Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock February 2022

Chronicle Plymouth

February 2022

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Celebrating St Luke’s - See special feature on pages 12 and 13

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Plympton & Plymstock

2 February 2022

2 February 2022

We must all take extra care as Omicron is spreading rapidly With COVID-19 rates reaching their highest ever levels, we all need to be making sure we are taking extra care to stay safe.

The current high COVID-19 rates reflect the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which now accounts for 88 per cent of our cases here in Plymouth.

Even though these figures are incredibly high, we are still below the England average, which reflects just how easily and quickly this variant spreads.

The speed at which the variant has been spreading across the UK prompted the Government to speed up the programme for booster vaccinations and introduce additional ‘Plan B’ precautions nationally.

These include reintroducing the guidance to work from home where possible, mandatory wearing of face coverings in more public venues, including cinemas and theatres and making an NHS Pass mandatory for entrance to nightclubs

and venues where large crowds gather.

Pupils in secondary schools are now also being asked to wear face coverings.

The levels of the virus within our community are resulting in higher numbers in hospital, further increasing pressure on the NHS. Fortunately the booster does offer good protection against serious disease. If you are eligible for any vaccination, whether it is your booster or you’re now wanting your first dose, our vaccination teams are there to support you.

You can book online or attend one of the walk-in sessions, which are advertised on the national portal as well as on the Plymouth City Council website.

Though vaccination does protect against serious disease, unfortunately you can still contract and pass on the virus, so it is important that you keep up all precautions, including wearing face coverings, avoiding indoor poorly

NEW RULES ON WHEN TO TAKE A PCR TEST

ventilated spaces and testing regularly with rapid tests.

Under the Government’s Plan B measures, you should also work from home if you are able to.

We should also be really vigilant for symptoms and isolate and book a PCR test where necessary.

Taking regular lateral flow tests also helps protect those around us. You should take tests whenever you are meeting up with people or are in high-risk places such as busy indoor spaces.

There have been national issues with the supply of rapid testing kits but in Plymouth they are currently still available at the test site in Place de Brest (in the city centre), as well as in Plymouth libraries.

PCR tests can be booked on the national website. The testing centres have been very busy but there are slots available in Plymouth.

You can visit the Council’s website to check the latest rates in Plymouth, get information about

@PlymChronicle

where to pick up tests and find details of local walk-in vaccination sessions. Visit: www.plymouth. gov.uk/covid-19.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

The Government has made temporary changes to the COVID-19 testing requirements in England in response to the rise in Omicron cases.

These affect when you should take one of the two different types of test that are available to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19): • PCR tests are mainly for people with symptoms. They’re sent to a lab to be checked • Rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests are for people who do not have symptoms. They give a quick result.

If you have a positive LFD test result you must report your results on the Government website and self-isolate immediately. You no longer have to take a confirmatory PCR test unless: • you have COVID-19 symptoms • you wish to claim the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment • you have received an email or letter from the NHS because of a health condition that means you may be suitable for new COVID-19 treatments. (If this applies to you and you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should use the PCR test kit that was sent to you in the post for this purpose; if you have not received a PCR test kit you can arrange to have a PCR test) • you are taking LFD tests as part of research or surveillance programmes and the

programme asks you to take a follow-up PCR test.

Changes to self-isolation rules

The rules around isolation have changed.

If you test positive, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. However, those who test positive can now stop self-isolating after seven days if they do a rapid lateral flow test on days six and seven of the self-isolation period and: • both tests are negative • both tests have been conducted at least 24 hours apart

• they do not have a high temperature If you stop self-isolating on or after day seven, it’s important that you take steps to reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 to others.

This means you should work from home if you can, wear a face covering when required and limit contact with people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

If, after 10 days, you continue to test positive, have a high temperature or feel unwell, keep selfisolating and seek medical advice.

Where to get your vaccine jab If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park, or the Council’s mobile vaccine van.

You don’t need an appointment or NHS number.

The mobile van, which is only offering the Pfizer vaccine for first and second jabs, will be visiting the following locations: • Monday 17 January: Mutley Baptist Church (11am to 5pm) • Tuesday 18 January: North Prospect

Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 20 January: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) • Monday 24 January: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm)

• Tuesday 25 January: Devonport Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 27 January: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups.

Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/get-tested.

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

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

NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on January 13.

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

Age Concern Events Weekly Community sessions each week including games, craft making, quizzes and refreshments.

Helping older ladies and gents to prevent loneliness and get socialising again. Sessions on Tuesday at Mountwise Neighbourhood Centre, Devonport from 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm and Fridays at Manadon Sports Community Hub from 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm. Entry is £5 but everything supplied. Contact Abi or Lisa at the Active Living team on 01752 256020.

Stoke Village Hub Weekly events Mondays from 10am to 12 noon Age UK drop in. Meet the Age UK volunteer who can offer support and a wide range of services and activities for older people. Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon Money Matters. Are you behind with your energy bills or struggling to keep your home warm. Chat the a qualified energy advisor.

Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm Compassionate Friends. For those who have been bereaved or anticipating a bereavement. Chance to have a cuppa and chat in a safe environment.

Wednesdays 7.30pm to 9pm Squat Theatre - go along to this friendly drama group. Thursdays from 11am Crafters and Grafters. Go along and help with gardening or bring your craft to share with others.

Meet the Author Jan 18 Plymouth Children’s Book Group’s annual meeting at the Seco Lounge Wardroom between 7pm and 9pm will feature award-winning author Tom Palmer, who will talk about his latest book Arctic Star, which is partly set in Plymouth. Free welcome drink and nibbles, books for sale, plus author signing. Places to be booked by no later than January 15 by emailing plymouthchildrensbookgroup@hotmail.com I Wonder, January Jan 18, Feb 8 and March 8 Free wellbeing sessions: find calm at The Box. Always Welcome wellbeing sessions are aimed at members of local community groups, carers, people living with memory loss, and over 40s wishing to improve their mental wellbeing and to meet other people. You’ll be guided by professional artist, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and group sound therapist, Carly Seller. As one of the artist facilitators at The Box, Carly has extensive experience working with individuals, communities and creative organisations in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Free, but booking essential. Go to www. theboxplymouth.com/events/wellbeing/alwayswelcome-wellbeing-sessions.

An Evening with Kevin Keegan Jan 28 Home Park will host an evening with the England legend, following in the footsteps of the Peter Shilton evening last year. Keegan, a twotime winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or with an honours list as long as any English footballer in history, will speak on his decorated career, before offering the floor to questions from guests within Club Argyle. Tickets cost £50 for this one-off event, or £45 for Plymouth Argyle season ticket holders or Club Argyle members, and include a delicious hot fork buffet and photo opportunities with the man affectionately known as ‘King Kev.’ For tickets visit the Home Park Ticket Office, call 01752 907700, or go to argyletickets.com.

Mulan: Woman, warrior, legend Jan 28 Presented by Red Dragonfly Productions and Grist to the Mill Productions at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth. For ten years Mulan disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire. Now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home but can she return to her old life, become a woman again. A search for identity in a violent

Community groups, friends and families are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum anniversary by taking part in the Big Jubilee Lunch. See details below. world. Presenting the real Chinese heroine who inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan. A pay what you decide show. More details at www.barbicantheatre.co.uk Martin Kemp Feb 4 Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp heads to Plymouth Guildhall for a Back to the 80s DJ set.

For tickets and details visit www.gigantic.com/ martin-kemp-tickets/plymouth-plymouthguildhall/2022-02-04-20-00 Jumble Sale Feb 5 Popular Jumble Sale to be held at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle, 11am to 1pm. Go along to bag a bargain, enjoy the refreshments and have a chatter.

Winter Warmers - Oaksfest Comedy Night Feb 11 Hosted by Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club featuring three brilliant acts and freshly cooked Thai food from the B-Bar kitchen. Tickets £10.

Details on club’s Facebook page.

Brawl in the Guildhall Feb 26 Plymouth’s own REACH Wrestling will present the biggest professional wrestling event in the South West in more than a decade. As well as featuring wrestlers who have trained at the REACH Academy the event will also feature former WWE NXT UK stars, Eddie Ryan and Joel Redman. Special guests on the night include former British Olympic diver Tonia Couch and Marc Ormrod MBE, former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete, author and motivational speaker, who will both be in attendance and will present the winners of the championship matches with their championship belts. For tickets and details visit www.reachwrestling. com/events/ Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents Mar 12 Comedian, author and political commentator brings his brand new tour to the Quad Theatre at Marjons. Geoff now has a string of top-level credits to his name including The Last Leg, Would I Lie to You?, Mock the Week and Live

at The Apollo. Tickets and details at www. livenation.co.uk The 4 Sea Sons Mar 18 Live music is back at the Boringdon Park Golf Club. The 4 Sea Sons are the ultimate tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. They combine the iconic harmonies and unrivalled showmanship of one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s most prestigious groups, ensuring their legacy continues to live on. Tickets include three course dinner and welcome drink. Adults only and pre-booking required. For details and tickets call 01752 339113. Doors open 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over the first weekend in June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. There are more reasons than ever to celebrate together and this year millions of people are expected to join The Big Jubilee Lunch with street parties and garden get-togethers happening across the UK over the Platinum Jubilee weekend. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year!

Get set for neighbourhood and community-wide celebrations that anyone and everyone can be part of, with over 200k events expected right across the UK, and locally where you live. For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‚‘s West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singer-songwriters.

With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Featuring dozens of his greatest hits and perhaps even some that only the diehard fans will know and love, this is a show no follower of Neil should miss. Tickets available now through the Home Park Tickets Office or by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk Paloma Faith Jul 9 Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour, performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date in Plymouth on Saturday July 9 at Central Park.

For tickets and more information go to www. premier.ticketek.co.uk/ Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle.

For full details visit SailGP.com Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About

4 February 2022

4 February 2022

Crowdfunder is launched in bid to save Plympton tennis courts Plympton Tennis Club is encouraging the community to get behind a Crowdfunder appeal which aims to get all the tennis courts at Harewood Park back open again.

When able to be used the courts are open to the Plympton public with an online booking system with the club providing coaching and playing opportunities. The tennis courts at Harewood Park were originally maintained and repaired by Plymouth City Council but in recent years due to cutbacks Plympton Tennis Club has taken increasing responsibility for cleaning and maintenance of them.

Club volunteers now maintain the courts and they need to raise £42,000 to pay for court resurfacing. This may at first seem a tall order, but Jane Wilson from Plympton Tennis Club urged: “Don’t be daunted by this – if we get £10,500, Plymouth City Council will support us and pledge £21,000 from its City Change Fund. The club is then allowed to use another £10,500 from its reserves to complete the bid. Our current fund stands at over £9,000, so not too far to go.”

Members of Plympton Tennis Club have appealed for support

There are four courts at the park, two of which were resurfaced in 2015 following fundraising and grant applications by the club, but the other two courts have now had to be decommissioned after failing a risk assessment in September 2021. It is more than 20 years since any substantial work was done to those two courts and they now need resurfacing before play can resume on them again and the two ‘newer’ courts could also do with repainting.

Following the COVID lockdowns the courts were very busy with their usage tripling and it was apparent how much the community really valued the facility.

Outdoor tennis is COVID-safe and if the

club is not able to raise the money to resurface the two decommissioned courts they will remain closed and opportunities for local people to play tennis will literally be cut by half.

Among the club’s future hopes are to offer free tennis to people recommended by referrals to benefit their health and wellbeing. They already provide sessions for wheelchair players as a result of which the club received Devon County’s Tennis Community Award in 2019.

More details of the fundraising attempt to resurface the courts can be seen at www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-plympton-communitytennis-courts where there are details of how people can help by making donations or buying rewards.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth firm to take on over 70 more staff A Plymouth business success story has brought some early New Year cheer by announcing it has over 70 jobs to offer in Plymouth.

Later life mortgage specialist Responsible Group will have doubled its headcount in the city inside two years by the time it completes its latest hiring spree.

The business consists of the later life mortgage broker Responsible Life and lifetime mortgage lender Responsible Lending. The firm was founded by local entrepreneur Steve Wilkie in 2010 and has become one of the most prominent brokers in the industry, operating from its HQ in Royal William Yard.

The company has a wide range of roles to fill from starter positions as administrators and customer services agents to business intelligence analysts, originations agents, data nalysts and systems analysts, as well as openings in the firm’s marketing department.

The company has a training programme led by the Responsible Academy which encourages career progression across the business.

Candidates will be supported in getting their professional qualifications as regulated financial advisers where appropriate.

Steve Wilkie, executive chairman of Responsible Group, said: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved in Plymouth. We will number over 200 in the city we call home by the time we’ve filled all these positions.

“It’s really important to me that we’re not just offering people a job. Fantastic career progression awaits those who join us and we are committed to supporting staff in getting their professional adviser qualifications and encouraging them to move around the business.

Many of our new joiners will undoubtedly go on to have long careers in financial services.”

Interested candidates can email vacancies@ responsible.co.uk for a full list of available roles and an application pack.

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WORK STARTS ON COT HILL RAIL BRIDGE

Long awaited strengthening work to the bridge over the railway at Cot Hill has at last got underway, but a change in plan means that the bridge will now be continuously shut to traffic heading north out of Merafield until the beginning of April. The southbound bridge into Merafield is unaffected.

The original works schedule was for the road to be closed for just four weekends in February, but a more substantial repair will now be carried out necessitating the road to be continuously closed 24 hours a day for approximately four months, with the start date being brought forward tothe first week of January.

Explaining the change of plan a spokesperson for Network Rail said: “There are several factors that have influenced an earlier start, which include agreement with the local authority to increase the weight capacity of the bridge up to 40 tonnes and, as part of the planned work, the highway will be removed for us to waterproof the entire structure - this generally happens at the end of the project, once all major work has taken place. ”We’ve also appointed a contractor who can sequence the work effectively using subcontractors as well as their own specialist team members.”

An official diversion route for Merafield residents which involved a convoluted journey out to Elburton and back to Plympton via Billacombe, the Embankment and Marsh Mills drew widespread disapproval from locals as impracticable and unrealistic.

The Network Rail spokesperson added: “The road closure is approved by the local authority and as part of the approval, the diversion route (provided by the authority) must allow for all vehicle types to use it (hence the use of A and B roads) and emergency access maintained at all times.”

However, on the first day of the bridge closure the official diversion route was largely ignored resulting in excessive traffic volumes in Underwood village and Market Road.

An online petition was set up calling for the one way part of Linketty Lane between Valley Road and Plymouth Road to be made available to all vehicles rather than just HGVs as an exit point from Merafield in order to reduce the pressure on Underwood village and Market Road. The petition attracted scores of signatures as well as expressions of concern at the impact of extra traffic going through the narrow streets of Underwood and using the tight turn into Market Road.

It was also noted that water had started bubbling through the road surface at the Underwood Road/Market Road junction once the additional traffic volumes started using that junction and an inspector from South West Water was called to the scene to investigate a potential water leak in the pipework beneath the road.

On the late afternoon of January 9 yellow diversion signage was put up in Valley Road pointing traffic down the previous HGV restricted part of Linketty Lane. At the time the Chronicle was going to press however no formal notice of a Traffic Order lifting the HGV only restriction had been published.

Meanwhile work to the bridge at Cot Hill will result in bus transfer services for rail passengers during weekends in February.

The spokesperson for Network Rail confirmed: “The work will affect trains each weekend in February, with trains terminating at Exeter St David’s from the London direction and at Plymouth from the Penzance direction with replacement buses operating during these weekends.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

6 February 2022

6 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth Natural Grid gets a kickstart Ten young people have started an innovative six month work programme with Plymouth’s newest nature project.

The young people have joined the Plymouth Natural Grid, which launched this summer to help make nature more accessible to residents across the city, through the national Kickstarter programme.

The Kickstarter scheme is a nationwide placement programme for people between 18 and 24 years of age who are out of formal employment, education or training at risk of long term unemployment.

The new apprentices will be given training in a variety of outdoor and natural skills by our new urban rangers including tree planting, coppicing, woodland thinning, public engagement, dead hedging and invasive species management. They will work across 12 green areas, including Poole Farm.

They are the first of two intakes of Kickstarter apprentices embedded into the Plymouth Natural Grid to begin before March 2023.

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “It is brilliant to see these young people get stuck into nature in our city.

“The Plymouth Nature Grid project aligns well with the goals we have at Derriford Community Park and Poole Farm. Having an enthusiastic bunch of Kickstarters in muddy wellies getting dug into practical conservation activities around the park helps us achieve our vision!

“We hope these placements will foster a lifelong appreciation of Plymouth’s remarkable natural spaces and wildlife, whilst empowering young people with new skills and supporting movement into future employment.”

Lorna Logan, the programme coordinator for Real Ideas, added: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore their interests, become inspired and uncover their

The young people who have joined the Kickstarter scheme with Plymouth Natural Grid

capabilities.

“As well as building confidence and self-esteem, they will develop crucial soft skills needed in the 21st century such as communication, creative thinking, research and planning. Working outside in nature supports their physical and mental health at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”

As well as learning new skills, the Kickstarters will also play a role in achieving biodiversity net gain targets, a land management approach delivering measurable improvements through the

Good reasons to join our team still describes as ‘too good to be true’.

“I saw the Administrator post on InDeed and although my background was in legal firms, I sent in my application. I had a call back within half an hour.”

It wasn’t just this quick response that nudged her towards the role.

“I read Andrew Richardson’s ‘our story’ article on the website (www.friendshelpingathome.co.uk) and it sounded lovely, I wanted to find out more,” says Clare.

Clare Hennessey tells how she swapped her job in legal services for a rewarding role supporting our carers in the ‘Friends family’.

“We were living in Manchester and wanted to move to Devon or Cornwall, where we used to come on holiday. That was the beginning of 2020 before the pandemic, and it really looked unlikely later that year.”

To her surprise, Clare found a job that she

She had a successful interview, and with lockdown in place was able to start remote working almost straight away, while husband Mark (who had landed a job at Babcock) found a new family home for them and their 4 year old daughter, in Oreston.

creation or enhancements of natural habitats.

The Plymouth Natural Grid is part of an 18-month partnership project between Plymouth City Council, National Trust and Real Ideas Organisation and is funded by a £1.2m grant from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

It is being delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Funding partnership with Natural England, the Environmental Agency and Forestry Commission.

In time, it will create a total of at least 22 new jobs, including five urban rangers, who will work

and care for Council and National Trust sites across the city.

Nature conservation is at the forefront of the project, with improvements across 13 protected sites that focus on rewilding and nature restoration. There will also be a programme of community engagement to ensure that Plymouth’s more deprived urban areas are connected to their local nature reserve.

Find out more about the project at www. plymouth.gov.uk/

So, what does she think of her job, one year on? “It’s literally like being part of a caring, supportive family. I get to help new carers find the jobs that suit them, support them with all the checks and details they need to have in place and generally assist them with the admin so they can be as good a carer as they can be.

“Being self-employed is a new thing for some of them, but we can help them with the HMRC side of that, too.”

Friends Helping At Home carers provide continuity of care for our clients; they become the professional, caring friend who helps someone live as independently as possible.

Clare takes the same approach when she’s helping our carers, using her skills in her admin role.

“I love my job,” she says.

“From initial recruitment, through to arranging training and ongoing support, If people want to be great carers, we can help them with that – come and join the Friends family and find out for yourself!”

We will help you with: Applying for your DBS Identifying your skills and experience, your availability, rates and the work that you want Develop a training and development plan Provide all the admin and support for invoicing clients to payment collection and recording Market and find you new customers Provide a network with benefits and opportunities to excel at what you do

We provide a safe, friendly and professional service that enables people to remain living in the comfort of their own homes.

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February 2022 7

Co-op stores to be safe haven for children in danger

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Children who find themselves in dangerous situations in Plymouth will now be able to get help and assistance at Co-op stores in the city following the establishment of a scheme which is the brainchild of a volunteer at the Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub in Plympton.

Claire Hambly who came up with the idea said: “I approached Co-op as it is quite accessible to young people in the area, especially the Chaddlewood one being near the ramps etc.”

The matter was referred up to the Co-op’s senior management who agreed to embrace the idea and it has now been rolled out across all their stores in Plymouth. The Co-op stores can now act as a safe place for young people if they feel worried or scared about their safety and they are unable to get home safely.

Staff at the stores will be able to offer support to young people to enable them to alert appropriate help, wait for a lift or contact the police.

Young people will also be able to ask the store for assistance in calling a parent or guardian if they have run out of battery on their phone, have no credit left or have lost their phone.

Parents and guardians are asked to make their children aware of this initiative should they ever find themselves in circumstances where they need to make use of it.

The scheme has already worked for one Plympton family. A thankful parent said: “Co-op Chaddlewood have already done this for my daughter and her friend who were being followed, watched the cctv and called the police.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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News in Brief...

• Discount retailer Buyology is to close its store at the Errill Retail Park in Plympton. Store manager Gareth said: “Our lease has come to an end so we will be closing in the not so distant future. We’d like to thank all our customers for their invaluable support over the years.”

• A planning application has been made to allow the portakabin containing the pop up gym and changing room by Plympton Swimming Pool to be in situ for a further two years. Any representations about the application should be submitted to planning.consents@plymouth.gov. uk by February 1 quoting reference 21/02200/S73 • St Mary’s Church Hall table top sales return to their normal date format of being on the first Saturday in each month from February with the next one being on February 5 from 10am to 1pm. There is usually an assortment of around 20 stalls mixed between charity and private stallholders. Admission is 20p and refreshments are available. Admission fees, table rents and money made on refreshments help support the upkeep of Plympton St Mary’s Church.

(News in brief is provided by the Plympton Podcast)

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8 February 2022

8 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Three in the running to be the next Stannator of Plympton Three well-known figures in the Plympton community are in the running to be the next Stannator. After a fallow period of eighteen months or so due to the Coronavirus pandemic the Plympton Community Council was determined that the role of Stannator of Plympton, similar to that of a town mayor, should continue and invited nominations to be put forward

by January 8.

Three nominations were received by the deadline - Pastor Arno Bessel, Jan Sherrington and Jane Wilson.

Arno Bessel has lived in Plympton since May 2006 when he became the pastor of St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Plympton.

Over the years he has set up events to help combat loneliness, has personally supported some asylum seekers, encouraged support for food banks and families in need and helped the bereaved.

Arno has also been offering his linguistic skills as a Portuguese interpreter for people who need medical and social care and don’t have sufficient skills to communicate in the English language.

Arno said: “My aim is to serve the wider Plympton community promoting love, peaceful relationships between people, safeguarding the vulnerable, encouraging the youth towards education and healthy entertainment, and promoting care for the environment.”

Jan Sherrington has been part of the Plympton community since 1973. Among her past and current contributions to life in Plympton are as

Jane Wilson

Jan Sherrington

a Sunday School teacher, Girls’ Brigade Officer, Parent Toddler Group Leader, Boys’ Brigade Company leader, Red Cross Bookshop volunteer and a member of a local choir performing charity concerts.

Jan said: “My experiences will enable me to offer the role of Stannator a person who is friendly and approachable and always willing to listen and offer advice when needed. I am able to work with people of all ages and enjoy spending time in the company of others. I believe that I can offer the role of Stannator a person who is committed to ensuring that everybody will continue to enjoy the

benefits of living in Plympton. It is a wonderful place to live, no matter your age.”

Jane Wilson has lived in Plympton for 30 years and is well-known on the local tennis circuit. She has been part of the committee at Plympton tennis club for many years as well as a coach there. She was heavily involved in a 2014 fundraising project to resurface some of the courts at Harewood Park and also involved in this year’s bid to do so again. Jane has also previously been chair of Woodford Pre-School and successfully led the committee through the pre-school’s first Ofsted inspection.

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Pastor Arno Bessel

She later became a governor of Woodford Junior School. Jane said: “If elected, my interests would centre around encouraging and developing sport in Plympton. I would like to see a sports day in Harewood Park, where people can get a taste of tennis, cricket and bowls. I also have a huge interest in Natural History and the history of Plympton. I have often thought about having a “Tin Day” where people can learn more about why Plympton is a stannary town and would gladly seek to establish this.”

More detailed statements from the candidates are currently being circulated to the groups making up the Plympton Community Council. Over coming weeks those groups will decide which of the candidates they wish to vote for and a formal election will be conducted at the Plympton Community Council’s AGM in March. Before then the candidates will have the opportunity to give a short address to the Community Council members at their January meeting.

Andrew Hill, who was Stannator of Plympton in 2017/18, said: “Three very strong candidates have been put forward this year, each of whom have made significant contributions to community life in Plympton in their various different ways and I think we shall have a very hard job choosing between them. However, I wish whoever is ultimately successful all the very best for their year in office.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

News in Brief...

• Police are to increase their presence in areas renowned for anti-social behaviour involving vehicles in the Plympton area. A spokesperson for the force said: “We recently conducted house to house on an area subjected to lots of noise from vehicles which we know has a negative impact to all persons quality of life. It did transpire more people are affected by this than what is reported, so please do contact us if any issue impacts on you. Due to this, we are requesting (and getting) more Police presence in and around areas such as Gateway Retail Park/ Marsh Mills to try and prevent ASB from vehicles in the evenings.”

• Caring for Carers was able to provide surprise presents to 100 carers in Plymouth this Christmas thanks to help from local law firm Wolferstans which has branches in Plympton and Plymstock.

• A former Plympton Stannator has raised over £425 for the 2021 Poppy Appeal by selling poppies and related merchandise. Pat Ridgway used the garage of her home as a base for neighbours and passers by to buy items to support this year’s appeal and the sum raised has been confirmed as £425.61. Pat said: “A massive thank you to all your support. You are all wonderful generous people.”

• A procession of horses, ponies and riders donned in festive attire provided an eye-catching sight in some of the streets of Plympton in December. It was all part of a fundraising event for Jeremiah’s Journey.

(News in brief provided by Plympton Podcast)

February 2022

@PlymChronicle

SailGP is set to thrill Plymouth crowds again

Fixed penalty for dropping litter is to be increased

Thousands of spectators enjoyed the SailGP spectacle in Plymouth Photo: SailGP

People who drop litter in Plymouth are set to have their pockets hit even harder in 2022.

Adrenaline is set to be pumping throughout Plymouth Sound next July, as the world’s most exciting racing on-water returns to the city.

SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running, following a bumper event in 2021, which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoying the spectacle that brought £6.9 million into the local economy.

The thrilling racing is set to take place on July 30 and 31 next year.

Plymouth is one of the initial eight locations confirmed on the line-up for SailGP Season 3, which also includes stops in Bermuda, Chicago, Saint-Tropez and Dubai.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. SailGP is a globally significant event that’s helped to really put Plymouth on the map.

“Bringing SailGP to Plymouth is no mean feat. We have worked tirelessly to bring this marvellous event to our shores so that the people of Plymouth can benefit from not only the spectacle of world-class sport on their doorstep, but also the wider economic advantage that thousands

flocking to our city will bring.

“We’ll be working closely with SailGP to maximise all the opportunities that the event brings us and look forward to creating another unmissable weekend of on-water action in Britain’s Ocean City, home of the UK’s first National Marine Park.”

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport, added: “This year’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix was one of the city’s absolute highlights, bringing thousands of excited spectators to our stunning waterfront, giving hundreds of local children the chance to try out sailing

for the very first time and providing a much needed multi-million pound economic boost.

As it once again brings sailing’s best roster of athletes together, SailGP is also set to welcome two new franchise teams for its third season.

Canada and Switzerland are new additions, joining the existing teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.

Great Britain SailGP Team CEO and Driver, Ben Ainslie, commented: “We are delighted that Plymouth has retained its place for Season 3, it has one of the world’s most visually stunning harbours and its

natural amphitheatre creates the perfect SailGP race village for fans to immerse themselves in the racing.

“The city’s environmental commitments, and its status as Britain’s first National Marine Park, also seamlessly align with our team ethos to protect our pitch. We are looking forward to again supporting our Race For The Future partner, the local community and event organisers in numerous activities that will help will help amplify positive scientific knowledge and empower young people to take positive action to protect nature, people and our planet.”

From January 1 the fixed penalty notice given to people caught dropping litter will rise from £100 to £150.

The move brings the council in line with the maximum amount that local authorities can demand for littering offences, based on government legislation Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “Making the decision to increase the fixed penalty notice for littering was one of the easiest decisions I have made since joining the cabinet. We promised to increase enforcement against environmental crime and that’s exactly what this move does.”

Between January and October 2021, the council has issued over 400 fixed penalty notices for littering. It has the authority to use fixed penalty notices as an alternative to prosecution when dealing with environmental crimes including litter, dog control offences (fouling,) small-scale fly tipping, waste documentation offences, graffiti and flyposting.

As part of the move, fixed penalty notices for graffiti will rise from £80 to £150, while flyposting will also go to £150. The fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping will remain at £400, the maximum permitted amount.

All of the revenue received from fixed penalty notices will go into paying for the service, with surplus invested into infrastructure and equipment to help keep the city clean.

More information on Environmental Enforcement can be found at plymouth.gov.uk/ envirocrime

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10 February 2022

10 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Lord Mayor returns to school to open new bike shelter

It was like returning home for Lord Mayor Cllr Beer recently as she visited Boringdon Primary School where her own children had previously been educated.

The purpose of her visit this time was to formally open the school’s new bike shelter.

Addressing those who turned out for the opening ceremony the Lord Mayor said: “I am delighted to open this bike shelter as I am so passionate about the environment and sustainability.

“Projects like this, and encouraging young cyclists like these children, are how we are going to start tackling the obesity crisis in our City.”

For the bike shelter’s formal opening the Lord Mayor was joined by two keen cyclists from Year 6 at the school - Arthur Smith and Jayden Elsey.

Arthur confidently told the Lord Mayor: “I love cycling to school now we have the shelter. I call for my friend Jayden and we cycle to school together.”

Headteacher Jason Scales, said: “We are

delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor to Boringdon, particularly when she has such strong ties with the school.

The children have really enjoyed talking to her about their cycling and hearing how much the school buildings have changed and modernised since her own children attended.”

The Lord Mayor also drew the top three prizes for the school’s Christmas raffle, in aid of Friends of Boringdon School, who co-funded the bike shelter along with the Council’s Sustainable Development Fund.

Hannah Daragon, Chair of Friends of Boringdon said: “Our Christmas Raffle this year raised over £2000 and it is through fundraising projects like this that we were able to grant the funds to the school to help the bike shelter project come to fruition.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

All set for the tape cutting (from left) Lisa Leathard (Trustee, Friends of Boringdon), Hannah Daragon (Chair, Friends of Boringdon), Lisa Agnew (business manager), Jason Scales (headteacher), Murray Quest (teacher), Colin Beer (Consort), Lord Mayor Cllr Terri Beer, Jo Mallard (Vice-Chair, Friends of Boringdon). Children left to right: Arthur and Jayden

CITY COUNCIL APPEALS FOR MORE PEOPLE TO BECOME FOSTER CARERS

Plymouth City Council’s fostering service is asking people to make a new year’s resolution to make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster carer.

There are currently 500 children and young people in care and there is an on-going campaign to recruit more foster carers.

When a child cannot be cared for within their family, the Council’s first priority is for them to be looked after by a local authority foster carer, as they live in the area near to a child’s family and friends, so it is less disruptive for a child.

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difference to a child’s life, providing children and young people with a stable and loving home and the support and encouragement they need to flourish and do well. Fostering for Plymouth City Council also offers full training, support and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Education and Skills said: “All the children in our care are different, and to meet their needs, we are looking for a wide variety of people. Fostering is a challenging role to take on but it can make a real difference. If you feel that you are looking for a challenge then why not make a new year’s

resolution that will change a child’s life?”

Foster carers with Plymouth City Council are paid a weekly maintenance allowance and a skills allowance for each child. The allowance is designed to cover the daily costs of looking after the child and varies according to the age of the child.

Foster carers come from all backgrounds and bring a wide range of life and work experiences.

They receive training and support to help them develop the skills to meet the needs of the children and young people in our care.

Fostering service manager Sarah Hunt said:

“The Foster for Plymouth Team provide lots of support and training and are with you all the way in your fostering Journey. If you have been thinking about fostering then now is the time to pick up the phone and call a member of our friendly team. They will be able to answer any questions you may have. There are no silly questions and we really do appreciate that making this first call is a big step to make.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the council’s fostering team on 01752 308762 or go to www. fosterforplymouth.co.uk

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At the beginning of 2021 Carbon Saving Group identified a residential development in Plymouth that qualified for the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme to install free mains gas central heating. All 133 properties at Admiral’s Gate, Plymouth had been struggling to heat their homes with old inefficient storage heating.

“I KNEW THIS WAS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF THE RESIDENTS” Ms Anna Day - Property Manager The ECO scheme was established in 2013 as part of the government’s pledge to achieve 0% carbon by 2050. It holds the energy companies accountable to bring qualifying households out of fuel poverty by installing energy efficient measures.

This may sound like an oxymoron considering the government are working to eradicate fossil fuels. However, we are still a long way off implementing 100% green energy and for those who are living in fuel poverty and finding it a challenge to heat

their homes, it is still beneficial to both the resident and the environment to make the switch to a more energy efficient gas boiler.

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12 February 2022

A local charity occupying a special place in the heart of the community is getting ready to mark a special milestone this year. On January 25 2022, it will be 40 years since St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth welcomed its first patients.

St Luke’s heralded the arrival of a completely new concept for the city – specialist care for terminally ill people as in-patients in a homefrom-home environment, rather than in hospital, to ensure their comfort and dignity at the end of their lives.

From this, grew the St Luke’s of today, looking after the majority of its patients at home and at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, with only those with the most complex symptoms needing admission to Turnchapel.

What has not changed since its beginnings though, is the charity’s need to rely on support from individuals and businesses in the community to keep providing its specialist services at no cost to patients or their families.

That’s why, as well as reflecting on four decades of compassionate care that has touched the lives of so many, St Luke’s is using its 40th anniversary to express heartfelt thanks to all its supporters for their ceaseless volunteering and fundraising, plus the legacies that play such an important part in helping the charity plan for its future.

12 February 2022

Celebrating four @PlymChronicle

by the Rev John Watson of St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth grew to become what St Luke’s is today, the main provider of end of life care for the city and its surroundings areas, looking after around 300 patients on any one day.

“Quite simply though, we would never have come into existence – let alone still be helping local families four decades on – without the unstinting support we receive from the community around us.

“All who give to the hospice, whether as volunteers or through donations and fundraising, do so in the knowledge that they are supporting something of priceless value, the highly skilled, compassionate care people need at the end of their lives so that they can feel as at ease as possible and make precious memories with loved ones.

“A huge thank-you to all our supporters. Please keep doing what you do because we are going to need you more than ever as we strive to meet the increasing demand on our services.”

St Luke’s at home nurses

From participating in its weekly lottery to donating to its charity shops and taking on sponsored challenges like Midnight Walk and Men’s Day Out, such commitment from the community has enabled

Key statistics – National It is predicted that the number of people requiring palliative care will increase by 42% by 2040.

Key statistics – Local We are an ageing population. The number of people aged over 85 years in Devon will increase by 29% by 2025. In the last six years demand for St Luke’s care has increased by 37%. Over 50% of hospice care is delivered at home with the remaining in hospital.

Only 5% of care is delivered in a traditional hospice building.

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St Luke’s to survive despite the ever-increasing costs of running its 24-hour service 365 days a year.

In addition to expert, hands-on medical care, its teams provide not only practical advice to patients and their families but vital emotional support, too - warmth, sensitivity and kindness that make an important difference to them at the most difficult time of their lives.

Chief executive of St Luke’s, Steve Statham, (pictured left) said: “What started in the early 1980s as the idea of a small group of parishioners led

St Luke’s nurse at Derriford

r decades of care @PlymChronicle

From its humble beginnings in a converted suburban house to the widely known and greatly respected service it provides today, it is hard to imagine the community without St Luke’s. Some of the innovators from its early days, who were central to shaping the high-calibre local hospice care share their reflections.

St Luke’s urgent care service

Once they realised the work that was being done, though, we had their full support. Some of the consultants and GPs who lived in the area even offered to include the hospice when they were ‘on call’ overnight. They did this free of charge to St Luke’s, which saved us a tremendous amount of money.

“It was exciting when the first patients arrived at Syrena House in Plymstock, but we quickly ran out of space and needed an extension so that we could accommodate three more patients, making ten in all. And the demand did not stop there!

“When the city council granted St Luke’s the land for the specialist unit at Turnchapel, we could all see the potential, though the area was a mass of brambles at the time. Then there was the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign to raise money for the building, which attracted so much support.

“People were donating good-quality clothing for us to sell, too, which helped raise more funds.

That’s what led to the opening of the first St Luke’s charity shop, which was in New George Street. It went from there and we never looked back!”

Sally Taylor, chief executive from 1994 to 2015

Dr Sheila Cassidy, medical director from 1981 to 1991 For many, Dr Sheila Cassidy is the name most synonymous with the history of St Luke’s. A trained doctor with experience in looking after people with cancer, she was appointed its first medical director in 1981, spending the next ten years leading the small team devoted to looking after local people with terminal illness as inpatients at Syrena House in Plymstock.

This was the large house that – thanks to huge community spirit – had been purchased and converted to enable the new concept of specialised, 24-hour care for patients in a safe yet homely environment.

Building on her medical knowledge, and learning as she went, Sheila observed the marked difference bespoke, holistic care made to the quality of these patients’ lives. Inspired to advocate for the hospice movement, she gave lectures to fellow healthcare professionals locally and nationally as well as overseas, combining long shifts at the hospice with tireless campaigning so that organisations far and wide got to hear about the pioneering work of St Luke’s and were motivated to follow its example.

Sheila worked with St Luke’s for ten years before moving to Derriford Hospital, joining the radiotherapy department and setting up the Mustard Tree drop-in centre for people receiving cancer treatment.

She said: “As a young doctor based at the radiotherapy department at Freedom Fields Hospital in Plymouth, I came to realise dying people need more than just treatment for their physical symptoms. Since I lived at the hospital and had free time in the evenings, I’d sit and hold their hands, just listening and asking questions. I saw the difference it made to them to be accepted how they were, whatever they were feeling.

“Our work at Syrena House was palliative care plus psychotherapy. It was highly skilled as well as different. Whereas, traditionally, hospital doctors had shielded terminally ill people from the reality of their prognosis, our approach was to work with the truth, coupled with kindness. Once we established that they really were in the last stages of their life, we helped them understand what was happening to them and gradually come to a place of acceptance.

“Families saw what we were doing and word spread, driving up support for all the fundraising needed to keep the hospice going.

“All of us working there were like a family. I was close to everyone, from the nurses to the office and kitchen staff. We were a community, putting patients and their families at ease, despite our very cramped quarters.

“The move to the purpose-built unit at Turnchapel doubled our beds to 20. We had loads more space and extra nurses, too, but though it was larger, it was no less loving. I feel very proud to have been part of the hospice. Being medical director was something I just got on with because

February 2022 13

that was my work, but I do realise what a great privilege that was.”

Dr Mary Nugent, medical director of St Luke’s from 1985 to 2013 She said: “Very early on in my career in general practice, I was asked to provide cover at St Luke’s, which was still very new. As a young doctor, I could barely even spell palliative care so I was in at the deep end, and that’s how my journey with the hospice began.

“I found my niche at the hospice because we had the time to love and look after our patients. The team camaraderie was tremendous, too. We were friends working together, all to help people who were in the last stages of life. I was quickly building on my basic medical knowledge, learning about the anatomy of being very sick and the effects and benefits of new drugs, then taking to the road to teach young doctors around the country about our pioneering work.

“When the move to Turnchapel came, it was a joy. Twenty beds, plenty of bathrooms and wonderful new gadgets. We created the very best hospice environment we could, enabling people with terminal illness to be themselves and be looked after as themselves.

“There was great excitement when Prince Charles performed the official opening, in 1988, with crowds gathering outside the building all waving their flags. He was well informed about the hospice movement and generous in his attitude, spending time talking to patients, volunteers and staff. It was such a great privilege to look after the many other people who needed our care.”

Rosie Morgan, nursing sister and matron from 1982 to 2010

Arriving in Devon as a nursing sister, Rosie Morgan joined St Luke’s at its beginning and went on to become matron of the hospice, remaining with the charity for 28 years.

She said: “I always

thought the hospice concept was something I’d like to explore. Generally speaking, in those days I felt that terminally ill patients needed more care than was possible in a busy hospital setting. They still needed to be thought of as people – people with families, careers and hobbies, not just as an ill or dying patient.

“We were inspired by St Christopher’s Hospice in London, and the books of its founder Cecily Saunders were our blueprint. Most of our training was gained working alongside Sheila Cassidy, who was so gifted in speaking to hospital consultants to share our vision of how we thought death and dying should be. She knew just how to talk to lay people about it, too, gathering their support.

“When St Luke’s opened, we had very little money to keep running, and at one point only enough reserves to pay the salaries. Our first matron, Valerie Oliver, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of hospice care, giving talks to public and professional groups most evenings and weekends. This resulted in funds coming so that we remained solvent.

“Nothing was too much trouble if it helped the patients, and that’s still the same at St Luke’s today. I remember Dr Mary somehow arranging for a helicopter to be scrambled at very short notice when a lady from Wales, who was very poorly, said how she longed to die in her homeland.

“Much may have changed over the years but the community’s support for St Luke’s is as strong as ever, and the team’s commitment to giving superb care never wavers.”

Christine Costin, medical secretary from 1982 to 2010

Having been with the charity from the start as its volunteer co-ordinator, Christine Costin went on to become its medical secretary.

She said: “Everyone was just so happy and proud to be working for St Luke’s, and it was very humbling seeing it grow from the seed of an idea to being overwhelmed with volunteers who wanted to help. Word spread quickly, partly because Sheila, who already had a media profile, was writing about what we were doing as well as giving presentations.

“While most in the community thought the hospice was a marvellous development and embraced it, some took a while to be convinced.

“When I took the helm at St Luke’s I could see what a fantastic job everyone was doing for patients and their families.

In getting to know how things worked, I recognised how important it would be for St Luke’s to evolve to keep pace with the changing needs of the people we served.

“We expanded to include lymphoedema care and occupational therapy, but it was becoming increasingly clear that we really needed to think of patients as patients even after they returned home because we’d got their symptoms under control and they were feeling better, not just while they were at Turnchapel.

“Taking a more joined-up approach would be essential if we were going to ensure that whether a patient was at home, in hospital or at St Luke’s specialist unit, their care was well co-ordinated as well as bespoke. This idea was new though, and would never succeed unless I could secure the full co-operation of local GPs, the hospital and community services to work with us.

“It took time but thankfully, there were those who understood the value of what we were trying to achieve. What gradually emerged by the late 90s was the one-system approach that continues to benefit people with terminal illness today and has been replicated across the country. I feel very proud of that.

“I know people tend to think that all St Luke’s patients receive their care at Turnchapel because it’s such a well-recognised, long-standing facility, but these days 95 per cent are looked after by the charity’s team at home or in hospital, with only those with the most complex symptoms needing to be admitted to the specialist unit.

“There’s another common misconception, too. I was often asked how I coped with working somewhere ‘so depressing’ and I’d always say, it’s not! Sad at times, of course, but if you know someone’s passing and their family’s experience of that has been better because you have helped make it so, that has got to be a good thing. The staff and volunteers are upbeat and incredibly kind, too, organising weddings for patients and visits from much-loved pets.

“Everyone at St Luke’s – whatever their role – is making a difference. It’s not just one, it’s a team, working together to make sure people are looked after really well at the end of their lives.”

Sherford Life Some things need to change, but some things should stay the same! Last month I wrote about new starts, but too much change can be overwhelming.

Sometimes what is needed is a bit of nostalgia.

Nostalgia like the joy of reading a local newspaper physically delivered to your door, and full of articles and notices that are relevant to you. You are holding a bit of nostalgia in your hand right now!

I had another bit of nostalgia just before Christmas, as my mum sent me a bag of Opal Fruits. Not Starburst, you understand! A brief internet search has revealed that the manufacturers brought back the old name (after a 23-year absence) as part of a 12-week limited edition run. To my delight they even brought back the yellow sweet with its lemon flavour – my second favourite after the strawberry.

Some things should change, some things should stay the same – and some things need to change back to how they were! What are you looking forward to getting back to this month? This year?

I’m looking forward to going back to the cinema, because undeniably it’s still the best way to get the film experience (even if you happen to have a TV screen the size of your wall!) But more importantly I’m looking forward to going back to seeing friends and family more, spending time with real people in the real world.

Because we know that digital technology, as good as it is for helping

By Revd Tom Brassil us to stay connected from a distance, can’t match the reality of actually being together. Some things don’t change!

I’m looking forward to visiting some of my favourite places again this year: beaches, country walks, National Trust houses. These things are reassuring in the way they change so little year on year. I’m also hoping that my favourite local restaurants haven’t changed too much since I last went. I’m all for having a familiar menu (and often even ordering the same thing each time!) Some things shouldn’t change!

While I’m thinking of changes (it still being January as I write this), I am also encouraged by one thing that doesn’t change.

Here’s a line from the end of the Bible book of Hebrews: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Or, as someone paraphrased it on a January meme: “New Year, New You, Same God.” The verse is encouraging to me because if Jesus doesn’t change then I know that He is just as kind and loving in 2022 as He was in 2021 – just as ready to welcome me and forgive me and walk through both joys and sorrows with me.

And He won’t ever just give up and walk away. In the bewilderingly changing times we live in, we could all use a firm friend like that!

If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to know more about Sherford Community Church and the God we follow, please contact me at tom@sherfordchurch.net

14 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Petition calls for improved lighting in Plymouth parks Public concern over poor lighting in many of the city’s parks has prompted a Plymouth women’s safety campaigner to launch a petition calling on the council to urgently tackle the problem.

Charlotte Holloway says that, following the tragic murder of BobbiAnne McLeod, hundreds of women from across Plymouth have shared their experiences of violence against women with her and one issue which has come up time and time again is poor lighting.

“There’s much more that needs to be done to keep women and girls safe in our city beyond park lighting, but this is a clear area where Plymouth City Council can make a difference now,” said Ms Holloway, women’s safety campaigner and Labour Candidate for Drake ward.

“The council’s new commission

Campaigner Charlotte Holloway pictured on an unlit path in Central Park

on this subject won’t even report until March and given the strength of feeling across the city, women want to see greater urgency and action from our city’s leaders.

“So we are calling on the council to improve park lighting, starting with Central Park,” said Ms Holloway.

Plymstock Matters It doesn’t feel like five minutes since I was writing my last piece before Christmas.

But, just like that 2022 is upon us and we’ll be more than a couple of weeks in by the time you get this!

Hope you had a great Covid-free time over Christmas and New year, although I know the reality will have been different for many.

As a result of the Christmas season, things are only just starting to get going again in my Councillor world. That said, they’ve started as I’m sure they mean to go on!

I’m writing this on the day we held the first meeting of the new Commission on Violence against Women and Girls which I am chairing.

We have a fabulous team of experts from Plymouth and across the country working to help the city become safer, including a former Chief Prosecutor, Nazir Afzal OBE, who has spent years prosecuting those who carry out violence against women and girls.

You might like to Google him or may have spotted him on the news. We’re very fortunate to have his support in an advisory role. I’ll keep you posted as the work we do continues.

I mentioned the closure of the South West Coast Path at Yacht Haven in Turnchapel in my last column and said I would keep you informed on its future.

A site meeting took place towards the end of 2021. I wanted to use the rest of my column to update you on this. Unfortunately, it’s not good news...

The South West Coast Path Team and the Natural Infrastructure team from the Council recently met on site and it was clear that the closed section of the coast path presents a likely and serious risk to users.

A section of the path itself is undermined extensively by erosion and until remedial work is completed the path must remain closed. The work itself is likely not to be too complex but the problem is the physical constraints faced by any contractor attempting to undertake repairs.

There is a sizeable void to be backfilled but this will require some form of supporting structure, which will need to be piled into the ground which unfortunately looks to be very weak, mostly soil and some form of weak shale.

There is only approximately 5m from the path to the sea and very

Money plea scam warning Police have warned people to be wary of scams involving messages which seem to be from a family member or friend asking for money or vouchers.

Criminals try to contact victims by email, WhatsApp message, and other forms of messaging, purporting to be known to the recipient and giving a storyline for a (normally emotive or emergency) reason why they need money.

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Her comments are backed by Councillor Jeremy Goslin, who covers Central Park and Peverell ward.

“Central Park is one of the best features of Peverell, but in the winter months many residents, especially women and girls, feel unsafe when using or crossing the park due to

poor lighting,” said Cllr Goslin.

“If you want to walk your dog, go running, or cross the park to get home or to local destinations like the Life Centre you are faced with completely unlit or poorly lit paths or paths with sporadic lighting, such as here on Jubilee Way.” Charlotte Holloway’s petition is available to sign at www.change.org/ PlymParkLighting. Campaigners are also encouraging people to come forward with their suggestions of where they would like to see better lighting for improved public safety The new commission - launched in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls - met for the first time on January 10. (See Rebecca Smith’s column below).

The group – made up of experts and agencies – will review what needs to be done to prevent violence in the city.

with Councillor Rebecca Smith Cllr Smith was interviewed on BBC Spotlight about the Commission on Violence against Women and Girls

close working environment and Tree Preservation Orders on the trees (which will need to be trimmed back in order to facilitate a safe working area).

They are recommending contractors who could hopefully survey the area to start looking at options for repair works. However, the advice to the public is that they

should consider this closure long term, unless a suitable contractor to complete the works and suitable funding can be sourced.

I’ll be back next month with another column. In the meantime, do feel free to get in touch on rebecca. smith@plymouth.gov.uk or via Facebook @PlymouthRebecca or telephone on 07825 034970.

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16 February 2022

Plymouth families to receive early help and support as new partnership is launched in city A new ten-year partnership to help Plymouth families receive early help and support in their communities is being launched.

Plymouth City Council is working closely with a group of local partners including; Livewell Southwest, Action for Children, LARK Children’s Centre, Harbour Centre and Hamoaze House to form a new Early Help Partnership.

The newly formed partnership will bring together commissioned services like Children’s Centres and young carers support with Council services such as Targeted Support.

They will work together to make sure that key services are available in the community giving families the direct help they need, whether that’s a bit of advice or more intensive one to one support over a longer period of time. Early help services aim to help families to be able to manage and not need more intensive services such as support from social workers.

This is all part of a national programme for all areas to set up Family Hubs for families with children aged 0 to 19 and Plymouth has taken a major step to getting started with the launch of the new partnership.

Family Hubs will provide safe places for families to meet, socialise and get support, from before their children are born, through all the ages and stages of school life and into their late teens. The Hubs will help families to have fun but also be able to talk to experts about things that are worrying them about their child’s development.

Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet member for Education, Skills, Children and Young People, said: “The move towards Family Hubs is something very different for the way we organise our services for children, young people and families in Plymouth.

“We want to look at all our early help resources and think together about how we can use it to have the best possible impact for children and their families.

“We hope that the partnership will aim to get to the heart of the issues that really matter to families, builds on their strengths, and try and design solutions to them, whether that’s a small project to try using a building differently in a local area, or something that covers the whole city.”

Livewell Southwest acting chief executive, Michelle Thomas, said: “On behalf of all of the partners we are delighted to have the opportunity to show the people of Plymouth how focused we are on delivering the highest quality early help and family hubs.

“We put children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do and have committed to involving them in the design of our early help and family hub services.

“We recognise that our partnership is only a small part of the whole system required to support children, young people and families but effective early intervention can improve children’s wellbeing, educational attainment and life chances, reduce family poverty, improve mental health and lead to lower crime, unemployment and other negative outcomes for society. The power of early intervention is huge.”

The council has carried out a procurement process based on learning from two years of talking to families and professionals about what works well at the moment and what needs to change to help families to stay well and happy together.

The contract is being awarded to the Early help Partnership, which will start working together with the council formally from January 2022.

16 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Primary pupils meet astronaut Tim Peake Four lucky primary school pupils have met British astronaut Tim Peake after taking part in a competition led by the University of Plymouth.

The ‘Out of this World’ competition asked students to draw Tim’s space diet, create a holiday brochure for an exoplanet, or design a space station, with four winners chosen for their creativity and originality.

The initiative was part of the Children’s University (CU) programme – a national scheme where primary children are encouraged to attend university and extra-curricular events, which they chart through a passport to learning.

The University of Plymouth hosts CU alongside its outreach work, with the winners chosen from schools across in Devon and Cornwall.

Two of the lucky quartet were Oak Conway from Plymouth College and Blake Canty from Carbeile Junior School in Torpoint who designed a holiday brochure and an exoplanet. The other winners were from Kingsbridge and Liskeard.

The winners and guests met Tim at his recent show ‘Tim Peake: My Journey to Space’ at Plymouth Pavilions.

Tim said: “Every single astronaut or scientist of any kind started out as a school pupil with aspirations, so to meet these children and hear about their designs has been brilliant.

“Outreach initiatives and competitions like

Oak Conway from Plymouth College (left) and Blake Canty from Carbeile Junior School, Torpoint (second left) pictured with astronaut Tim Peake

this one run by the University of Plymouth are so important for inspiring the next generation, and I’ve no doubt that these children will go on to achieve amazing things.”

Martin Lavelle, associate head of the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics at the University, and a theoretical physicist who

Leading environmentalist appointed as head of the National Marine Park An environmentalist with an outstanding track record of leading nature and conservation organisations will be at the helm of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

communities involved with the Sound • Increase access to our heritage so everyone can enjoy the benefits • Provide new employment opportunities and career pathways in sustainable future ocean jobs • Position Plymouth as a UK top day-visitor Elaine Hayes has been appointed interim chief destination executive of the UK’s first ever National Marine Park.

• Champion health and wellbeing with a new She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and generation of engaged volunteers, communities and experience working across the charity, government and the business sectors, both for conservation and champions.

• Support the positive transition to net zero the marine environment. carbon by 2030.

She said: “This is my dream job. It is the The interim chief executive will guide the NMP opportunity of a lifetime to use all my knowledge into being a legal entity in its own right as well and expertise to bring about this country’s first as further develop relationships with over 100 ever Marine Park, here in the Ocean City. This is a organisations involved in the Sound and establish a park for the people where they can be involved in marine parks operating model. shaping and improving the marine Professor Judith Petts CBE, environment for themselves and Vice-Chancellor of the University of future generations.”

Plymouth, said: “The National Marine Elaine’s career has seen her Park should bring people together to involved in the development of marine enhance the economic, environmental legislation to protect the sea. She and social values of Plymouth Sound. successfully led the development of It is a fantastic opportunity to connect the Devon & Severn IFCA as chair for society and the sea. The challenge will eight years and as the former chair be how to effectively enhance one of Seafish – the Sea Fish Industry aspect without adversely affecting Authority – she is acutely aware of another in a sustainable way, and the challenges fishing ports such as Elaine Hayes navigating that course will require knowledge and Plymouth face. understanding from a range of perspectives. We are Elaine has managed North Devon Area of delighted to be welcoming Elaine as the new CEO Outstanding Natural Beauty team and has been a and look forward to working with her.” special advisor to the Blackdown Hills for the last Earlier this year the Council’s NMP project team six years so is well versed in caring for protected outlined its ambition to create five ‘gateways’ to the landscapes. park, each with a particular focus that will inspire Elaine said: “Key for me is instilling a love of the more people to explore, connect and enjoy the sea. sea in everyone. You can’t expect people to protect They include: an environment they don’t love. The sheer scale of • Tinside – for health and wellbeing activities ambition all tied up in the National Marine Park is • National Marine Aquarium – a hub for nature hugely exciting for me and I can’t wait to get stuck and the environment in.”

• Mountbatten – active recreation Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We are pleased • Mount Edgcumbe – learning about the Sound’s to welcome Elaine on board. The vast breadth and epic history including over 600 wrecks that lie range of experience Elaine brings to this exciting beneath the waves and pivotal role will enable significant progress • Smart Sound – digital harnessing the power of to be achieved over the next couple of years and the latest digital technology commence the delivery of our aspirations for our Big conversations are in the pipeline over the National Marine Park.” next two years with a full engagement programme The ‘Park in the Sea’ aims to: being developed to ensure everyone has their • Support the ongoing enhancement of our world say in what they would like to see as part of the class natural environment and heritage landscape National Marine Park.

• Get the entire city and surrounding

designed the questions for the competition, said: “We were blown away by the entries we received and the imagination and effort put in to every single one. Thank you to everyone who took part, and especially Tim for making it an incredible experience for each of the winners to remember.”

Ruth Bennett, education liaison and outreach manager at the University of Plymouth, added: “Research has shown that by engaging with young children early, universities can raise children’s aspirations to go into higher education – and we’re really proud of the work taking place to make that happen.”

Sight loss charities come together to launch Take on 250 fundraising effort Marking the start to a new year with an exciting new challenge, Improving Lives Plymouth Sensory Solutions service has launched a virtual fundraiser, Take on 250.

Every day in the UK 250 people begin to lose their sight, and to help spread awareness, Improving Lives Plymouth are collaborating with 36 other sight loss charities to invite people to Take on 250.

The challenge takes place during the whole of January 2022, and people can take part individually or as a team.

Participants can choose any activity, whether it be baking, knitting, running, walking, or dancing and complete 250 minutes, 250 laps, or 250 repetitions – the choice is up to the individual or team, including their fundraising target.

Funds raised for Improving Lives Plymouth will benefit individuals with sight loss through activities delivered by the Sensory Solutions team.

Julie Williams, Sensory Solutions manager said: “We’re excited to announce the launch of Take on 250 alongside our friends in the sight loss sector for 2022. The last two years have been a rollercoaster for everyone and particularly for blind and partially sighted people. So, let’s begin 2022 with a fresh start.

“If you’re up for a challenge, why not join us and Take on 250 for Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth to make a big difference to people living with sight loss in the UK.” For more information on how to sign up to the virtual fundraiser for free, visit: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ilptakeon250

February 2022 17

@PlymChronicle

Derriford midwife and junior doctors in life-saving ‘miracle’ A man’s life was saved by a Derriford midwife and two junior doctors, who happened to be nearby, at Tavistock Pannier Market in November. Together they performed a Christmas miracle and brought him back to life after his heart had stopped beating.

John Elliott, who lives in Topsham, had travelled down to Tavistock with his wife Marlene on November 13 to do some Christmas shopping.

Just outside of the Pannier Market, John suddenly began to feel unwell and sat down on a nearby bench.

At that moment Sheree Haydon, a midwife at Derriford Hospital, was enjoying some fresh air off-duty, taking her dog for a walk with her partner, when John caught her eye. Sheree decided to approach him to see if he was okay and just as she did, he collapsed on the floor and his heart stopped completely.

Instinct took over and Sheree shouted for help, laying him in position and checking his vital signs.

Thankfully Paolo Ledesma, a junior doctor who has just started working at Derriford Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and his girlfriend December Payne, a junior doctor at Torbay Hospital, also happened to be at the market that day and came running to help. December placed her coat under John’s head and together the three performed CPR, taking it in turns to administer chest compressions, while a passer-by fetched a defibrillator.

Then, just as they were about to shock him, John suddenly took an almighty gasp and came to, shortly before an ambulance arrived.

“It was such a shock – we’d attached the defibrillator pads and were just about to hit the button, when John suddenly started to breathe,” said Sheree. “I covered him with my coat and explained to him what had happened, and asked someone to fetch his terrified wife a coffee.”

John said: “There’s no doubt they saved my life, big time. If Sheree hadn’t spotted me and decided to come over, and if she hadn’t called for help and given me chest compressions together with the doctors, there’s no doubt at all – I wouldn’t still be here today. I take my hat off to all three of them and want to say a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

As John was loaded into the ambulance, the impact of Sheree’s actions started to sink in, and she found herself in tears. “I’m a big believer in fate and I’m just so glad I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” she said.

John had suffered a cardiac arrest and, despite no history of heart problems, had a further attack during the ambulance journey. Thankfully, after

John Elliott...suffered a cardiac arrest

Derrriford midwife Sheree Haydon... performed CPR

“All three of them undoubtedly saved his life and we cannot thank them enough. We will be forever in their debt.”

Incredibly modest, Sheree added: “There’s no recognition needed. I did what anyone else would have done in that moment. It was such a surreal moment though as I don’t normally work with male patients in my role!”

Helen Harling, maternity matron for Inpatient Services, said: “It’s such lovely news and makes me incredibly proud of the team we work with.

I’m incredibly proud of Sheree and her prompt action in this situation – she definitely deserves recognition.”

December said: “When we heard what was happening we immediately went to help and did what anyone in that situation would do – used the skills we had.

“We recognised John was in cardiac arrest and began CPR, thankfully that worked and he started to breathe before we shocked him! It was an incredible team effort and I am so pleased to know John was home with his family for Christmas.

I have often thought about him since that day.”

Paulo said: “I think we did what any health professional in our position would have done. All being as junior as we were, it was scary trying to manage it without anyone more senior around for the first time.

“We just concentrated on managing it the right way so the shock of it all didn’t hit us until after John was taken away by the ambulance. It must have been a massive ordeal for his wife and family, so I’m really pleased he was able to go home well in time for Christmas.”

Junior doctors Paolo Ledesma and December Payne

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having two stents fitted and spending two weeks recovering at Derriford Hospital, John was home in time to spend Christmas with his family.

The day after her father’s life was saved, Cory Elliott managed to track Sheree down via social media to send her a message of thanks. “As a former firefighter, my Dad saved so many people’s lives, and it is such a special thing that now his life has been saved too,” she said.

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Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters is an international touring exhibition produced by the National Museum of Australia with the ongoing support of the traditional Aboriginal custodians and knowledge holders of this story.

Image: montage photographs by Sarah Kenderdine, Peter Morse and Paul Bourke. Seven Sisters rock art reproduced with the permission of Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara and the Walinynga (Cave Hill) traditional owners.

This exhibition is delivered by The Box and The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth partnership.

18 February 2022

18 February 2022

Feeling ready for a new start?

Skills Launchpad Plymouth is all systems go to help out!

September 2021 marked the opening of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, the city’s new one-stop-shop connecting local people with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs.

Led by Plymouth City Council, in alignment with the Department for Work and Pensions, Skills Launchpad Plymouth supports those who are seeking work, facing redundancy or changing careers through the Adult Hub aged 25 years and over, and offering targeted support for young people aged from 16 to 24 years including those with additional needs through the Youth Hub. The intention of the ‘Skills Journey’ through the Launchpad is to put the individual at the heart of the process – recognising that not one size fits all and that anyone in Plymouth can access this free help. The service offers an ethical and inclusive front door, designed to help local people make independent and informed skills and training choices, leading to better access to real employment opportunities.

Supported by Barclays Plymouth – located at 140-146 Armada Way in the city centre – Skills Launchpad Plymouth is home to both the Youth Hub and Adult Hub, providing

Supporters set to take the plunge for Devon Air Ambulance Devon Air Ambulance supporters are all set to jump at chance to sign up to skydive as charity enters its 30th year. bookable appointments for face to face coordinated services for young people and adults.

In addition a range of activities are delivered each week including drop in Job Shops for help to join the construction industry, and health and care sector and ‘Military Tuesdays’ to provide tailored

support for service leavers, veterans and their families.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth offers free: • access to impartial careers information, advice and guidance • one to one face to face skills assessment to identify transferrable skills to help candidates apply more confidently for jobs or change careers • help to job search, update CV and prepare for interview • the opportunity to gain skills to build confidence • support for mental health and well-being to get people in a better head space • advice to overcome barriers to starting work including access to financial support for work clothing, initial travel to work costs as well as guidance on benefits calculations • access to ongoing training and skills development once candidates get started to continue up-skilling and developing their career Get better informed about local opportunities by signing up as a free member today at www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk People can also keep up to date with all the latest news and events by following on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ SkillsLaunchpadPlymouth and via Twitter @ LaunchpadPlym

Business leading the way in vaccination research moves to Plymouth Science Park A company which aims to make the world a safer and healthier place through infection control and vaccine development is the latest tenant at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford.

The Vaccine Group – a University of Plymouth biotech spin-out company – was founded in 2017 to develop and commercialise the work of Dr Michael Jarvis, associate professor in Virology and Immunology at the University of Plymouth’s School of Biomedical Sciences.

The company is working on a number of projects involving vaccine research and development to control human and animal diseases.

Global partnerships to develop vaccines for use in animals include the Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Kansas State

@PlymChronicle

University and UC Davis, California. TVG partnered with Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Montana and The Pirbright Institute to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, to specifically address future variant emergence in humans.

The move to Plymouth Science Park comes as TVG attracts more investment and increases the breadth of its research and development and commercialisation work.

Further expansion is anticipated in 2022 and beyond as the product portfolio and collaborative programme expands.

Jeremy Salt, the company’s chief executive, said: “TVG has been awarded a number of international grants and has raised significant private investment to expand the scope of our research. The move to Plymouth

Science Park is really helpful in providing high quality support for the company.

“This is very reassuring to us as it allows our research team to focus on their projects and build value for the company. Having other companies in close proximity is a potential benefit as we build our networks in the commercial environment.”

Dr Michael Jarvis said: “TVG has recently completed a pre-clinical trial that is a significant milestone in the development of the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines.

This vaccine is designed specifically to address the emerging variant problem. With plans to expand and collaborate further in order to tackle COVID and other diseases, Plymouth Science Park provides the perfect environment.”

Visit www.thevaccinegroup.com

As Devon Air Ambulance enters its 30th year of service in 2022, the charity is inviting supporters who would like to raise funds for the local lifesaving charity to take a leap into the blue with a skydiving fundraising challenge.

Over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend on Saturday June 4, 2022, Devon Air Ambulance will be championing jumpers on its first ever Community Skydive Day. Fundraisers will assemble at Skydive Buzz HQ at Dunkeswell airfield in East Devon, where they will be cheered on by friends and family as they embark on their 15,000ft jump. Those who might like to take to the skies in a different way can opt for a wingwalk challenge instead.

Fundraisers’ family members are all welcome to lend support at the airfield as there will be food available and a host of fun activities to engage onlookers, as well as an opportunity to meet members of the Devon Air Ambulance team who will be happy to answer questions about the 30-year-old service.

Fundraisers who undertake the skydive challenge on June 4 are helping to keep the advanced critical care team responding to the people of Devon when they need it most and will receive a personal thank you from one of our critical care paramedics to express gratitude for their support.

Fundraisers can sign up now for the 15000ft plunge, either choosing to jump solo, or by building a team with colleagues, friends, or family. In advance of the jump, supporters can raise funds with supporting events to cover the cost of their jump. Interested fundraisers can contact the Devon Air Ambulance Fundraising Team for some helpful ideas by emailing fundraising@Daat.org Those interested in the wingwalk can experience the thrill of a sky-high feat when they strap themselves to the top of the Wingwalk Buzz aircraft. As with the skydive, the Devon Air Ambulance fundraising team is available to support fundraising plans ahead of the event.

Sally Hilton, head of fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance said: “We’re delighted that there has already been keen interest in the skydiving weekend. Funds raised by our intrepid supporters will make a big difference to our patients, especially after such a prolonged period of having put on-hold our public fundraising events. The weekend promises to be great fun for everyone who participates or supports the fundraisers, and we’re very much looking forward to an occasion that will help to mark our 30th year of service.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the skydive or the wingwalk can do so by visiting the charity’s event page www.daat.org/Event/ jubilee-jump-skydive

Building strong grassroots organisations, charities, and social enterprises in Plymouth

Message from Matt, CEO at POP This must be the year we clap for the future. Surely, we’ll see greater stability and an end to the frequent restriction changes which have had such an impact on our wellbeing and our business? It is obvious that the impact of the pandemic will be long, particularly within the ‘caring’ professions: NHS waiting lists continue to grow; ‘burnout’ is increasing and the shortfall of staff, such as nurses and GP’s shows no sign of stopping. Yet, now is the time to applaud those that have carried us through the last two years; the NHS, charities, communities and individuals.

Thank you.

Hello, I’m Caroline and I’ve been writing this POP page since the beginning of the pandemic. I’ve reported on the work of communities; volunteers and neighbours. I’ve written about inspirational individuals who through one good deed have, to their surprise, found themselves leading a projects to help others; I have written about the work that POP does to enable others to make Plymouth a better place for all of us and, now, I’m going to write about Spiderman.... what?!!!

I know, bit of a surprise for me too... but there I was watching the latest film in the cinema, when I am introduced to Peter Parker’s Aunt May who is a thoroughly good egg. The operations manager at the homeless shelter FEAST (it stands for Food, Emergency, Aid, Shelter and Training), Aunt May instils in Peter the belief that people are essentially ‘good’ and deserve a second (or third) chance. Regrettably, this doesn’t hold true for the Green Goblin and Aunt May is tragically killed in the ensuing battle between good and evil.

Caroline with her friend at the Funky Llama event on the Hoe, 2019

In the scene where Peter visits his Aunt’s grave, we see the inscription on her headstone: “When you help someone, you help everyone.”

And - here it is, that lightbulb moment - this is what POP does! This is POP! POP is Spiderman’s Aunt May! And that’s what I needed to tell you.

Glenholt Glenholt 07849 07849 413125 413125

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

POP is working with Street to Scale to bring grassroots community ideas to life.

There is no application form; no targets and no need for written outcomes.

If you’d like £1000 to spend on your community, contact: 07842 043399 (WhatsApp)

The Care Nest Sings of Compassion:

“All too often, we put our energies into caring for others and focusing on what others think of us instead of accepting ourselves. It’s

Efford Efford 07380 07380 309586 309586

SUPPOSE YOU HAD £1000 TO SPEND IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY

POP will continue to focus on ‘community’ and the amazing grassroots groups we depend on (but are often unaware of) while we initiate exciting plans to increase our support and widen our impact across the city. Now, more than ever, we need to reinforce our connections so that we can face future challenges together.

Stepping into The Care Nest for therapy is akin to being given a great big hug. The warm, cosy and intimate space is adorned with blankets, pillows, and candles casting a gentle light and creating a sense of softness. Helen Williams, who greets you with kindness and compassion, invites you to come to rest and settle into a session unlike any other you might have experienced. This is The Care Nest, where learning to love yourself is (as Whitney sang) the greatest love of all:

Efford Efford Community Community Network Network

So, please excuse the gratuitous film poster but... why not?! Happy New Year.

For POP, this year is a significant one as we near the end of our core funding from Esmee Fairbairn.

“May we care for ourselves; may we care for each other; may we care for this place.”

Helpline Numbers:

not an egotistical love but one that takes accountability for our actions and one that is incredibly brave.”

This unique therapeutic space which opened earlier this year, and the compassionate aura that radiates from Helen, help to ‘hold’ the individual as they share intimate details of their life and explore their feelings, such as, grief, despair, anger, fear, exhaustion, frustration and loneliness. The extent and depth of feelings such as these, says Helen, have led to widespread ill health and great distress; “Many of us are now experiencing pervasive and persistent trauma as a direct result of the harms that surround us. It cuts us to the heart, and it’s non-stop.”

Helen has set up The Care Nest to help people. Drawing on her own experiences and challenges - and armed with the appropriate

professional training and qualifications along with an abundance of compassion - Helen supports individuals as they progress on a journey of rediscovery and greater selfunderstanding.

Through a combination of talking therapy, mindfulness and body-mind integration practices, Helen delivers a trauma-sensitive approach in either one-to-one or group sessions both online and in-person.

name, and to investigate Helen believes we can learn to dissolve this flow of unworthiness and emerge with greater acceptance and love for ourselves.

If you feel the Care Nest could help you then contact Helen on 07584 635747 or email helen@matterinmotion.co.uk

“We are in a time of great division and loneliness and people are experiencing intense emotions that they are often unable to share.

And, in our culture, we have almost no safe spaces in which to express these feelings so we don’t get listened to and often we’re told our feelings don’t count.”

From politicians to people with addictions Helen has found that any one of us might believe that we are not ‘enough’. Having delivered similar therapeutic practices via a one-hour workshop every day for five days to a cohort of community leaders in Scotland, including members of the leadership team of the Scottish government, Helen believes there is an undercurrent of unworthiness flowing through society. Through a simple set of invitations – to slow down, to notice, to

Helen Williams

20 February 2022 THE

Experience It is early January as I write this and a classic early January morning at that, cold, grey and drizzly.

Not the most upbeat description but accurate for how the weather has been almost every day since Christmas. With the bleak weather, short daylight hours and end of the Christmas festivities, January is a month which many people find difficult.

Thankfully we’re more aware of mental health nowadays and in general people feel more able to talk with someone if they are struggling. The situation is far from perfect but health services are better equipped to deal with any number of mental health challenges people face.

January is so linked to mental health challenges that the third Monday in January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ because it is supposedly the day where the population struggles more mentally than any other day in the year.

One of our slogans at Cross Rhythms Plymouth is ‘Positive Radio for Britain’s Ocean City’. It’s something that we try to hold to in what we broadcast however we are definitely not a station for just the

20 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Dealing with life’s struggles

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

power of positive thinking or in any way in those people who are working to help denial of the very real challenges in life. others through these radio interviews.

Thinking positively is important but The root of our motivation for being facing the reality of day to day life with the ‘positive radio’ does go a little deeper still. good and bad bits is vital.

It is the belief and lived As a result we regularly experience of all of us at broadcast interviews with Cross Rhythms Plymouth local community groups that we as humans are and organisations who are incredibly valuable. That there to help local people value comes first and who may be struggling for a foremost from us being number of reasons. created and loved by God In recent months this and knowing this love can included an interview with truly give us a firm mental Devon Mind, a local mental and spiritual foundation to health charity about the face whatever life throws services they provide for our way. new and expectant parents This doesn’t mean that and the mental health none of us have mental challenges they face. You can health struggles. In fact hear this interview in full I think I can safely say and other similar interviews almost all of the team Dave Simpson on ww.crossrhythms.co.uk/ have experienced times plymouth. of depression and anxiety It is always great to hear to varying degrees. What how much support is on offer if you are it does mean, though, is we know and struggling and it’s an honour to support experience the love and presence of God in

the midst of challenges.

We’ve all just come through Christmas and at the heart of Christmas is the message of Jesus, otherwise known as Immanuel. This word Immanuel means ‘God with us’ and it is truly profound.

God wants to be with us in our everyday lives and came into the world as a human to share in our lived experience with all the good and bad aspects of that. Fast forward to Easter and you can see quite how much of the human experience of suffering Jesus entered into.

A phrase Jesus was quoted as saying is ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ This is an invitation to any of us that we can reach out to God and share our burdens and find true peace in their place.

This is as true for mental burdens as any other and it is my hope in writing this article that you can experience this for yourself this year.

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

Jack Leslie statue will be unveiled later this year, say campaign organisers After its incredible fundraising effort, designing and planning for the Jack Leslie statue is well underway, and organisers of the campaign have now reveal edmore about its design and location.

is leading on project delivery, planning the landscaping that will surround the work and dealing with logistics.

With Garry’s expertise, the campaign has identified a preferred location which Plymouth Argyle also supports. It would provide maximum exposure to the statue for supporters, Park and Ride users and park users. Subject to discussions with the local authority, it is hoped to confirm the location in January.

Campaign co-founder, Matt Tiller, said, “All involved in the Campaign want the most public-facing location outside Home Park as possible. We hope Argyle fans, away supporters and passers-by alike, will stop

Work on the artwork itself is now progressing apace with renowned sculptor Andy Edwards, crafting the clay maquette – a scale model – to finalise the pose. In the coming weeks, it will be scaled up to one and a quarter life-size to create an impressive, detailed and lifelike statue of the Plymouth Argyle legend.

Everyone involved is excited and impressed with the work in progress. The statue’s full detail will only be revealed at the unveiling, which will happen in 2022, at a date to be confirmed.

Edwards, the artist behind many such projects, including the CloughTaylor monument at Derby County FC and the Beatles statue in Liverpool, was appointed after an exhaustive selection process in 2021.

He said: “As a football fan, the last few months of research have been hugely rewarding. I’ve enjoyed listening to many enthusiastic and informed Plymouth Argyle fans, had insightful conversations with former players and had the privilege of guidance and encouragement from Jack’s family.

“I’ve tried to put all of this into a new scale model design from which the statue will begin being enlarged very soon. Without wanting to give too much away, the new design portrays an iconic legend at his peak, when his goalscoring prowess was first being noticed by the press nationally. Fans can look forward to an installation that features many other elements to illustrate the story and recognises the many, many contributions that have made this new unique landmark Sculptor Andy Edwards is working on monument possible.” a scale model of the statue Garry McBride of Monumental Icons

and not only admire this celebration of Jack as a player, but also consider the injustice that befell him in 1925.”

Jack Leslie’s family has been involved throughout, particularly his three granddaughters Lyn, Gill and Lesley who said, “We are so proud to see our grandad’s life recognised, celebrated and also used to as an educational tool in the fight against racism.

We were finally able to meet members of the Campaign and the sculptor, Andy Edwards, in person recently. Now, the whole family is excited to see the statue coming together.”

Aside from statue planning, it has been a busy year for the campaign, with several events linked to Black History Month. This culminated in the unveiling of a Heritage Blue Plaque in Newham, East London, where Jack was born, raised and first played football for nearby Barking FC. It was there that he signed his professional contract with Plymouth Argyle.

Campaign co-founder Greg Foxsmith said: “We have had an incredible year in terms of raising awareness of Jack’s story, which has been featured on everything from Antiques Road Trip to Coronation Street. The campaign has already shown Plymouth in a positive way, and the statue, once unveiled later this year, will continue to do that as a lasting legacy.”

Meanwhile, fundraising continues, and people can contribute via the Crowdfunder site: at www.crowdfunder. co.uk/jack-leslie-campaign The Jack Leslie Campaign is also keen to hear from businesses that would like to get involved. These extra funds will help the statue project and the educational work supporting the monument and telling the Jack Leslie story. Contact the Campaign for more information at jacklesliecampaign@gmail.com information: jacklesliecampaign@ gmail.com

No room at the shed A decades old Christmas tradition in Plympton was eerily absent this yuletide.

The Underwood Donkey Shed has been the focus of one of the town’s Christmas traditions for decades with an illuminated display of the nativity inside - but not this time, much to the disappointment of local residents.

The donkey shed is part of Underwood Chapel which has been around since the 1800s and was originally used for visiting preachers to tether their four-legged transport in the days before the motor car.

In more recent years the shed has played host to a depiction of the Christmas nativity, illuminated during the night and appreciated by many passers-by during the Christmas period and its lead up.

However, it is understood Underwood Chapel has now closed, a victim of COVID as it could only accommodate 20 people inside under social distancing and as a result there was no longer any infrastructure in place to set out the nativity scene in the donkey shed.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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22 February 2022

22 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Free 12-week course at Slimming World Slimming World groups in Plymouth have teamed up with Plymouth City Council to offer residents a free 12-week referral.

Helping children to prevent tooth decay Schoolchildren who are most at risk of serious oral health problems in Plymouth are receiving fluoride varnish applications to prevent tooth decay now and in later life.

In terms of general health in Plymouth, there is a marked difference between the West and more affluent East of the city, and children’s oral health can be adversely affected by living in the city’s more deprived wards.

In areas like Plymouth without water fluoridation the Department of Health recommend that all children should receive fluoride applications to their teeth to protect them against the risk of dental decay.

The financial reality is that with limited funds, those schools whose pupils have higher risk of developing tooth decay have to be prioritised.

Why some areas of the city have higher levels of poor health, in wards that also have lower levels of financial prosperity, is an important question that provokes complex answers.

A report from Public Health shows that more children are affected in those areas, with some pretty grim statistics and lived experiences city-wide: 620 children had 3,935 teeth extracted under general anaesthetic in one year, at a cost to the NHS of £629,000.

As well as affecting physical health and wellbeing, tooth decay can eventually lead to not being able to smile confidently, loss of social interaction, lost job opportunities, and a wide reaching, negative effect on a person’s ability to live a full life.

As part of the city’s multi-agency response to support children who need the most help, 24 primary schools in targeted areas are taking part in the fluoride varnishing programme.

“Fluoride varnishing is the best tool we have for preventing dental caries (tooth decay),” says Elaine Knight, dental clinical lead with Livewell South West, “and uptake of the programme in these primary schools, aimed at 4-5 year olds, is good.”

Dental nurses visit the schools twice per year and apply fluoride varnish to the teeth of the children. In addition, they deliver oral health messages to school staff, parents, and children in years 1, 3 and 6. As any parent knows, the daily mantra ‘Brush your teeth’ dawns like a new idea to children every day, and needs repeating endlessly for some, so this support and education can really help.

There are persistent oral health inequalities in the city. Fluoride varnishing, along with engaging parents, teachers and communities to help children learn how to look after their teeth is one of the ways in which those inequalities are being addressed, providing significant protection for children’s teeth both now and for later life.

For more info regarding children’s oral health, go to: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/childrensservices/specialist-dental or talk to your child’s school office to see if they are part of the fluoride varnishing programme.

Lauren Fidler, who is one of the team developers for the area said: “We are hearing daily from the residents in our area about the struggles they are facing trying to lose weight on their own after lockdown and are desperate to take control again of their weight and join one of our groups.

“When looking at the statistics for the Plymouth area, 67.5 per cent of adults were overweight or obese so I’m grateful to be able to offer this fantastic genuine offer to the residents of Plymouth.”

Lauren first joined Slimming World as a member herself losing seven stone before becoming a consultant. She joined the weight-loss group as she hated how she looked and felt isolated because of her weight which also impacted her health condition; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].

Her CFS is currently in remission thanks to her new healthy weight and life-style. “Losing weight and improving my diet means I have so much more energy. At my biggest I struggled to get out of bed each day and climbing stairs was a huge challenge. Since losing weight I’ve been able to become much more active and stop medication for my conditions,” said Lauren.

To apply for the offer applicants must be a new member to Slimming World, have a BMI of over 25, and live in postcode areas PL1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. To find out more, contact the local Slimming World consultant or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find a local Slimming World group.

Lipson Co-operative Academy latest to join Ted Wragg Trust

Martin Brook, Lipson Academy headteacher, left, with students from Lipson Academy, and Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, right

Lipson Co-operative Academy has become the latest school to join the Ted Wragg Trust.

It is the fourth Plymouth school to join the ambitious Trust of schools, which aims to strengthen communities through excellent education.

The Trust has the highest expectations for every child, every day, with social justice at its core.

The addition of Lipson, which believes in valuing young people, putting them first, insisting in the highest quality in everything they do, with an emphasis on achievement as a core purpose will

further strengthen the growing Trust and open up opportunities for pupils, staff and the Plymouth area.

Moira Marder, chief executive officer of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “I am so incredibly excited to welcome Lipson to our ambitious and inclusive Trust of schools.

“The Trust continues to grow from strength to strength and we have gained real benefits from positively collaborating with our ever-growing network of schools and links to local and national organisations.”

Martin Brook, headteacher at Lipson

said: “Although Lipson will be joining the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust from January, we have been working really closely together for the last six months, during which the experience has been extremely positive.

“I can see only good things coming from the partnership and I think the relationship will benefit Lipson and the Trust as a whole.”

Lipson will be the 13th school to join the Ted Wragg Trust which also includes Marine Academy Primary, Marine Academy Plymouth, and All Saints Academy Plymouth.

February 2022 23

@PlymChronicle

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Helplines

First all night rave at Flicks - The Warehouse, 14 February 1992 from the upcoming exhibition at The Box ‘Because The Night Belongs To Us’ © Mirrorpix

The Box unveils details of exhibitions programme for the coming year...

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum has unveiled details of its exhibitions programme for the year ahead.

Over the course of the year, the venue will celebrate local talent alongside international artists – including several Turner Prize nominees – through ground breaking exhibitions that draw on its permanent collections and which bring new works and collaborators to Plymouth.

Highlights for 2022 include: Another Crossing - Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage Ten international artists from the UK, USA, Wampanoag and Netherlands respond to the ongoing resonance of the Mayflower voyage.

The exhibition is a partnership between The Box, Plymouth College of Art and the Fuller Craft Museum, USA. All the artists involved have created work in response to the 400th anniversary, utilising only technology - tools, materials, and processes that existed in 1620. The exhibition highlights the sophistication of historic craft practices, like beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork, and pottery. The exhibition opens on Feb rural 26 and continues until June 5.

Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women from 1945 Breaking the Mould is the first survey of postwar British sculpture by women. The exhibition explores the work of over 40 sculptors in the Arts Council Collection. It provides a radical recalibration, addressing the many accounts of British sculpture that have marginalised women or airbrushed their work from art history altogether.

Many of the represented artists have challenged widespread notions of sculpture as a ‘male occupation’ by embracing new materials, subjects and approaches. In contrast, others have avoided institutional bias by producing work for alternative spaces or public sites.

Featured artists include: Barbara Hepworth, Elisabeth Frink, Kim Lim, Cornelia Parker, Veronica Ryan, Rachel Whiteread and Anthea Hamilton.

The Plymouth presentation is delivered by The Box and The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth partnership and will be displayed as a dual-site exhibition at The Box and The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth. The exhibition runs from March 26 to June 5.

Dress Code - Fashion Stories from The Box In the city’s first exhibition dedicated to fashion, highlights from The Box’s costume and textile collection will be displayed alongside paintings, drawings, film and archival material to tell important local and international stories about

Dress Code Fashion Stories from The Box will open in March

fashion and clothing.

The exhibition spans the 1700s to today and speaks to contemporary conversations about identity, sustainability, shopping, design, making and craft. A paper dress from the 1960s foretells the future of fast fashion.

A 300-year-old silk gown tells the story of global textile trade. A subversive garment made locally, and worn all around the world, represents one of several of the city’s histories of garment production. From lace to latex, visitors will learn about Plymouth’s fashion pasts and futures.

Exhibition opens on March 26 and continues until September 4.

Zadie Xa Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa has a strong focus on making, combining and exploring her own identity through film and performance, textiles and painting.

The Box acquired two works by Xa in 2018, through the Contemporary Art Society. For this exhibition, she will create a mythological and cosmological journey that creates dialogue with historical works from the collections. The exhibition runs from April 2 to June 5.

Because the Night Belongs to Us From the Van Dike Club of the late 1960s to the world famous Union Street - Plymouth’s contribution to experimentation, self-expression, music and creativity has been distinctive, challenging and captivating. Because the Night Belongs To Us is the culmination of a five-year community engagement project called Plymouth After Dark, which has brought together a diverse range of previously unseen archive materials, film, images and new commissions to tell this story for the first time.

The Box has developed the exhibition with numerous contributions from the people of Plymouth. It has been supported by artist Keith Harrison (recent commissions include Jerwood Open, V&A Ceramics Resident, Outlands Network], award winning journalist, writer and critic John Harris and DJ, psychotherapist and broadcaster Nemone. The exhibition runs from June 18 to September 4.

British Art Show 9 The British Art Show is a landmark touring exhibition that celebrates the vitality of recent art made in Britain. British Art Show 9 takes a critical look at art produced from 2015 to the present moment, a period that begins with Britain voting to leave the European Union and closes with the still unfolding Covid-19 pandemic.

The exhibition was shaped after meeting with over 230 artists in 23 cities and will present work by 45 artists, including Turner Prize nominees Oscar Murillo and Hurvin Anderson.

In Plymouth, the exhibition centres on the migration of bodies, peoples, plants, objects, ideas and forms.

It includes Cornwall-based Abigail Reynolds and Katie Schwab, who had a SouthWest Showcase residency and exhibition at Plymouth College of Art in 2019.

Since Plymouth hosted BAS7 ten years ago, the city has grown in maturity, confidence and reputation as a cultural destination and centre for contemporary art. Plymouth will be taking a very innovative approach to developing audiences, involving them in the planning process as they aim to dispel the myths around contemporary art.

The exhibition will be delivered in partnership with Plymouth Culture and shown across four venues: The Box, KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Plymouth College of Art. The show will run from October 8 to December 23.

For details of all the exhibitions and collections visit www.theboxplymouth.com

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

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

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

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

24 February 2022

24 February 2022

Event-full year ahead for the city! over

@PlymChronicle

Advertise to

From pirates to pyrotechnics, live music to military moments and food festivals to family fun, Plymouth’s 2022 calendar is jam-packed with a host of events.

Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival takes place in September

The plan for 2022 includes the return of some beloved events on the waterfront and throughout the city centre, which haven’t been able to take place since 2019 due to the ongoing pandemic.

Each year, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company work together to offer a buzzing events programme which includes supporting independent organisers to host events in the city.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce the epic line-up of events due to take place in Plymouth throughout 2022 – here are all the key dates you need for your diaries.

After the last couple of years, it goes without saying that we appreciate things don’t always run and chart-topping band Simply Red (July 10). triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, as planned, but our hope is that this year we can Another popular event coming back to cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth ensure the safe return of some of Plymouth’s most Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day Hoe. popular free events, as well as some exciting new (June 25). It’s a great opportunity for everyone Plymouth’s military history will also be additions.” to show their support for celebrated with Commando Gunners’ 60th The family fun begins the military community, Anniversary Parade (May 14) through the city, in May, with the return of from serving troops to including the serving regiment and veterans, The popular Pirates Weekend Plymouth veterans, cadets and their to mark the 60th anniversary of 29 Commando Pirates (May 7 and 8) promising a families. The day includes Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth.

Weekend swashbuckling two days returns in May a packed programme of For sports fans, sailing enthusiasts and of fun inspired by the high entertainment, with arena action lovers, SailGP is returning to the city for seas. The fun continues displays, interactive activities the second year in a row. Expect adrenaline throughout May with free and parades, including a fuelled excitement on Plymouth Sound as ten activities for families to dedicated parade of veterans international sailing teams comprised of the enjoy at Lord Mayor’s Day to recognise the 40th world’s top athletes battle it out to win the Great (May 21). anniversary of the Falklands Britain Sail Grand Prix (July 30 and 31).

Foodie fans are in for War. Visitors can enjoy live Anyone who is more excited about participating a real treat this year too. performances throughout in sport rather than watching can sign up to the Flavour Fest (May 27 to 29) is the day before a free evening Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (June 19), the South West’s largest free concert takes to the stage, which includes the Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k food and drink festival, with with an amazing headliner and 5k, offering something for runners of all hundreds of local producers set to be announced soon. abilities. selling tasty treats and a The Rehabilitation Look to the skies in August as the beloved chef stage with regional Triathlon hosted by the Royal British Firework Championships (August 17 and 18) cookery stars showcasing Marines (June 23) will also sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their their skills. Later in the year, take place in the city for the very best work in epic ten-minute displays, as they the Plymouth Seafood and first time, with outstanding compete to be crowned the country’s best.

Harbour Festival (September athletes – Paralympians and Later in the month, the West End Carnival 17 and 18) will celebrate all Invictus Games competitors (August 27) will return to the city centre offering a that’s great about the city’s among them - competing full day of carnival flair. Expect live music, street stunning waterfront and in the tough event. The performers and free children’s activities to enjoy, fishing industry. and take time to explore the city’s There’s also an impressive independent quarter at the same line-up of live music to enjoy over time. the summer.

More details about all these The Jubilee Bank Holiday events will be shared in due weekend will see the 1 Big Summer May 7 – 8 Pirates Weekend Plymouth, Barbican and Sutton Harbour May 14 Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade, Royal Parade course. For all the latest details music festival take to Plymouth May 21 Lord Mayor’s Day, City Centre about what’s on in Plymouth, Hoe (June 2 to 4), with the line-up May 27 – 29 Flavour Fest, City Centre including information about set to include an epic range of June 2 – 4 1 Big Summer, Plymouth Hoe smaller events taking place music including Basement Jaxx, June 19 Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, Plymouth Hoe throughout the year, please Years and Years, The Libertines and June 23 Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by Royal Marines, Plymouth Hoe see visitplymouth.co.uk.

Supergrass.

June 25 Plymouth Armed Forces Day, Plymouth Hoe Event organisers can also Following the success of the July 9 Paloma Faith, Central Park promote their own events on Tom Jones gig in September 2021, July 10 Simply Red, Central Park the Visit Plymouth website by July 30 – 31 SailGP’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Plymouth Sound Cottage Field in Central Park is submitting the details here: www.

Aug 17 – 18 British Firework Championships, Plymouth Hoe set to host more global music visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/ Aug 27 West End Carnival, City Centre superstars including singersubmit-event.

Sept 17 – 18 Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival, Barbican and Sutton Harbour songwriter Paloma Faith (July 9)

ALL THE BIG EVENTS - AT A GLANCE

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

JOB VACANCIES Find us on Facebook @PlymChronicle

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January 2022

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