then five decades. With over thirty-five Top 40 hits in the UK, including ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Sexbomb’ and ‘Delilah’, don’t miss this chance to see Tom Jones performing live in Plymouth. Details www.beeyay.com Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival Sept 18 and 19 Seafood lovers are in for a treat this September, as Plymouth Seafood Festival returns to The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. There’s something for everyone in this free two-day festival Presented by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. The Weekender Festival 2021 Sept 25 and 26 Staged at Newnham Park, Plympton the two day event will feature more than 20 acts, a whole host of local talent, cocktails and a funfair. It will feature the best in underground electronic music and commercial dance over a jam-packed weekend. With the legendary Pete Tong, Wilkinson and globe trotter Ben Nicky on headline, while Casa showcases the likes of Eli Brown, Bart Skils, and Danny Howard. Joel Corry, the man behind the current UK No 1 single is joined by fellow chart topping stars 220 Kid, Franky Wah, and Nathan Dawe. For details visit www.theweekenderfestival.com

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4 August 2021

Green light for 550 homes on site of former china clay works at Coypool Plymouth planners have given the goahead for a major development of 550 homes on the former china clay drying works at Coypool.

Hub and Boringdon Sports Hub or other sports provision in the area. It will also make a contribution of over £360,000 towards affordable housing projects elsewhere in the city. In addition there will be funding of £650,000 towards the cost of maintaining the Coypool park and ride bus route for at least five years. Planning officers recommended approval of the proposal on the basis that it will deliver a high quality sustainable residential development

The development by Homes England - to be known as Coypool Park – will also include a 7,000 sq ft community hub which could accommodate a café, nursery and flexible space for local clubs, health clinics and general community use. There is provision for, 4,000 sq ft of retail space along with nearly 40 acres of woodland and open space. It is proposed that the development Woodland and open spaces will be a feature will include 490 dwellings and up to 60 of the Coypool Park development units for the elderly. One fifth of the 550 residential units - 110 in total - will be affordable housing, with two thirds of those available for social rent and the remainder allocated for affordable home ownership. The residential development will include 390 two, three and four bedroom houses and 160 one and two bed apartments. As part of the planning approval Homes England will be required to make significant infrastructure contributions including on previously developed land and would make a nearly £1.8 million towards strategic transport significant contribution to addressing the city’s improvements along the city’s eastern corridor, £1 housing needs. million towards secondary education in the the They added: “The development will provide area, over £800,000 towards a Plympton Wellbeing

community uses, playspaces and openspace to create a sustainable and desirable place to live. Public access and improvements to the woodland as well as its long term management will provide significant public benefit to existing residents in nearby estates as well as future occupiers.” “A package of highways measures and offsite works as well as a significant financial contribution to the strategic highway network has been secured to ensure that the impact on highways is acceptable. “Likewise the impact on infrastructure such as schools and health facilities will be mitigated through significant contributions which also includes a contribution to the delivery of an allocated sports hub to serve the area.” The china clay dryer works at Coypool closed in 2008 and was acquired by Homes England in 2018 because development of the site had been stalled by the previous landowner for 10 years. Paul Britton, senior development manager at Homes England said: “Coypool Park is our flagship housing project in Plymouth as it redevelops a redundant brownfield site into a wonderful place to live surrounded by woodland. We are delighted that it received unanimous approval from the City Council’s Planning Committee.”

Partnership plan to improve city’s bus services

Plymouth’s bus services are set to be redesigned following the creation of a partnership between the Plymouth City Council and bus operators intended to make buses a natural choice for everyone.

An executive decision has been taken today by Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, to allow Plymouth City Council to start the process of forming an ‘Enhanced Partnership’. This decision comes after positive, informal, discussions with the bus companies, about the benefits to Plymouth of the partnership. Earlier this year, the Government published the National Bus Strategy for England ‘Bus Back Better’. The strategy is intended to deliver cheaper, more frequent and more reliable bus services for passengers. As part of the strategy there is an expectation that Plymouth City Council, in partnership with local bus operators, forms a statutory Enhanced Partnership, where both the council and bus operators work together to improve local bus services. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport said: “We need to rebuild confidence in our public transport system and to help it and the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a great opportunity to work together on a plan that will get more of us out of our cars and onto the buses. “If we are serious about reducing our carbon footprint and delivering on our Climate Emergency actions, making it easier and more attractive for people to use buses has got to be the way forward. There’s a lot to think about, but this is exciting stuff.” All bus companies operating registered services within the city boundary have been notified of the council’s intent to form an enhanced partnership and the notice can be found at www.plymouth. gov.uk/parkingandtravel/publictransport/ nationalbusstrategy The next stage in the process is the development of a Bus Service Improvement Plan, by October 31. The plan will set out the vision, and action plan, for delivering the improvements to public transport that is required by the National Bus Strategy, ahead of the start of the Enhanced Partnership.

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Plympton St Maurice is going for gold

Although they have once again been unable to hold their annual mid-summer festival and open gardens Sunday this year due to the restrictions of COVID-19 that has not damped the spirits of members of the Plympton St Maurice Civic Association.

Instead it has galvanised their resolve to enter the Britain in Bloom competition as usual – and this year they are aiming for gold! A PSMCA spokesperson said: “We are hoping we can get more people involved and see if we can get a gold medal for our collective efforts.” Residents in the area have been encouraged to look to see how they can add some additional colour and interest to their front garden spaces by adding some pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets. The spokesperson added: “We appreciate this won’t be possible or practical for everyone, but maybe people could decorate their windows instead. Whatever people can do to add to a blooming spectacle will be appreciated!” The Association has put up some hanging baskets and planted up some of the communal areas to enhance the look of the village. The Britain in Bloom judges will be visiting on July 15 and representatives from PSMCA will be giving them a tour of the village. The Association will be creating an on-line display of their wonderful gardens again this year and they plan to have the virtual display available on Britain in Bloom judging day. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

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LEWIS SETS UP A FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER IN MEMORY OF HIS DAD

A local young man who lost his father to cancer has arranged a football match and fun day in his memory and is aiming to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice at the same time.

The charity football match and fun day is being held in memory of Andy Hoskin. The event, being sponsored by Tamar Mobility, will see a team known as Andy Hoskin FC take on AFC Heles. It will be held on the 3G pitch next to Plympton Academy on Saturday July 24 from 12noon until 4pm. An ice cream and burger van will be on site and a raffle is planned which will represent the main fundraising effort on the day. There will be a £1 entry fee for all in attendance. Andy’s son Lewis Hoskin is organising the event with help from his friend Rhys Collins. Lewis said: “The aim of the event is to raise money for St Luke’s following the loss of my father, Andy Hoskin, who passed away after his long battle with a rare type of cancer earlier this year. “The charity provided end of life care for dad and he requested donations in order to support other people and their families.” Advance donations for the event can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lewishoskin1 More than a dozen local businesses have provided support for the fundraiser by donating prizes for the raffle. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

DRAMATIC NEWS FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT HELE’S

Staff and students at Hele’s are celebrating after the school was one of just 10 across the UK to be chosen to work alongside the National Theatre in the filming of a new play.

Each year the National Theatre commissions ten new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. Since the start of November 2020, Hele’s students have been working exceptionally hard on a play text called ‘Find a Partner’, written by Miriam Battye. The play centres around the expectations of relationships as well as the ideas around conforming to social norms. Drama students at Hele’s recently got the chance to perform the play as part of the National Theatre’s Digital Festival – and what a performance it was, sparking a rise to a new level! In a statement Hele’s revealed: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that Hele’s School has been selected as one of just 10 companies from the 300 youth companies across the UK comprising approximately 6000 young people to work alongside the National Theatre and a professional film crew to capture our finalised product. The film, along with a documentary, will be released in September and we cannot wait to share it!” Sam Jones, Head of Creative and Performing Arts, added, “This is a career highlight for myself and a lifelong experience for the young people involved!” Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the production on this wonderful achievement. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

6 August 2021

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Enjoying Plymouth’s local nature reserves is Plympton artist’s remedy for lockdown fatigue A Plympton artist found the perfect remedy to overcome lockdown lethargy after discovering Plymouth’s nature reserves.

Naula Taylor was inspired by stories on Plymouth City Council’s website earlier this year about the 13 nature reserves in the city - all of which are open to the public free of charge. Most people in the city know all about Plymouth’s many parks and open spaces, but Nuala is convinced that many of them have never visited one of the nature reserves. Having been impressed by the stories on the website she decided to explore them for herself - and as a landscape artist she just had to respond. The result was ‘Lockdown Landscapes: Plymouth’s Hidden Gems’ - a series of five landscape paintings reflecting the Hawthorns at Plym Bridge by Naula Taylor diversity of landscape and habitats the benefits of the natural environment.” that the reserves have to offer, from With Love Parks Week taking place the glistening winter mud banks of between July 23 and August 1, Nuala is estuary creeks to the cool, still pool at encouraging local residents to make the Efford Marshes and the bluebells and most of the nature reserves and other hawthorns of Plymouth Woods and green spaces. Newnham Nature Reserve. She said: “Landscape painting is what Nuala said: “I have lived in Plymouth I most enjoy, so I feel blessed to live in for 60 years and just did not know what such a beautiful area. From my home the city has to offer with the nature reserves - neither did many of the people in Plympton, it’s only a 20 minute drive to the beach in one direction, and 20 I have spoken to. minutes to the moors in the other! “Given the current concerns about the “But discovering the local nature effect of the lockdowns on health and reserves has been an eye-opener. So wellbeing, it is more important than ever many of them, such as Newnham, right on that people get out and about and enjoy

my doorstep, I had never heard of before - despite having lived in Plymouth for so many years. They are all so different too including estuaries, woodland and meadows. “One of my favourites has got to be Ernesettle Creek, with its tidal mudflats, views across the Tamar to Cornwall, and an abundance of wild birds, including the oyster catchers with their bright orange legs and beaks. Plymouth City Council has done a great job of maintaining the paths, so the walk to the end fo the estuary is very accessible, and it’s right on a bus route! “For me, these reserves are the perfect lock down antidote. After being cooped up for so long, to be able to get out into the landscape, to get that sense of light and space, of being able to stretch my eyes, is a real tonic. “I set myself a challenge. I decided to paint the reserves, and use the paintings to help promote them so that others get out and enjoy them too. I’m not finished yet, but I’m getting there. And then, of course, I can visit them all over again, in different seasons, weather conditions, states of the tide. I could be busy for quite some time yet!” Visit Nuala’s Instagram page at www. instagram.com/taylornuala to see more of her work. For more information about the local nature reserves visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ localnature reserves

Landscape artist Nuala Taylor...inspired by city’s nature reserves Photo: Hannah Smallpage

August 2021

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UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC IS ONE OF UK’S TOP FEMALE ENGINEERS

HMS Protector crew members and other officials celebrate the achievement

An academic from the University of Plymouth has been named as one of the UK’s female engineering heroes.

HMS Protector makes history sailing further north than any other Royal Navy ship Icebreaker HMS Protector sailed closer to the North Pole than any other Royal Navy ship in history on her first patrol of the Arctic.

The survey and research ship crunched her way through polar ice to within 1,050 kilometres of the top of the world as she gathered data about the ocean and environment Only submarines – such as HMS Trenchant which punched through the ice at the Pole in 2018 – can travel further north than the position the Plymouth-based survey ship reached: 80°41.5 North in the Greenland Sea. Protector completed the most extensive overhaul in her decade-long career in the Royal Navy in January, since when she’s been conducting extensive trials and training – all with the goal of deploying to Antarctica in the autumn. Having been nowhere near the ice in more than two years, the ship tested the strength of her engines using a specialist bollard pull in Flekkefjord, southern Norway, then began icebreaking in earnest in the Fram Strait – between Greenland and the Norwegian island chain of Svalbard. The ship tested herself against various

depths and types of ice, assisted by scientists, engineers and advisors including from the Ministry of Defence and the British Antarctic Survey. Also helping the ship were two Royal Navy officers who sailed into the Alaskan Arctic aboard the US Coast Guard cutter Polar Star during the winter, and ice-breaking expert Lieutenant Lauren Kowalski, also from the US Coast Guard. Protector’s Commanding Officer Captain Michael Wood said: “This team has ventured far to one of the most amazing parts of the planet. The chance to familiarise ourselves with this unforgiving environment has been fantastic, and re-asserts the UK’s ability to operate in the Arctic.” The ship’s Royal Marines’ Mountain Leader Sergeant Chris Carlisle led daily patrols on to ice floes inhabited by polar bears to set up the trial. “The team adapted well to the Arctic,” he said. “Within a week of sailing from Devonport the temperatures and conditions changed immeasurably. Everybody on-board proved they can safely do their job in the most extreme of environments.” The ship also conducted surveys of the sea

Captain Michael Wood on the bridge of HMS Protector

Alison Raby, Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Head of the COAST Engineering Research Group, has been named by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) as a recipient of its Top 50 Women in Engineering: Engineering Heroes awards. Now in their sixth year, the 2021 WE50 awards celebrate women who have made a significant contribution to helping their organisation, community or indeed the world during the last year. Professor Raby is one of the world’s leading experts on how extreme waves and coastal flooding impact coastal structures. She led the national STORMLAMP project, which examined the resilience of lighthouses and how they might be affected in future years as a result of the rise in extreme winter storms. She has also led international initiatives such as investigating how coastal communities in Sri Lanka can be warned about the combined threats of severe rainfall and cyclones. And she has played a vital role in a number of collaborative initiatives with the UK Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team, aimed at uncovering the precise reasons for the severity of destruction. Professor Raby said: “It is a real honour to be named by the Women’s Engineering Society as one of their Engineering Heroes. This award reflects the many exciting opportunities – both from an academic and personal perspective – that have come my way as a civil engineering academic. The ongoing support and affirmation given by colleagues at the University of Plymouth and elsewhere is also hugely valued and appreciated.”

Gathering data during the mission

bed – between 2,000 and 3,000 metres deep in the Fram Strait – collected data about the North Atlantic currents, observed marine mammals, and helped the British Antarctic Survey with its work studying the polar ice cap. Protector rounds off her mission to the High North by sailing to Reykjavik to mark Iceland’s recent accession to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, drawn from nine northern European nations committed to global security. Protector will then return to Plymouth having earned her ‘ice credentials’ and begin preparing for return to the southern polar region in the autumn, a mission Captain Wood said has added significance this year. He continued: “We are ready to get back to Antarctica. In the year the UK hosts the United Nations Climate Change COP 26 Conference, our commitment to preserving and understanding this pristine continent, and the impact of climate change upon it, is more important than ever.”

Professor Alison Raby

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8 August 2021

David Draffan is awarded MBE in recognition of his service to the city

David Draffan, Plymouth City Council’s Service Director for Economic Development, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

David has been awarded the honour for Services to Local Government through his dedication and commitment to supporting and developing Plymouth’s business economy. David came to Plymouth in 1999 as the first city centre manager and then set up the City Centre Company in 2005 and established the first Business Improvement District outside of London. He then moved to the City Council where he established the Economic Department in 2009 and has led the delivery of Plymouth’s major transformation projects over the last decade, ranging from retail and leisure, through science and technology. He spearheaded the Oceansgate Marine Enterprise Zone, winning funding and international support for the creation of a world class hub for marine industry research, innovation and production located adjacent to the city’s naval base. David also led on the major extension of Plymouth Science Park.Some of the major retail developments in the city including the £53m leisure and entertainment destination at The Barcode and the new Range Head Office to Plymouth in 2019, have bucked national trends in attracting institutional investment to such ventures, largely due to David’s unswerving commitment to the city’s vision for growth. In 2010 he set up Destination Plymouth with the aim of increasing the number of visitors to the city, tourism related jobs and to grow visitor spend. Then in 2012 he set up the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership to drive the Visitor economy and promote the waterfront. One of his most significant and lasting contributions to the cultural life of the city has come to fruition with the opening of The Box last year. A £47m project described as the most significant cultural initiative in the UK in 2020. Through eight years of planning, he led the team that has brought together the city’s museum, art gallery and archive into a single, landmark destination. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, David led the city’s response to the impact on businesses, inviting and receiving 3,000 grant applications from local businesses and distributing £32m of financial support within four weeks of the scheme being launched. His commitment to smaller businesses is also illustrated by the launch of SHOP4Plymouth and Call4fish over the last six months, providing invaluable support and recognition for these threatened sectors. David said: “It’s been an exciting, humbling and at times surreal few weeks since I found out in May and my wife and I couldn’t believe it. Since the public announcement the highlight has been to share messages with so many friends and colleagues that I have worked with over the last 20 years in Plymouth. I have always been so proud to work for the City Council and its elected members. “The people I currently work in my job with are the best I have ever worked in my career and what binds us all together is a deep passion for our city. Like many others, I am entirely driven by the fact that this amazing city is where I live and have chosen to bring my family, having moved here in 1999.”

8 August 2021

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Chase & Status to join line up for 1 Big Summer on The Hoe Chase & Status have been announced as the third headliner for 1 Big Summer in Plymouth this August.

The Drum and Bass legends will be headlining the Friday night Ibiza Classics event on The Hoe, and have promised it will be ‘unmissable’. Chase & Status have become an iconic part of UK dance music culture over the last two decades. The electronic duo are best known for top 10 singles like ‘Blind Faith’ and ‘End Credits’ as well collaborating with some of the world’s biggest artists, like Rihanna. With five studio albums in the bag, and headline slots at almost every major UK festival, 1 Big Summer organisers couldn’t think of anyone better to close the Friday Night event. Joining Chase & Status on the night, will be Plymouth favourite R3WIRE who played at every MTV event and Ocean City Sounds. When asked about returning to Plymouth, he said: “It’s one of my favourite events in the world. Playing on that stage, with the sea on one side and tens of thousands of people in front of you, it’s phenomenal.” Joining the Saturday line up, will be the amazing Raye. The ‘Tequila’ hitmaker - who has co-written tracks for the likes of Beyonce and Ellie Goulding, has most recently been working with Cardi B, as well as helping out her close pal and ‘Cigarette’ collaborator, Mabel, on her next project. Raye will be performing live on the Saturday, and with four top 10 hits to her name, expect a dazzling performance, and one for the whole family. 1 Big Summer, a three-day music event will take place on Plymouth Hoe on the August bank holiday weekend from August 27 to 29. Two thirds of tickets have already been sold across Raye will be appearing on Saturday night

Chase & Status pictured with MC Rage

the three days. Organisers have said that more announcements of artists will follow in the coming weeks, along with at least one additional live headliner across the weekend. As such, they expect demand to stay high. To manage that demand, tickets will remain limited to four per person per day. For more information and the latest updates, see www.1bigsummer.com or like the 1bigsummer Facebook page. Friday August 27 will see Ibiza Classics 2021, featuring a full live 26-piece orchestra and a soundtrack that will transport listeners through three decades of iconic white isle classics. Just announced, the orchestra night will also feature a huge headline set from Chase & Status, and several support acts including the brilliant DJ R3WIRE, with more direct from the shores of Ibiza, to be announced in the coming weeks. On Saturday August 28, the ‘1 Big

Summer’ day festival and main event follows suit with one of the biggest events ever held on the Hoe. Featuring an array of top UK chart topping acts and entertainment throughout the day, it’s ‘the party we’ve all been waiting for.’ As previously announced, the event will feature a huge closing set from global superstar and icon, Deadmau5, as well as a live performance from UK chart topper, Raye. Sunday August 29 is one for the whole family. ‘The Great British Sausage and Cider Festival’ will offer an array of craft cider, sausage flavours, street food and entertainment, including stage games, and competitions throughout the day. Not only that, there will also be some special guests, including Frank Turner. It’s set to be the perfect bank holiday Sunday.

Central Park to host Oktoberfest with Steins, Bratwursts and Oompah Bands!

The official Oktoberfest arrives this October in Plymouth, with the event taking place at The Grand Bier Tent in Central Park. Central Park will host Oktoberfest on October 23, with tickets costing from £10 per person, per session. This will include a wide range unreserved standing and seated tickets, along with a range of VIP tables that can fit up to 10 people, with included waiter service and a gift for each member of the table.  More details about tickets can be found at www.oktoberfestplymouth.co.uk/ tickets There will be two sessions - 12 noon to 5pm and 6pm to 11pm with entertainment across both sessions. The event includes entertainment across both sessions. Traditional German cuisine will be available at the event including beer served in Steins and Bratwursts. There will also be a range of other beverages available to buy at the event such as prosecco, wine and spirits. Oktoberfest will also have a range of music and entertainment including live Oompah bands and DJs to entertain the guests.

will enhance the experience as so many people are looking to attend events and gigs this year, the atmosphere will be unimaginable with huge bench seating, Oompah Bands, Steins of bier and much more! “After working closely with the events team at Plymouth Council, we can bring this unique event to the local area. We hope to help bring great economic benefit to the city, encouraging more visitors, ultimately, supporting local business.” For more information and updates or to sign up for the event visit www.oktoberfestplymouth. co.uk or follow the Oktoberfest Plymouth Facebook page.

Due to the popularity of this event in other cities, the demand for this event is expected to be high. There will be a sign-up period, coming soon, used to sign up to receive pre-sale tickets.   Tom Cullen, marketing director Oktoberfest Plymouth, said: “We are very excited to bring this incredible event to Plymouth this year! It’s been a tough 18 months for us all and we believe this

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10 August 2021

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Residents vent anger over another burst water main Stannator Fiona Smith pictured at the coffee bar at Harewood House

Stannator’s chosen charities receive over £2000 each

Plympton’s retiring Stannator Fiona Smith has raised over £4,000 for her two chosen charities.

Mrs Smith was invested into office in June 2019 and would usually have served for 12 months, but her period in the role was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mrs Smith raised an impressive £4,384, mainly by running the Harewood House coffee bar for a period when it was able to open and also by doing a wing walk, which caused a stunned reaction from colleagues on the Plympton Community Council when she first announced her aerobatic intentions. The sum raised has been split equally between SSAFA Plymouth and Moving on Stroke Club Plympton, with presentations made recently to representatives from those organisations outside Harewood House. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

Residents of Underlane and Cot Hill in Plympton have been venting their anger after another rupture to the water main in Cot Hill led to flooding in their garages and cellars for the umpteenth time in recent years.

The latest incident took place on June 8 when thousands of gallons of water came cascading down the hill after the main ruptured on Cot Hill near its junction with Merafield Close. Andrew Hill lives in the area and stood as an Independent candidate in the May local elections. He said: “A number of residents came to see me asking for help on the evening of the incident. “Several properties on the corner of Underlane and Cot Hill had suffered water ingress to garages and cellars and many of the residents were quite angry as this is now happening with unacceptable regularity. “I have traced earlier incidents of the water mains rupturing on Cot Hill in February 2012, August 2016 and March 2018 and now this latest incident in June 2021. There was also a rupture of the foul water sewer in October 2015. “During the incident in 2018 the fire service had to set up booms in the road to try and divert the water and the latest incident is the worst I’ve ever seen it - the drains were just no match for the volume of water and the speed of its flow.” Mr Hill is calling for the road camber to be adjusted, drainage

Aftermath of the burst water main

improved and for a thorough review to be done of the state of underground pipework in the road. He added: “This requires a two pronged approach involving the City Council and South West Water. SWW needs to look at replacing the pipework in this road rather than patch repairs, the council needs to look at the road camber which does not seem to disperse water properly down Cot Hill and the drains need to be improved to mitigate against these types of incidents. “Following one of the previous ruptures which also saw water ingress affect residents in Dudley Road, a large double drain was put in the road just above the Dudley

Road junction. In this latest incident that double drain was effective in preventing water entering into Dudley Road. We need similar mitigation measures put in place for Underlane.” Another resident blamed the ruptures on the volume of heavy goods vehicles using Cot Hill. She said: “The road was never designed to take heavy goods vehicles, but the largest ones are diverted up Cot Hill because they cannot get under the disused railway bridge on the embankment! This will keep on happening until heavy goods vehicles are stopped from using it!” (Story courtesy of Plympton Podcast)

Prestigious award for Plympton Foodbank co-founder Phil Smith A well-known community figure and co-founder of Plympton’s Foodbank is among 16 people in Devon this year to have been awarded the prestigious Companion of St Boniface award.

were admitted into the Company of St Boniface by the Bishop of Exeter in a special service held at Exeter Cathedral on June 19. The annual awards, to recognise people from the Church of England who have gone above and beyond to serve their churches, church schools and communities, are named after the Phil Smith co-founded the Plympton Foodbank, run by the patron saint of Devon. Plympton Team Ministry, at the start of the first lockdown, The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, was one securing grant funding and building a team of volunteers. of the awards judges. She said: “St Parishioner and former Stannator Boniface is an inspiration, not least of Plympton Pat Ridgway said: “It has for his courage and perseverance gone from strength to strength and in sharing the love of Christ with Phil has reached out to many lonely all, wanting the best for those he and desperate people.” served. St Mary’s Infants and Old Priory “Receiving the award is a Junior Academy headteacher Suzie recognition of the courage and Ottewell who played a key part in perseverance shown today, by Phil’s nomination for the award people who demonstrate that same added: “His work has inspired many love of Jesus in their words and people, including children, to give up actions. their time to this charitable cause.” “All those receiving the award are Phil has also built the church’s an inspiration in their service of God online presence, facilitating church and neighbour.” services and meetings on Zoom, Phil himself was typically keen to something so many members of the play down his award and recognise congregation would be lost without. the contribution of others at the Phil is also churchwarden at Phil Smith with Rev’d Robert Harris accepting goods Plympton Foodbank. St Mary’s where he has overseen for Plympton Foodbank He said: “I must point out that the creation of a new church hall we were only able to do so much as community garden and is known for his cheerfulness. Rika from Saltash Foodbank, and their chair of trustees, allowed The Rev’d Prebendary Robert Harris commented: “Phil is a us to act as a distribution centre under their administration for real example of someone who serves the people of Devon with six months. We have been blessed by Rika, who is a Plympton joy. He has undertaken all that he has done in the past year resident, and all the volunteers and donors including especially with passion, enthusiasm and commitment. He has spent many John Govier (previously of the Brook Inn) for massive generosity! hours each week carrying out these tasks as he lives out his I accepted the award on behalf of all!” faith and mission.” (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast) This year’s 16 winners were nominated from across Devon and

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Breeze celebrates a decade of getting thousands more women into cycling A decade on from its creation, British Cycling are toasting 10 years of the ground-breaking Breeze programme, which has provided over 320,000 women with a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to get on their bikes. Breeze, so named to capture the fun and freedom of cycling, was set up in 2011 alongside Sport England and with the support of National Lottery funding to inspire women to discover or rediscover, the joy of riding bikes. The programme offers women of all ages and abilities the chance to cycle via fun, free female-led rides. It has helped thousands of women experience the benefits of cycling since launching in Plymouth in 2012 and despite the last year, the Plymouth Breeze Champions are back - putting on free rides for local women. Celebrating their own milestones are Plymouth-based Breeze Champions Sue Jennings and Ceri

Carter, who this year, have clocked up an impressive 400 rides each – and counting! Ceri Carter, a ride leader since 2016, said: “No sooner than my sis and I could walk, our dad had us on two wheels. He was passionate about anything with two wheels, with or without an engine, I suppose it rubbed off a little. “I reached a certain age and all too suddenly, eating all you want and keeping a figure is not happening anymore, so a new plan was needed! “By the power of Facebook and a few posts in cycling groups, I was steered towards Breeze. A group run by women volunteers, passionate about cycling, although I was so nervous about going to my first session. “I was on my own and just did what I’d always done and went for it, thankfully, others there were just like me and didn’t make you do anything you didn’t feel comfortable doing, which was really encouraging and helpful.

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“The short version is, I had a lovely time and went again and again and then I trained to be a Breeze Champion. I then started running the beginner rides and qualified as an instructor, because I wanted to teach people to cycle safely with the same passion I have. “So here I am, over 400 rides later, maybe a bit fitter, lots of new friends, some amazing memories, planning lots more rides over the moors, looking for the least hilly routes, that’s difficult in Devon, with the best coffee and cake stops, the journey goes on.” This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Breeze. Help them celebrate their tenth birthday by joining them on a ride near you. Visit www.letsride.co.uk to find out more. For more information please contact Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit on sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307008.

August 2021

Life’s a breeze... pictured (from left): Jackie Venning, Caroline Lethbridge, Debbie McCall, Valerie Jordan, Sue Jennings, Ceri Carter, Allison Quigley, Chris Fisher, Allison Gliddon and Yiffi

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12 August 2021

Plymstock Matters with Councillor Rebecca Smith I can’t believe I’m writing this and it’s the start of July already! However, I am glad we’re edging closer to being able to get back to normal life post-COVID, whatever that is going to look like.

A huge thank you to everyone who has worked as a keyworker for the last 15 months and to everyone in the Plymstock community for working together to look after the most vulnerable and ensure people were communicating as much as possible. I’m especially glad to see how local Facebook groups such as ‘Plymstock: Help a Neighbour’ took off and flourished. Thank you to those who set them up and those who volunteer to keep them running. You may have noticed that the council took part in the national ‘No Mow May’ scheme where grass verges and green spaces were left uncut to encourage wildlife and enhance biodiversity. I realise this is somewhat controversial but have to say I support the principle. However, although you will now have seen

grass cutting taking place across the community, the council is leaving some verges with just the edges cut to enable wildflowers to bloom which we all know benefits the bees and insects that are vital to pollinization. Where the council is doing this, they’ve started to install little wooden signs to let you know that’s why it’s been left uncut. Keep your eyes peeled for them! Hopefully by the time you read this there will be some in Plymstock. Let me know if not! Finally, you may have spotted a new, beautiful mural painted by local artist, Mrs Murals, on a previously plain and dull concrete wall belonging to Hooe Primary School, right opposite Hooe Green. I’m delighted to have been able to pay for this out of my Community Grant and will share pictures next time I write! As ever, let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with local issues. Councillor Rebecca Smith, Plymstock Radford Ward – rebecca.smith@plymouth.gov. uk – 07825 034970. Facebook @ PlymouthRebecca.

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Key part of Plympton junction improvements goes unfinished Workers have now finished a long-running scheme of road improvements in Plympton but a key part of the project has been abandoned, at least for now, it has emerged.

It had originally been planned to have a double exit lane on Coypool Road at its junction with Plymouth Road, but questions were raised when the works compound in the overflow car park in Market Road was removed and the layout at Coypool Road was left largely unchanged. Plympton’s councillors have had a number of key meetings with top civil servants in the council about the project, called the Eastern Corridor Junction Improvement Scheme, and this has included a walkaround to discuss the quality of the work carried out. Cllr Patrick Nicholson, the new Deputy Leader of the Council and a ward councillor for Plympton St Mary, said: “Following the elections the priority has been to finish the then outstanding works which primarily involved the reopening of the Plymouth Road right hand turning lane to Cot Hill and resurfacing and lining works at the Woodford Avenue and Plymouth Road junction. I am pleased to report that this is now complete. “However the review of the quality of the scheme by Plympton St Mary Councillors has resulted in a number of queries and further snagging work will be undertaken. This has included the recent resurfacing of the pavement around the

The Coypool Road junction following the completion of the Eastern Corridor Junction Improvement Scheme and illustrating the puddling which now occur

bus stop in Plymouth Road at the end of Great Woodford Drive.” On the issue of the non-delivery of the dual exit at Coypool Road Cllr Nicholson explained: “Plympton St Mary Councillors were advised in the new year that the scheme as approved was being implemented, but without any consultation with Plympton Councillors, the City Council decided to abandon the new third lane in Coypool Road owing to the discovery of a massive void space under the adjacent footway and grassed area which would have further delayed the completion of the scheme. This decision was regrettably taken by the former Labour Council.” Cllr Nicholson indicated that he is arranging for the puddling which now forms on Coypool Road to be investigated further and added: “We are also trying to address the queuing traffic caused by the customers of the McDonald’s drive thru to seek to reduce the current congestion. “Clearly as residents Plympton St Mary and Erle Ward Councillors know the significance of the current congestion

at this location and the conditional planning approval given to Homes England at last month’s Planning Committee is conditional on them delivering the Coypool Road/Plymouth Road highway improvements and other highway improvements including new traffic reactive traffic lights at Marsh Mills and improvements to the Coypool Slip Road.” Cllr Nicholson is enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the redevelopment of the old China Clay site at Coypool by Homes England: “It is worth mentioning that over £6.2 million of investment will be provided by Homes England in their 10 year development of Coypool and this will include £1.4m of improvements and public access to adjacent woodland and new green open space for Woodford residents, £1.8m in highway improvements, £1m for improvements to secondary schools, investment in the Plympton Health & Wellbeing Hub and new housing including affordable housing for local residents,” he said. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

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August 2021 13

@PlymChronicle Thousands of spectators will be heading for The Hoe and other vantage points on the waterfront to watch the spectacular SailGP racing on July 17 and 18.

And Plymouth City Council is pulling out all the stops too make sure the epic outdoor event is as COVID-19 secure as possible. But they are also calling on spectators to do their bit to keep everything safe. Council leader Nick Kelly said: “I’m incredibly excited about SailGP. It’s a chance to show off our city in all its glory. People all over the globe and in this country will get cracking views of Plymouth as this spectacle plays out in the Sound, and on the official broadcast, including live on Sky Sports and YouTube. But we know we still have to be careful. “With some events falling by the wayside because of the pandemic, we want to make doubly sure that this event is as COVID secure as it can be. We are doing all we can but we need everyone to do their bit and follow guidance.” There are still some tickets available in the spectator area on the Hoe but people will need to register in advance. (visitplymouth.co.uk/SailGP). Numbers have been limited according to Government guidelines and the site designed so that people can spread out easily. Queuing systems are in place for concessions and as the event is ticketed, the NHS track and trace system can be used. Boat owners can also register to bring their own boat, allowing them to watch all the action at the edge of the racecourse. Outside of the formal event, many people will want to watch the action taking place on the water. While there is no shortage of bracing fresh air, which helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus, the council is reminding everyone to remember to follow the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance. To help to keep visitors safe a number of measures will be introduced: • A PA system along the waterfront from Dutton’s to The Waterfront pub so that all along the sea front people will be able to hear the race commentary – no excuse not to spread out! • The numbers of people who can view the race at Mountbatten Pier will be limited to avoid

Spectators encouraged to enjoy the SailGP action - and keep safe

Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by interim skipper Paul Goodison in action during a practice session ahead of Italy SailGP, in Taranto, Italy in June Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP

overcrowding • Additional toilets and handwashing facilities at all key locations • COVID marshals will be on patrol along Hoe Road, Madeira Road, Mountbatten and Jennycliff to make sure everyone feels safe while they are out and about, reminders over the PA to stick to COVID safety measures and signage to remind

people about keeping their distance A number of roads will be closed along the waterfront to create much more space and to make it easier and safer for people to enjoy the spectacle. They include Hoe Road, Madeira Road, Armada Way loop (Crowne Plaza), Citadel Road from Lockyer Street to Hoe Approach, Windsor Place and Osborne Place to the junction at the

back of The Esplanade. The following roads around Jennycliff will be closed between 11am and 5pm on July 17 and 18: Staddon Lane, Jennycliff Lane from the junction of Staddon Lane to Lalebrick Road and Lawrence Road from roundabout with Shaw Way. For more information about the event visit www.sailgp.com

Step in Summer with confidence this year. If you’re suffering with enlarged, twisted, or unsightly varicose veins, the team at Nuffield Health Plymouth hospital is ready to help. We have a range of treatments available, delivered by our expert vascular surgeons on site in a safe, COVID secure, private hospital environment. What causes Varicose Veins? Varicose veins can be hereditary, tending to run in families. They can be worse during or after pregnancy, or if you are overweight. While they can be uncomfortable and unsightly, they don’t usually cause any serious health problems. Veins carry blood to the heart. Along the length of all veins are valves, which only let the blood flow in one direction. The valves in the legs must work harder to pump the blood that extra distance and problems occur when these valves become weak and don’t close properly. The blood flows backwards and pools in the veins. This causes the valves to weaken under the pressure and become enlarged and bulging in appearance - what we call varicose veins. How can Varicose Veins be treated? There are several treatments for varicose veins, but only surgery can fully remove problem veins. Don’t worry, having a vein removed won’t affect the circulation of blood, as it will flow through other veins instead. The valves that often cause the

problems are in the two large veins that run along the length of your leg, just under the skin. Varicose vein surgery is sometimes performed under general anaesthetic, which means you are asleep during the operation. It usually takes about an hour to operate on one leg. Other treatments available: Sclerotherapy foam treatment Foam sclerotherapy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and as a day case procedure meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. A solution is mixed with air creating a foam. Your surgeon will inject this foam into the affected vein. If your vein is very deep, your surgeon may use ultrasound to guide the injection into the correct area. Endovenous laser treatment A thin tube (a laser thread) is inserted into the vein through a small cut. The laser probe heats the vein from the inside, causing it to close. This is done with a local anaesthetic, which means the area to be treated is numbed so you won’t feel any pain. It takes about forty-five minutes to an hour for this treatment on one leg. Radiofrequency ablation A thin tube is inserted into the vein above or below the knee. The tube delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall causing it to collapse and seal shut. Once the vein is closed off, other healthy veins

take over. There may be some bruising and you will need to wear support stockings for seven to ten days afterwards. Hospital Director Pat Warwick adds “People can be missing out on major events and activities in their later years because they are waiting for medical tests and treatment, especially now with the delays caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. With no waiting lists at our hospitals we’re able to help people get on with life as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t have private medical insurance you can access our care by paying for yourself.” Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital is open to treat private patients having supported the NHS during the pandemic and most patients can be seen within a week of their enquiry and proceed to surgery within approximately one month of their consultation.

Pre-op picture of patient with varicose veins. This patient was treated in May 2020.

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Same patient pictured 3 weeks post op (June 2020).

14 August 2021

Sherford Life Mayflower 400 is finally under way! One of the most famous parts of our city’s history is the departure of the Mayflower, 401 years ago, bound for the new freedom and prospects of the ‘New World’.

Many of us are probably desperate to follow suit, as soon as our destination of choice makes it onto the ‘green’ travel list! But as things open up again we do at least have some great local cultural events to look forward to in celebration (belatedly) of Mayflower 400. Over the third weekend of July The Box venue will play host to a creative interactive Mayflower 400 exhibition including live performances telling the stories of the men, women and children who boarded the famous ship. Plenty of creative exhibits, craft activities and a special screening of a community film shot for the occasion. We’re also looking forward to special performances from Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, both in Liskeard and in Plymouth itself, in late November. I’m particularly looking forward to the ‘Hatchling’ live performance event on August 14 and 15, where we have been promised a visit from a dragon flying around Plymouth – the world’s first flying puppet! An incredible kite-like creation from the team behind the War Horse theatre production and some of the spectacular sets in the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, it sounds like just the thing By Revd Tom Brassil to thrill me and terrify my children! Sadly not all of the events planned have been able to go ahead, and many will be particularly disappointed that the Churches Together in Plymouth celebration on the Hoe, rescheduled for Sunday July 11, had to be cancelled. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been the top of your Mayflower 400 ‘to-do list’, but the Pilgrims’ Christian faith is a key part of their history. It may be, of course, that you don’t find history that interesting! It is true that, in many ways, the present and the future matter more than the past. Yet we know that looking back is vital for so many reasons. We look back to avoid the mistakes made by our ancestors – or sometimes to learn how they avoided the mistakes that we are about to make! As someone whose Christian faith is a vital and central part of who I am, I love looking back in history for two reasons. First, because the Bible announces that God is unchanging. If He treated the people in ancient times with love and mercy, then I can look to Him for the same things. And the second reason I love to look back, especially into the history of the Bible, is that it shows time and time again that God is faithful – that He follows through on His words and does what He promises. And that is just the reassurance and stability I need in an ever-changing world! That’s the kind of stability the Pilgrims were after. Wouldn’t you like that kind of stability too? If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to chat more about real stability for life, please contact me at tom@sherfordchurch.net

14 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Community spirit transforms garden for a special little girl Members of the Sherford team who created the new garden for Ruby Leigh

A Sherford couple whose young daughter has severe disabilities have been overwhelmed by the support from the team behind the creation of the new town.

The companies, contractors and trainees involved in the construction of Sherford – from landscapers to onsite learners – have banded together to create a dream garden for a deserving little girl and her family. The new garden is for four-year-old Ruby Leigh, who suffered a severe hypoxic brain injury four years ago, leaving her with disabilities that require constant care. Ruby Leigh’s parents reached out to the Sherford team for a helping hand, hoping they could help transform their outdoor space into an accessible area that the whole family could enjoy. The Sherford Consortium’s team of skilled contractors worked alongside students from Sherford Skills Training Scheme over the course of a week to create an incredible new space, from the ground up. The team has given Ruby Leigh and her family – who have lived at Sherford since 2018 – a safe, sensory-rich garden to enjoy this summer. The garden makeover was funded, organised and delivered by those behind the scenes at Sherford: YGS Landscapes volunteered time, expertise and funds and coordinated the project; materials were donated and supplied by Sherford Consortium partner, Taylor Wimpey; Sherford project managers, Brookbanks; Sherford groundwork team, Groundfix; and onsite-skills education provider, Plymouth City College. The project also proved a valuable learning experience for students from Sherford Skills Training Scheme, forming part the Construction Industry Training Board Onsite Experience Programme. Mentored and managed by YGS Landscapes, the learners had a unique opportunity to gain new skills and contribute to the community. The team fully transformed the family’s once sloped and staggered garden into a disabled friendly outdoor oasis, within just five days.

After levelling the garden, the team fitted an all-weather artificial lawn and expanded the family’s existing patio. Offering a more manageable and useable space, the surfaces now provide Ruby Leigh with year-round access to the garden. There is now a safe space for portable supportive seating and, on summer days, a small pool for Ruby Leigh to float weightlessly, relieving stress on her body while offering sensory and relaxing benefits. The students also worked on their carpentry skills, creating a wooden seating area and pink painted pergola to support a special swing just for Ruby Leigh. This also offers a sensory experience, with the sound of windchimes, and views of the sky and glowing lights across the colourful pergola. The team also created a sensory shed, fitted with a blackout blind and her favourite toys, it offers a quiet sanctuary for Ruby Ruby Leigh with mum Lisa Leigh. To mark the completion of the garden makeover, the team even helped the family create a lasting memento. Ruby Leigh’s footprints have been set into the cement at the entrance of her new sensory shed. Each member of the team wrote their names onto pebbles, which the family will use to adorn the garden. Other local businesses also lent a hand including Bradfords, who donated essential materials; MCE Electrical supplied and

Ruby Leigh, her parents, and some of the Sherford team involved in creating her new garden

fitted outdoor plugs; Plymouth’s B&Q donated the sensory shed; Homebase supplied trellis; and Otter Garden Centre provided established flowering plants. Ruby Leigh’s dad Chris said: “This is truly lifechanging for us, we never thought Ruby Leigh would have such an amazing outdoor space to suit her needs and enable her to enjoy her time outdoors. We have been blown away by the generosity and kindness that we’ve been shown, and we would like to thank everyone involved. Words can’t describe how much this means to us and how much joy this will bring our family.” Steve Warren-Brown, managing director of YGS Landscapes, said: “As soon as I heard about Ruby Leigh’s situation, I knew we had to step in. Having met mum and dad, a plan was agreed, and I’d like to thank all involved. Not only did we deliver more than expected, we also managed to give some valuable training to students from Sherford Skills Training Centre, who were brilliant at getting stuck in. There were definitely a few tears shed upon completion and we hope Ruby Leigh enjoys her new garden.” Steven Ricketts, Sherford Skills Training Scheme coordinator, said: “Community spirit is at the very heart of Sherford, so it’s been amazing to contribute to such a heart-warming project. It provided a great opportunity for our students to learn new skills and the project meant the world to them. It makes me exceedingly proud to see what they’ve achieved in such a short space of time, and how much heart and soul they put into the project.”

August 2021

@PlymChronicle

VIP invitation for Plymouth people to see the immersive dome in Devonport’s Market Hall

up to

The stunning transformation of Devonport’s Market Hall - one of Plymouth’s most significant and historic buildings – will be open for everyone to witness in July. The Real Ideas Organisation will showcase the contemporary re-imagining of the site on July 17 and 18, including the opportunity to experience one of only two world-class immersive domes for the very first time. Devonport’s Market, when the area was known as Plymouth Dock, was at the end of Fore Street near the Dockyard gate. It was moved in 1762 to a new site, when stalls were erected on the site of some stagnant ponds. In 1835, the Royal Assent was given to the Devonport Market Act 1835, which authorised the enlargement of the Market and the establishment of a market for corn, grain and other articles, leading to the Market Hall being built in 1852. In 1940 the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) used the basement of the Market as a control room but it was damaged in the air raids of April 1941 and in 1951, the impressive building was taken inside the Royal Dockyard boundary in 1956 as part of the Navy’s post-war expansion. For the last four years, Plymouth’s Real Ideas Organisation, who are also responsible for the rejuvenation of the nearby Devonport Guildhall and now also run Ocean Studios in the Royal William Yard, have been completely re-imagining and transforming the building as a pioneering centre for digital arts. Developed in partnership with Plymouth City Council and the Institute of Digital Art and Technology at the University of Plymouth, the Market Hall is a £7.6m project which will create a new space for digital, especially those working in immersive and creative applications of technology. The project has been supported with funding from Arts Council England, the Department for Culture Media, Digital and Sport, and ERDF funding through the Heart of the South West LEP. All of this is new investment into Plymouth from national and European sources. The Market Hall’s immersive dome is the first of its type (15m diameter, 210 degrees over the top, with a flat floor) in Europe. The only other like it in the world can be found at SAT in Montreal, Canada. Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the dome, the tech at the Market Hall is cutting edge and creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience without the need for a headset. The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels of audio, encases the dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport visitors anywhere in the universe – real or imagined – that you can dream of! Free tickets are now available for the public to

7Kg Washing Machine IWC71252W • 7Kg / 1200rpm • 20 Min Quickwash Photo: Real Ideas Organisation | Market Hall | Jay Stone

book online at www.realideas.org - with hourly slots for arrival times throughout the day and up to six tickets available per group for families and social bubbles. As they tour the building, hundreds of people will be able to enjoy an immersive experience in the Market Hall dome, in a COVID safe way, for the very first time. There will also be the opportunity to have a tour of the Grade II listed building and

enjoy food and drink from the on-site café. Due to COVID restrictions, tickets must be booked in advance via the website. The Market Hall joins the growing Real Ideas campus of spaces including Ocean Studios and Devonport Guildhall in Plymouth and CSpace in Newquay. To find out more visit www.realideas.org/ market-hall

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16 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Volunteers needed in Plymouth for summer food collection Volunteers are being sought in Plymouth to help two leading charities support children and families this summer.

From July 15 to 17, charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust will be collecting long-life food in Tesco’s large Plymouth stores as part of a special Food Collection to support children and families throughout the summer holidays. Food donated by Tesco customers during the collection will go to support food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network and to local charities supplied by FareShare, including holiday clubs providing healthy meals and activities to youngsters outside of term-time. Tesco will once again top up customer donations made in store by 20% in cash to aid the two charities in their work. Plymouth volunteers are needed to encourage shoppers to leave their donations in the collection point at the front of stores, as shoppers are more likely to donate if volunteers are present, and to spread awareness of the collection through social media. The appeal for volunteers comes ahead of Volunteers Week, which celebrates the work of volunteers in the UK. Julian Mines, CEO at FareShare South West, said: “More people than ever are struggling to put food on the table and will do for months if not years to come as the economy recovers. We have seen a huge increase in people turning to their local grassroots community groups for support and demand for food

remains high. “We would be incredibly grateful to anyone who is able to volunteer just two hours

of their time this year to encourage more shoppers to donate much needed long-life food to those who need it most.”

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Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, urged others to give their support by becoming digital volunteers and spreading news of the collection via social media. She added: “We’re seeing more people than ever struggling in extreme poverty and pushed to the doors of food banks because they do not have enough money to survive. This isn’t right. But over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support people in Plymouth have shown towards food banks in our network by donating food at Tesco. “This summer, we would be so grateful if people can share shopping lists of their local food bank’s most-needed items on their social media, support the Tesco Summer Food Collection when they are next in store, and encourage friends and family to donate. Together we can make a difference and work towards building a hunger free future.” The summer collection is in addition to the pre-Christmas Tesco Food Collection, which takes place annually at the end of November. It is the second year running that Tesco has run a summer Food Collection; following on from a special collection held last summer as the charities were faced with a rise in need caused by Covid-19. To find out more about volunteering during the Tesco Food Collection and to sign up visit: www.fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection/

Devil’s Point all set to blossom Beautiful new blossom trees could be planted at Devil’s Point thanks to a new national nature initiative.

Plymouth has been selected as a partner in the National Trust’s Blossom Together initiative – a multi-year programme that aims to get the UK celebrating its blossom season and help people connect with nature. The scheme was launched earlier this year and received praised both regionally and nationally. Devil’s Point has been chosen as Plymouth’s blossom site in recognition of its unique marine and green environment, while funding is from the People’s Postcode Lottery. The aim is to improve an existing, tarmac area within Devil’s Point to create a beautiful, blossoming place accessible for all. The key criteria is to include blossoming trees that suit the local geography and weather and ensure we respond sensitively to the special historic and natural features on the site. Plymouth City Council want to develop a space that is meaningful and unique to the local community, as well as being welcoming to the many visitors that the site greets daily - situated as it is along the South West Coast Path. To turn this vision into reality, they want to hear the views of Plymouth residents, including what they like about Devil’s Point already and how the project can add to that. Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that will bring a wonderful new splash of colour to what is already a beautiful place. “It’s so important that what we deliver is what residents want and that’s why we’re running a consultation before any designs are commissioned, to make sure that this new space has community backing from the very start.” The City Council would like to hear the views of local residents and a questionnaire can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/ pressreleases/devilspointsetblossom

August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Top sculptor selected to create the statue of Argyle legend Jack Leslie Exactly one year after the launch of the Jack Leslie Statue Crowdfunder, it has been announced that renowned sculptor Andy Edwards has been commissioned as the sculptor of the statue of Argyle icon Jack Leslie at Home Park. Andy boasts a wealth of experience in delivering iconic sporting statues. Examples of his work include the acclaimed Clough/Taylor statue at Derby County’s Pride Park and the highly regarded Stanley Matthews sculpture at Stoke City.  Andy was selected with careful consideration, which included thorough interviews of four shortlisted candidates. Andy’s work also includes statues of The Beatles, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and civil rights campaigner and slavery abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Andy has his principal foundry in Liverpool, but he has pledged to use web-cams and social media to document his progress. This means that supporters of the Crowdfunded statue can watch its progress, wherever they are in the world. Andy will be visiting Plymouth shortly to look at the location, meet the campaign committee and, of course, to take in an Argyle match.    Andy’s tender for the Jack Leslie statue project was made in partnership with Monumental Icons, but this is very much a personal

Sculptor Andy Edwards with an impression of what the statue will look like

project for Andy and one that inspires him greatly. On hearing the news of his selection, Andy said: “ I am eternally grateful and very excited to have been chosen to work with the devoted members of the Jack Leslie statue group, the proud fans of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, and the wider football community in furthering all of our appreciation of a real legend of the game, and a man whose story can still affect change nearly 100 years on.   “I hope to create a statue of peerless quality celebrating excellence, that will also represent

respect, dignity, devotion and invigorate the quest for equal rights for all. To everyone who has given their support and backing to this initiative, I will not let you down.” Campaign co-founder Greg Foxsmith said: “We are delighted to give Andy this commission, but we would also like to thank all of the shortlisted artists who spent so much time and energy on creating such brilliant proposals. It made it really difficult for us to make the final decision” Jack’s granddaughter Lesley said: “We love the range of ideas, and we look forward to working with Andy to see a statue that is an accurate portrayal of grandad.”   Jack signed for Argyle from Barking in 1921 and scored 137 goals in his 13 years with the Pilgrims. The pinnacle of his career should have been in 1925 when Jack was selected to represent England in a game versus Ireland, but his name was removed from the team sheet when officials discovered that he was black. The club honoured Jack’s pioneering status in football by naming the boardroom in our redeveloped Mayflower Grandstand in his honour.   For more information on the great work of the Jack Leslie Campaign, visit the website www.jackleslie.co.uk

Changes to penalties for unauthorised term time holiday absence A change has been made to Plymouth’s policy on school absence to support both schools and families when they want to take a holiday in term-time.

The changes to the Code of Conduct mean that no penalty notice will be issued for holiday absence which is equivalent to 10 sessions or less (five days) in a rolling 12 month period. For holiday related absences exceeding 10 sessions, a penalty notice may be issued. For all other types of unauthorised absence, the threshold will remain at eight sessions (four days within a rolling 12 month period). The changes, which come into force in September, will provide an opportunity for families to take a week of holiday during term-time every 12 months, while enabling schools to continue to tackle excessive holiday absences and other types of unauthorised absence of children and young people at an early stage.  Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “We know that family time is

important and that fining parents for taking their children on a short holiday during term-time can hurt families on a budget. But our schools have made it very clear that the rise in unauthorised holiday absence is having a detrimental impact on children’s outcomes.  “We hope the changes that have been made to the code of conduct will support our families and also allow us to continue to work with schools and governing bodies to reduce persistent absence by building on the success that schools and our education colleagues have already achieved in supporting attainment and ensuring all our young people fulfil their full potential.”  For families who have booked their holiday during term-time before the changes come into force in September, or who had their holidays rescheduled due to COVID-19 no fine will be issued as long as families are able to provide evidence.  All Plymouth schools will be sending a letter to parents to explain the changes to the Code of Conduct.

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18 August 2021

New travel guide to good places to visit in staycation Cornwall

A Plymouth writer has penned a new travel guide to Cornwall.

Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A quick guide to good places to visit across the county has been written by journalist and former newspaper editor Andrew Townsend. The ebook highlights the tourist hotspots in the county, but also locations a little off the beaten track. “With thousands of extra visitors expected in Cornwall this summer because of the COVIDd-19 foreign travel restrictions, I thought I would highlight some of the lesser known locations in the county that are still well worth a visit,” said Andrew. “Pressure mounts at some of the hotspots during a normal summer, so in the coming staycation season it makes sense to point visitors to quieter spots. “For instance, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula can become super busy but just up the coast at Ogo-dour Cove it’s a completely different story. The coast around Ogo-dour Cove is still spectacular but it can only be reached on foot which makes it a tranquil place to visit. “The same is true for parts of the North Cornwall coast and for areas on Bodmin Moor. These places make for memorable visits in a county that has truly amazing scenery. “The ebook helps to introduce Cornwall’s glorious beaches, wild moors, soaring cliffs and scenic rivers, as well as historic towns, pretty villages, mining relics and theme park rides. “Having previously worked in Cornwall for many years as the editor of the Cornish Times, I know the county well, but I have still discovered new locations to visit while researching for Cornwall Favourites For One And All!. “And I must say the research for the ebook was a lot of fun! I hope this comes across in the text.” The exploration starts in delightful South East Cornwall, at the riverside village of Cremyll. It takes in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cawsand and Kingsand, Rame Head, Downderry and Seaton, Looe and Polperro, Polruan, and Fowey. The ebook follows the rest of the superb south coast along to the splendour of Land’s End and then the rugged north coast to the beautiful Bude area. From there, the trip continues southwards down the splendid border area with Devon, visiting Launceston with its Norman castle and a number of places in the Tamar Valley including Calstock and Cotehele, as well as Saltash and Torpoint. And then the guide takes in more locations across the county, including St Germans, Liskeard and Minions. Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A quick guide to good places to visit across the county is out now (Amazon, £2.99).

18 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Crowdfunder is launched to transform subways in Chaddlewood with artwork A university graduated artist based in Plymouth has teamed up with two local community interest companies in the hope of brightening up a number of Chaddlewood subways.

Artist Eloise Johnson - who is known as Mrs Murals – has teamed up with Pollenize, a community interest company aimed at protecting bees and pollinators, and Clean Our Patch another popular community interest company passionate about keeping our local community free from litter - to bring colour to the subways, Financial help is however needed to bring this to fruition and a crowdfunding appeal has been launched to generate the £1,000 per subway cost of the project. Chaddlewood has six well used underpasses at five locations in the community, Historically these subways have suffered from unauthorised graffiti and been the subject to some antisocial behaviour which has resulted in many complaints. Typically the subways have been white washed on an infrequent basis to maintain the aesthetics, but these are soon covered with graffiti, tags and dirt. The new community led artwork project’s aims include engaging local schools to promote art and citizenship; brightening up often dark and dreary subways and provide a space for art inspired by local schools created at art and education sessions planned for this autumn. The project plans to include a schools based engagement activity during the autumn term which will support curriculum based learning focused on how environments can change as a result of human actions, such as littering. Workshop sessions will be designed to make pupils think about how we affect nature and how we can protect it. An interactive and creative session designed in collaboration with teachers will give pupils the opportunity to present their thoughts and ideas through art which will inform

A festive fundraising campaign led by The Box and Nat Tallents, the executive chef at its Kitchen & Bar is still giving – more than six months after the closing date.

The ‘Christmas in a Box’ campaign took place in late 2020 and saw The Box Kitchen & Bar create 2,500 recipe boxes for a family of four filled with fresh ingredients. The boxes were then delivered by a huge team of staff and volunteers to homes around the city in time to give 10,000 people a Christmas meal. The crowdfunder for the campaign was so successful that it exceeded its original target by more than £7,000. Now, the extra funds have enabled The Box Foundation to make a donation of £3,904 to the Plymouth Foodbank to support its work. A matching amount of £3,904 will also help feed families who are experiencing food insecurity when they attend engagement activities at The Box. Andrew Denham from The Oasis Project where the Plymouth Foodbank is based, said: “Congratulations to Nat and all the team at The Box on running a very successful campaign. We are so grateful for the kind and generous donation which is being used to provide emergency food provision and associated support to those seeking help through the Plymouth Foodbank. It will make a huge difference as we continue to support people who find themselves in food insecurity at this difficult time.” Nat Tallents said: “We were blown away by the success of the ‘Christmas in a Box’ campaign which was a huge amount of work but so rewarding. I’m so proud of what we’ve managed to achieve and really grateful to all the individuals, businesses and organisations who gave so generously.” The single largest contributor to the campaign was Babcock, which gave a massive donation of £5,000. The campaign also received a huge amount of support from Plymouth City Council. Stuart Woodger, project manager from Babcock

A mock up example of one of the proposed new subway murals in Chaddlewood

the designs at the Glen Road and Westfield subway. It is understood that Glen Park Primary and Chaddlewood Primary schools have already agreed to take part. Contributions to the crowdfunding appeal can be made at crowdfunder.co.uk/chaddlewoodsubways-art-project The funding will pay for the time that local artists commit to this project, supporting these local artists through a difficult period; all art materials; scaffolding and platforms and the provision of workshops in local schools. Subject to achieving the necessary finance the organisers plan to start the project at the beginning of August 2021 and complete five subways before the autumn 2021. The final subway at Westfield and Glen Road will be completed in the spring of 2022 with the help of local school children’s designs. A spokesperson for the project said: “Only with your support can we make it possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to help bring life and colour to the subways, take control of issues such as graffiti and help educate our children to protect the environment.

“We can’t rely on other funding being made available for this project, so we need your support to make this happen. It costs roughly £1000 per subway, so once we have hit this initial milestone the project can commence. Help us hit this first target by pledging a donation equivalent to a cup of coffee or tea. “If every resident in Chaddlewood donated just £2 we could make this fantastic project possible

for all six subways.” Ian Poyser who stood as the Green Party candidate in Chaddlewood at the recent local elections said: “Great to see this project finally get off the ground. The designs look really cool! Please lend your support! A small contribution will help get this project started ASAP.” The crowdfunding appeal runs until July 24 and the progress towards the target is shown on the appeal page. Mrs Murals said: “I love to support my community where I can and get involved with local projects, so I’m really excited to be involved in a project to brighten public subways in Chaddlewood. “Research has proven that having murals instead of white walls reduces the chance of antisocial graffiti. So along with brightening public spaces and being educational, these murals could have a positive impact to the community.” Mrs Murals has already become quite wellknown for her private commision work where she has painted murals on local residents’ garden walls and sheds. There is even a picture of her painting one of her murals on display in The Box. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

The Box’s festive fundraiser has created a lasting legacy Fundraising legacy (from left) Andrew Denham, Nat Tallents and Stuart Woodger

International based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, said: “We are delighted to have supported the ‘Christmas in a Box’ campaign. It’s great to learn how many thousands of people have benefited from the impressive amount raised. “The fact that it’s still making such a positive difference six months later is incredible. As one of the largest employers in the region, we are keen to work closely with our local communities and provide support of this nature to those who need it most.” Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and

Sport said: “This campaign has been a massive achievement for everyone involved and the Council has been really proud to play its part. Raising enough money to ensure so many people could enjoy a Christmas meal would have been brilliant enough. The fact that it’s also raised additional funds that are now creating a legacy to support ongoing initiatives at the Plymouth Foodbank and The Box makes it even more of a success.” To can find out more about The Box and its other community activities visit www. theboxplymouth.com

20 August 2021

Jobs secured as Babcock wins £34 million contract extension A £34 million contract extension has been awarded to Babcock at Devonport Dockyard, helping to sustain 130 UK jobs and creating 30 more. Over a two-year extension, Babcock will continue providing support to the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) for the future fleet of submarines and will carry out essential work on the Dreadnought submarine programme. Through the Dreadnought support contract, Babcock will deliver the components that make up the Dreadnought support solution. The contract will design the framework to provide the project management, whole-boat analysis and integrated logistics support needed to assist with future stages of the Dreadnought Programme. Submarine Delivery Agency’s Head of Submarine Supply and Support, Commodore John Macdonald said: “This is great news for the Dreadnought programme and the Babcock Marine team. The continuation of this contract will define the maintenance requirements that will inform the in-service support solution for the Dreadnought Class of Submarine.”

The next-generation Dreadnought Class will enhance maritime capabilities, supplying the Royal Navy with the most advanced submarines that will be central to maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The UK’s nuclear deterrent protects against the most extreme threats to society, both now and in the future, and provides the ultimate guarantee to national security. Babcock’s submarine engineering director, Gavin Barlow said: “We are pleased to secure the next phase of this contract which enables us to continue providing our unique knowledge and insight as we jointly develop a world leading, data driven, Integrated Product Support Solution for the Dreadnought class.” Replacing the Vanguard class of ballistic missile submarines, each of the Dreadnought Class submarine will be 153.6m long and carry 130 crew, including three chefs and one doctor. The four new Dreadnought submarines will be named Dreadnought, Valiant, Warspite and King George VI and the programme remains on track for the first of class to enter service in the early 2030s.

@PlymChronicle

Helen’s 1,000 mile marathon cycling challenge for charity

Plymouth businesswoman Helen West is getting on her bike to cycle nearly 1,000 miles to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Helen, who is 61, has visited many places and countries around the world but this year she has decided to visit Scotland and on August 1 will start her epic challenge of cycling for 14 days from Land’s End to John O’Groats - a total of 993 miles. The costs involved in organising the marathon ride have been provided by West Financial Management, which is based in Peverell. Helen hopes to raise £5,000 for YMCA Plymouth and SAHODAR UK, which supports projects in Nepal. The charity is closely connected with Mutley Baptist Church and has achieved a huge amount for the community in the village of Garambesie in Nepal. This has included medical provision for those who would have to walk great distances or for whom it would be unaffordable; dental treatment; health and dental education and the provision of clean drinking water. The charity has also provided villagers with the opportunity to to develop skills to generate an income as well as creating improvements to the elementary level of education in the schools. It is hoped to see the opening of a new hospital in the village this year and the use of the church and community centre. Helen has visited the existing small village hospital in Nepal twice and helped out whilst she was there. She said: “It has been such a joy to see the new hospital build almost reach completion. But, unfortunately, there has been a delay in receiving funds from the Nepali local government office, so this has impacted the opening date for the new hospital. “While the structure of the hospital is virtually complete, now comes the task of turning it into a fully functioning hospital, particularly with the financing and purchase of 50 beds and all the medical equipment required. YMCA Plymouth is an independent non-profit organisation, founded in 1848. It serves the needs of local

Helen West in training for her 1,000 mile marathon

people through a variety of education, health, and family services. Their work focuses particularly on young people and the disadvantaged by providing affordable, topquality facilities and services. All support for Helen by sponsoring her, either giving to one charity or splitting the donation between the two worthy causes, would be greatly appreciated. Helen is ready to turn the pedals for approximately 70 miles each day, eat, drink, sleep and also enjoy the views. Donations can be made at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ HelenWest18 or at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ helen-meneilly

Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth benefit from NHS-backed employment support

Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth who are being treated for mental and physical health conditions can now get help moving back into employment through an NHSbacked pilot project.

Health professionals can refer veterans for free support from The Poppy Factory’s employment consultant, Neal Crump, who is embedded within Plymouth’s Waterside Primary Care Network. He will work with closely with local NHS staff and surgeries to reach more exForces patients. Stable employment is an important factor in good mental health. The pilot project, one of three in England, seeks to improve outcomes for veterans by bringing together care and employment plans. In some cases, veterans may be referred for employment support through social prescribing. With one-to-one guidance offered throughout their journey to employment, veterans will be supported to overcome barriers and work towards positive life changes. Deirdre Mills, chief executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “The veterans we help often have complex conditions. Dedicated employment support can make all the difference, helping these men and women transform their lives, resulting in increased stability, greater financial security and better health and wellbeing. We

Employment consultant Neal Crump of The Poppy Factory

are excited to be working with NHS partners to create stronger local support networks for those who need it most.” Jo Lloyd-Davies, practice manager for West Hoe Surgery in Plymouth, said: “West Hoe Surgery are delighted to welcome The Poppy Factory to the practice. “Through their work in supporting veterans with health conditions

who are wanting help with finding employment, we can offer a muchneeded additional service to our patients.” Anyone who is unemployed, served in the Armed Forces for one day or more, and has a physical or mental health condition can register for employment support. To register online visit poppyfactory.org/register

Sparks to Jump Start the High Street The Plymouth Charity Furnishing a Future The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project has been helping some of the most vulnerable people in Plymouth since 2011. Its remit is to provide good quality furniture and appliances at affordable prices but as Alison Turner who runs the project says, working with more than 300 charities and organisations across the region, they are frequently called upon to help those in crisis, and supply furniture and white goods free-of-charge. “A lot of people don’t realise we’re here and what we do,” says Alison. “Last year Plymouth Social Services asked us to help an 82-year-old man in Plymouth who had been befriended and then scammed by his neighbours. Things were so bad that he had to be moved out quickly, his house cleared, and his new flat kitted out with furniture and appliances. After it was all done, I popped in to see him, and he couldn’t stop crying: he couldn’t believe that we would do all of that for nothing.”

Alison making up the welcome boxes

The Civic Square, designed for “dignity and frivolity,” was integral to the lauded “A Plan for Plymouth” (1943) which created “the country’s finest and boldest post-war city centre”. Today, the Portland Stone doesn’t shine quite so bright and the waters of the modernist civic pool may appear less than inviting yet, the Civic Square, retains its unique mid-century charm. Now, there is a significant pot of money to encourage and inspire communities of all shapes and sizes across the city to find their own distinctive ways to celebrate its heritage and attract people back to the future.

And that’s not all. Alison and her colleagues have helped to write CVs; to complete job application forms and apply for bus passes. “We are so much more than just free furniture,” says Alison. “We help build relationships with people.” Regrettably business is booming. In February the city council donated £10,000 to set up the “Warmer Home 4U” initiative and enable the charity to purchase thousands of pounds worth of white goods and appliances. Since its launch it has provided more than a hundred individuals and families with all they might need to set up home. Crucially, this has left the recipients free of the financial burden and enabled them to get on with ‘living’. More recently, a second grant of £3,000 was received to help people in Cornwall, but that money, says Alison, was gone within a fortnight; “We spent £3000 on white goods to help people in Cornwall; it went within two weeks and every single person was a victim of domestic violence.” Five years ago, the charity was helping about twenty people a month now it has more than doubled and nearly fifty individuals and families each month are being supported by the charity. Furthermore, says Alison, there has been a significant increase in referrals from mental health and domestic abuse charities. Realising there was more they could do to help, Alison and her volunteer colleague Chloe, set up a second initiative in February, the Welcome Home Box;

A new fund - High Street Sparks – has been launched by POP, Plymouth City Council and The Box to award money to communities to get the city centre buzzing again. Plymouth is one of sixty high streets across the UK to have a share of £95 million set up by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to create more attractive places for people to live, work and spend time. As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, High Street Sparks is concentrating, primarily, on Royal Parade and the Civic Square within which sits the Grade II Listed, Civic Centre.

“We knew they’d be popular and they’d be needed but we had no idea how much.” With the help from local stores Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda, as well as Lush in the shopping mall, each Welcome Box contains about £100 worth of bedding, toiletries and small appliances. And Alison and Chloe say they always find time to put in a personal little note and extra ‘gifts’ for the children; “We had a mum in Saltash fleeing from domestic violence. She had moved with her children into this house and it was just awful. But when she and her children opened the boxes, she said, the look on the kids’ faces was amazing.” The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project continues to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities; from refugees to victims of domestic violence; older people without any support and sixteen- year-olds leaving care: these are the individuals that Alison and her colleagues, the volunteers and the trustees of the charity, are committed to helping. It’s not furniture; it’s a future. If you would like to support the charity please contact Alison on Plymouth 600277 or email plymouthfurniturereuseproject@ yahoo.co.uk and help to furnish a future.

BACK TOGETHER Our first face-to-face POP event will take place on Tuesday 20th July in Efford. Pop along and find out about the many ways we can help you and your project. For more information: bit.ly/popbites2021

Neighbourhood Networks continue to support individuals in their communities. If you or your organisation would like to volunteer text 07411 949 742

Courtesy of Chris Robinson

High Street Sparks has £2,500 to fund ten projects a year for the next three years (and for exceptional plans up to £5,000). So, if you have an idea to regenerate outside spaces, empty shops or underused buildings visit www.plymouthoctopus.org/ high-street-heritage-action-zone

Helpline Numbers:

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125

COMMUNITY RESEARCHERS NEEDED: POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ and we are looking for people to be trained as community researchers. We would particularly like to invite younger people to participate. For more information contact: info@plymouthoctopus.org

22 August 2021

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IGNITE Festival showcases the brilliant work of city’s talented creative students Creative arts students are poised to transform Plymouth into a living gallery this summer in a groundbreaking project combining exhibition with employability.

Thelma and Louise will be screened at Tinside Lido

Plymouth Arts Cinema unveils details of open air screenings Plymouth Arts Cinema has unveiled details of all its open air cinema events in the summer.

There will be a weekend of museum treats at Tavistock Place outside The Box and two weekends at Plymouth’s beautiful Tinside Lido featuring Hollywood classics, cult favourites, screen treasures new and old. There will be archive films and short films, films from the South West and further afield. Tickets for all the events go on sale to the public from the Box Office and via the website from July 13 and advance booking is strongly recommended as these events sell out. Seating will be sociallydistanced, staff will be wearing face coverings, and hand sanitiser will

be available at all screenings. If an event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19, all tickets will be refunded in full. The screenings will go ahead in all but the most severe weather conditions - no refunds will be given in these circumstances. For full details visit the event pages at website: www. plymouthartscinema.org The Box - Tavistock Place All screenings open from 6pm, programme starts 7pm, film starts 7.30pm. July 30 and 31: Ammonite; Aug 1: Bringing Up Baby Tinside Lido All screenings open from 8pm, programme starts 9pm, film starts 9.15pm. Aug 20: Jaws; Aug 21: The Life Aquatic; August 22: Bait; Sept 2: Some Like It Hot; Sept 3: Yesterday; Sept 4: Thelma and Louise

Plymouth Pavilions ice rink to reopen in August

Skaters from Ivy Dean Residential Home enjoying the ice rink

The ice rink at Plymouth Pavilions is to open again on August 27 and it will be a double celebration as September marks the venue’s 30th anniversary. The rink has been closed since March 2020.

Between December and May part of the Rink’s concourse was used for the Pavilions Vaccination Centre and there was a huge feeling of being a meaningful part of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out to the local community. Duty manager Shelby Natkaniec has been with the rink for 11 years, said: “I love the ice rink, we’re so grateful for the hard work that has

gone into maintaining the business over the last year and thrilled to be getting back to work, implementing everything that needs to happen before we open the doors to our wonderful skaters and busy planning an exciting new timetable.” Eager fans will be able to follow the team’s progress behind the scenes setting up the rink after the longest closure in it’s history on their new Instagram account launched in celebration of the reopening at www.instagram.com/ ppicerink/ For the latest news and updates about the rink visit www. plymouthice.co.uk or follow them on social media

The IGNITE Festival of Creativity will use buses and buildings as the blank canvas for artwork created by graduating students at the city’s two biggest creative education institutions – Plymouth College of Art and the University of Plymouth. With the support of major organisations, including Plymouth Citybus, the City Centre Company, Drake Circus and Real Ideas, the festival will run for more than six weeks, using a variety of venues and digital platforms to showcase the work of painters, film-makers, sculptors, designers, and craftmakers among many other disciplines. There will be a strong performing arts presence, supported by Plymouth Conservatoire, with organisations such as the Barbican Theatre scheduling music and performance events around the city, as well as creating opportunities for costume and set design. IGNITE 2021 will also enable businesses and organisations to research and recruit graduates via the IGNITE website, containing hundreds of professional profiles, both enabling the local economy to take advantage of creative talent –

IGNITE is being promoted by Plymouth Citybus

and helping to retain that talent in the region. “The IGNITE Festival of Creativity very much puts a unique spin on the traditional arts degree show,” said Dan Howson, project producer. “It not only brings together the University and Plymouth College of Art in a genuinely collaborative way, but it takes the art of its students into the community: from the sides of buses to Barclays Bank; from shop windows to Sutton Harbour and the waterfront, this will be a city-wide celebration of creativity. And it is allied to an online platform that will connect that creativity with local industry.” It is the third staging of IGNITE, which is supported by Plymouth City Council as part of the iMayflower project, and by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,

who fund the Cultural Development Fund, which is administered by Arts Council England). Organisers have identified a number of locations for artwork to be displayed, along with other activities such as film screenings and live performances. These include the big screen at The Barcode, inside the Market Hall in Devonport and Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard, and in a number of shops in the city centre and within Drake Circus. Artwork is also emblazoned on the sides of public transport thanks to the support of Citybus. Recognition for IGNITE has been growing, and it has been shortlisted in the 2021 HEIST Awards for Best Student Engagement Campaign or Initiative. The event will run until July 19, and for more information, visit: www.ignitefutures.co.uk.

used in comparison to the standard crockery and cutlery used at the Trust, in a randomised controlled trial. Patients staying on the gastroenterology ward will be invited to take part, and will be asked to complete satisfaction surveys after receiving their meals. Their food will also be weighed before and after, in order to measure intake. “Exploring whether the appearance of meals can improve appetite has always been on my agenda,” explains Professor Stephen Lewis, Consultant Gastroenterologist. “We’re really lucky that the catering team here at the Trust are fully engaged and supportive of this study, as we will rely heavily on their support.” This isn’t the only research study being conducted at UHP aimed at improving patient nutrition. Paula explains: “As the Trust celebrates Nutrition and Hydration Week 2021, it’s important to highlight that this isn’t the first study we have conducted about meal consumption. In fact, improving patient nutrition is high on the research agenda, and we are keen to work with all areas within the Trust to assess how we and our colleagues can make a difference.” One of Paula’s most recent studies saw her conduct a prospective audit of the nutritional status of pre-surgical

pancreatic cancer patients, recently published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology. Her results showed that a large number of patients were found to be deficient in vitamin D and zinc, and many had a selenium deficiency, which would have been left untreated due to them being asymptomatic. However, thanks to this early identification, these nutritional issues could be addressed prior to surgery, which ultimately may help to improve patient outcomes. It certainly paves the way for future research in this area. A fellow dietician, Dayvid Rich, also recently conducted a project with elderly patients on the frailty unit at Derriford. The aim was to improve nutritional status and patient outcomes through nutritional assessment and dietary prescriptions. Following individual assessment, patients were provided with a tailored nutritional plan, with outcomes such as weight and hand-grip strength monitored as a result. The pilot project was a success, with the majority of patients improving their wellbeing and reducing complications associated with undernutrition. To find out more about the work of the Research and Development team at UHP please visit: https://www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/research

Derriford team seeks to improve patient nutrition through food presentation

A gastroenterologist and team of dieticians at Derriford Hospital are seeking to find out whether a patient’s appetite can be increased through the presentation of their food, in order to improve inpatient nutrition. In particular, the team are looking at the impact of using different types and colours of cutlery and crockery, and whether this affects the amount of food consumed by patients. “There are lots of pre-conceptions and pre-conceived ideas out there that in general, hospital food is not very appealing to patients,” explains Dr Paula Murphy, Dietician at University Hospitals Plymouth. “However, this is a great opportunity to create the first real evidence-base for this kind of information, rather than purely working from anecdotal perspective. We’re really excited for this chance to prove whether something so simple, such as altering the environmental situation, can encourage our patients to eat more and improve their health and recovery through nourishment.” The team have already conducted the first phase of the study, which involved asking patients to rate images taken of hospital food served on a variety of crockery and with non-standard cutlery. The most popular choice will then be

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Gables in appeal for help to fund surgery for Jack Russell hit by car A three year old Jack Russell Terrier who needs major surgery after being hit by a car has been taken in by Gables Dogs & Cats Home.

Smashed Smartie, as the charity have affectionately named her, suffered a large facial wound, multiple fractures and a dislocation of her right hip in the collision with the car. The charity were asked to take on her care due to the essential, expensive surgery that she now requires. Prior to her arrival at Gables, she was taken to the charity’s contracted vets Filham Park Veterinary Clinic for Smashed Smartie in his crate

life-saving care. Due to the trauma sustained, she was unable to stand on her hind legs but was able to weight bear on her front legs. A hip replacement was attempted but wasn’t possible due to a suspected hip socket fracture, which meant her hip wouldn’t remain in the socket. Her facial wound was cleaned and stitched. To enable her to walk pain-free and salvage the function of her limb, she now needs a femoral head and neck excision– a major hip operation to remove the head of the femur within the hip joint. Smashed Smartie will undergo surgery shortly, when it is hoped she will be stable enough for the procedure to take place. Until then she will be cared for by Gables with pain relief, antibiotics and lots of crate rest, as advised by their vets. The charity will provide the best aftercare for her and hope to be able to afford any physiotherapy that she may need to help with her recovery. They are optimistic

August 2021 23 Smashed Smartie - needs major surgery

that once she is fully recovered she will be able to walk, run and play as she did before the accident and begin the search for her forever home. Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “Smashed Smartie is such a sweet, loving girl who really deserves the best chance at a pain-free life. We are so grateful our vets contacted us for help, as she is only a young dog and we believe she can have a bright future. She is eating well, seems happy in herself and has made lots of friends here at Gables already. We are confident the surgery will be a success and she will go on to make a lovely companion for someone. We really appreciate any help our amazing supporters can give towards her treatment and care.” It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £4,000 for the surgery and aftercare that Smashed Smartie will need. If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care. To help ease Gables financial burden a contribution can be made to ‘Smashed Smartie’s Vet Appeal’, call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ smsmartie2021 to donate online.

Plymouth McDonald’s restaurants join forces to tidy up the area around the River Plym A group of 15 crew members from six McDonald’s restaurants in Plymouth recently teamed up to clean up the area around the embankment and the River Plym Estuary.

An impressive 22 bags of litter were collected as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign. The volunteers, who walked a total of four miles during the litter pick, were split into smaller groups and ensured social distancing rules were followed. All volunteers wore their own PPE and facemasks and all equipment was sanitised before and after the event. McDonald’s franchisee David Wynne, who owns and operates three restaurants in the local area, said: “Like so many fellow community residents, I am a huge admirer of the River Plym and the beauty that surrounds it. “I’m really proud of my team for giving up their time and efforts to do their bit for our neighbours. McDonald’s is committed to fighting litter in our local communities and we are really happy with the difference we made.” McDonald’s crew members have been cleaning up litter dropped in our local communities for over 35 years. Crews across the UK cover a total of 5,000 miles each week on litter patrols – where they collect litter from any origin, not just their own. This equates to 260,000 miles, or the distance from the earth to the moon. McDonald’s is tackling litter in

“Massive thanks ...wonderful job. What had been a dirty and unusable space for the last 10 years, is now light, safe and absolutely HUGE!!” Darren & Jenny

local communities, both by litter picking and reducing the amount of waste its restaurants produce. The brand has been working to make recycling easier over the past four years, and since 2015 has installed over 1,100 new recycling units, meaning it’s easier to separate plastics and cups for recycling in 85% of its restaurants. McDonald’s also collects used oil from its kitchens and turns this into enough biodiesel to fuel more than half of its delivery fleet.

Former Plymstock councillors among five new Aldermen Two long-serving Plymstock councillors who stood down at this May’s local elections and another who once represented Plympton are among five former councillors who have been made Honorary Aldermen at a meeting of Plymouth City Council held in the Guildhall.

Former Conservative Group Leader Kevin Wigens represented Plymstock Dunstone for 32 years and for some of that time was the leader of the council. Mike Leaves was on the council for 21 years and represented Plymstock Radford. They along with former Compton councillor and ex-Lord Mayor Richard Ball are three Conservatives to have been made Honorary Alderman. Labour’s Pete Smith was first elected in Plympton St Mary in 1995 in a rare year when Labour took five of the then six seats

in Plympton, leaving only Joan Stopporton to fly the blue flag in the area. Following his defeat in Plympton St Mary at the next election in 1997 he later stood in Honicknowle in 2000 where he was elected and continued to serve until his defeat in this May’s elections. During his time in office Mr Smith became Labour’s Deputy Group Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council. Ex-councillor Smith along with former Lord Mayor Sam Davey are two Labour members among the five who have been made Honorary Aldermen. The status of Honorary Alderman is usually bestowed on ex-councillors who have served as Lord Mayor or who have given 16 years or more of service as elected representatives on the council. (Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

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24 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Feeling weary? Try tuning in to radio! THE

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience This is my first article in this section for a little while. I looked back and my last one was in 2019. It’s been quite a time since then!

I don’t know about you but I have found myself feeling a little weary recently. COVID and all its challenges do take their toll and I know I’m not alone in feeling a little drained. It’s been great to see the many ways people have risen to the challenges in these days. There have been many stories in the Plymouth Chronicle of local companies and organisations diversifying and figuring out the best ways to adapt to lockdowns and the various COVID protocols. As people we are very adaptable but that doesn’t mean we don’t get worn out. At Cross Rhythms Plymouth we recently received a very encouraging call from a listener. In amongst the conversation he

mentioned to me that he often struggles to sleep but he had found Cross Rhythms Plymouth on his radio, started listening during the night and he had found it really helped him to rest. It’s not the first time we’ve had people share their stories of the way in which the radio content has encouraged them and helped them in their lives. We love to broadcast music with a very real message of hope. It is at times like these that hope can be in short supply so the music seems to be impacting now more than ever. Resting is so important and an often

undervalued part of our lives. Many find it hard to really rest and switch off from their troubles. I’ve heard it said that the problem with going on holiday is that you take yourself with you. Really resting isn’t only about the circumstances you find yourself in. Being really busy all the time isn’t helpful and taking time out does often give a greater opportunity to find rest. However unless something changes inside then you can come back from a holiday and very quickly feel exactly Dave Simpson the same as you did before! It may be that COVID has brought up a lot of fear or possibly

even the memory of past trauma. Finding ourselves so out of control is scary. These feelings will inevitably end up making you feel weary and worn down. What encouraged me so much about that listener’s feedback was that they had clearly heard something on the station that countered whatever was previously stealing their rest and robbing them of good sleep. If you find yourself feeling weary at the moment, try tuning in to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth. You never know you may just find the real rest you need too.

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

POP rewarded for ‘disruptive’ funding Radical efforts to encourage partnership working among community projects in Plymouth have paid off creating a host of new relationships and an injection of tens of thousands of pounds of additional funding to the city. Plymouth Octopus Project - also known as POP - which supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across the city, has been pioneering collaboration rather than competition. As a result, Plymouth now benefits from several unique partnerships supporting a wider variety of people in a wider variety of ways. Additionally, in recognition of POP’s unconventional approach, nearly £80,000 of new money is being invested in the city. POP’s chief executive, Matt Bell says collaboration pays off. He added: “POP ditched the competitive approach which sees individual projects competing for the same pot of money and instead created the Collectives Fund where organisations can learn from working together. It’s more rewarding for everyone.”

So far 12 different projects involving more than 30 organisations have been awarded a total of £27,000 from the Collectives Fund. They include The Bis Sis Girl Empowerment Collective which will equip ‘tweens’ to better understand their bodies and emotions; Digital Inclusion from Borrow Don’t Buy (the library of things) and Timebank to refurbish and hand-out repurposed digital devices and Celebrating STEAM in the South West. “These collaborations being instigated by POP are immensely beneficial to our small organisations. Where there could have been competition for funding we are now in a

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much stronger position, working as a team on a joint project, helping each other; learning together and reaching a wider audience,” added Matt Bell. Significantly, POP’s efforts are attracting interest beyond Plymouth: three national charities have committed money to the city, two for the first time. The Alex Ferry Foundation which supports engineering, manufacturing and shipbuilding communities has pledged £10,000 which will be spent in Devonport while the Blagrave Foundation, which works with young people, wants to invest £20,000 in POP’s unconventional approach. Tess Hibbert, Blagrave’s regional

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partnerships manager said: “We believe the current funding system is broken and we need to think differently. We wanted to come on board with POP as it is modelling a system of funding based on collaboration which puts diversity and inclusion at its heart. We’re really looking forward to learning alongside you!” The third fund, Power to Change, which has been funding projects in the city for five years is investing a further £48,000 to support POP’s work. As Bonnie Hewson, it’s Place Based investment manager says, they want to see more community businesses and projects that provide people who are ‘ageing’ with greater support: “POP is always open to new ways of doing things and we hope that together we can continue to build power and innovation in the community and social enterprise sector. If you are interested in starting an initiative or business that will benefit the community and improve the health and wellbeing of local people, then POP is there to support you.” The POP Collectives Fund has recently increased the maximum amount of funding for projects to £5,000. For more information contact POP at info@plymouthoctopus.org or call 01752 395131.

The Candle Trust is recruiting trustees A Plymouth-based charity is looking for new Trustees. The Candle Trust is a non profit organisation that provides support for autistic adults who have associated learning difficulties. More details of its work can be found at www.facebook.com/ thecandletrustplymouth Trustees are voluntary positions, but out of pocket expenses are covered. If you feel you can help guide The Candle Trust through the next chapter in it’s story and positively impact the Trust, please contact John for more info and a chat on 01752 562026

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26 August 2021

Ground-breaking partnership will provide integrated health and social care for vulnerable A ground-breaking partnership has been launched between Livewell Southwest and University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust to provide integrated health and social care for people who are vulnerable or who have complex health needs.

Plymouth’s Integrated Care Partnership means people across Plymouth and beyond will benefit from more joinedup health and social care. They will be responsible for the delivery of community health, adult social care, mental and learning disability services for adults and older people in Plymouth and the western locality of Devon. The aim of the partnership is to bring health and social care providers together to create a place-based model of care for Plymouth and the local area and build on the work that has already taken place to integrate health and social care. Health and care providers will work to understand and meet the health and care needs of the local population and then design care so the individual is at the centre of a personalised approach. By working together, University Hospital Plymouth Trust (UHP), Livewell South West (LSW) and others, including GPs and the voluntary sector, can build care around the person, supporting them to receive appropriate treatment in the setting that best suits them. This is frequently as close to home as possible. Integrated care will support those who require care from multiple organisations, whether that is the hospital, community services or a GP. It will also ensure those who are frail, vulnerable or have complex health needs have their care managed more seamlessly. The Partnership will help reduce health inequalities and ensure fair and equitable access and outcomes by supporting preventative health. The Integrated Care Partnership is part of a longer journey towards integrated care for local people, which began in 2014 with a vision set out by the Plymouth Health and Wellbeing Board. It also builds on the way local partners have come together to respond to the COVID pandemic. For example, the large vaccination centres at Home Park and Derriford Hospital’s Centre for Wellbeing have been jointly run. Staff from UHP, LSW, NHS Devon, Plymouth City Council and the voluntary sector have worked together to engage with local people to encourage them to take up the COVID-19 vaccine. This is just one of many examples of closer working. The Partnership will continue to work collaboratively with primary care, the voluntary sector and local communities and patients and carers to develop and improve services. Commissioners identified UHP as the preferred provider, with LSW as a subcontractor, for the 10-year contract for integrated care services in June 2021. The contract began on July 1. The start of July will also see the direct management of some community hospital services - community rehabilitation and stroke inpatient beds at Mount Gould Hospital, Tavistock Hospital and South Hams Hospital – transfer from LSW to UHP.

26 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

New development manager appointed to help grow cruise business in Plymouth

Destination Plymouth has announced the appointment of a new cruise business development manager, for the city and the port, Glen Gardner.

The aim of the role is to deliver business development and marketing services to support the growth of cruise visits to Plymouth. Glen brings a wealth of experience with him, having more than 20 years’ experience in the cruise industry including five years working on board. After deciding to work ashore, Glen worked for the worlds’ biggest cruise operator Carnival in Southampton, initially in customer services and later cruise operations. Since then, Glen has worked with a number of organisations including Associated British Ports (ABP) Port of Southampton, where he was appointed Key Account Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, and managed the largest most technologically advanced cruise terminal in the UK. Glen also has worked in Cruise Manager and Guest Port Services Manager roles throughout his career. He said: “I was born and raised in Devon and am delighted to be returning to the area after 20 years away. I’m passionate about the region as well as the cruise industry and look forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map. “Having gained extensive experience in the industry, I’ve identified opportunities for Plymouth to expand its cruise business and can’t wait to work with Destination Plymouth and our partners to see this come to fruition.” Working with key city partners AB Ports, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, which run the city’s Business Improvement Districts, Destination Plymouth has successfully grown the cruise business in the city from zero visits in 2017 to a planned 10 visits in 2021

Glen Gardner ‘looking forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map’

(pre-COVID), bringing over 10,000 passengers to the city spending in excess of £1 million annually. There are ambitious plans for growth, working with key port and wider city partners. Adrian Vinken, chairman of Destination

COVID support grant extended to help Plymouth families over the summer holidays

Plymouth City Council will once again be able to help families entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), and those in hardship, with vouchers to cover the summer holidays.

The council will receive over £871,500 in Government funding to support vulnerable families affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of a national £160 million COVID Local Support Grant (CLSG), a continuation of the COVID Winter Grant Scheme, announced by the Department of Works and Pensions. In order to ensure the same level of financial support is available for the summer holiday that has been offered in previous schemes, the council has made a decision to top up this grant by a further £130,000. The council will begin sending batches of unique food e-voucher codes to city schools from July 16 for them to distribute to all families on their FSM registers and others in hardship. Each code can be used once to redeem vouchers to the value of £90 per child (£15 per week for the six weeks of school holidays) at various supermarkets. Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young

People said: “The fact the Government has provided us with more funding to deliver additional support to vulnerable households over the long Summer holidays is fantastic news. “The last 12 months have been really challenging for low income families, so I’m delighted that we are able to take some of the worry away for them by being able to provide vouchers to help cover cost of feeding their children. “While this is fantastic news for vulnerable families in hardship, we understand that the school holidays can be difficult for families on lower incomes. So I would remind those families who are eligible for Universal Credit that they may be able to claim back up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs.” To find out if you are eligible visit the Government website www.gov.uk/help-withchildcare-costs/universal-credit The Plymouth Online Directory has a list of all the organisations and schemes in the city that are providing support for families struggling to access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food. www. plymouthonlinedirectory.com/covid19/ caringforplymouth/foodshopping/foodbanks

Plymouth said: “Developing Plymouth’s cruise offering is one of the star projects in our Visitor Plan for 2020-2030 and our ambitions include increasing the volume of cruise visits and creating a better welcome for passengers. We’re delighted to be working with Glen to help make this a reality.”

TLC for The Hoe

Improvements to Plymouth Hoe are well underway, with fresh paint, flowers and signs all in time for big events this summer.

The Clock Garden which sits next to Valenti’s on the Hoe Promenade, is the latest part of the waterfront getting some TLC. The formal garden has been landscaped as part of the Mayflower Commemorations, with Old and New World planting to make a more sustainable garden with flowers and foliage blooming all year round. Other improvements to the Hoe have included maintenance to the railings and memorial benches with Shekinah Mission. Over 800 metres of railings will have been repainted by the end of the summer, and so far eight memorial benches have been stripped, painted and varnished. West Hoe Park has also been improved by removing lots of vegetation and replanting the beds at the rear of the park making it much more open and vibrant. Wooden play equipment was installed on the grassed area of the park for children to enjoy. The works have been funded by Mayflower 400.

USEFUL University and Royal Navy agree to join NUMBERS August 2021 27

@PlymChronicle

forces for marine autonomy research Plymouth University and the Royal Navy have joined forces to conduct research and advance understanding around the future potential of marine autonomy unmanned craft.

The partnership will see world-leading academics, in fields including autonomous marine vessels and maritime cyber security, working closely with navy personnel on a range of innovative projects. This will include Project Hecla, established in 2018 to optimise the Navy’s ability to collect and exploit hydrographic and oceanographic information. The University will work with the project team on ways to enhance its feeding back of vital survey information to the UK Hydrographic Office and the Royal Navy. They will also look at harnessing the capabilities of the University’s unique and recently opened £3.2 million Cyber-SHIP Lab, which aims to secure maritime operations through cyber resilience research, tools and training. The partnership was formally launched during a visit to the University by Rear Admiral Andrew Burns, Director Develop of Navy Command, and other senior navy personnel. Hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts, and academic staff from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, they were given a tour of the new Cyber-SHIP Lab and other facilities within the Marine Building. They also visited the waterfront Marine Station, where the University’s own fleet of autonomous marine vessels – including the

Rear Admiral Andrew Burns (far right) pictured with academics from the University of Plymouth and officials from the Royal Navy in the Cyber-SHIP Lab (Credit University of Plymouth)

Nadia Millinship, a single parent of two children, founded Club Kombat in 2018. Originally solely based at Revolution in Derry’s Cross, a venue Nadia chose because of its accessibility for people with disabilities, Club Kombat combines kickboxing and mixed martial arts to create a high intensity, unique fitness workout. Each cardio interval – packed full of ‘Kombat’ moves – is followed by a strength training exercise to tone and build the entire body. Under Nadia’s model, the venue is utilised with groups at different stations around the space, as instructors move through each group to support and coach each exercise safely and efficiently. Whistles are used over the music to alert everyone about the change, and visual cues allow everyone to be able to look and follow the movements. The sessions, which include regular appearances from DJs, have been a real hit. “I wanted to set up a business where people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds would be able to take part in a fitness class with a mix of kickboxing and combat moves to give a full body workout,” said Nadia, who has recently completed her Masters’ degree in Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice, specialising in embedded diversity in fitness, at City College Plymouth. “I did not want it to be just another fitness class as it was important to me that I broke down barriers to enable people from all backgrounds and situations to be able to benefit from better health and a more positive mindset as part of a wider inclusive community.”

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uncrewed surface vehicle USV CETUS – is based. Professor Petts said: “The University is delighted to formalise our partnership with the Royal Navy in the crucial area of marine and maritime autonomy research and innovation. This will capitalise on our internationally leading position in this broad field, our nationally unique on-campus facilities, our partnerships in Plymouth and the wider south-west in particular, and the significant demonstration and testing opportunities in Plymouth Sound.”

The University of Plymouth was recently named the leading university in the world for marine research and teaching and this is enhanced by several significant partnerships with international marine and maritime organisations. Rear Admiral Andrew Burns said: “I am delighted that this long-running partnership is being deepened further in the area of maritime autonomy. It is one of the technologies the Royal Navy is adopting to maintain its operational advantage in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Award-winning Plymouth entrepreneur Nadia bounces back with plans to expand Club Kombat A Plymouth entrepreneur who set up a completely new fitness experience, underpinned by her commitment to diversity and inclusion, has described how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a ‘rollercoaster of emotions’ as her business finally emerges from lockdown restrictions.

Emergency Numbers

Nadia Millinship

Nadia made steady progress in her first 18 months, hosting fitness classes every Wednesday evening and building her Facebook community, and was even awarded a Diversity Business Incubator Champion Award in January 2020. However, with COVID-19 restrictions in place and the Revolution venue being temporarily closed, she adapted quickly to take her fitness offering online and host her classes from her back garden. “Such an exceptional event forced me to pivot and make swift decisions to ensure that my offering remained relevant and to keep my business afloat,” Nadia explained. “This meant a change to how I structure my working week and also consider how my children could also feature positively in my content to demonstrate the role of fitness in improving physical and mental health for all the family.

“Ironically, however, the move online has got me closer to the digital delivery model that I previously had in mind because it enables anyone to access my classes, including those who have no childcare support. I have also had people on my online classes who have been recovering from COVID-19.” Through this difficult period, Nadia has been supported by YTKO’s GrowSmart programme, a national online learning platform giving SMEs the knowledge, skills and insight to scale up their businesses, teaching practical ways to reach markets and increase sales and profitability, as well as maintaining and improving productivity, equivalent to an intensive two-week course. “This has forced me to focus more and prioritise the activities that will monetise quickly and also be even more entrepreneurial in my approach,” Nadia said. “But you also need to keep calm and carry on at times like this. By believing in yourself you can get through this – remember why you started it in the first place.” With lockdown restrictions slowly being lifted, Nadia plans to resume her classes at Revolution as well as continuing her online provision. “I would like to see Club Kombat go from strength to strength within this online platform, as well as building my new Nadia K Coaching brand,” she added. “My aim is to continue online and create more opportunities for instructors to join my platform, offering more options for people especially those who are underrepresented. I will also be running events in the nightclubs, starting in Plymouth but with a plan to recruit ambassadors in different areas, bringing members of the community together through fitness. “ I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and have had to remain positive and resilient with the hope that all my efforts will pay off. But I am feeling excited about what lies ahead.”

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

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

28 August 2021

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The Box to host European premiere of Advertise to over award-winning Australian exhibition 21,000 The Box has announced that it will host the European premiere of the National Museum of Australia’s award-winning exhibition ‘Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters’ from October 21 this year to February 27 2022.

Featuring over 300 paintings and objects by more than 100 artists, this is the first time the exhibition has been seen outside Australia. It has attracted over 400,000 visitors to date while in Canberra and Perth. Entirely conceived and curated by a team of First Australians, led by Margo Neale, senior indigenous curator at the National Museum of Australia and custodial elders from across the Central and Western Deserts of Australia, it expertly combines state-of-the art exhibition and display technologies with art, song and dance in order to share ancient stories from the world’s oldest continuing culture. Plymouth’s close ties with Australia go back centuries as a point of departure and mass migration from the UK. Songlines’ timely arrival at The Box comes as societies in the UK, Australia and across the world grasp the urgent need to reflect and embrace cultural diversity and re-evaluate the relationship with each other, the environment, and the planet as a whole. Songlines takes visitors on an epic journey that traverses three states, three deserts and some 500,000 square kilometres. The highly immersive exhibition travels from west to east using the power of contemporary art, performance and song to re-animate traditional stories, photography, multimedia and the world’s highest-resolution seven-metre-wide travelling dome.

homes in Plympton and Plymstock

The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines

The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines, including the remote Cave Hill site in South Australia – home to the only known Seven Sisters rock art in the world – as well as showing animated artworks and their relationship to the stars and constellations. Nigel Hurst, contemporary arts consultant at The Box, said: “With ceramics, paintings, sculpture, installation and film by Aboriginal people, this award-winning, immersive exhibition from the National Museum of Australia will provide a

unique platform for us to celebrate the arts and cultural life of First Australians, with points of connection linked to Australia’s and the UK’s shared successes and challenges over the last 250 years. “Songlines will provide a wonderful and timely opportunity to bring the rich culture of First Australians to life for UK and Plymouth audiences, and acknowledge both our historic debt and the rich, complex societies that have emerged in the UK and Australia as a result of migration.” For more details visit www.thepboxplymouth.com

Eye-catching sculpture for Tavistock Place

A colourful and eye-catching sculpture created by an internationally renowned artist has been commissioned by The Box as one of the highlights of its summer programme.

The sculpture by London-based Camilla Walala will be on public display outside Visual impression of the The Box in Tavistock Place from July 15 sculpture by George Proud until September 5. of Omni Visual. The installation entitled ‘Putting Things in Perspective’ will be 20 feet in length, around seven feet high and eight feet wide. The commission, which is curated by AlterProjects, is part of The Box’s inaugural ‘Making It’ exhibition which explores the labour-intensive process of creating new works of art from raw materials. Made from marine plywood, the piece is an energetic blend of contrasting forms, vivid colours, soft lines and organic patterns. Judith Robinson, arts programmes manager at The Box said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Alter-Projects and Camille Walala on this exciting addition to ‘Making It’ and our summer programme. “Postponing our launch from May to September 2020 due to COVID-19 meant we missed the opportunity to create a programme for Tavistock Place last year, so we really want to make the most of 2021.

“Camille’s bold and distinctive style will have real impact in the space and will provide visitors to The Box and everyone who passes through the square with a striking and uplifting work of art to engage with and enjoy.” Artist Camille Walala said: “Being commissioned for The Box to create a public artwork was an incredible opportunity to push my work in a new direction. After the intensity of the last year, I find myself more attracted to softer lines, drawn by hand. I want them to be slightly imperfect. “This year has been a good lesson of letting go. In the last few months I have really enjoyed spending time painting and experimenting with colours. Taking the time to find the right tone of each colour was really joyful and satisfying.” Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “It will be wonderful to see Tavistock Place brought to life by this prestigious work of art and the many other activities The Box is planning. Camille Walala has designed a striking installation that will inject colour and energy into the city’s newest public square and bring a feeling of much-needed fun and enjoyment over the summer months.” For details about other summer activities visit www.theboxplymouth.com

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe. The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on August 6 with a copy deadline of July 26. 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. If you have an event listing, interesting story or news item you think would be suitable for the Chronicle, please send an email to info@ cornerstonevision.com. We welcome submissions, but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

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Chronicle Plymouth

August 2021

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

Little Ruby Leigh has a wonderful new sensory garden - thanks to the community spirt of Sherford See Page 14

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Plympton & Plymstock

Plympton landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6

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Action stations! The Great Britain team will be battling for victory when the spectacular SailGP event takes place in Plymouth 18. Tens of thousands of spectators on July 17 and are expected to watch the action along with a global TV and internet audience of millions • See story on page 13

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