Photo: Paul Slater
Petition calls for improved travel links between Plympton and Plymstock
Local resident Jenny Ayrton has set up an online petition calling for more inclusive travel routes between Plympton, Plymstock, Sherford and the new Park Crematorium, including a bus link and better cycling and pedestrian provision.
The petition has been opened on Plymouth City Council’s formal petition site which requires the council to take certain actions depending on the volume of support the petition receives. If a petition reaches 5,000 or more signatures from people living, working or studying in Plymouth, the subject matter will be debated at a full meeting of Plymouth City Council.
A petition attracting 2,500 or more qualifying signatures will be addressed by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
In her petition Ms Ayrton says: “This busy route linking Plympton, Plymstock and Sherford currently has no bus route or safe provision for pedestrians or cyclists. With the new crematorium now open, and a growing population in the new town of Sherford, a viable alternative for non-drivers is particularly important. Please do something before there’s an accident!”
She continues: “There is currently no safe route to arrive other than by car - this fantastic new facility should be accessible to all to pay our respects. The lack of a bus route or safe pedestrian access is a serious barrier to access. This situation seems particularly ironic as Plymouth City Council declared a Climate Emergency the month before approving the new location yet there is no safe option other than arriving by car.”
The new town of Sherford is described on the developers website as ‘ambitious’ ‘walkable’ and ‘with a decent public transport link’. However there have been recent reports of school children taking their lives in their hands as they walk along the narrow grass verge to get to secondary schools in neighbouring Plympton.
“The roads are extremely congested at this time of day, with parents driving miles to do the school run because there is no viable alternative. At present the only bus route involves a diversion via Heles Terrace and a change of buses run by two different bus companies.”
Ms Ayrton concludes her petition by calling on Plymouth City Council to provide a bus route to connect Plymstock, Sherford, Plympton and the
new crematorium and that safe walking and cycle routes be prioritised.
Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the local authority can require a developer to make a financial contribution towards infrastructure improvements as a condition of granting planning permission. In law, the purpose of the S106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is to regulate how the land is used and to mitigate the impact of development in a specific area.
Typical obligations under Section 106 agreements could include new roads, or contributions towards improved transport links. When Plymouth City Council granted itself permission to build The Park Crematorium at Saltram it did not impose any requirement upon itself to provide public transport links to the site or improve pedestrian facilities for reaching it.
The petition runs until January 19 and needs to collect the requisite number of signatures by then to be discussed in committee or at full council. If you wish to support the petition you can do so by going to https://democracy.plymouth.gov.uk/ mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
First Responders get boost from gardeners
A year of fundraising throughout 2024 enabled Plympton Gardeners Association to present a cheque for £1150 to First Responders which was the gardening group’s adopted charity for the year.
The presentation took place at their December Christmas social where members also enjoyed music from Al Wallers as well as quizzes, bingo, a raffle and a very tasty buffet supper.
Community First Responders are volunteers, trained by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, to attend 999 medical emergencies in their local community.
Every day, volunteer Community First Responders from across the South West attend emergencies within their local communities. Sometimes the difference is providing reassurance prior to the arrival of an ambulance; sometimes it is saving someone’s life.
People interested in becoming a Commnunity First Responder do not need any previous medical training and volunteers come from all walks of life. They include everyone from students to stay at home parents, retirees and many different professions.
Volunteers are provided with the required medical training and equipment to prepare for the role of Community First Responder.
In 2019, the South Western Ambulance Service was one of the first UK ambulance services to be awarded the Investing In Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
Carol Penhallurick and John Gilding from Plympton Gardeners present the cheque to a member of the South Western Ambulance Service
The standard shows volunteers, and potential volunteers, how much they are valued by an organisation and gives them confidence in its ability to provide an outstanding volunteer experience.
Expressions of interest in becoming a Community First Responder can be made by filling
out an online form at https://forms.office.com/e/ nbHd5LxTCT (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Volunteer Community First Responders – the true heroes at work in Plymouth
See story on Page 18
TICK, TOCK - THEY’VE MENDED THE CLOCK!
After years one of the clock faces having been stuck showing the same time day in day out, the hands are back moving again on the clock tower of one of Plympton’s best-known churches.
The clock on the St Mary’s tower has been repaired and both faces are now telling the right time - but it will be some months yet before the chimes are back working as more fundraising is needed to bring this part of the project to fruition.
A spokesperson for the church said: “The clock is a huge part of the town, and we are so grateful for the huge community effort in fundraising for its repair.
“As yet, the chimes aren’t in place - it will take another £5000 or so to have them working during normal hours. If you would like to contribute to this, please do contact the church.”
Donations can also be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/plympton-foodbank-or-st-marys-church-plympton. Once the chimes are back in use they will be intentionally silent between 11pm to 7am so as not to disturb the sleep of local residents.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
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.
Wedding Fayre
Jan 19
Free entry for the Wedding Fayre at the Future Inn, Plymouth from 11am to 3pm. Plymouth’s top professional wedding suppliers will be present to provide inspiration, creative ideas, and the assistance required to personalise your wedding day exactly to your liking.
Plymouth Drive-In Cinema
Harpers Football Centre
Jan 24 to Jan 26
Kick off the new year with a starlit movie experience at Plymouth’s very own Drive-In Cinema, taking place at Harpers Football Centre. Gather your family, friends, and cosy blankets for three days of beloved classic and family-favourite films, all enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Whether you wish to revisit an old favourite or discover something new, this event is designed for all ages and makes for the perfect winter evening out. Movies will be shown on a stateof-the-art LED screen creating a visually stunning display that’s hard to miss. For details and tickets visit homeparkstadium.com/news/plymouth-drive-incinema-a-starlit-movie-experience
Rebel Rising Stars
Jan 31
An unmissable evening of live music with local legends and rising stars at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7pm. Celebrate the vibrant local music scene and be part of something special. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rebel-rising-starstickets-1105365992439
Tubeway Days - The Gary Numan Live Experience
Feb 1
The Barbican Theatre recreate the shows of the original Gary Numan 1979 and ‘80 tours giving fans the opportunity to relive what was the pinnacle of Numan’s career as he dominated the UK music scene and saw hits and sold out tours around the world. For those who didn’t get the chance to see these iconic shows then Tubeway Days are giving everyone the chance to experience exactly what they were like. For details visit www.barbicantheatre.co.uk
Andy Zaltzman - The Zaltgeist
Feb 1
With the third millennium almost 2.5% complete, Andy Zaltzman, one of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. The show takes place at Plymouth University’s Main Hall at 7.30pm. In the biggest stand-up tour of his career, Andy will attempt to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why? As chair of The News Quiz since 2020, Andy has brought his inventive brand of satirical comedy to BBC Radio 4’s long-running flagship topical comedy show, earning the show multiple awards, critical acclaim and a growing listenership. Details and tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com
Sing Devon
Feb 6
Do you enjoy singing? Do you like to meet new people? Then go along to the Welcoming New Voices free session at Plymstock School PL9 9AZ. 7.15pm to 9pm. The emphasis is on fun, supporting the local community and supporting each other. Lots of laughing mixed in with beautiful sounds. No auditions. Just go along and give it a go! Details at www. singdevon.com - or call Pete Scott on 07896 276577.
Out and About
Your guide to events in the local community and beyond
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying to Theatre Royal Plymouth from February 26 to March 29
Bird & Wildlife Cruise Feb 12 and 27, Mar 1
Join Plymouth Boat Trips for the new Bird Watching Cruise to see and learn about the many birds that migrate to the area during the autumn and winter months, travelling the River Tamar and River Lynher, which are known for wintering wildfowl and many waders. Passengers may see Shelduck, Wigeon, Curlew, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, the stunning Avocets and hopefully be fortunate to also see Spoonbills. Commentary will be provided to give the opportunity to improve bird identification skills and learn about the ecology of the birds and the river. Tickets include a hot tea or coffee. For details and tickets visit www. plymouthboattrips.co.uk
Jake Lambert - the Sunshine Kid Feb 14
Jake brings his first national tour to the Woolwell Centre at 8pm. Described as ‘A joke machine’ by The Telegraph, the show will see the comedian talk about trying to navigate his way through everyday life, why he has a fear of being normal, and asking why we all feel the need to ask strangers what breed their dogs are. For tickets and information visit www. comicalentertainment.com
Allo Allo Valentine’s Special Feb 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a truly unique and unforgettable way with the Valentine’s Special ‘Allo ‘Allo Interactive Comedy Dinner at the Club Argyle Lounge, Home Park Stadium at 7.30pm. An evening filled with laughter, romance, and delicious food, as the beloved sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo comes to life in an immersive comedy experience like no other! For tickets and details visit www.homeparkstadium.com/ news/allo-allo-valentines-dinner
The Band of the Royal Marines
Feb 15
Royal Marines Band Plymouth, based at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint presents a concert at Theatre Royal Plymouth at 7.30pm. The concert will feature classic marches, overtures, soloists, a spectacular finale and not forgetting the ever-present Corps of Drums. Tickets from www.theatreroyal.com
Freaks, Geeks (and other human beings)
Feb 21
A one woman show featuring the multi-talented Carly Barnes at the Barbican Theatre at 7.30pm. Freaks is a tribute to the enduring power of parental love –ì even through difficult and testing times. But love which binds can also blind. Blind us to the real needs of those we love the most. Tickets from www.eventbrite. co.uk
Art Exhibition
Feb 21 to 27
Mindful Art Club presents an art exhibition at Leadworks, Plymouth. The event is free to attend and includes an opening night with entertainment and music on Friday February 21, from 7pm to 11pm. The artwork on display is a collection of pieces created by Mindful Art Club participants and is a culmination of an 18 month addiction recovery group project. It’s funded by the Peoples Health Trust.
Mary Poppins
Feb 26 to Mar 29
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying to Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly
com/whats-on/mary-poppins
Men’s Day Out
Mar 22
The ever-popular fund-raiser for St Luke’s Hospice returns again. An unmissable mix of miles, mates and memories. Discover a special bond with friends old and new for the 12km route starting and ending at Plymouth Albion. Details and registration at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout
Spring Concert
Mar 22
University of Plymouth Choral Society will be performing the Requiem by Fauré and other choral works at St Andrew’s Minster in Royal Parade at 7.30pm. Tickets available from Choral Society members or on the door £16 adults and £6 students.
Ed Byrne - Tragedy Plus Time
March 22
Attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Ed Byrne tests that formula by mining the most tragic events in his life for laughs. Performance at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. For tickets and information visit www.comicalentertainment.com
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.
standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Tickets from www.theatreroyal.
Photo copyright Daniel Boud
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Uber given green light to operate in Plymouth
Plymouth’s taxi licensing committee have agreed to issue private hire vehicle operators’ licences to two app-based ride companies – Uber and Smartzi.
Uber and Smartzi will be able to operate services in the city after the committee decided both met the council’s taxi licensing policy criteria. Both have been given a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years.
The decision was unanimous by the committee after it heard that both applicants complied with the legislation and policies that govern how taxis operate in the city. A licence has to be granted where all policy and legal requirements are met.
Any driver or vehicle used by Uber or Smartzi would still require a private hire driver’s licence and a vehicle licence issued by Plymouth City Council to work through these operators. Uber Britannia Limited applied for a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years, with the intention of having 160 vehicles licenced per year.
Papers were published which set out what the taxi licensing committee was being asked to consider and that was whether the directors of both companies were considered fit and proper persons to be granted a private hire vehicle operator licence.
The report says: “Officers recognise that if this application is granted it will potentially affect other private hire operators in the city – the committee is reminded that this is not a factor to be considered when deciding the application.”
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “We all know that people who enjoy our great night life here in Plymouth repeatedly struggle to get home and this has been going on for the last few years. Something has to change if our clubs, bars and venues are to survive in the long term.
“We are also acutely aware that a decision to grant a private hire licence to these companies could have consequences for our existing trade, but the committee has to take a decision based on very clear legal guidelines. This will be a very interesting debate.”
The private hire vehicle operator licence holder is a contracting party with customers to supply a private hire vehicle and driver for a trip that must be pre-booked with that operator.
The operator is responsible for keeping accurate records of bookings, drivers and vehicles used and ensuring that all conditions attached to the licence are complied with.
Various legislation and policies govern how taxis operate in the city and the report notes that both applicants comply with conditions. Prior to the committee meeting, an organisation called Workers Info Exchange contacted members of the committee to warn that if the go-ahead was given to Uber, the decision could face a judicial review.
It claimed there were serious deficiencies in the Uber application and a flawed decision process could lead to a judicial review. It also raised concerns about worker rights, safety, algorithmic transparency and environmental impact and suggested that the fees charged to Uber by the council would be insufficient to support regulatory enforcement and supervision.
New homes delight for Plympton residents
Residents are delighted with their new homes in Plympton following the refurbishment of a former Ministry of Defence estate.
Hillcrest Close in Plympton has become home for dozens of residents following the completion of the purchase and refurbishment of 86 new affordable homes.
Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) completed the purchase of the new affordable homes in June 2023, which were to be made available for affordable rent and shared ownership purchase through the organisation’s sales brand, SO Living for local people in housing need.
PCH is Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord with more than 16,000 properties providing homes for more than 35,000 people across the city. Its social rents are some of the lowest in the country, and up to 50 per cent less than the cost of renting the same property locally from a private landlord.
An estimated £21.5million was invested into the overall project to refurbish the Ministry of Defence estate, which included 86 threebedroom homes, 80 garages and a community centre. The acquisition of homes was made possible thanks to grants from Homes England and Plymouth City Council totalling £7.6million to help fund the overall project cost.
In August 2024, PCH residents living at the former MOD site in Plympton came together for a family fun day organised by PCH and local partners to gather and celebrate with their neighbours and meet with their new local housing team at the Hillcrest Community Centre.
Residents were in high spirits as they met with their new neighbours and friends, with many sharing happy stories of their new homes.
Debbie and Aaron moved into their home with their family in Plympton after living in temporary accommodation for two years and are delighted with their new home and the overwhelming community spirit in the street.
Debbie and Aaron said: “Before moving here we were homeless and lived in a hotel as temporary accommodation for two years. We hoped that we would be given a home, but of course we were nervous about where we were going to live.
Departing Mon 9 Jun ‘25
Take a tour on the scenic side and explore the
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Your break includes
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa, Bromsgrove (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Heritage train journey on the Severn Valley Railway
Cruise on the River Severn with light refreshments
Excursions to Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ludlow Market & Shrewsbury
Delighted resident Aaron and his daughter outside the Community Centre at Hillcrest Close
Photo: Plymouth Community Homes
“Once we had put our bid on properties here it was a waiting game, but when we finally heard that we were being offered one of these homes the only words were yes yes yes!
“Our home is beautiful, and we are slowly putting our own stamp on it. It’s so peaceful and it’s amazing to be able to look out to the trees and see the birds. We have put blinds everywhere around the house apart from our living room so we can look out and enjoy nature. We lived in the inner city for so long without this, so living here is just amazing.
“Before we moved here my little girl had no friends, but moving here has absolutely changed her life. This year she has had a proper summer holiday, playing out with friends and living life to the full.
“The biggest change has been for our son who experiences mental health problems and hasn’t left the house for two years. But for the first time, he has now left the house after finding out about the boxing gym that opened down the road. It has seriously changed his life.
“I love the area and being able to say that we live in Plympton. It’s such a community and we all feel very safe. It’s nice to know that everyone wants to live in a nice community like us. We have made such good relationships with our neighbours and the friendships that we have developed are wonderful.
“The support we have received from Plymouth Community Homes and the council has been brilliant. The staff have been fantastic. We have never experienced such a community and overall, we honestly feel like we’ve won the jackpot.”
Nick Jackson, executive director of Business Services and Development at Plymouth Community Homes, said: “We are delighted to see first-hand the positive impact that the refurbishment of the homes in Plympton has had on our residents and the community spirit that has arisen so quickly.
“PCH would like to thank Homes England and Plymouth City Council whose grants totalling £7.6million helped to fund the overall project. We look forward to working with them on our existing and future projects to provide more affordable homes across Plymouth and into Devon and Cornwall, in line with our mission to provide a high-quality affordable home for everyone.”
Jill Palmer, housing officer at Plymouth Community Homes, said: “It is so positive to see the Hillcrest estate come to life with so many families finding their forever home. The homes are a great size, and Hillcrest has such a lovely atmosphere. These properties offer homes to such a diverse range of families, and it is lovely to see the security they have brought to those who were in temporary accommodation, overcrowding or leaving difficult situations.
“As with all communities there are going to be occasional challenges, but there’s been a great spirit to work hard to overcome these. The event held in the summer at the community centre/ boxing club was great fun and it was particularly positive to see the children playing freely and the adults being able to relax and socialise with other residents and PCH staff.”
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development at Plymouth City Council, said: “I am delighted that the Council have been able to provide funding from our Plan for Homes programme and help bring Hillcrest Close back into use as affordable housing. It is so pleasing to see these empty houses become homes once again.
“Projects like this are yet further testament to what can be achieved by working in partnership with PCH and Homes England. Together we are stronger and together we will continue to deliver results for Plymouth.”
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A group of young people from Hele’s School in Plympton are among 42 local organisations and groups to have been awarded funding to deliver community projects ranging from afro hairdressing training, educational workshops in schools, community events and maternity support for women from refugee or asylum seeker communities.
Last year Plymouth City Council invited individuals and groups to apply for a grant to address the public disorder that happened in the summer.
Successful applications have included initiatives to understand the causes of the disorder to enable the city to move forward together and increase community cohesion, ensuring everyone feels safe and welcomed in the city.
Following the riots last summer, the Government awarded Plymouth City Council £600,000 to support communities that were impacted.
Over 100 applications were received, with the funding being awarded to 42 organisations, including over £80,000 to six projects that are working collaboratively to deliver a range of initiatives for children, young people, and schools.
Awards of up to £4,000 have been made to 30 grass root organisations including the group of young people from Hele’s School – who applied for the grant so they can work with a local artist to create a mural promoting diversity.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We have had a fantastic response to this funding programme. I have been overwhelmed not just by the number of applications from grass roots organisations, but the high quality of submissions.
“It is amazing that Plymouth has such a wide number of groups and organisations so enthusiastic to deliver projects and activities that aim to celebrate diversity, encourage community cohesion, focus on education and awareness and bringing people together to understand different cultures. It is a testament to our city.”
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Communities, added: “I, like very many Plymothians, believe the true spirit of Plymouth should be one based on acceptance, welcoming everyone to our great city.
“These local groups and organisations will now be able to use this
us strengthen our communities and
Thousands of new homes planned for city centre
Plymouth’s ambitions to provide thousands of homes in the city centre are expected to be given a huge boost, thanks to a new partnership with Homes England.
The Government’s Housing and Regeneration Agency is joining forces with the City Council to create a bespoke regeneration partnership to enable the delivery of significant transformational regeneration opportunities.
The agency’s board members were in the city recently to look at the opportunities and challenges Plymouth faces and to discuss future plans with top council officials and politicians.
They toured the city centre, to look at the latest public realm investments in Old Town Street, New George Street and Armada Way as well as key projects such as the Civic Centre.
They also visited Devonport naval base, where a £4.5 billion Government investment is expected over the next 10 years and they heard about Plymouth’s growth agenda, including the Freeport, the growth of marine sciences and offshore wind opportunities and the universities’ ongoing successes.
The work being undertaken by the council and Homes England recognises the significant opportunity to transform and regenerate Plymouth City Centre, delivering lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the community and commits both parties to work collaboratively with a focus on:
• The development of thousands of new homes with a mix of affordable, market and specialist housing
• Revitalising key sites, improving infrastructure and enhancing the public realm
• Promoting sustainable growth and creating vibrant communities
• Supporting local economic development and job creation.
They will also aim to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to support the delivery of the regeneration programme and work together to identify funding and investment opportunities to speed up progress.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is exciting stuff. Homes England share our vision of changing the city centre and creating more homes within this key part of Plymouth.
“We have made huge inroads and investment in our city centre, which is paying off, with increased interest from business and more footfall.
“We know that Plymouth is being talked about in Whitehall – Plymouth has enormous potential and we are delighted to welcome the board here to see for themselves what makes Plymouth special.
“We have been working with Homes England on our vision for the city centre for a while now and we look forward to this positive relationship continuing.”
The partnership will aim to deliver the transformation of the oversized retail core into a vibrant mixed-use city centre.
Chair of Homes England, Peter Freeman, added: “It was fantastic to be in Plymouth to see the latest public realm investments first hand and how plans to regenerate Plymouth’s city centre are taking shape. It is clear that the council has recognised the opportunity here to provide much needed new homes and bring more people to the heart of the city.”
Plymouth’s city centre is unusual in that has a significantly lower number of people living there, with only 1,000 homes, compared to an average of 8,000 in other cities of a similar size.
This poses a real challenge to creating a vibrant city centre, increasing footfall, and attracting and retaining skilled professionals for the needs of the wider city.
Men’s Day Out makes such a big difference for St Luke’s Hospice
Men’s Day Out – the popular fundraiser for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – is back for 2025 and with a twist this year.
Men’s Day Out offers an unmissable mix of mates, miles and special memories, raising vital funds for local hospice care and registration is now open.
The flagship event – which last year attracted more than 2,000 sponsored walkers – is taking place on Saturday March 22.
One of the most hotly anticipated fixtures in the city’s calendar, the much-loved march is renowned for its unique blend of camaraderie for men of all ages, awareness and fundraising for St Luke’s, and much-needed, honest conversations about grief and bereavement.
Many who participate in Men’s Day Out do so in memory of a lost loved one. Striding the streets together allows guys to open up to each other, share their experience of bereavement or facing a terminal diagnosis in the family, and do something positive and uplifting to support people in the local community.
Over the ten years since the annual event started, it has raised more than £1m, helping St Luke’s to continue its personalised end-of-life care for terminally ill patients at home and at the specialist unit at Turnchapel.
Sponsored by JEM Scaffolding Ltd, 2025’s event will see the men follow a scenic 12km (7.5 miles) route along the waterfront and through the city, starting at Plymouth Albion rugby ground as
usual. But in a shake-up, they’ ll be tackling the circuit in reverse, winding up back at Albion for a well-deserved hot dog and beverage before cheering on the local side in a rugby match to
remember.
Registration costs just £35, but that only covers the official Men’s Day Out T-shirt, refreshments, a ticket for the rugby 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.
Penny Hannah, head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Men’s Day Out will be striding ahead for 2025 kindly supported by JEM Scaffolding Ltd. While the reversed route is a new feature, what will never change is the camaraderie, banter and feelgood factor our walkers know and love.
“There is something special about seeing so many guys get together in support of St Luke’s compassionate care and each other too. Men often struggle to reach out for support, and being together on the move provides a rare opportunity get alongside others who understand how bereavement feels.
Places at Men’s Day Out are limited so St Luke’s advise registering early to avoid disappointment, and start rallying sponsorship.
Find out more at www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/mensdayout.
Haul road marks start of second phase of Armada Way project
Contractors Morgan Sindall will be creating a new haul road – a temporary road – to allow construction materials and machinery to be moved around the central section of Armada Way and to keep both workers and the public safe.
The road will be formed between Mayflower Street and Place de Brest – which is Zone 2 of the Armada Way scheme. A number of 1980s raised beds will be removed and the surface levelled.
The work is likely to be noisy and dirty initially, but the temporary road will be a significant distance from shop fronts and separated from the public by CLD fencing, a more permanent form of fencing, before hoarding is put up.
The haul road marks the next step in the progress of Armada Way. Since the start of work at the beginning of October the project has been moving ahead in the top compounds, with the sites cleared, drainage trenches dug and pipework installed for the rain gardens. The planned amphitheatre around the Phoenix Fountain is also taking shape.
The haul road heralds the start of work in Zone 2, which will entail removing the low-rise walls, clearing the planting – which will be redistributed around city parks where appropriate – and levelling the ground.
granite elements will also be removed to be
Councillor Tudor Evans said: “This project has only been going for three months and you can already see serious change on the ground. This next section is going to be transformed – it’s where the play area will be, it will have a water feature running through it and water jets. These features are a while
off, but it’s great to see this important project cracking on at such a pace.”
To help keep the mud levels down, trucks and machinery that move on and off the site from Mayflower Street will be hosed down. The work will continue to operate between the hours of 7am and 6pm.
Existing
recycled where possible.
Colourful fundraisers pictured at a previous Men’s Day Out. Photo: Paul Slater
Armada Way compound Photo: Plymouth City Council
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Tributes to Steve Pearce, former Deputy Lieutenant of Devon
Tributes have been paid to Steve Pearce QPM DL, a former Deputy Lieutenant of Devon and a previous Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, who has passed away aged 75.
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In a lengthy police career he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming an Assistant Chief Constable and in 2003 he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for services to policing. After retiring from the police in 2004 Steve developed a number of community interests and involvements. These included serving as a director of Promoting Children in Plymouth for over 15 years, a director of Hamoaze House for over 13 years, and being a director of the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council for almost 7 years. He also became involved with the Plymouth Drake Foundation.
In 2019 Steve became a Trustee of the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall and took over as Chair of the Trustee Board in 2021, a position he served in until 2024. He was also the President of the Plymouth Area Police Choir. Shortly after his retirement from the Police, Steve was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, a position he held until last year. This involved, among other things, representing the Lord Lieutenancy at civic events and awards ceremonies and doing assessments of organisations nominated for the Queen’s (and now King’s) Award for Voluntary Service.
Among those paying tribute was Rosalie Robison who said: “It was a pleasure to work with Steve in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant. He was the loveliest man, always willing to help out and to get out and about in Plymouth and surrounding areas to make a difference where he could.”
John Revell remarked: “I was the first head of the Crown Prosecution Service in Plymouth. Steve was one of the best police officers I ever worked with and one of the nicest people I have ever known.”
In a posted online tribute Sarah Day said: “It was truly an honour to have known and worked alongside you in the world of Community Safety Partnerships and policing as well as Victim Support, PDREC and Crimestoppers. You were indeed a very kind and approachable person, with an infectious smile and unique sense of humour who did so much with your life, for policing, for the community you served and for your family.”
Michael Boon described Steve as ‘a decent human being, who will be sadly missed.’
Former Plympton Stannator and Hospital Radio Plymouth president Andrew Hill said: “I first met Steve in 2011 when he came to assess Hospital Radio to be considered for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“I found him to be fair minded in his approach and we subsequently bumped into one another at civic and charity fundraising events in the years after. He would always make a point of speaking and was a warm and engaging individual.”
Steve’s funeral took place at The Park Crematorium at Saltram on December 18 and there was such a large turnout of people wanting to pay their respects that some had to witness the service from the waiting room.
spending £2.3m on the scheme
Plymouth City Council is taking its first steps towards introducing kerbside food waste collections.
Running across every home in the city, the weekly collections are expected to begin from Spring 2026.
It means that residents will be able to separate leftovers and peelings from rubbish bound for the brown bin, allowing this waste to be processed separately and converted into renewable energy.
The decision to begin these collections will not only help increase the city’s recycling rate but will also support the ambitions of the council’s Net Zero Action Plan.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I am so pleased to be introducing domestic food waste collections to Plymouth, bringing us in line with local authorities across the region in providing this valuable service.
“The benefits of this move represent positives for people and the planet. Not only will we increase our recycling rate and reduce emissions, but it will also help people to see how much food they waste and hopefully save money by changing habits.
“It’s a really exciting time and over the next year, we’ll be working with communities to help encourage households to reduce the amount of waste they produce to make an even greater environmental impact.”
In order to set up this new service, the council has started the process of lining up the required infrastructure.
An executive decision to allocate £2.3m for the purchase of 10 new collection vehicles and internal and external caddies for all 123,000 household in the city was signed on Wednesday. The funding comes from the most part from a £2m ring-fenced DEFRA grant.
Prior to the service beginning, an extensive public engagement programme will be rolled out across the city to ensure that residents know how the service will work.
There are no current plans to change the frequency of green and brown bin collections as a result of the new service.
Drawing a line: how former drug dealer turned artist
A former drug dealer from Devonport, who took up mindful art while on probation, is to be featured in a Plymouth art exhibition, at Leadworks Projects CIC.
James, (not his real name) who grew up in Plymouth, has been learning the art of mindful doodling with Mindful Art Club CIC, a local social enterprise which offers free peer support groups using mindfulness and art.
The upcoming exhibition will feature work by participants of the weekly recovery art group, and explores themes of addiction and recovery through drawings, paintings and 3D art works.
James left school with four BTech qualifications and got his first criminal conviction for possession and GBH aged 17. He soon started dealing Class A substances, leading to a prison sentence of four years in 2015, for possession with intent to supply.
In 2024, while on probation, James attended Mindful Art Club at Plymouth Central Library on Monday afternoons, where he learned to practice mindfulness, and mindful drawing, in a relaxed, non-judgemental atmosphere.
Mindful Art Club founders, Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson had previously worked at Broadreach addiction rehabilitation centre, until being made redundant when the centre closed in 2019.
Emma said: “We wanted to continue supporting people who struggled with mental health and addiction, so we set up our social enterprise to provide free peer support groups in Plymouth.”
Peggy, a counsellor, added: “Working in rehab gave us extensive experience of supporting vulnerable people, specifically those who have experienced substance misuse, mental health issues, time in prison, homelessness, and domestic abuse.”
Following the end of his probation period James has become a volunteer for Mindful Art Club, attending three sessions a week, at Plymouth Central Library, The Harbour Centre, and The Unitarian Church hall in Notte Street.
People’s Health Trust has invested in Mindful Art Club, using money raised by Health Lottery South West, making the
addiction recovery art group at the library possible. Funding from The National Lottery Community fund has allowed them to also offer a new art club at The Harbour Substance Misuse Centre in Mutley.
James is now interested in working with young offenders. He said, “I want to help youths avoid grooming and county lines, and help them out of positions they have ended up in.”
The Mindful Art Club’s exhibition at Leadworks in Rendle Street, Stonehouse, opens with an evening of music and performance on Friday February 21 at 7.00pm. The exhibition is on display for a week, until February 27. The event and exhibition are free to attend, and are a culmination of an 18 month addiction recovery group project. There are more details at www. mindfulartclub.co.uk/recovery-exhibition/
Mindful Art Club founders Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson
Ground-breaking ‘Sea for Yourself’ programme receives £1.6m funding
More than £1.6 million has been awarded to Plymouth to create a major four-year cultural programme designed to reconnect the people of the city with the ocean.
Plymouth Culture has been awarded the funding in partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to establish the programme, called ‘Sea for Yourself.’
It will aim to bring together the city’s cultural and natural assets to inspire meaningful change and create opportunities for people to interact with the city’s beautiful marine environment.
The funding includes £751,000 from Arts Council England and £860,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and will enable the development and delivery of the four-year programme of creative digital commissions designed to reconnect residents to the ocean.
It will also benefit the creative and cultural sector in Plymouth, with opportunities for artists to develop the skills and expertise in creating art that connects with nature.
Sea for Yourself is being led by Plymouth Culture in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, supported by The Box, Real Ideas, Arts University Plymouth, University of Plymouth and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Hannah Harris, chief executive of Plymouth Culture, said: “Sea for Yourself represents a step change for Plymouth. It’s a bold collaboration that combines our incredible cultural assets with the natural beauty of the National Marine Park.
“By reconnecting residents with the ocean, we are creating a unique and symbiotic relationship between people and their environment while also laying the foundation for a cultural legacy that will benefit future generations - artists and residents alike.”
Hannah Harris and Plymouth Culture chair Lindsey Hall were at the Arts Council England event at the House of Commons recently to celebrate the impact of Arts Council investment and to cement its ongoing strategic investment in Plymouth.
Sea For Yourself’s four major cultural commissions will each focus on themes such as making visible the invisible, archive and heritage, immersive environments, and outdoor installations. Each year-long commission will feature an embedded community engagement programme, ensuring that local people are actively involved in shaping the projects.
These commissions will use a creative digital approach to create interactive and shared immersive experiences that bring Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to life.
By making the unseen aspects of the marine world visible, they aim to deepen the public’s connection with the environment, spark curiosity, and inspire collective stewardship of Plymouth’s unique marine heritage.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Plymouth City Council Leader said: “For over a decade, we’ve been embedding culture into Plymouth’s identity, and the Sea for Yourself programme marks an exciting new chapter in how we harness the power of culture to bring our communities together.
“This place-based partnership includes a cutting-edge digital dimension, making the UK’s first National Marine Park and Plymouth’s cultural heritage accessible to everyone in the city. It’s another step in ensuring Plymouth takes a leading role in showing how culture can drive positive change, connect communities, and create opportunities for all.”
A Collaboration for Transformational Change
Sea for Yourself is more than just a cultural initiative‚it’s about transformational change. By merging art, digital and the city’s natural heritage, the programme will foster a new relationship between residents and their marine surroundings.
SUNRISEWINDOWS
The focus will be on driving community engagement, creating opportunities for cocreation, and building audiences for the future. It will also create countless opportunities for artists and creatives to work alongside ecologists, environmentalists, and technologists. This interdisciplinary approach will encourage a deeper exploration of the relationship between nature and art.
Hannah Harris added: “So many artists are already working in collaboration with environmentalists to think deeply about our relationship with the land and the sea. This initiative enables us to take that further, offering new opportunities for creatives and making Plymouth the home of high-quality, world-leading arts and nature practice.”
Legacy for Plymouth and Beyond
The use of digital technologies in Sea for Yourself will also open up new possibilities for public engagement. By enabling people to connect with inaccessible or unseen aspects of the marine environment, the programme will expand opportunities for learning, participation, and cultural connection.
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s area director for the South West, said: “Plymouth Culture’s application exemplifies how place-based working can pave the way for a sustainable future, both economic and environmental. With public art and digital engagement at the heart of Sea for Yourself, residents and businesses will engage with themes of identity, citizenship, environmental responsibility, health and wellbeing, building on the city’s established reputation as a hotbed of creative talent and culture. I look forward to where the next four years take us and invite Plymothians of all ages and backgrounds to join us in writing the next chapter in the city’s story.” Plymouth Culture has appointed Rob Bowman as senior creative producer for the programme. With over 20 years of experience leading large-scale public art projects and digital engagement programmes, Rob will oversee the development of the cultural commissions, ensuring they deliver both artistic excellence and meaningful community impact.
As Plymouth Culture collaborates with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, Plymouth City Council, and local organisations, Sea for Yourself is poised to set a new benchmark for how culture and the environment can come together to inspire communities and drive meaningful change.
Gas repair works to to start in Barbican
Work has started on a three month scheme to upgrade gas pipes in The Parade area of The Barbican.
Wales & West Utilities began the work on January 6 and, barring any engineering difficulties, will be finished by the end of March. It is essential to ensure the gas is kept flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people safe and warm for generations to come.
Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Plymouth City Council to plan the work, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place. This includes road closures and multi-way traffic lights. Closures will be clearly signposted, and motorists are advised to allow sufficient travel time.
Abby Smith of Wales & West Utilities is managing the gas pipe upgrade work and said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
“We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”
Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team is available to take calls about the work and can be contacted on freephone 0800 912 2999.
Hannah Harris, chief executive of Plymouth Culture
Photo: Matthew Horwood
Plymstock Post
Update from Cllr John Stephens for Plymstock Dunstone
Did you know?....
• Over 70% of primary school age pupils live within one mile of their school, and almost 90% per cent live within two miles.
• 28% of secondary age pupils live within one mile of their school and about 60% live within two miles.
• 1.3 miles is the average distance to primary school and three miles is the average distance to secondary school.
Essentially, most pupils and students live close enough to walk or cycle to school. Using the car or a bus is the only option for some, including those with mobility difficulties, travel to a special school provision, a school further afield, or who are dropped off when a parent heads on to work. Did you know?
• In Plymouth, 39% of car journeys to schools are less than 1.2 miles with many being even less, and 70% of all car journeys to schools are less than two miles.
In the past year, Plymouth City Council, in partnership with Sustrans, has continued to support projects to increase levels of active travel to over sixty Plymouth schools. These include all forms of non-motorised travel and working with families to raise their ambition and embed a culture of active travel within the school community.
Evaluations have revealed significant changes in people’s travel behaviours and sustained increases in walking, cycling and scootering and fewer journeys to schools taken by car. This has had a huge benefit on levels of children’s physical activity and general well-being, their feeling of safety and road safety awareness when travelling actively, less congestion around schools, reduced
carbon emissions and also economic benefits for their parents.
I know from my discussions with local and citywide schools as part of my Walking and Cycling Champion role for Plymouth City Council, active travel is something they strongly encourage. This is not just for their pupils’ physical fitness but also to create safer school neighbourhoods.
As a keen advocate for the Safer School Streets project, now adopted at six Plymouth Schools, I will endeavour to bring such a scheme to a school in the Plymstock area where a compelling need has been identified.
Several parents and carers in the Elburton and Goosewell Schools localities have told me that walking to school with their children or training them to walk safely with others on some or all days, has been quicker and less stressful than driving, being stuck in traffic and trying to find a parking space.
Some have parked further away from the school and walked their children to school or let them go independently before they head off to work. They also said there have been more opportunities for their children to talk with them and other children as they walk.
Did you know?....
• If you drive your children to school, you and your child could change a travel to school habit now to help you and your community reap the benefits listed above.
Further information about active school travel to school and active travel for everyday living for all ages can be found on the following helpful links: www.plymouth.gov.uk/travelling-school-safely www.gov.uk/government/organisations/activetravel-england
Update from Cllr Stefan Krizanac for Plymstock Dunstone
With Christmas and the New Year holiday having passed, our council continues to work full steam ahead with councillors resuming to discuss, scrutinise and decide upon many issues for our city and its people.
Last year, we as a council, delivered on many fronts with many planned projects completed and new ones at different stages of delivery. Our local councillor community grants are helping local sporting groups and organisations in Plymstock Dunstone. They are providing
fantastic service to members of our community. Just recently, we had an update from Plymstock Bowling Club about the installation of solar panels on their premises that will greatly improve their aim for Zero CO emissions. Cllr. Maria Lawson, Cllr. John Stephens and I have been delighted to have helped to make this happen.
If you are young in body or heart, why not give a visit to Plymstock Bowling Club as it is a fantastic facility that caters for all age groups. Our aim for this calendar year is to continue to serve our local community groups and individuals as we have done so far.
Update from Cllr Daniel Steel for Plymstock Radford
An issue I have been tackling recently is the persistent fly tipping around the clothes donation bins and glass recycling banks at the Broadway and Morrisons car park.
The glass recycling banks were removed at these locations because they were at the end of their useful life and were also found to be encouraging fly tipping.
What really grinds my gears is most of the items dumped around the clothes bins are not even clothes. I have found building and household waste, glass bottles, and many other non-clothes items. So more regular emptying of the bins is not the answer. But let us be clear, it is never ok to dump clothes around the bins when they are full no matter how often they are emptied.
And I must confess, it is a special kind of ignorance to fly tip glass bottles given we have been able to recycle them in our green recycling bins for years. These people who are actively going out of their way to waste their own time and disrespect the rest of the community with their fly tipping antics.
I find the behaviour of this minority of residents completely unacceptable and extremely selfish. And who is left with the bill to clean up all the mess? That is right, you and me as council tax payers. I have had to ask Street Services to come out four times in the past month.
Sadly, I see no alternative than for the clothes donation bins also to be removed. Rant over.
On a more positive note, I want to express my sincere thanks to the NHS staff and many others who worked over the Christmas and New Year period to keep us safe and healthy.
I personally called on them for help to treat a very bad ear infection. I was extremely impressed that each time I needed help I was seen in a matter of hours. I know many people continue to face unacceptably long waits, but to me it was a demonstration of the NHS at its best, kind and caring, there in your time of need, and free at the point of access.
My sincerest wish is to see our NHS back on its feet in 2025 and beyond.
Update from Cllr Maria Lawson for Plymstock Dunstone
A New Year offers the opportunity for new beginnings and new challenges.
Little did I know that at the start of 2024 I would have the opportunity to become a councillor for Dunstone Ward. I have loved all the challenges the role has brought to date, and I am already looking forward now to what this year will bring. The local Labour team have already tentatively made plans with regards to what can be achieved to enhance and support the community this coming year.
John and I had the absolute pleasure of spending some time with the ‘Friends of Downhorn Park’ who are a committed group of volunteers that endeavour to keep this welcoming space user friendly for the residents of Plymstock.
The group is led by Colin Munn, and they meet on Wednesday mornings. There is an established Orchard, a pond, a seating area and raised flower beds. Anyone can pick the fruit and vegetables that have been grown by the group and enjoy the parkland.
The group are keen to make the area more accessible for those with mobility issues and are looking to raise funds to construct a path. We
will of course be donating some funds from our community grant to kick start the project and help with ideas that the group have put forward. We are happy to be approached by groups in the area who would like support with projects and activities that would benefit from contributions from our community grants. Please submit any requests to us and we can look at helping. We look forward to meeting you at our community surgeries and dates will be advertised soon.
Cllr John Stephens (centre) supporting Safer School Streets projects during the school run at Stuart Road, Tor Bridge Primary and Cann Bridge Schools
Cllr Stefan Krizanac watching on as Cllr Maria Lawson demonstrates her bowling flare at Plymstock Bowling Club
Cllr Daniel Steel at the overflowing recycling collection bins and fly-tipping at Plymstock Broadway car park
Cllr Maria Lawson and Cllr John Stephens with Friends of Downhorn Park, Plymstock
Tony proves it’s never too late to learn something new
New Year’s resolutions aren’t always easy to keep – but anyone thinking of going back into education, Tony Miller proves it’s never too late to do it.
The 72-year-old is in his second year of a History with Creative Writing degree at the Plymouth University, and loving the experience.
Having left a ‘horrible’ school environment in his early teens with no qualifications, he went to work at the dockyard in his native Portsmouth for 14 years, followed by 12 in Plymouth. He followed this with building railway signal systems, but he always maintained a love of reading, especially around history and heritage.
Tony had a family with his late wife, Lyn, and they lived happily for 47 years. Upon losing her he didn’t know what to do next. But the arrival of the Covid pandemic catalysed his move towards pursuing a passion – and the rest, as they say, is history.
“If there’s such a thing as a soul mate, my wife was mine. When I lost her in 2017 it left me looking for a new path and Covid coming along in 2020 helped nothing.
“Throughout my time in Portsmouth and later on when we moved to Plymouth, I’ve always loved History so I joined Plymouth Time Bank. I enjoyed intelligent conversation with people, which I’d really missed, and wanted to do more, so someone suggested an Access Course.”
Tony took his first GCSE aged 69 with On Course South West before embarking on an Access to Humanities course at City College Plymouth, where he went on to win Access Student of the Year. Read more about Tony’s success at www.cityplym.ac.uk/college-life/success-stories/tony-miller-success-story/
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From there, he felt a History degree – alongside developing his creative writing – seemed like the next logical step.
“I went to an Open Day at the university and was absolutely blown away by the enthusiasm of everybody who spoke. Honestly, the lecturers’ passion for their subjects is so infectious, and I knew it was the right place for me.
“By coincidence, my son studied Business here and my grandson is also doing a Psychology degree, so it runs in the family! We’ve all had great experiences, and I know I’ve got plenty more to come.”
As well as averaging good marks on his assignments so far, Tony has thrown himself into student life. He volunteers at The Box, has joined the Mature Students’ network and History Society of the Students’ Union, and even put himself forward as a Student Ambassador to meet and greet prospective students and their families.
“I’ve got a good 40 years on the next youngest in the History cohort, but I’m loving every second. It’s great to tell my story and if it can help someone else see that it’s never too late to pursue your passion, then fantastic.”
Huge wildflower meadow and hundreds of trees for Central Park
More than 1,000 new trees are set to be planted in Central Park this winter.
The planting plan, which also includes nearly 9,000 square metres of wildflower meadow, is set around the popular Central Park Golf Course. Among the plans are new standard trees, orchard trees, fruiting hedgerows and whips. Additional seating, interpretation boards, and wildlife homes are also included.
The plans have been developed by the golf course management team and will be delivered in partnership with the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest and the council’s Green Communities team.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is an exciting scheme, offering loads of different types of planting and species to support a broad mix of biodiversity, resulting in benefits for both people and nature.
“It has been co-developed in partnership with the team who run the golf business. They have been really proactive in the design, providing improvements for their customers and wider park users. I’m sure, when everything is established, this planting will be a fantastic addition to Central Park.”
Jez Wilmot, golf course manager, said: “We’re so grateful to be a part of this project and really excited for the first trees to be planted.
“We have been the tenants of the cafe and course for nearly nine years and during that time have made several improvements to enhance the look and playability of the course.
“But we have limited knowledge and resources, which is why we approached the council and having worked with the teams from the Community Forest and Green Communities, we’ve been able to form a plan and turn what we once only dream about into a reality.”
Health Secretary invited to visit Derriford A&E by Plymouth MP
Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas joined staff on a night shift at Derriford A&E recently and is now calling for Wes Streeting to visit too.
In a letter sent to the Health Secretary this Mr Thomas outlined the challenges that Derriford Hospital is facing, and asked for Mr Streeting to visit the hospital himself so that he can see these challenges first-hand and better understand the support that the hospital needs.
It comes after Mr Thomas slammed former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his broken promises regarding the rebuild of Derriford’s A&E department. In 2020, the Conservative government pledged £180 million to rebuild the struggling department, but the new Labour government uncovered that only a small fraction of funding had actually been made available.
Since then, the new MP for Plymouth Moor View has been campaigning to secure the funding for a new A&E department, and last month the Deputy Prime Minister promised him a meeting with the Department for Health to get things moving at Derriford as quickly as possible.
Now, Mr Thomas wants the Health Secretary to see the department himself before making any decisions over funding.
Fred Thomas said: “My visit to Derriford Hospital last week was an eye-opener. I saw genuine heroics from staff, offering exemplary care for patients from Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall and as far as Somerset. But this isn’t anything special, this goes on every single day at Derriford – the staff there are incredible.
“But they are working under increasingly difficult conditions. It’s clear that we need more beds, more space, and more modern facilities. The case for a new A&E Department couldn’t be more clear.
“This government is investing record amounts of money into the NHS, and last month the Deputy PM told me that every corner of the UK will see a fair share of that funding, I welcome that. Now I want the Health Secretary to visit Derriford, meet our incredible staff, and better understand what we need to make sure they can deliver the best possible care for people in Plymouth and beyond.”
Tony Miller - studying for a degree at the age of
Fred Thomas MP...written to Wes Streeting
Rebecca Smith MP’s New Year message to Plympton and Plymstock constituents
Wishing you and your family a joyful New Year! I closed 2024 with a sack full of Christmas visits in South West Devon. I announced the winners of my first Christmas card competition, Grace, Jude and Jessica, met with Royal Mail sorters and posties ahead of the Christmas rush at the Mail Centre in Plymstock, held kittens at Gables Farm, and pulled crackers with my team at the Royal Oak in Meavy. The perfect way to see out 2024! Many of us set personal goals at New Years. The start of a new year also offers a chance to reflect on where our communities and the wider country stand, and where we aspire to be. Read on for a glimpse of my aims and early work for South West Devon in the year ahead.
Rebecca’s Review
Rebecca Smith MP for South West Devon and Ward Councillor for Plymstock Radford with updates on supporting constituents
Looking ahead to 2025 in South West Devon
For South West Devon, I will be keeping an eagle eye on the hospital decision, pressing on for progress on transport in our region, asking a question in Parliament on defence and speaking at the debate on Violence Against Women and Girls.
Since being elected in July, I have been campaigning relentlessly for the Government to honour its manifesto commitment to Derriford’s new A&E. The new facility is absolutely vital to unblock queues of ambulances outside A&E and improve health outcomes in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
I presented a petition to Parliament with almost one thousand local signatures, receiving widespread media coverage. The Government have considered my petition, and a decision is expected to be made this
month.
I will press on with my work to improve transport links in South West Devon. As a member of the influential Transport Committee, I will use my platform to argue for the need to complete the remedial works at Dawlish, prevent disruption caused by HS2 works, have Crosscountry trains call at Ivybridge and deliver the Plymouth Metro.
I was deeply concerned by the Government’s decision to scrap HMS Bulwark and Albion last November. On the first day the House returned, I asked when the six planned amphibious warships will be built to replace Bulwark and Albion and support Royal Marine operations.
Given the cross-party support for keeping the Royal Marines in Plymouth, the Government’s timescale is of significant
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interest to Plymouth and the surrounding communities. I will be sharing the Government’s response in due course.
Also, as I write this, I am hoping to speak at the Westminster debate on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Having served as the chair of Plymouth City Council’s VAWG Commission, it is an issue close to my heart and one that I have carried with me into Parliament.
Brian’s Christmas display goes viral! I couldn‘t sign off without one of my personal highlights from Christmas - visiting Brian’s amazing Christmas display on Reddicliff Road in Plymstock, raising money for Gables Farm.
Countless families have passed by to get a glimpse of Brian’s famous polystyrene cartoon characters, and my post sharing this
picture has reached an incredible 363,000 views! Huge well done to Brian!
As ever, you can book a surgery appointment or get in touch via email: rebecca.smith.mp@ parliament.uk or call the office on 01752 335666.
Visit my website or Facebook for more information: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk and fb.com/SWDevonRebecca
In our December edition we published a photo of Rebecca Smith MP and Coun Kathy Watkin at the Radford Park pumpkin judging. Unfortunately the caption referred to her as Coun Kathy White, not Councillor Kathy Watkins. We apologise for the error. Sorry Kathy!
Brian’s fantastic Christmas display
Finding hope in challenging times Experience
As the year has turned to 2025 I’m very happy to be back and able to contribute once again to the Cross Rhythms Experience articles in the Plymouth Chronicle.
If you’re a regular reader of this article you’ll be aware that I was absent from writing it throughout 2024. Last year and the final months of 2023 were especially challenging to me personally as I battled significant health problems which left me with a lengthy stay in hospital last winter. Whilst I’m still in the relatively early stages of recovery, it really is a joy to once again be able to write this article and especially to start off 2025.
Historically for the first article of the year I like to focus on the person of Jesus.
I’m very aware many of you reading this won’t have a faith yourself, however I know there are many in these difficult times looking for answers to what life is really all about.
Across the UK and the Western world in general this is leading to a somewhat surprising rise in the number of people seeking answers of a spiritual nature and looking into faiths, religions and cultural traditions.
I found that to be the case for many people I met during my stay in hospital. There is nothing like a health crisis to cause us to consider some of the deeper existential questions of life.
So what of Jesus?
We’ve just celebrated Christmas, a time when many more people than usual will have attended church services or taken part in some form of Christian religious ritual. Jesus is of course front and centre as a baby born in a manger. Immanuel, God with us.
For anyone genuinely seeking answers to life it is impossible, or at the very least intellectually disingenuous to not consider closely the life and
claims of the person of Jesus Christ.
In 1926 Dr James Francis wrote the following:
“Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away.
By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms Charity
One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centrepiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.”
But who is Jesus to you and me?
C.S. Lewis wrote that there are only three options of opinion open to us when we consider the claims Jesus makes about himself: madman, liar or Son of God... For Christians, Jesus is the one and only Son of God, He has existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit for all eternity, and He came to earth as a man 2,000 years ago in the mysterious act we call the incarnation – quite literally, Heaven invaded Earth.
The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ has existed for all time and beyond time. He created us and the world we live in.
‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ He may be, but He is also ‘tougher than hell’ and he defeated death, rising again to life to empower men, women and children with grace to carry on where he left off. He enables us to defeat fear with love in the power of His Holy Spirit. He sits now, ‘the lamb Who was slain’ on a throne beside his Father’s in
Plymouth set to receive over £1.1 million to repair potholes
Plymouth is to receive an additional £1,175,000 to tackle potholes – the equivalent of filling in 16,261 potholes in 2025.
The Transport Secretary announced nearly £1.6 billion to fix potholes across England for next year helping councils fix the equivalent of seven million potholes and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs
Across England, local highways authorities will receive a £500m uplift in funding as the Government looks to rebuild Britain as part of its Plan for Change. Fixing roads and filling potholes not only makes roads safer, but they also improve journey times and save drivers money from avoidable repairs.
It comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales, and the cost of pothole damage to vehicles is around £500 on average, with more severe repairs costing considerably more.
According to the AA, fixing potholes is a priority for 96 per cent of drivers. The public is also being encouraged to report potholes in their area to their local council through a dedicated website at www.gov. uk/report-pothole.
Welcoming the news, Plymouth City Council’s cabinet member for Transport Cllr Mark Coker, said:“People in Plymouth are tired of navigating the pothole epidemic that exploded under the Conservatives – but Labour is taking action. With
this new funding Plymouth City Council can fill in an additional 16,261 potholes next year – that will make a huge difference to local people every day of the year and build on the work we have been doing to fix more potholes more quickly since we took control of the council in 2023.
“Earlier this year this country voted for change. We voted for a government that would deliver on the things that matter to the everyday lives of working people – and that is what Labour is delivering. It will take time to turn this country around, but the work of change has begun, and next year we will see real evidence of that change on local streets as potholes get filled in and we get this country back on track.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but this record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.
“Millions of people will have driven home for Christmas, but too many will have had to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones. Potholes damage cars, and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6bn to fix up to seven million more potholes next year.
“This government is firmly on the side of drivers. Every area of England will get extra cash to tackle this problem once and for all. We have gone beyond our manifesto commitment to back motorists and help raise living standards in every part of the country.”
heaven and his Father has given Him charge of everything that He has reclaimed with His own life. He has promised He will one day return to bring His peace and the rule of righteous Love in the world. Prophetic scripture confirms this. This is who Jesus is, for me, and I believe it’s who the Bible says He is. I don’t just believe it because I chose to accept the Bible on a whim however, but because I have experienced something of His love and presence in my life over many years.
As a young man who was lost and looking for purpose and true fulfillment in life I met a group of men who were themselves Christians and I could see in them and their lives something which I didn’t have and I knew I needed. That something wasn’t actually a ‘something’ but a ‘someone’. It was Jesus and when I cried out to Him for myself for the first time all those years ago I felt a peace and I knew He was with me.
I knew He was with me in hospital last year and I’ve known Him to be with me throughout my life and it is that which gives me a real and sustainable hope for the future. What about you? Do you find yourself starting 2025 looking for answers, for purpose and for peace in your own life? Have you ever properly considered Jesus for yourself? Perhaps now is the time for you to do just that.
From all at Cross Rhythms we wish you a very Happy New Year.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Taxifirst rebrands and launches new user-friendly app with fixed fares
Plymouth taxi provider Taxifirst, is rebranding to become Take Me Plymouth powered by Taxifirst. The change brings a modernised service while maintaining the reliable transportation Plymouth residents know and trust.
Customers can now enjoy the convenience of booking rides through a new, user-friendly app, while still having the option to call the original Taxifirst numbers.
Take Me Plymouth will continue its partnership with Tower Cabs, ensuring seamless coverage across the city. The rebrand also introduces fixed fares for journeys, giving customers clarity on costs before their ride begins, with only minor adjustments for unexpected traffic delays.
The development marks a new chapter for local taxi services, combining cutting-edge technology with the dependable, communityfocused service that residents appreciate.
By using the Take Me app customers can select their pickup and destination points, and a fixed mileage fare will be displayed instantly. The price is calculated based on the distance between the two points, with minimal adjustments for waiting time due to traffic or stops. Waiting time is charged at just 30p per minute when the vehicle is stationary. For example, if your estimated fare is £10 and there’s an additional five-minute delay in traffic, the final cost will be £11.50. You can also use the app to get price estimates for journeys in any city where Take Me operates.
The new arrangement coincides with the official launch of the Take Me national app. The new platform is set to transform how customers book and manage their taxi journeys, offering convenience, reliability, and exceptional service across 30+ locations nationwide.
The Take Me National App has been carefully designed with the user experience as a top priority. It smoothly integrates advanced technology with the dependable services of local taxi operators.
Chris Cole
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Good cause behind a new graffiti mural at Plymouth Tesco store
Tesco customers at the Transit Way Superstore are enjoying an eye-catching new graffiti mural in the car park.
The brightly coloured mural was painted by local youngsters during a workshop led by Plymouth’s own acclaimed street artist Jon Lilly.
In a collaborative effort to tackle alcoholrelated harm, the Tesco store teamed up with the Plymouth Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) to engage with local young people.
The event showcased a range of activities including fitness challenges and football games, marking the first event of its kind organized by Plymouth CAP. Forty young people from the local community attended.
Gary Wills, store manager at Transit Way Superstore said: “It’s brilliant to see this small part of our car park transformed into a canvas for young people. We are thrilled to support initiatives that invest in our young people, and the activity was hugely worthwhile.”
Having really enjoyed the event, some of the young attendees expressed a desire for more regular activities so Tesco, JD Gyms, Plymouth Community Homes and CAP have come together to arrange a series of free, health and fitness classes in a section of the car park, starting in the New Year.
Annie Ashford-Barnden, CAP’s regional advisor for the South West of England, said: “This event perfectly represents the essence of what a Community Alcohol Partnership
aims to achieve, and we’re excited for what the future holds. The positive response from the young people to the time and effort invested was palpable – it truly felt like bridges within the community were being built.”
Plymouth CAP is planning more community events in 2025, supported by a variety of organisations including Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth Argyle FC, Plymouth Council, Discovery College, and Plymouth Community Homes.
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Work on first purpose-built units for Freeport underway
Work on the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is now underway.
Plymouth City Council is delivering four units which are being built on a plot in Beaumont Way, Langage, one of three Freeport tax sites. These sites are being prioritised for new and high growth businesses that can continue the region’s growth success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.
The units range in size from 750 square metres to just over 2,000 square metres. Inside the units will have workshop/production space, with fully fitted offices at ground and first floor level (with lift access) and welfare facilities, including showers.
Outside, each unit will have its own dedicated service yard and parking and EV charging pods. The scheme has been designed with flexibility in mind and should prove popular to a range of business needs especially being in a well-established part of the city with great connectivity to the A38.
The units will be highly sustainable and incorporate technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs, including solar photo-voltaic panels, increased levels of insulation, higher levels of natural daylight and ventilation and highly efficient heating systems.
Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “And we are off! We’ve got high hopes for these buildings to be part of the region’s growth story.
“These buildings will be home to businesses which share our passion for creating jobs, skills
Freeport units underway (from left) James Watt, head of land and property Plymouth City Council
Ian Russell, managing director of Design Development,, Jan Ward, chair of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, Plymouth City Council
Leader Tudor Evans, Richard May, chief executive Freeport and Nigel Whelan, MD of Devon Contractors
and innovation in fast developing green and blue industries. As part of the Freeport, they can call on the expertise and know-how of businesses, partners and organisations that share the same drive.‚“
Richard May, chief executive of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: “In the two short years since the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport was given the green light we are already seeing the start of real, tangible results of what the Freeport can achieve with these new build units at Beaumont Way.
“With continued Government support for the
Freeport programme we hope new and growing businesses have the confidence to accelerate their plans and consider the Freeport as a viable option for their requirements. It’s not only about the incentives and benefits to be gained by being part of the Freeport but the wraparound support with skills, innovation and collaboration.”
The scheme is forecast to cost £8 million and will receive a substantial chunk of financial support – £4 million – from the UK Government as part of the Plymouth and South Freeport Seed Capital funding.
Once complete, it is expected to support around
138 full time jobs and associated long term spin off benefits, not to mention the construction and supply chain employment during the initial build period.
Following a competitive tender process, the council appointed Devon Contractors to construct the scheme with the aim for the units to be ready to move into by Autumn 2025.
The Langage Tax Site is the largest of the three tax sites for the Freeport, located on the edge of the existing Langage Business Park. It is strategically significant as it provides the space and opportunities to support sector growth plans and economic specialisation, underpinning the Freeport’s trade and investment objectives.
Eligible businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West, including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures
Once finished, the completed development will be available to occupy by eligible tenants. As this site is part of the Freeport designated tax site, eligible tenants must specialise in either marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or clean energy.
Interested parties should contact Robert. McGuffie@Plymouth.gov.uk †or information about the Freeport contact Eifion.Jones@pasdfreeport. com
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Arts University Plymouth gains
Adobe Creative Campus status
Arts University Plymouth has been designated an Adobe Creative Campus, a select group of universities worldwide that collaborate with Adobe to empower every student with essential creativity and digital skills to succeed, no matter their field of study or career pursuits.
Students already have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud. Now, they will also gain access to Adobe Express on personal mobile devices, tablets and laptops, on and off campus.
Using the range of Adobe tools, students can learn to stand out more effectively with video, podcasts, webpages, data visualisation, and the latest features from Adobe Firefly. Every student on campus can take courses and earn certified badges from Adobe, showing future employers that they have essential skills in communicating visually, establishing a social media presence, and understanding generative AI.
Together these tools support students to learn to communicate more effectively, build their personal brand, prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital world, and achieve their goals as students at Arts University Plymouth and beyond.
Mark Andrews, principal strategic development manager, Adobe Education said: “Studies increasingly show a common connection between an individual’s success in the workforce and their digital literacy and fluency. These skills are fundamental in the global economy and universities are making great strides to adopt creative tools that will not only enrich their students’ academic careers, but also ensure their future success.
“Adobe is thrilled to partner with Arts University Plymouth by providing students with Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express, which can enable them to develop independent learning behaviours, collaborate with diverse teams and give them a competitive edge in the increasingly demanding and transformative job market.”
Luke Broadway, head of resources at Arts University Plymouth, said: “Becoming an Adobe Creative Campus will benefit students and staff alike, increasing the range of digital tools that can be used on and off campus.
“Alongside the wide range of bite-sized training opportunities that we can now offer to students, and Adobe skills badges that students and graduates can display to potential employers, this is another way for members of our creative community to stand out to employers and get a head start in the creative industries.”
Volunteer Community First Responders – the true heroes at work in Plymouth
Volunteer Community First Responders play a critical role in South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s emergency response, often reaching patients and providing initial life-saving care before an ambulance arrives.
With over 600 dedicated volunteers, SWASFT benefits from a network of individuals who selflessly give their spare time to deliver emergency care within their local and often, rural communities. Last year alone, these remarkable volunteers responded to more than 20,600 emergency 999 calls across the South West.
The work of volunteers such as Community First Responders (CFRs), who operate within their local area, is varied, from sharing a cup of tea and a chat with a patient, to providing CPR and saving someone’s life.
Nic Brown is a Community First Responder, who along with four others, covers North Plymouth as well as other smaller areas of the city.
Nic said: “Over the last year we responded to 848 call outs in our area, and do our best to support the community, whilst navigating our day jobs and home lives.
“All of us hold a Level 3 qualification in ‘First Responders on Scene’. Despite not coming from medical backgrounds, we’re a diverse group aged 42 to 73, including a university lecturer, retired Royal Navy Commander, NHS bio scientist, and more.
“We’re trained to handle a variety of emergencies, from cardiac arrests and chest pain to breathing difficulties and seizures. Every CFR plays a key role in the Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival, helping ensure patients have the best chance of recovery.
“We also carry special lifting chairs to assist patients who have fallen, reducing waiting times and preventing complications from prolonged immobility.”
CFRs also find ways to engage with their communities outside emergencies.
Nic added: “Earlier in the year, our float came
second in Tamerton Foliot Carnival, and we instructed many members of the public on how to give lifesaving CPR and how to use a defibrillator. We have all enjoyed learning our new skills and helping our community. There is nothing more rewarding than saving someone’s life. If you would like to join us, SWASFT is running a recruitment campaign running until December 31 2024.”
As well as patient facing volunteer roles, SWASFT has volunteers in non-patient facing roles across the South West. The HALO Helping Hand role is a new, non-patient-facing volunteer role to support Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) during peak times at specific Emergency Departments. This role is a completely flexible role with no set start, end, or duration requirements for each volunteering session, allowing volunteers to work around their availability.
To find out about volunteering roles at the Trust and to express an interest, visit www.swast.nhs.uk/ volunteer-recruitment
Find out more about the day in the life of a Community First Responder youtu.be/_WAMixcpPic
Unpaid carers to be given better support as new city-wide strategy is launched
A new city-wide strategy is aiming to improve the lives of more than 23,000 people in Plymouth who care for others without being paid.
Unpaid carers look after family or friends who need help and support due to illness, disability, mental health conditions or addiction. This includes young carers, who are under the age of 18.
The 2021 census identified 23,956 unpaid carers living in Plymouth, with 44 per cent providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care per week. The 2024 school census also found 730 young carers across both primary and secondary schools.
While caring can be rewarding and often a really important part of family life, it can have a big impact on carers’ lives, affecting their health, wellbeing, relationships, education and finances.
Plymouth City Council has worked with Improving Lives Plymouth, University Hospitals
Plymouth NHS Trust, NHS Devon, Livewell Southwest and St Luke’s Hospice to develop a new ‘All-Age Unpaid Carers Strategy’, in recognition of the important role carers play in supporting the
wider health and care system throughout their lives.
The key priorities set out in the strategy are to:
• Make it easier for unpaid carers to get the support they need
• Help unpaid carers access financial information and advice
• Improve unpaid carers’ health and wellbeing, including providing emotional support
• Help identify unpaid carers early and recognise their hard work
• Provide better information, advice and communication to carers
• Offer support when a carer’s role changes or ends.
The strategy has been developed with feedback from carers, who highlighted the need for better access to a full range of support services. It reflects Plymouth’s commitment to providing carers with the resources, flexibility, and understanding they need to balance their caring responsibilities with their personal well-being.
Carers can face significant challenges in making sure their own needs are supported, navigating
complex healthcare and social care systems, and receiving help which is joined up and responsive.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers play an invaluable role in our communities, often under immense emotional, physical and logistical strain, and they deserve our respect, understanding, and concrete support.
“This strategy has been developed by listening to our carers to understand their needs and will ensure we respond with actions that make a tangible difference in their lives. As a group of health, social care and community partners we are committed to making a difference and to supporting carers as they care for others.”
The Carers Strategic Partnership Board will monitor and review progress of the strategy and continue to identify areas for improvement, using carers” feedback and by monitoring the number of carers accessing services.
Details of the new strategy can be found at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ caringforotherpeople/carersstrategy
First Responders Mel Hands and Steve Griffiths pictured while the Lord Mayor judges floats at the Tamerton Foliot Carnival. Community First Responders came second!
Photo: Daz Hands Photography
Community First Responder Mel Hands demonstrating how to use a defibrillator in the Carnival Field
Derriford issues statement after local MP raises closure of specialist clinic at PMQs
Derriford Hospital has issued a statement explaining why it was not able to continue with a specialist clinic after South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith raised it with Sir Keir Starmer at the last Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) of 2024.
People suffering with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) across Devon and Cornwall now have issues accessing local treatment due to the closure of Derriford Hospital’s Autonomic/ General Medicine Clinic.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, or PoTS, is when heart rate increases very quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down, often making people feel dizzy or lightheaded. Currently there is no cure, but it can be managed with changes to lifestyle, or sometimes treatment with medicines.
Approximately just 0.2% of the population are estimated to be
affected by PoTS and the vast majority are women.
Anxious constituents informed Rebecca Smith that Derriford’s Autonomic/General Medicine Clinic, which treats PoTS patients, closed in June 2024 due to its consultant retiring. There are genuine concerns that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) will now push healthcare for PoTS onto GPs who do not have the required training or ability to prescribe the medications needed.
Further suggestions that PoTS patients will be referred to a new Long Covid Clinic at Exeter, where patients must suffer from Syncope to gain access, mean that 70% of patients may be without access to any consultant care, according to the MP.
Speaking in front of a packed chamber, Rebecca Smith asked the Prime Minister: “My constituents Caroline and Savannah are just two
like the hippy movement of the 1960s and 70s In the midst of this movement many thousands of hippies found the answers they were looking for in Jesus.
Andrew Whitman was one such hippy
Now an experienced speaker and theology lecturer Andrew loves to preach, mentor leaders, and share faith with others.
Andrew is the author of a book entitled “When Jesus Met Hippies: The Story and Legacy of the Jesus People Movement in the UK
Hear him speak:
8th Februar y 11am - 3:30pm
of thousands across Devon, Cornwall and beyond who are living with postural tachycardia syndrome and have been unable to access adequate treatment since the retirement of the only consultant available to work with them in July.
“What actions can the Prime Minister take to help me secure the treatment that my constituents need, and will he agree to meet me and them to discuss the treatment of POTS in more detail?”
The Prime Minister responded: “I thank the Honourable Lady for raising this important issue on behalf of her constituents. It underlines the critical nature of the NHS workforce plan that we will deliver next summer to ensure that the expert workforce is in place and get the NHS back on its feet.
“I am proud that we are investing an additional £22.6 billion to fix our NHS.“I will of course ensure she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to deal with the issues of concern to her constituents.”
Derriford Hospital has since issued a statement after learning that the issue was raised in Parliament. Dr Paul McArdle, Joint Interim Medical Director at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP), and John Finn Director of Commissioning NHS Devon, said
in a joint statement: “UHP and the consultant who ran the POTS clinic were not commissioned by NHS Devon (or its predecessor organisation, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group) to provide a specific PoTS service.
“The consultant had a specialist interest in POTS and provided the service for POTS patients as part of his general medicine portfolio but working as a sole practitioner. The service was based at Derriford Hospital but saw patients from all over the South West.
“PoTS is what is known as a super specialist interest area and this specialist care is only provided by very few consultants in the country. It is not a specialist service offered by very many hospitals, including tertiary centres like University Hospitals Plymouth.
“Working in partnership with NHS Devon, we have been considering how services might be commissioned in the future. A commissioning specification for the service has been outlined by NHS Devon and is seeking expressions of interest. In the interim, those patients who were managed by the previous consultant have been reviewed and triaged to different pathways dependent on the severity of need.”
(Story courtesy of Plympton Podcast)
New book about Plympton is released by Chris Robinson
Renowned local historian and author Chris Robinson has launched a new book focusing specifically on the history of Plympton.
There was an official launch of the book at Harewood House in December and this was followed by a talk about the new work on December 6 organised by the Plympton and District Civic Society. It is said to be the first substantive attempt to provide a fulsome overview of the history of Plympton and in some 270 pages of text, pictures and photos it covers approximately a thousand years of the town’s rich history.
The event is free to attend and open to all. There will be a voluntary Sunday 9th Februar y 10:30am Plymouth Christian Centre, Embankment Rd, Plymouth, PL4 9HP
The King’s, Pixon Lane, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ www.fathershouse.org.uk
Among the book’s many fascinating facts is how the legal principle of parliamentary privilege enjoyed by MPs today came about after a spat between then MP for Plympton Richard Strode and the Stannary Court, which initially resulted in his imprisonment.
There’s also much information on the major land-owning families of bygone times and their manor houses and which part of Plympton was the first to record a case of cholera during the great cholera outbreak of 1832.
Anyone curious enough to wonder where Ye Old Ring of Bells pub was in Plympton will find the answer in this book.
In terms of more recent history readers can recall the building of the Marsh Mills flyover and soon after the Sainsbury’s superstore adjacent with a picture to remind us one of the offerings at the new store was a sound and vision section, quite a new home entertainment concept at the time.
A History of Plympton by Chris Robinson is published by Pen&Ink Publishing. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
King honours former foster carers
Retired foster carers David and Colleen Healy have been awarded British Empire Medals in the King’s New Years Honours list.
The Healys have been recognised for their incredible work and dedication in caring for children over nearly two decades, having fostered 45 children for Plymouth City Council between 2005 and 2019 and before that in Hampshire.
Throughout their time as foster carers, they have really enjoyed seeing the children move to their forever homes and Dave says they remain in contact with some of the adoptive parents they met through fostering and over the years have seen how the children have grown up.
Dave was also a member of the council’s corporate parenting board for a number of years during which he represented the voices of his fellow foster carers.
Dave and Colleen retired from fostering in 2020 and Dave shared that they were ‘gobsmacked’ when they were contacted by the Cabinet Office to advise of their awards.
Dave said: “When we first got the call, we were both absolutely flabbergasted. We often reflect on our years of fostering with such fondness and while we are privileged to be recognised by the King, it doesn’t come close to the honour of being able to welcome all of those children into our hearts and home over the years.
“Being foster carers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives and we’d encourage anyone thinking about it to step forward. It will change your lives and the lives of so many children for the better.”
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Councillor Jemima Laing, added: “What a magnificent and well-deserved recognition for Dave and Colleen. They have worked tirelessly over the years to give young people in our city a safe place to call home, and we are all incredibly grateful to them.
“I would like to wish them a huge congratulations; this is fantastic news.”
To find out more information about becoming a foster carer for Foster for Plymouth, visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk/you-canchange-everything-for-a-local-child/
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check the next edition of the Plymouth Chronicle. Or visit plymouthchronicle.co.uk/crossword-3 Across: 1 Masonry, 5 Hairy, 9 Amend, 10 Uganda, 11 Honshu, 12 Tenner, 13 Moa, 14 Piles, 16 Elate, 18 Ida, 20 Asylum, 22 Noodle, 24 Barrel, 25 Leery, 26 Otter, 27 Wrestle. Down: 2 Alamo, 3 Oversee, 4 Radium, 6 Again, 7 Red meat, 8 Quota, 15 Instant, 17 Lioness, 18 Imply, 19 Angler, 21 Large, 23 Loyal.
