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February 2024 Registration is now open for St Luke’s Men’s Day Out fund raiser which takes place on April 6 See Page 6
# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER Plans for the new community diagnostic centre in Plymouth’s West End have been submitted See Page 12
Plympton & Plymstock American football is returning to Plymouth with the launch of a brand new team See Page 23
ALSO INSIDE: Looking for a tradesman? Turn to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 20 and 21
Best ever Flavour Fest!
Flavour Fest, Plymouth’s food and drink extravaganza, is set to celebrate 20 fabulous years with an even bigger and better offering in 2024. Already the South West’s largest free culinary event, Flavour Fest 2024 is expanding to feature an exciting new entertainment zone where visitors can kick back and relax, soak up the atmosphere of live music and Ibizan beats, sample amazing street food and sip on cocktails. The big three-day event takes place between May 31 and June 2. FULL STORY ON BACK PAGE
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February 2024
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Plans to extend popular cycle Householders encouraged to sign up for garden path in Plymstock unveiled waste collections in 2024 to qualify for early discount
Plans are under way to create the next stage of a popular off-road walking and cycling path in Plymstock – including opening a blocked-off rail bridge under Colesdown Hill.
The section of former railway line from Colesdown Hill back onto Elburton Road is to be made into a route that is accessible to walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and parents with pushchairs. This stage of the project follows the completion of an 800-metre stretch along the old railway line from Saltram Meadow roundabout to Colesdown Hill last year. This is part of a route following the alignment of an old railway line, which has been completed in phases starting with the opening of Laira Rail Bridge to walkers and cyclists in 2015. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This route has proved very popular with walkers and cyclists and bit by bit we are extending it further east into Plymstock towards Sherford. “More people are getting on their bikes and making sure there are safe and pleasant alternatives to cycling on, or walking alongside, busy roads – where we can – is the right thing to do. With 30 per cent of our carbon emissions coming from transport, we need to do our bit to encourage walking and cycling for all abilities.
Registration for garden waste collections in 2024 are now open. Like last year, there will be a charge for the service, which runs fortnightly between April and November.
”The design for this latest extension is being worked on ahead of a planning application which is due to be submitted in January. The whole scheme is estimated to cost £2,800,000 with funding awarded by Active Travel and other external funders. Therefore the scheme would not add any
extra burden on the council’s resources and once complete, would encourage more people to travel more sustainably from Plymstock. The design for the latest stretch is being worked on before a planning application is submitted. If all goes according to plan, work could start in the autumn.
..and another route to be made more accessible A number of barriers along a stretch of one of Plymouth’s most popular pedestrian and cycling routes could be set for replacement.
As a result, The Council have been awarded Department of Transport funding to carry out a re-design to ensure that users on mobility scooters and adapted cycles can use the route more easily. A public consultation has now been launched so that users can give their feedback on the designs. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am grateful to Sustrans and the DfT for funding this important project and ensuring that all users will be able to use the National Cycle Network.
The improvements are proposed to take place at a number of locations between Bulmer Road in Cattedown and Glen Road in Plympton following a Sustrans audit of accessibility earlier this year. The audit found that some of the existing barriers and bollards on or next to Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route were difficult to navigate for some users.
“These routes are more popular now than they have ever been so it’s important that we get the design right for everybody.” The project includes six sites with various improvements to aid access while limiting anti-social behaviour and maintaining high safety standards. The proposed locations are at Bulmer Road, Lucas Terrace, Embankment Road/Old Laira Road, Coypool Road path, St Mary’s Park and Glen Road. More information on the proposed works at each location and a chance to feedback can be found at plymouth.gov.uk/disabilityaccess
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Collections will cost £42 for residents who sign up in the discounted early bird period, which ends at midnight on Sunday February 11. For residents signing up after this date, the cost will be £52. Householders can sign up at www. plymouth.gov.uk/gardenwaste Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “The first year of paid-for garden waste collections was a great success. Not only did we run a far more efficient collections, we were able to appropriately staff it allowing us to operate a service that has become trusted by residents. “I hope that residents who used the service will continue to do so and those who opted out might decide it’s time to sign up.” Households which did not pay for the service in 2023 but want it in 2024 can log on to the website and fill in the form. If they already have a bin they can use that, otherwise they can have a new one delivered with no additional charge. Residents who have a garden waste bin but don’t need the service in 2024 their bin picked up, or it can be dropped off. Details at www.plymouth.gov.uk/gardenwaste Garden waste can still be disposed of at the city’s Household Waste Recycling Centres Councillor Briars-Delve explained why it is not a free service. He said: “Garden waste collections are not a statutory service, which means the council aren’t legally obliged to provide it in the same way they do waste and recycling rounds. Charging for this service helps to ensure resilience and greater reliability of all types of waste collection and brings Plymouth into line with the majority of local authorities nationally.” Residents who already have assisted collections for waste and recycling will automatically receive assisted collections for garden waste when they sign up. Go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/ gardenwaste, fill in the form and pay the subscription before midnight on February 11 to benefit from the early bird price.
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Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond
Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.
Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon brings his latest tour ‘Rob Brydon - a Night of Music and Laughter’ to Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on February 25
Aladdin Jan 17 to Feb 11 One lamp, three wishes and infinite possibilities… Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End musical Aladdin comes to Theatre Royal Plymouth in 2024! Escape to a whole new world and experience this extraordinary theatrical event already seen by over 14 million people worldwide. Featuring the iconic music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice – this exuberant production is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle! Tickets from www.theatreroyal.com Carus Thompson Jan 20 Australian folk songwriter and storyteller bring his UK tour to Plymouth at the Barbican Theatre at 8pm. His tour will see the launch of two new albums for the man who has opened for his good friend Seth Wakeman on a number of tours. Tickets from www. barbicantheatre.co.uk or by calling 01752 267131. Daniel O’Reilly - Out of Character Jan 25 Daniel O’Reilly, otherwise known as Dapper Laughs, is a British social media content creator who boasts one of the largest, strongest, most loyal and fastest growing social media followings in the UK. He has had many characters, but for this live show at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus he’s going ‘Out Of Character’ to stand up as he brings the laughs and looks back on the mischief, the mistakes and the madness of his career so far. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com Pop Up Charity Shop Feb 15 to 17 Organised by the Rainbow Project charity at Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock. Open 10am to 3pm Thursday and Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Find a bargain and support a good cause. Stalls will include bric-a-brac, linen, clothes, toys, jewellery, bags, shoes and more along with homemade cakes, tea, coffee and lunches. For more details contact Heather on 01752 665116 or 07730 445922 or for more information about the charity visit www. rainbowprojectplymouth.org
Rob Brydon Feb 25
Award-winning comedian and his eight piece band bring the ‘Rob Brydon - A Night of Songs and Laughter’ tour to the Theatre Royal. The evening features Rob’s brilliant stand-up comedy plus songs ranging from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), telling Rob’s personal musical journey from South Wales to the West End and beyond. Audiences can expect Rob’s usual warmth and humour, along with his famed gallery of voices, as he regales them with hilarious tales from his distant and recent past. Tickets and further information from www.theatreroyal.com
A Celebration of Gershwin Jan 27
The London Gershwin Players celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue and other George Gershwin classics at the Roland Levinsky Building on the Plymouth University campus. For information and tickets call 01752 600600.
Coffee Morning Feb 3 Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls in aid of Devon Blood Bikes. All welcome. Jumble Sale Feb 3 St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle from 12 noon to 2pm. Lots of bargains in all departments, refreshments on sale. The Magic of Motown Feb 3 Seen by over a million people, now in its 17th year touring the UK, the Magic of Motown arrives at Plymouth Pavilions.. It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Tickets from www.theticketstore.co.uk An Evening of Motown and Soul Feb 17 Presented by Heyday at the Steel Brew Co in Royal William Yard from 7pm to 11pm. Featuring timeless hits from Motown and Soul Legends for an unforgettable night of soulful melodies, vintage vibes, and timeless tunes. Tickets from £8. Call 07309 074503. Fin Taylor - Ask Your Mother Feb 17 Fresh from the viral success of his hit web series Fin vs The Internet, that comedian your mother doesn’t like you seeing shares a new hour of brutally funny standup at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. When he’s not in a roll neck making influencers squirm, he’s appeared on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Have I got News for You and The Mash Report, and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle.Tickets from www.comicalentertainment. com 9 to 5 Feb 21 to 24 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present their latest musical production at the Devonport Playhouse with performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee
2.30pm. Based on the iconic 1980s film starring Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a hilarious story of three sassy female secretaries in a busy office who are dominated by their misogynistic, egoistical boss. They decide however, to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget. Tickets from www. ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or call 07395 159955. Adults £17, Over 65 £16, under 18 £10 Comedy at Boringdon Park Feb 24 Featuring four top comedians, each more than capable of headlining any club in the country. A stacked line-up is headlined by Danny Posthill, who will be well-known to fans of Britain’s Got Talent, while support is provided by former English Comedian Of The Year, Jack Campbell, and Welsh wizard of mirth, David Arnold, with the award-winning Chris Brooker holding the reins as compere. Tickets £15 per person or £25pp to include a basket meal. To book visit www. boringdonpark.com/events/plymouth-comedy-clubnight/ Stuart Lee Mar 3 Returning to Theatre Royal Plymouth by popular demand after a phenomenal 2023, Stewart Lee brings back his returning show ‘BASIC LEE’! After a decade of ground-breaking high concept shows involving overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Lee enters the post-pandemic era in streamlined solo stand-up mode. Tickets from www.theatreroyal.com or from the Box Office on 01752 267222. West Devon Chorale Mar 9 Concert at Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral, Wyndham Square, Plymouth at 7.30pm featuring Tippet’s Five Negro Spirituals and Parry’s Songs of Farewell. Tickets: £15 (£14 in advance), children and students £5. Contact 07837 017078, or online at www. wegottickets.com/westdevonchorale Tim Vine - Breeeep! Mar 24 Tim Vine is back with a brand new stand-up show
at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour. Plus utter drivel. Witness the stupidity. Then leave. Tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com St Luke’s Men’s Day Out Apr 6 March memorable miles to support St Luke’s Hospice expert care. An unmissable mix of miles, mates, memories and it’s back for 2024! Grab your pals, join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to make a massive difference to families who need the compassionate, expert care St Luke’s provides at the toughest of times. Places for the event – kindly sponsored by JEM Scaffolding Ltd – always go fast. for full details and egistration visit www.stlukes-hospice. org.uk/mensdayout Fishermen’s Friends Apr 6 Cornwall’s beloved singers bring their brand-new major headline tour for 2024 to Plymouth Pavilions. Fisherman’s Friend have nine albums to their name, two feature films, a stage musical, a book, a TV documentary, they’ve played for royalty and to tens of thousands of fans in sell-out tours year in year out. Tickets from www.theticketstore.co.uk or call 01752 522205.
Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Apr 28
Entries now open for the Festival which features distances of half marathon, 10k and 5k from Plymouth Hoe. Sign up at www.runplymouth.co.uk Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.
0DJD]LQH February 2024
5 @PlymChronicle
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Free Quotations and Rapid Response
Measures to encourage more private hire drivers
New private hire drivers will no longer have to take the ‘Knowledge of Plymouth’ test as part of a proposal to encourage more people into the trade and help the city’s night time economy.
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Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet is being asked to remove the test requirement following a consultation in the autumn which looked at changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. They are also being asked to drop the requirement for green and white livery on Hackney Carriages, given the cost of living and the lack of appropriate vehicles available. Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries and Crematoria said: “We had a good response from the trade and would like to thank them for their helpful input. “We know, that like other areas of the local economy, that they have been hit hard by fuel prices and the cost of living. This is one of the reasons why we are no longer requiring taxis to have the green and white livery. While it was a great idea, the reality is getting the white vehicles needed proved too difficult and expensive.” The Knowledge of Plymouth test assesses drivers’ knowledge of the quickest available routes, venues, tourist destinations and popular locations as well as the law and conditions of licence and customer care. It is an exam taken under supervised exam conditions. An error in the policy wording about the knowledge test only applying to hackney carriage drivers led to an increase in people applying to become licensed private hire drivers. While there was less support from the trade about dropping the test, the Department of Transport recently issued best practice guidance which stated that given technology used by taxi operators, the test should be removed for private hire drivers as they know their planned route in advance. Sally said: “We need more people in the trade. We need more drivers so that people feel they can get home after a great night out in Plymouth. We know there are bar and restaurant staff who struggle to get a ride home after an evening shift. “We need to be more pragmatic and remove barriers to people becoming drivers – times have changed, drivers can use sat nav and apps on smart phones to help them navigate around our city. Modern dispatch systems send bookings direct to the drivers’ data pads, which have the inbuilt GPS navigation.” The Cabinet report highlights that the council also considered the outcomes of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission where it was reported that the reduced numbers of taxis and private hire had an impact on the perceived safety of women and girls. Councillor Haydon added: “We are proud to have Purple Flag status, which recognises the fact this city is safe after dark, but being stuck for hours not being able to get home is not helping our residents or visitors. We hope these changes, if approved, will lead to more people becoming private hire drivers and help our residents as well as our pubs and restaurants.” If Cabinet approve the proposals when they meet in January, the matter will go to Full Council.
@PlymChronicle
6 February 2024
Big-hearted march backs care that goes the extra mile
New website charts Central Park’s past A new website has been launched to shine a light on the history of Central Park and the many changes it has seen over the years.
Called a Timeline of Change the website contains a host of information including photos and illustrations which track the park’s history. Most people know about the legendary zoo that used to be located in Central Park, but few may be aware that the park was once used as a circuit for motorcycle races or that an aircraft landed there when the pilot mistook the park for Roborough airfield. The lively website provides an insight into Central Park’s many different episodes as it approaches its centenary in 2031. The new website can be found at www.focpp.org.uk/ GNH_PLYCHRON_196x184_SB5_Nov2023_DEXP 20x3 21/11/2023 09:48 Page 1 timeline
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A mass of big-hearted men will be marching through Plymouth on Saturday April 6 next year to support the compassionate end of life care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth provides for local families at the toughest of times.
Registration has now opened for the hugely popular Men’s Day Out, an unmissable mix of miles, mates and memories that not only raises funds and awareness, but also opens the door to conversations about grief and bereavement. This flagship annual event is one of the most popular and memorable happenings on the city’s calendar, with around 2,000 entrants signing up each year to march a 12km circular route, finishing with a pasty, a beverage, and a seat at the rugby. Walkers and their generous sponsors bring in thousands of pounds each year to help fund St Luke’s invaluable hospice services for patients at home, in hospital and at the charity’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year. Striding the streets together offers a unique camaraderie for those who have lost loved ones or are facing up to a terminal diagnosis in the family, while doing something positive and uplifting to support people in the local community. Many take part to remember a friend or family member who was cared for by St Luke’s, and writing their loved one’s name on their official Men’s Day Out T-shirts helps to spur them on as they join the huge throng of men on the move. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC at Devonport, the event will kick off at 10am and follow a marked route through the city centre and along the waterfront, taking in Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican. Back at the rugby ground, walkers can enjoy a well-earned pasty and a beverage before witnessing our local boys in a clash with the Rams from Reading. Registration for Men’s Day Out costs just £35, but that only covers the official T-shirt, refreshments, rugby ticket and event costs. It’s individual sponsorships and donations that really make a difference, and many entrants set themselves a fundraising target to tot up their total as they mark the miles. Places are limited so it’s advised to register early for this well-loved event to avoid disappointment and to start rallying sponsors. Visit stlukes-hospice. org.uk/mensdayout.
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February 2024
7 @PlymChronicle
Vital funding for city projects which help disadvantaged
Two community-led initiatives which help people in some of Plymouth’s more disadvantaged neighbourhoods have been awarded funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Plymouth Food Cooperative Connections have been awarded £252,500 to host food support schemes to help address the cost-of-living issues in the city, while Nudge, the community benefit society based in Union Street, has received £470,940 to lead a partnership on work to open up empty buildings in Stonehouse to new community uses. Cooperative Connections is part of a citywide approach to address issues of food insecurity within Plymouth. The new funding will see: • A mobile van fitted out as a shop to support setting up new affordable food clubs. Proposed locations it will serve include Ernesettle, St Budeaux, Keyham, Cattedown, Estover, Honicknowle, Chaddlewood and Mount Gould. • Social supermarkets: these are larger, take up a permanent space and are open twice a week. Also run by volunteers, they are similar to a normal shopping environment, but there’s a small annual membership fee as well as a weekly fee for a set number of items. They are not a replacement for standard shops but aim to supply the basics, with complementary additional cost-of-living wrap-around support. • Small scale manufacturing of pasta type sauces, jams, chutneys and preserves from left over fresh fruit and vegetables. A semi community supermarket model has already been piloted at Four Greens in Whitleigh and two community co-operative food clubs in Southway and at Manadon Sport Hub have already started up. Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities said: “These are projects that have already been doing some great work within our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. No one should be struggling to put food on their plates, but it is a sad fact of life today that this is real issue for many people, especially with the cost of living.” The award followed an open call in the summer to community groups looking for funding under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Council was looking for projects that will help fund community and place interventions with particular focus on costof-living challenges, net-zero, regenerating community assets and helping to build resilient communities. The Sharing Communities project led by Nudge Community Builders also received £470,940 for the delivery of their UK Shared Prosperity project. Based on Union Street, Stonehouse, the project will allow them to continue their plan to open up C103, a former nightclub that has been empty for some years, to create a new community asset and space for a wide range of vital community activities. Their ambition is to create a space for underrepresented communities to celebrate their culture. This will be supported by growing their training offer, create new businesses and build stronger awareness and understanding between communities. They will also work with Plymouth Energy Community Trust to develop and trial a DIY energy survey and carry out technical appraisals for community buildings.
8 February 2024
City College approved for nursing student placements
City College Plymouth has been approved by the University of Plymouth as the newest placement setting for second and third year nursing students.
The new cohort were recently welcomed to the Lighthouse Wellbeing Centre, located at the college’s Kings Road campus. This latest training partnership between the college and the university comes as the region’s education sector seeks to provide a more cohesive and integrated approach to learning in order to better meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers. Following a collaborative curriculum developed by the college, the university, and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the nursing students will undertake a sevenweek long placement alongside City College’s counselling team. The supportive staff offer a safe and welcoming space for students to access wellbeing support, advice and guidance on a wide range of social and health issues, making it the ideal learning environment for aspiring healthcare workers. The placement will also offer trainee nurses the chance to develop the necessary skills for real-world medical settings through study with the college’s Health & Childhood Education teaching team and their students. College staff hope that this integration will help inspire students taking their first steps towards a nursing qualification to consider the university-level career pathways available to them. “We are immensely proud of the work that went into achieving this accreditation and are looking forward to working with the University of Plymouth to welcome our new nursing students to City College,” said Chaz Talbot, the college’s student experience manager. “Our community is crying out for more healthcare workers. Now that the college has been officially recognised as equipped to provide the comprehensive learning experience, both practical and theoretical, that new nurses require, we aim to help meet that societal need and set these students on their journey to becoming outstanding healthcare professionals.” Natalie Jary, NHS Careers Hub Lead, said: “This collaboration between City College Plymouth and the University of Plymouth is a visionary step that highlights the commitment to healthcare education in our region. By providing these placement opportunities, we are not only enriching the educational journey of health sector students but also directly contributing to the community by preparing a workforce that understands local healthcare challenges and needs “This approval works alongside our actions in the NHS Careers Hub, which offer students the opportunity to explore various NHS career options, initiate the development of their career paths, and seek answers to enquiries related to NHS employment. With both initiatives working in tandem, we’re looking forward to seeing a real change in the direction of employability within the health sector across the city.” With this new collaborative nursing placement initiative, there are several pathways to a career in nursing now available through both City College Plymouth and the University of Plymouth. Those interested in finding out more can visit www.cityplym.ac.uk.
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Green light for aggregates expansion at Hemerdon Mine despite 350 objections A Plympton councillor estimates that up to 90 extra heavy goods vehicles could be travelling through Plympton each week after Devon County Council’s Development Management Committee approved an application by Tungsten West to lift the current 4,000 tonnes per week cap on secondary aggregates being removed from their site at Hemerdon Mine.
At their meeting in December councillors on the Devon County Council committee voted by five votes to three to approve Tungsten West’s application despite receiving 350 objections to the application. The meeting heard that nearly all those objections came from Plympton residents. The objections largely centred around road congestion, air pollution and two primary schools being situated close to the route to be taken by the lorries as they connected to the A38. There were also detailed objections from Plymouth City Council and Sparkwell Parish Council. Shaugh Prior Parish Council set out various issues it wanted addressed, subject to which it was content with the proposal, and there was no response from Cornwood Parish Council. County Councillors seemed to be swayed to approve the application
Hemerden Mine
by what one of them described as ‘a massive package of improvements to the highways network which will be really valuable to the communities as a whole’ and that these road improvements voluntarily agreed to by Tungsten West meant ‘Christmas has come early for the highways department.’ The improvements in the main involve a 120 metre widening of the rural B3417 near the mine, the provision of signage and lines, a speed limit and traffic calming and a contribution towards the cost of a speed camera. All these improvements are in the South Hams part of the road network. Councillors were less persuaded by Plympton residents’ concerns about Strode Road, noting it had been recently resurfaced in part and that there had been no objection from highways about any capacity issues of the highways network. The meeting seemed confused as to whether the application, if approved, would lead to extra vehicle movements as the existing cap of 50 vehicles per day would still remain, it was just the overall tonnage limit on aggregates which was being removed.
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A representative from Tungsten West in his three minute submission to the meeting claimed the application ‘doesn’t increase vehicle movements beyond that currently allowed. It just allows them to be filled to their maximum capacity.’ Later in the meeting however councillors seemed to reach the conclusion that there would be some extra vehicle movements as there were currently occasions when the full 50 movements per day did not occur. This point was then further clarified by a council officer who said if there were to be no extra vehicle movements then there would have been no basis on which to negotiate the programme of highways improvements Tungsten West had agreed to fund. There will however be a prohibition on vehicle movements on bank holidays, at weekends and any period outside 7am to 5pm weekdays. Currently there is no 7am to 5pm restriction. At the request of Shaugh Prior Parish Council there will also be a prohibition on lorries turning right onto the B3417 out of the mine entrance.
Chaddlewood’s two Green councillors were the only Plympton Councillors to attend the Devon County Council meeting where they spoke to voice objections to the application. Cllr Lauren McLay’s points included issues relating to air quality and called for pollution arising from tyre wear to be investigated. She also felt the joint local plan should be adhered to – which includes a provision to avoid mine activities impacting on the urban road network through Plympton. Cllr Ian Poyser echoed his colleague’s concerns and pointed out that according to his calculations the application, if approved, could result in 90 more heavy goods vehicles per week using Plympton’s urban road network. Cllrs Beer, Darcy, Harrison and Nicholson submitted detailed written objections to the application. There was no mention of any contribution from Cllr Loveridge. The application was also opposed by South West Devon MP Sir Gary Streeter MP and the Plympton St Mary Neighbourhood Forum. Of the overall vehicle movements now to happen at the site, the largest 44 tonne articulated lorries will be restricted to be 10% of the overall vehicle types taking aggregates from the site. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
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New service for older people is now open in Plymouth A new health and wellbeing centre for the over-50s is now open in the grounds of a historic mansion near Plymouth and ready to take referrals to the day service. The day service provision, at Pearn Estate, in Hartley, will lay on social activities as well hot meals and refreshments. The Well Being Centre will also offering services like a disabled friendly shower facility, Arjo Spa Bath, hairdresser, consultation rooms for health professionals, all of these are in addition to the Day Service so can be accessed separately. The aim is to boost services on offer for older people in the region at a time when many health services in the region are being stretched.
“We think this is a much-needed service for Plymouth, offering a homely atmosphere with our experienced staff. We are hoping to create a valuable centre to support local people.” Network Healthcare is a national Care Quality Commission registered company which already runs a number of services in Plymouth, including a child contact centre and social care community projects. The Pearn is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1890s. For more information, visit www.networkhsc.co.uk
Nicola Williams, who will manage the new facility for Network Healthcare, part of the Pertemps Network Group, said: “This is very exciting for all of us. Since the pandemic, services have changed and a lot more is being asked of families to support vulnerable people.
Struggling with the cost of living?
There’s help available in Plymouth Our online Cost of Living hub has more information about the financial advice and guidance on offer. Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving to find out more about: • Benefits: Check you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to
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10 February 2024
Plymouth’s ‘Full of Life’ plan to help residents age well
Plymouth City Council is committing to making the city a great place for people to grow old by supporting residents to live life to the full.
‘Full of Life’, the council’s new ageing well programme, will work to support two groups of older people: those who are well, by helping them to stay well and those impacted by the consequences of ageing. The key themes of the Full of Life programme are: Healthy ageing: supporting people to live healthily Age-friendly places: making spaces and buildings accessible, welcoming, safe and inclusive Participation and inclusion: ensuring that activities are financially, culturally and physically accessible and celebrating the contributions of older people to their communities Skills and employment: giving older people the opportunity to develop new skills and pass on their experience to others Communication: making communications inclusive and using positive imagery and language when talking about older people. A city-wide steering group will be set up with members from the Council, charities and community groups that work with older people, and representatives from the local Senior Citizens Form and Plymouth Area Disability Action Network. This group will oversee the development of a baseline assessment, strategy, action plan and evaluation framework for Full of Life, which is expected to be a long-term programme running over the coming years. There are plans to support communities across Plymouth to be more age-friendly and a new ‘Full of Life’ charter will also be created. This will encourage organisations across the city to apply age-friendly principles and celebrate those who make efforts to become more inclusive. The plan was due to be discussed at the council’s next Cabinet meeting on December 11. Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Our vision is for Plymouth to be one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities, where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone and where age is no barrier. “There are lots of things we can do to make this vision a reality, and we hope that organisations and businesses across the city will join us on the journey so that collectively we are doing what we can to support older people. “This is really important when you consider that we have an ageing population. It is vital that all older people are valued, empowered, healthy and able to contribute fully to society.”
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Plympton woman speaks about her experience of being a ‘virtual patient’ A Plympton woman has spoken about her experience of being a ’virtual patient’ - a new initiative at Derriford hospital aimed at improving the flow of people through the hospital and reducing waiting lists.
Susan Miller, 75, from Plympton, went on to be a virtual patient after spending 15 days as an inpatient for her heart condition. Going home with a package of care and virtual ward technology, meant her blood pressure could be monitored at home with regular contact from the Derriford team and oversight from her consultant. Susan said: “When you arrive at the hospital everyone is very professional as you would hope, but there is a queue of ambulances because the pressure on the emergency system is very high. I know I will be sent to the area that is most appropriate for me, but in the meantime, the reason that I am being held up for so long is because there’s a bottleneck at the other end.
“I hope that instead of there being 20 or 30 people waiting to have their blood pressure taken and their general health checked, this equipment would be available for them to go home and press a button and feel as confident as I do.” In addition to developing capacity for up to 50 virtual patients monitored in their own homes, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has also opened new physical beds to help relieve the pressure on its busy Emergency Department. Rachel O’Connor, director of Integrated Care, Partnerships and Strategy at UHP, said: “As part of our winter plans, we are working very hard to get patients to the right place at the right time. More beds and more capacity to support people going home with care support creates additional flow through the hospital, relieving pressure on the Emergency Department. “In addition, we’re working together across Health and Social
Care to create capacity, and to make sure that people are only in hospital when they need to be.” As well as the ‘virtual beds’ for up to 50 patients, further additional beds provided by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust include 12 beds added to Mount Gould’s 52 bedded unit in addition to the 15 beds for stroke rehabilitation at Mount Gould and 24 beds at the new Batham Orthopaedic Ward. In addition the Chestnut Urology Investigation Unit is seeing 500 patients a week and Virtual Wards have been created for 50 patients. The new purpose built three floor REI (formerly known as the Royal Eye Infirmary) off the Derriford site and behind The Range delivers enhanced ophthalmic care, bringing together outpatient and surgical eye treatments as well as an expanded service for children. This new site for the REI has created additional space and bed capacity on the main site.
Rachel O’Connor - director of Integrated Care, Partnerships and Strategy
Future developments include a new Urgent Treatment Centre, Fracture Clinic and Urgent Emergency Care Facility on the main Derriford Hospital site. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
TRIBUTES PAID TO MUCH LOVED FORMER PLYMPTON TEACHER Tributes have poured in following the death of a much loved and respected former Plympton teacher.
Plymouth shoppers provide 3,000 meals for families in need of help Generous Plymouth customers donated thousands of meals to this year’s Tesco Winter Food Collection - providing muchneeded support for FareShare and the Trussell Trust.
In Plymouth the collection saw customers donate over 3,000 meals to make a difference in the community. Donations to the Trussell Trust help food banks provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline local charities. Fare Share’s partnership with Tesco is the single biggest source of donated food in its network. Both charities faced their busiest winter yet as more people turned to them for support. The Trussell Trust is expecting to distribute one
food parcel every eight seconds over the next three months and the charity has reported that 320,000 people needed to access a food bank for the first time between April and September – the most ever for this period. Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust said: “People’s generosity never fails to amaze me and it is wonderful to see that once again communities and Tesco stores across the UK have come together to support their local food banks and ensure that they can be there for everyone who needs them this winter.” In addition to the donations of food, the preChristmas Winter Food Collection saw Plymouth customers help towards donating more than £300,000 to the charities by rounding up their bills at the till and donating through a link from Tesco’s online groceries website.
David Brinkley who taught modern languages at Plympton Grammar School and who remained there in the early years following its transition into Hele’s School passed away at Mount Gould Hospital in December following a long illness. Many past pupils have paid tribute and recalled with fondness being taught by him. Kerry Glover said: “I was lucky to have Mr Brinkley as my form tutor for five years. He was a proper old school teacher who expected the best for and from his pupils. Mr Brinkley taught with dedication and humour - a real inspiration.” June Gamble remarked: “Mr Brinkley was my form tutor for four years and my French and Spanish teacher (1978 to 1984). I will forever remember and be grateful for the stability that he provided, his dedication to supporting and teaching us and his sense of fun. He truly cared.” Rachel Beynon reflected: “Along with Mr Tonge, the best teacher I ever had. He got me through my French ‘O’ level when I thought it was hopeless. He will be remembered fondly by many of us former pupils.” Among many other tributes was one from Cath French who said: “The most brilliant French teacher and a lovely, kind man too. Mr B was always notably present at funerals for some of our contemporaries in recent years - a teacher who truly cared.” Mr Brinkley’s funeral took place at Plympton St Mary’s Church on Friday January 5. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
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12 February 2024
Taskforce working to improve dental provision in city Work has stepped up by Plymouth’s Dental Taskforce, with leading city partners coming together to improve access to NHS dental services – including lobbying to ensure that all funding allocated to the city is spent locally.
The Taskforce was set up in June in response to the local crisis in dentistry, which has resulted in nearly 22,000 patients currently on the waiting list for an NHS dentist and high levels of tooth decay in young children. The cross-party group includes representatives from the council, NHS Devon, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), Livewell Southwest and University Hospitals Plymouth as well as the local MPs. It aims to identify potential funding sources and opportunities to expand capacity so that additional dental services can be delivered across the city, as well as improving preventative care and oral health education. An update to Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet in December highlighted the improvements made by the Taskforce and its members since its creation earlier this year. This includes a new scheme run by PDSE to provide NHS dental appointments to children at primary schools across Plymouth including: Whitleigh Community Primary School, Laira Green Primary School, High Street Primary Academy, Knowle Primary School and Victoria Road Primary School. Children attending these schools who do not have an NHS dentist are now being provided with appointments up until the age of 16. So far, 83 children have been registered with 20 already receiving their first appointments. The Taskforce is also campaigning to keep any underspend on NHS dental provision within the city for use in other oral health initiatives. The underspend is a result of some high street dentists not being able to provide NHS appointments, and historically this money has been returned. In future it is hoped that this funding will be ringfenced to use towards local provision but this will not be available until 2024/25 so discussions are set to continue with the NHS to determine if this change can be made sooner In response to the issues raised by the Taskforce, NHS Devon is looking for high street dental providers who could provide stabilisation treatment to the most vulnerable patients who have dental problems. This would involve carrying out work that stabilises patients’ oral health and reduces the chances of them requiring further urgent treatment. Livewell Southwest and PDSE are also now working together more closely to identify ways that they may be able to increase their capacity to open up spaces for additional patients. Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chair of the Taskforce, said: “There is still so much work to be done, but one of the main benefits that we’ve seen is that by bringing together the key stakeholders involved in delivering NHS dentistry into one room we can ensure there’s better partnership working and everyone is on the same page when it comes to identifying improvements that could be made. “There are still thousands of residents unable to access NHS dentistry, so this is just the beginning of our work - we’ll continue to strive to make a difference and fight for more financial support for Plymouth until residents receive the dental healthcare they deserve.”
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Plans submitted for new community diagnostic centre in city’s West End Plans have been submitted for the city’s new community diagnostic centre at Colin Campbell Court.
The new centre in Plymouth’s West End will allow people to receive early tests and diagnosis. Ahead of this new building opening, a temporary CT scanner unit at Colin Campbell Court is already seeing 250 patients each week. The new facility will reduce health inequities for those living in areas of greater deprivation in Plymouth and improve overall health outcomes. CT scans involve a series of X-rays which allow radiologists to detect disease or injury as early as possible. The benefits include reducing the need for exploratory surgeries, improving cancer diagnosis, and helping to determine treatment of injury, cardiac disease and stroke. The permanent community diagnostic centre will also offer physiological measurement testing such as echocardiograms, ECG and ambulatory monitoring, pacemaker checks, a full array of lung function tests, sleep studies, EEG and vascular ultrasound. The immediate location of the proposed centre is in a highly deprived area of the city, and one of the most deprived wards in the country. People living in St Peter and the Waterfront Ward have a life expectancy of 77 years, which is roughly 7.5 years less than the least deprived area in Plymouth. The city centre has a mortality rate of 62.2 for cancer, CHD (coronary heart disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and stroke (rate per 10,000 population), and Stonehouse has a rate of 93 – the average across the city is much lower at
Architect’s impression of the new community diuagnostic centre
55.1.If approved, it is hoped that construction will commence in 2024 and patients will benefit from this new facility in 2025. Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre Champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “This is a huge step in the right direction, and we are working together on the longer-term plans so that the West End can get the health facilities the area so desperately needs. “The hospital is already providing services to
help people living nearby get tests more easily. It’s been quite a journey, but we have a strong partnership, land that is shovel ready and the funding.” Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “Anything that makes it easier for people to get a diagnosis as early as possible has to be a good thing. The earlier people get diagnosed the better their chances of recovery or managing health issues.”
climate change is shifting the physical properties of our planet. By getting the opportunity to use cutting edge technology, our students will also gain first-hand experience of using systems that will either match – or in many cases exceed – those they will work with once they graduate.” Across two spaces in the University’s Davy Building, students now have access to 60 polarising microscopes and 20 biological microscopes, as well as 60 low-power microscopes used to analyse larger specimens. In addition to the microscopes themselves, each stand has a digital screen that can be linked to others across the room so the same content can be shared across all screens. The lecturer has their own camera set up linked
to screens on each of the microscope stands, and the screens also display QR codes, so that students can bring up details of what they have been looking at on their mobile devices. The combination of microscope and screen displays, as well as desks of adjustable height, is also making the set-up more accessible to students with sight or mobility difficulties. John Moore, European sales director for Microscopy at Nikon, said: “Nikon Metrology pride themselves on creating smart solutions which offer universities the ability to enhance the student learning experience with quality Nikon Optics and knowhow. We are very pleased to see leadingedge Nikon microscopes being part of the first 5G interactive microscopy laboratories.”
Plymouth University home to the first 5G microscope labs in Europe Plymouth University has become home to the first 5G interactive microscope labs in Europe.
The facility is transforming the learning experience of students on a number of its science courses, including earth sciences, geography, environmental sciences and marine biology. The microscopes are enabling students to look at a range of geological and biological samples – such as rock samples, pollen grains, microfossils and marine species – in greater detail than they would ever have been able to previously. Students are also using the latest microscope technology to explore the fundamentals of the planet’s structures and lifeforms, and how they have changed in line with adaptations in the climate. Comprising 150 microscopes, the labs have been created through a partnership between the University and two global technology companies, Nikon and Ostec Instruments. They also reflect recent changes to courses within the University’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Biological and Marine Sciences that have made their content even more closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Kevin Jones, executive dean of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, said: “These new labs will transform our teaching and revolutionise the learning experience for our students. They will get to explore a wider range of specimens in greater detail than ever before, learning the fundamentals of life on earth and how
February 2024
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13
Proposals for future of Armada Way will be fully scrutinised
up to
New proposals for Armada Way will be thoroughly scrutinised through Plymouth City Council’s democratic processes before any final decision on the design is made.
To ensure full scrutiny and consideration of the proposals, the future of Armada Way will be considered by a special meeting of the Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee before being discussed by Cabinet ahead of a final decision on the scheme. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is made up of councillors from all parties. They act as a ‘critical friend’ to Cabinet, reviewing proposals and considering any recommendations that they might have. Their views are presented to Cabinet as part of the final decision-making process. Members sitting on the committees will be asked to look at the results of the consultation and any suggested design changes in response to public feedback. The completion of a six-week consultation was undertaken this autumn by ECF, independent engagement specialists. ECF have been analysing all the feedback. This is being compiled into a report which will be submitted to the council in the next few days. Officers and members will then consider all the views and review the design in light of the feedback. The Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee will scrutinise a raft of material on January 22 – including the feedback raised in the consultation and the council’s response to each of the key themes raised.
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AVAILABLE This includes any amendmenrts and adjustments made to the scheme as a result. The views and any recommendations from this crossparty Committee, will then be presented to Cabinet on February 5 for consideration. At a subsequent Cabinet meeting on February 19, the final scheme will be presented, which will include consideration of the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and a final decision will be made. Reports will be published in advance of all meetings and sessions will be broadcast live online. Anyone wanting to make representations at
the meetings should visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ get-involved Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We have been clear that the decision-making process has to be robust and open, to enable full scrutiny on the proposals. “Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation. It is clear that people want to see the situation sorted and want us to move on and create a city centre that we can all be proud of.” The Let’s Talk Armada Way website will stay live throughout this process and can be found at www. letstalkarmadaway.commonplace.is/
Age UK Plymouth shortlisted as Charity of the Year Age UK Plymouth has been shortlisted for Charity of the Year at South West Business Awards.
The charity is also nominated for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, thanks to the work of their Information and Advice Team. The awards ceremony, taking place in Swindon at the ginning of February honours businesses and charitable organisations from across the region. The nominations come at the end of a busy year for the charity which has seen a dramatic shift in it’s calls to action over the past few years. By refocusing it’s strategy and prioritising
on delivering to support the greatest needs of the community, Age UK Plymouth has seen an unprecedented period of growth recently and is becoming recognised in the city as one of the foremost pioneers of reactive innovation. “Over the years the challenges have changed but the spirit of the charity’s values, to be trusted, compassionate and innovative have remained the same,” said David Wood, chief executive of Age UK Plymouth. “The escalating cost of living pressures and critical systemic crises within the NHS have had a devastating effect on over 50s, those living with
dementia and their carers. These are unprecedented times and by responding dynamically to the largest issues affecting those we support we have taken the charity in new and challenging directions. We’re delighted to be recognised among our peers as an organisation recognising this and supporting our community effectively.” For more information about any of the work of Age UK Plymouth, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/ plymouth. To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how groups or organisations can work with or support the charity email enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk.
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14 February 2024
Sherford Life
We live in a city steeped in fascinating history.
One of my sons loved his recent school trip to Crownhill Fort. My other son loves visiting Buckland Abbey and seeing the artefacts commemorating Sir Francis Drake’s exploits. Even the newest areas of our city have centuries or even millennia of history: think of the amazing archaeological finds of the past few years in caves around the Sherford development. What’s your favourite bit of local history? How about our historic links with the voyage of the Mayflower, a little over 400 years ago? I used to live on the Barbican and I would often walk past the Mayflower Steps. The monument is very stark and simplistic, but the significance is huge: it’s a link to an important moment in our city’s history, and in our nation’s history. One of the great things that came out of the Mayflower 400 celebrations a couple of years ago was the Mayflower Schools Project. It’s an education resource produced by Transforming Plymouth Together in collaboration with Plymstock Chapel. Five high-quality video drama episodes (with a bit of a ‘Horrible Histories’ flavour), combined with a series of videos promoting class discussions, for a great off-the-peg resource to teach school children about some of our most important political and religious history. If you’re a primary school parent, governor or teacher, why not check it out? Why is history important? Because it teaches us how to move towards progress. The more we know about our history, the more we can emulate its successes and avoid repeating By Revd Tom Brassil its mistakes. The Pilgrims who boarded the Mayflower teach us about courage to follow our convictions, about perseverance, and about a thirst for exploration and seeking a new and better life. But their story also teaches us about the need for tolerating different points of view. If there had been a more tolerant society at the time then perhaps they would not have needed to make that long and dangerous voyage in the first place. Tolerance of course doesn’t necessarily mean agreement, but it does mean respecting the person with whom you disagree. I’m sure we all aspire to that. The people boarding that famous ship were motivated by their unwavering faith in God, and I find their example hugely encouraging. And looking back into the history of the Christian faith I find plenty of historical inspiration. In fact, one of my convictions is that the Christian faith is a historical faith. That is, that it is based on true events in history. We recently celebrated Christmas by reading the famous words often repeated at Christmas carol services, where the apostle John declares that Jesus, the Son of God, “…became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14, the Bible.) That is, God stepped into history. People saw him, interacted with him, spoke to him. His life and death and resurrection were history-defining, and we can learn so much from that portion of history. Might 2024 be the year you discover something of what the Pilgrims believed and built their lives upon?
Happy New Year! I hope 2024 has started well for you. Looking back at my preChristmas post, it was written before the end of November so there’s a lot to catch up on.
As you may know from previous columns, I work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and get to travel around the South West sharing about the work we do to commemorate those who fell in the First and Second World War. 2024 is an important year as we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and also the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the Plymouth Naval Memorial on the Hoe. Watch this space for more information on both of these. Before the end of the year, I had the privilege to share our work with a group of Plymstock School students who are going on a Battlefield Tour in the Spring. Part of this involved setting them the challenge of finding the names of local men and women who they can pay their respects to when they visit famous sites in France and Belgium. I’m looking forward to hearing how they get on later in the year. If you’re interested in booking a talk or local tour, please email at rebecca.smith@cwgc.org. A couple of other highlights from the end of the year included a visit to St Luke’s Hospice in Turnchapel and a Politics Panel at Combe Dean School. As a Ward Councillor for the hospice, it was good to be able to hear some of their plans and look at how I can support them in the future as they continue in their valuable work supporting individuals at the end of their life and their families. I also took part in a Parliament Week Politics Panel at Coombe Dean School with fellow local politicians. Unlike many hustings which focus solely on national policy issues, it was good to be able to share more of my journey into politics and motivations for getting involved. Well done to Harry for organising. In the run up to Christmas, I thoroughly enjoyed the festivities across Plymstock and Plympton. A huge well done to all those who organised the events at the Ridgeway, Plymstock Broadway, Harewood House, and to the many households who set up fantastic light displays in their gardens to delight their neighbours and raise money for charity. You really do add sparkle to our communities. Since the New Year, I’ve hit the ground running and really enjoyed meeting with Plympton (and North Plymouth) Police Inspector Jon Manning. Over the years, I have built up a strong relationship with the team in
Rebecca’s Review
By Rebecca Smith Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South West Devon and Councillor for Plymstock Radford Ward
Rebecca working with Plymstock School students ahead of their Battlefield Trip
Plymstock so it was great to be able to get to know more about policing in Plympton too. Inspector Manning mentioned the Plymouth Police Engagement Survey which is currently live. It is in need of some more responses from Plymstock and Plympton to enable the team to shape local policing priorities in the coming months so please do complete the quick survey if you can. It can be found on my Facebook page and if you have a smart phone, you can scan the QR code in the photo below to access it.
Welcome news from Plymouth City Council about plans to extend the cycle path from the city centre through Plymstock. Those of you who cycle or walk along the path that extends alongside Billacombe Road may be aware that the path ends with a flight of stairs. At the time, I objected to this for accessibility reasons but the funding to do the path had to be spent and construction went ahead. I was reassured that work would continue to seek funding and permission to extend the path and ensure it was full accessible and have stayed in touch with officers as work has progressed. Therefore, I am delighted that work is progressing and that the council have recently set out plans to have completed this work by the Autumn. Over the last few years I have also been working with residents in Brixton and Yealmpton to push for improved cycle routes all the way to these villages from Plymstock too and will continue to work on this in the months ahead. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes! It’s been a while since I held a drop-in surgery in Plymstock to complement our routine Plymstock Radford Have your Say meetings. So I have got one scheduled in the diary for Tuesday January 23 from 10.30am to midday at Plymstock Library. Do pop in if you have anything I can help with. Finally, as we start 2024, I’ve been reflecting on 2023. I have to say that by far the best bits have been when I have met and spent time with individuals and organisations across South West Devon, built relationships and provided support in any way I can. I know that 2024 will bring more of the same and I’m really looking forward to it! Don’t hesitate to get in touch. As ever, do let me know if there is anything I can help with. Email: rebecca@rebeccasmith.org.uk Facebook and Instagram: @ SWDevonRebecca
Rebecca with Plymouth Soroptomists at the Plympton Community Council Christmas Fair at Harewood House
February 2024
@PlymChronicle
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Land deal to unlock jobs at key Freeport tax site in Sherford A parcel of land at Sherford is to be acquired by South Hams District Council to help progress plans for a key Freeport tax site and unlock hundreds of jobs.
A key local company is interested in developing a logistics facility on land at the edge of Sherford, which could create a base for hundreds of skilled jobs. The site has already been identified as one of three tax sites within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. The land is currently owned by the Sherford Consortium, a partnership between awardwinning national housebuilders, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, which includes Countryside Partnerships, Linden Homes and Bovis Homes. A decision is being made to enable South Hams District Council to acquire 7.9 hectares of land to allow enabling works to get underway.
Plymouth City Council as the accountable body for the Freeport is using its processes to formally allocate £3.5 million of Freeport Seed Capital Funding into the Capital Programme for the land acquisition. Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This decision will help speed up the ground and preparation work needed on this allocated Freeport site to get it ready for development. In a nutshell, this means more jobs will be available sooner.” Councillor John Birch, South Hams District Council’s executive member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, said: “This land acquisition will enable us to unlock the Freeport’s Sherford site by at least a year, if not more, than what had originally been modelled within the Freeport’s Full Business Case. This means we can support the Freeport’s objectives of more jobs and regeneration activity for the South
Hams quicker than planned.” In September a business case and £4 million Freeport seed funding was signed off to enable work on industrial units at Beaumont Way in Langage, the largest Freeport tax site, to get underway in the new year. The site is being bought forward in phases with Beaumont Way the first development for the Freeport. In the same month, £1.3 million of Freeport seed funding was allocated to fund strategic infrastructure developments at Millbay Docks. • The Freeport is a public/private partnership with Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council working with Babcock, Princess Yachts, Carlton Power, the Sherford Consortium and a range of stakeholders including the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter, Plymouth port operators, skills providers and the Heart of the South West LEP.
Residents’ views invited on Saltram Meadow plan Local residents have been given the chance to comment on future plans for the development of the Saltram Meadow site in Plymstock.
Housebuilder Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon recently submitted plans to the local authority for a new community square as part of the major new housing development on the edge of Plymouth. The ‘Main Square’ will form the community focus for the wider Saltram Meadow development, which is currently being constructed on a former quarry off Billacombe Road. Additional plans for the next phases of 223 homes consisting 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bed homes and apartments, are also currently being considered by Plymouth City Council. As part of its commitment to the local community, the housebuilders hosted a community engagement event on January 9 January, to give local people the chance to have their say about the layout of the Main Square and future phases. Plans for the Main Square include public open space, an equipped climbing wall and play areas, bike stores, and commercial buildings. Feedback was also welcomed to help shape the vision for landscaping, a pavilion, amphitheatre, bus routes, flexible space for parking and market space, and connectivity to the
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wider Saltram Meadow site. Commenting, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon technical director, Robbie Brown, said: “At Persimmon, we’re committed to creating a lasting impact in the communities we build in, and local engagement is a key part of our approach. “Our upcoming phase of development introduces the Main Square, a centrepiece we believe will be the heartbeat of the Saltram Meadow community. “We’re proud of the developing community at Saltram Meadow to date, and we eagerly anticipate delivering more homes and
essential community facilities, including commercial spaces, public areas, bike stores and amphitheatre. The development of the Main Square is planned to unfold in three distinct phases. In the initial phase, the focus will be on constructing the parking facilities designated for commercial and residential units. Following this, the second phase will centre around the arrangement of the open space and play elements. Subsequently, the third phase will involve the construction of the Main Square building components,
encompassing health facilities, retail spaces, apartments, and the associated parking infrastructure. Within the heart of the expansive open space, a significant grassy area is proposed to cater for recreational activities. This space will feature a 1000 square metre play area and a specially designed pavilion positioned to face the main lawn and amphitheatre. This pavilion is envisioned as a versatile venue for community events and a gathering space tailored for teenagers.
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16 February 2024
Big boost for Jeremiah’s Journey Run Plymouth, the team behind Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival have announced that Jeremiah’s Journey will be its official charity partner for the event in April.
Jeremiah’s Journey is dedicated to supporting local children, young people and their parents and carers who have, or are about to, experience the death of someone special. It is a cause that resonates with so many individuals that this partnership aims to showcase how our athletes, friends, families and supporters can get involved to support Jeremiah’ s Journey. Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival has a rich history of working alongside local and national charities to provide a crucial platform for fundraising efforts. In 2023 the Running Festival saw over a quarter of a million pounds raised for charity, something that race director Suzi Cumberland is proud of. She said of the new partnership: “We’re thrilled to have Jeremiah’s Journey as our Official Charity Partner for 2024. We look forward to working together to create a memorable event that not only celebrates running but also contributes to the well-being of our community.” As part of the partnership, athletes signing up to the Plymouth Half, Plymouth 10k or Plymouth 5k on The Hoe on April 28 will be given the opportunity to select a charity entry for Jeremiah’s Journey. Every penny raised through athletes’ fundraising pages will go directly to Jeremiah’s Journey to help them to continue its invaluable work.
New pharmacy at Derriford will be bigger and and better for patients
A new and improved outpatient pharmacy at Derriford Hospital is due to open in Spring 2024.
Pictured left to right, Daniel Ninnim, events and marketing coordinator at Run Plymouth, Tanya Woodland , chief executive of Jeremiah’s Journey, Suzi Cumberland, race director at Run Plymouth and John Naismith, supporter engagement manager at Jeremiah’s Journey. Photo: One Plymouth
Tanya Woodland, chief executive of Jeremiah’s Journey expressed her gratitude for the partnership. “We are honoured to be the official charity partner for Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival 2024. This collaboration provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about our charity and the work we do to support grieving children and families. The funds raised through this event will
enable us to continue providing essential support services and make a lasting impact in our community.” Jeremiah’s Journey and the Jeremiah Bear will be at the start and finish line cheering on runners as they take on their chosen race helping make the event truly memorable. For more information, or to sign up visit www. runplymouth.co.uk
Visitor & Learning Centre Volunteer as a Bridge Ambassador at the Tamar Bridge
The new pharmacy will double in size when it moves to a new location adjacent to the hospital’s on-site Costa Coffee shop in the multi-storey car park building. Chief pharmacist and clinical director of medicines optimisation, Kandarp Thakkar, said: “We’re really excited about progress on the new pharmacy which serves thousands of outpatient appointments each week. “As many who have used the pharmacy recently will know, we have outgrown our current space and this much improved facility will have room for more staff and stock, a better range of services and a much-improved experience for patients. “We recognise there have been long queues at the pharmacy in reent weeks, so on behalf of UHP and Lloyds Pharmacy, I want to offer our sincere apologies. The level of service and disruption is not something that we expect or want for patients and we’re very sorry to anyone who has been inconvenienced.” While work is ongoing on the new pharmacy, the Trust has implemented measures such as covered seating. The new 1700 square feet pharmacy will have extended opening times during the weekends to benefit patients who are unable to attend during the week.
February Half Term Activities Family friendly activities at the Tamar Bridge. Free entry throughout Half Term. Monday 12th February & Tuesday 13th February
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Wednesday 14th, Friday 16th & Saturday 17th February Bridging the Tamar Volunteer Bridge Ambassador Registration Form
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@PlymChronicle
February 2024
17
Top photography award for Arts University student A photography student from Arts University Plymouth has snapped up a top award in a prestigious photography competition.
how far I have come in such a short period of time.” Shelby is one of many BA (Hons) Commercial Photography students who have produced award-winning photography during their recent studies at Arts University Shelby Nolan-Hoare, who is studying commercial Plymouth. photography at the university, was the winner of the First-class graduate Katy Johnson achieved second place People’s Choice fashion category at the this year’s British in the Wex Student Photography Competition, Official Photography Awards with her captivating image titled Selection in the International Photography Awards (IPA) ‘Dolls House.’ in 2023 and an Honourable Mention in the 2022 Awards. Final-year student Shelby said: “Winning the People’s Matthew Marshall, a talented Choice was an incredibly proud second-year student, clinched moment. When I found out a win in the prestigious EIZO UK that I was one of 25 shortlisted Student Awards. He was recognised photographers in the fashion in the single image category for category, I couldn’t believe it. his captivating photograph of the “The overwhelming support that iconic Plymouth landmark, Tinside I received from family, friends and Lido. local groups both in Plymouth and Shelby’s winning image at the Hampshire was surreal. Looking at British Photography Awards was the other talented photographers part of her final major project, in my category, I was not expecting titled ‘Liminal Space’. The project to win and the honour of being was curated to explore how shortlisted alone was rewarding. clothing, prop and set design can “When Magic Radio presenter be used as a narrative device in Neev Spencer announced my name picture making to discuss themes as the People’s Choice winner and of nostalgia and illusion. The I saw my picture on the big screen, composition features a model in a me and my family were in complete topsy-turvy world, appearing like shock. To earn this title as a a life-size doll in front of a doll’s student photographer is a major Shelby with her award house. achievement and I’m so proud of
Shelby’s winning image
Sustainability award for Plympton teacher
Old Priory Junior Academy Year 3/4 teacher James Hewish has received an award for sustainable travel to work.
The award has been bestowed upon him by Sustrans. They were so impressed with Mr Hewish’s dedication to riding his bike to work each day and for the positive influence this has on children at the school. Sustrans is a United Kingdom-based walking, wheeling and cycling charity, and the custodian of the National Cycle Network. Its flagship project is the National Cycle Network. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
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18 February 2024
Dunstone Diary
By Councillor Stefan Krizanac and Councillor John Stephens
Councillor John Stephens writes…..
Happy new year to all readers. I am not going to go on about new year resolutions as you would have already set them and statistically, most readers would have broken them by now anyway!
Instead, as we enter a new year, I have reflected upon a recent event I had the privilege of attending. Harry Aldridge, the enthusiastic Sixth Form Student Senate Head at Coombe Dean School in Plymstock invited representatives from the four main local political parties to a Question Time style event with well over 100 sixth form students present. Sitting like a boy and girl band tribute act upon the stage (as seen in the photo), we were at the mercy of the students amassed before us. The new hope associated with the turning of a new year, came early for me in that we were all challenged by the quality of the questions presented to us one by one. The words of each question represented a deep thinking about politics and indeed politicians. The questions included issues including climate change, education, environment, global conflicts, our most favoured and least favoured decisions made by our respective parties and what motivates us to become actively involved in politics. At least half of those Question Time at Coombe Dean (from Left) Cllr. Rebecca Smith present will be eligible to vote (Con), Cllr. John Stephens (Lab), Mike Gillbard (Lib Dem), Cllr. Lauren for the first time in 2024 for McLay (Green) and Harry Aldridge (Coombe Dean Senate Head) their local councillor, Police and Crime Commissioner and for their next government. As younger people are least likely to vote in elections, the importance for this type of opportunity to openly hold people to account is crucial to help make people feel democracy includes them. For too many people, the confrontational style of politics often portrayed in the media gives the wrong impression of what politicians do. Behind the scenes, so much works goes on engaging with those we represent both locally and nationally, with stakeholders and people from other political groupings carefully building together strategies to improve the well-being of people’s lives individually and as a city and country. On that morning at Coombe Dean, the point of local and national politics was deeply explored during our session. The young people have open, curious and intelligent minds, demonstrated by the confidence to ask why are things as they are and why can’t things be like this or that? From our first welcome to our final goodbyes, being at Coombe Dean was an absolute pleasure. Those young people, enabled by their forward-thinking leaders and teachers, were given the opportunity to engage with ordinary local people who choose to serve in politics; they hopefully went away with more of an idea of what makes politicians tick and how they can make a good difference. And who knows if in their futures, particularly Harry’s, will they serve as advocates for the well-being of fellow citizens in politics or any other way? Well done Coombe Dean School and all schools who enable their children and young people to question and challenge the status quo to help them gain a better understanding of the world we should be creating with and for them. John.Stephens@plymouth.gov.uk 07977 730 601 Facebook@ CllrJohnStephensforPlymstockDunstone
Councillor Stefan Krizanac writes…..
Happy New Year to you all. 2023 was certainly full of twists and turns.
In May John Stephens won Plymstock Dunstone Ward for Labour from the Conservatives. Sadly, Alderwoman Vivian Pengelley passed away, the councillor who served Plymstock Dunstone ward and Plymouth City for over 30 years, including as leader. I had the honour to be chosen as the candidate for the Labour Party and the huge privilege of gaining a second seat in the ward. As a councillor I made my first speech in the council chamber in January and casework is keeping me busy and with Cllr Stephens we are really enjoying delivering for our ward. But one day during our walkabouts made a lasting impression on me – a young lady (in her 80s!) sweeping her driveway and pavement in front of her house inspired me to do the same at my home. This selfless act of this lady reminded me of so many unsung heroes who go about their lives and are making our ward cleaner and neater to live in. Thank you. If we all do a little to help or make a difference where we live or work we can all gain so much. I recently observed a beehive and learned that one bee in her lifetime produces only one small spoon of honey. The beekeeper on the other hand collects litres and litres of honey because 1000s of bees collect only so much. Plymouth City Council has seen its funding cut severely cut over the past 14 years and is still doing its best with the funds that it has to deliver on Plymothians’ priorities. So, as the famous supermarket slogan goes Every Little Helps and I think I’d also like to add a sports brand well-known tagline: Just Do It! Email: stefan.krizanac@plymouth.gov.uk. Mobile: 07813395873
Soroptimists join city centre march Almost 100 men, women and children, as well as a few dogs, joined members from Plymouth Soroptimist club on the walk through Plymouth city centre to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
Many walkers, including the dogs, wore orange and local landmarks displayed orange lighting including Derriford Hospital, Theatre Royal, University of Plymouth and Smeaton’s Tower. The walk was set off in the city centre by the Deputy Lord Mayor Kathy Watkin and closed by Alexis Bowater at the statue of Nancy Astor on Plymouth Hoe. At various points on the walk speakers, including Soroptimist president Elle
Vuitton, talked about the horrifying number of incidents of violence against women with almost 7,000 cases reported in Plymouth alone in 2022. Plymouth Citybus ‘Spiking’ bus was outside the Theatre Royal to highlight the dangers of drink spiking. Plymouth Soroptimists were delighted to be joined on the walk by representatives from local women’s support groups including Trevi and the Sunflower Centre. President Elle Vuitton said: “It was an amazing day, and it was great to have so much support from everyone who joined us and supported the event. The day of the walk marked the start of the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.”
Access gains a new dial-a-ride bus
Access Plymouth’s new dial-a-ride bus which has been provided by the National Lottery Community Fund
Plymouth based organisation, Access Plymouth, has received funding for a new accessible bus to add to their Dial-a-Ride fleet.
Access Plymouth is one of many organisations that has been supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, to deliver vital services tackling transport issues for older and disabled people in the city. Lesley Hargreaves, chief executive of Access Plymouth said: “Our current fleet of accessible buses are ageing and costing more money to run. We are thrilled that the National Lottery players have helped us to purchase a new bus to be able to continue our services across the city. Without this grant funding we would not have been able to replace one of the old buses. The Dial-a-Ride service
is vital for our customers to feel less isolated, giving them independence and improving their health and well being.” Luke Pollard MP said: “Being able to travel around Plymouth is something everyone should have access to. This new minibus makes travel to the shops, health appointments and seeing friends and family easier for older and disabled people. This isn’t just a minibus. It is a lifeline.” For the last four years June aged 91, has been using the Dial-A-Ride bus service to get out and about. June said “I don’t honestly know what I’d do without them. I would probably have to go into a care home because I couldn’t shop, get to the bank, optician, doctors, or to my diabetic tests. They are a massive help to my life.” To find out more about Access Plymouth please call 01752 600633.
@PlymChronicle
February 2024
Time for compassion and grace
THE
By Ian Pilkington, volunteer presenter at Cross Rhythms
Experience I recently mentioned, in a LinkedIn post, some mental health wrestles I had in the middle of some hard life events. The actual content of the post is available online and it isn’t earth shattering in any way.
19
The post received more engagement than any of the things I had posted in the last 12 months. It seems mental health struggles, and being open about them, are hot topics now. And a good thing too. A friend of mine had a similar response to an open and honest post that they wrote earlier last year. Social media is often seen as the breeding ground of divisive, judgmental commentary. The place where people choose a side to belong to and join in the wholesale vilification of people on the ‘other side’ of whatever argument they are picking. People using it can promote fake life stories, false ideals about body shapes and physical appearance, material possessions, and lives apparently so full of adventure (leaping off a mountain wearing a squirrel suit and gliding into the open side door of an aeroplane, anyone?) Negatively comparing our own very ordinary lives
to these is proven time and reference to emotions being again to lead to depression and ‘felt’ in our guts, our bowels. anxiety. Sounds odd? Isn’t that our So it is very helpful to own experience though? How see people responding often do we say ‘my stomach compassionately when others is tied up in knots’ when we reveal their own genuine are anxious? And, if you’re difficulties online. But it is anything like me, we find it difficult for many of us to harder to release and act sustain compassion amid the on feelings of compassion daily grind of life. The hectic for others when we are so pace, the constant drip of bad stressed. news, the fear and worry about I wonder, could this be one global conflicts, global markets reason why compassion is and our own health (SO many hard to find in so many places? people I know have had or still Road rage has increased. Air Ian Pilkington have this draining cough/cold rage too, according to the that just won’t go away). airlines. People seem quicker Compassion is necessary to get angry. Keyboard warriors for us to put love into action on behalf of others. fire off devastating salvos against people they The Good Book repeatedly says that ‘Jesus was don’t even know, triggered by opinions that they moved by compassion’ - moved to heal, moved to disagree with. Anxiety is ramped up, tension set people free from religious oppression, moved mounts. On the micro, individual level as well as to weep with mourning friends and even to bring between nations, it seems that forgiveness, grace their loved ones back from death. and compassion are in short supply. The word ‘compassion’ in the bible has its Yet hope glimmers through the turmoil. People roots, not to put too fine a point on it, in a respond positively when someone simply says
‘ouch, life hurts right now and I’m not doing it very well’. It’s risky to be vulnerable, but it’s worth it. Simple honesty, living authentically, could be a real key to unlocking the compassion and love that is within every human soul made in the image of our Creator. Jesus moved in compassion all the time. Vulnerable, true to Himself, caring and open to others, motivated to do wonderful things for others. If compassion is to share in another’s suffering and do something about it, then God really has done compassion better than any of us - He became one of us to feel what we feel and to give us a genuine way to overcome the fears of life, to love Him, others andourselves freely. Accessing His compassion may be just a prayer away. It’s worth a try the next time we find ourselves about to head into conflict. Heaven knows there’s enough of that about already in 2024.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Plymouth charity trustees on fact-finding visit to Romania Two sisters who are trustees of a Plymouth charity have recently took part in a factfinding visit to Romania. Sisters Heather Brumpton and Hazel McCartney from the Rainbow Project Plymouth managed their first trip to Romania since before the pandemic and caught up with their contacts in person and saw for themselves, first hand, what the work of the Rainbow Project has achieved. The Rainbow Project Plymouth is a local Christian Charity set up over 30 years ago in response to the heart wrenching pictures featured on the news of the conditions in Romanian orphanages. Rainbow stands for Romanians Are In Need Before Our Wants. The charity has since expanded and now sends aid to many countries Eastern Europe although they still have strong ties to Romania. Heather and Hazel spent time in Ilisua with their friends Edi and Lili who put them up at their home while they visited the children’s home they support and saw the children there that they have helped. This included Mihai whose ADHA medication they helped to purchase, and Celantro who has club feet. Money for the special boots he needs was sent to Romania earlier this year. They took a suitcase full of clothes and paracetamol and ibuprofen with them which they handed over to Savita, the head nurse. They also had meetings with the director , Lucien and Savita, to ascertain what needs they had moving forward. They already planned to help with buying
winter vegetables, but Lucien and Savita also made requests for colouring books, winter boots for Celantro, bible storybooks, vitamins, and repairs to some outdoor play
equipment. The children’s home also only has approximately half of the wood that they will need to see them through the winter. The sisters also spent some time in Vulcan at the Aurora Christian Centre where they got to see first-hand the renovations to the kindergarten that the Rainbow Project has helped to fund and spend some time with the children who attend there. They also went out to see the people living in the hills that Aurora help with food bags and other necessities and caught up with all the building projects that the charity has been helping to fund. In addition, they managed to visit the houses in Mina Mai that the charity helped to be repaired after a fire. They also visited a young lady called Andrea who fell out of a cherry tree when she was 18 and had to be carried down off the mountain on a blanket. She is paralysed from the chest down but is Residents of the children’s home in Ilisua waiting for gifts thankful to God for the
Pupils at the kindergarten in the renovated classrooms that The Rainbow Project helped to fund
use of her arms. She makes beautiful silk flowers from her purpose-built wheelchair-friendly flat, but her electric wheelchair has issues with its batteries, and she needs a ramp to get in and out of her flat so the charity is looking to assist her with funding as well. The Rainbow Project raises funds by selling items that are donated to them through a series of Pop-Up Charity shops around the Plymouth area and by selling donated items in their online eBay shop. Their last sale was held at Plymstock United Church, and raised just over £2700. Their next sale will be held at Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock between Thursday February 15 and Saturday February 17. For further information on the sales, please contact Heather on 01752 665116 or 07730 445922 or for more information about the charity visit www.rainbowprojectplymouth.org
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TREE FESTIVAL CAPTURES THE IMAGINATION Plympton St Mary’s and St Maurice Churches held a highly successful tree and crib festival over a weekend December. This saw a steady stream of people visit both churches to look at the exhibits put together by local organisations and to learn more about their work in the community.
symptoms of Parkinson’s by adding a number of stars, each of which described a different symptom of Parkinson’s. In all there were around 20 trees on display at St Mary’s and a further selection at St Maurice church. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Trees on display at St Maurice Church
The Parkinson’s Disease group’s tree
The trees displayed at St Mary’s Church were largely themed on Christmas carols and other seasonal songs. Chaddlewood Pre-school and Woodies After School Club Plympton Foodbank’s display
entered an eye-catching tree representing ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’. Children’s handprints were used to form reindeer pictures attached by ribbons to their tree and the top of it was adorned with large antlers, big eyes and a bright red nose. An imaginative display by the Plympton Foodbank volunteers saw them create a fireplace and mantelpiece effect from a stack of tin cans. The foodbank which operates from St Mary’s Parish Centre provides food parcels to those in need as well as offering advice on money matters and a warm welcome space. They always welcome donations of non-perishable food and goods. Students at Hele’s school used their tree to mark the school’s 80th anniversary
of their Combined Cadet Force. The base of their tree was wrapped with a pair of camoflage trousers surrounded by toy soldiers. Cadets at the CCF can get involved in camps and things like the Ten Tors challenge. They also fundraise for the Royal British Legion and take part in Plympton’s Remembrance Day parade. Local bellringers themed their tree somewhat appropriately on the ‘Carol of the Bells’. This saw the clever deployment of pre-used cardboard to form the shape of a bell, with the addition of miniature bell ropes, clappers and steeples. The local Parkinson’s Disease support group used a white Christmas Tree as the basis for their exhibit and used it to raise awareness of
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Plymouth pet food bank in danger of closing as it can’t keep up with demand
Bramble’s Pet Food Bank, a small local community initiative that provides food for pets in need, is running low on donations. Bramble’s Pet Food Bank is struggling to keep up with the demand for food, and is in desperate need of help from the community. Jo Butler, founder of Bramble’s Pet Food Bank said: “We simply don’t have enough food on our shelves to support people that so desperately need our help and who are struggling to feed their pets. This is heartbreaking, as we know how much pets mean to their families.” Bramble’s relies on donations from individuals and businesses to provide food for pets in need. At this current time the pet food bank is facing a critical shortage of donations and it simply doesn’t have the food to meet the demands from people needing help feeding their pets. The community initiative based in Southway is currently accepting donations of dry and wet dog and cat food, as well as treats and toys in the lead up to Christmas. Jo added: “We have seen a significant increase in the demand for our services in recent months. Any donation, no matter how big or small, can make a big difference. We are so grateful for the support of the community.” About Bramble’s Pet Food Bank Bramble’s Pet Food Bank is a non-profit initiative that provides food for pets in need. It was founded in 2020 by Jo Butler and is named after Jo’s beloved Cocker Spaniel, Bramble. Jo was inspired to start the pet food bank after seeing a growing need for pet food assistance in the community. How to Donate There are a number of ways to donate to Bramble’s Pet Food Bank. Donations can be made online via an Amazon wishlist or by dropping off tinned or dried food (unopened) to a range of local businesses across the city that are supporting the initiative including Bellas Pet Shop in Peverell, Ladies and Tramps Dog Grooming, Duke of Cornwall Hotel and The Dog Dip in Plympton. There is also a Bramble’s Pet Food Bank GoFundMe page www.gofundme.com/f/maxprbpet-food-donations Bramble’s Pet Food Bank has helped hundreds of families in Plymouth since it was founded. Jo is committed to helping families keep their beloved pets together.
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Jo Butler’s beloved Cocker Spaniel Bramble...namesake of the pet food bank
@PlymChronicle
22 February 2024
Planning application submitted for city’s new adult care facility James Mackenzie-Blackman
Theatre Royal chief executive is named as one of the most influential individuals in UK theatre industry Theatre Royal Plymouth’s chief executive and executive producer, James Mackenzie-Blackman, securing a coveted place in The Stage newspaper’s annual Top 100 of the most influential individuals in UK theatre.
Since taking on the role in January 2022, James has initiated a significant period of independent industry consultation ultimately leading TRP on a journey of continued creative renewal and growth. Not afraid of veering away from conventions, and following the recommendations from extensive consultation, James has transitioned TRP away from the traditional artistic director leadership model and instead introduced a group-led creative and producing team. New additions to join the leadership team under James’ tenure include Dame Darcey Bussell as chair of the Board; Liz King as executive director, Producing and Programming; James Greenacre as director of External Affairs; alongside four associate directors: Tom Jackson Greaves, John Haidar, Malaika Kegode and Sara Rhodes. 2024 will see TRP launch two brand new co-produced musicals, The Artist and Elton John’s The Devil Wears Prada as well as an inaugural season of work from TRP’s new associate directors. James said: “It is humbling to be included in such a prestigious list of notable colleagues within the industry, but this honour is thanks to all our team at Theatre Royal Plymouth, rather than any one individual. “This accolade is for all of us and recognises the hard work and innovative action we are taking to evolve TRP for the future. I want to celebrate our team, all the freelance artists we work with, and our audiences for helping to raise the profile of all we are doing at TRP.” The Stage releases its celebratory Top 100 list every January and this year’s top spot went to the team running the National Theatre. To keep up to date with all Theatre Royal Plymouth latest news visit www. theatreroyal.com/press.
Plans for a new adult social care facility to support Plymouth residents with learning disabilities have been submitted.
The state of the art, modern and accessible building has been designed specifically to support people with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs. It plans to bring together a day and respite service in one accessible location to replace the current daytime support offer at The Vine in Whitleigh and the respite provision at Colwill Lodge in Estover. The plans include seven self-contained flats and seven en suite bedrooms as well as a wide range of communal activity spaces, such as sensory rooms, art rooms and a kitchen. The location, on the former depot site on Outland Road which once belonged to the council’s Parks department, has been chosen for its convenient central location and proximity to Central Park. This would make it easier for people to access the service and enjoy the great outdoors while they’re there, experiencing all of the benefits to physical and mental wellbeing that comes from spending time in nature. Nature is a key theme in the plans which include extensive planting of trees, vegetation and wildflowers, as well as fruit and vegetable beds. The old site, which was demolished in 2023, was predominantly tarmac and concrete. The designs also intend for the centre to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with a low-carbon timber frame building that is highly
Sketch showing an aerial view of proposed new facility
efficient, minimising energy usage. Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The proposed plans show the fantastic potential of this facility, which we hope will support some of our most vulnerable residents by ensuring they and their
families have a purpose-built environment that meets their needs.” Last year, the council committed an additional £2.3 million to the project due to an increase in building costs since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the total budget to £12.8 million.
COUNCIL CALLS FOR PLYMOUTH TO RECEIVE FAIR SHARE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FUNDING
The leader of Plymouth City Council has issued a personal invitation to the new health secretary to visit Plymouth to discuss how the city is not getting its fair share of funding for residents.
Councillor Tudor Evans has written to new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP, to highlight the issues that the city faces and ask for greater support. Plymouth has higher than average levels of deprivation and health inequalities and is among
one of the top 20 per cent most deprived local authority areas in England, with two areas of the city falling within the most deprived one per cent. However, as health funding is allocated by NHS Devon on a county-wide basis, poor health outcomes for residents are masked by overall Devon statistics. With many areas in Devon being more affluent, there is an averaging effect that hides the city’s problems. Even the Public Health Grant
‘Pawesome’ new partnership for Gables
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership has announced a new partnership with Gables Dogs and Cats Home to support the rehoming of dogs and promote dog friendly businesses along the Barbican, waterfront and PWP’s wider business improvement district.
As part of the partnership, PWP will be working with Gables to promote the charity’s ‘dogalogue’ and adoption process. The first paw forward in this new partnership is the launch of a new video from PWP featuring two of Gables’ current residents, Mrs Claus and Frodo, filmed visiting a range of dog friendly businesses on the Barbican. Jon Walton, chief executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership: “We are delighted to announce this ‘pawesome partnership’ with Gables and to help the team find loving
homes for dogs currently in their care. This partnership not only supports Gables to reach more people and hopefully help them to find the dogs in their care safe, loving and secure homes for life, but also promote our dog friendly businesses here within the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. “We believe that Plymouth has a lot to offer dog owners, either those who are lucky enough to live here year-round or who visit the city for a weekend break or longer holiday. We want to make it easy for visitors to find all of the dog-friendly amenities that our waterfront has to offer.” Claire Sparkes, Gables general manager, said: “We are grateful for the support of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. This partnership will help us to reach a wider audience and to find more fur-ever homes for the animals in our care.”
allocation, which is supposed to support work to tackle inequality, fails to reflect the city’s levels of deprivation and inequalities. Councillor Evans said: “We work hard to ensure that residents receive the best possible health outcomes, and that our most vulnerable residents are supported. But we are constantly hindered by dwindling funding. Plymouth is not receiving its fair share and this has got to change.” Plymouth lost a significant amount of funding when the governance of primary healthcare was overhauled, resulting in a £15 million under-allocation of ‘fair shares’ funding. So far only £5 million of this missing funding has been received, meaning the city remains under its target allocation by 1.8 per cent. The city faces further problems with NHS dentistry, with nearly 22,000 residents currently on the waiting list for an NHS dentist. The problem is exacerbated by the inability or unwillingness of local high street dentists to provide NHS dental services, which means there is a large underspend of NHS funding.
It was hoped that this year’s underspend, which is expected to be in excess of £1.5 million, would be ringfenced to be used on local dental initiatives, but the ringfence appears to have been removed. The council also has a cost pressure of £5 million in adult social care, with issues exacerbated by high levels of inflation, increased pay costs and high energy prices. Councillor Evans continued: “We face many challenges, including a growing ageing population and an increasing number of adults with complex health needs. “This puts pressure on our already overstretched health and social care services, and it is clearly unsustainable. “We will continue to fight for the people of Plymouth and I have extended an invitation to Victoria Atkins to visit Plymouth and discuss the challenges we face, which I hope she will take us up on. “The Government should not only be aware of the issues that we face, but also be prepared to take action.”
USEFUL American football returns to Plymouth NUMBERS @PlymChronicle
February 2024 23
American football is returning to Plymouth with a new team rising from the depths more than a decade after the Plymouth Admirals called it a day.
The newly formed Plymouth Vanguard are set to play their first game on March 24 when they travel to Bournemouth to take on the Bobcats who won promotion to the BAFA National League Division 1 last season. The game against the Bobcats will be the first of what is hoped to be many matches throughout 2024, with fixtures - both home and away - being sought. Initially formed to provide players from the Royal Navy the chance to compete against teams other than the Army and RAF, the Vanguard will also offer opportunities for players from the city’s two universities as well as encouraging fans in and around Plymouth to try out the sport. A 13-strong coaching team has already been established and the aim is to complete the associate process in 2024, which involves playing five games, before entering the National League the following year. Club chairman Jos Tector said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of American Football to Plymouth! We have assembled a very talented coaching team, which includes some former Admirals, and we have attracted players from all areas of Devon, and also a handful from Cornwall.
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The new Plymouth Vanguard team are set to play their first game on March 24
“Our aim is to continue recruiting more players in the New Year, and what makes this game truly remarkable is that it offers positions suitable for individuals of all body types, sizes, and skill levels.” The team have ambitious plans which include establishing both a youth setup and women’s team who will compete in the BAFA
Sapphire Series. The club is actively searching for both new players and seeking local companies to engage as sponsors. Anyone interested in getting involved as a player or sponsor, please contact the club via social media or by emailing info@ plymouthvanguard.co.uk
AMBITIOUS NEW PLAN TO DRIVE FORWARD BIG IMPROVEMENTS TO PLYMOUTH’S BUS SERVICES
Plymouth City Council has published a new Bus Service Improvement Plan for the city.
The plan is the city’s ‘ask’ to central Government for funding to improve its bus services and includes ambitious targets for improving journey times, reliability, passenger numbers and satisfaction. It identifies almost £328 million of measures to ‘create a thriving bus network where everyone can be connected to important people and places, by services that are frequent, reliable, fast, affordable, safe and clean, which will also help Plymouth achieve its net zero goals by 2030’. They include: • new and improved infrastructure, such as new bus lanes on key routes, bus priority measures and junction improvements • new bus services, including a cross-city ‘loop’ serving Devonport, St Budeaux, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Plympton, Sherford, Plymstock, Prince Rock and the city centre • more frequent buses, particularly in the evening and at weekends • enhancements to the multi-operator ‘Skipper’ ticket, reducing its cost and expanding it to
include local ferry and rail services • an enhanced park and ride offer • combined and co-ordinated timetables • audio-visual announcements and next stop technology on all buses, integrated to include other information such as train times • citywide personalised travel planning, focussing on bus information, active travel and trips using more than one type of transport. The plan sets out what the Plymouth Enhanced Partnership (the statutory partnership between the council and bus operators) would like to deliver to improve services and achieve sustainable passenger growth. At its heart are the priorities identified by more than 1,800 residents in the council’s recent consultation, which were: frequent; reliable and fast; affordable; direct and connected; accessible; safe; simple and understandable; modern and clean. It ensures that Plymouth is well-placed to respond to funding opportunities from the Department for Transport and demonstrates to the Government that Plymouth’s Enhanced Partnership knows what needs to be done to deliver a firstclass bus service. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for
Strategic Planning and Transport said: “Our Bus Service Improvement Plan demonstrates the commitment of the council and Plymouth’s bus operators to deliver the bus services the cit needs. “It clearly shows that we’re aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of Plymouth’s bus services and are ready to deliver an exciting package of measure that will make buses more frequent, more reliable, easier to understand and use, better co-ordinated and cheaper.” Councillor Kevin Sproston, the council’s Bus Champion added: “Plymouth’s bus network has suffered in recent years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan is key to helping us to prioritise improvements, as and when funding becomes available, to deliver bus services that residents and visitors need and are proud of. ” Progress reports on the plan’s targets will be published on the Council website every six months, with the first report due in June 2024. To be notified when a progress report has been published send details to buspartnership@plymouth.gov.uk. To view the new Bus Service Improvement Plan visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/busimprovements.
Charges for some waste disposal at Chelson Meadow are dropped Residents disposing of a certain amount of soil, rubble or plasterboard at Chelson Meadow recycling centre are now no longer being charged.
It comes after the Government changed national laws on the classification of what is considered household waste. This means residents taking on DIY projects which produce soil, rubble and plasterboard will be able to dispose of a certain amount for free once more. A charge will remain in place for asbestos, which the new laws do not class as household waste.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “Having studied the guidance issued by the Government, we have now devised a scheme that we think will work for everybody. “It will allow people carrying out small DIY charges to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner without incurring further cost, while ensuring that bigger, commercial renovation projects do not benefit from disposal of waste at the tax payers’ expense.” Anyone taking soil, rubble or plasterboard
to Chelson Meadow will be required to book a slot through the council’s website. They will then be able to make four visits over a four week period, with a limit of two 50 litre bags per visit. This will enable staff to ensure that the system is not being taken advantage of. The disposal of asbestos will still be charged at £11 per bag or sheet. More details on how to book a slot and what can and cannot be taken to either of the council’s household waste recycling centres can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ recycling-centres
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24 February 2024
Celebrating 20 years of Flavour Fest over
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Flavour Fest, Plymouth’s food and drink extravaganza, is set to celebrate 20 fabulous years with an even bigger and better offering in 2024.
Already the South West’s largest free culinary event, Flavour Fest 2024 is expanding to feature an exciting new entertainment zone where visitors can kick back and relax, soak up the atmosphere of live music and Ibizan beats, sample amazing street food and sip on cocktails. The festival will also feature more than 80 stalls of fantastic local produce, tasting sessions and, new for next year, bookable masterclasses, workshops, themed demonstrations and children’s activities, to mark the anniversary. Held in the historic heart of Plymouth, the event will encompass both the City Centre and the Civic Piazza and run over the bank holiday weekend of May 31 to June 2. A staple of the city’s summer events programme since its inception in 2004, Flavour Fest draws legions of foodies eager to sample the extensive menu of food and
21,000
Flavour Fest 2024 is expected to attract 100,000 visitors over the three days
homes in Plympton and Plymstock
drink from the region, attracting 100,000 visitors over the three-day open-air expo plus a digital audience of more than 900,000. This year’s selection of delicious dishes and drinks includes authentic artisan food from other cultures plus jams, chutneys, cheeses, baked goodies, burgers and beef, along with drinks from coffee and tea through to rum, gin, whisky and liqueurs. Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company,
said: “It’s an absolute food-lovers heaven, with something for everyone no matter their tastes. “The event has evolved and grown in stature, quality and quantity over the years to showcase all the very best products available from this area. And we’re delighted to be expanding into an even bigger area with more attractions and entertainment. “Not only is there a superb range of stalls with wonderful offerings, it’s also just a great day out. We’re thrilled to reach our 20th anniversary and the coming year looks like being our most exciting festival yet.”
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Flavour Fest, Plymouth’s food and drink extravaganz bigger and better a, is set to celebrate offering in 2024. Already the South 20 fabulous years is expanding to with West’s largest free feature an exciting culinary event, Flavour an even new entertainme up the atmosphere nt zone of live music and Fest 2024 Ibizan beats, sample where visitors can kick back and three-day event takes place between relax, soak amazing street food May 31 and June and sip on cocktails. 2. FULL STORY ON The big BACK PAGE
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