Plymouth Chronicle East February 2023

Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth Citybus has been awarded the MBE in the New Year’ Honours See Page 9

The famous Armada portrait

of Queen Elizabeth I is featured in one of the new exhibitions at The Box

Rescued turtle arrives at National Marine Aquarium

Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium has welcomed a new tank-mate – Heidi, a 29kg male turtle rescued from South Malé Atoll in the Maldives.

Heidi was found entangled in a ghost net, a fishing net that has been abandoned, lost or discarded into the ocean. He had deep wounds to both front flippers, and unfortunately the front left flipper had to be amputated. Heidi’s remaining front flipper suffered extensive muscle, nerve and blood vessel damage so is also not functional, meaning he would not have survived in the wild.

The 65cm turtle underwent surgery and spent four years at the Olive Ridley Project - a charity which carries out vital work to rehabilitate turtles caught up in ghost nets. Thanks to their partnership with Coco Collection, the Olive Ridley Project created the first veterinarian-led turtle rescue centre in the Maldives, located on Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, where Heidi resided before being transported by IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, to his new home in Plymouth.

Landing in the UK at the start of November, Heidi has spent a few weeks in an acclimatisation tank at the National Marine Aquarium in order to properly settle into his new abode before he is moved to the Aquarium’s stunning Great Barrier Reef Tank.

Marcus Williams, curator at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “We are delighted to

Airways and British Airways.”

Dr Claire Petros, lead veterinarian from the Olive Ridley Project commented, “We’re excited that our long-term patient, Heidi, has arrived at his forever home at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth in England.

“Sadly, Heidi would not have been able to return to the wild as he has no use of his remaining front flipper and as such wouldn’t have survived back in the ocean. He has such an incredible personality and we thought he would make a fantastic ambassador, raising the awareness of the threat that turtle’s face from ghost nets around the world.”

Despite his injuries, Heidi is a competent swimmer and diver using his back flippers. Quite the acrobat, he often puts on a display of turning upside down and spinning around to catch pieces of fish, so will be a fascinating addition to the wonderful array of animals that can already be found at the National Marine Aquarium.

Valerie Hadley, specialised product manager at IAG Cargo, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Ocean Conservation Trust to transport Heidi the turtle safely from the Maldives to London-Heathrow. At IAG Cargo, we’re used to handling precious cargo and have been moving live animals for many years.

Now in the Great Barrier Reef tank guests to the aquarium can see Heidi putting on his gymnastic display and making friends with the tank’s current residents.

be able to give Heidi a home in our Great Barrier Reef Tank. As well as allowing our audiences to engage with this wonderful animal, we will be able to educate on the dangers of ghost nets and the importance of conservation efforts around the

world. It was an amazing effort to get Heidi safely over to Plymouth, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of some dedicated organisations, including Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, IAG Cargo, JCS Livestock, Trans Maldivian

Heidi the turtle...enjoying his new home in Plymouth

Plymouth’s Clean Our Patch community group is celebrating after an outstanding record-breaking year in 2022.

At the end of 2021 having cleared 17,002 bags, the community interest group set themselves the target of collecting 20,000 bags last year - and they totally smashed it!

Clean Our Patch and their army of litter pickers collectively cleared 21,366 bags from across Plymouth and South Hams.

It is an incredible achievement by Clean Our Patch founders El Clarke and Ash Sanuels who first embarked on their anti-litter campaign in in 2018 and set up the group as a Community Interest Company (CIC) the following year.

Their activities have grown rapidly over the years and they now organise around 350 litter picks each year across Plymouth and the South Hams.

Clean Our Patch not only work closely with local councils, but also with over 40 schools, the mini police, home schooling groups, businesses, sponsors, charities, festivals and various other organisations such as Plympton Rotary, Morrisons Plymouth - Outland Road Community Champion, Advanced Disposables, Devlin Trust, @gambianproject and Devon Contract Waste to name a few.

One of their most committed supporters is young Sam Ryeland, who supported by his care team, walked a marathon to raise money for Clean Our Patch which paid for equipment and workshops for three Plympton Schools.

For the group’s anniversary in March he’s already planning a triathalon to raise more funds! He also inspired his friends at I-Grow Day Centre to form a group which is the first adult learning disability litter picking group in the city. Inclusion is one of Clean Our Patch’s primary focuses and they plan to expand this in 2023.

They won a Diamond award from Plastic Free Plymouth thanks to the nomination Jackie Young and we were shortlisted for two regional awards at the Great British Expo’s Southwest Business and Community Awards.

El Clarke said: “We have attended over 30 fundraising events and many have donated not just to Clean Our Patch but also helped to raise just over ¬£800 for this year’s chosen charity Kidney Research UK.

We have also donated shoe boxes and bags full of gifts to nursing and dementia homes Ernstell House Care Home and Merafield View.

Ash Samuels added: “We have helped put together food boxes for those in need and we helped (along with many others) to cook and serve Christmas dinner for those needing some love at Christmas.

Most of all we hope that we have helped to empower individuals and communities. We can all feel so powerless in the current climate

and can’t fix everything but we can all do ‘one thing’!

Whatever your ‘one thing’ is please know that it makes a huge difference.

“Because together we can make things better for our communities, for our friends and for each other. Be kind. Together we can make change happen.

El added: “But ultimately we could not do any of it without the support, kindness, humility and time of so many wonderful individuals and ambassadors - who in total have volunteered 55,511 hours this year! You are all part of the Clean Our Patch family and we are honoured to know each and every one of you.”

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.

Building the Box Architectural Tour

Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16

Building The Box was a huge task. Meet a guide at the Welcome Desk and then take an architectural tour of the site and learn about the restoration, demolition and new build construction that took place between 2017 and 2020. Also discover some fascinating information about the history of the buildings, dating back to the 1860s. External pulpits, Blitz bomb damage, redundant tram lines, and more! The tour involves walking up and down stairs. Tickets £10 must be booked in advance at www. theboxplymouth.com/events/talks-and-tours/ architectural-tour

Strictly Ballroom - The Musical

Jan 30 to Feb 4

Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is heading to the Theatre Royal Plymouth starring Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and BBC’s Eastenders’ Maisie Smith. Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, and all new music written by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. Tickets and details at www.theatreroyal.com

Winter Warmer Comedy Night

Feb 10

Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club host another comedy night with three great comedians, fresh Thai food and a nice warm room for an evening of laughter. Food from 6.30pm, comedy starts 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance from www. eventbrite.co.uk or call 01752 401142.

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show

Feb 10 and 11

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show is coming to the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Join Duggee and the Squirrels in this new vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way. Tickets and details at www.theatreroyal.com

The Liquid Engineers

Feb 11

The No 1 tribute to Gary Numan at The Quad Theatre, Marjon University at 8pm. Tickets £12 in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Live Music at The Roundabout

Feb 17

Featuring Ask My Bull, jazz punk four piece from Manchester supported by Semantics, a one man machine of honesty, energy, words and noise. 8pm to 1am. Tickets £3 in advance from www. trybooking.com

The George Michael Story

Feb 18

This touring show performs George Michael’s hits in chronological order at Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm. The George Michael Story tells in detail, the career of George and his 100 million record selling history. Featuring a full live band with video screens supporting the show, including footage of George and interviews with the man himself. Expect to be taken on a musical journey of George Michael’s biggest hits in this celebration of his life and generosity, as seen on BBC & ITV. Tickets £27 in advance from www. trybooking.com

Plymouth Jazz Club

Feb 19

Featuring Devon Magnolia Jazz Band at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door from 7pm. Details www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Wedding Fair Feb 19

China Fleet Country Club from 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Details at www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/ event-calendar/

Lucy Porter: Wake Up Call

Feb 22

Brand new stand-up comedy show from the fringe favourite at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 8pm. Lucy’s TV appearances include Would I Lie To You, QI and Live at The Apollo. Tickets £18 from www. comicalentertainment.com.

Jumble

Feb 25

sale

St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Lots of bargains and refreshment on sale.

Susie Dent - The Secret Lives of Words

Feb 25

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day at the Quad Theatre, Marjon campus at 2pm. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster). Susie will also share a selection of the funniest moments from her 30 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as some startling results from eavesdropping on a group of waiters. Tickets £23.50 from www.comicalentertainment. com.

Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush

Mar 3

As the longest running and most universally applauded homage to the music of Kate Bush, Cloudbusting has been championed by Radio One as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate’s music has

won over sceptical fans everywhere, challenging perceptions of what a tribute band can be and resulting in sell-out performances across the UK. Hosted at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus from 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50 from eventbrite.co.uk

Plymouth Harbour Half Mar 26

Music

for

Lent Mar 4

West Devon Chorale present works by Mozart, Palestrina and others at Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 (£12 in advance) £4 children and students from www. wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from the choir administrator on 01752 776479.

Rule the World Mar 10

Take That tribute band appearing at Boringdon Park. Doors open at 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. Tickets including three course dinner and welcome drink £40. Call 01752 339113.

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

Mar 11

Join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives. This special day is so much more than a fun, banterfuelled, outing to revel in with your friends – it’s also about being mindful of our mental health. Discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront from 10am. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion, participants can tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading. For details visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout/

Plymouth Brick Festival

Mar 18

A LEGO fan event at Plymouth Guildhall dedicated to all things brick! From 10am to 5pm Early bird from 10am £12 per person. Standard entry from 11am £6 per person, children £4. Family tickets available.

Join the Plymouth Harbour Half for a scenic running experience from Yelverton, following the former railway lines through Plym Woods, back to Saltram, and finishing up around the picturesque harbour. Jump on a coach to the heart of Dartmoor and enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking Plymouth, as you end up back on the Barbican. Details www.phrdevonmind.com

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session. Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! The award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show. Tickets at www.dinomania.co.uk/events/ dinomania-tour-plymouth.php

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of wellknown hits and some previously not-performedlive-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.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.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tour is at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal from January 30 to February 4

Marjon announces appointment of new vice-chancellor

Plymouth Marjon University will welcome a new Vice-Chancellor to the city following the retirement of Professor Rob Warner in December.

Professor Claire Taylor will join the University in May 2023, from her current position as deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Education at Wrexham Glyndwr University in North Wales.

Like Marjon, Glyndwr is a values-based university, rooted in a background of social inclusion and with similarly outstanding student satisfaction ratings.

Professor Taylor studied Music and Education at the University of Cambridge and qualified as a teacher, working with learners of all ages for ten years before becoming a primary school headteacher.

She then moved into higher education, studying for her PhD at the University of Nottingham.  Professor Taylor also held Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor roles at two other values-based universities: Bishop Grosseteste in Lincoln and St Mary’s University, London.

Reflecting the experience of many of Marjon’s students, she was the first in her family to go to university and this continues to inspire her work.  She has advised on a wide range of boards and panels across higher education, including with the Office for Students, Advance HE and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Professor Taylor is committed to addressing areas of social inequality and to seeing individuals and communities flourish. Outside of higher education, she is currently Chair of the Board for Alpha - a social housing provider on the Wirral and is Interim Chair of the advisory board at Ty Pawb, Wrexham’s flagship arts, markets and community facility.

Graham Raikes, chair of the Board of Governors at Marjon, who led the recruitment process and chaired the appointment panel, said: “Professor Claire Taylor is an outstanding appointment to Marjon. Her breadth of experience, clear vision and values mean that Claire is the ideal person to take forward the legacy left by Professor Rob Warner.”

Professor Taylor said: “I’m looking forward immensely to joining Plymouth Marjon University as the next Vice-Chancellor. Marjon’s purpose, values and ambition resonate deeply with me and provide a solid platform from which to extend the university’s influence as a distinctive place of learning, research, and innovation for current and future generations.

“I look forward to joining the Marjon community and working with students, staff, Governors, and partners as we shape the future together.”

Professor Taylor will join Marjon as ViceChancellor and chief executive, responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the University and driving the long-term vision; developing new academic provisions, expanding into international markets, building research and taking the University to carbon net zero by 2030.

Plympton’s big hearted b.kinda coffee shop to support St Luke’s Hospice care

The first b.kinda coffee shop is on course to open in Plympton early in 2023, marking the start of an exciting new venture from the commercial arm of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Aiming to bring in vital funds to support St Luke’s compassionate end of life care across the city and beyond, it’s part of the charity’s ongoing mission to establish additional, sustainable income streams, expanding on the traditional models of retail and fundraising.

St Luke’s has taken on the lease on a property in the centre of Plympton, previously the home of

the Finla independent cafe, as its flagship b.kinda brand coffee shop, with a view to opening more in other locations in the future.

Open for business seven days a week by April, following a major refit, all profits from the business will go directly towards the care and support the hospice offers patients and their loved ones, at home, in hospital and at St Luke’s specialist unit

at Turnchapel.

Mike Dukes, commercial director at St Luke’s, said: “We need to raise millions of pounds each year to provide our care for local families, so there is no room for complacency when it comes to seeking new ways to help fund what we do. As per St Luke’s strategy, we are constantly assessing the commercial environment around us, keeping

an eye on developments that could impact our income as well as scanning the horizon for ways to diversify our income streams so we can channel profits into our hospice care. b.kinda is a great example of how we are thinking outside the box.”

The ambitious, forward-thinking coffee shop project follows on from the hugely successful b.kinda mystery online clothing box enterprise

established earlier this year.

Style-conscious women who sign up via the website at www.bkinda.co.uk receive four items of hand-picked, pre-loved womenswear – beautifully presented in an eco-friendly package and delivered by post for just £15.

The b.kinda coffee shop, off The Ridgeway, will also have its heart and eco credentials in the right place, focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable quality - from the design and materials used to kit out the premises to sourcing the food and drink served.

Dr Andy Hardy

What hope is there for those looking for answers to the deeper questions of life? Many people are asking this, both those in the church and those with no church affiliation. Andy Hardy is an experienced practical theologian who brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject and communicates his response in a way that is easy for all to understand.

Saturday 25th Feb

The

9AZ at 7:30pm

Sunday 26th Feb

The King’s, Tavistock PL19 9AZ 10:30am

The Worship Centre Estover, PL6 7LF 7:30pm

It will cater for customers who are fussy about their coffee, its taste and its provenance and the operation will prioritise Fair Trade and local South West producers. Key suppliers will be the awardwinning Owens who have been fresh roasting their organic and ethically sourced coffee beans at their custom-built premises near Ivybridge since 2010.

Recognising that excellent service is incredibly important in this competitive sector, the b.kinda coffee shop will be run by professional paid staff to ensure standards are consistently high.

It’s currently recruiting an experienced manager and later will take on skilled and trainee baristas to deliver coffee brilliantly and serve up a menu of bespoke locally pre-prepared tasty eats, including cakes, bakes and savouries.

Mike Dukes acknowledges that breaking into this sector is a challenge and, inevitably, comes with some risk, but he is confident that there is a gap in the market to be filled by aiming higher than the current offer from larger coffee shop chains.

He said: “Even though money is tight for many people, all our research shows that coffee is now part of our culture in the UK and people have high expectations.

“While they may cut back on meals out, a really good cup of coffee is a small treat they are willing to pay for, and that’s what we’ll be providing, along with comfortable and classy surroundings. The premises we’ve chosen will also be a great hub for the local community.

“Our commitment to being eco-conscious is genuine and we are walking our talk in terms of using environmentally sustainable and recycled materials, even though that has meant spending more on our refit to a spec by great local designers.

“This first b.kinda coffee shop is an extremely exciting step in our quest to find new and sustainable ways of bringing in additional income to support St Luke’s services.”

FathersHouseSW

Reverend

The new b.kinda coffee shop will be located in the premises formerly occupied by Finla

Mahatma Gandhi

Plymouth mourns loss of well-known former pipe band leader

One of Plymouth’s most well-known bandsmen has died. Commander Charles Crichton, OBE, MScSoc, RN was for many years a familiar face heading the procession of the City of Plymouth Pipe Band during its processions at Lord Mayor’s Day and on many other occasions.

An accomplished musician, he was their Drum Major for many years, prior to which he spent 37 years in active service in the Royal Navy followed by 10 further years in naval uniform as a retired officer civil servant.

Cdr. Crichton passed away in November at the age of 80, surrounded at home by his family. He had continued to enjoy a full and active life despite living with cancer for 15 years.

Charles was raised with a belief in diligence, social responsibility and a passion for knowledge which served him well through his navy years and saw him involved in countless charitable endeavours.

He received the OBE in 1994 for his service to the Royal Navy.

A committed participant, patron and ambassador of several youth and veterans organisations involved in supporting city-based projects he was also the go-to man for matters of the maritime history of Plymouth. His wealth of knowledge and stories will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held at the Minster Church of St. Andrew in Royal Parade at on January 6.

Sherford Life

I love a good film – who doesn’t? It’s been quite a while since I have ventured back to the cinema (due to an unfortunate combination of a global pandemic and parenting three young children), but I love the experience of the big screen. And there’s plenty to see in 2023!

If you like sci-fi, perhaps you have already been to see the sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 epic, Avatar. As I write in early January, it’s racing up the all-time box office charts, having already made $1.7bn in worldwide cinema sales. Or perhaps you’re waiting for the sequel to 2021’s Dune reboot.

If you prefer nostalgia, maybe you’re looking forward to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny or the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel (Wonka). Or maybe you prefer your nostalgia unsullied by unnecessary franchise continuations!?

If you can stomach any more superhero films, there are plenty of those coming out: the new Ant Man sequel, another Guardians of the Galaxy film, The Marvels, The Flash, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom…the list goes on.

If you’re into more artful and thoughtprovoking films, you might be queueing up to watch Christopher Nolan’s upcoming biopic, Oppenheimer, following the story of the American scientist who headed up the project to develop the first atomic bomb in the 1940s.

If you prefer all-out action, maybe the next John Wick film or Fast and Furious 10?

By Revd Tom Brassil

I love films because I love being immersed in the story. Perhaps you love films too, or maybe you prefer books or plays. Why do we love stories so much? I think there are lots of reasons, depending on which kinds of stories you love. Sci-fi and fantasy stories tap into our longing to escape, even just briefly, from the drudge of everyday life, and travel to magical or mysterious worlds in our imaginations.

Stories with superheroes or action heroes speak to our longing to be rescued, or perhaps to have lives of heroic significance. Stories where we can get to know characters with real emotional depth speak to our desire to know and be known deeply.

Master storyteller J. R. R. Tolkien once wrote that we love stories because they are echoes of the great Story, the true story we find in the pages of the Bible.

A story that has shades of heroism, romance, art, action and everything else besides. A story in which we can find a real hope of escape from the pain of life, real hope of rescue, real lives of significance, and a real chance to be known and loved fully. Sometimes our own stories function as reminders of that great Story; sometimes they just remind us of our longing for that great Story to be true. What if the great Story was true?

Why not make 2023 the year you find out for yourself? Find your local church, or come along and see us in Sherford one Sunday.

Want to chat more about films, or about the best true story ever written? Send me a message at tom@sherfordchurch.net

Detailed plans for Sherford’s state-of-the-art community leisure centre are submitted

Plans have been submitted to Plymouth City Council for Sherford’s new leisure centre, which would make it the greenest and most accessible leisure centre in the local area.

The new amenity is set to offer the latest in high quality, sustainable, and accessible sports and leisure facilities.

Having long been a crucial element of Sherford’s design, the creation of the leisure centre is being led by the Sherford Consortium, the developers responsible for Sherford – a partnership between Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships, which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes.

With plans continuing to progress, the Sherford Consortium is working alongside Plymouth City Council to deliver the new community facility.

Incorporating a range of energy-saving, green elements, sustainability has been central to the planning and design of the public facility. The leisure centre will have a green roof, solar panels, heating via air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points – making it the ‘greenest’ leisure centre in Plymouth and the South Hams.

Marking a major investment in the creation of state-of-the-art community facilities, significant efforts have been made to ensure the leisure centre is fully accessible and open to all. Plans include the inclusion of a ‘Pool Pod’ user-controlled pool lift; ‘Changing Places’ toilet, with changing bench and hoist; internal passenger lift; and accessible car parking spaces.

Funds raised by Plymstock and District Swimming Pool Association will help fund the accessible features.

Thought has been given to the wide range of users, ensuring there is a range of sports and leisure facilities available for all ages and a variety of interests. The leisure centre plans include a sports hall; 25 metre, four-lane heated swimming pool; dry and wet changing facilities; soft play area; gym; fitness studio; café; 100 plus space car park; and multipurpose function rooms.

Over 200 people from the local

community and wider area attended a public consultation. Last year, with feedback considered and changes incorporated into the centre’s design prior to the planning application being submitted. These changes include altering the colour and materials on the exterior of the building, incorporating more windows and natural light, and providing more outdoor seating.

Other additional elements within the final planning application include extra green details, such as outlining where renewable energy sources – including solar panels and air source heat pumps, will be located – as well as sharing more details on cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, and proposed landscaping.

Following submission of the planning application, approximate timings are based on a decision being expected in Spring 2023. If approved, appointment of a contractor will follow, with an 18-month build programme to follow. The leisure facility could open its doors to first members in the latter half of 2024, subject to when planning

approval is received, the tender process, and construction progress.

Set to be appointed as the chosen operator, LED Community Leisure will bring the latest in leisure and fitness facilities, equipment and skills to Sherford.

With a proven track record in managing centres across Devon and Somerset, LED Community Leisure reinvests all its profits into creating, maintaining and enhancing leisure hubs for the benefit of the local community. The operator’s inclusive and innovative approach will ensure Sherford’s leisure centre meets the needs of both residents and the wider community.

Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Partnerships South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “The submission of the planning application marks a major step forward for the leisure centre.

“As one of the most anticipated facilities at Sherford, the public consultation provided us with a valuable opportunity for future users to provide feedback on the proposed plans, with their insight helping to create a leisure facility built around the needs of local community, as well as the surrounding environment. We are incredibly proud to be leading the way with a green, sustainable and forward-thinking design.”

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sports for Plymouth City Council, said: “I am beyond excited to see this amazing project reach this important milestone. If approved, this facility is going to be just brilliant for the residents of Sherford and Plymstock.

“I’m particularly pleased to see features such as a pool lift and Changing Places facilities for people with disabilities as an intrinsic part of the planning application.”

Plymouth City Council is providing £403,000 towards the building costs of the project, which has been secured through sport and recreation Section 106 contributions from other developers within the local area.

Above and Below: Artist’s impressions of the new leisure centre

Former council leader quits Tory group to stand as independent

Plymouth City Council’s second longest serving Conservative Councillor and former Council Leader Patrick Nicholson has resigned from the Conservative Group and will be seeking re-election to Plymouth City Council on May 4 2023 as an Independent.

His decision follows the publication of the Conservative’s proposed Council budget for 2023/24 and his de-selection by the Plymouth wide Conservative approval panel.

Cllr Nicholson was first elected in 1992 and has served the Plympton St Mary Ward throughout his service on the City Council. He became the youngest City Council Leader in 2000, increasing the number of Conservative councillors from 13 to 39, the largest swing in the country, and he was also the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Plymouth in 2005.

Cllr Nicholson said: “With the publication of the Conservative Council budget today with damaging proposals for District Centre car parking charges, cuts to Ward Councillors’ Community Grants, potential cuts affecting important Plympton and Plymouth facilities such as swimming pools and community venues like Harewood House, I cannot and will not support the budget in its current form as it will damage my Plympton St Mary Ward residents.

“I am also appalled and disgusted with the treatment I have received by the current chairs of the three Conservative Associations in Plymouth since last August when I submitted my application to stand again as a Conservative candidate, by de-selecting me as the Plympton St. Mary Ward Conservative candidate.

“Along with the current Leader of the Conservative Group many of these individuals have been Labour and other Party members whilst over the last 30 years I have diligently sought to represent the residents of the Plympton St Mary Ward.”

Cllr Nicholson added: “I am confirming my intention to stand for re-election as an Independent Candidate in the forthcoming Plymouth City Council Elections in May.”

Although Cllr Nicholson appealed the local decision to de-select him, the Conservative Devon Area Management Executive dismissed the appeal

and it is understood Cllr Nicholson was not even given the opportunity of a face to face meeting before his appeal was dismissed.

“The Plymouth Conservative Party has sadly become personal and vindictive and is currently unworthy of public support,” added Cllr Nicholson.

In order to campaign for his re-election Cllr Nicholson has tendered his immediate resignation from the Conservative Group and will join the Independent Alliance Group, where Independent councillors can join together to freely speak up about issues in their ward and cross-Plymouth matters like the loss of trees in Armada Way, potential introduction of car parking charges across the City’s District Shopping Centres and the potential closure of community facilities and buildings.

“Over my long Council service I have always put my Plympton St Mary Ward residents first and so my constituents should have the final choice of re-electing me or choosing a successor,” said Cllr Nicholson.

Cllr Nicholson now becomes Plympton’s second Independent on the council, joining Cllr Terri Beer who became an Independent in March 2022. Cllr Beer has also since confirmed her intention to defend her ward of Plympton Erle as an Independent in this May’s local elections.

Cllr Nicholson’s resignation from the Conservative group now leaves the Conservatives with 23 seats, Labour 24, Independent Alliance 5, Green 2, 0ther Independent 1, plus two vacant seats which will be determined in by-elections on January 12.

(Story courtesy Plympton Podcast)

Bright future for Plympton engineering company

A Plympton based precision engineering company pulled back from the brink of collapse just five years ago has recorded another strong year of growth.

PTG Precision Engineers Limited, which is based at the Lanage Industrial Estate, were weeks away from going under and laying off all their employees when local Plymouth businessman, David Rowe, bought the business and transformed its future.

Rowe, owner of one of the largest engineering companies in the area, Applied Automation (UK) Ltd, felt strongly that losing PTG with its level of engineering knowledge and skills and with almost 40 years of trading was unthinkable.

David Rowe said: “As a machine builder I also knew they would be a great asset to my core engineering business and following the acquisition, which gave them financial stability, I appointed Mike Stevens, one of my senior managers at Applied Automation as their managing director. Since the acquisition in 2017, the company’s performance has been remarkable – despite the many challenges including Covid and the increasing skills

shortage within the industry, PTG has truly risen like a phoenix from the ashes.”

Under the guidance of Mike Stevens the company has retained IS09001 accreditation and is currently working towards ISO45001 (Health and Safety) and has significant knowledge, experience and the skills required to work in the nuclear sector along with the necessary inspection facility.

Over the past two years, PTG have invested in new machinery and are also able to offer specialist services which are in short supply in the South West of England, such as cylindrical grinding.

Mike Stevens is justly proud of the company’s customer retention rate. He said: “It is exceptionally high and probably down to the fact that we really like to work closely with our

customers. This ethos and working practice have helped us generate new business from some very prestigious customers, such as Leonardo Helicopters (previously Westland),” he said.

He went on to explain that in his view probably the biggest current challenge the industry and the company face is attracting young people to become precision engineers.

“We work with local colleges and training companies and want to take on a couple of apprentices now. But, whilst many students consider a career in engineering, for some reason hands-on precision engineering seems to miss out,” he said.

“For that reason, we’re now taking on people that are currently working in the engineering sector, such as setter operators for example, and we provide the upskilling and training to give them the skills and experience PTG will need in the future”.

With 2023 plans to expand their existing services in the workholding, nuclear and aerospace sectors, where their expertise and experience makes them stand out from the crowd, the future is looking very positive for PTG.

Citybus boss is awarded MBE

Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth Citybus and Go South West, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours List

Richard began his transport career in 1989 as a driver and was appointed MD of Plymouth Citybus in May 2012. He is currently Chair of the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council, Chair of the Plymouth Growth Board, and Chair of Destination Plymouth.

He is also a board member for the Southwest LEP, Chair of Governors for City College

Plymouth and All Saints Secondary School, and is also one of the King’s Deputy Lieutenants.

On receiving the honour, Richard said: “I am blessed to work with wonderful people across the bus industry and the Plymouth, Cornwall and Devon business community. It is a privilege to know you all, thank you hugely for your support and friendship.

“I believe businesses should be at the heart of our communities as great partners.

“My huge thanks to the Go Ahead Group for enabling me through their commitment to empowered local management to achieve this award. I am both proud and humbled.”

Plympton gets a new team vicar

A new team vicar has joined the Plympton Team Ministry covering St Mary and St Maurice churches.

Rev’d Lizzie Green was installed into the role at a licensing ceremony held at St Mary’s Church in December. She fills the void created by Father Will Sweeney around two years ago after he left to pursue a career in the Navy.

Rev’d Green arrived in Plympton with her husband and two children a few weeks ago and was formally introduced to the church and wider community at the licensing ceremony which was presided over by Rev’d Preb. Robert Harris and the Bishop of Exeter in who Diocese the churches of St Mary and St Maurice lie.

During the course of the ceremony Rev’d Green was welcomed by community figures such as Cllr Patrick Nicholson (who welcomed her on behalf of local councillors and Plymouth City Council), Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel, Suzie Otwell headteacher at St Mary and Old Priory Schools and Keith Peacock from local undertakers Walter C Parson.

After the ceremony the congregation adjourned to the Parish hall for a buffet and a more informal chance to get to become acquainted with their new team vicar. (Story courtesy Plympton Podcast)

Councillor Patrick Nicholson

for services to transport and to the community.

David Rowe, managing director of Applied Automation (UK) Ltd (left) pictured with Mike Stevens , managing director of PTG Ltd

Cost of living support available for Plymouth residents

Plymouth councillors are urging anyone struggling with the rising cost of living to use the wide range of support that is available in the city.

Plymouth City Council is working with partners to support residents struggling with the rising cost of living and has created a cost of living hub on its website to make it easier for people to find useful information and resources available both in the city and nationwide.

The council’s online hub includes information about:

• Support available to help with housing, food and energy costs

• Where to find financial advice, for example about debts or budgeting

• Mental health services

• Employment and skills support

The refreshed online hub, which initially launched in June 2022, also now includes a map of warm, welcoming spaces across Plymouth. These spaces, which include libraries, churches, community centres and businesses, all offer a safe place for people to spend time in as the weather gets colder.

Organisations that wish to offer their buildings as a warm space can now register to be added to the map.

Council Leader Richard Bingley said: “We know that the increasing cost of living is a real concern to many Plymouth residents which is why we have created this online hub on our website that pulls together all of the help and advice available in one place, so people can quickly and easily find the support they need.

“We are also using our latest round of funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to offer direct help with food and energy costs for those most at risk in the city, including low-income families and single adults, people with disabilities and people at risk of homelessness or who are living in temporary accommodation.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, who chairs Plymouth’s cost of living task force, said: “The hub came about as a result of the work being carried out by our cost of living taskforce, which has brought together organisations from across the city to work collaboratively as we tackle this challenge, providing practical support and identifying new approaches we can take to support local people.

“The rising cost of living is an issue that is affecting many families in Plymouth and we know it is a worrying time for everyone. We want people to know that there is a wide range of advice and practical support available, and where to find it.“We’ll be adding information to the hub regularly.”Find the cost of living hub at plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.

The Plymouth hub is in addition to the Government’s Help for Households campaign, which is a great source of information too.

Thousands of jobs and massive investment on the way as Freeport is given green light by the Government

Thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment is coming to the city with the Government’s approval of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Full Business Case.

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is the first of eight Freeports to be given the full green light along with two others. The approval unlocks millions of pounds of grant seed funding and enables applicable businesses to join and take advantage of the Freeport status.

It is anticipated that the Freeport status will create 3,500 jobs and provide a massive boost for the economy in Plymouth.

The Freeport will enable new employment land to be bought forward at the three sites of South Yard, Langage and Sherford as well as provide £25m of Government funding for essential infrastructure.

It will also support a new £30m Innovation Centre at Oceansgate in Devonport and ccelerate the formation of advanced manufacturing clusters in marine, defence and space sectors with low carbon applications at the forefront.

Freeport status is expected to bring forward £250m of private sector investment as well as £29 million investment from local councils.

A major expansion plan for Princess Yachts is also included in the Freeport plans.

The Freeport is a dynamic public/private partnership with Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council working alongside Babcock, Princess Yachts, Carlton Power, the Sherford Consortium and a wider range of stakeholders including the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter, Plymouth port operators, skills providers and the Heart of the South West LEP to ensure its success.

Harnessing the region’s key strengths in marine, defence and advanced manufacturing, and supporting the burgeoning space sector, the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport will enable innovators and investors from across the world to test, trial and take to market cutting edge technology and products.

Working with the Department of International Trade, a dedicated team of experts will showcase the Freeport to global investors and businesses who fit the criteria to expand or relocate to the region.

of South Yard, Sherford and Langage into prime employment sites attracting new business, providing thousands of jobs and injecting millions of pounds of inward investment into the region. These three sites had previously been identified as under utilised and undeveloped as part of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.

Carlton Power, the owners of Langage Energy Park, recently secured planning permission to build a 10MW green hydrogen electrolyser, ensuring that Langage could be home to the first hydrogen

advanced manufacturing and IT for Plymouth and South Devon. It’s putting this area on the map for foreign investment and attracting businesses to relocate here. This is a huge deal for this city and the wider region and I’m really excited about the opportunities it will create for our residents and our businesses.”

Councillor Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The Freeport is already having a benefit in our area, with SHDC having granted planning permission for the 10MW green hydrogen facility at Langage very recently.

It is the catalyst for new jobs, clean growth and the opportunity to decarbonise our regional transport, all things that South Hams District Council strives for through its corporate strategy, Better Lives for All.”

RICHARD BINGLEY, LEADER PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.

Approval now enables interested businesses to begin taking the first steps to contracting, designing and planning their place within the Freeport with the Freeport team, landowners and partners and discuss the myriad of benefits this presents.

And, the good news keeps on coming for the Freeport with confirmation from government that the Langage site has now been designated which means eligible businesses will be able to benefit from the tax reliefs available. South Yard and Sherford sites were designated in the summer.

Freeport status enables the relevant councils and landowners to bring forward the key sites

production hub of its kind for Devon and Cornwall.

The Langage Green Hydrogen hub will be a key facility for the Freeport and will also help to deliver net zero goals for Freeport operations overall. Innovators are lining up to leverage this hydrogen fuel supply to prototype and test future engines for vehicles and vessels – the hope is that these novel solutions will be manufactured in the Freeport.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “This is a historic day for Plymouth, South Devon and beyond, as the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport gets up and running to drive growth and innovation locally and nationally.

“The Freeport is going to shape the fortunes of the Plymouth and South Devon economies by pumping up to £100 million worth of investment across the region.

“We are maximising the opportunities of Brexit to drive growth and throw our doors open to the world.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Richard Bingley said: “The Freeport will deliver 3,500 well paid jobs and provide a free trade hub which will include

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: “A huge amount of work and commitment has gone into getting the Freeport off the ground over the past 18 months and the close partnership between councils has been key in getting this vital project to this point. The Freeport will enhance our county’s reputation in the marine, defence and space sectors, which will help attract inward investment, generate local jobs and benefit local businesses - all of which will drive economic growth and recovery.”

David Lockwood, Babcock’s chief executive said: “We welcome the UK Government’s designation of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. As a major employer in the region, we have actively supported this business case, which firmly aligns with our long term commitment to the area.”

“The Freeport will bring significant opportunities and potential employment to the South West of the UK, and we are delighted to be part of this through our dedicated support to the Royal Navy, continued investment in our facilities and delivering wider economic benefits through our supply chain.”

A national recruitment campaign to find a permanent team is now underway. The Freeport website and social media channels have also been launched providing regular updates, news and developments about the project.

“ It’s putting this area on the map for foreign investment and attracting businesses to relocate here. This is a huge deal for this city and the wider region and I’m really excited about the opportunities it will create for our residents and our businesses.”

Freeport success, from left to right: Councillor Richard Bingley, Councillor Judy Pearce, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport interim chief executive Richard May and Councillor John Hart

The staff, students and governors of Hooe Primary Academy are celebrating after the school was once again judged as ‘good’ in a recent Ofsted inspection.

The report praised the school, noting that ‘pupils are enthusiastic about their learning’ and that relationships between staff and pupils are ‘based on mutual respect and trust’. Inspectors, who visited the school this October, commended school leaders for designing ‘a curriculum that is ambitious and engaging for all pupils’ and which ‘helps pupils to recall their earlier learning and to build on this with new knowledge’.

Head teacher Kate Lewin said: “In the last few years, we have worked incredibly hard to create an ambitious curriculum for the children of Hooe Primary. We are very proud of our curriculum offer and we are delighted that this was recognised by Ofsted.

“Everyone in our school community works hard to ensure the children of Hooe have the very best start to their school journey - we are incredibly well supported by our families, Governors and the Trust.

“Whenever we have a visit to our school, we always receive compliments about the ‘happy’ feel within the school, along with positive comments about the behaviour and attitudes of the children they may meet. It came as no surprise to us that the children were recognised in the report for their desire to learn and compassion towards each otherthey are simply wonderful, and it is a privilege to work with them all.

“When the children leave our school at the end of Year 6, we are keen to ensure they leave us with a wealth of academic knowledge, but we are hugely passionate about the children leaving us with a smile on their face as well-rounded individuals. We are delighted that the many opportunities to enable the children to shine in different ways

Hooe Primary celebrates ‘good’ rating from Ofsted

parents and carers for their continued support.

“We know that we are a good school, and it is brilliant that this has been recognised by Ofsted.”

Hooe Primary Academy is part of the Horizon Multi Academy Trust, which consists of nine schools in Plymouth.

COST OF LIVING BOOST FOR PLYMPTON FIRM’S STAFF

Employees at RGB Building Supplies in Plympton are to benefit from a comprehensive financial support package to provide help during the current challenging times.

within our school has been recognised by Ofsted.”

The report included praise for the school’s early years team, saying that children in the early years ‘make a strong start and are well prepared to move on to their next stage of learning’ and ‘develop their speaking and listening well’.

Inspectors also noted the priority placed on reading, with ‘expertly trained’ staff teaching phonics and encouraging a love of reading, with older pupils reading ‘confidently and enthusiastically’.

The report comments on the wide range

of clubs available for children, including sports, music and art, as well as the varied experiences provided to promote pupils’ personal development, which helps pupils to ‘develop an age-appropriate understanding of positive and respectful healthy relationships’.

Susan Shelley, Chair of Governors, said: “On behalf of the Governors, I would like to say a huge thank you - and congratulations - to Mrs Lewin, the staff team, and our pupils.

“We know the hard work that has taken place, in light of continued changes in education, to maintain the school’s high standards. I would also like to thank our

The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) – which includes RGB building Supplies –are providing employees with a one-off winter payment of £500 in January to help with the rising cost of living.

In addition, through IBMG’s benefits package, RGB employees will receive discounts on a range of essentials, such as groceries, clothing, mobile phones, household bills and insurance.

The group has also launched an employee purchase scheme, which provides discounts on a variety of energy saving products, such as insulation and draught proofing, helping staff to manage rising energy costs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Age UK Plymouth celebrates 80 years of serving the city’s over 50s

The William and Patricia Venton Centre, Age UK Plymouth’s Mount Gould home, played host to the charity’s 80th Anniversary on November 28, a celebration of the organisation’s past, present and future.

In a nod to the centre’s history, the day also marked 30 years since the official opening of the building. The William and Patricia Venton Centre now hosts Age UK Plymouth’s head office and day centre, Mount Gould’s Wellbeing Hub and the 24 room Short Term Care Centre that opened earlier in the year in partnership with LiveWell South West and Plymouth City Council.

Age UK Plymouth welcomed guests including Sue Dann, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor and Councillor for the Sutton and Mount Gould Ward, Councillor Dr John Mahony who recently opened the Wellbeing Hub and Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning Homes & Communities and councillor for the Plymstock Radford Ward encompassing Age UK Plymouth’s Dementia Day Centre on Memory Lane, The Broadway.

David Wood, Age UK Plymouth’s CEO said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be part of an organisation that has so steadfastly been dedicated to improving the lives of older people in it’s community for 80 years. The history of Age UK Plymouth is intertwined with the lives of many talented, incredible and dedicated individuals. We’re honoured to be custodians of this essential charity and our celebration has been a great opportunity to share our amazing history with our community, stakeholders and supporters.”

Friends of the charity and delegates from partner organisations across the city were also present including Plymouth City Council, LiveWell South West, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth’s Arts Cinema, Peninsula

Dental and others.

Highlights of the open day included several exhibits highlighting Age UK Plymouth’s eight decade history, and an installation demonstrating some of the principles from the Dementia Awareness Training that the charity provides free to groups and organisations across the city.

Guests also had the opportunity to find out more about some of the incredible people and essential projects that are fulfilling the charity’s mission to make Plymouth a place where people love later life, and to make a pledge to support Age UK Plymouth as it starts its next 80 years.

A selection of the installations will remain on display for the rest of the year and are available to view for those visiting the Warm Space and Community Cuppa events taking place on Friday mornings throughout December. More information is available online at www.ageuk.org. uk/plymouth.

The event, months in the planning, was an opportunity for the charity to share its unique history that has evolved from the incredible work started by Elspeth Sitters OBE who passed away in 2008 at the age of 96.

Arriving in the city in 1942, Mrs Sitters quickly identified that as a direct

result of the Blitz that had devastated so much of the city. ‘Home’ was often dilapidated back rooms, attics or even in sheds. Elspeth soon became acutely aware of the plight of those she visited and came face to face with poverty, loneliness and deprivation. She set about seeking ways in which she might make an effective contribution to the welfare of the City’s elderly residents.

“Age UK Plymouth has been working effectively in the background for eight decades, with a passion to make Plymouth a city where people love later life. Our organisation has an incredible history of innovation and a fascinating story of pioneering women spearheading the charity,” said Tara Dale, head of Fundraising.

“It’s bittersweet to see how the greatest challenges facing over 50s in Plymouth have been relatively unchanged over the years. Themes of isolation, loneliness, and a rising cost of living are reoccurring throughout our history but what is heartening to see is the ever-present and essential support provided by charities like ourselves and our partners across the city.”

Guests at the event were given insight into the future of Age UK Plymouth including exciting developments into the new Young Persons Volunteering Programme in partnership with Plymstock School. Also revealed to visitors were early plans for 2023’s

as well

fundraising challenges

as opportunities for volunteering, donating and contributing towards the charity on an individual basis or with the charity’s recently revamped corporate Support Packages.

Celebration...(from left) David Wood, Age UK Plymouth CEO, Sue Dann, Lord Mayor and Councillor for Sutton and Mount Gould, Mary Aspinall, Councillor for Sutton and Mount Gould and Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview Committee

Age UK Plymouth senior management team (from left) Rich Masters, head of business operations, Heather Stenning, head of services, Steven Hookway, head of finance, David Wood, CEO and Tara Dale, head of fundraising

Age UK Plymouth senior management with donations from Services Design Solution

THE BOX UNVEILS SPRING EXHIBITION PROGRAMME

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive, is busy getting ready to launch its spring exhibition programme, which will shine a light on its extensive art collection plus a selection of female artists.

The new season comes hot on the heels of British Art Show 9, which completed its national tour in Plymouth at the beginning of January. The multi-site exhibition, which was also displayed at KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth, welcomed over 80,000 visitors in total, nearly 68,000 of whom experienced it at The Box.

Throughout spring 2023, The Box’s exhibition programme will feature: Sue Williamson: Between Memory and Forgetting February 4 – June 4

Between Memory and Forgetting is an overview of the work of British-born South African artist and activist, Sue Williamson. Stretching from the 1980s to the present day, the exhibition will be displayed in the beautifully restored St Luke’s church and will include mixed media portraits, photographs and a newly commissioned sculpture. Williamson’s work highlights some of the many women who played key roles in South Africa’s liberation struggle and in the years that followed. This show also reflects on the futility of war and the significance of memorials.

Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings: Portraits February 4 – June 4

Portraits is an exhibition of drawings, etchings and films by artist duo Quinlan & Hastings, who are known for their thought-

provoking work that explores ideas of belonging, institutional power and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. Two of the highlights will be important works acquired by The Box in 2020/21: a Michelangeloinspired drawing and a video work that explores the iconography, politics and relationships associated with gay culture.

Making a Mark: Dazzling Drawings from the Cottonian Collection February 4 – June 4

Making a Mark will highlight the methods, materials and centuries-old approaches to drawing that still inspire artists today. The exhibition will showcase 40+ drawings dating from the 1600s-1700s from Plymouth’s most significant fine art collection – the Cottonian Collection – as well as a selection of plaster casts, ceramics and books.

People and Place: Art Collection Showcase February 4 – January 24 2024

This updated presentation from The Box’s permanent art collection will include landscape paintings of Plymouth, over 300 pieces of decorative art and a new selection of works by female artists including Wilhemina Barns-Graham, Rose Hilton, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Beryl Cook and 2019 Turner Prize winner Tai Shani.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I February 11 – January 7 2024

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I is possibly the most recognisable portrait of the famous Tudor Queen, and one of the three known surviving versions will be on display in The Box’s ‘100 Journeys’ gallery from February 11. The portrait commemorates the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and is on loan from Woburn Abbey, the home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

The Box will be running a great series of events in connection with its spring exhibitions, including a special ‘In Conversation’ event with artists Sue Williamson, Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings on Friday February 3, ‘Bitesize’ gallery talks, ‘Archives Insight’ presentations about Plymouth’s connections with the Boer War (1899-1902) and family-friendly activities for February half term.

Full details for all exhibitions and events can be found at theboxplymouth.com

The famous Armada portrait of Elizabeth I will be featured in the ‘100 Journeys’ Gallery

Dartmoor China Clay by Jean Jones is featured in the People and Place Art Collection Showcase

Plymouth-based Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tamar visits Indian Andaman Islands

Plymouth-based HMS Tamar visited the Indian Andaman and Nicobar islands between January 6 and 10 as part of the Royal Navy’s permanent presence in the region.

The patrol ship spent five days in Port Blair, capital of the islands – roughly 600 miles East of the Indian mainland. The ship has deployed to the Indian Ocean for the first time as part of the UK Government’s Indo-Pacific agreement set out in the Integrated Review.

Tamar and her sister ship HMS Spey have been operating in Asia, the western Pacific Rim and Oceania since deploying from the UK last year.

The ship’s command team sat down with the Indian regional commander, Lieutenant General Ajai Singh; the UK’s Defence and Naval Advisors and local Indian Navy commanders to discuss joint patrols, exercises, opportunities to work together and to better understand the region, including the vast Bay of Bengal.

Tamar hosted an evening reception and sunset ceremony for local dignitaries and residents, attended by 80 people, to educate the community about the ship and the purpose of her presence in the region.

The deployment builds on the visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to the country in 2021, and further engagements are expected later this year with frigate HMS Lancaster, based in Bahrain, and a Royal Marines littoral strike group.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: “The work HMS Tamar and her crew are doing with allies, partners and friends across the Indo-Pacific is crucial.

Deputy British High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, added: “HMS Tamar’s deployment is the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt in action; its visit represents further evidence of the importance we attach to our defence and security relationship with India.

“The Indo-Pacific, and indeed India, will drive future growth and prosperity for the world. It is imperative that it remains free and open to all in

support of trade, shared security and values.”

As well as important meetings and ceremonial duties, the visit allowed for some more unusual activities, including a yoga session led by Padmini Jog – one of the country’s most respected teachers and revered by the Indian Armed Forces.

Commander Teilo Elliot-Smith, Tamar’s Commanding Officer, said: “Through coming here we have garnered a much better sense of the regional security challenges and how the UK can complement regional strategy in delivering security in the maritime domain.

“At the same time, the ship’s company have had a spectacular experience they will never forget.”

Midshipman Alice Ray added: “I loved the vibrancy: the islands were beautiful and the kindness of our hosts was striking.”

Throughout her stay, the ship was hosted by the Indian corvette INS Karmuk and upon sailing from Port Blair for the next leg of her Indian Ocean patrol, the two warships conducted various combined training – also joined by a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft.

Zip wire heroes raise over £17,000

The Plymouth Hospitals Charity Santa Slide zip wire event has raised more than £17,000 for Derriford Children’s Wards.

Over 100 people braved England’s longest zip wire over the Eden project dressed in santa outfits. Thanks to the brave, festive fundraising efforts of willing zip wire flyers, the vital funds raised will go towards enhancing the lives of the children that visit and stay in Derriford’s children’s wards to help make their often-challenging times in

hospital a little less daunting. Funds can help provide equipment such as MRI Machine play scanners designed to ease anxiety of children who might need a scan.

Corinne Bailey, charity development manager at Plymouth Hospitals Charity, said: “On behalf of our charity, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s fundraising Santa Slide zip wire event at Eden.

“With over £17,000 having been raised, this

will make a massive difference to the children looked after on the children’s wards and will help their visit or stay in hospital be that little bit better.

Being in hospital can be an anxious time for children and young people and we will use these funds to provide new equipment, toys and activities to bring smiles to small faces.”

The event saw people from all walks of life take to the zip wire to raise the muchappreciated funds, from individuals to groups

and businesses.

The full list of participants and their zip wire clips can be found on the Plymouth Hospitals Charity facebook page at www. facebook.com/PlymouthHospCharity

For more information about Plymouth Hospitals Charity, the official NHS charity for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, including fundraising, volunteering and how to make a donation visit www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/charity-about-us

A plucky volunteer prepares for the zip wire slide

A happy group of fund raisers celebrate taking part in the charity Santa Slide

“As threats to global peace and stability mount, the Royal Navy values deeply its relationship with the Indian Navy in a shared endeavour to confront those who challenge the rules-based system and ensure peace and prosperity on and from the sea.”

Chef Gourav Pandey said: “I took a road trip and could understand the cultural differences from mainland India by chatting in Hindi and Bengali. The clean beaches, birdlife and plants were really interesting and the food in the region was good.”

HMS Tamar and her sea boat off the Andaman Islands

Launch of Retrofit Training Academy at City College

Jobseekers and tradespeople with an interest in creating a more sustainable and low-carbon future can now acquire a recognised qualification with The Retrofit Academy at City College Plymouth.

With a view of contributing to a greener society, overcoming challenges and barriers faced with those wanting to enter the sector, and providing economic support and new career opportunities by making retrofit more accessible to all, the college has opened the first academy in partnership with The Retrofit Academy and will offer a new level 2 award that will support anyone wishing to join this exciting sector.

As an official partner of The Retrofit Academy CIC, City College has joined a growing network that aims to support and drive a low-carbon future by training a new generation of retrofit professionals as well as bettering homes and lives through domestic decarbonisation.

The Level 2 award will support those already working in construction such as plasterers, heating engineers and carpenters who would like to acquire specific retrofit skills. It is also suitable for those wishing to join the industry with no previous construction experience.

Dan Burnard, programme area Mmanager for Construction at the college, said: “Retrofit is generating a new wave of exciting career opportunities and through this membership we will not only be offering people the chance to learn essential skills vital for this industry, but we will be providing them with an overall understanding of the sector, setting out the wide variety of options they will have.

“Even working at the current building regulations level, we are still not carbon neutral. We are set to be retrofitting new builds within five years. To future-proof houses and minimise climate change we are going to need to retrofit one house every

minute in the next 25 years to meet the carbon targets of 2050. Academies such as this one are key to ensuring we have enough people to meet these targets.”

The Retrofit Academy at City College is part of the Government’s Skills Bootcamp initiative, which means those who are selfemployed - or unemployed - can complete a Level 2 Award in Domestic Retrofit for free. The Skills Bootcamp also includes training and certification in piloting drones. Employers might also wish to enrol staff with funding available.

Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation and the lead for the college’s maritime, manufacturing and construction and built environment strategic action, added: “Dan is correct about just what we need to do to meet these crucial targets. Having been the first further education college in the UK to sign the climate

emergency declaration, this Retrofit Academy is another way City College is taking action to deliver on its vision to make a meaningful contribution to the development of our city and to actively contribute to efforts to protect the environment for future generations.

Academies such as this one improve the lives of people both today and in the future.”

The Retrofit Academy was officially launched at the end of November, with the Green Construction Skills Bootcamp set to run its first course in the new year.

Employers wishing to enrol staff on the training will be asked to contribute 10 per cent of the costs if they have fewer than 250 employees, whilst companies with 250 or more employees will be asked to pay 30 per cent of the training costs.

Adults wishing to sign up to the Skills Bootcamp can do so via the college’s website, www.cityplym.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps/.

Plymouth Samaritans are celebrating the award of a grant of £5,146 from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The cheque was presented to Norman Holmes, Plymouth Samaritans director, by Claire Russell of the Co-op at Sam’s Place, the charity’s shop in Plymstock.

The grant will be used to reach out to the local community and work in partnership with local groups and organisations to raise awareness about suicide prevention, emotional health and well-being and listening skills.The branch has a wide-ranging programme of outreach activities for 2022/23. The Co-op grant will help support this.

Outreach activities during 2022 included supporting an Educational and Wellbeing Programme for residents of Torpoint, Liskeard and Saltash; supporting Armed Forces veterans at breakfast club meetings;

attending events organised by Waitrose and Plymouth Library during Mental Health Awareness week; and speaking at wellbeing events organised by GWR and Devonport Dockyard.

The charity has also secured approval from the Co-op for a further bid for the next 12 months. This will be used to take the charity’s work out to the community in new ways.

The Co-op Local Community Fund helps pay for local projects that their members care about. Every time a member shops at the Co-op a proportion of what they spend goes to help community projects where they live.

Norman Holme said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Co-op members and the Local Community Fund for their vote of thanks in the work we do. The grant is a welcome boost to help us to link up with the community in new ways.”

Retrofit Training Academy launch, from left: Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation; Dan Burnard, programme area manager for Construction; Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth; Stephanie Reeves, network development manager at The Retrofit Academy CIC; Terry Such, crriculum lead and development officer for Construction and the Built Environment and Neil Radford, senior project manager at the Retrofit Academy

Cheque

left) Samaritans Norman Holmes and Cath Peck and Coop Member Pioneer Claire Russell

Talented young Plymouth cellist performs in front of 10,000

Plymstock Matters

with Councillor Rebecca Smith

Firstly, Happy New Year! I hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. I had a lovely Christmas here in Plymouth and a little change of scene at New Year with friends in Dorset. Feels like an age ago now though!

Well done to everyone across the ward who put on festive events to celebrate Christmas - it was great to attend one of the Carol Services at St Mary’s Church in Plymstock and to see events taking place in communities like Oreston and Turnchapel too. Festivals like Christmas really do provide an opportunity for us all to come together!

Since I last wrote, most of my work has

been done from behind my computer, dealing with casework on behalf of residents like Carol and Maureen who I met at the Plymstock Over 60s Club where they raised some local issues with me.

We arranged a site visit and I got to see their concerns for myself and take some action on their behalf.

My work leading the city’s Cost of Living Taskforce means I’ve been involved in the work to establish warm spaces across Plymouth. There are several in the east of the city and you can find out their locations and opening times on the Council’s website: www. plymouth.gov.uk/warm-welcoming-spaces

Our work to get a new Post Office for the centre of Plymstock continues now that the Broadway branch has closed.

As soon as we have any update, we’ll be sure to share it straight away but your Plymstock Councillor team and Sir Gary Streeter MP have stressed how important it is that this is located in the Broadway and we are hoping a provider can be found.

Finally, congratulations to the team at Plymstock Cricket Club who have secured planning permission and £6000 from the English Cricket Board to make much needed

improvements to the club house at Deans Cross.

Work commences this month and will see a new patio, french doors, wheelchair access and a disabled toilet. Looking forward to seeing the project come to life!

As ever, please get in touch if I can help with anything - best is via email on rebecca. smith@plymouth,gov.uk. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook Page - Facebook. com/plymouthrebecca

NEW TREES AND HEDGEROW AT REES CENTRE

A

Five fruit trees including cherry, apple and plum and 34 metres of native hedgerow saplings have been planted there in partnership with Plymouth City Council’s natural infrastructure team. The native hedgerow has been donated by the Woodland Trust.

Evangeline Kindlon, a gifted 12-year-old cellist from Plymouth, accompanied ITV Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards in The Big Christmas Carol Concert at Bolton Wanderers FC.

Evangeline, with her father Rory Kindlon on piano, played to a crowd of over 10,000 with a performance of Silent Night at the Bolton Stadium. Evangeline began the performance with her cello solo before accompanying singer Brenda Edwards. Year 8 student, Evangeline has been playing the cello since she was four years old. A highly acclaimed cellist, with several music awards, Evangeline won a music scholarship at Plymouth College in 2021 and last year gained her place in the Devon Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Bolton Wanderers, in partnership with Bolton University, had hoped to break the current Guinness World Record for the largest group of carol singers. The turnout was not quite enough to beat the current world record of 25,272 singers - which was set by Godswill Akpabio Unity Choir in Nigeria in 2014.

All the Funds raised at the event were divided between local Bolton charities, and the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, which was set up to continue his legacy. Brenda’s son Jamal, who founded music platform SB.TV, died from a heart attack after taking cocaine and drinking alcohol in February last year, at the age of 31.

Evangeline said: “It was really good! People have asked me if I was scared and I said not at all! It was unusual as everyone put their phone lights on and waved them during our song, it looked so magical. Brenda is a very nice lady and has a very very powerful voice!”

Former Stannator of Plympton Natalie Harrison chose Rees as the location for her Stannator’s tree, a cherry tree, which has been positioned at the front of the building.

The event was organised by Rees’ lead garden volunteer, Jemma Nicholls. Jemma has been working extremely hard to establish and lead a gardening group at the Wellbeing Hub there on a Thursday morning to develop a community garden at the centre for growing plants and vegetables.

The project was initially supported by the Co-op through the work of Katherine

It is hoped in the spring to source funding to develop a friendship garden at the front of the centre, a place to sit with others and relax in memory of a special local resident.

To the side of the centre, it is hoped to expand on the previous structure, to build a community allotment which will be open to all to grow sustainable produce to stock a community fridge.

Rees wishes to extend its thanks to all the hard work and dedication of its volunteers, and those who have supported the ongoing project development. Anyone who would like to get involved in any way, please contact the centre.

(Story

courtesy Plympton Podcast)

Caroline and Maureen who met with Cllr Smith to raise concerns over local issues

number of new trees and a native hedgerow have been planted outside the Rees Centre.

Hendrick, community engagement coordinator, through a grant to purchase items such as a water butt, composter, tools, seeds etc.

Funding for bulbs to start the planting at the front of the building was kindly donated by the Plympton Litter Pickers. Ongoing work has been supported by a community grant from St Mary’s ward councillors Harrison, Nicholson and Darcy and a former councillor for the Chaddlewood ward.

Young cellist Evangeline Kindlon peforming at the Bolton event

Quality of caring at Derriford rated as

outstanding - but improvements are still required, say hospital inspectors

Care Quality Commission inspectors have ruled that further improvements are needed at Derriford Hospital, following an inspection in September last year.

Inspectors carried a focused inspection of the trust’s urgent and emergency care and medical wards and also assessed the trust’s progress in meeting the conditions previously imposed, following an inspection in 2021.

Catherine Campbell, CQC’s head of hospital inspection, said: “Our inspection at Derriford Hospital took place during a period of significant and sustained pressure on urgent and emergency care and medical services across the country.

“The pressures at Derriford Hospital were mainly due to limited availability of social care beds and community care, which has impacted on the number of medically fit people able to be discharged.

“This has hindered flow throughout the hospital, causing people to experience long delays.

“In October 2021, we did highlight the same problems to the trust’s leadership and local stakeholders. The conditions we imposed at this previous inspection are still applicable as people continue to experience long delays and the trust is struggling to meet the fundamental standards of care due to the significant and sustained pressures.

“We are aware a lot of work has been completed to improve care for people, but system wide pressures have impacted on the effectiveness of these changes. We will return

to assess whether there has been further progress we have told the trust it must make.

“The trust’s senior leaders know what must be done to manage the issues. This includes closer working with local healthcare partners.

“In the meantime, the conditions will remain in place and we will continue to monitor the service closely. We will return to assess whether there has been progress with improvements we have told the trust it must make.”

The inspectors rated the quality of caring at Derriford as outstanding and gave a good rating for the effectiveness of services. However, they confirmed that the

LIVES PUT AT RISK BY THEFT OF CABLES

Police are appealing for witnesses after a spate of highlydangerous electric cable thefts. Offenders used an angle grinder to cut down live electricity cables, leaving loose live ends behind, five times in the last week.

The offenders struck in Plympton area between midnight and 3.20pm on Sunday December 11, twice at Lee Moor between 10am and 11am and 1pm and 2pm on Monday December 12 - and at Cornwood, near Ivybridge, at about 2.45pm on Thursday December 15.

Another incident took place at Harscombe, near Bickleigh, and was reported by a National Grid employee on Tuesday December 13.

Sector Inspector Steven Philp said: “This process is extremely dangerous and ultimately leaves live cables lying on the ground, posing significant risk to members of the public, and indeed the offenders themselves.

“The level of risk this offending presents is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers will be focusing intently on pursuing suspects and preventing further incidents.

“I would ask the public to be extra vigilant near power lines should anyone see cable lying on the ground, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

“Anyone working on a power line will be wearing clearly identifiable National Grid uniform and driving a fully marked vehicle.”

If you have any information that could help with enquiries, please contact police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 50220058345.

responsiveness of services, the safeness of services and the quality of leadership of services all required improvement.

In the medical wards, inspectors found: • There were not always enough nursing and support staff to keep people safe. Ongoing recruitment and staff development ware high priorities, but the trust continued to experience staff shortages due to sickness absence.

• The trust faced challenges with access and flow which meant it could not always ensure people could access the service when they needed it.

• People could not always access and

receive treatment in the right speciality ward or area. However, this was improving as the hospital monitored demand.

• In a number of areas inspectors visited, staff morale was low. This was due to staff shortages and the significant pressures on the service. The leadership team was aware of this, and it was working to resolve the problem.

In the urgent and emergency services, inspectors found:

• The trust faced challenges with access and flow, which meant it could not always ensure people could access the emergency department when they needed it to receive timely treatment. Performance data showed delays in patients both accessing the emergency department and waiting to be seen.

• The service did not always have enough staff to care for people and keep them safe due to gaps in nurse and medical staffing. However, managers proactively used temporary staff, and they were working to recruit into vacant positions.

• Due to overcrowding of the department, people were not always treated within an environment that supported their privacy and dignity.

• Measures to divert people whose needs could be sufficiently met elsewhere, to reduce pressure on the emergency department, were not always successful.

• Staff did not always feel valued or respected by the wider organisation

Ukulele group support for Trevi

A local ukulele group has raised

Leading women’s charity Trevi received an amazing £1710 donation raised by the Plymouth based ukulele group - Queens Dock Ukes, a group of retired men and women who enjoy playing the ukulele. They have been together for eight years and are now friends. They play performances for charity and each year nominate a local charity to receive the donations.

Trevi was nominated by group member Susan Ball and this was carried unanimously in 2020. The group started to raise money until COVID hit in March that year. At a time when funds were vital for the charity, the group had already raised £500.

Eve Robinson from the group said: “At the beginning of 2022, it was decided that Trevi didn’t get an entire year, so we decided to carry on raising funds for them. At the beginning of our performances, we explain who we are raising funds for and that the full amount we raise goes directly to them and then tell them what Trevi does.

“On one particular performance in Ivybridge, a lady in her late forties

came up to our leader Pete giving him a donation and saying, ‘I am glad you are collecting for Trevi. They saved my life.’

“We will carry on playing ukulele and collecting for local charities as long as we can because we enjoy it so much, after all, our ages range from 60 to 86.”

Hayley Dann, Trevi’s fundraising and marketing lead, said: “We are delighted to receive such a fantastic amount of money from Queens Dock. A big thank you goes to Eve, Sue and the players for their amazing efforts and for choosing

us as their charity. What a talented group they are.”

The money donated by the group will be used by Trevi to provide vital support services for women and children affected by domestic abuse or violence in Plymouth. Their dedicated services include a residential rehabilitation centre exclusively for mothers and their children, counselling, one-to-one support and accredited courses to help women work through their trauma, transforming them from ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving’.

vital funds for women affected buy domestic abuse and violence in Plymouth.

Hayley Dann receives the cheque on behalf of Trevi

Record breaking food donations by shoppers

Plymouth Tesco shoppers have been their most generous ever in support of foodbanks and local charities, helping to make it a record-breaking year.

The total amount of food donated by Tesco shoppers to the Trussell Trust and FareShare during 2022 was equivalent of 12.5 million meals –28,834 of which came from Plymouth.

The donations to the Trussell Trust help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people in crisis, while donations to FareShare support frontline community charities. Tesco has also topped up all customer donations during the collection by 20 per cent in cash, to support the two charities with their operating costs and ensure the food can get to where it is most needed.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and Northern Ireland CEO, said: “Our customers have always amazed us with their generosity, this year more than ever.

“We know that household budgets are very stretched, but our customers have been incredible. We had people donating whole trollies of food at our recent Tesco Food Collection, and it is genuinely heart-warming to see so much kindness.

“The fact that we now have collection points in every store has made it easier than ever for customers to donate, and those donations are really needed.”

Tesco customers donated more than 2.4 million meals during the winter Food Collection at the beginning of December, with 5,224 of those meals

coming from shoppers in Plymouth.

In addition to the donations of food, the preChristmas Tesco Food Collection saw customers donate more than £382,000 to the charities by rounding up their bills at the till, donate £133,000 through a link from Tesco’s online groceries website and give more than £19,000 of Tesco Clubcard vouchers, which Tesco has matched.

Tesco also donates its unsold food to FareShare and, including those donations, more than 39

million meals have been provided by Tesco and its customers in the past year.

Shelley Wright, head of region at FareShare Devon and Cornwall, said: “We want to say an enormous thank you to Tesco, and every single person that volunteered and donated across the year and at the Winter Food Collection – we had more than 2,000 amazing volunteers join us in stores this year.

“Our charities have told us how difficult things

Argyle and Babcock join forces to feed 200 families at Christmas

Babcock International worked with Argyle Community Trust to provide 200 hampers to local families in need at Christmas.

Included in the hampers were turkey, ham, fresh vegetables, Christmas puddings and more, to ensure the families enjoyed a festive meal at this time of year. Each family is also being given a slow cooker and cookbook, to provide a little extra support to these families for Christmas and beyond.

Babcock volunteers packed the hampersk at Plymouth Argyle’s home ground of Home Park and two days before Christmas Babcock electric vans, drivers, and volunteers delivered the hampers across the city.

Dwain Morgan, head of business and impact at Argyle

Community Trust said: “We were excited to work with Babcock and are incredibly grateful for their support. To be able to support 1400 local people to enjoy a warm dinner was a humbling experience. These hampers were delivered to families that we knew were reliant on food aid and we hope that this hamper helped to provide some festive cheer.”

Brendan Staniforth, Babcock’s business planning director, said: “As a major employer in the area, we have a very strong connection with our local community, and this has been reflected in the great response we’ve had from colleagues wanting to lend their time and support to this. It means a lot to be able to give some support to families in need in the areas where we live and work.”

MARJON CHOSEN BY COUNCIL TO BE A GREEN MOBILITY HUB

Plymouth Marjon University has been selected by Plymouth City Council to be a green mobility hub and will be home to two sustainable transport points.

As part of Plymouth City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund, the University has been selected alongside up to 50 other sites to become a multi-purpose mobility hub in the city.

The hubs will provide communities and businesses with EV charging points, electric bicycle docks, and Car Club vehicles, which are electric cars for hire by anyone in the city to use.

The hubs will collectively reduce congestion, improve air quality, and develop public transport connectivity on key commuter routes in the city such as Outland Road.

Marjon will have EV charging ports, Car Club vehicles for anyone to use, and an electric bicycle dock at a hub opposite its

main entrance in the near future.

It will also house a second electric bicycle dock outside the Marjon Sport and Health Centre.

Marjon was selected as a site after an in-depth assessment by the council, and the development adds to the university’s commitment to be carbon-free by 2030.

Marjon was recently shortlisted for a 2030 Climate Action Award as a result of its Marjon Zero project, encompassing the installation of 2,000 solar panels and 55 ground source heat pumps.

The university is making strides to become one of the UK’s most sustainable institutions.

The development of multipurpose mobility hubs is planned to result in a stronger economy in Plymouth, minimise the negative environmental impacts of traffic, regenerate local communities and reduce poverty.

have become as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, with many expecting to see a huge increase in need as the weather gets even colder.

The support we have seen from people at the collections and throughout 2022, in both time and donations, will help FareShare to continue getting much needed food to the people that need it most this winter.”

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “Food banks across the UK are facing their hardest winter yet as they struggle to cope with a tsunami of need caused by the cost-of-living emergency. On a daily basis food banks in our network we are hearing from families up and down the country who are having to make impossible decisions between putting food on the table or turning on the heating – and too many people are being left with no option but to use a food bank because their money simply won’t stretch.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Tesco customers, food banks across the Trussell Trust network can continue to provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship.

“Each and every donation made in Plymouth will enable local food banks to provide immediate help to people in the community, while the Trussell Trust works in the long term to build a future without the need for food banks.”

With both charities continuing to need support, Tesco shoppers can continue to make donations at permanent collection points at every Tesco store in the UK.

THE

When Heaven invaded Earth...

By Chris Cole, Founder Cross Rhythms Plymouth Charity Experience

Every year around this time, I like to do an article that focuses on the Head of the Christian Church, Jesus Christ Himself. The earthly ministry of Jesus started in conflict; from His birth to His death and resurrection. He was no stranger, within His earthly ministry, to genuine hardship and suffering as many of His followers around the world over the centuries and even up to today, experience.

Living in the UK it is not often understood how large the Christian community is globally. The mainstream media are not religiously literate and never cover the stories of the ‘persecuted church’ because it isn’t on their agenda.

I am a biased broadcaster working in Christian radio and television, and my bias is obvious. I share the story regarding Jesus and His followers. Mainstream media often proclaims a lack of bias but naturally has the bias of its own secular worldview.

History teaches us that our liberal democratic values have their foundations in Christendom that has worked through our culture for centuries and provided the freedoms we enjoy that other global authoritarian regimes do not.

Passion for truth

Within these regimes the passion for truth, reality and freedom is valued so highly that people are prepared to suffer greatly for God given rights. We are in a time when these values are being challenged once again on the geopolitical front in Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Perhaps our challenge within Western Civilisation will be the balance needed by every citizen between personal rights and personal responsibilities.

Jesus gave us two commandments. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40. This isn’t a theoretical or cerebral understanding as much as it is from the spiritual heart of mankind. Christians in the

persecuted nations have cultivated a deep and abiding personal relationship with Jesus which has provided them with the personal heart revelation to experience the following:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.” Philippians 4: 6–8

So, who is this Jesus really?

According to Pew Research Agency, as of 2015 there were just under 2.4 billion Christians around the world, or about one-in-three (31.4%) people worldwide. This makes Christianity the world’s largest religion. The world’s Christian population is expected to grow to 2.9 billion by 2050. Christendom, or structured Christianity in the West, is challenged as it endeavours to adapt to social changes since World War 2, but global Christianity continues to grow.

However, there are some encouraging signs of new life in the church in the west especially amongst the younger generation.

According to ancient scripture (the Bible), historic tradition, history itself and the belief of orthodox biblical Christianity through the ages, Jesus Christ is the focus of global Christianity. Christ lives in the heart and experience of those who believe who He is, whose lives are confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

C.S. Lewis wrote that there are only three

options of opinion open to us when we consider the claims Jesus makes about himself: madman, liar or Son of God... For Christians, Jesus is the one and only Son of God, He has existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit for all eternity, and He came to Earth as a man 2,000 years ago in the mysterious act we call the incarnation. Quite literally, Heaven invaded Earth. But who is Jesus to you and me? A couple of hundred years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte had this to say: “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man… Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires… upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.” Even today more than 350 million Christians live out their faith under severe persecution across the globe.

In 1926 Dr James Francis wrote the following: “Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

“While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed

upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

“Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centrepiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.”

Foundation

The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ has existed for all time and beyond time. He created us and the world we live in. ‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ He may be, but He is also ‘tougher than hell’ and he defeated death, rising again to life to empower men, women and children with grace to carry on where he left off.

He enables us to defeat fear with love in the power of His Holy Spirit. He sits now, ‘the lamb Who was slain’ on a throne beside his Father’s in heaven and his Father has given Him charge of everything that He has reclaimed with His own life.

He has promised He will one day return to bring His peace and the rule of righteous Love in the world. Prophetic scripture confirms this.

This is who Jesus is, for me, and I believe it’s who the Bible says He is... What about you? When Pontius Pilate stood before Jesus and asked Him ‘what is truth?’ it is ironic that Pilate was standing before Absolute Truth Himself and didn’t realise it.

From all at Cross Rhythms, have a powerful and influential 2023 especially in these challenging times.

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

BASICS RECEIVE GRAND PRESENTATION FROM GARDENERS

Plympton Gardeners Association have handed over a cheque for £1,000 to their chosen charity for 2022 - Basics Devon.

Basics Devon are volunteer medics who respond to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service.

Basics Devon’s volunteer medics help save lives in communities across rural Devon and can be at a patient’s side in minutes, day or night. Responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust they provide an additional tier of medical support supplementing the excellent service provided by our local ambulance crews.

They receive no government funding and rely solely on donations, such as those from Plympton Gardeners.

Their committed volunteer doctors make themselves available around the clock throughout the year. They are often first on

the scene be it at the roadside, in a field, on a farm or a home emergency. Operating since 1992, Basics Devon’s qualified and experienced doctors live in rural areas uniquely placed to best support their remote communities. Some are close to accident black spots. Severely injured patients are more likely to survive the sooner that emergency care begins, and the doctors are able to help to reduce their pain and suffering.

The gardeners raised the money they have donated by running the coffee bar at Harewood House and other activities during the course of 2022.

In 2023 the Gardeners will be raising funds for the Plymouth Deaf Children’s Society, a charity providing social events for hearing impaired children and their families throughout Plymouth & surrounding areas of Devon.

Chris Cole

Plympton Gardeners Association chairman John Golding and secretary and Carol Penhallurick, presenting a cheque to Amie Bull (centre) from the charity Basics Devon

Plymouth Market - serving the city’s shoppers for over six decades

It’s on record that the seafaring folk of Plymouth have enjoyed the retail therapy of a market since 1253 when the town was granted the right to hold one.

Indeed, Henry VI sealed the deal by granting a Royal Charter in 1440 to the Mayor of Plymouth and Commonality for fairs, feasts and markets.

For over 60 years, Plymouth Market has undoubtedly been one of the area’s most important and significant local buildings, which has stood the test of time and continues to be a welcoming place of passionate traders with a huge variety of stalls and eateries.

At Plymouth Market there is something for everyone, no matter your budget. The market’s traders have a huge range of goods; from clothing to flowers, books to DVDs, fresh vegetables to Asian noodles and everything in between.

Located in Plymouth’s West End since 1959, the market is open six days a week for shoppers’ convenience and to make the experience even better, visitors can park for just £1.00 an hour in our dedicated car park.

Follow Plymouth Market on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter as there are lots of exciting upcoming news and events.

Facebook: Plymouth Market

Instagram: @plymouth_market

Twitter: @plymouthmarket

For more information scan the QR code below of visit www.plymouthmarket.co.uk

New light installations to inspire and illuminate iconic Civic Centre

The first in a series of light installations in the heart of Plymouth is glowing from the windows of the iconic Civic Centre.

A programme of artistic creations in the city centre has launched with the illuminating message from the building, currently being developed by Urban Splash.

The message reads, ‘What Will You Make Of It?’ and has been developed by agency Creative Concern as part of the marketing campaign for the nationally-recognised British Art Show 9, which runs at city venues until early January.

It’s the first in a series of light installations commissioned in the city centre in a project led by Plymouth Culture, in partnership with Plymouth City Council and funded by Historic England through the Heritage Action Zone programme.

The light-powered artworks are designed to breathe new life into spaces and buildingscreating everyday cultural encounters for those who see them.

They are designed to represent the rebirth of the Civic Centre and the area that surrounds itsymbols of hope for the future that also highlights the heritage of the past.

Plymouth Culture CEO Hannah Harris said: “This thought-provoking programme of art installations is designed to light up the spaces and places in Plymouth that we might otherwise walk past without a second thought.

“Plymouth is building a fantastic art and culture heritage that’s often inspired by light - whether that’s the remarkably successful Illuminate festival or the No New Worlds installation in Plymouth Sound in 2020/21.

“These new creations activate spaces in a really accessible and everyday way - and are likely to grow in scale as we progress through the programme. They will fit into the improvements being made to the city centre, such as the redevelopment of the Civic Centre and Civic Square.

“We hope the artworks provide a moment for everyone to stop, think and enjoy - while activating the spaces and buildings in the heritage zone.”

While this first work has been created in response to the British Art Show, future commissions will be available to artists through open calls in 2023. The British Art Show is taking place at The Box, KARST, MIRROR gallery at Arts University Plymouth and The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth.

Adam Willetts, associate director development at Urban Splash, said: “Successful regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Making successful places means understanding the value people bring, especially the role of artists and creatives who deliver intangible value to the places they inhabit.

“For almost three decades Urban Splash has collaborated with artists and designers to feature their works within our buildings and we are delighted to be a part of this new installation –

something which will light up Plymouth in January.

“Our congratulations to all involved.”

One of the show’s themes is ‘imagining new futures’ - the light installations reflect this by trying to connect people to their heritage while looking to the future of the city, in a way that builds understanding, tolerance and pride.

This first installation has been supported by contractors Squibb Group, and JHAV are providing technical project management throughout the programme.

Simon Hickman, team leader at Historic England, said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone is designed to help breathe new life into Plymouth city centre, and we hope that this artwork signals the rebirth of the Civic. It’ll get people thinking about the opportunities that will come from a revitalised city centre.”

...AND A FACELIFT FOR CITY CENTRE FACADES

A total of 16 building facades are going to look fresh-faced and clean, thanks to funding from Historic England.

A gentle facelift with a specialist steam spray is on the cards for blocks of buildings in Old Town Street, St Andrew’s Cross and Royal Parade.

Decades of grime and dirt, together with some algae will be coming off, revealing the light Portland Stone that was widely used in the postwar rebuild of the city centre.

The work is being carried out by specialist cleaners Prestige Cleaners and will be carried out by blocks over the coming weeks.

The funding has come from Historic England via the Plymouth High Street Heritage Action Zone, with Historic England contributing half the costs, while the property owner pays the rest.

Councillor Mark Shayer, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and the economy said: “We have approached a number of landlords and companies who own buildings and British Land are working with us on cleaning some of their more historic city centre estate.

“We have already seen what difference a clean makes to the buildings – look above the store at Flannels. We are very grateful to Historic England for their support on this project. It helps the city centre look better and also reminds us about our history.”

Plymouth

It was destroyed during World War II, but instead of rebuilding, the council appointed leading town planner, Patrick Abercrombie, to create ‘The Plan for Plymouth’.

The plan proposed replacing overcrowded and congested city centre with a bold, modern style with wide streets, space for landscaping and greenery – all completed with a uniformity of architectural style and materials. It is the only large-scale example of post-war town planning to be fully implemented in the country.

Abercrombie was trained in the French classically-inspired ‘Beaux-Arts’ style and the Plan for Plymouth is heavily influenced by the style’s symmetry and use of intersecting boulevards.

This can be easily seen in Plymouth’s main shopping streets (Cornwall Street and New George Street) being intersected by Armada Way and Royal Parade. Like most of his contemporaries, he hated Victorian architecture with its lack of zoning and poor forward planning.

Simon Hickman from Historic England said: “Plymouth City Centre has the highest number of 20th century listed buildings in the country and its post-war architecture makes Plymouth unique. We are delighted to play our part in helping residents and visitors view the city centre with a fresh eye.”

City Council’s role has been to negotiate between Historic England and the property owners and to work with them to identify specialist cleaners as well as the grant application. Other landlords are also in discussions with the council about cleaning their buildings.Plymouth City Centre is unique.

Before... ...and after

Photos Plymouth Culture

City centre sculpture unveiling for Plymouth-based artist Paul

Arts University Plymouth has unveiled a new public sculpture in the grounds of its city-centre campus.

Situated between Arts University Plymouth, Charles Cross Police Station and Drake Circus, the sculpture, named ‘Presence in Absence’, is a large-scale hollow cubic steel structure that captures the light that cuts through it and is over two metres tall.

It has been created by Paul Hillon, a multidisciplinary artist and technical demonstrator at the arts university.

Paul is a visual artist who lives and works in Plymouth. A studio holder at KARST Gallery, Paul studied Fine Art at BA (Hons) and MA levels at Arts University Plymouth, before joining the Arts University as a technical demonstrator within the Materials Lab. His work has featured in exhibitions across the south west.

His creative focus is on the design and production of sculptural forms, exploring the interaction between viewer, spatial dimensions and fortified structures. Scale and connectivity are key considerations in his work, with current research exploring principles and new media technologies that unify sculpture with space to produce immersive works that provide potential for increased accessibility and audience participation.

‘Presence in Absence’ was created based on Paul’s investigations into the relationship between a sculptural object’s physical properties and the space around it, questioning whether drawing attention to

the contrast between the tangible and the immaterial alters the awareness of the space that we occupy.

Paul said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity by Arts University Plymouth to show this work outside of the gallery context. As a public sculpture ‘Presence in Absence’ offers an opportunity for new conversations about relative scale, the use of light and the space that both occupies and surrounds the work.”

CHRISTOPHER’S AWARD-WINNING COMPOSITION

HALL

An 18-year-old composer has been announced as the winner of the Musica Viva Composition Award, which will be premiered at Plymouth University’s Levinsky Hall in February.

Christopher Churcher’s Breakwater was chosen as the winning composition for The Arts Institute’s under-25s composer competition. It will be performed by Southbank Sinfonia at the Musica Viva concert on Saturday February 4 from 7pm at the Levinsky Hall.

Christopher is an award-winning British composer of classical music with experience performing as both a pianist and bassoonist.

Based in Birmingham and Oxford, he began his musical life as a chorister at Birmingham Cathedral, after which he studied composition at the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. In October 2022, he began his studies as a music undergraduate at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.

He considers his compositional voice as versatile and eclectic, influenced by works ranging from those of Oliver Messiaen and Arvo Part through to Caroline Shaw, Michael Nyman and Bjork; the philosophies of Simone de Beauvoir to the writings of Sappho.

The competition called for UK-based composers under 25 to write an overture of five to seven minutes with orchestration of six first violins, fivesecond violins, four violas, four cellos, two basses two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets and tympani.

The panel of judges included Mark Forkgen,

a link to the city of Plymouth. One of the purposes of this competition is to help provide opportunities to young UK-based composers.

The concert programme on February 4 will feature the new Overture (premiere performance) by Christopher Churcher, and two major works of Beethoven: Symphony No.7 and Piano Concerto No.4 with Mark Forkgen, conductor and Robert Taub, piano.

The Musica Viva Concert Series brings internationally acclaimed performers to the Plymouth community to inspire, educate,

challenge, and unite audiences by presenting leading musicians in public concert performances, open rehearsals, and informal talks.

Christopher said: “It’s difficult to put into words exactly how excited I feel to have won this competition. It has been an ambition of mine for a while to write for orchestra, so to have this opportunity to hear my music played by such an exceptional orchestra is just extraordinary.

“I’m excited to hear the piece in rehearsal in February, and hopefully receive some useful feedback from Mark Forkgen and the Southbank Sinfonia.”

Described as ‘a remarkable talent,’ Christopher was announced as the winner of the 2021 Benslow Young Composers’ Competition by Judith Weir – Master of the Queen’s Music– and in 2022 he was named the under-18 winner of the National Centre for Early Music Young Composer’s Award. He has also worked extensively as an accompanist and is currently a member of Oxford University Philharmonia.

Dr Robert Taub, Director of Music, The Arts Institute said: “We are all very excited about this concert featuring the dynamic, young Southbank Sinfonia playing both stalwart works of the repertoire and the premiere of the winning composition, Christopher Churcher’s Breakwater. Christopher’s work is highly expressive and evocative, and the combination of his new work with Beethoven’s mighty 7th Symphony and sublime 4th Piano Concerto is compelling indeed.”

Tickets and further details available at www. plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/musica-viva-presentssouthbank-sinfonia

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Simon Speare and Robert Taub, The Arts Institute Director of Music and applicants were encouraged to portray musically an association or

Christopher Churcher

Artist Paul Hillon with his sculpture

Inspirational women honoured at awards ceremony

The chief executive of a leading Plymouth charity was among the winners at the inaugural West Country Women Awards.

Hannah Shead, chief executive of the women’s charity Trevi, was named winner in the category for Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls, which was sponsored by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.

Trevi was the awards’ charity of the year and, with the help of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, more than £2,000 was raised on the night.

Other Plymouth winners were Emma Hewitt of Plymouth City Council who won the Inspirational Leader Award and Sarah Newberry from YMCA Plymouth who was named Employee of the Year.

Emma was nominated, twice, for her leadership of the Building Plymouth skills partnership with the construction industry, and the vision for Skills Launchpad Plymouth – which has already been recognised with Innovation Awards locally and regionally. Her award was sponsored by Ward Williams Associates.

Sarah heads fundraising, career and corporate sales at YMCA Plymouth and her award was sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson.

More than 320 guests, finalists and sponsors from across the South West attended the sold out inspirational awards ceremony and gala dinner held at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth at the beginning of December.

The awards celebrate and recognise women all across the peninsula in all walks of life from women in health to women in sport,

combatting violence against women and girls to green business of the year and more.

Hosts for the event were Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber, co-founders of the West Country Women Awards.

Alexis said: “I have run women in business networks and awards here in the south west for 10 years now. The last were just for business but this time we decided to make it about everybody’s business. So we introduced new categories, hoping to encompass and reflect more of our lives, in and out of the office.”

There were over 1,000 nominations of women across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, 90 semi finalists, 50 finalists and 16 winners.

Richard Stevens, managing director of main sponsors Go South West, said:”We were delighted to support the West Country

Women Awards, the evening celebrated and showcased, inspirational women from across the region from a diverse range of businesses and enterprises.

“I was blown away by the calibre of talent and drive we were privileged to witness. I believe that the legacy from the awards will benefit our communities, through showcasing amazing role models for girls and women. I look forward to next year’s event, I know we can encourage even more entrants and celebrate their many successes”

Every sponsor emphasised the outstanding calibre of their category finalists when presenting the winner with their West Country Women Awards trophy.

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Winners of the West Country Women Awards pictured with organisers Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber