Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock December 2022 by Cornerstone Vision

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December 2022

# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER Plymouth’s popular Christmas Market returns to the city centre from December 1 to December 18 offering open air food and drink and a host of artisan gift stalls

Plympton &Plymstock Santa will be the special guest at the Barbican Lights Switch-on on November 19 when there will also be free activities and entertainment from 12 noon onwards

Christmas sparklers! Plymouth is all set for a fantastic festive season with a host of activities, special events and dazzling displays in the city centre, the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront. Full details can be found in the special eight-page pull-out supplement in this edition.

Photo: One Plymouth

@PlymChronicle

2 December 2022

Get vaccinated and protect yourself and the NHS this winter People who are most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19 are being encouraged to book their autumn booster vaccines.

Having the COVID-19 autumn booster and seasonal flu vaccines will help to protect you from becoming seriously ill, which in turn will reduce pressure on the NHS during what is expected to be a very challenging winter. If you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine, it’s likely you can get the coronavirus (COVID-19) seasonal booster. Getting both vaccines is important because: • more people are likely to get flu this winter • you’re more likely to be seriously ill if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time It’s safe to have both vaccines at the same time, but you

need to book them separately. COVID-19 rates are currently rising, with the latest ONS Infection Survey showing that around one in 35 people now has the virus. The number of positive tests reported in Plymouth is also increasing, though this data only reflects a proportion of those who have COVID-19. Clinics offering the latest COVID-19 vaccine are being held at Home Park as well as other locations around Plymouth. As with previous doses, those most at risk from serious illness are being called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose.

WHO CAN HAVE THE NHS FLU VACCINE

The flu vaccine is currently being given free to adults who: • are 50 years old and over

• have certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, as well as people who have a learning disability • are pregnant • are in long-stay residential care • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis • are frontline health or social care workers. All primary school and some secondary school children are eligible for the flu nasal spray this year, which is

usually given at school. GP surgeries are also inviting children aged two and three years old (age on 31 August) for their nasal spray vaccination at their practices. Where can I get the NHS flu vaccine? If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS. You may also receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment. Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it. GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches throughout the flu season. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book one for when more vaccines are available.

WHO CAN HAVE THE SEASONAL COVID-19 BOOSTER You can have your seasonal booster (autumn booster) if it’s been at least three months since you had your previous dose.

At the moment, those being prioritised for autumn booster of the COVID-19 vaccine include people who are: • aged 50 and over (initially the vaccine is being offered to over 65’s) • pregnant • aged five and over and at high risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system • aged five and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system • aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid • living or working in a care home for older people • a frontline health and social care worker Other people, including those aged 50 to 64 years old who are not at higher risk, will be able to get the booster

jab later in the autumn. If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible. If you have a severely weakened immune system you should get an additional primary dose before you get a booster. If you have COVID-19, or symptoms but have not had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better before you get the vaccine. You should ideally wait four weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 or over or 12 weeks (84 days) if you are aged five to 17 years old. This starts from the date your symptoms started or from the date of a positive test, whichever was earlier. How to get a seasonal booster Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site online at nhs.uk. You can also book an appointment by calling 119.

Do you care for someone?

When caring for someone, you may worry about what would happen if you suddenly became ill. How would you cope? What impact would this have on the person you care for?

Flu can force people to take to their bed for several days, and if the infection coincides with COVID-19 it can be life threatening, so as a carer, it would be extremely difficult for you to continue to look after someone else. If you’re receiving Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person who may be put at risk if you became ill, you are eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS and the COVID-19 autumn booster. Please get them as soon as you are offered as they are vital to protect yourself and those you care for. Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site. Speak to your GP or pharmacy about your NHS flu vaccine. Caring for Carers are holding a free Carers Rights Day event on Friday 25 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 11am to 2pm. There will be a COVID-19 vaccination stand for anyone attending to get their vaccinations or talk to a health professional about any concerns they may have. If anything is stopping you from getting your vaccination, such as transport or support for your loved one while you are at your appointment, please call Caring for Carers on 01752 201890 or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk for further advice.

Are you a frontline health or social care worker?

It’s important that people working in the frontline roles come forward for their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations at the earliest opportunity, to protect themselves and those they care for. The sector is facing a busy winter with a severe flu season predicted and COVID-19 still in circulation, and case numbers starting to rise again, so it is more important than ever that health and social care workers stay fit and healthy and protect themselves from illness. So please, book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online and speak to your GP or local pharmacy about getting your NHS flu vaccine.

HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON WINTER HEALTH PROBLEMS It’s that time of year when we are more likely to pick up coughs and nasty bugs. If you are feeling poorly, here’s the NHS advice on common winter health problems. Coughs There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough. If you have a bad cough you should: • rest • drink plenty of fluids • try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities You can ask a pharmacist about: • cough syrup • cough medicine (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12) • cough sweets These will not stop your cough, but may help you cough less. Decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine will not stop your cough.

Norovirus

The main symptoms of norovirus are: • feeling sick (nausea) • diarrhoea • being sick (vomiting) You may also have: • a high temperature • a headache • aching arms and legs The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected. You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. It is important to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. Do not visit hospitals or care homes. Norovirus can spread very easily. You can catch norovirus from: • close contact with someone with norovirus and touching surfaces with the virus on them and touching your mouth • eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading.

Flu

Symptoms come on quickly and can include: • a sudden high temperature • an aching body • feeling tired or exhausted • a dry cough • a sore throat • a headache • loss of appetite • diarrhoea or tummy pain • feeling sick and being sick Children can also get pain in their ear and appear less active. If you have flu symptoms: • rest and sleep • keep warm • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains • drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear) A pharmacist can give treatment advice. To reduce the risk of spreading flu wash your hands often, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues, try and stay at home and avoid contact with others.

Do you look after someone? Join Caring for Carers Plymouth at our Carers Rights Day Information Event When: Friday 25 November Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, PL12HJ Time: 11am – 2pm We will be joined by a host of organisations across Plymouth who can offer support and services to carers. There will be live demonstrations and services available to access on the day. Booking is not required and we look forward to seeing you there. For further information call 01752 201890 or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

Carers Rights Day ......

@PlymChronicle

December 2022 3

Warrior Women smashed it to raise £20,000 for Trevi More than 250 walkers took part in Trevi’s Warrior Women’s Walk in October, raising more than £20,000 for the Plymouth based charity. They smashed it!

Many women who walked have been affected by trauma and abuse, whether personally or through a loved one; and all are eager to see a future without violence against women and girls and women. Hayley Dann, Trevi fundraising and marketing lead said: “We hoped this walk would bring together strong, courageous women and it did just that. We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the women who took part in this year’s walk. “It was awesome and very emotional to see so many women joining in the fun with their friends and having such an amazing time! We have had so many lovely comments about the event. “We’re thrilled to have raised over £20,000 – a fantastic achievement especially given the tough times we are all experiencing at the moment. “We would like to say a special thank you to all those who have supported our walkers though sponsorship and donations. We still have so much coming in that the total is sure to rise, which is fantastic!” Starting and finishing at the Burrator Reservoir Discovery Centre, the women walked the ten-kilometre route around the reservoir and towards Sheepstor, taking in some of the most stunning scenery that Dartmoor has to offer. Along the way they had a few fun activities to join in with including a camo make up selfie station, army style cargo net and activity course – all adding to the comradery of the ladies. Jodie joined her eight team members, the Rose Ramblers, for the walk and said:”Working for a Women’s Veteran Group I think the support women can give each other is amazing, this was a great opportunity to do just that. The Warrior Women’s Walk was powerful in giving myself and my training group not only time to problem solve but a protected and safe, women’s only space and this was really strong.’ Lindsay joined by her mum, Tracy who had travelled all the way from Cardiff for the walk, said: “Taking part in the warrior walk was incredibly inspiring. To see women supporting women left me with a

Plymouth Lions Club has appealed for help to maintain its involvement with the city’s daily Soup Run.

The Lions Club is one of the groups which organises and pays for the Soup Run for the city’s homeless every evening. Although the name ‘Soup Run’ conjures up images of just soup and a ladle, this is no longer the case. Nowadays it consists of collecting and preparing food to meet the present day standards of hygiene with acceptable up-to-date foodstuffs purchased from various food outlets at the best possible price and after preparation, distributing to the various sites in and around Plymouth. Lion George Poad said: “It is getting harder to raise the money to cover the costs involved for this, whilst endeavouring to

sense of pride knowing that I was just a small part of the journey. “It showed that no women are ever alone in a battle, there is always someone to have your back. Whether it was holding a stranger’s hand as they jumped over a puddle or giving that little bit of encouragement to someone who needed that boost. That’s exactly what Trevi achieved with this walk and I for one cannot wait until next year.” At a time when domestic abuse, addiction and mental ill health are all rising it is really important for Trevi to be able to increase the reach and effectiveness of their services to those

women in need. Many women do not seek help early enough, and they want to ensure these vulnerable women have someone to turn to. The money raised from the walk will help support women fleeing domestic abuse, helping her to move to a safe place, and begin to heal from abuse and trauma. Trevi supports women whatever their journey from rehab and health to housing and employment, they help any woman in recovery move from ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving’. Hannah Shead, Trevi CEO said: “Sometimes we can think that issues around domestic abuse, mental health or addiction happen somewhere else, but actually it’s in our community and in all our lives. To see the support for this event really reflects that. The money raised here today will help transform the lives of women in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.” This year the Warrior Womens Walk was sponsored by Feed Move Live in Plymouth as well as many other community-based organisations and businesses. Trevi hope this will be the first of many more Warrior Women’s Walks. They already have plans to be back bigger and better next year when the charity will be celebrating 30 years of supporting women and their children affected by domestic abuse since the charity was established in 1993.

Lions Club in Soup Run appeal continue to support all of the other local charitable cases and local charitable organisations. “We are therefore looking for sponsors, food donations, or money to help us to continue with this much needed work for an ever increasing number of homeless people in Plymouth. All donations or offers of help will be very much appreciated.” Anyone who can help support the work of the Lions Club on the Soup Run should contact George on 01752 491444.

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

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

with food and drinks available. Santa will be there for the children and the the Elburton Village Christmas lights will be switched on at the event. Carol Service Dec 7 In the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Entry £6. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Remembrance Festival Nov 11 Presented by the Federation of Plymouth & District Ex Services Associations at Plymouth Guildhall at 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Featuring The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth and Drumhead Service, Ocean City Sounds Chorus, Plymouth Military Wives Choir, Plymouth Pipe Band and Montpelier School Choir. Tickets from ticketstore.co.uk Broadway Showstoppers Nov 11 to 13 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present their three date tour following last year’s sell out sales. This musical concert features top class performers from one of Plymouth’s longest running societies. Broadway Showstoppers showcases hits from past and present respectively at St Boniface’s College, Boniface Lane PL7 3AG; Elburton Methodist Church, Springfield Rd PL9 8PR and Plymstock School, Church Road PL9 9AZ. Book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sounds Seasonal Concert Nov 12 South West Chamber Choir, musical director Stephen Trehair, present Just As the Tide Was Flowing at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke at 4pm. Tickets at www.trybooking.co.uk or on the door. Christmas Pudding Tasting Nov 12 Hooe Baptist Church, Hooe Road are holding a Christmas Pudding tasting evening from 7pm. Tickets £5 per person with family tickets available. More details and booking (essential) from 07818408447 or via church’s Facebook page. Go along and discover your favourite Christmas pudding. Christmas Table Top Sale and Bazaar Nov 12 and Dec 10 In the hall of The Church of The Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Lots of goodies available for Christmas. Tables available (pre book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383. Anniversary Ball Nov 12 Plymouth Samaritans will be holding their 50th Anniversary Ball at the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth. The evening will feature welcome drinks to a live band - the Smooth Jazz Combo, a quality three course meal, dancing to the Fabulous Swing Kings, a bumper raffle and an auction. The auction will include signed pieces from Adele, Ed Sheehan, Daniel Craig and Mo Salah among other dazzling items. Tickets for the Ball are £55 per head and can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com The Post Mortem Live Nov 14 to Nov 17 The Post Mortem Live arrives at Plymouth Guildhall with six live shows offering attendees the chance to solve a murder working with award winning human anatomist Sam Piri in this four-hour long experience. Tickets from £35. For details visit www. thepostmortemlive.co.uk Annual meeting Nov 16 Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion at The Club, Market Road, Plympton at 7pm. Membership cards to be brought to vote. World Aids Day Nov 17 Light lunch and speakers at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 12 noon. Free entry, donations welcome. Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 17 The official kick off for the Plymouth’s Christmas holiday calendar, also marking the start of festive late-night shopping every Thursday night in the lead up to Christmas. The switch on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm and there willbe an exciting

Annual meeting Dec 7 The Royal British Legion Plympton & District Club, 41 Market Road, Plympton will hold its AGM from 7pm. Meeting will include taking a Vote on the Adoption of Rules RBLC (England/Wales Co-op) Model Rules 2019v2. Members to please bring their membership card.

Plymouth ‘s Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on November 17 programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on stage in the Piazza from 4pm. Enjoy live music, with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs. Annual Christmas Fair Nov 18 and 19 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke from 11am to 3.15pm. Variety of sseaonal stalls and refreshments. Free admission. Grand Christmas Fair Nov 19 Plymouth Highbury Trust, Outland Road from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Harry Potter stall, cakes, refreshments, crafts, tombola and raffle. Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair Nov 19 Locally made arts and crafts fair at the Community Climate Centre, 67 New George Street, Plymouth from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Refreshments available and midday guitar concert. Free entrance. Barbican Lights Switch On Nov 19 An afternoon of festive fun in the Barbican and Sutton Harbour from 12 noon to 6pm. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he has arrived from across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the local choirs as they perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainment and rides to have a go on, plus a selection of stalls selling some delicious Christmas treats. Look out for festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting the special guests who will be switching on the awesome sparkly Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm. Craft Fair Nov 20 Plymouth Telecom Sports and Social Club, Manadon from 11am to 3pm. Seasonal goods for Christmas and other gifts, refreshments available. Tables still available for homemade crafts at £5. Call 07597 850419 for details. Crownhill Lights Switch On Nov 25 Organised by the Crownhill Village Community Network Group, the event starts with entertainment on stage from 5pm till around 8pm, with the lights being switched on by members of Cann Bridge School signing group at 6.30pm. Market stalls, music, etc. Raffle drawn at 7pm. Tickets from Forever Flowers, Morshead Road, Crownhill.

refreshments, stalls including home grown produce, preserves, recycled gifts, tombola, books and cake stall. Christmas Fayre Nov 26 Popular annual event at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm with many stalls present. Christmas Holly Wreath Sale From Dec 1 Christmas Holly Wreaths on sale at Ford Park Cemetery, Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm. Cost: £8 posy, £15 wreath, £25 larger wreath, £30 Cross. £1 for placement on a grave if required. Forms available in the office at Ford Park with the number of wreaths required, the date to be collected, the grave location if it needs to be placed with the name on the headstone, along with name and contact number. All proceeds for the upkeep of the cemetery. Christmas Concert Dec 3 Phoenix Chorale is holding its annual Christmas concert in St Peter’s Church in Stonehouse at 7.30pm. The exciting programme of music features three triumphant choral anthems by Handel, including Zadok the Priest, and is contrasted by a collection of songs by contemporary composers, among them Rutter, Whitacre, MacMillan and Billy Joel. Mulled wine and mince pies are available and there will be a Luxury Hamper raffle. Tickets £12 in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk or £14 on the door, under 18s free.

Christmas Celebration Dec 9 and 10 The Down Thomas Singers are holding a two-night candle-lit celebration of Christmas Music and Carols at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 each with a hot drink and mince pie included. The charity being supported is HUGS which helps families, in the PL postcode area, whose children suffer from rare cancers. Tickets from 01752 299204. Christmas Raffle Dec 10 Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm. The Christmas Mouse Dec 15 to 24 Soapbox Children’s Theatre present a delightful Christmas show at their Devonport Park theatre. A special seasonal treat for eight year olds and under and their big people. With stunning puppets, this is a Christmas story sure to make memories and warm little hearts. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/soapboxchildrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/ Winter Gold Christmas Concert Dec 16 South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII presents an evening of beautiful choral music in the fabulous setting of St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The concert features one of J S Bach’s Christmas Cantatas Gloria in Excelsis Deo and is followed by a contrasting collection of contemporary festive songs. Mulled wine and mince pies available. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk Christmas Concert Dec 16 and 17 Presented by Plymouth Musical Activities Club at Devonport Playhouse at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 now on sale. Call or text Carol Rowntree on 07926 029268.

Music for Advent & Christmas Dec 3 Seasonal music by Bach, Chilcott, Palestrina performed by West Devon Chorale at Minster Church of St Andrew in Plymouth at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from 01752 776479.

Christmas Express Trains Various dates

Christmas Concert Dec 3 The Music of the Night Choral Foundation celebrate their 10th anniversary with a Christmas concert entitled ‘Tis the Season’ at Pennycross Methodist Church, Beauchamp Road, Peverell at 2.30pm. The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor and their consorts will be attending. Tickets available from 07860 354290, on the door and from choir members.

The Snowcat at Yuletide Dec 17 to 24 Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park invite you to join them on this Christmas adventure. With incredible puppets, magical characters and a fantastic soundtrack, our winter season show will take you on a journey unlike any other. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/ soapbox-childrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/

Christmas Fayre Nov 26 St Boniface Church, Percy Street, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. There will be cakes, bottles and tins, Christmas tombola, gifts galore, chocolate tombola, refreshments and a grand draw. Admission 20p.

Christmas Fair Dec 3 St Francis Church, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Various stalls, turkey sandwiches and refreshments. Father Christmas will arrive at 1pm bringing gifts for the children.

Christmas Fayre Nov 26 At Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be light

Christmas Fair Dec 3 Organised by Elburton Residents’ Association at Elburton Village Hall from 3pm. Lots of stalls to browse

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

Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 18 Featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at7.30pm. Tickets and details www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

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

The next Plymouth Symphony Orchestra live concerts are at Plymouth Guildhall on November 23 at 7.30pm and the Public Hall, Liskeard, November 20 at 5.30pm. The opening work of the varied programme is the cheerful and lighthearted Karelia Overture by Sibelius. It features beautiful bold themes as well as references to the better-known Intermezzo. This is followed, in great contrast, by Wagner’s moving and mystical Siegfried’s Death and Funeral March from Gotterdammerung, which was the last in Wagner’s cycle of his four music dramas, The Ring. Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov joins the orchestra for the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor (Plymouth concert only). This is one of Grieg’s most popular and wellknown works and although it was strongly influenced by Schumann’s Piano Concerto it is also rich in Norwegian character. Ivanov has performed at festivals around the world, as well as playing with leading orchestras in Bulgaria and Italy. This talented young pianist has won many prizes, including being awarded first prize in the Busoni International Piano Competition in Italy in 2019. Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances (Liskeard concert only) are a series of popular orchestral pieces, which were originally written for piano duet. Although these were modelled on Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, an important difference is that he didn’t actually use Slavic folk melodies and instead used their characteristic rhythms to create the Slavonic flavour. The final work, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, was inspired by the loss of his artist friend Hartmann. This had a deep effect on Mussorgsky and an exhibition of Hartmann’s pictures inspired this work, original composed for piano. Maurice Ravel’s colourful and dynamic orchestral arrangement has ensured the work’s enduring popularity in the orchestral repertoire. For ticket information please visit www. plymouthsymphony.co.uk

@PlymChronicle

6 December 2022

Top chef award for Joe Talented chefs and home cooks have been recognised in the region’s most prestigious chef contest, with one of the winners from Plymouth.

The South West Chef of the Year competition, which was founded by renowned chef Michael Caines returned after a two-year break enforced by the pandemic. The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony in Exeter providing some light in what has been a challenging time for the industry. The competition was established 19 years ago and is the only culinary competition in the UK that recognises professional chefs, student chefs, junior cooks and home cooks. It is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading culinary competitions. There was success for Joe Cotton,

Boringdon Hall’s Joe Cotton at work and (below) receiving his award from Àclèaf, at Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plympton, who won the Professional Chef award, which is

presented to a person of any age working as a sous or pastry chef or above. Meanwhile Dylan Evered, from The Sardine Factory in Looe and City College Plymouth won the award for Student/Apprentice chef for 16 to 19-year-olds. The competition provides a platform for the region’s young chefs to build their profiles and an opportunity for the industry to promote the high standards of hospitality in the region. The competition aims to recognise the skill and creativity of professional chefs and amateur cooks; nurture upand-coming professional and student

chefs and provide a platform from which competitors can highlight their skills and develop their careers. It also works with schools, supporting students to develop culinary skills and an interest in food and cooking, and to inspire those considering a career in catering. Michael Caines, joint founder and head judge of the competition, congratulated the winners. He said: “The standard of dishes from our participants was exceptionally high, demonstrating the very talented chefs we have here in the south west. “After a two-year break, it was incredibly rewarding to see the sheer talent on show from the competitors. We’re looking forward to see how their careers develop in the future.” Michael added: “This event is vital in showcasing our incredible industry, of which we are all so passionate. However, we face some very significant challenges; a combination of issues has created a serious shortage of labour and this has been further compounded by rising energy and other costs. “Although this competition cannot solve all of those problems, it does offer an opportunity for the industry to promote the high standards of hospitality in the region and a platform for the region’s young chefs to build their profiles.” For more information visit www. southwestchef.co.uk/

Mindful Art Club launches new session for people with special needs

The Mindful Art Club has a new offering in Plympton specifically for clients with learning, physical and sensory disabilities to attend with their own individual support worker.

The new sessions take place on Thursday afternoons at The Rees Wellbeing Hub in Mudge Way when Mindful Art’s two facilitators offer an hour and a half mindful art session. They begin with a ‘check-in.’ This provides a chance for each participant to briefly say how they are feeling, although there is no obligation to talk if they don’t want to. The check in is followed by five minutes of guided mindfulness, where the focus is on relaxing in the present moment. Then participants can try mindful drawing, which is drawing with eyes closed, for five minutes! This allows a focus on the feeling of the pen against the paper, instead of aiming for any specific artistic result. The majority of the session is then spent on a simple art project such as drawing with felt tip pens, or making a collage, which also offers an opportunity to chat and relax. At the end of the session each participant gets a chance to talk about their art work and say how they are feeling. For more details and to book a slot go to mindfulartclub.co.uk/plympton-supported-artsessions (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Has your letter or parcel been delivered? With Christmas around the corner, more of us will want to purchase presents online or deliver presents to our loved ones through the post. The holiday season is the busiest time for parcel deliveries, and therefore there’s a risk that something can go wrong with your delivery. Do you know what to do? Our shopping habits changed during the pandemic. Since then, shopping online has become the norm for many of us. According to the ONS, we’re still spending more on online shopping than before the pandemic. Moreover, Statista portal reveals that in 2020/21, parcel deliveries have increased by over 1.3 billion, with approx. 4.2 billion parcels being sent. Sometimes, it can be quite difficult to resolve parcel delivery issues. Knowing what to do can

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save you from additional stress and anxiety. Your rights will depend on which company you shopped with and/or who was used for the delivery.

Make sure you know whether you’re dealing with a trader or a private seller, as it affects your rights.

Check the trader is genuine. Reviews help you find out how reliable the company is and how they deal with complaints and refunds.

A. If you have bought items from a business to be delivered, e.g. Amazon or Asos, etc. In many cases, you should officially contact the retailer, not the parcel company. Where the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier to find out what’s happened to your order – it’s not your responsibility. If the seller claims they’ve delivered it or don’t know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. In some circumstances you might be able to get a refund. Before you decide to do your Christmas shopping online: 1.

Find out what the delivery times, costs and return policies are for your purchase.

If your parcel goes missing, speak to the trader to deal with the problem, not the courier company.

B. If you have sent a parcel through the Royal Mail Sometimes, your Royal Mail letters or parcels might arrive damaged, lost, or delayed. If this is a case, you might be able to claim compensation. What you can do depends on how the item was sent and what the problem is.

You can only get compensation from Royal Mail if the item was posted in the UK and sent using a Royal Mail service, e.g. Post Office. There are different rules depending on if the item was damaged, delayed or lost in the post. You can read more about your rights on Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice. org.uk/consumer/post/if-youthink-your-post-is-lost. If you would like to make a claim for compensation, you can do it by either completing an online form on Royal Mail’s website, or filling in a paper form and posting to Royal Mail. How much you get depends on what happened to the item.

If you bought something online, over the phone or in a shop and the item was shipped by Royal Mail, you should try to contact the seller.

www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk

It’s worth noting that Royal Mail deliveries have recently been disturbed by strikes. Here’s what you can do to avoid delays: •

Send your post early if you can – this is the easiest way to avoid delays.

•

Check Royal Mail’s up-todate information on their website.

•

Always make sure to get (and keep) your proof of posting – it is easier to sort out if you have a proof of posting.

If you need more information on your consumer rights Citizens Advice is here to help. Visit www.citizensadvice. org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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

Do you look after someone? Join Caring for Carers Plymouth at our Carers Rights Day Information Event! Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, PL12HJ When: Friday 25th November, 11am - 2pm

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Delivering the Plymouth Chronicle every month is an important and valued job, achieved by our fantastic and varied team across Plymouth. Deliver papers, keep ﬁt and earn money!

When you are caring for someone, having the right information at the right time can make HUGE difference. Caring for Carers are hosting a FREE event for carers to offer the chance to find out about services and organisations that can support them. There will be an array of information stands, and this year we are incorporating a vision zone section where there will be stands offering demonstrations and information specifically related to sensory needs including: Optelec (magnifiers and low vision aids) Dolphin (computer software) Blind Veterans & Regional Macula Society There will also be an opportunity for people to have their NHS hearing aids serviced as well as the chance to speak with someone about various assistive technology.

For further information call 01752 201890 Or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

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@PlymChronicle Household Support Fund is set to help Plymouth residents during this winter Plymouth City Council will help residents with the rising costs of living this winter by distributing £2.29 million from the Government’s Household Support Fund. The funding will support low-income households including families and single adults, people with disabilities and people at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. Nearly £1 million of the funding will be used to help families cover the cost of meals over the school holidays until Easter 2023. Families with children that are eligible for free school meals will receive vouchers to the value of £13 per child, per week, which can be redeemed at various supermarkets. Vouchers have already been distributed for the October half term and will also be given out during the upcoming Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays. Council Leader Richard Bingley said: “We know that the rising costs of living and the long-term effects of the pandemic mean that many people living in Plymouth will be worried as we approach winter. “The Household Support Fund is a vital resource and I’m delighted that it’s given us the means to provide additional support to our residents that are most in need, helping with food and energy costs over the coming months.” The council is also partnering with Plymouth Energy Community and Citizens Advice Plymouth to provide help with energy bills in the form of grants, plumbing and heating repairs, and the provision of goods and appliances that help to save energy, such as electric blankets, slow cookers and microwaves. Funding will also be given to local voluntary sector organisations who work directly with vulnerable Plymouth residents and to food aid organisations to develop a sustainable food supply model. This would mean less focus on emergency aid and more offers such as community larders and cookery lessons. Funding will also be available for venues to provide warm, welcoming spaces across the city this winter, providing a safe, heated environment for people to spend time in. More details about how to access the support will be shared on the Plymouth City Council website in the coming weeks. The council has also recently launched a new online hub signposting to useful support as the cost of living rises, which is available at plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.

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8 December 2022

Tributes paid to former Plympton councillor and ‘true gentleman’ David James

Tributes have come pouring in for Alderman David James who has passed away at the age of 84.

Alderman James served as a Plympton councillor for many years, initially for Plympton Erle for six years but mostly in the Plympton St Mary Ward where he served for 19 years before retiring at the May 2022 municipal elections. He served as Deputy Lord Mayor from 2005 to 2006 and Lord Mayor from 2007 to 2008. In 1993 he founded the Citizens against Crime Campaign and organised the first ever public debate in the Guildhall on drug and alcohol misuse. He served as chair of a number of committees including Social Services Registration and Inspection, Personnel and the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel. In June this year he was made an Alderman for long service to the city along with former Chaddlewood councillor Glenn Jordan and former Eggbuckland councillor Ian Bowyer. A mild-mannered man, David’s attention to detail was one of his biggest assets and this was invaluable when it came to scrutiny issues. Describing his council work earlier this year current Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann said: “Alderman James was exemplary in his role on scrutiny panels, helping to provide a constructive but fair input into numerous projects and schemes across several administrations.” David was often involved in ‘Have Your Say’ meetings at Colebrook Community Centre along with his fellow ward councillors. Community centre manager Kay Tomlinson said: “Our thoughts go out to his family. David will be greatly missed in Plympton.” Jacky Burton described Alderman James as ‘a lovely, polite and perfect gentleman’ and Sheila Birch said he was ‘a truly community spirited person.’ Hospital Radio Plymouth station manager Keith Jolley met Alderman James when he visited the radio studios during his time as Lord Mayor. Mr Jolley said: “Although not born in Plymouth David was passionate about the city and its people. A true gentleman.” (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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Stannator re-opens tennis courts after refurbishment Plympton’s four outdoor tennis courts at Harewood Park have been formally re-opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Young participants who took part in the ‘Dawn ‘til Dusk’ fundraiser

Plympton Tennis Club chairman Alison Miles told the assembled crowd gathered for the opening: “It’s been a great achievement to get enough money raised to get these (top) courts resurfaced and the bottom courts painted.” She explained that contributions had come from a variety of sources including local businesses and a significant donation from the Royal Devonport Dockyard Sports and Social Club. There had also been matched funding of £21,000 from Plymouth City Council. Ms Miles continued: “The strategic and planning department of the council were also very helpful in the logistics of liaising with the contractor and supporting us, so we are very appreciative of that department’s help as well.” She then went on to introduce Stannator Pastor Arno Bessel

Alison Miles introducing Stannator Pastor Arno Bessel

and handed him a set of scissors to cut the ribbon. Stannator Bessel said: “This is certainly a great achievement and let’s keep in mind that it’s not just for youngsters but it’s also open to the public which is greatly valued exercise to look after health.” He also spoke of the importance of the courts for the youth of Plympton and encouraged the young people present to keep training before adding: “Who knows, some of them might one day be a national champion.” The opening ceremony also coincided with a ‘Dawn til Dusk’ fundraising event on the courts which aims to get floodlighting installed at the courts to maximise their use further. Underground infrastructure was put in place during the recent refurbishments. Now the focus is on raising funds for the above ground aspects of the project. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Improvements to bus facilities in Mayflower Street Improvements to bus facilities in the city centre are under way.

New bus shelters will be installed at the bus stops on Mayflower Street, which will be widened to improve traffic flow. More space is going to be created for the buses to use. The scheme will see: • A new bus stopping area with extra space to drop off passengers. There are currently two bus stops and one shelter. The new scheme will have two bus shelters and bus stops with space for three buses • Kerb adjusted to widen the road so that buses and cars can pass by when other buses have stopped • Street furniture removed if surplus and relocated where necessary • Disabled bay relocated – with details to be

confirmed later • Eight car parking spaces removed. The work is being carried out to create more bus stops in the city centre ahead of major changes to the layout of Royal Parade. Some bus services – yet to be decided – will be moved to Mayflower Street permanently rather than Royal Parade to create more space and cut congestion on Royal Parade. It should also help improve air quality as fewer buses will be queuing for space. These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund which is costing £615,000. Traffic orders have been submitted for when the work is carried out as well as changes to traffic management after the work.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “Plymouth has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030 so we need to encourage more people to get out of their cars and use public transport when travelling to and from the city centre. This work once complete will help alleviate congestion on Royal Parade as well as emissions build up as fewer buses will be using the bays on Royal Parade. “We recognise that all these changes are coming in a relatively short period of time. Much of the timing is beyond our control – we’ve had a combination of the pandemic, supply issues and tight government funding time tables which means we have to do a lot of projects in the next six months or so. These changes will be worth it.”

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Follow us at Facebook.com/PlymptonPodcast for regular stories, pictures and videos of life in Plympton and surrounding areas To hear our audio podcasts and to find other useful community information go to:

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David James and his wife Diane taking part in a visit to the Hospital Radio Plymouth studios during his Lord Mayoralty in 2008

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10 December 2022

Plymstock’s festive display returns with more characters

Get ready for another #LightUp Plympton

Volunteers at Plym Chamber have been working busily behind the scenes to bring another #LightUpPlympton event to Ridgeway in the lead up to Christmas.

The annual charity Christmas display in Reddicliff Road Plymstock will welcome two new characters this year. The new characters are Postman Pat and his cat and Mr Tickle from the Mr Men and they will join 24 other popular figures from previous years. The colourful display has been enjoyed for the past 20 years and has increased in size each year. The figures are sculpted by local resident Brian Steele from re-cycled polystyrene and special lighting is added to provide flashing lights. Brian, who is a retired community education officer, started this annual display from entertaining his grandchildren and other children in the area. As each year went by the characters increased in number.

Apart from being a popular display visited by many children and adults the display raises much needed funds for children’s charities. Over the years a total of £15,000 has been raised and this year Brian is raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West, which is a charity supporting families and children with cancer. Brian and Sally invite local families and residents to call in and see this year’s display which will be placed in the front garden of 33, Reddicliff Road in Plymstock from the beginning of December. Donations will go entirely to the Children’s Hospice South West charity. People who wish to contribute directly to the charity can go straight to the special link www.justgiving.com/briansteele4

This year the event will take place on Monday November 28 with plenty of festive cheer and the opportunity to bag some Christmas bargains from the range of street stalls and fixed shops in Ridgeway and St. Stephen’s Place. Things will get underway at 12 noon with the stalls all open. The Iceland car park and Ridgeway will be filled with stalls and fair rides. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30pm and the live entertainment will continue after this until around 8pm. Plym Chamber is a Community Interest Company which is run for the benefit of businesses and the community and this group is run entirely by volunteers. A spokesperson said: “We have to fundraise to put on this event for the community and usually we ask for sponsorship from lots of businesses to raise the amount we need to stage a safe, entertaining night and of course bring the lights to the shopping centre through the Christmas period. This costs around £12,000.” A wide variety of fundraising events have also been held to help finance this year’s Christmas lights, which will be using low energy lightbulbs to try and keep costs down and minimise any strain on the national grid. Fundraising events have included quizzes, a race night and pub walks. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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CARING SISTER IVY IN LINE FOR TOP AWARD A young girl from Plymouth has been shortlisted for an award by the national disability charity, Sense.

Eight-year-old Ivy Stedman, who lives in Southway, has been shortlisted in the Young Sibling of the Year category at the 2022 Sense Awards in recognition of her support for her disabled siblings, as well for her efforts to advocate for young carers. Ivy has two disabled siblings’ nine-year-old Harry, who has Antenatal Bartter syndrome, ADHD, and global developmental delay, and older sister Kate, who has autism spectrum disorder. After attending an online session organised by the Sense Siblings and Young Carers group called ‘An Introduction to Parliament,’ where she was able to learn a little bit about the world of politics, Ivy was inspired to write a letter to her MP Johnny Mercer. Ivy shared her experience about

two years for. The issues Ivy shared have also been raised by Plymouth City Council which has discussed how it can better support young carers across the constituency. Ivy said: “I feel really happy and excited to be shortlisted for a Sense Award!” Sense chief executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Ivy’s work to highlight the need for more support for young carers has achieved brilliant results and she can be very proud of her efforts. We are delighted to shortlist her for our Young Sibling of the Year Award and look forward to seeing her at the virtual ceremony on November 24.” The Sense Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them. For more information about the Sense Awards visit: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards

what it is like to be a young carer and how she finds it difficult to get support. Ivy’s letter writing resulted in her receiving a referral to be assessed in school for additional support, something the family had been waiting

Citybus to the rescue as the Service 34 route is extended A revised bus service will connect the George Park & Ride with Derriford Hospital, Milehouse Park & Ride and Crownhill, reinstating a lost connection for residents in the north of Plymouth.

Following the withdrawal of the Service 101 provided by Stagecoach, there has not been a link between the George Park & Ride, and Crownhill and Milehouse, which was key to getting people in the north of the city to places like Home Park and the Life Centre. Plymouth Citybus extended the Service 34 route from the end of October, re-instating the connection. Cllr Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “I was very disappointed when we were notified Stagecoach would be removing their George Park & Ride 101 and Milehouse service. This affects residents and students in the north of the city travelling to schools, Central Park, the Life Centre and Plymouth Argyle. “I lobbied and asked if Plymouth Citybus would consider extending their No 34 service from the hospital to the George Park & Ride, to reconnect with the Milehouse Park & Ride. I’m pleased they were able to review their timetable, agreed to the extension and I would like to thank them for taking over this vital route.” Plymouth Citybus managing director Richard Stevens, said: “We do our best to listen to the wants and needs of passengers in the city, and in this case we were able to extend the previous route of the 34 to help more people get around the city. We know this link is important for education, healthcare and social reasons, so it’s great to be able to provide this link to North Plymouth.” Plymouth Citybus managing director Richard Stevens and Cllr Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport at the George Park & Ride.

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Plymouth Christmas Market

Plymouth Christmas Market is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the festive shopping rush. Located in Armada Way in the heart of the city centre and running from Thursday, 1 December to Sunday 18 December, it’s the South West’s go to destination for individual and unique presents. And with an open-air festive bar and stalls offering food and drink and artisan gifts, it’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. Rustic wooden cabins will house traders from the South West and beyond, selling everything from clothing, accessories and jewellery to books, artwork and decorations from stalls including Olivia’s House, Grove Beard Supplies and Kaya Gallery.

Credit: Adobe Stock

Foodie fans are in for a treat too, as there are plenty of delicious sweet and savoury goodies to indulge in. Pick-up Greek olives and antipasti or tuck into traditional Turkish baklava. For the seriously sweet-toothed

there’s a mouth-watering range of baked goods on offer, including ﬂapjacks, fudge, cronuts, cookies, cakes, brownies and biscuits, from popular local traders Flapjackery, Daamn Good Bakes and The Early Bird who have recently opened a café in the city centre. There’s also an array of fabulous entertainment to enjoy at the Market with acts including: •

Hot House Combo – fourpiece band inspired by the great musicians of the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s

•

Devonport Park Community Choir friendly mixed community choir

•

Manuka – Bohemian two-piece acoustic covers band

•

Rock Choir – local contemporary choir

•

Ailie Kenna – singer songwriter

•

Glen Park Primary Choir amazing school choir

•

The Sea Choir - 45 strong mixed-voice acappella

folk choir •

Italia Conti performing arts students

•

LaLa Choir – modern, pop, jazz, soul, Motown, funk, rock, hip hop and, very occasionally, religious choir

•

Cure Parkinson’s Choir – Christmas carols sung in aid of Parkinson’s charity

•

Gypsy Dreams – gypsy music from across Europe and beyond

And don’t forget to snap a festive family selﬁe in front of the giant illuminated bauble arch and the ‘wave arch’, which stand at each of the Market entrances. Share them on socials using #ChristmasInPlymouth. The Christmas Market will be open from 10am until 6pm Monday to Saturday until 5pm on Sunday, with late openings every Thursday until 9pm, so you can take your time and enjoy browsing the stalls under the sparkling city centre Christmas lights.

Christmas Shopping in Plymouth:

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE something for the person who has everything? Look no further. Stroll along Southside Street to Elsie Bootique Wax Melts, with artisan wax melts and candles, and Nook Houseplants, teeming with unusual ﬂowers and plants. Then see some amazing art galleries for stunning paintings, prints and homewares crafted from glass, clay and metal.

If you’re buying for a gin fan – or preparing for Christmas cocktails – then you’re in luck. The Barbican is home to Plymouth Gin Distillery and its shop selling its famous gins, gorgeous glasses and jugs. On New Street is the Barbican Botanics Gin Rooms – offering their own gin and rum alongside more than 200 other gins. And in nearby Sutton Harbour, HonkyTonk Wine Library, a shop and wine lounge, stocks more than 250 wines.

Photo Credit: Guy Harris / Drake Circus

‘Tis the season to be shopping… and Plymouth is the place to indulge. With gifts, foodie treats and decorations all waiting to be ticked off the Christmas list, Plymouth is the shopping host with the most – from quirky independent stores offering unique products unavailable anywhere else to the big brand stores we all know so well. We’ve compiled a handy guide to point you in the right direction for a sackful of festive treasures.

City Centre Plymouth city centre is home to an impressive range of shops, including some High Street favourites. For big brands head to Drake Circus where they’re all under one roof – and with parking on site. Everything from clothing and jewellery to toiletries and perfume is on offer here. Venturing out of Drake Circus, more brilliant options for gifts along New George Street, Cornwall Street and Armada Way include House of Fraser, designer clothing store Flannels and more: Menkind, The Body Shop, HMV and B&M.

and semi-precious stone jewellery. The West End is also home to specialist jewellers and goldsmiths Robins Brothers, who design and make treasured pieces, and traditional family jewellers Wray & Co, established in 1887, who are passionate about pre-owned and antique jewellery. The city centre Christmas parking offer is back, Plymouth City Council are providing parking for just £1 after 3pm at the Western Approach car park every late night shopping Thursday, starting on November 17 for the Christmas lights switch-on, right through to Christmas.

This is perfect for shoppers who want to ﬁnd something that little bit different from one of the many independent traders in the West End or from the stallholders in Plymouth Market. Please note this offer does not apply to the ground ﬂoor of the car park which is pay and display.

The Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront The waterfront boasts a superb range of art galleries, antique stores and unusual independent shops. Seeking

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The West End A treasure trove of independent shops and the 150-stall Plymouth Market, the West End is the place to visit for extra-special gifts and fresh produce. Butchers and greengrocers sell everything for Christmas dinner, ﬂorists create beautiful festive bouquets and there are wonderful bakeries and cafes. Visit Fresh Flower Scent in Cornwall Street for beautiful houseplants and fresh blooms. Or pop into Crystals in Market Avenue for minerals, fossils

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Christmas Market Armada Way or Waterstones, WH Smith, The Box, Mayflower Visitor Centre or via 01752 705337

The Barbican’s Mayﬂower Museum and Tourist Information shop has perfect presents for locals and visitors with its wide range of locally-made products, confectionary and local interest books.

Royal William Yard Browse the unique women’s clothing Identity Fashion or pop into the creative hub of Ocean Studies for pieces by local makers. Treat yourself to handmade chocolates from the award-winning chocolatier Domea Favour or visit Le Vignoble for a choice of 300 wines. Plymouth truly has something for everyone.

Plymouth’s Christmas Gift Guide: FOR THE JANNER IN YOUR LIFE It may be the most wonderful time of the year but Plymouth offers magical experiences all year round. So, if you’re having trouble ﬁnding the perfect gift for the Janner in your life, it may well pay to look close to home.

There’s always so much to entertain in Britain’s Ocean City that the options are wide and varied – something for even the trickiest recipient.

We’ve compiled a guide with a few unusual gifts, things you may not have considered, to help give friends and family members the present they deserve this year.

Book an experience Why not think outside the box this Christmas and instead of a physical gift, treat your loved one to something they can do only in Plymouth? Choose from a huge range of

experiences including: Smeaton’s Tower Experience, the ultimate gin tour, including a climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse, hosted by Plymouth Gin’s master distiller; become a zookeeper for the day at Dartmoor Zoo; meeting some of the ocean’s most stunning animals in a snorkel safari in the National Marine Aquarium’s Atlantic Ocean Tank; and catching your own dinner with a Fish ‘n’ Trips session with Plymouth Boat Trips. For more information on experiences to enjoy in Plymouth explore visitplymouth.co.uk

Treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to ﬁne jewellery Robins Brothers, ﬁne jewellers and very experienced goldsmiths have grown and nurtured a reputation second to none. They design and create their incredible range of high quality jewellery at their premises in Plymouth. For more information, please visit robinsbrothers.co.uk

Book tickets to a show With Plymouth’s Theatre Royal, one of the UK’s largest and best regional theatres, right on our doorstep we are always in for a real treat. Join soap star and panto legend Shane Richie this Christmas at Theatre Royal Plymouth and make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams! Seats for a show in 2023 are sure to be just the ticket and there are some wonderful performances to choose from, including: Room on the Broom, the family favourite

based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schefﬂer; Swan Lake, the hauntingly beautiful ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s legendary score; Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the world’s longestrunning play on its 70th anniversary tour, and Dinosaur World Live, a roarsome interactive show for all the family with a post-show meet and greet. For more information, please visit theatreroyal.com

Make Christmas extra special with fresh ﬂowers Offering a huge range of different custom bouquets and high-quality ﬂowers, Fresh Flowers Scent go

the extra mile to ensure your special message is conveyed through their creations. Ask about gift boxes, next day delivery and their knowledgeable, friendly, specialised advise that really make a difference. For more information, please visit plymouth.freshﬂowerscentﬂorist. co.uk

Indulge in luxury chocolates Visit Domea Favour in Royal William Yard – this renowned Chocolatier creates a whole range of chocolatebased delights. They also personalise your chocolate gifts and favours, with co-ordinated ribbons to add that extra special touch. For more information, please visit domeafavourchocolate.co.uk

Please check visitplymouth.co.uk/Christmas for all the latest information. All events subject to change.

December 2022 21

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Nuffield Health puts focus on women’s football in Plymouth

up to

Nuffield Health is focusing on supporting women’s football in Plymouth – as part of its ongoing role as the official healthcare partner for Plymouth Argyle.

With more than 65 years’ experience and an industry-leading network of health and wellbeing facilities, Nuffield Health offers a full breadth of services, from physical and mental health, hospital treatments and clinical care through to rehabilitation and general wellbeing. The natural continuation of the partnership will see all of Argyle’s teams – including Steven Schumacher’s first-team, the Argyle Academy, and Argyle Women - supported by Nuffield’s industry leading diagnostic services, including MRI and CT scans, as well as access to some of the region’s leading surgeons. Alongside medical care at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, the agreement supports Argyle by providing access to Nuffield’s two fitness and conditioning sites in the city, based at Derriford and the Barbican Leisure Park. As members of the Argyle Nexus Business Club, Nuffield Health branding will continue to feature in every edition of Argyle’s match-day programme, The Pilgrim. Argyle supporters can also expect to see the continued presence of Nuffield branding around Home Park, and online in the form of sponsorship. Argyle’s head of commercial operations, James Greenacre, said: “It was a simple and straightforward decision to extend our partnership with Nuffield Health, and that speaks to the strength of what we have achieved together so far. “Nuffield Health’s expertise and support for our teams is vital as we look to realise the club’s well-known ambition to become a sustainable Championship club. Our players are vital assets, and we know they get the best care and advice possible with Nuffield Health.” A new survey by Nuffield Health has highlighted the impact of the pandemic on health and wellbeing, with the Healthier Nation Index revealing that 37 per cent of UK adults are now more concerned about their mental health, with a further 40 per cent

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Nuffield Health’s Merika Kindlon, (centre) pictured with Argyle Women’s team members Tiana Campbell, Katie Dickson, Kayley Lane and Lucy Flackk

worried about the impact on their physical health. Through the partnership, Nuffield Health aspires to build on the mental and physical benefits that football brings to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities within Plymouth. Commenting on the partnership Merika Kindlon, head of sales and services at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, added: “We’re delighted to continue to bring our purpose to life through our partnership with Plymouth Argyle. “We are proud to support Argyle’s Women’s Team, working alongside their newly appointed manager Elaine Dalton-Fyfe. Together we will work to promote fitness and wellbeing to the women and girls of Plymouth by fulfilling Nuffield’s charitable purpose. “Football is about teamwork and community, and similarly we believe in the power of working together and supporting one another to help everyone achieve their health and wellbeing ambitions.” “Our Healthier Nation Index survey shone a

light on some of the key health and wellbeing challenges affecting people today, so we’re happy to carry on as the Pilgrims’ teammate in health and wellbeing and playing a key role in showing people how to live a healthier life and achieve better health outcomes using the power of football.” Speaking on behalf of Argyle Women, general manager Elaine Dalton-Fyfe said: “Through strong and supportive partnerships, we can collaborate to further the wider community interest and support of women’s football, and develop the young girls and women who wish to play the game. “We thank Nuffield Health for their passionate support of this cause, and look forward to progressing the partnership over the season ahead.” If you are interested in how partnerships with Argyle can benefit you or your business, please get in touch with their Commercial team on commercial@pafc.co.uk, or call 01752 302204. For more information on Nuffield Health, www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/plymouth

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22 December 2022

Sherford Life MORLEY RANGERS ARE REALLY ON THE BALL! I believe in miracles! Do you? There is a chance that in the coming weeks we could have no less than 4 World Cup trophies heading home to England (men’s T20 cricket, men’s football, women’s rugby, men’s rugby league). That might be too much of a miracle to believe in, but all bets are off after our women’s football triumph in the Summer. But what about a Christmas miracle? I remember my hairdresser telling me a few Decembers ago that he was always glad he wasn’t religious when Christmas rolled around – so he didn’t have to believe in crazy things like a virgin giving birth. A lot of the Christmas story is unbelievable: wise men following stars, angels appearing to shepherds etc. And yet all bets are off if God is involved. In fact, if the Christmas story is indeed what it claims to be – the entrance of God into the world – we should expect some “unbelievable” elements in the story. But here’s the most unbelievable part: the fact that a little boy born to a poor couple (who couldn’t even afford proper housing) in an insignificant backwater of the Roman empire could turn the whole world upside-down. And yet he did. The proof? We’re still talking about it over 2000 years later! For some further proof, have a look at how he has turned countless lives around ever since. In Plymouth we have numerous churches full By Revd Tom Brassil of people with stories of changed lives. Not only that, but we have so many people ready to offer something of a Christmas miracle to others in need. Here are three examples: 1. Operation Christmas Child. Perhaps you’ve come across this in the past? It’s a wonderful idea, involving packing a shoebox full of Christmas treats for a child who will otherwise go without presents. Every year, millions of children in some of the poorest countries on earth have received a gift of hope through this scheme. Want to get involved? The best way is to connect with your nearest church and find out if they are collecting shoeboxes! 2. Christingle collections. Maybe you love a good Christingle service, but did you know that churches all over Plymouth partner with the Children’s Society by taking donations for their work at annual Christingle services? Why not go along and put a bit of change in the box – and support the work of the Children’s Society advocating for children’s rights, offering support for mental health, battling child sexual exploitation, supporting young carers and more. 3. Warm Welcome. This is a new initiative being supported by lots of churches across Plymouth, to offer a safe and warm space for individuals and families struggling with keeping the heating on during the current cost of living crisis. Check out www. warmwelcome.uk to find your nearest participating church. So, what about a Christmas miracle this year? What can followers of the miraculous Christmas child do for you this winter? And what difference could you make in the lives of others this Christmas? Want to discuss any of this further? Send me a message at tom@sherfordchurch.net

Morley Rangers players with the 16 balls bought with SDR’s sponsorship

Every time youngsters playing for Morley Rangers Football Club in Plymstock kick a ball, it will be thanks to a sponsorship deal with South Devon Rural Housing Association (SDR).

The housing association, which specialises in providing affordable homes for people in a wide range of age-groups and some with disabilities, wants to support a club helping to promote fitness and sporting values among the young. The relationship with the club came about through SDR housing manager Robert Carnon, who is a coach at the club and has a grandson playing in the Under 13s. Morley Rangers FC was established in 1989 with teams from Under 5s to adult. The club now includes four girls’ teams and is in the process of starting a women’s team. The Under 13s are a male team made up of boys from the Plymouth area who now play in Division 2 of the Devon & Junior League (Hermes), after being

promoted last season from Division 3. Through Robert Carnon, SDR’s management heard that the junior team was desperately in need of new balls for training and for match days. The £170 sponsorship deal means the team has been able to buy 14 Mitre practice balls and two match balls. Robert said: “It’s so important for kids’ fitness and general wellbeing for them to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. What better way than playing a game that does all that and teaches them life lessons and sportsmanship at the same time? “Morley Rangers is a wonderful club, making a difference to the lives of youngsters and adults alike. It’s a privilege for me to be one of their coaches and of course to see my grandson Boden enjoying his football as a wing back.” The club’s Secretary, Pete Frankland, said: “We are currently an FA Charter Standard Award Club. This is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier

League. As a benchmark for quality, it aims to improve the playing experience for all. “We set great store by fair play and sportsmanship and we’ve won a number of awards. We encourage all at MRFC to take victory modestly and defeat graciously. That’s why we’re so delighted to receive support in the form of SDR’s ball sponsorship deal”. Christine Candlish, SDR’s chief executive, said: “When Robert came to us with the suggestion of ball sponsorship, we jumped at the chance. We are all about providing homes and building management services for a wide variety of people in different age groups and with diverse needs – and making a difference to their lives. “It’s great to be able to make a contribution to a club that’s making a difference to the lives of young people, both boys and girls, as well as older players and, now, people with disabilities. This sponsorship deal is a really good fit for us and I’m delighted to support it”.

New Sherford event space opens with a packed programme of workshops A new pop-up event space has opened its doors at Sherford, launching with a Tour of Britain race retrospective exhibition, before announcing a line-up of family events taking place this autumn and winter.

The brand-new Sherford Event Space – located within the Linden Homes sales complex on Hercules Road – and has events planned for adults, children and families. Its inaugural event took place in October, celebrating the first anniversary of Sherford hosting the Tour of Britain race last year. The exhibition attracted visitors from far and wide to view a photography display, get up close to signed memorabilia, contribute to a Memory Wall, and take part in cycle-themed crafts. A packed line-up of fun and fascinating workshops and drop-in activities have been announced for the Event Space. These will be open to all including those visiting Sherford for the first time, members of the wider local community, and Sherford residents. The events programme features a Creative Club with free drop in activities for children. These include

Scrap Club on November 12 from 10am to 2pm and Christmas Crafts on December 3 from 1pm to 4pm and December 10 from 10am to 2pm. Workshops to learn skills from the best local artists and makers, in a relaxed and friendly environment will also be taking pace in the Event Space. From art classes and jewellery making, to crafting festive treats and gifts including bath bombs and scrubs. Sessions are open for bookings now and for details visit DestinationSherford on Facebook. The sessions start on November 5 and run through to December 3.

Jenna Waters, sales director for Vistry Partnerships, part of the Sherford Consortium, said:

“Sherford’s gaining a great local reputation as a desirable place to live – and we look forward to it increasingly becoming an exceptional place to visit and spend time, too. We already have a fantastic Community Hub that provides much-needed space for community activities and services, and this latest addition to Sherford’s spaces provides even more potential for new events and experiences. We look forward to welcoming new faces to this incredible new town.” Keep up to date with what events will be held in the Sherford Event Space by following @ DestinationSherford on Facebook, which will include booking links and all the details.

WARM WELCOME AT WOODFORD CHURCH

A Plympton church has set up a fortnightly warm welcome chatty place, where members of the community can come in out of the cold and have free coffee/tea and biscuits and chat with others in a relaxed environment.

‘Chatty Place’ is a project established by Woodford Methodist Church and takes place at The Meeting Place inside their church at Greenway Avenue. The first event took place on November 1 and future such events will take place fortnightly on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 12.30pm with the next one scheduled for November 15. (story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)

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December 2022

Royal Naval veteran centenarian celebrates his birthday with navy friends

Gordon Sparks... loved and admired by thousands of people

Captain David Preece and members of the Plymouth Royal Naval Association at Captain Laurence Taylor’s birthday celebration

MOURNING THE LOSS OF A TRUE LEGEND... Royal Naval veteran, Captain Laurence WH Taylor CBE RN celebrated his 100th birthday with a surprise visit from Captain of Devonport Naval Base, Captain David Preece, along with members of the Plymouth Royal Naval Association.

100-year-old Laurence, who lives in a Plympton nursing home, was delighted to receive the group and happy to regale them with stories and tales of his long and distinguished service career, which began in 1940 when he attended Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. Joining as a Seaman Officer, Captain Laurence served throughout the the Second World War on several major ships including HMS Sussex, where he was injured during a bombing of the ship in Glasgow, HMS Nelson, HMS Duncan and HMS Savage, which was involved in the sinking of the German Battleship Scharnhorst and the Battle of North Cape. Following two remarkable years on HMS Savage he joined HMS Start Bay at the end of the war, serving in the Mediterranean, before leaving her in Gibraltar and taking up a position in Haifa as the RN Operations Officer. Service in HMS Fernie and HMS Bigbury Bay followed before returning to Greenwich in 1950 for the Naval Staff course. He married Margaret in 1951 and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and posted to HMS Tamar in Hong Kong as the Staff Officer Plans to the Commodore of Hong Kong. Margaret joined him there, and their first daughter was born in Hong Kong. He became responsible for the patrols of small warships to prevent illegal immigrants from China. There were great celebrations for the Coronation in 1953. Near the end of his time, there was a serious incident as one of the patrol boats was shot up by the Chinese in the Pearl River. He was the Officer responsible for dealing with the incident which saw a young Lieutenant killed on the bridge. He travelled home from Hong Kong on the

Empire Windrush to join his wife, and when back in the UK joined HMS Decoy as the First Lieutenant based at Devonport and a second daughter arrived. In 1956 he attended the Joint Services Staff course, before he became Staff Operations Officer to Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers. A son arrived December 1956 and in 1957 he was promoted to Commander. Several Staff jobs followed before in 1966 he was promoted to Captain, and he set off to become the Naval Attaché in Moscow, which also involved looking after Finland as well. In 1968 he also served as the Naval Liaison Officer in Canberra Australia for two joyful years, before his final appointment with the Royal Navy as the Queen’s Harbour Master at Chatham in Kent. Sadly, Margaret died in 2015 and they had three children, six grandchildren and seven great children. Following the QHM job in Chatham he became Director of Marine Services in 1974, where he served for eight years, finishing on his 60th birthday. Made a CBE in New Year’s Honours in 1982. He lived in Winkleigh from 1984 and was church warden 1987 to 1996, serving also as Vice Chair of the Royal British Legion and then the President. Captain David Preece, Captain of the Base Devonport said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to wish Captain Taylor happy birthday on such a landmark day. As well as congratulating him on behalf of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Association, it was also a real privilege to have an insight into his very clear and fond memories of an amazing career. I hope that our presence was a reminder to him and his family that they are still a part of the Naval family no matter how long since retiring.” Des McCarthy, chairman of Plymouth Royal Naval Association said:“Our members were honoured to attend the 100th Birthday celebration of Captain Taylor and award him with Life Membership to mark the high degree of respect and esteem we hold for our wartime warriors and their generation.”

In an overwhelming outpouring of affection, more than 2,000 people made their way to Home Park for the funeral of Gordon Sparks, the much-loved presenter and broadcaster affectionately known as Sparksy and The Voice of Argyle.

Those attending included Argyle chairman Simon Hallett, manager Steven Schumacher, players past and present, hundreds of members of the Green Army as well as Gordon’s wife Heather, daughters Holly and Kirsty and other members of his family. Civic leaders including Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann were also present. So many people wanted to pay their respects to Gordon and for his lifelong love for Argyle that only a football ground like Home Park was big enough for the occasion and the Devonport End was virtually full for the service. The service was also broadcast online by Argyle TV and thousands of people from all over the South West – and the rest of the world – followed it. Tears of sadness and laughter marked an occasion which was very much a celebration of Gordon’s remarkable career and the impact he had on the lives of literally tens of thousands of Argyle supporters and BBC Radio Devon listeners. The service was led by Argyle club chaplain Arthur Goode who described Gordon as ‘an extraordinary man who will be sorely missed by so many people.’ In a moving tribute to her late husband, Heather Sparks shared some precious family memories of life with Sparksy while his daughter Holly read a special poem dedicated to Gordon as a dad. Heather said: “He knew that people were thinking and praying for him. One of the last things he heard was the chants at Argyle and that really did make him smile. “The Devonport End holds special memories and it’s even mentioned in his will to have his ashes scattered here – so he will be back.” Other tributes were paid by Argyle first team coach Kevin Nancekivell, Plymouth Herald’s Chris Errington - who cocommentated with Gordon for many years – and BBC colleagues Angela Kalwaites and Mark Grinnell. His love for life and affection for the Cleveland Browns NFL team, real ale, punk music and Status Quo were highlighted during the tributes. Gordon’s coffin was carried into the

stadium to the sounds of the Argyle theme tune Semper Fidelis and at the end of the service it was carried out to the tune of Status Quo’s Rocking All Over the World. In between there were renditions of the football anthems Abide With Me and You’ll Never Walk Alone. After the funeral a private family ceremony took place at Weston Mill Cemetery. A retiring collection was taken for St Luke’s Hospice, the Mustard Tree and Chestnut Appeal. It was one of the saddest days in the history of Plymouth Argyle when on Sunday October 16 it was announced that Gordon had passed away at St Luke’s Hospice. For thousands of people in Plymouth and beyond, Gordon was the much-loved voice of Argyle on BBC Radio Devon and before that on hospital radio and Plymouth Sound. He commentated on the Pilgrims home and away - for 32 years and is rightly described as a true legend. His passion for Argyle and his outstanding commentating skills earned him the affection of thousands of fans all over the world. Gordon’s battle with cancer started 17 years ago when he was disagnosed with testicular cancer and sadly in May this year he revealed that his cancer had returned with two tumours in his throat. He was admitted to Derriford Hospital a few days before he passed away as he was having breathing difficulties - and a few days later was admitted to St Luke’s Hospice. One of his last messages on social media read: “Huge thanks to the nurses on Brent Ward at Derriford hospital for looking after me over the last week. Have moved to St Luke’s Hospice. After introduction, slept most of the afternoon. Don’t understand how tired I am. Inundated with messages. Sorry I can’t reply.” Thousands of tributes appeared on social media and the internet in the wake of Gordon’s death. Such was the high esteem in which Gordon was held that his untimely death was covered not only locally across the South West, but also nationally in print, on radio and TV. In August Argyle had named the press box in the Mayflower Stand in Gordon’s honour having already made him an Argyle Ambassador in recognition of his outstanding support for the club. He was arguably the best-known and most loved person in Plymouth.

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24 December 2022

Plymstock gets its new £2.3m fire station The brand-new £2.3 million fire station at Plymstock has been formally opened.

The new fire station was built on the same Dean Hill site as the former station with the crews responding from a different location during the construction works. The two-bay fire station will help to protect the growing community at Sherford and Saltram Meadow as new homes, schools, leisure facilities and workplaces continue to be built in the local area. The modern building will be energy efficient, with a solar photovoltaic (PV)

array on the roof, enhanced heating, and is almost entirely naturally ventilated. The design also complements the local architecture. The new station has a glazed front that opens up the building to the street, allowing passers-by to see inside. Group manager Simon Carey said: “We are delighted that our crew are now responding from a much improved, modern fire station. “We’re really pleased with the facilities now available at Plymstock and I believe we now have one of the best fire stations in the Service.” Plymstock Station Commander Neil

Willmott said: “The old one-bay station had become very worn out and had always been a challenge being spread out over three different buildings. “The new two appliance bay structure will future-proof the station with the continued expansion of the local community. “The improvement in facilities for our on-call crew will enable us to complete more training at the site without having to train at other locations.” The Plymstock crew have operated the Service’s fireboat Vigiles and its predecessors from the river Plym since the 1960s.

Plymstock Matters with Councillor Rebecca Smith

Back to normal....well sort of! For me, the last few weeks have felt like some of the most normal since the pandemic with lots of face to face meetings in the community across Plymstock and too much to include in this latest column!

I can’t kick things off without acknowledging the unexpected last few weeks on a national level. Since I last wrote we have a new Prime Minister and, I hope, a new team at the top of government who will steady the ship in the weeks and months ahead. For me personally, I voted for Rishi Sunak to be our new leader back in the summer so am pleased to see him in post now, although I would have preferred that he didn’t end up with the job in the way it has come about. Anyway, on to local events! Congratulations to all those who contributed to the amazingly beautiful, Plymstock Tapestries. I know they were featured in this paper last month but since then the official opening has taken place at their new home - Plymstock Library. Sir Gary Streeter MP did the honours of opening these works of art which represent centuries of fascinating Plymstock history. I am completely in awe of the skills and details within each panel. Other recent openings include a new cafe on Radford Park Road and the eagerly anticipated new Plymstock Fire Station - both of which I have had the pleasure of visiting! I can highly recommend the coffee at The Bean Cafe and enjoyed a tour of the state of the art new Fire Station with my fellow Radford

Sir Gary Streeter MP, Robin Blythe-Lord and Brian Steele at the unveiling of the Plymstock Tapestries

Cllr Rebecca Smith on the Warrior Women Walk with members of Plymouth Youth Parliament

Councillors - Cllr Kathy Watkin and Bill Wakeham. Plymstock Fire Station remains an on-call service and is staffed by a committed team of men and women who are there to support on land and water, helping to keep us all safe. Hopefully some of those reading this column may have taken part in the Trevi Warrior Women Charity Walk at Burrator. I joined a couple hundred women and girls and a group from the city’s Youth Parliament to tackle the 10k walk across the Moors. The weather was glorious, the conversation simulating and all in aid of supporting the fantastic services provided to women and girls across the city by

Cllrs Rebecca Smith and Kathy Watkin, Colin Munn, Cilla Course, Sian Lane and Dr Anna Dias from Mewstone PCN and Tess Wilmot from Food Plymouth at the Community Garden in Downhorn Park

Trevi. Keep an eye out for next year’s event. As the month of October came to a close, I met with the dedicated team of volunteers making a community garden in Downhorn Park behind the Broadway a reality. The Mewstone Primary Care Network, including Church View Surgery in Plymstock, and representatives of Food Plymouth and the local community have been working tirelessly to bring this community asset to life. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the garden and patients from the Mewstone network of GPs are able to use the facility as part of their social prescribing offer encouraging patients needing support with their mental health to make the most of the space. A group of volunteers spent a Saturday planting 1000 daffodil bulbs in the park ready for next Spring. Finally, it was a privilege to unveil a new plaque to rename the pavilion at Dean Cross Sports Ground after two stalwarts of the local football and cricket clubs. Adrian Pate and Trevor Skilton had 100 years of service to local sport between them and it was lovely to join their wives, Yvonne and Pam and a large number of those whose lives they touched at the unveiling. As ever, do let me know if I can be of assistance in any way. Best way to send me casework is via email on rebecca. smith@plymouth.gov.uk. Facebook and Instagram - @plymouthrebecca

Commander Simon Carey, Cllrs Kathy Watkin, Bill Wakeham and Rebecca Smith and Station Manager, Rob Baker at the newly-opened Plymstock Fire Station

Cllrs Rebecca Smith, Kathy Watkin and Bill Wakeham with Yvonne Pate, Pam Skilton and Rob Baker at the naming of the pavilion at Dean Cross Sports Ground

December 2022 25

@PlymChronicle

Could you Construction work on Derriford’s new emergency care centre to start next year deliver the Plymouth Chronicle? MWD Healthcare has been appointed to build the new £126 million Urgent and Emergency Care Centre at Derriford Hospital.

MWD Healthcare, an alliance between contractors Mace and Willmott Dixon, has been appointed to deliver the 17,000 square metre (183,000 square feet) purpose-built facility, with construction work planned to start in 2023. Derriford’s new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre will replace the current Emergency Department, offering new facilities for the most unwell patients as well as same day emergency care to reduce waiting times, particularly for people who need to be treated but not admitted to hospital. The facility, which is part of the New Hospital Programme, where the government have committed to delivering 48 Hospitals across England by 2030, will include stateof-the art diagnostic equipment to support faster diagnosis, as well as new interventional radiology theatres and surgical theatres to be able to treat patients more quickly and improve patient outcomes. Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the West Country said: “As a local company with offices in Plymouth, we’re very much looking forward to being part of an exciting new chapter for Derriford to support the health needs of Devon, Cornwall and beyond. “A major focus for us will be on ensuring our work sustains local jobs and supports SMEs across the region, as well as providing

Artist’s impression of the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre at Derriford Image: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

upskilling opportunities for local people.” Stuart Windsor, Future Hospital director at University Hospitals Plymouth said: “We are really delighted to have partnered with Mace Willmott Dixon Healthcare to deliver this vital new facility for our patients, our staff and for the people of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, as part of the New Hospitals Programme. “The new facility will give increased space to care effectively and efficiently for those people and enable us to treat patients in a timely way. The facility is urgently needed to copy with the growing demand for urgent care services.

“Derriford Hospital is the largest specialist teaching hospital in the South West peninsula and the region’s major trauma centre so we’re very pleased to make the announcement about the appointment of our construction partner and take the next step on this important journey. “Finally, we would like to thank staff, patients, families and visitors for their support and patience as we work hard to minimise disruption during the enabling works to deliver the most up-to-date healthcare environment now and for the future.”

TREE PLANTING IN REMEMBRANCE Children at Borigndon Primary School have planted a tulip tree – a favourite of Her Majesty the Queen – in her memory.

“When the Queen passed away, we felt that it would be nice to plant one of her favourite trees as a memorial, so that staff and students have a peaceful space to reflect,” said John Secker, deputy headteacher at Boringdon Primary School. “The Friends of Boringdon kindly funded the tree, which will also be used as a focal point for remembrance events and activities, and we are delighted to now have it planted within our grounds.” The tree was planted by a group of Key Stage 2 students with the help of David Frost from Plymouth Tree Partnership. As part of the process, the children learnt about how to dig a suitable hole, the importance of loosening the tree roots before planting and how to install a stake to support a tree. They were also shown photographs of mature tulip trees to give them an idea of the size the tree could reach. Sarah King, executive headteacher, said: “We are very grateful to David for giving up his time to come into school and help us plant our new tree. The children really enjoyed getting involved and are looking forward to watching the tree bloom and grow over the coming years. “We talked about how tall the tree will be by the time their own children are attending primary school. They were very interested and also suggested that we install a commemorative plaque, which is something that we intend to do very soon.”

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Investment Zone pitch submitted to Government

26 December 2022

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Four key areas of Plymouth could form part of an investment Zone, helping to supercharge the city’s growth and development ambitions and create high-value jobs.

Millions of pounds of investment could be on the cards together with the prospect of over 1,500 jobs and the development of housing and commercial sites in the City Centre, Union Street, Millbay and Cattewater. Plymouth City Council has submitted its expression of interest to the Government. In addition the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is also applying to become an investment zone. Plymouth was one of the first authorities invited to work in partnership with the Government to create an investment zone to attract investment and unleash growth. Interventions could include: • Lower taxes – businesses in designated sites benefit from timelimited tax benefits such as tax relief on capital allowances, commercial and residential relief from paying stamp duty. • Accelerated development – designated development sites will have projects accelerated as well as a push to release more land within the investment zone for housing and commercial development and to support accelerated development. • Funding opportunities through schemes such as the Brownfield Infrastructure Fund. Plymouth City Council Leader, Councillor Richard Bingley said: “There are some great schemes in these areas already primed and waiting to go, but these interventions will massively speed up development. “It’s a win for our residents as it means high quality jobs, it’s a win for local businesses and it means that plans to build homes in some of these sites that have stalled for various reasons will be unblocked. “We know the city centre needs rejuvenating and our goal is to make it somewhere that more people want to live in. “Investment zone status will make Plymouth a more attractive proposition and will help us revive the city centre and areas of the waterfront as well as enable much-needed housing to be built. “We have been working at speed to ensure we have the right sites and the right areas to be able to deliver tangible growth at pace. It’s exciting times as these measures could mean all the difference for projects which are ready, but which may not have all the necessary investment, or have been set back by uncertain market conditions.” The main focus will be unlocking city centre sites and where there is a strategic partnership in place with a clear delivery plan. High on the priority list is helping the community to regenerate neighbourhoods, through groups such as Nudge Community Builders and the Millfields Trust with their track record of bring empty buildings back into use for new businesses, employment and training opportunities and new, affordable homes. In total 17 sites have been identified within the areas and are a mixture of commercial and housing. The first five city centre sites are the West End (land at Colin Campbell Court), the railway station, the Civic Centre and Guildhall, the hotel overlooking the Hoe and land currently occupied by the former museum annex at Tavistock Place. These sites alone have the potential to create over 800 jobs, a variety of new uses including office space, hotels, retail and over 500 homes. There is also a pipeline of further city centre sites. The Government has set out the proposed tax offer within planned Investment Zones which are designed to encourage investment and new economic activity, supporting growth and jobs. Investment Zones have a package of incentives over ten years. Businesses in designated areas within the zones will benefit from 100 per cent business rates relief on newly-occupied and expanded premises. Local councils hosting zones will receive 100 per cent of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years. Businesses will receive full stamp duty land tax relief on land bought for commercial or residential development and a zero rate for Employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year. There will also be capital allowance relief to encourage investment. The council has clear strategic aims and objectives for the city and the opportunity to establish an Investment Zone would accelerate the work being done to deliver new, high value jobs, deliver new homes and improve opportunities for residents. Over the last few years the council has proved it can deliver new projects on a large scale, working with partners from a wide range of backgrounds and across a range of sectors including Plymouth Community Homes, the University of Plymouth, Association of British Ports and Homes and Communities Agency. Other partners include Network Rail, GWR, Princess Yachts, Urban Splash, Propiteer, Muse, Victoria Wharves, Cattedown Harbour Commissioners, Yachthaven and Marina Projects Ltd.

Councillor Pat Patel pictured with the 5G Innovation Award at the official opening of the Smart Sound Connect control centre (see story at foot of page)

Prestigious award for Plymouth’s world-leading technology initiative A world-leading technology initiative in Plymouth has won a prestigious national award.

Smart Sound Connect, which is led and run by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, was named as the the 5G Innovation of the Year (Product/Service) at the 20th Mobile Industry Awards in London. The network utilises leading technology from Vodafone, Nokia and Steatite. Benefitting from £1.8 million of funding from Heart of the South West LEP, the network is free of charge to use for businesses looking to utilise high speed, low latency data networks at sea to develop innovative marine solutions. Smart Sound is also a key asset to the global offering of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport by strengthening the region’s position as a marine autonomy super cluster. The Freeport will support further investment and innovation opportunities for Smart Sound Connect by supporting marine science seabed research and Offshore Renewable Energy logistics solution trials. As the UK’s first 5G connected ocean trialling area there are plans for Smart Sound to expand along the coast and to subsea obstacle courses and testbeds. Smart Sound will engage with the Freeport Regulatory Network (FREN) through this process. “Winning this award is a significant achievement for Smart Sound Connect and a ringing endorsement of what Plymouth as a location is offering to the marine sector,” said Richard Bingley, Leader of Plymouth City Council. “By supporting the development of the next generation of marine technologies, we are developing an environment for high end jobs and significant economic growth in the area.” “We are delighted that Smart Sound Connect has been recognised for its innovation and ingenuity‚“ said Professor Icarus Allen, chief executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). “This is an incredibly exciting project for the marine

industry and the marine sciences, and the use of 5G to integrate the Smart Sound fleet of autonomous platforms is a critical part of delivering a world-leading testbed for advanced marine technology.” Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It’s brilliant to see this innovative project receive industry recognition at this year’s Mobile Industry Awards. The creation of this 5G network is supporting businesses in the marine tech sector to innovate, which in turn will enable them to accelerate business growth, attract further investment, and excel in global markets. We look forward to continuing our support for Smart Sound Connect, as it provides testing and deployment opportunities for cutting edge technologies, including exciting developments in autonomous marine vessels.” Andrea Dona, chief network officer at Vodafone said: “We are very proud to win the 5G Innovation of the Year award this year. This project has the capability to create a lasting impact to the environment and we hope this Smart Sound platform can further develop the scope of marine technology using our 5G network.” Stephane Haulbert, head of Enterprise Partner Business in Europe from Nokia said: “At Nokia we are committed to working with industry partners leveraging technologies to help communities, enterprises and other entities deliver on their sustainability, operational and economic development goals. Being part of this 5G marine testbed is a prime example of this, allowing us to showcase the capabilities of industrial-grade private wireless networks and how they can be used to foster innovation.” Alastair Wallace, commercial director, Steatite Ltd, said: “Steatite is delighted to be part of Smart Sound’s success story and industry recognition of this 5G initiative. We look forward to seeing our cutting edge radio technology deployed in Plymouth Sound.”

State-of-the-art control centre is opened A state-of-the-art control centre for Plymouth’s Smart Sound Connect has been officially opened in the city.

Following on from the successful launch of Smart Sound Connect earlier this year, the new control centre further enhances the support provided to industry as part of the Smart Sound testing and proving ground based in and around Plymouth Sound. It follows recognition for the network from the mobile sector by receiving the 2022 Mobile Industry Award for 5G Innovation of the Year (Product/Service). Opened by Councillor Pat Patel, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, the Smart Sound Connect Control Centre will provide live access to the world’s first ocean-focussed 5G network, powered by Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), as well as well as the wider point-to-point data mesh network that covers the full 1000 sq km of ocean that makes up Smart Sound. Hosted by Plymouth City Council at Endeavour House in Oceansgate, the new control centre is run by the council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) with support from Smart Sound Connect’s technology partners, Vodafone Business, Nokia and Steatite.

To date, almost 50 use cases have been identified for Smart Sound Connect. Access is provided free of charge and is funded by Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Businesses looking to use the network will also have free access to the control centre for their marine innovation projects. “The Smart Sound Connect control centre is the final building block in providing comprehensive support for marine innovation businesses to fully leverage our world leading support services,” said Councillor Patel. “Marine innovation support is a central pillar for our plans to increase the number of high-end jobs in the city and Smart Sound Connect builds on the fantastic momentum that has developed over the last ten years. “The opening of the control centre is an important milestone for the wider Smart Sound project, and for Plymouth, as it cements itself as the UK’s hub for advanced marine technology development and deployment”, said Dr James Fishwick, Head of Smart Sound at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. “The network will help to boost growth in the marine tech sector and support the cutting-edge marine science that is being carried out here in Britain’s Ocean City.”

@PlymChronicle

December 2022 27

Lord Mayor drops in for a coffee

Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Sue Dann and her husband consort Alderman Chris Mavin paid a visit to the Harewood House Coffee Bar to meet volunteers there and to see the recent refurbishments to the bar.

Kay Tolley (centre) pictured with two members of her staff Shalamar White and Natasha Jeffrey

Kay’s a real cut above the rest

Plymstock mum Kay Tolley wanted to do something memorable to celebrate her 25 years working at the Cut Above Barbers Shop – so she decided to raise funds for the charity SADS UK. She chose that charity because her close friend’s 18 year old daughter died suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this year. Kay started working at Cut Above – which is located in Dean Cross Road – when she was 26 in 1997. She had decided it was time to seek employment after leaving a top salon in the city to start a family. Her baby daughter Lucy was just 10 months old and finances were tight. The position at Cut Above became available local to her home and it wasn’t what she really wanted, but thought it would be e temporary measure until she found a local hairdressing position. Kay said: “I never imagined that I would end up buying the business, but that’s what I did six years ago when the previous owner Roy Dike retired. I’m proud to say we believe its the oldest established barber’s shop in Plymstock and the surrounding area. “To make my 25th anniversary at Cut Above more meaningful I held a charity event day for the charity SADS UK which deals with unexpected sudden death. “In the summer my good friend Annemarie Edmonds, who owns The Blitz Cafe, which is located under Cut Above, suffered a tragic loss. Without any warning lost her beautiful daughter Cody at the very young age of 18. It was so tragic as she had flourished into a fun loving beautiful young lady and had found real joy and contentment in her career as a carer. “The total shock, disbelief, pain and devastation of losing Cody will affect Annemarie and her family’s lives forever. SADS UK provides essential help and support for families in such situations,” added Kay. She set up a Just Giving page for donations and also contributed all the profits from the business for the day towards the fundraising. She encouraged customers to help celebrate her landmark in the business by making a donation. Her efforts raised raised almost £1000 for the charity and Kay also raised extra funds for the charity Young Lives versus Cancer, in memory of James Marlow, a 21-year-old from Plymouth who died in the same week as Cody. Kay said: “James was an inspirational young man who was a devoted Christian.”

They spent some time chatting to Plympton Litter Pickers who were running the coffee bar on the day of their visit and also customers who had dropped in for a lunchtime snack. The Harewood Coffee Bar plays an important role in reducing social isolation as people are able to come along and meet others in the comfort of the Alf Wright Lounge, and partake in reasonably priced refreshments with hot drinks starting at 60p and sandwiches normally priced at under £2. Different charitable groups and volunteer organisations run the bar each week to raise funds for their own cause or other worthy causes selected by them. As well as serving refreshments the Plympton Litter Pickers operated a prize draw, tombola and bric-a-brac stall. They also sold knitted poppies for the benefit of the Royal British Legion. The Plympton Litter Pickers’ week at the coffee bar proved a huge success. A spokesperson for the group said: “Plympton Litter Pickers would like to

The Lord Mayor and her consort pictured with members of Plympton Litter Pickers

once again thank anyone that donated, bought, ate, drank and supported them during the coffee bar week. Much appreciated. We are excited to be able to report we raised over £1500! An amazing total in this difficult economic time and it was marvelous to see Harewood House full of local people; the atmosphere was really lovely.” Groups normally hire the coffee bar out for complete weeks, but bookings for part weeks will be considered for groups who may not be able to muster the resources to do an entire week. The coffee bar is

open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm. Anyone interested in making a booking to run it should call Nikki Chinner on 01752 962764 or e-mail n.chinner@sky. com . Groups hiring the coffee bar should normally be involved in community activities which benefit the residents of Plympton. The coffee bar is often booked up for several months in advance. Refurbishments have now started on the ladies toilet at Harewood House with the disabled one doubling up for others to use while this work goes on. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Student Sonia bids for Arctic expedition history A Plymouth University student has been selected to take part in one of the most ambitious polar expeditions.

Sonia Evans, who is 20, will join a 28-strong team in February next year with the goal of becoming the first expedition in history to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility. It is an important challenge for Sonia, who has dreams of becoming a polar researcher. Defined as the furthest point from land on the Arctic Ocean and therefore its centre, the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility remains the last truly significant place in the Polar Regions, yet to be reached by humankind and is over 270 miles further than the Geographic North Pole. The whole journey will be near to 800 miles from the northern shores of Canada. Sonia, who is studying marine biology and oceanography at Plymouth University heard about the expedition from a friend, applied online and was selected after a weekend of demanding tests and challenges on Dartmoor. The expedition is the brainchild of Princetown-based Jim McNeill, one of the world’s most experienced and respected explorers, who has clocked up over 35 years of exploring the world’s most remote and harshest environments. Over 20 years ago Jim conceived the ‘Ice Warrior’ project with the idea of bringing the reality of global climate change to audiences around the globe. Since then, he has trained over 400 people, conducted seven major expeditions and been cited in many scientific papers and leading publications. The story will continue in 2023, when Jim will lead his third attempt at achieving the last great world ‘first’ in polar expeditioning - to be the first person to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, at the very centre of the Arctic Ocean. Two previous

Sonia Evans

attempts failed for different reasons. Having been selected for the Ice Warrior #LASTPOLE Expedition, Sonia is undergoing a comprehensive and intensive training programme to enable her to take on one of four 20-day legs, pushing the route across the Arctic Ocean. She said: “As a student hoping to spend a career in polar research, the Ice Warrior expedition is an incredible opportunity that I feel privileged to be a part of! I’m super excited to contribute to global change science, experience Arctic conditions, and face the mental and physical challenges that will come with it.” The expedition is not only a recordsetting adventure but will be gathering crucial datasets to benchmark the condition of the ocean for the NASA funded National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) scientists, led by Nobel Prize winning scientist, Walt Meier. These, along with weather data, measurements of pollution and counting polar bears that may be encountered, deliver the reality of climate change and make the whole endeavour worthwhile and purposeful. Sonia said that training for the expedition

has included a wide range of challenging activities to prepare for the harsh environment of the Arctic. “We have even been given firearms training so that we can deal with any possible attacks by polar bears,” she said. Expedition leader and Founder of Ice Warrior, Jim McNeill said: “I’m delighted to have Sonia in the expedition team and look forward to training her in every aspect which will make her a competent polar traveller.” One of the key challenges for Sonia ahead of the expedition is to raise £12,000 sponsorship to pay for her place in the team. So far she has raised half of the total and will be spending the next three months securing the remainder of the funds. She added: “Because of the importance of the data we will be collecting during the expedition, companies and organisations involved with climate change have been very supportive. I have a number of promising leads and have also secured a small grant.” For more information visit www.icewarrior.com and to support Sonia go to https://gofund.me/e6aa873f

Firearms training on Dartmoor

@PlymChronicle

28 December 2022 THE

Experience

It’s All Saints Day as I write this article. A day in the calendar which isn’t particularly widely recognised. Indeed you may have never heard of it but you will definitely have heard of the day before.

All Hallows Eve, now referred to as Halloween, takes its tradition from a wide range of historic festivals. One of which is being the day before All Hallows Day, also known as All Saints Day. Traditionally at All Saints Day, Christians take time to remember those believers, particularly martyrs, who have gone before them. Considering their legacy and influence and the ways in which they have shaped the world we live in today. I think this practice can be a hugely helpful one and is important for all of us to do at some stage, irrespective of our beliefs. In looking back we can learn a great deal to help us in our present and shape a better future. When we look at historical figures who influenced society for good we can take inspiration from them. One example is that of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Dr King is a prime example of someone whose Christian faith shaped his life and inspired him to speak truth to power and bring about radical change in the outlook of Black Americans for generations to come. He is also a perfect

Looking back to look forward By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

would have been a very easy option to take. figure to consider at All Saints Day as he was Our lives can be used to bring about change martyred for the cause he believed in. Willing to to others but we have the most power to make pay the ultimate personal cost for the freedom positive changes in our own lives. Looking back to of others. the people in our own past can Of course history is also help this but can also be very littered with the opposite painful. We’ve all had those characters. People whose desire people who influenced us in for power, personal greed, helpful ways but we’ve also had selfishness or a raft of other people who caused us real pain motivations caused them to and suffering. do despicable things to others. When this suffering has I’m sure you can already come been extreme looking back is up with your own list of people especially difficult and in some who fit this description. Equally ways not especially helpful. important lessons can be learnt That being said living with by considering their lives. What unresolved trauma from the factors caused them to do what past isn’t helpful either. they did? Are these same factors Seeking professional help present today in society? Are they in the form of a counsellor or present in my own life? a mental health practitioner We are living in extraordinary is usually a really good step days in which the fear which Dave Simpson to addressing the challenging leads to hate is all too evident. parts of our past. It’s better to You might be motivated to bring speak with someone who can about positive change and speak help than to try and do it alone. truth to power across a wide range of hot topics. I recently interviewed a local lady called Jackie I would encourage you to keep going and model who had experienced childhood abuse from your action on the likes of Dr King who sought someone who should have been trustworthy. to bring about change peacefully when violence

She wanted to share her story on the Life Stories programme on Cross Rhythms Plymouth because, through the help of her Christian faith she has found real freedom. Choosing forgiveness towards her abuser was a significant part of her story. She described it as being something which set her free from the damage of the past like nothing else could. It was far from an easy process for her but genuinely knowing God’s love for her and following the steps she felt He was leading her to take it proved possible over time. Her story worked for good in a remarkable way and you can listen to the full interview on the Listen Again pages at crossrhythms. co.uk/plymouth. We’ve got many other Life Stories interviews like it on the website to help demonstrate that there is a God who loves and cares for you and wants to bring life, hope and freedom to you whatever you have faced. As we approach the Christmas period with the message of God with man through the person of Jesus, may you know this freedom for yourself.

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

Sewing skills of Plymouth Soroptimists will bring so much joy to 100 little girls Over 100 little girls in developing countries will be getting their first ever new dress thanks to the sewing skills of Plymouth Soroptimists, their friends and families.

Val and Alan Street with Stannator Pastor Arno Bessel

Coffee morning raises £400 A Chaddlewood couple’s coffee morning last month as part of the Macmillan Big Coffee Morning has raised £406 for the charity.

After a three year hiatus due to the pandemic Val and Alan Street welcomed friends and relatives to their home for the event during which Stannator Pastor Arno Bessel pulled out winning draw tickets and Plympton Podcast founder Andrew Hill acted as auctioneer and coaxed people to bid on a variety of lots. Friends and relatives also assisted in various ways including baking cakes and donating items for the draw and auction. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

The beautiful dresses in different styles are made from a range of fabrics including pillowcases, duvet covers and curtains and will be sent to the international charity ‘Dress a Girl Around the World.’ The charity has to date distributed dresses to 38,000 girls in developing countries such as Uganda. Cameroon, Nigeria, Syria and Ghana. Each dress has a Dress a Girl label sewn on to the front to help protect these vulnerable girls from potential predators as it’s an indication that an organisation is looking after them. Wendy Wood co-ordinated the project for the Plymouth Soroptimist club and is thrilled with the outcome. “I am absolutely delighted with the response from everyone who has sourced materials, cut out the dresses and sewn them up. It’s been a real team effort,” she said. “To have made 100 lovely dresses which we know will make such a difference to these girls who will never have had a new dress is just heart warming. The fact that it’s going to bring a smile to their faces and also protect them from predators makes it so worthwhile.” Embellished with pockets, frills and bows etc the dresses are individual and eye catching and will be sure to delight the recipients. The dresses will be sent to Jaqui Onslow who is the UK contact and co-ordinator for the Dress A Girl charity

which is affiliated to the Hope for Women International Campaign set up in 2006. For more information on the Dress A Girl charity visit www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com. For more information on Soroptimist International Plymouth & District visit plymsorop.org.uk

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30 December 2022

Hundreds of Plymouth homes are eligible for energy upgrades Hundreds of Plymouth homes are set for an energy upgrade this winter thanks to a new pot of grant funding.

The Future Fit programme, a partnership between Plymouth City Council and local charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), will see £4million of government funding distributed across up to 300 eligible homes in the city. The money will be spent on improvements such as wall, floor and loft insulation; getting rid of draughts; help with heating controls; installing solar and replacing off-the-grid gas heating systems. To make the process as smooth as possible, PEC has created a handy funding eligibility checker where him households can discover what improvements can be funded for their home. While a number of eligibility factors will be considered, the Future Fit project is open for homeowners and households living in privately rented accommodation with a yearly income of less than £30,000. For more information visit www. plymouthenergycommunity.com/futurefit, and look out for PEC’s Future Fit team in local neighbourhoods over the next few months. PEC project manager Justin Bear said: “Local people are doing all they can to save energy and reduce costs – ̶ but if your home is leaking heat, it’s almost impossible to make significant savings without making major upgrades, which aren’t affordable for most. We want to lighten this burden. We don’t want our community to have to choose between keeping the heating on or other vital needs. “If your household meets the eligibility criteria, we manage the whole process: the initial home energy assessment; coordinating local contractors to do the upgrades according to what a house needs, and issuing the funding on behalf of the council.” Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance said: “We are proud to be part of this pro-active, urgently needed intervention in the cost-of-living crisis. “By helping residents have warmer homes and lowering your heating costs, we’re also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and working towards stopping climate change. Future Fit is therefore helping to make a better future for both our local community, and planet.” Plymouth resident Laurie said: “Plymouth Energy Community have been amazing. Their specialist knowledge got grants to pay for new storage heaters and solar roof panels. I don’t know what I would have done without their friendly, helpful support. I cannot thank them enough!” With rising energy prices and the cost-ofliving crisis, bills are getting much harder to manage for everyone. Brought to you by PCC and PEC at this critical time, Future Fit is here to help 300 households stay warm and save money well into the future.

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New independent alliance will challenge seats at May election The political landscape in Plymouth is changing, following three of the city’s most high profile, and well-known Councillors joining forces on Plymouth City Council, to form the Independent Alliance Group.

Founding members Cllr Terri Beer, Cllr Nick Kelly, and Cllr Chaz Singh have over 33 years’ experience of the council between them. Cllr Terri Beer has been the Deputy Lord Mayor, the Lord Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Children. Cllr Chaz Singh, has been the Deputy Lord Mayor, Chair of Taxi Licensing and Chair of the Equalities Working Group. Cllr Nick Kelly has been the Leader of Plymouth City Council, Deputy Lord Mayor, Chair of the Performance & Finance Scrutiny Committee, Chair of Taxi Licencing, and Chair of Chief Officer Appointments Panel. All three between them have held numerous Shadow Cabinet positions, appointments to outside bodies and sat on nearly all of the Council’s various committees. They are all extremely passionate about Plymouth and have worked tirelessly over many years, on local ward issues and improving the lives of children, the most vulnerable, and the minority groups within the city. These along with making Plymouth a truly fantastic place to live, work or visit and improving civic pride will remain key priorities they will campaign on. Cllr Beer said: “Promoting the safeguarding of our children and vulnerable adults, will continue to be a priority area to focus on, moving forward.” All three councillors are very active on social media with their work, and Cllr Singh has over 16,000 followers on his Twitter account. They quickly decided to form an official group, to enable them to represent their residents on

New alliance...Cllrs Chaz Singh, Terri Beer and Nick Kelly the various PCC Committees, something that wasn’t done by previous Independent members, as they already had a close working relationship and shared values. “Despite coming from very different backgrounds, we have a strong sense of fairness and equality” said Cllr Beer. Cllr Kelly, past Leader of the Council said: “During the past 18 months, the three of us have worked very closely together. We share common beliefs and values, and simply want the very best for Plymouth’s residents and businesses. Cllr Terri Beer was the Lord Mayor when I was the Leader, and we attended many civic events together in our respective capacities, no more so than offering support to the community following the Keyham tragedy. “We also awarded Freedom of the City three times during our terms of office, to deserving recipients Mark

Ormrod, Tom Daley and the Falklands Veterans.” Cllr Singh, was appointed to Chair the new Equalities Working Group and in conjunction with us both, really reached out to the minority communities within our city, that he has championed for over a decade. The Lord Mayor hosted many events in the Parlour where we invited different communities into PCC, especially the Romanian, Jewish and Asian communities in our city.” Cllr Singh said: “As a city that is changing visually, and culturally, it’s important that all residents and visitors feel that Plymouth is a warm and welcoming city”. All three councillors feel strongly now is the right time to offer Plymouth something different. With the national political backdrop of chaos that has been mirrored in Plymouth over the past six months, they believe large party politics is dead for the foreseeable future, with

so many of the electorate totally disillusioned. Plymouth has never had an elected independent councillors, but in May 2023, when all three are up for election this may change. They are in discussions with other councillors who have become disillusioned with their own party’s conduct, broken promises, and policies for the city. Cllr Kelly said: ”Others within the council may join us in the coming weeks and months, that will be their choice. “However, since my resignation I have been inundated with people urging me to stand as an independent and form an Alliance. “Previous councillors and councillor candidates have contacted me in the past few days wanting to stand and be part of this Alliance in May 2023. We already have enough candidates to stand in each of the 19 wards. “This is something new and exciting, although a lot more work and planning will now start to truly offer the residents of Plymouth a real and credible alternative to the mainstream parties. I am excited about leading this initiative and hope to share more details in the coming months.” Plymouth City Council is currently in a state of no overall control, following the resignation of Cllr Kelly from the Conservatives. The new Independent Group will therefore have a significant role to play in any council vote that may affect policies for running the city. Their objective is to hold any Administration to account whilst also being proactive in offering solutions to the city’s challenges. Cllr Singh said “We feel liberated that we can do the very best for Plymouth and our residents, and not be concerned about going against any national party policies or having disciplinary action taken against us, we are truly independent.”

PLAN TO TACKLE CHILD POVERTY IN PLYMOUTH OVER NEXT THREE YEARS A new three-year plan sets out how Plymouth City Council will work to break the cycle of child poverty and ensure that children living in the city are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The Child Poverty Action Plan for 2022 to 2025 was agreed at today’s Cabinet meeting following support from the cross-party Child Poverty Cabinet Advisory Group. The plan has four key themes: Income and employment: ensuring the benefits of economic growth are felt by everyone and supporting the Skills for Plymouth plan. Health and wellbeing: supporting children’s emotional and physical wellbeing and continuing the oral health improvement programme. Education and transitions: improving literacy levels, supporting children in Early Years settings to be ‘school ready’ and giving young people the skills to transition into adulthood. Partnerships: working with private and voluntary sector partners to mitigate child poverty.

Each theme includes a number of priorities and proposed outcomes. These include increasing the number of childcare places available in areas of deprivation, improving literacy in children living in low income families, reducing the prevalence of obesity in children and improving children’s dental hygiene. The previous plan, for 2019 to 2022, focused on similar themes and despite the impact of Covid-19 had a positive impact. Successful outcomes included a 63 per cent increase in the number of eligible children claiming free school meals, which not only ensures they receive a healthy meal each day but also results in schools receiving additional funding to support pupils. Reports from the Department for Work and Pensions also show that more than 770 children living in low income families moved out of poverty between March 2020 and 2021. Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member

for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our new action plan which clearly outlines the steps that we, together with our partners, will be taking to support local families and children. “We can’t do this on our own and I’m delighted that we’re able to work so closely with partners from the private and voluntary sectors, as well as other public sector organisations, all of whom share our ambitions to break the cycle of child poverty.” “The plan’s four different themes give us a clear approach to tackling both the causes of child poverty, which includes helping parents into employment, and also the major symptoms. “We’ll be taking steps to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Plymouth as well as providing opportunities for our children and young people to learn and to be inspired, setting them up for the bright future that every child Damedeserves.” Mary Perkins cutting the ribbon at the opening

December 2022 31

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HMS Montrose in another big drugs bust operation Team Montrose with the drugs haul worth over £15m

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

Her team of sailors and Royal Marines seized around 870kg of crystal methamphetamine from a dhow in the Arabian Sea during a sixhour operation. Persistence from the boarding team led to a secret compartment being found aboard the vessel, revealing hidden illegal narcotics. The haul was brought back to the frigate for inspection and weighing. The drugs totalled 870kg when counted, worth around £15.5m wholesale value in the UK according to the National Crime Agency. It’s the fifth drugs seizure of the year by the ship while operating under the international Combined Task Force 150 and means Montrose has prevented nearly £47m of illegal narcotics reaching the streets in 2022, denying the proceeds to criminals or terrorists. The frigate, which has been deployed to the Middle East since the beginning of 2019, also seized two illegal arms shipments earlier this year – all of which underscores the importance of maintaining a major Royal Navy warship in the region on a long-term mission. “Today we have disrupted the unlawful use of the oceans. A seizure of this size will deal a huge blow to the criminal or terrorist gangs using these illegal narcotics to fund their

Royal Marines from 42 Commando at Bickleigh board the vessel

activity,” said Commander Claire Thompson, the frigate’s Commanding Officer. “This success proves we will persistently deny criminals the freedom to conduct their illegal activity on the High Seas. Disrupting terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe. “It is a privilege to command HMS Montrose and the incredibly professional, highly-trained and dedicated personnel that I have on my team. I could not be prouder of each and every one of them.” The frigate is one of numerous international warships attached to Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, itself part of the wider naval security mission from Suez to the Seychelles and western seaboard of the Indian sub-continent directed from Bahrain by the Combined Maritime Forces, a partnership of 38 nations committed to safety, security and the free

passage of trade on the key sea lanes in the Middle East. CTF 150 is one of several task groups in the region. It has a specific remit to conduct maritime security operations across a vast area spanning the Red and Arabian Seas, and much of the Indian Ocean, where it combats drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal weapons. Devonport-based HMS Montrose pounced after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats. Royal Marines from Bickleigh based 42 Commando – the UK military’s specialists in these operations – seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo.

“The team did really well and I’m really pleased with the outcome. We initially found ten bags, but we suspected there was more. Once we got behind a false bulkhead we found a compartment full of illegal narcotics,” said Lieutenant Liam Speed, the Royal Navy boarding officer. Combined Task Force 150 Commander Commodore Almutairi Abdullah of the Royal Saudi Navy said: “This was a successful day for Combined Task Force 150. “We work with other Combined Maritime Forces nations to deter the illicit use of the sea. Successful boardings like this help to deter people from using the sea for criminal purposes. Being able to reassure our regional partners that the task force is strengthening our maritime security.” Commodore Adrian Fryer, the senior Royal Navy officer in the Middle East – and also Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, said that once again the concerted international naval effort had delivered results, preventing ‘a significant quantity of illegal narcotics from reaching its destination.’ He continued: “The professionalism of all involved from the command of the task force through to the boarding team is demonstrative of our commitment to maintaining rulesbased order at sea. “I look forward to continued success for CTF 150 and HMS Montrose.”

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32 December 2022

Shoppers give £10,000 to help a lifesaving team in Plymouth

Vulnerable students across Plymouth will benefit from a £10,000 grant thanks Tesco shoppers.

Plymouth Night Patrol was chosen to receive the funds as part of a celebratory Community Grant one-off funding campaign. Shoppers in selected Tesco stores took part in a lucky dip to find specially created gold versions of its iconic blue voting token. The total amount being given away in gold tokens was worth £1million in grants to good causes. Founded in 2019, Plymouth Night Patrol is a student-led volunteer programme, providing medical assistance to vulnerable students who use the city’s pubs and clubs. Its team is made up of highly trained volunteers and student support welfare officers who have provided hundreds of hours of invaluable frontline care to Plymouth’s student population. They were first on scene to 21 serious incidents in the past academic year alone. David Martin, founder of Plymouth Night Patrol, said: “We are very grateful to Tesco for this grant. It will go towards us buying two fully equipped response bicycles, allowing our first responders to reach vulnerable students quicker. “As we have grown, we have seen an everincreasing workload for our officers. This has led us to develop the plans for a cycle response team to work alongside our foot teams, providing shorter response times to incidents as well as a greater availability of lifesaving equipment. “We aim to establish a two-person cycle team that will respond in road and pedestrianised areas,

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carrying a range of equipment that cannot be carried on foot. “This will enable us to provide care to vulnerable individuals across a larger area and in a shorter time frame than is currently possible – better fulfilling our mission to safeguard Plymouth’s student population effectively.” The donation marks £100million in Tesco Community Grants being given to more than 50,000 good causes since they were launched in 2016. Good causes that have benefited include breakfast clubs, food banks, Meals on Wheels, playgrounds and green spaces, parks and green spaces, counselling and support services for young people and children’s sports teams.

With many small, often volunteer-run groups facing rising costs, Tesco Community Grants are vital at the moment to help them keep going. The current cost-of-living crisis is also seeing many groups starting to offer hot meals or warm spaces in addition to their usual services. Claire De Silva, head of communities and local media at Tesco, said: “These events were not only a really fun occasion in store, with our colleagues and customers really keen to get involved, but also an important opportunity for people to choose a local good cause to receive the £10,000 grant. Hopefully, this will help to make a difference to everyone they continue to support within our communities.”

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December 2022

# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER Plymouth’s popular Christmas Market returns to the city centre from December 1 to December 18 offering open air food and drink and a host of artisan gift stalls

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Plymouth is all set for a fantastic festive season with a host of activities, special events and dazzling displays in the city centre and the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront. Full details can be found in the special eight-page pull-out supplement in this edition.

Scan the QR code. Or check the next edition of the Plymouth Chronicle. Or visit plymouthchronicle.co.uk/chronicle-crossword

Across: 1 Abbas, 4 Sell-out, 8 Circa, 9 Bambino, 10 Spaniel, 11 Tenth, 12 Ran dry, 14 Adepts, 18 Motif, 20 Objects, 22 Opening, 23 Heave, 24 Yearned, 25 Diets Down: 1 Accuser, 2 Bargain, 3 Swami, 4 Subtle, 5 Limited, 6 Onion, 7 Tooth, 13 Ruﬃan, 15 Package, 16 Sisters, 17 Forged, 18 Moody, 19 Theta, 21 Jihad

With over 1732* hours of sunshine in Devon each year, now is the perfect time to take advantage of renewable energy. Reduce your reliance on fossil fuels; save money on energy bills whilst lowering your carbon footprint and export surplus energy back to the grid via an SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) tariff.

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Santa will be the special guest at the Barbican Lights Switch-on on November 19 when there will also be free activities and entertainment from 12 noon onwards

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