Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock January 2023

A Plymouth man with diabetes has lost more than four stone since beginning a clinical drugs trial

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Worried about the cost of living?

The rising cost of living is a real worry for many households in Plymouth and across the UK.

If you are worried about the cost of living or are struggling to make ends meet, there are a range of local services offering practical support and advice.

They can provide you with information about benefits and advice on housing issues, food costs and energy bills, as well as looking after your own wellbeing.

The services below are a good place to start seeking help but there is much

more information and extra help available online. Plymouth City Council has recently launched an online Cost of Living Hub to make it as easy as possible to find help. Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/cost-living.

If you need help to get online, the libraries in Plymouth offer free Wi-Fi for your own devices as well as the use of computers. Call 01752 305900 for more information.

Remember, if you are struggling, you are not alone and there is no shame in asking for help. Everyone needs a little bit of extra support at some point.

Help with energy costs

Not being able to afford to heat or power your home can be very worrying and stressful.

It’s important to continue paying these bills and there’s help available from your supplier if you’re struggling.

Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) can provide advice about energy bills as well as support with home improvements. For more information call PEC on 01752 477117.

You can save as much as £467 per year on your energy bills by considering some key tips from the Energy Saving Trust.

Visit energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-savingbudget/.

The main message to remember is, if possible: Turn it down, Turn it off, Use it less.

Energy saving tips

In a year you can save up to these amounts by:

• Turning down the thermostat by one degree (£145)

• Taking a shorter (four-minute) shower (£95)

• Air-drying clothes instead of using using the tumble dryer (£70)

• Turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby (£65)

• Reducing the temperature of your washing machine (to 30 degrees) and amount you use it (£34)

• Ensuring lights are switched off when leaving the room (£25)

• Swapping one bath per week for a four-minute shower (£20)

• Not overfilling the kettle when boiling water (£13)

Help with food bills and money saving tips

The Plymouth Food Aid Network’s website has a useful Community Food Access map showing different charities, community groups and organisations who are able to provide food support in Plymouth.

You can find it at pfan.adoddle.org/food-accessmap/.

This includes food banks, food larders and community fridges where food is either free or low-cost. For tips on how you can save money when buying and cooking food visit www. transformingplymouthtogether.org.uk.

If you are receiving certain benefits and have a child under four, or you are pregnant, you may be entitled to up to £8.50 per week to buy healthy food and milk through the Healthy Start scheme.

Visit the website www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0300 3307010 (calls charged at local rate) to check eligibility.

If you need help applying, go to your local children’s centre or wellbeing hub.

Struggling with your housing costs?

Families with children registered for free school meals will continue to receive vouchers during the school holidays to the value of £13 per child, per week, which can be redeemed at various supermarkets.

Vouchers will be given out during the upcoming Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.

To check whether your family are eligible for free school meals visit: plymouth.gov.uk/free-school-meals or call 01752 307410.

Food money saving tips

• Buy tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables as they last longer and are often cheaper

• Look for ‘wonky’ vegetables as they are cheaper, but just as good for you

• Use a microwave or slow cooker (some start at £15) instead of your oven to save on energy

• Try meat-free days and using pulses such as lentils, chickpeas or beans in meals to get your protein

• Look out for reduced fresh food items with yellow stickers in supermarkets

• Try to batch cook meals on days when you have time and freezing them for days when you might not have the time, or feel like cooking

• Avoid food waste by writing (and sticking to!) a list, keeping leftovers for another meal and keeping sliced bread in the freezer and only taking out what you need.

Where to find financial help

Don’t wait for the bills to mount up – ask for help as soon as you can.

Citizens Advice Plymouth can help with a variety of issues such as debts, employment issues and utility bills. They also provide specialist benefits information, advice and support, including an online benefits calculator to help you find out what benefits you can claim.

You can contact Citizens Advice Plymouth by Freephone on 0808 278 7910 or using their faceto-face, drop-in service at Ernest English House in Buckwell Street, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4.15pm.

Visit their website citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/ advice-plymouth for more information.

Money Helper is a government-backed service that provides support and advice on budgeting, benefits, pensions and debts.

Its trained specialists can help work out what’s right for you with free impartial support over the phone on 0800 138 7777 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or online at www.moneyhelper.org.uk.

Its website contains links to online tools and advice about a huge range of topics, including banking, credit, pensions and savings.

Unfortunately, scammers and loan sharks are likely to try to take advantage of the cost of living crisis.

Be alert for any scams, for example if you’re approached by someone unexpectedly or if an offer seems too good to be true. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Loan sharks can charge very high rates of interest, don’t provide much paperwork and may use intimidation or threats to frighten people into paying back a loan.

If you’ve already borrowed from a loan shark, the important thing to remember is that you haven’t broken the law and there is help available.

If you are struggling with housing costs, have issues with your accommodation or are at risk of becoming homeless, it’s important to ask for help and advice as soon as possible.

Shelter is a national charity that offers support with housing issues, providing information, support and advice to millions of people facing homelessness and experiencing unfit and unsafe housing.

In Plymouth, they offer a walk-in service on Mondays and Thursdays, 10am to midday at Ernest English House, Buckwell St, PL1 2DA.

You can also contact them on 03301 755 121 or visit www.shelter.org.uk.

The Community Connections team at Plymouth City Council can also help you with housing issues such as a risk of becoming homeless, tenancy problems, rental costs, deposit guarantees and support with legal issues.

They can be contacted on 01752 305496 or by visiting plymouth.gov.uk/housing.

If you are having issues paying your Council Tax bill you may be able to apply for an exemption, discount or find other support.

You may even be able to apply for a hardship payment or be able to negotiate a payment arrangement.

You may find it helpful to consider paying your Council Tax by direct debit as this gives you a choice of payment dates.

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/council-tax to explore your options or contact Plymouth City Council on 01752 668000 for further help.

Warm spaces available across the city over autumn and winter

To help beat the chill this autumn and winter, a range of warm spaces are being opened up throughout the city.

Plymouth City Council is working with community and faith groups to offer these warm spaces where people can gather for free, charge up and connect their devices and maybe enjoy a hot drink and some company.

Plymouth’s free warm spaces include libraries, community hubs, church halls, sports centres and other places, for anyone struggling to heat their home this winter.

Some venues will also offer hot drinks, food, activities and other services such as free Wi-Fi.

Warm spaces are free, heated, safe, friendly, neutral places where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others.

Full details of all the warm spaces including opening times and facilities can be found on an interactive map on the Plymouth City Council website at plymouth.gov.uk/warm-welcoming-spaces. The map is being updated regularly as more warm spaces open up this winter.

As all the city’s libraries have signed up to being a warm space, why not go along and get online to find out more about the other warm spaces in the city and the cost of living support available to you?

Discover the help that’s on offer – including financial support, energy bills, food costs, housing issues, employment support, mental wellbeing and much more. Go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/cost-living.

You can speak in confidence to the Illegal Money Lending Hotline on 0300 555 2222.

Mental health support

If you’re struggling and would benefit from mental health support, there are services and organisations that can help. Remember, you are not alone, there’s always someone to talk to.

The Samaritans: are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels, with no judgement and no pressure.

Call them for free on 116 123.

Shout: is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Just text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free to speak to a trained volunteer.

Headspace: offer an out-of-hours service in Plymouth for people who feel they are approaching a mental health crisis.

They aim to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support.

Their phone line 07890 257614 is open seven days a week from 6pm to midnight.

Devon Mind: offer emotional support face to face, over the phone and online. They also run a number of courses and workshops as well as a counselling service. They can be contacted on 01752 512280 during office hours.

Livewell Southwest’s First Response Service: is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, support and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. If you feel worried about your mental health, or that of a loved one or a friend, you can call the crisis line on 0800 923 9323.

Local heroes wanted Appeal for sponsors to fund warm packs

Transforming Plymouth Together have launched a Sponsor a Warm Pack campaign, offering everyone the opportunity to make a real difference in Plymouth this winter.

For just £25 a warm pack can be provided by churches and charities to individuals who are facing a very bleak winter. By providing the packs via organisations already engaged with people identified at risk this winter there is also an opportunity to visit and offer a connection which can then be built upon.

So far over 750 requests for these pack have been made, in addition to 250 packs which were distributed at the start of autumn.

For anyone sponsoring a warm pack through the Transforming Plymouth Together Crowdfunder campaign, Aviva Insurance Company will match the donation through their

Each pack contains hot water bottle; thermos style flask; fleece blanket; thermal hat, gloves and socks; fleece scarf and instant soup.

The pack will also contain a booklet with energy and

money saving ideas, including no cook, kettle only and microwave cooking recipes. Advice on local financial and energy support will also be included.

For anyone sponsoring a warm pack through the Transforming Plymouth Together Crowdfunder campaign, Aviva Insurance Company will match the donation through their Cost-of-Living Boost. To donate go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tpt-winterwarm-packs

As part of the campaign Transforming Plymouth Together are working with www.warmwelcome.uk, which already has over 2,300 open warm spaces registered on their national map. In Plymouth more than 30 churches have already agreed to open their doors to their local community to offer warmth, food, device charging points, and much more.

Some churches are extending the hours of their existing groups, others are waving charges for their toddler groups and lunch clubs, and a handful of churches are providing community support of this kind for the first time.

Clinical drug trial helps diabetic Desmond get back on the road

A Plymouth man with diabetes, who has lost more than four stone since beginning a clinical trial of a drug, says he feels ‘on top of the world.’

Desmond Hosking, 78, from Crownhill enjoyed an active life, doing a physical job and spending much of his free time working on boats and vehicles. But since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 25 years ago, Desmond put on weight and was struggling to control the condition.

That is until he was offered the chance to take part in a research trial by clinicians at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The cardiovascular outcome trial is investigating whether a drug used to treat diabetes also has a positive effect on heart disease.

The study, which is being supported locally by the National Institute for Health and Care Research is now closed to recruitment, but the couple have seen a huge difference in Desmond’s weight and overall health and energy levels.

Desmond said: “I’ve been a lot better since I’ve been on the trial, I feel on top of the world. I’ve lost four or five stone and I feel quite fit. I still can’t walk as far as I’d like, but at least I can do a bit of work if I want to – just not 14 hours a day like I used to.”

Before starting on the trial, Desmond’s weight and ill health were making day-today life difficult and preventing him doing some of the things he most enjoyed.

He said: “We had a nice boat that we got rid of, partly because with the weight it was getting harder to get on and off, and pull the anchor up and everything. And I wasn’t able to work on my Land

Rover like I wanted to. My diabetes wasn’t stable.”

Wife Sonja, who blames her husband’s ‘sweetie addiction’ for his health problems, added: “He’s lost loads of weight, which helps his body manage the diabetes better. And he’s a lot more nimble. He’s absolutely dedicated to his Land Rover, and he can get underneath it again now, he couldn’t have done that before.

“It really has improved his life a lot, he’s got so much more energy as he’s not carrying around so much weight.”

Desmond is clear about the advice he would give to others considering taking part in research: “I’d say just do it. You’ll feel a lot better in yourself, and the care you’ll get is second to none. Whoever it helps, I’m just grateful to be able to help them. The NHS has kept me alive for the

last few years and now I can do my bit in return.”

The couple have two children, six grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren, most of whom live locally and are regular visitors to Desmond and Sonja’s home. And it is the chance to improve life for future generations of people with diabetes that most inspires Desmond to take part in research.

He said: “It’s not for my benefit, I’m an old man. I’m doing it for the youngsters. Kids get diabetes, and I hate to see illness in other people.”

To find out more about Research and Development at University Hospitals Plymouth, visit: www.plymouthhospitals. nhs.uk/research. To find out about health and care research studies recruiting in the Plymouth area, visit www. bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Access Plymouth provides a volunteer driven car service, called Community Cars, that helps older people to get out and about in Plymouth. They are in need of more volunteers to support the growing number of users of this essential service.

The Community Car service has been helping elderly people to live independently by supporting them to get out and about, to medical appointments, shopping trips, meeting friends and social events since 2011. The support given helps people feel less isolated, be part of their community and reduces loneliness.

Access Plymouth has a team of dedicated volunteer drivers who give a few hours a week to help others.

Duncan, who has been volunteering for 10 years, said: “When I retired I didn’t want to stay at home growing old, I wanted to get out and keep myself and my brain active. It makes me feel good, it helps my mental health and I know am putting something

back into the community plus I get to meet lots of people who would be stuck without us. The biggest pleasure is helping those people who can only leave the house when I pick them up.”

Lesley Hargreaves, CEO at Access Plymouth said: “Our Community Car transport service is much more than a trip from A to B, we make positive difference to the lives of older people in Plymouth. Our volunteers are the backbone of the charity, we are now in urgent need of more people who can drive their own cars, commit to a minimum half day a week and who can assist elderly people in a friendly manner. We pay mileage and DBS checks are carried out”.

To find out more about volunteering for Access Plymouth call 01752 600633 or email info@ accessplymouth.co.uk

Desmond and Sonja Hosking

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Breakfast with Santa

Until Dec 18

Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a special ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in The Box Kitchen & Bar on Saturdays and Sundays. This event has been hugely popular in previous years, so don’t leave it too late to book! ‘Breakfast with Santa’ menu includes bacon and maple syrup pancakes; pancakes with maple syrup and berries; bacon, sausage, egg or veggie sausage baps with tea or coffee for adults and hot chocolate or fruit juice for children. All children’s tickets include a gift. Tickets and details www.theboxplymouth.com

Annual meeting

Dec 7

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

Christmas Carol Service

Dec 8

Charity concert in aid of Primrose Fellowship breast cancer charity at at Stoke Damerel Church at 7pm. Open to all - donations welcome.

Dick Whittington and His Cat

Dec 8 to 10

Presented by Touchwood Theatre Company at Devonport Playhouse in honour of the company’s founder David Bailey. Daily performances at 7.30pm with extra matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets ¬£12, concessions ¬£10 from 07359 138109.

Zooluminate

Dec 9 to Jan 2

Dartmoor Zoo presents a beautiful light installation which brings the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible. Admission is from 5pm until 8pm, or to take full advantage of the entire zoo experience, purchase a full admission day and night ticket (12pm - 8pm). This event does not take place on December 24, 25, and 26 when the site is closed.

Oh No It Isn’t!

Dec 9 to 24

Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre present their hilarious yet poignant alternative to traditional panto performed by Cornish-based HaHum-Ah Theatre. Tickets and details at www. barbicantheatre.co.uk

Christmas Celebration

Dec 9 and 10

The Down Thomas Singers are holding a twonight candle-lit celebration of Christmas Music and Carols at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 each with a hot drink and mince pie included. The charity being supported is HUGS which helps families, in the PL postcode area, whose children suffer from rare cancers. Tickets from 01752 299204.

Christmas Concert

Dec 10

Presented by the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at Brixton Community Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 including wine and mince pie. Tickets from 01752 345390.

Christmas Table Top Sale and Bazaar

Dec 10

In the hall of The Church of The Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Lots of goodies

available for Christmas. Tables available (pre book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Christmas Raffle

Dec 10

Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Christmas Celebration Dec 10

Fundraiser for Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity at The Staddy from 1pm to 4.30pm featuring Ocean City DJs, party games and more. Tickets £15 for family of four, £5 additional tickets. To book contact Sharon Hallam on 07718 291084.

Frostbite Boat Rally

Dec 11

A spectacular parade of shimmering boats on Plymouth Sound. Enjoy and evening with family and friends from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Details from Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club.

The Collati Singers

Dec 11

Festive music from the 12th to the 21st century at at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Tickets £15 on the door or from www.wegottickets.com

Light Up A Life

Dec 13

St Luke’s Hospice Light Up a Life services at 2pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Minster Church, Royal Parade. A chance to remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. Free with refreshments available afterwards. Details www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/light

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

Dec 13

Boringdon Hall with award-winning florist Hannah Burnett from 6pm to 7.30pm. Make your own decorative and natural festive wreath this Christmas in the magnificent surroundings of the Elizabethan house. Learn how to make a wreath using festive florals and natural greenery. Mince pies, tea and coffee will be provided, all materials are included and you’ll take your creation home to enjoy throughout the festive season or for the perfect Yuletide gift. Cost ¬£55 per person. Details www.boringdonhall.co.uk

Dartmoor Zoo Christmas Fair

Dec 14

As part of zoo admission, come and meet some local artists, craftspeople, health and wellbeing practitioners and score yourselves some amazing, unique Christmas gifts! In the Jaguar Suite from 2pm to 7pm.

Songs for the Longest Night Dec 15

Concert of acappella singing to celebrate winter by the Great Sea Choir at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 to £12 to local charity on the door or from www.wegottickets.com

Comedy at Royal William Yard Dec 15

Comedy returns to Ocean Studios presented by local promoters A Press of Suspects. Featuring a top secret headliner who is currently starring in two comedy shows on BBC. Tickets £10. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets from realideas.ticketsolve. com/ticketbooth/shows/1173623702

The Christmas Mouse

Dec 15 to 24

Soapbox Children’s Theatre present a delightful Christmas show at their Devonport Park theatre. A special seasonal treat for eight year olds and under and their big people. With stunning puppets, this is a Christmas story sure to make memories and warm little hearts. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/soapbox-childrens-theatredevonport-box-office/

Winter Gold Christmas Concert Dec 16

South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII presents an evening of beautiful choral music in the fabulous setting of St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The concert features one of J S Bach’s Christmas Cantatas Gloria in Excelsis Deo and is followed by a contrasting collection of contemporary festive songs. Mulled wine and mince pies available. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk

Christmas Concert

Dec 16 and 17

Presented by Plymouth Musical Activities Club at Devonport Playhouse at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 now on sale. Call or text Carol Rowntree on 07926 029268.

Carols and Christmas Music

Dec 17

Presented by the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir in the Great Barn at Buckland Abbey amidst a magical forest. Performances at 1.15pm and 2.15pm. Donations welcome.

Christmas Express Trains

Various dates

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

The Snowcat at Yuletide

Dec 17 to 24

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

Plymouth Jazz Club

Dec 18

Featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at7.30pm. Tickets and details www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk

Carols by Candlelight

Dec 21

Salisbury Road Baptist Church at 7pm. Mince pies after the service. All welcome.

Plymouth Jazz Club

Jan 15

Featuring the New Washboard Syncopators at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door. Details from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

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

Barbican Theatre’s hilarious panto ‘Oh No It Isn’t’ runs from December 9 to 24

£12 million boost for arts and culture in Plymouth

Plymouth’s role as a cultural and arts hotspot has been endorsed with renewed Arts Council England investment of more than £12m into the city’s cultural organisations.

Arts Council England (ACE) today announced their three year funding deal for National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) around the country. NPO status is awarded to organisations that create excellent cultural work and open up the arts to new audiences in exciting and engaging ways. There are eight in Plymouth, which will get £4,113,239 a year over the next three years, a total of £12,339,717.

The announcement comes at a challenging time for cultural organisations in the city and nationally. Rising costs and utility increases are adding to the financial burden of Covid, which is still having an impact on Plymouth venues’ audiences and earned income. NPO status gives organisations an ongoing contribution from ACE towards running costs and the development of new projects, but all remain reliant on additional commercial and fundraised income.

ACE confirmedhat the following organisations have NPO status for the next three years:

• Barbican Theatre Plymouth, a regional centre of excellence for young and emerging theatre and dance artists

• Beyond Face, who provide opportunities for artists of the Global Majority to live, work and thrive in the South West theatre sector

• KARST, an independent contemporary arts gallery and studio complex in Millbay

• Literature Works, the regional literature development agency for South West England

• Plymouth Culture, the strategic development organisation that supports and enables the growth of culture across the city

• Real Ideas Organisation, which helps organisations to grow and communities to thrive, as well as bringing new life into old buildings such as Ocean Studios and Market Hall

• The Box, Plymouth’s flagship new gallery, museum and archive

• Theatre Royal Plymouth, the South West’s leading producing house

Hannah Harris, CEO Plymouth Culture said: “It is fantastic news that Plymouth’s cultural sector has retained the significant level of Arts Council investment achieved in the previous funding round.

“This is a mark of the outstanding cultural leadership within the city’s cultural organisations and the ongoing support for culture from the local authority. This secures an exciting programme of cultural activity for the city over the next three years.

“We are disappointed that some organisations have had a reduction in funding but will seek to work alongside them and to support them through this transition. We thank them for their hard work in supporting communities through culture and hope to see it continue.”

Litter pickers turn fundraisers

Plympton Litter Pickers are not only brilliant at collecting rubbish - they have just collected funds for a number of local good causes.

The enthusiastic and dedicated group of Litter Pickers held a successful coffee shop week at Harewood House in November, dressed as 1930s Nippies (waitresses who used to work at the J Lyons & Co establishments before the Second World War) to add some fun to the event. They were able to raise funds for their own group’s equipment and insurance but also for local charities.

The group were delighted to donate £250 each to St Luke’s Hospice and Elm Wildlife Hedgehog Rescue & Rehabilitation as well as a donation of £250 worth of food Plympton Foodbank.

The group also sold beautiful hand knitted

poppies,

A number of the Plympton Litter Pickers also took part in the Plympton Civc Society quiz and came third overall. They gave their cheque for £40 to Trevi House Plymouth.

Alongside these activities the group continues to pick litter around Plympton and nearby, and within the past nine months collected 4,000 bags of litter, which is as much as they collected in the whole of

2021 - because the group continues to grow and develop.

The group is being sponsored by the Co-op for a year and should anyone wish to support their work, they would be grateful if they would select them as their charity of choice using their Co-op card.

Plympton Litter Pickers would like to thank all of the wonderful people who supported the group in raising the money and also to their kind and generous volunteers who give their time and skills to make this such a lovely community group!

Young People’s Drawing Competition is launched by

The Box

The Box has just launched a new ‘Young People’s Drawing Competition’ for anyone aged up to 25.

Taking part is really simple and there are three different age categories available: primary school, secondary school and 18-25 years.

The overall theme for the competition is ‘For the Joy of Drawing’. The winner of each category will receive a £150 voucher to spend on whatever they like in The Box’s in-store or online shop. They’ll also have their work displayed at The Box in 2023.

To submit an entry to the competition, all children and young people need to do is scan or take a high quality photograph of their chosen drawing (minimum 300dpi) and email it to theboxlearning@plymouth. gov.uk. They’ll need to label the file they send with their initials, the date and the relevant category.

The closing date for all competition entries is 5pm on December 11. Full details and terms and conditions are available from The Box’s website at www.theboxplymouth.com/drawingcompetition

made by members and relatives of the Plympton Litter Pickers gang and this raised £75 which was donated to the Plympton Branch of The Royal British Legion.

Great fundraisers as well as litter pickers

Presenting the cheque to St Luke’s Hospice

Household Support

Fund is set to help Plymouth residents during this winter

Plymouth City Council will help residents with the rising costs of living this winter by distributing £2.29 million from the Government’s Household Support Fund.

The funding will support low-income households including families and single adults, people with disabilities and people at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.

Nearly £1 million of the funding will be used to help families cover the cost of meals over the school holidays until Easter 2023. Families with children that are eligible for free school meals will receive vouchers to the value of £13 per child, per week, which can be redeemed at various supermarkets.

Vouchers have already been distributed for the October half term and will also be given out during the upcoming Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.

Council Leader Richard Bingley said: “We know that the rising costs of living and the long-term effects of the pandemic mean that many people living in Plymouth will be worried as we approach winter.

“The Household Support Fund is a vital resource and I’m delighted that it’s given us the means to provide additional support to our residents that are most in need, helping with food and energy costs over the coming months.”

The council is also partnering with Plymouth Energy Community and Citizens Advice Plymouth to provide help with energy bills in the form of grants, plumbing and heating repairs, and the provision of goods and appliances that help to save energy, such as electric blankets, slow cookers and microwaves.

Funding will also be given to local voluntary sector organisations who work directly with vulnerable Plymouth residents and to food aid organisations to develop a sustainable food supply model.

This would mean less focus on emergency aid and more offers such as community larders and cookery lessons.

Funding will also be available for venues to provide warm, welcoming spaces across the city this winter, providing a safe, heated environment for people to spend time in.

More details about how to access the support will be shared on the Plymouth City Council website in the coming weeks.

The council has also recently launched a new online hub signposting to useful support as the cost of living rises, which is available at plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.

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

Christmas Tree and Crib Scene festival

plans

Two Plympton churches which come under the Plympton Team Ministry are to hold a two day Christmas Tree and Crib Festival this December.

Mrs Murals Falklands tribute

announced After a busy summer brightening up subways in Plympton, local artist Ellie Johnson – better known as Mrs Murals –was commissioned to produce three large works of art in memory of soldiers who fought ins the Falklands War.

Plympton St Mary’s and Plympton St Maurice Churches have invited a number of organisations to contribute displays to the festival. The organisations have been given the flexibility to provide traditional displays or tailor them to incorporate the activities of their organisation.

All displays will be labelled with the name of the organisation that has created it and any further information that may be relevant. Participants are also being encouraged to be present at times during the festival to enjoy the other pieces and to provide details about their organisation to those visiting.

The festive displays from the local groups and organisations will be open to the public to see in both churches on Saturday December 10 from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday December 11 from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Admission to the festival is free and refreshments will be served in the church halls during the festival opening times.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Could you be Plympton’s next Stannator?

Applications are now being sought from Plympton residents interested in being the area’s next Stannator to succeed Pastor Arno Bessel when his term in office ends in April.

The nominated person must live in Plympton and have an interest in the community either through their work or in a voluntary capacity. They must be available to attend the general meeting of the Plympton Community Council on January 27 and the AGM on March 24. The successful candidate will be invested at a ceremony on April 29. All these events take place at Harewood House.

The duties of the Stannator include representing the area at civic events such as the Lord Mayor’s choosing ceremony and Remembrance commemorations as well as being invited to speak to local groups or formally open their events. The Stannator is also a co-opted member of the Plympton Community Council executive committee for their period of office.

E-mail plymptoncommunitycouncil@gmail. com to obtain an application form and return it along with a brief CV and signatures from a nominator and seconder to arrive by January 8 2023.

Appeal for bellringers

Both Plympton St Mary’s and St Maurice’s churches have been honoured to be able to join in the life of the nation by ringing for some major events this year: the announcement of the Queen’s death, her funeral, and the Announcement of King Charles III. They are now looking forward to ringing for the more cheerful event of the King’s Coronation in May next year and would love some more people to come and ring with them.

If you would like to learn to ring, or would like to return to ringing, please speak to Christine Harris or call the church office on 01752 348525. All ages, from 10 upwards.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

The thought-provoking artwork was funded by Saltram National Trust and depicted soldiers in action to commemorate the Falklands conflict as an act of remembrance.

Unfortunately, due to weather complications the paintings could not be displayed at Saltram as part of this year’s remembrance installation, but another location was found for one of the paintings.

The artwork was put on display to the public at Plymouth Guildhall for a number of weeks, and was ready to greet ticket holders of the Remembrance Festival for the Federation of Plymouth & District Ex-Service Associations.

Ellie said: “As a resident of Plymouth it has been a real privilege to have been painting for our military city at such a beautiful location of Saltram. I’m so pleased that such a poignant place has been found for one of the paintings.”

Sir Gary Streeter to step down as MP

South West Devon MP Sir Gary Streeter has announced he will be retiring at the next General Election, whenever it takes place, and will therefore not be seeking re-election.

In a letter to his constituency party chairman, Sir Gary said he was giving early notice so there was sufficient time to select a replacement, who he hoped would be someone local to give the best chance of the Conservatives retaining the seat.

Looking back at his time in national politics Sir Gary said he enjoyed his time holding ministerial office under John Major and being in the Shadow Cabinet during William Hague’s leadership.

He added that he especially enjoyed chairing the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and chairing the all-party group Christians in Parliament including the nurturing of younger MPs from all parties.

At a local level Sir Gary reflected with pride on helping Devonport Dockyard secure its Trident contract in 1993 and in more recent times seeing progress with train connectivity in the Westcountry.

Sir Gary ended with an assurance that he would still continue to service his constituents to the best of his ability between now and the next General Election.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Plymouth Samaritans celebrate Co-op community fund award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plympton police have been conducting door-to-door enquiries in the Yealmpstone Farm area after an incident in which a family pet died from a suspected air rifle wound.

The incident happened on the morning of Sunday November 20 between 10.30 and 11.30am involving Loki, a cat owned by Matthew and Alicia Beer. Loki was rushed to the vet hospital at

Mainstone but sadly could not be saved.

A police spokesperson said: “We have been in and around Maddock Drive conducting house to house enquiries in an attempt to find out more details as to what happened. If you were not in, we have popped a letter through your door.

“If you do have any information, please do get in touch. Either through 101 or contact us on plymouthnorth@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk,

quoting reference 50220039774. We appreciate your help.”

The incident has caused much upset in the tight-knit Plympton road. Responding to a police social media posting one resident said: “We are all absolutely devastated that such a hideous atrocity happened to beautiful Loki. Truly hope you find the culprit before it happens again.”

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Cheque out...(from left) Samaritans Norman Holmes and Cath Peck and Coop Member Pioneer Claire Russell

Ellie Johnson with her latest artwork

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of living support available for Plymouth residents

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

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

The council’s online hub includes information about:

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

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

• Mental health services

• Employment and skills support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plympton’s annual Christmas lights switch on and fayre, commonly known as #LightUpPlympton, well and truly kicked off the festive season with another superb and well-supported afternoon and evening organised by Plym Chamber.

The event held on November 28 saw the crowds pour into Ridgeway as Pudsey Bear helped to oversee the switch on of the lights, preceded by some festive words of cheer from Stannator Pastor Arno Bessel and Plympton Youth Ambassador Bel Winsor-Maloney.

There was a range of pre and post switch on entertainment with on stage performances by the likes of Heath Acoustic, children from Plympton Academy, Mayflower A Capella Chorus, The Linda Mortimore and Charlotte Smith School of Dance and many more.

There was also a chance to pick up some Christmas bargains with a variety of stalls in Ridgeway and set out market-style in the Mudge Way car park by Iceland.

From public feedback those attending enjoyed the event and appreciated the efforts of the volunteers from Plym Chamber who put it on. Jenny Riley said: “We had a brilliant time, so thank you to the organisers. My son literally danced all the way home.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast

New Bishop of Plymouth visits Derriford Hospital

The new Bishop of Plymouth has seen first-hand the pressures the NHS is facing on his first visit to Derriford Hospital since he started his new role.

The Rt Rev’d James Grier visited an oncology ward and the hospital chaplaincy, meeting with the team of chaplains and a representative from St Luke’s Hospice.

Bishop James praised the work of the staff he met.

“In just one ward, I met staff from across the amazing diversity of roles that make up a hospital, including the ward clerk, cleaner, pharmacist, physio, nurses, doctors, health care assistants and St Luke’s Hospice team.

“All of them were so positive and welcoming in the midst of clearly working incredibly hard within the pressures of the demands of work in the NHS at this time.

“They also spoke with such passion about their work and the ward they were part of. They were an inspiration.”

Bishop James is no stranger to the NHS, his father was a GP in Plymouth, where he grew up, and his mother was a nurse.

Derriford Hospital has an active

chaplaincy team, known as the Department for Pastoral and Spiritual Care.

It comprises around 100 volunteers and staff from different faiths and denominations who are on hand to support patients, visitors and staff.

“The chaplaincy team here are very

much about being there for everyone and creating space for people whether they’re a person of faith or not,” said Bishop James.

“There’s lots and lots of people on site but the chaplains are just there to support and care and that’s really significant.”

Maths and numeracy skills boost for adults in Plymouth

New free courses and activities are on offer for adults in Plymouth who want to improve their maths skills, thanks to the Government funded Multiply programme.

Multiply is aimed at adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or an equivalent subject, and hopes to give people the skills they need to progress in their careers and secure well paid jobs.

The free courses are available to local residents on either a part time or intensive basis and will be offered in flexible settings. These courses will soon be available to book through On Course South West.

People who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

Plymouth City Council has been awarded £1.3 million funding from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared

Prosperity Fund to offer tailored courses that meet the needs of the local community.

There will be courses for beginners and those who want to build on the foundations of their maths knowledge, to more advanced offers such as GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification. Employers will also be able to request support to help their teams with maths skills.

Businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills can also boost productivity, increase profits and improve employee retention. Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills.

Research also shows that sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade.

To find about more about Multiply, visit the On Course South West website: www. oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/ multiply or contact the team on 01752 660713.

W E ARE RE C RUITIN G

Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1 1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people

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Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev’d James Grier pictured with representatives from St Luke’s Hospice and the Chaplaincy team during his visit

Age UK Plymouth works in partnership with Plymstock School to pioneer volunteer programme for young people

A team from Age UK Plymouth has visited Plymstock School to officially launch their Young Persons Volunteering Programme at an assembly for the school’s sixth formers.

Students were talked through the services and activities that Age UK Plymouth provides over 50s in Plymouth and enjoyed finding out more about the unique 80 year history of the charity.

For a young person looking at entering the workplace or applying for a university place adding volunteering experience to a CV or personal statement is invaluable; demonstrating proactivity, empathy and an ability to work as part of a team.

Volunteering also provides an opportunity to learn, develop and showcase skills, improve confidence and equip young people with knowledge and experience.

A trial of the programme has been a huge success with a 100% retention rate of volunteers choosing to stay with the charity after their six weeks of volunteering.

Eighteen-year-old Caitlin began volunteering with Age UK Plymouth while still studying at Plymstock and after completing her A-Levels was recruited by the charity as a support worker at the Dementia Day Centre.

She said: “During my time as a volunteer I was able to improve my confidence as I was an extremely shy person. I developed a new sense of responsibility because I wanted to ensure that clients were able to enjoy their day.

“The Day Centre contains an incredible group of staff members and volunteers who are all kindhearted individuals. We all share the same morals and passion surrounding dementia awareness and advocating for vulnerable people, which means that we all work together amazingly and are able to better support clients.”

Tara Dale, head of fundraising at Age UK Plymouth has spear-headed the campaign, citing it as a great opportunity for young people.

“The value of volunteering shouldn’t be underestimated! Volunteering is fun and so rewarding, to be helping others and see the benefit of your support is an invaluable experience for anyone,” said Tara.

“Young people will develop and gain practical and transferable skills such as, working as part of a team, communication, self-motivation,

organisation, time management and initiative; to enter the workplace or apply for further education with these skills already under your belt is a huge advantage for a 16 or 17 year old.”

Like many charities Age UK Plymouth relies on volunteers to help offer vital services in the local community. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the organisation.

Chief executive David Wood said: “Age UK Plymouth are committed to making our city a community where people Love Later Life. As the need for our services grow, so does the need for volunteers. People may be surprised by how many different ways there are to give their time and skills.

“In our day centres our clients enjoy listening to live music, we hold events throughout the year that need to be marshalled or photographed, volunteers support our catering and admin teams, the list is as varied as it is long!”

The majority of opportunities within the six week placement will be at Age UK Plymouth’s Dementia Day Centre, just a few hundred yards

from Plymstock School, but as volunteers come forward their hobbies, skills and interests are all taken into account and it is hoped that volunteers from the programme will be introduced throughout the organisation from supporting walking football to helping in the fundraising team.

“We are delighted to be working with Age UK Plymouth to give some of our students the opportunity to volunteer within the local community and for such a good cause,” said Liz Monelle, head of Sixth Form at Plymstock School.

“It is another way that our students can show the compassion and goodwill that so many of them have, their willingness to help others always astonishes us during such a busy time in their studies. We are looking forward seeing the students develop and grow during their time in the programme and hearing of the positive skills they learn and experiences gained during their time working with Age UK Plymouth.

“We have already had a great response to the programme and we are hoping this can be a link with the local community for many years to come.”

Community turns out to say goodbye to David James

Community figures and members of the public from across Plympton and Plymouth packed into Plympton St Mary’s Church on the afternoon of November 7 to say a final goodbye to former Plympton councillor Alderman David James who passed away in October at the age of 84.

Members of the congregation included the current Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann and her consort Alderman Chris Mavin, Tracey Lee and Giles Perritt the chief executive and deputy chief executive of Plymouth City Council, a number of Aldermen of the City of Plymouth, many councillors past and present from across the political divide, the current Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel and many past Stannators and the Chairman of Plympton Community Council John Gilding plus many members of the public.

Alderman

After the opening hymn. Make Me A Channel of Your Peace, a triple eulogy was given by Gary James, Patrick Nicholson and Martin Axe who each spoke about a different aspect of Alderman James’ life.

Gary spoke about Alderman James the family man. Cllr Patrick Nicholson summarised his former ward colleague’s dedicated public service and how David had stood up for ward residents on a number of issues during his long period as a councillor for the Plympton St Mary ward.

He referred to the improvements at a number of Plympton’s primary and secondary schools which David had had a hand in, either as a councillor or a school governor.

He also referred to various local issues that David had championed such as his opposition to housing being put on green fields at Boringdon and getting egress from the former china clay works at Coypool coming out into Woodford closed off.

Ending his speech he turned to the coffin and said “David, thank you for being you.”

Martin Axe spoke of his long personal friendship with Alderman James and that he would give anything to see his friendly smile one more time.

In a moving end to the service Alderman James’ coffin was led out to a recording of his wife of 63 years, Diane, singing the song Memory. In the 2000s Alderman James was the successful bidder in a charity auction organised by Hospital Radio Plymouth for time in a professional recording studio which was used for Diane to record a CD of her singing a variety of songs, including Memory.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Former Plymstock School volunteer Caitlin (right) joined staff and clients from the Dementia Day Centre at the National Marine Aquarium’s Dementia Friendly Session in September

James’ coffin was led into the church to the sound of Nat King Cole’s song Smile and the funeral was led by the Rev’d Prebendary Robert Harris.

Personal trainer Emily wins top award

A Plymouth woman who took the plunge to launch her personal training business just weeks before COVID struck has not only seen her enterprise thrive during and after the pandemic, but has also just won a top national award.

Emily Keen, who is 32 and lives in St Judes, had been running her personal training classes alongside her job as gym manager at Fort Stamford Health & Fitness in Turnchapel for a number of years. But in December 2019 she decided to go fully self-employed, not knowing what was about to happen with the pandemic.

The ensuing lockdown meant that Emily organised all her sessions online via Zoom – and to her delight the business really blossomed.

Emily said: “The lockdown really helped my online sessions for groups

and individuals. To my amazement I even had clients joining from the USA, Spain and other parts of the world - as well as from all over Plymouth and Devon.”

At the start of October this year Emily was nominated for Best Fitness Business in the England Business Awards.

After being mystery shopped and voted for by clients, friends and family, she travelled to Bristol with her mum Sharon for the regional awards - and was surprised and delighted to be named as the Best Fitness Business in Devon.

Two weeks later she travelled to Birmingham with her partner Kieran, dad Paul and brother James for the national awards ceremony - and this time was named as the Best Fitness Business in England.

“When I went to Bristol for the regional awards I was extremely nervous,” said Emily, who has a degree in health and fitness from Plymouth Marjon University and a Masters in health and sports science from Exeter University.

“When my name was called I couldn’t believe it and then at the national finals I was in total shock when they announced me as the best in the country.”

Emily’s popularity continues to grow and she works with between 60 and 70 clients every week with classes in the gym at Fort Stamford, outdoor sessions at Mount Batten, online workouts and one-to-one sessions with clients at their homes.

“I am so happy to have won the awards, but for me the most satisfying thing is helping people to improve their health and fitness. I am privileged to have such a wonderful group of clients, some of whom have been with me for a number of years.”

For more information visit www. emilykeenpersonaltraining.co.uk

Emily (above) pictured with her award and (below) with one of her outdoor groups

Sherford Life

If Christmas is when we look back, January is a time to look forward.

At Christmas we busy ourselves with time-honoured traditions, as we reflect on the year that was. (That’s what I’m gearing up to do as I write this in the tail-end of November.) But in January we have a fresh start, a fresh year to contemplate. So: what are you looking forward to in 2023?

Maybe you’re looking forward to a new arrival in the family, or a family wedding. (I’ve got one of the latter coming up, and we’re all very excited.)

Perhaps you’re looking forward to one of the exciting events or concerts planned in Plymouth over the next 12 months. I am personally very envious of everyone who managed to snag a ticket to see Muse at Home Park!

If you’re a Royalist, you will undoubtedly be waiting eagerly to see what is going on locally to celebrate the coronation of Charles III coming up in May. If you’re a sports fan, maybe you are looking forward to the Six Nations Championship starting in February, or the Rugby World Cup kicking off in September (or maybe you’re dreading them, given England’s recent run of results!)

CHADDLEWOOD TO GO TO THE POLLS IN A

A by-election has been called in the Plympton Chaddlewood ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Dan Collins.

Mr Collins won the seat at the May 2021 local elections narrowly beating second placed candidate Ian Poyser of the Green Party by just 101 votes. Mr Poyser was himself later elected in the May 2022 elections.

Mr Collins’ decision to resign the seat has come in the wake of intense criticism of his decision to move to Gloucester to live and work within months of his election.

This led to his effectiveness as a councillor being questioned a number of times in the council chamber and ultimately led to a motion on notice being lodged calling for the council to ask for his resignation and that of his wife Shannon Burden who was elected in May 2021 to represent the Moor View ward.

That motion was proposed by Cllr Terri Beer of the Independent Alliance Group and seconded by

her group colleague Cllr Chaz Singh. Before the motion came to be debated Council Leader and Conservative Group Leader Cllr Richard Bingley informed the chamber that Cllrs Collins and Burden were starting a family and intended to step down from their seats at the elections to be held in May 2023.

This however did not appease many councillors and the motion calling upon the council to ask for their immediate resignations proceeded to be debated and voted upon. The motion was subsequently passed by 31 votes to nil with 20 abstentions. Two days later Cllrs Collins and Burden handed in their resignations.

This has now triggered a by-election in both wards which is expected to be held on January 12 2023.

The full list of candidates has yet to be announced, but one person to call his hand early for the Chaddlewood seat is Andrew Hill, who stood as an Independent for Plympton Erle in 2021, coming a close third behind Labour in a

Plymstock Matters

with Councillor Rebecca Smith

six candidate contest.

Mr Hill said: “I have watched closely the growing discontent among the residents in Chaddlewood over the effectiveness of their long distance representation. As someone who has lived in Plympton for 30 years and very much embedded within the fabric of the area I have decided to come forward, again as an independent, to give residents the option of having as their representative someone very much connected with the area and who will speak up on the issues that concern them.

“This time I am supported by the Independent Alliance Group on the council who I would seek to align with if I am elected. They allow their members the freedom to vote on issues without reference to team orders, thus allowing true representation of residents.

“The added advantage which comes with grouping together as independents rather than sitting in isolation is that this gives access to committee places, again enabling better representation of residents.”

By Revd Tom Brassil

We have some exciting things to look forward to in Sherford. In the next 12 months we’re expecting the opening of the second wing in our primary school. We’re also looking forward to new sports pitches opening to the public, and the beginning of the leisure centre building project. We’re looking forward to welcoming more people to our community as houses are completed and sold.

We’re also looking forward to the official launch of a new community food hub run by Feeding Devon. Every Thursday from January onwards there will be a popup shop providing £5 food bags to local residents. Between now and then, the team are hard at work putting together some Christmas food hampers for those who are facing particular hardship in the next month.

Whatever you think 2023 might hold for you, I truly hope that you have some things to look forward to. Because it’s amazing how the thought of something good in the future can get us through hard times today. In our church we have recently been looking at 2 Corinthians chapter 4, where the apostle Paul talks about how he copes with hardship by looking forward to the exciting future ahead.

He talks about how outwardly he is wasting away (and don’t we all feel a bit of that!) But inwardly, he says, he is being renewed day by day. Because he is looking forward to a perfect ‘happily ever after,’ where he gets to meet the perfect God.

And I think his advice is as relevant today as it was almost 2000 years ago when it was written: when life is hardest, lift your eyes to God and the eternal future he offers us – just when we need it most!

Want to discuss any of this further?

Send me a message at tom@ sherfordchurch.net

The month started off with the news that Morrisons were closing the Martin’s Newsagent at Plymstock Broadway and with it, the vital Post Office that is so important to the community.

This is something councillors across Plymstock are very worried about and whilst my Dunstone colleagues kicked off a petition and gathered signatures at the Broadway, I set up an online version so we could gather as many signatures as possible to highlight the strength of feeling about the importance of having a Post Office at The Broadway.

We have gathered over 4000 signatures and this has enabled Sir Gary Streeter MP and me to lobby the Post Office directly with your views.

The good news is that they agree that there needs to be a replacement Post Office in Plymstock and we have stressed how essential it is that it remains on The Broadway.

Hopefully next time I write I’ll have are good

news to share.In the meantime, welcome to the new family-run Woodside Store and Post Office in Hooe which was officially opened by Sir Gary on November 25.

Do pop in to meet the team and make the most of the provisions and services available in their store.

A couple of weeks ago I attended the South Asian Society Celebration evening. Held at Devonport High School for Girls, it was a wonderful evening of food, dance, drama and friends. I even donned a sari for the first time. I know many of those who attended live in Plympton and Plymstock so I wanted to use this piece to say a huge thank you for their welcome and the opportunity to say a few words about how important their community is to the city. November means Parliament Week which is a time when local politicians like me highlight how Parliament works to children and young people across the country.

I was delighted to spend an evening with 1st Radford Rainbows again as part of Parliament Week. I led a debate on whether Jaffa Cakes are a biscuit or a cake and there was a wide range of views and ideas.

Once the ‘debate’ was over, the Rainbows (aged between five and six years old) had a vote

It was a narrower result that I was expecting with nine voting for cake and six voting for biscuitalthough debating is a hard concept to grasp when you are five, it turns out the girls were pretty good at it! We also learnt that a

group of owls is called a Parliament and everyone got to enjoy a Jaffa Cake at the end too.  November is also the month when we remember those who gave their life in service to their country around Remembrance Day. This year, Remembrance Day fell on a Friday so it was extra special to be able to observe the minute’s silence at Burrow Hill in Plymstock with a large number of local residents of all ages. Well done to Trevor Saunders who organised the event and led it with military precision.

My day job with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission also means a busy November and this year has been no different as I travelled around the South West to deliver ten talks about the Commission’s work. However, it was great to give my final talk of the season to the Ridgeway Methodist Tuesday Fellowship Group in Plympton and be able to get home quickly afterwards without a long drive!

I’m typing this at the very beginning of Advent which means we are officially on the road to Christmas.

By the time this paper lands on your doormat, the Christmas lights at the Broadway will be lit (it was good to be able to use some of community grant to help pay for them this year) and I know many residents across Plymstock and Plympton will be displaying Christmas lights to brighten up their neighbourhood too - I can’t wait to see them all!

As ever, do let me know if I can help in any way - you can find out what I’m up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @PlymouthRebecca and get in touch via email rebecca.smith@plymouth. gov.uk

All that remains is for me is to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a joyful New Year. See you in 2023, if not before!

Rebecca Smith and Sir Gary Streeter MP met with a senior representative from the Post Office

Opening of the new Woodside Store and Post Office by Sir Gary Streeter MP

Celebrating with members of the South Asian Society and the Lord Mayor

The great Jaffa Cake debate with 1st Radford Rainbows for Parliament Week

Charity ball raises over £7,000 for Keep Me Close Appeal

A charity ball has raised over £7,200 for Plymouth Hospitals Charity.

Money raised at the Keep Me Close Appeal annual ball will go towards the provision and development of accommodation for parents of babies who are being cared for on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Coordinated by dedicated fundraiser Tracey Stacey, the glamourous yearly event drew over 200 guests including families, health care staff and local businesses. Guests made the event a huge success by taking part in the evening’s entertainment and donating along the way.

Tracey said: “It is such a privilege to see how much this means to people within our community and the real generosity of others. When we all come together to an event like this, the incredible atmosphere makes me realise the phenomenal and lifechanging impact that the Keep Me Close appeal has on our patients and their loved ones.

“The money raised will enable us to continue making a difference to those during a really difficult time in their lives and to deliver the most patient-centric care possible Thank you so much to all of our suppliers and donors for helping us to have an amazing evening.”

Corinne Bailey, charity manager added: “I am continually blown away by people’s generosity and we are inspired by our patients and their families everyday.

“We’re really grateful to everyone who donated and was involved in the event.”

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH HEARTS TOGETHER CHARITY MEANS MORE ACCOMMODATION FOR PARENTS OF PREMATURE BABIES

Marjon launches new child health programme with NHS

Plymouth Marjon University has launched a programme in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust supporting children and young people to tackle excessive weight.

The programme, led by senior lecturer Erica Eaton-Quinn and health and wellbeing coordinator Mike Prynn, will offer a range of fun physical activities to children and young people, with the key aim of showing that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable.

The programme will prioritise enjoyment, foster social connections, enhance feelings of autonomy and control over their health and wellbeing, and train the young people to internalise motivation for physical activity.

Saul Bloxham, Dean of the School of Health and Wellbeing at Marjon, said: “This innovative partnership is really exciting and an excellent example of interprofessional working. The links between Marjon Health and Wellbeing and the NHS have grown from strength to strength.

“This is a crucial relationship for Plymouth to support improvement in health and wellbeing across the city and reduce pressures on the NHS. We hope this programme will help children and young people to develop their confidence and find enjoyment in physical activity.”

The Government reported that in 2020/21, nearly 30 per cent of children in England aged between four and five were overweight or obese, and over 40 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds were overweight or obese. Marjon and NHS Plymouth’s new partnership aims to reduce these figures to support healthy lifestyles for families in the city.

The sessions will take place at the Marjon Sport & Health Centre and families need to be referred through the hospital’s multidisciplinary team. Sessions will be delivered with the support of Marjon students from the Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Sport Science degree programmes.

Building on its growing reputation for sport, health, and wellbeing, 2023 will see Marjon launch 12 new health programmes including nursing and clinical science degrees. In June 2022, the NHS reported more than 132,000 roles were vacant nationally, 46,000 of which were nursing posts.

Anyone interested in studying a health or wellbeing course, can visit www.marjon.ac.uk/prospectus-request/order-online/

University shortlisted for Climate Action Award

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Derriford Hospital has entered a partnership with local hospital hotel charity, Hearts Together, to provide home from home accommodation for parents and families of patients caring for premature or sick babies in the unit.

The NICU cares for hundreds of babies every year from around the Devon and Cornwall peninsula who have either been born prematurely or with other life threatening illnesses. Often these babies have been transferred in from other hospitals for a higher level of care and end up having extended stays within the NICU. It is the only unit of its kind this side of Bristol.

Due to the nature of the babies cared for within the NICU at Derriford, parents are encouraged to remain close by to promote bonding, maternal and paternal mental health and to allow parents to be involved in their baby’s care, something that is

intrinsic to the development of their baby.

The NICU can treat 12 babies across their intensive and high dependency care nurseries and their unit based accommodation is limited to three families at any given time, priority being given to families of babies who are very unwell, do not live locally or for parents to room in with their infant prior to discharge.

If more accommodation is needed the charity has previously secured additional rooms from a variety of sources, including local hotels at extreme cost and local student accommodation. Although such facilities have been well received by the NICU families they do not always offer the bespoke additional amenities necessary to support their stay.

However, through the new partnership with Hearts Together Hospital Hotel, the Keep Me Close fund has secured a further four selfcatering ensuite kitchenette rooms

With these additional number of bedrooms secured under the new partnership, the neonatal families will continue to have access to free bespoke accommodation that is close to their baby at UHP NICU.

Hearts Together has been supporting staff, visitors and patients alongside UHP for over 20 years, providing accommodation as well as support services for those facing difficult times such as a wraparound counselling service, access to a fully equipped communal kitchen, washing facilities, complimentary breakfast, communal areas including a garden, and the Hearts Together shuttle vehicle for lifts to and from Derriford Hospital.

For more information about the Keep Me Close appeal please visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/keepme-close

Plymouth

University has been shortlisted for the

‘Climate Action’ Green Gown Award. The awards recognise sustainability projects being undertaken by universities and colleges in the UK and Ireland.

Marjon has been recognised for its Marjon Zero project, a £5.3 million initiative which has seen the installation of around 2,000 solar panels and one of the largest non-domestic Ground Source Heat Pump projects in England, driving the University forward towards its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.

The project funding was provided by the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which funded the 98 boreholes and 55 ground source heat pumps across the university’s campus..

Vice-Chancellor Professor Rob Warner, said: “We are delighted that our determined efforts to become one of the greenest universities in the UK are being recognised by such a prestigious nomination. This shortlisting recognises the Marjon passion for sustainability and improving our planet for future generations.”

Alongside Plymouth City Council in 2019, Marjon declared a climate emergency. The university held a forum with students, staff and guests, to talk about ways the university could collectively become a more sustainable institution.

The next phase of the university’s Marjon Zero project will see improved campus buildings, an expansion of their green social spaces, and a development of biodiversity across the site.

Marjon has been shortlisted alongside six other higher education institutions, including DeMontfort University, King’s College London, and the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Glittering success...(from left) Roisin McKeon Carter, events organiser Jen Granlund, Tracey Stavey and Katie Hoffman

within Hearts Together Hospital Hotel, conveniently located near to Derriford Hospital at the Plymouth Science Park.

Marjon

prestigious

Representatives from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Hearts Together charity...new partnership in place

Barbican Theatre’s hilarious alternative panto is revealed

Barbican Theatre, Plymouth have announced that their festive show this year is ‘Oh No It Isn’t!’ from the amazing Cornish based Ha-Hum-Ah Theatre - a hilarious yet poignant alternative to traditional panto. It’s the final performance of Cinderella in a moth-eaten, regional theatre and backstage tensions threaten to boil over onstage. Will the egotism, one-up-manship and politics remain confined to the dressing room? Will the ugly sisters keep the professional professional and the personal personal? Will we ever find out what happened during Babes In The Wood?

Based on a lifetime of experience onstage and backstage Oh No It Isn’t! is a hilariously funny and beautifully moving new play exploring the highs and lows of life in the theatre.

Written by Great British Pantomime Award nominee Luke Adamson and using real anecdotes and stories it is an impassioned yet tender love letter to the world of performance.us alternative to traditional panto at Barbican Theatre Plymouth this festive season.

Oh No It Isn’t! is produced and directed by

Ben Kernow who said: “We’re really excited to be bringing Oh No It Isn’t! to Plymouth this Christmas. When we last performed the show in Cornwall audiences absolutely loved it and we really think Plymouth will too.

“For us this has the perfect mix of hilarity and a poignant message - the stuff great Christmas shows are made of! Although it features classic panto ugly sisters, what you’re really watching is what you don’t normally get to see in panto - the back stage antics. You’ll expect actor egos, dodgy makeup and cliched one-up-manship but what you might not expect is the vulnerability and bitterness.”

Ticket prices are £16.50 full and £13.50 for concessions - these are applicable to all dates and all seats. Concession tickets are what the Barbican consider ‘self described’ which means people can book these lower priced tickets without providing proof (such as being a certain age, on certain benefits or being a student). People can also purchase a Pay It Forward Ticket (£26.50) which supports four free tickets (per performance) for anyone to book who would otherwise feel unable

to see a show this winter.

Barbican Theatre’s CEO and artistic director, Laura Kriefman said: “Money shouldn’t be a barrier to people attending live events and performances and Christmas is no different. We’re offering four free tickets per show for anyone who might not feel able to afford to come along. We’ve introduced Pay It Forward tickets to help support this - we

hope some members of our community will buy a ticket for themselves and pay an extra £10 to gift a ticket. Feels like a lovely present for this winter.”

Oh No It Isn’t! runs at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth from December 9 to 24 with performances at 5pm and 8pm. Suitable for ages 12+ (features some strong language).

Book tickets 24/7 at barbicantheatre.co.uk

Dental students get an insight into impact of dementia

Second year dentistry students from Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School have been working with Age UK Plymouth to gain a deeper understanding into a day in the life of a person living with dementia.

The students have spent time working with the charity to understand the very specific challenges that present for a person living with dementia including completing Dementia Friends training with Age UK Plymouth.

Utilising the knowledge and experience gained from their time at Age UK Plymouth the students will then go on to devise and deliver a health improvement project for people living with dementia.

The Dementia Day Centre relocated to central Plymstock two years ago and has gone from strength to strength continuing to provide an approach focused on clients enjoying quality time with a variety of stimulating and engaging activities on offer.

The dentistry students arranged a series of dental hygiene themed activities and enjoyed spending time chatting to the day centre guests.

With over three years of studying still to complete before completing their training, the students found that the experience was something that would stay with them.

One student commented: “Developing our communication skills and understanding the needs of our patients is a huge part of supporting their successful oral hygiene.

The Dementia Friends training and being here at the Day Centre really highlights the importance of being aware of a patients experience and how even the smallest of changes to our behaviours can support someone living with dementia.”

Tracy Walker, Dementia Day Centre manager said, “It’s been great to have the students here. It’s really important to us that as a community Plymouth continues its

dementia friendly journey. Sometimes it just takes tiny changes to someone’s process to support a person living with dementia, and the first step to that is simply education and awareness.”

Abby Nelder, Community Engagement programme officer said: “It’s really important that we encourage and support students to engage with people who may not normally access oral health care.

“The Inter-Professional Engagement Module, delivered in partnership by Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise and the University of Plymouth provides students with the opportunity to work closely with people, outside of clinic, enabling them to have a wider understanding of barriers faced by some in maintaining positive oral health behaviours.

“We are always grateful to our amazing host organisations such as Age UK

who enable us to deliver this module with our students”.

Professor Robert Witton, director of Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise said: “Helping to engage with groups who otherwise might not access oral health care is a really important part of what we do. As well as reaching those communities themselves, it’s important that we educate

those who work closely with them to ensure that message is sustainable as possible.”

Age UK Plymouth have been rolling out their Dementia Awareness Training across the city to groups and organisations including the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Live and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to name a few.

The sessions are available in several different formats and can be modified to suit a range of organisations, from schools and youth groups to businesses looking to support and equip public facing members of staff with the tools to best serve their patrons and community. The training describes the experience of living with dementia in a way that will help attendees visualise it and increase their understanding.

Tammy Walker, training and wellbeing

Dementia Lead for Age UK Plymouth has years of first-hand experience of working with people living with dementia and is thrilled to be rolling out the awareness training across Plymouth.

She said: “It’s more important than ever that organisations and businesses are committed to dementia education and choose to raise awareness from within. There are over 100 types of dementia and it is a complex condition affecting one in 14 people over the age of 65 in the UK. Organisations can make tiny changes to support visitors, customers or colleagues living with dementia and that can make a huge difference to their experience.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the various forms of free Dementia Awareness Training available for groups or businesses please email tammy.walker@ ageukplymouth.org.uk.

The dental students who spent time with people living with dementia

Front desk of Plympton Police Station could be re-opened

The front desk of Plympton Police Station might re-open if there is sufficient call for it in a public consultation which has been launched.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is planning to open more police station front desks and wants the public to help decide their locations.

Six police enquiry desks are opening this financial year after Commissioner Alison Hernandez committed to invest in some of those which closed almost a decade ago.

Front desks are ideal places for residents to report crime, get advice on crime prevention or victim services and connect policing to local communities.

When not dealing with people face to face Police Enquiry Officers are able to deal with non-emergency email contacts, reducing pressure on the force’s 101 service.

The first round of openings has seen Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Penzance, and Truro front desks reopen this week, with Bude and Falmouth stations due to reopen in early 2023.

Now the Commissioner has detailed a set of criteria for deciding which ones open next, with public support one of the determining factors.

She is asking the public to give feedback in a survey which runs until the new year.

Ms Hernandez said: “Early feedback from communities where police enquiry offices have reopened have been extremely positive.

“Crimes have been reported, a vulnerable missing person given shelter and assistance and crime prevention information handed out.“

The project has so far created 26 part time police enquiry jobs and helped ease the pressure on police contact centres by enabling more

people to meet an officer or police member of staff in their community.

Ms Hernandez added:“I know more communities would like to see their police stations reopened to the public and I am absolutely committed to delivering more openings. Public support was a vital component in deciding the first locations for this investment, so now I’m asking people to let me know which stations they would be most likely to use if their front desks were reopened.”

Anyone wanting to have their

say is being asked to choose three preferred locations from a list of 44 police stations in the Devon and Cornwall Police area. Plympton and Ivybridge police stations are included in the list of 44.

All stations on the survey are currently operational and have the potential to have their front desks reopened.The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ DYPSW66 and will remain open for responses until midnight on January 2 2023.

The other criteria which will determine which police enquiry offices reopen are:

• Feasibility– whether the level of investment needed to bring the space back into use is reasonable, whether planning permission is required etc.

• Impact on the station – such as having to relocate a policing team to enable the works.

• Location and distance –geographic location and distance to next nearest open front desk

• Population size – in terms of resident population and anticipated seasonal increases.

So far this year Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Penzance and Truro police station enquiry offices have been reopened. Bude and Falmouth offices are due to reopen in the new year.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

CITY’S NEW CREMATORIUM TAKING SHAPE

Plymouth’s new crematorium has hit a significant construction milestone with the steel frame for the main buildings beginning to take shape.

Over the past week, many tonnes of steel have arrived at the site off Merafield Road, on the eastern side of the city. The steel was supplied from local Devon fabricators and is now being lifted into place.

It follows months of work on site by contractors Kier with roads and car parks now in place and the groundworks for the main building nearly complete.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport, said: “It is so exciting to see the progress being made on site and watch as the build progresses from plans on a page to bricks and mortar in the ground.

“This crematorium is a once in a generation investment for the council and I’m very proud to be involved in delivering it for the people of Plymouth.”

Doug Lloyd, regional director at Kier, said: “We are thrilled to have reached such a significant milestone in the construction of this high-quality crematorium.

“This project will provide an important service for the people of Plymouth and the surrounding communities and, as a business who have been based in Plymouth for over 80 years, we are incredibly proud to be part of it.

“We are committed to ensuring that the project has a positive impact on the local economy and we look forward to working with the project team and Building Plymouth to provide opportunities for

local SMEs, apprentices, T level support and work experience for local schools and colleges.”

The new crematorium, which will open in 2024, has designs inspired by the landscape, the buildings will nestle into the slope of the site and will be surrounded by pooled water.

Plymouth Limestone is being used on the façade with windows providing lots of light and stunning views out over the water, and the local Devonshire scenery and beyond.

Outside, reflective spaces, designed for memorialisation and scatterings will embrace the

local environment and ecology.

In addition, the site will benefit from a new café, which will be open all day to serve refreshments for people attending funerals and also for those visiting the site to pay their respects. It will also be available for families to hire for wakes.

When the new crematorium is built, it will replace existing facilities at Efford and Weston Mill, which will continue to be active for burial and memorials.

Information on plans for the new crematorium available at www.plymouth.gov.uk/futurecrem

Taking shape..(from left) Graham Smith, assistant manager of Bereavement Services; Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport and Simon Gillingham, project manager for Kier Group, in front of the newly installed steel work

Council is forced to consider radical savings plan to close £37.6m budget gap

Plymouth City Council is considering an urgent package of savings to reduce an unprecedented £37.6 million budget cap caused by issues impacting local authorities across the country.

The council has already been grappling with a £15.5 million shortfall in this year’s budget caused by factors such as inflation, huge increases in gas and electricity bills and rising demand for critical social care services.

A report to Cabinet on November 10 said the same national factors are leading to a projected £37.6 million shortfall in its budget 2023/24.

The report sets out a range of proposals that would reduce costs by £26.2 million to help enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duty to set a balanced budget.

If all the potential savings are approved, the council will still be left with a £11.4 million shortfall to be closed before a balanced budget can be set in February.  At the same time it needs to find another £6 million of savings in order to close this year’s gap.

Council Leader Richard Bingley said: “All councils, including ours here in Plymouth, have been hit by historic, unprecedented levels of soaring fuel, wage and other inflationary costs.

“This has had an overwhelming impact upon the costs of our vehicle fleets, building operational costs, street lighting and staffing. Put simply, experienced council leaders and chief executives across the region are all telling me that, very sadly, they have seen nothing like this scale of financial challenge before.

“Quite rightly, we also have a legal duty to balance our city’s annual budget. Failure to seriously grip our public finances, will leave our city open to intervention from central government commissioners, and this is not an option, nor a risk, that this administration is willing to take.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to identify ways of reducing costs and are determined to protect local services as best we can, particularly those that support the most vulnerable in our community.

“We are doing this in an urgent but considered way and our recovery plan is focusing on modernising, generating income, increasing efficiency and making difficult decisions to change, pause or stop things.

“Reducing local services is the very last thing any of us came into public service to do but we simply can’t duck our responsibility to make unpalatable decisions. The consequences of not being able to set a balanced budget would be catastrophic for our city.

“Wherever possible we are trying to squeeze out even more efficiency in what we do. With the cost of living crisis we know families in Plymouth are dealing with rising bills in the same way we are and the last thing we want to do is add to that burden, so we don’t propose increasing our fees and charges lightly. However, some of our costs rising by up to 20 per cent we have no choice but to increase fees and charges to cover increases in our bills.

“This is an important issue for the city as a whole and we will be seeking the views and ideas of all elected members – regardless of political party – as well as those of Plymouth residents. We will be asking residents to give their views on our saving proposals so far, as well as their ideas for what else we can do to protect local services, through an online form our website.”

The proposals being considered by Cabinet affect all areas of the council. They include:

Introducing charges for collecting garden waste – Plymouth is one of the few authorities remaining not to already charge for this nonstatutory service

• Increasing fees and charges by 10 per cent this year and next year

• Increasing parking fees in line with proposals recently consulted on

• Reducing costs in children’s social care, including working with families to keep more children at home, reducing the use of residential care and reviewing organisational structures

• Managing and reducing demand on adult social care

• Reviewing early help provision and children’s centres, alongside partners

• Reducing subsidies for bus services that cannot be run commercially

• Reviewing senior management

• Vacating buildings earlier than planned

Residents can give their views on the budget proposals through an online form on the council’s website. The feedback will be considered by all elected members before final budget decisions are made.

The Cabinet will discuss progress in reducing the budget gap for this year and next at its meeting in December. The final budget for next year is due to be set by the full council in February.

Plymouth Tamar Lions Club have raised £200 for Dame Hannahs charity and Club President Francis Sturman was on hand to present a cheque to Dame Hannahs community engagement officer Debbie Lumsdon.

The Plymouth Tamar Lions Club members are involved in a wide variety of fundraising activities ranging from helping out at local events such as the Tavistock Goose Fair to preparing and delivering Christmas hampers in Plymouth.

Each year the President chooses a charity for their year in the role and all proceeds from the club’s fundraising activities go to the chosen charity.

Francis has been a member of the club for 15 years and this year he is President and chose Dame Hannahs as their charity of the year.

Francis said: “I chose Dame Hannahs as it is a charity very close to my heart. My son, who has Cerebral Palsy, was at Dame Hannahs School for eight years and was very happy there.

“I was a parent governor and then joined the fundraising committee so

was very involved and got to know the staff very well. It is a wonderful charity which makes such a huge difference to the lives of the young people with disabilities in their care.”

Plymouth Tamar Lions raise funds for Dame Hannahs ...AND SO DO PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR

The Plymouth Area Police Choir performed a concert organised by the Ridgeway Methodist Church in Plympton

The choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Originally set up for police force officers in 1972, they now accept prospective male members from all walks of life as long as they can sing and hold a tune. They aim to perform about 15 concerts each year in and around the Plymouth area, to raise money for local and national charities.

John Streeter, choir secretary said: “We were delighted to be

invited to sing at the Ridgeway Methodist Church to raise money for Dame Hannahs. We feel that the evening was a success and the audience was very receptive.” Over £270 was raised at the event.

Dame Hannahs community engagement officer, Debbie Lumsdon, said: “I was delighted to attend the Plymouth Area Police Choir concert organised by the Ridgeway Methodist Church. It was a magical evening and I would like to thank everyone who came out on a very rainy night to attend and support Dame Hannahs. I would also like to thank Florence Bonner the soloist for sharing the evening with us.”

Changes at top of local funeral directors

Family run local funeral directors Walter C. Parson have announced some changes to their Board of Directors as the custodianship of the business is passed to the next generation.

Following a Board Meeting in November Graham May has retired as chairman of the Board, a position he has held since the death of his wife Pat in 2012 and having originally started work at WCP in 1973.

Stephen Ware has been appointed as the new chairman of the Board and John Ware has stepped up to be managing director of the company. Graham May and David Parslow remain as company directors. New chairman Stephen Ware said: “I was appointed as managing director in December 1999, so after a hectic 23 years as managing director and taking the firm from four branches in 1999

to the 12 that we have today, I consider it time to step down and let the next generation take the helm.”

“I have the utmost confidence that John will take the company on to bigger and better things and I wish him all the luck in the world! With the most grateful thanks to all the staff, past and present who have helped me enjoy the last 23 years.”

Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors was established in 1842 at Stoke Climsland, Cornwall. It has, either by inheritance or acquisition, remained in the family over seven generations.

The business has now grown into a group serving the South West Peninsula, covering Plymouth at St Judes, Crownhill, Plympton and Plymstock; Ivybridge, Tavistock, Callington, Torpoint, Saltash, Newton Abbot, Torquay and Exeter.

of the Plympton Podcast)

to raise funds for Dame Hannahs charity,

The Plymouth Area Police Choir with soloist Florence Bonner (centre)

(Story courtesy

Debbie Lumsdon said: “Thank you so much to Plymouth Tamar Lions for the wonderful donation which means such a lot to us and will help support all our young adults.”

Lions President Francis Sturman presents the cheque to Debbie Lumsdon from Dame Hannahs

Queen’s dress designer exhibition in Plymouth

Sir Norman Hartnell, personal designer to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, will be remembered in an exclusive exhibition from December 5 to 8, at 3, Elliot Terrace, Plymouth Hoe, with proceeds going to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The exhibition, ‘By Royal Appointment’, is a one-off chance to view gowns from a private collection, designed for both royalty and Hartnell’s own family members. Hartnell’s goddaughter will give two insightful talks about the designer and his fame at the Drake Room, Plymouth Guildhall from 6.30pm to 7.45pm on December 5 and 7.

Hartnell was the late Queen’s favourite couturier. Born in London in 1901, he realised he wanted to be a fashion designer when he was at Cambridge University, designing costumes for the famous Footlights drama society. Tapping into his exclusive network of wealthy friends in the roaring 1920s, he began to make a name for himself designing and producing gowns for London debutants.

Hartnell believed in flamboyance with style, “I despise simplicity; it is the negation of all that is beautiful.”

His creations soon caught the eye of not just Vivien Leigh and Marlene Dietrich, but also the Royal family. After attending a wedding where the bride was wearing a Hartnell dress, the Queen was so taken with his style that she commissioned him to produce her whole 1939 North America and Canadian tour wardrobe.

This started the royal relationship, which lasted throughout Hartnell’s professional career. Designing Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was an honour which was only to be beaten by his being asked to design her coronation dress a few years later. In 1977 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, made Hartnell the first fashion designer ever to be named a Knight of the Royal Victorian Order. More recently, we saw Princess Beatrice marry in one of the late Queen’s evening dresses, designed by Hartnell.

Hartnell was more famous in his day than any designer we could mention in the contemporary era. His dresses are considered masterpieces. At the forthcoming exhibition visitors will be able to see the original works, close up, and hear from Hartnell’s goddaughter about the man, his royal connections, and how he remembered her every year by creating her a beautiful dress. The mixture of intimacy and high fashion is irresistible.

Hartnell’s connection to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is time honoured. In 1943 he organised an Anglo Latin American Exhibition, to acknowledge and promote Latin American Countries assistance to Britain during the war. The exhibition then travelled round the counties between 1943 to 1945 and raised £10,000 for SSAFA, which is nearly £2 million pounds in today’s money.

Claire Williams, SSAFA Devon branch

secretary, said: “We are very much looking forward to presenting this magnificent exhibition. Her Late Majesty The Queen was the Patron of SSAFA for many years and to have an insight into her designer’s bespoke clothes feels really very special.

“ Thank you to all that are coming to see the exhibition, your attendance and donations mean a lot to SSAFA Devon and Plymouth, who are here to support the Armed Forces in many ways.”

For more information and to book tickets for the evening talks email: plymouth. branch@ssafa.org.uk. Tickets for entry to the exhibition, without the talk, are available on the door.

Detailed plans to upgrade the Guildhall are unveiled

Plymouth’s Guildhall could be back in the great gigs game with exciting plans to upgrade its facilities for the next generation of music fans and a host of other users.

Plymouth City Council is currently working on proposals which are designed to encourage bands, musicians and event organisers to book the historic building as part of a scheme to bring the buzz back to the city centre.

It will also provide space for a variety of other uses, such as other entertainment events, conferences, training, weddings and hot-desking.

The project team has been liaising with event organisers as well as a design team including a listed building specialist to put together a package of work that will make the building more attractive to promoters and event goers, but still keep its unique identity.

Changes – which are all subject to planning or listed building consent – could include:

• Improvements to the main hall’s acoustics with bespoke sound-deadening systems

• Retractable lighting rig

• Modular stage units – giving more flexibility in the hall for events which need runways, cat walks or performances in the round

• Improvements to the kitchen in the main hall enabling a wider range of events to be catered for

• Wifi improvements, enabling technology such as live streaming to be incorporated into events

• A goods lift – to make moving of heavy equipment such as amplifiers, lights and PA systems much easier

• Significant extension to the first floor bar and a back wall to be removed to create more space to move for bar staff

• Toilets to be refurbished throughout

• Accessibility improvements where possible

A separate work programme will see the installation of a new air source heat pump, to displace the use of gas boilers. An air source heat pump transfers heat from the outside air to provide internal heating and is far more environmentally friendly than gas with significantly reduced carbon emissions.

The Guildhall and Council House will form part of a new Civic Centre District Energy Scheme

which can be expanded to the Combined Court, as well as the Theatre Royal and the redevelopment of the Civic Centre by Urban Splash.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Shayer said: “It was very important to make sure that the improvements work for the type of companies we are trying to attract, so we have spoken to event organisers and promoters.

“They have their own equipment but need our space to be flexible and easy for setting up and get-outs.

“We also looked at the common problems people have when they go to a venue – a long queue for the bar, thought what changes can we make to address these in our venue? All changes also need to be sensitive to the building’s listed status.”

The works will be submitted as a package for planning and listed building consent later this year. If all goes according to plan, the work could start in the summer of 2023.

The Guildhall, including Great Hall, Assize Courts and former City Treasury was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz. They survived - by one single council vote in 1951 - the threat of demolition and became a focus of Plymouth’s rebuilding and the most significant survival from the bombed city centre.

It was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt, with the restoration continuing through most of the 1950s. It involved the stabilisation of what remained of the original building and the construction of new roofs, entrances and interior.

Councillor Shayer added: “This project has been in the pipeline for some time and we have secured significant funding from the Government to help us deliver. If ever there was a project where investment will repay over and over again, this is it. Not only will more events bring more income into the council, but more people coming to the events will have spin-offs for nearby cafes, pubs and bars. They will have a great night too.”

The project is expected to cost £3.9m comprising £2.45m which was allocated in the council’s capital budget in March 2021 and £1.5m from the Future High Streets fund.

Plymouth Guildhall – plans involve £3.9m worth of improvements

Sir Norman Hartnell pictured outside Buckingham Palace in 1977 and (below) the dress he designed for the Queen’s visit to Canada in 1959

Let’s all go the extra mile...

By Chris Cole, Founder Cross Rhythms Plymouth Charity Experience

I must admit that although I’ve been on planet earth for some time, I still feel relatively young at heart. Perhaps that is because I hang around contemporary Christian music and a younger generation.

Young and old alike must make sense of life issues in these changing times. I remember how idealistic I was amid the mounting challenges the world seemed to be going through in my youthful days, especially in the 60s and 70s. My memories can fade with age, yet some can become more precious.

I’m older and sentimental enough to have been deeply impacted by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II a few weeks back and deeply aware that I will miss her Christmas Day speech and the sharing of her personal faith in Jesus Christ.

I was born in the year she was crowned Queen and have always admired her sense of duty to her vocation and the courage with which she bore her own personal ups and downs in life, especially family life.

It is often said the Christmas season can be a trying process for families coming together, when old grudges and broken

Festival is the perfect showcase for local talent

The City of Plymouth Festival of Music, Speech and Drama took place at the Future Inn hotel over a week long period in November.

The prestigious festival saw hundreds of children and adults from across the city and beyond aged  four and upwards perform for an audience and adjudicator in an array of performance genres. These included acting, public speaking, mime, acting musical theatre,  TV News reading and verse speaking, singing, and instrumental.

Adjudicator Paul Trigg commented:  “The Plymouth festival is a wonderful showcase of local young talent and as the speech and drama adjudicator I have been delighted to see so many such accomplished performances with energy and enthusiasm.

“Now celebrating 107 years! I hope it runs for another century! “

Festival secretary Jill Straw said “This has been a bumper year for the festival with entries massively up on recent years and we have given out over 70 cups.

“The festival was a fantastic platform for many professional performers from Plymouth and beyond, over the years  and is a brilliant way for young people to have an early experience  of the competitiveness of the industry.”

relationships are experienced. ‘Aunty Joan just can’t stand the husband that her sister married thirty years ago because she was offended by something he said at the wedding’.

One of my favourite parables from Jesus is quoted in Matthew 18. It is the story of the unmerciful servant who had been forgiven a billion pounds by his master (who represents God in the parable), but this same servant took offence at another who could not repay him a debt of about £20, and he wouldn’t let it go in forgiveness.

The end of the parable is that this unforgiving servant ended up in a worse

prison of their own choosing. One person said that the bitterness of unforgiveness is like taking poison whilst you’re waiting for the other person to die.

Jesus Christ’s birth was to show and demonstrate by example the goodness of God, and His death and resurrection was to open the door for us to come to the Father and find deep and genuine freedom from our broken and sinful hearts and actions.

The late Queen carried the burden of knowing more about the world than her 15 prime ministers, armed forces and secret service all put together in the 70 years she was Sovereign.

As a human being she went through all sorts of pain; family breakups and massive pressure, but every Christmas shared that her anchor and foundation was in her personal, experiential relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the best gift for the world right now.

The persecuted church can teach us something in the west. That is that they have learned to pray, forgive and love their enemies within their persecution. For us in the west it is a challenge to love our families before we can progress to those who spitefully abuse us.

This Christmas season and into the New Year, may I respectfully and humbly suggest that we all try and go the extra mile in kindness, forgiveness and courage towards others - we may be surprised how things turn out.

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

Chris Cole

Festival photos by John Allen

Just some of the talented youngsters who won awards at the City of Plymouth Festival of Music, Speech and Drama

Plymouth City Council is now White Ribbon Accredited

Plymouth City Council has become White Ribbon Accredited as part of its ongoing commitment to end violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.The council set out its plans to achieve accreditation in January 2022 and has been working towards this throughout the year. As an accredited organisation, the council will continue to work to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality. It will ensure that the commitment to preventing male violence against women and girls is embedded within the organisation’s culture and ways of working, including HR policies, employee development and training. This includes offering bystander training to all staff, equipping them with the skills to recognise and challenge misogynistic behaviour in everyday life.This is in addition to the partnership work that the council has carried out with organisations, charities and businesses across Plymouth, such as the development of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission and the Safer Streets programme.

The Safer Streets programme aims to enhance the safety of public spaces for everyone and has led to the introduction of interactive help points across the city to make people feel safer, offering a new night bus service on Saturday nights and delivering bystander training to staff working in bars, clubs and pubs.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “We are proud to now be a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, demonstrating our continued commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

“This is not something that can be done by just one person or organisation, and everyone has an individual responsibility to speak up, to make a positive difference and help to change attitudes.

“As a council, and one of the city’s largest employers, we recognise the importance of leading by example. The new accreditation ensures that our commitment to ending violence against women and girls is embedded in the organisation at every level and positively impacts the way we work. I urge other organisations and businesses in Plymouth to join us in gaining White Ribbon accreditation, as together we can make a difference and ensure our city is a safe place for all.”

White Ribbon UK encourages everyone, especially men and boys, to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

Anthea Sully, chief executive of White Ribbon UK said: “We are delighted to have Plymouth City Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”

For more information visit www.whiteribbon. org.uk

Historian Chris Robinson publishes his latest ‘Then and Now’ volume

Historian Chris Robinson has launched his sixth Plymouth Then & Now project and the first to focus on aerial images.

Remarkably all of the ‘Then’ pictures date from 1945 or earlier, with a large number of them dating back to the earliest days of quality aerial photography around 100 years ago in 1923/4!

The result is an astonishing collection of comparisons. Many are just a reflection on the way the world has changed over the last century, but a great number chronicle the impact that the aerial bombardment of the city had between 1940 and 1943.

For anyone who has struggled to relate

the prewar city to that of today, Chris has produced the most comprehensive and visually striking narrative ever published, thanks to a technology that simply wasn’t available until recently – Google Earth.

As well as providing comprehensive coverage of the Hoe, Barbican and City Centre, the book takes readers on a fascinating flight around Plymouth and also embraces Millbay, Stonehouse, Mount Wise, Devonport Park, Camel’s Head, Swilly, St Budeaux, Crownhill, Mutley, North Hill, Greenbank, St Judes, Prince Rock, Plympton, Mount Batten and more besides.

North Road, and the lost train stations of Millbay and Friary are featured, so too is the

CHARGES FOR SOIL, RUBBLE, ASBESTOS AND PLASTERBOARD BROUGHT BACK

Charges for some non-household items will resume at Chelson Meadow Household Waste Recycling Centre from December 5.

The policy, which was previously in place between January and June 2021, will mean that residents who bring soil, rubble, plasterboard and asbestos to the recycling centre will need to pay.

The charges will remain at the same level as they were during that period – soil & rubble will be £2.40 per bag or item, plasterboard £6 per bag or sheet and bonded asbestos £11 per bag/sheet.

It is estimated that by doing this, the council could save £177,000 per year that may prove crucial in ensuring the continuation of other valued waste services.

The change comes as the council considers proposals for closing an unprecedented £37.6m shortfall in its budget for local services next year.

A report to Cabinet highlighted how inflation, rising energy costs and rising demand for social care services are causing huge budget pressures for all local authorities and outlined a package of proposals to help close Plymouth’s gap.

Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “This has been a difficult decision that simply must be taken in light of the current

financial crisis.

“Chelson Meadow is a ‘household waste’ centre and generally, the kind of materials that we are going to be charging for relate to DIY construction and landscaping.

“Clearly, this will only effect a small minority of residents with most people able to use the centre as they always have done.

“Hopefully, this may act as a driver for households undertaking home improvement works to try and reuse and recycle.”

The reintroduction of the policy brings Plymouth in line with the majority of local authorities nationwide and locally with Devon, Cornwall and Torbay.

Residents bringing any of the charged materials to Chelson will be directed to a dedicated area of the site. Payment will be by card only.

More details on Plymouth’s recycling centres can be found here: www.plymouth. gov.uk/recycling-centres

What materials are classed as soil and rubble?

Bricks, breeze blocks, concrete, drainage pipes (ceramic/porcelain), gravel, hardcore, paving slabs, rubble, sand, sanitary ware (ceramic/porcelain toilets, bidets, sinks, shower trays, pipes, etc), soil, slates/slabs, stones, tarmac, tiles (ceramic, porcelain, floor, roof, wall) and turf.

Home Park football statium and the Pennycross speedway/stock car/greyhound stadium Also revealed in the book is the story of Surrey Flying Services who took many of the images featured, a substantial number of them in 1924. One of the oldest aviation companies in the country, they also took the lease on the fledgling Roborough Airport for a number of years in the early 1930s.

All in all it’s a thought provoking and entertaining look at the way the city has recovered from its wartime trauma and how it has evolved over the last 100 years or so and is thus a must for anyone who loves the city and indeed anyone who loves playing ‘spot the difference’...and who doesn’t!

Sporting Lions

Plymouth Lions Club have helped with funding for the formation of the Sparkwell Youth Academy.

Sparkwell Parish Hall and Playground Trustees have been trying to provide more active sports and activities within the hall and playgound for the youth and children of the village in an effort to encourage a healthier lifestyle and sporting interests.

Initially it’s only for one hour on the third Thursday evening of every month. The activity will be for primary school children from school Year 6 upwards and Years 7 and above for secondary school.

The aim is to cover all sports, with a different one every month. The programme started with badminton followed by bowls, handball, hockey, volleyball, football, netball, basketball, table tennis, marshall arts and hopefully many others.

Plymouth Lions donated £120 to purchase sports equipment for the very worthwhile community initiative which will hopefully prove to be of value to the next generation of sporting enthusiasts.

Please contact Ray Foss on 07831 657 109 for further detail and information.

St Andrew’s Church in the 1930s...

...and seen from the air today

CARING SISTER IVY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

A young girl from Plymouth has been named as ‘Young Sibling of the Year’ by the national disability charity, Sense.

Eight-year-old Ivy Stedman, who lives in Southway won the award in recognition of her support for her disabled siblings, as well for her efforts to advocate for young carers.

Ivy has two disabled siblings’ nine-year-old Harry, who has Antenatal Bartter syndrome, ADHD, and global developmental delay, and older sister Kate, who has autism spectrum disorder.

After attending an online session organised by the Sense Siblings and Young Carers group called ‘An Introduction to Parliament,’ where she was able to learn a little bit about the world of politics, Ivy was inspired to write a letter to her MP Johnny Mercer. Ivy shared her experience about what it is like to be a young carer and how she finds it difficult to get support.

Ivy’s letter writing resulted in her receiving a referral to be assessed in school for additional

support, something the family had been waiting two years for. The issues Ivy shared have also been raised by Plymouth City Council which has discussed how it can better support young carers across the constituency.

Ivy said: “I feel really really proud and happy to have won this award!”

Ivy’s mum, Ellie added: “We are all so proud of Ivy. It still blows me away that after the Introduction to Parliament Zoom session, she took it upon herself to make a change and see how our local MP could help her. The letter she wrote was amazing, as was Johnny Mercer’s response. Ivy’s actions have not only improved her life but highlighted the plight of siblings and young carers with the government and our local council. What an amazing little girl!”

Sense chief executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Huge congratulations to Ivy on winning the Young Sibling of the Year award. Ivy’s love for her siblings and her efforts to advocate for young carers really impressed us and we are delighted to honour her with this award.”

The Sense Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them. For more information about the Sense Awards visit: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards

Celebrations for Tamar Healthcare

Local Plymouth care provider Tamar Homecare saw off seven major national care providers to win the coveted LaingBussion Homecare Award at a glitzy ceremony in London.

Actors and comedians Roni Ancona and Sally Phillips, alongside Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Stephen Dorrell, presented the Tamar Homecare team with the LaingBussion Best Homecare Provider at the ceremony.

“I was genuinely gobsmacked at getting to the final; never in a million years thought our local Plymouth team would be a match for the well-established national providers.

“Nobody at our table could quite believe it when our name was called out,” said Kelly Helme, registered manager of Tamar Homecare.

One of eight finalists for Best Homecare provider, Tamar Homecare, saw off the competition of seven major national companies, the only local care provider to make it to the final. The award was made for Tamar Homecare, demonstrating “Excellence in the provision of personal care or healthcare in a home setting with a focus on innovation and/or higher acuity services.”

Tamar Homecare is a local Plymouthbased community care provider. They provide

care for people in their homes throughout Plymouth and Saltash, enabling them to remain independent. Kelly added: “Our goal is to make people’s lives better for both clients and our staff. We work with Plymouth City

Council, Cornwall County Council and private individuals to provide the best care possible.”

To find out more about Tamar Homecare’s services visit www.tamarcareservices.co.uk or call Kelly on 01752 657 560

Improvements to bus facilities in Mayflower Street

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

New bus shelters will be installed at the bus stops on Mayflower Street, which will be widened to improve traffic flow. More space is going to be created for the buses to use. The scheme will see:

• A new bus stopping area with extra space to drop off passengers. There are currently two bus stops and one shelter. The new scheme will have two bus shelters and bus stops with space for three buses

• Kerb adjusted to widen the road so that buses and cars can pass by when other buses have stopped

• Street furniture removed if surplus and relocated where necessary

• Disabled bay relocated – with details to be confirmed later

• Eight car parking spaces removed.

The work is being carried out to create more bus stops in the city centre ahead of major changes to the layout of Royal Parade. Some bus services – yet to be decided – will be moved to Mayflower Street permanently rather than Royal Parade to create more space and cut congestion on Royal Parade. It should also help improve air quality as fewer buses will be queuing for space.

These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund which is costing £615,000.

Traffic orders have been submitted for when the work is carried out as well as changes to traffic management after the work.

Councillor

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112

Police general enquiries 101

Derriford Hospital 01752 202082

NHS 111

Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105

Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999

Water, South West Water 0344 3462020

Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020

Adoption UK 0844 848 7900

Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088

Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650

Carers UK 020 7378 4999

Childline 0800 1111

Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006

Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043

Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677

Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800

Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123

Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811

Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670

Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000

National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700

National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101

NHS Direct 0845 4647

National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247

Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314

Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985

Parentline Plus 0808 8002222

Relateline 0845 1304010

Samaritans

Jonathan Drean, Cabinet

Member for Transport said: “Plymouth has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030 so we need to encourage more people to get out of their cars and use public transport when travelling to and from the city centre.

“This work once complete will help alleviate congestion on Royal Parade as well as emissions build up as fewer buses will be using the bays on Royal Parade.

“We recognise that all these changes are coming in a relatively short period of time. Much of the timing is beyond our control –we’ve had a combination of the pandemic, supply issues and tight government funding time tables which means we have to do a lot of projects in the next six months or so.

These changes will be worth it.”

Top providers...the Tamar Healthcare team celebrate their award

Outreach hub for veterans launched

Armed Forces charities in Plymouth have launched the first of a series of new outreach hubs at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre following Census data revealed that veterans made up over eight per cent of the Plymouth population.

For the first time last year the Census asked people to declare if they had previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Local authority figures released today show that 18,279 veterans live in Plymouth.

Help for Heroes data from the same period as the Census in 2021 shows that at that time the charity was supporting almost 1,500 affected by their service across Devon.

With 12 times that number of veterans living in Plymouth alone, the charity and other organisations recognised there are many more who could need support.

The move to open outreach hubs for the Armed Forces community, which includes veterans and those currently serving, and their families, has been driven by the local community team from Help for Heroes, in tandem with the Armed Forces Community Social Prescriber for Plymouth Becky Ormrod, Improving Lives Plymouth, Op Courage (the veterans’ mental health service from the NHS), Veterans UK, Royal British Legion, Team Endeavour Wheelchair Rugby Club, and Armed Forces champions from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Veteran Roch Rochester, who has been supported by Help for Heroes and other organisations, and attended the outreach hub representing Team Endeavour Wheelchair Rugby Club which he now runs to support others, said: “All the charities coming together give that option of wraparound support for veterans and others in the Armed Forces community in need, or even if

they’re not in need just for a social connection.

“Some of our rugby players have gone on to do cycling or canoeing or sailing; it’s all those connections that help to build our community.

“Help for Heroes and others really helped me when I was in a dark place. All these organisations I didn’t know were there for me. I always thought it was for other guys and their injuries. Now, I have a voice in that community. I can knock on a door and ask for help for myself or others, but many years ago I couldn’t. For me it’s great to see this happening.”

The hub will be at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre in Glen Road (PL7 2XS) on the second Thursday of each month (3pm-7pm), at Ernest English House in Buckwell Street (PL1 2DA) on the third Wednesday of each month (9am-7pm) and at Four Greens Community Trust, Whitleigh Green (PL5 4DD) on the last Wednesday of each month, starting on November 30 (4-8pm).

Help for Heroes’ case manager, Paul Mouncher,

said: “Often, those who are in or have been in the Forces aren’t sure where they can go to speak to someone who will understand, or who knows what’s available for them and where. And, crucially, where they can find help and support.

“The outreach hub is there to bridge that gap for them: a one-stop shop with all the charities and organisations together in one place, so the Armed Forces community can come for a chat and a cuppa and enquire about the available support in welfare, clinical, mental health, and sporting activities.”

Help for Heroes has already supported more than 27,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve. Members of the Armed Forces community can ask for help at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/ask-for-help/

For further details on attending or supporting a Plymouth Armed Forces community outreach hub, contact Paul Mouncher, Help for Heroes’ case manager on 07807 298684 or paul.mouncher@ helpforheroes.org.uk.

Advertise to over 21,000 homes in Plympton and Plymstock

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe.

The February edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on January 13 with a copy deadline of Januaryu 2. The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

If you have an event listing, interesting story or news item you think would be suitable for the Chronicle, please send an email to info@ cornerstonevision.com.

We welcome submissions, but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Launch of the outreach hub at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre