Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock January 2022

Chronicle Plymouth

# PLYMOUTH TOGETHER

January 2022

A new community hub for Sherford has been officially opened by Sir Gary Streeter MP For details see Page 12

A new multi-agency commission is to be launched in Plymouth to tackle violence against women and girls See Page 14

Plympton & Plymstock

Gables Dogs and Cats Home have launched an urgent appeal for funds to help with winter heating bills See Page 15

ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Cross Rhythms • Local news and Experience views • Dial the Experts • Sherford Life • Useful numbers

It’s sparkling at Saltram!

Saltram will be sparkling this festive season with nearly 50,000 lights adorning Christmas trees inside the National Trust’s Georgian mansion. The grand rooms have also been elaborately decorated to tell the story of the Nutcracker.

• Story and pictures on page 13.

Photo: Steve Haywood

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2 January 2022

2 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

MASK-UP FOR CHRISTMAS! As I have always feared, another new COVID-19 variant has appeared and resulted in a number of compulsory measures being brought back in.

Whilst at the time of writing we aren’t aware of the Omicron variant being present in the city, what we do know is that we are now seeing hundreds of new cases of COVID-19.

Our current rate is the highest it’s been since July and well above the England average. So if Omicron isn’t here, it soon will be. That means people are off work, out of school, not able to see their friends or family.

Clearly as we hurtle towards Christmas we all need to get behind the national effort to combat the virus. As you will all hopefully know, the Government has announced that wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport is now mandatory.

There are fears that the Omicron variant could be more infectious and less responsive to

vaccines and the temporary measures have been introduced as a precaution to slow its spread.

The ruling on face coverings also applies to hairdressers, nail salons, indoor markets, post offices, banks, shopping centres and takeaways with no room to sit down to eat inside.

The full list of settings included can be found on the Government website.

The COVID-19 rates in Plymouth and numbers currently in hospital show the virus is still very much with us.

Wearing a face covering is a really effective way of helping reduce the spread of the virus. I would urge everyone to do the right thing and protect themselves and our community.

The Government has also announced other changes. These include: • Mandatory face coverings to be worn in communal areas in secondary schools by staff, visitors and students in year seven and above, unless they are exempt.

• Everyone over 18 years old will now be offered a booster vaccination and a second jab will be offered to children aged 12 to 15 (but please wait until the NHS calls you forward).

• New travel restrictions are now in place and any travellers arriving in the country are required to take a PCR test on or before day two. Everyone must self-isolate until they have received a negative test result.

The lead-up to the festive season does bring increased risks as more people will be shopping and meeting up indoors, so testing regularly, wearing a face covering, washing your hands, keeping indoor spaces well ventilated and getting the vaccinations available to you will help reduce the chance of your Christmas being ruined by COVID-19.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

MORE PEOPLE CAN NOW GET COVID JAB

More people are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, as COVID-19 levels in Plymouth begin to rise.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has announced that everyone over 18 years old will now be offered a booster vaccination, and a second jab will be offered to children aged 12 to 15 (but please wait until the NHS calls you forward).

The boosters will be offered in descending age groups, with priority given to older people and those most at risk.

Due to the changing risk posed by the new variant, the period between the second jab and booster jab will soon be reduced from six months to three months.

The aim is to speed up how quickly people can get their jabs in order to increase levels of protection across the population. Capacity at vaccination centres is also limited, so anyone arriving for a booster without an appointment should expect queues. If you are aged 40 to 49 and are double-vaccinated, you can currently book an appointment for your third jab six months after your second dose.

You can book via the NHS booking service online or by calling 119. Data shows the third dose tops up protection against symptomatic COVID-19 to above 90 per cent.

Teenagers aged 16 and 17 – who previously were only eligible for one dose – can also now book their second COVID-19 vaccine.

Locally 90 per cent of those aged 40 and over are fully vaccinated and 61.4 per cent of those aged 16 and 17 have had their first jab.

Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said:“Levels of COVID-19 in Plymouth have started to rise again, with around one in 50 people in the city testing positive for the virus over the last four weeks.

“We know that protection from the vaccine does wane over time after the first two doses.

“Therefore, it is important that everyone eligible for a booster jab gets one when invited.

“The evidence is clear: the additional vaccination will help reduce the likelihood of having symptoms if you catch COVID-19. And, as we hurtle towards winter, the NHS needs us to do all we can to help reduce pressure on its services.”

What does Omicron mean for self-isolation?

The Government has updated its guidance to reflect changes to self-isolation requirements for contacts of people who have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

These contacts must stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days, even if they are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and six months. If you are a contact of someone with COVID-19 who has not been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant, and you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and six months, you are not required to self-isolate.

You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate (or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate.) For more information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Where to get your vaccine jab If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccination yet, or you’re due your second jab, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van – and you don’t need an appointment or NHS number.

The mobile van will be visiting the following locations this month. Only the Pfizer vaccine will be available, for first and second jabs. No appointments are needed.

• Monday 6 December: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 9 December: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) • Friday 10 December: Elm Community Centre (11am to 5pm) • Saturday 11 December: Fredrick Street Centre (midday to 7pm)

• Monday 13 December: Mutley Baptist Church (11am to 5pm) • Tuesday 14 December: Four Greens Community Trust (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 16 December: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

For more information go to www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/get-tested.

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

NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on December 2.

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

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

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

Plymouth Christmas Market returns to the city centre from December 2 to December 21

Christmas at Saltram Until Jan 3 This Christmas it’s the perfect time to meet up with family and friends to see the well loved story of The Nutcracker bought to life within the house. The grandest room at Saltram, the Saloon, will be transformed into a magical fairytale forest with decadently decorated trees and magical interventions to make the house feel alive. Plus, have fun on a walk round the garden and learn about the natural ‘nutcrackers’ that live within the gardens and parkland at Saltram.

Breakfast with Santa at The Box Nov 27 to Dec 19 If you’ve got little ones who like eating out, you can enjoy ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in The Box Kitchen & Bar from 9am to 11am every Saturday and Sunday. Santa will be on hand to greet you as you arrive and sit down to either pancakes with maple syrup or blueberries, a breakfast bap or a breakfast flatbread. All washed down with a hot chocolate, tea, coffee or fruit juice.

Festive Shopping Markets Various dates in December Royal William Yard is running a series of weekend and late-night shopping markets during December, featuring a selection of the region’s most exciting independent artisan traders. The late-night markets on December 8 and 15 run from 5pm to 9pm. The Festive Good Food & Craft Markets run from 10am to 3pm on December 5, 12 and 19. For more information visit www.royalwilliamyard.com Buckland Abbey Christmas Dec 4 to Dec 31 The medieval Great Barn at Buckland Abbey will feature the ‘River of Light illuminations with over 100 twinkly trees. As visitors follow the twinkling lights of the trees, they will meander through the sparkling forest. But the path is not actually a path, it is a river of light to help visitors feel like they are walking through the nearby River Tavy. As visitors walk through the barn they will be immersed in the river of light which has been created using rippling lights of blue tone colours. Visitors might also spot the odd fish or two on the side of the barn walls!

Check the website for opening times and the full list of family events, including local choirs, Elizabethan dancing and Olde Father Christmas.

Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 5 Featuring the Carlton Big Band at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion on Tailyour Road, Crownhill.

Future events at the same venue include a Christmas gig on December 19 featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at 7.30pm. Led by award winning reed player Jeremy Huggett on clarinet, saxophones and vocals. The Dart Valley Stompers are one of the most popular and busiest traditional jazz bands in the country.

The first event in 2022 features South West City Swing on January 16. Details from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk The Christmas Mouse Dec 8 to 24 Stiltskin Theatre Company’s festive winter show for little people at the Soapbox Theatre

in Devonport Park. A wintery tale for under 5s.

Details stiltskin.org.uk Carols in the Car Park Dec 9 The Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir will be performing carols in the car park at the Sherwell Centre from 7pm to 8pm. For late night shoppers with mince pies and mulled wine. Other Choir dates including Singing in The Barn at Buckland Abbey on December 11 from 1pm to 2pm; Light Up A Life for St Luke’s at St Andrew’s Minster on December at 2pm.

Christmas Concert Dec 11 Music of the Night Choral Foundation present ‘A Holy Jolly Night of Carols at Mount Gould Methodist Church Farringdon Road, Plymouth at 7pm. Contact choir secretary for tickets 07860354290.

Santa’s Christmas Party Cruise Dec 11 and 12 Get into the seasonal spirit on board Plymouth Boat Trips’ Christmas Party Cruise which departs from the Barbican Landing stage. Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine or Prosecco from the bar, then dance and mingle the night away to festive tunes. Adults only event. Tickets £15.50. Details at www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk Christmas Fayre Dec 11 and 12 Back for the 17th year at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. From 10am. Entrance adults £3, children £1. All day parking £1.

Christmas Concert Dec 12 Following their recent successful sell-out concert in Buckfast Abbey in November, the Collati Singers conducted by Trefor Farrow are giving a concert of Christmas music in Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. The programme will include some pieces composed by the great masters of the 16th century, but in the main will feature seasonal music by more contemporary composers including Rutter, Chilcott and Jaemus Downing, who will be travelling from Falmouth to hear the choir sing his carol ‘A Boy was Born’. The concert also includes performances

by The Damerel Belles, a women’s group also

directed by Trefor Farrow. Trefor was head of music at Devonport High School for Boys for over 40 years, and has conducted many music groups around the Plymouth area. Collati currently have a vacancy for an experienced bass with a wide vocal range. Entrance is free with retiring donations invited, which will be divided between the church and the choir.

Further details fromwww.collatisingers.co.uk or collatisingers@gmail.com British Red Cross Christmas Service Dec 15 Join the service of carols and reading at St Andrew’s Minster Church in Royal Parade at 6.30pm and support the British Red Cross.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome. There will be a collection at the end of the service and seats need to be booked by e-mailing custancebaker@gmail.com Sleighing It Dec 15 to 23 Barbican Theatre presents a light-hearted festive show featuring professional and emerging artists from Plymouth and the surrounding area. For tickets visit www. barbicantheatre.co.uk Celebrate Christmas Carol Service Dec 17 The Stanborough Chorus with guests from the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir present a carol service in aid of the Primrose Foundation. It will be held at the Church of the Ascension in Crownhill at 7pm. There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Primrose Foundation.

Details at www.stanboroughchorus.com Christmas Concert Dec 17 Festive concert featuring the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at St Peter’s Lutheran Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 in advance from 01752 345390 or 01752 337011.

Aladdin Dec 17 to Jan 15 Joe Pasquale stars in the Theatre Royal’s annual spectacular pantomime. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Aladdin features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes

and plenty of boos and hisses. For tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com Christmas Tree Festival

Dec 18

At St Budeaux Methodist Church from 10am until 3pm. Entry is free. Light refreshments will be available. Donations for the church funds will be gratefully received. The Carol Service will be on December 19 at 6pm, led by Revd Alistair Lowe.

Culture Club Dec 18 At the Stoke Youth & Community Centre in Blockhouse Park from 2pm to 4pm. Culture Club is a chance to get together to share food, have fun and meet new friends. This Culture club we will be making colourful lanterns and all joining in a parade around Blockhouse Park. All ages and everyone is welcome!

Nudge Christmas Fair Dec 18 and 19 Visit the Nudge Christmas Fair at The Plot in Union Street between 1.30pm and 4.30pm each day. Christmas crafts and activities, vintage clothing from the Original Fruitcakes, tie dye creations from The Love Shack, warm and fuzzy felt gifts from The Sheep Shed, and lots of other local businesses with their offerings! Hot drinks and food available from the food court, along with music, and lots more festive fun!

Christmas Concert Dec 20 Plymouth Area Police Choir return after a long absence through COVID with a Christmas concert at Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth at 7pm. The concert will include performances by the young people of Montpelier Primary School and the Legacy Choir. Tickets available by calling 01752 339788.

Bubblicious Dec 31 Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park presents a family friendly dance party.

Guest DJs, glow sticks, face painting, bubbles, walkabout performers and much more. For children aged over four and their big folk.

Details www.stiltskin.org.uk Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About

4 January 2022

4 January 2022

Wellbeing support wins acclaim for college’s Students’ Union Plymouth College of Art Students’ Union has won Best Campaign Supporting Student Wellbeing at the 2021 Think Student Awards, beating leading international universities to be selected as the winner by the Student Pulse panel of 40,000 students.

The Think Student Awards are the only awards of their kind, judged by the students themselves and measuring real impact.

Judges from the 2021 Think Student Awards said: “The students loved how Plymouth College of Art went above and beyond to support their students during the pandemic, providing tangible help and access to essential items.”

Part of an independent university-sector art school established in 1856, Plymouth College of Art’s Student Union (PCA:SU) is run by a small team focussed on student wellbeing, mental health and welfare, providing an inclusive, welcoming environment.

Student Union president Harriet Moore is dedicated to going above and beyond to develop their support network.

During the first national lockdown in 2020, Harriet ran the Student Union Food Bank from her flat, hand-packing and coordinating delivery of parcels of food, period products and toiletries to students self-isolating or experiencing financial hardship. Harriet and her small team also tackled period poverty by providing free period products in toilets across all campuses.

Harriet said: “I was so nervous before they announced the runner-up and winner, but I wasn’t expecting to win at all, as we were up against some big names. I was shocked and excited when they called out PCA:SU as the

winners! It was a great feeling to have been chosen against some of the other amazing work going on in the sector.”

Harriet and Paige Nolan, the Student Union manager, are mental health first aid trained, extending this training to staff throughout the college.

Steve Trotter, Plymouth College of Art registrar, said: “Running any SU is a tough job, and this is a fantastic accolade for our Students’ Union. During her time as president, Harriet has supported student representation at every level of Plymouth College of Art, attending almost every course meeting, consulting with student representatives and consistently ensuring that the voice of students is heard at Academic Board and its committees, and by the Board of Governors.

“I can’t rate Harriet’s contribution to Plymouth College of Art highly enough. This, plus a strong relationship with our very active SU executive, has been invaluable in helping us to respond to emerging student needs, particularly through the pandemic, when we have been Harriet Moore (left) and Paige dealing with so much change and Nolan with their Think Student uncertainty.”

Award “Working closely together, Paige and Harriet have really made a difference to students at Plymouth College of Art, including what was probably our most successful programme of Freshers activities this year.”

Harriet added: “Mental health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do in my role; I truly care about each and every one of the students at Plymouth College of Art. We never expect any recognition for what we do in the Students’ Union, it’s just our job, so to be voted for by a panel of 40,000 students to celebrate our work is amazing.”

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News in Brief...

• Concern has been raised over the alarming number of children riding bicycles on roads and pavements in Plympton in the dark without any lights and many of them are also wearing dark clothing making it even more difficult for them to be seen.

• Lord Mayor Cllr Terri Beer has been on the radio after a visit to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour

by Kevin Wadland from Hospital Radio. During the interview the Lord Mayor spoke about her chosen charities for the year, her involvement with the Keyham community since the recent tragedy there, her desire to retain youth talent in the city and many other matters.

• The Rotary Club of Plympton will be back again this year with their visiting Santa sleigh in various streets in Plympton in the lead up to Christmas. This popular annual event raises money for various charities as well as providing festive cheer to local children and families.

• Litter pickers Clean Our Patch now have more than 60 volunteers. Their activities clear up an average of 60 bags of litter a week and in the past two years they have cleared up more than 7,000 bags of dog poo and over 5,000 discarded face masks.

• The St Mary’s Area Residents Team have chosen the Derriford Dialysis Unit and Special Olympics as their two causes to raise funds for over the forthcoming year.

• The Plympton Gardeners Association has raised £500 for The Friends and Families of Special Children, a cause they adopted to support in 2020. This charity provides training and information for parents of children with disabilities and a range of activities for the children and their siblings.

News in Brief if provided by the Plympton Podcast

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Big crowds attend the Remembrance service in Plympton

This year’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and open air service around the war memorial in St Maurice was one of the most well attended for many years.

The ability for the parade to be able to go ahead had originally been in doubt until Plympton Community Council stepped into the breach to take over the staging of this important community event and their efforts were rewarded by the large level of support from the grassroots community in Plympton.

Large numbers of residents lined the route of the procession from the Co-op Car Park to the war memorial in Barbican Road and thereafter via Underwood village back to the RBL club in Market Road.

Many also took part in gathering around the war memorial for the Act of Remembrance and two minute silence followed by the roll call of the fallen and the laying of wreaths and poppy crosses.

Plympton Community Council chairman Rose Hamley said: “Well done Plympton, it was so good to see so many at the service. You did Plympton proud.”

Plympton St Mary ward Councillor Natalie Harrison described it as ‘a moving parade and service’ and that she had been ‘proud to be part of it.’

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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Photos: Plympton Community Council

6 January 2022

6 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

City College Plymouth strikes up new partnership with Plymstock School City College is continuing in its efforts to support both local teenagers and the local economy by working in collaboration with a popular Plymouth secondary school.

Keen to support the city with raising aspirations, the college has already established partnerships with All Saints Academy Plymouth and Millbay Academy, and will now also be supporting Plymstock School with ensuring its pupils have access to impartial advice and guidance on post-16 options.

In addition to the various awareness-raising activities the college provides for all secondary schools in Plymouth, East Cornwall and West Devon, it will support Plymstock School pupils with planning for their futures through a tailored

programme of careers events, including taster sessions, school-wide competitions and regular course and Apprenticeship information sessions at the School.

Ben Manning, the college’s executive for Curriculum, Quality and Student Experience who is responsible for school partnerships, said: “Thanks to this collaboration, there will be hundreds more school-leavers every year making fully informed decisions about their futures.

“As part of our partnership commitment, City College will support Plymstock School in ensuring pupils are aware of the skill demands and areas of sector growth within our city enabling every one of them to raise their aspirations and take steps towards successful careers.”

Plymstock School head teacher Robert Diment

said: “Plymstock School is delighted to be working in partnership with City College Plymouth to ensure all of our pupils experience an enhanced careers education.

“The education landscape is changing, particularly with the introduction of T Levels which would suit those who are keen to start preparing for the workplace.

“By working together with City College, we can provide a range of opportunities to help our Ben Manning of City College (left) with students onto the appropriate pathway that best Plymstock headteacher Robert Diment suits their aspirations.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council and Plymstock than now. All of us - schools, colleges, employers School governor, Nick Kelly, said he was pleased to - we all want to see the same thing and that is the see another school collaborating with City College. creation of more highly skilled and well-paid jobs He said: “Partnerships and working in for the city, and that comes from making the most collaboration have never been more important of the opportunities that come our way.”

#LIGHTUPPLYMPTON - IT WAS THE BEST YET! Thousands turned out for this year’s Christmas Fair and lights switch in Plympton on organised by Plym Chamber, with a sea of people as far as the eye could see.

The event, on November 29, was spread over a wider area this year, encompassing St Stephens Place and the main Mudge Way car park as well as Ridgeway.

Taking to the stage shortly before the lights were switched on Plym Chamber president Andrew Briggs explained to the amassed crowd how around 25 years ago he and Harold Philpotts had raised a sum of £1,000 to enable the very first Christmas lights to be put up and switched on.

“It was a great success but it was a very, very long way from where we are now and this time we have to raise an awful lot more than £1,000,” Mr Briggs continued.

The lights this year were switched on by Lord Mayor Cllr

Plymouth Christmas Market 2-19 December, City Centre

Terri Beer and Victoria Graham from BBC Spotlight who is patron of Bowel Cancer West, one of Cllr Beer’s chosen charities to support during her mayoral year.

Local musician Tom Baker acted as compere for the evening, introducing the various entertainment acts performing on stage which the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

A spokesperson for Plym Chamber said: “We wanted this year’s event to be amazing and it certainly was just that!

“The whole event has been utterly astounding and we can’t thank everyone enough for their support on the run up to and during this year’s #LightupPlympton event.”

Those who were not able to attend in person were able to follow the switch on and entertainment sessions on a live Facebook page.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

2-19 DEC

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Noisy neighbour ordered to pay over £1,400 after causing ‘misery’ @PlymChronicle

A noisy neighbour who repeatedly played music by James Blunt has been ordered to pay over £1,400 by Plymouth Magistrates Court.

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Mark Carey, 49, of Lowerside in Ham, had his case heard in his absence.

The court heard how Carey had made his neighbours’ life a misery by playing loud music.

After several complaints to the council about loud music, Carey was given a Community Protection Notice in October 2020 having ignored three previous letters warning him about his noise levels.

The notice required that he must not cause or act in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person by way of causing noise which included the playing of music.

Despite this, the noise continued on three occasions between July 25 and August 4 2021.

To document their plight, Carey’s neighbours took audio recordings music being played at unacceptable levels into the night.

When Environmental Health officers reviewed the recordings, in which the lyrics to ‘Timber’ by Pitball ft Ke$ha were clearly audible they also issued him with a fixed penalty notice for £100. Carey failed to pay the £100 and the noise continued on four more occasions before September 4 2021.

This time, audio recordings featured ‘Fix You’

by Coldplay while James Blunt’s 2004 mega-hit ‘You’re Beautiful’ was identifiable on multiple occasions.

As a result, Environmental Health Officers obtained and executed a warrant under S.51 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and seized three TVs, speakers and other music equipment from Carey’s house.

The court heard how the noise disrupted sleep, causing stress, fatigue and anxiety to his neighbours and of the abuse received from Carey when they challenged him about the noise.

The Magistrates found Carey guilty of breaching a Community Protection Notice and fined him £660.

They also ordered him to pay costs of £699.70 and a £66 victim surcharge. The total of £1,425.70 must be paid with 28 days.

The Magistrates also ordered the permanent forfeiture of the previously seized equipment.

Councillor John Riley, Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “Everyone has the right to live quietly in their own home, which is why we will not hesitate to bring prosecutions against people who try and take that right away from their neighbours.

“I hope now that the defendant’s neighbours will finally have some peace.”

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8 January 2022

8 January 2022

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Making waves with Children in Need Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre recently hosted a week of activities for the Making Waves Plymouth project funded by Children in Need.

Local young people from PL1, PL2 and PL4 communities enjoyed a wide range of on, and off, water activities including kayaking, bell boating, giant SUP fun, archery, orienteering, sailing, as well as yoga and mindfulness sessions provided by local yoga instructor Haidee from Yoga with

Haidee, all made possible with funding from Children in Need and coordinated through the Making Waves Plymouth project.

Throughout the week, some participants also had the opportunity to take their first qualification in dinghy sailing with the Royal Yachting Association as part of the RYA’s Tackling Inequalities project and 24 participants were taught the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ techniques.

The Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre work closely with Making Waves Plymouth to host and deliver on and off water activities for local young people through specific funding opportunities.

Sam Waites, Watersports and Activities manager at the Centre said: “We’ve been working with the Making Waves project for a few years now which has enabled us to reach more young people within our communities. For some, their first visit to the Centre may also be their first experience of getting out on the water and we are privileged to watch them gain confidence, try something new and make lasting memories

here in Britain’s Ocean City.”

Tors Froud, project coordinator for Making Waves Plymouth said: “I am so incredibly humbled to work with such amazing young people and their families. I’ve seen a Dad learn to swim just so he can enjoy kayaking with his daughter; I’ve witnessed first hand the generosity

GOVERNMENT FUNDING BOOST FOR THE BOX AND THEATRE ROYAL

Four Plymouth cultural attractions have received much-needed cash injections from the third round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Theatre Royal will receive £700,000, The Box £146,500, Plymouth Music Zone £62,688 and Plymouth Arts Cinema just under £5,000.

The funding is part of more than £100 million which has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country.

Funding for The Box, which recently marked its first anniversary, will provide valuable support as it continues its recovery from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and firms up its plans for an exciting 2022 and beyond.

After having to delay its original opening date by over four months, its launch in September 2020 was one of the most significant cultural events of the year.

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spite on the national lockdowns, wowed local audiences and helped drive tourist visits to the city over the summer.

It is currently the only UK venue on the international tour for the National Museum of Australia’s ‘Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters’ exhibition which is on display until February 27 2022. The ground breaking exhibition features over 300 works of art by more than 100 Indigenous artists.

of the local community policing team who have participated (and got soaked!) as part of the activities provided and I’ve seen the difference that funded opportunities like these make to young people’s lives.

“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve our half term week of activities without Children in Need funding. Thank you Children in Need.

“We continue to apply for relevant grants and funding and look forward to providing many more opportunities over the months and years to come.

All those that want to enjoy the water and do so safely with guidance and knowledge should be able to do so.”

As the vision for Plymouth Sound to become the UK’s first National Marine Park continues to be developed, the Mount Batten peninsula and the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre have been identified as one of five gateways to the Park for active recreation.

January 2022

@PlymChronicle

9

New Emergency Department moves a step nearer Plans for the new Emergency Department at Derriford Hospital have been submitted to Plymouth City Council.

The new four-storey building will feature an extension of the existing hospital to provide a new Emergency Department including facilities for imaging, emergency surgery and interventional radiology.

The proposal has been prepared by leading planning consultants Stride Treglown on behalf of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The multi-million pound development is also known as ‘Future Hospital Phase 1.’

The proposal includes the comprehensive internal refurbishment of the existing Emergency Department to convert it to a paediatric emergency facility along with the four storey building which will provide additional accommodation to meet current and future demand.

It is intended that the new-build element will contain new Emergency Department facilities, a Same Day Emergency Care facility (SDEC), imaging facilities, radiology, training, staff rest and welfare facilities, emergency surgery theatres and administrative offices.

The Future Hospital Phase 1 project is the first stage of the long-term plan to develop and transform the healthcare facilities at the Derriford Hospital site.

Future Hospital director, Stuart Windsor said: “This new facility will consist of two floors of emergency care facilities, one of which will be devoted to same day emergency care; a short stay ward; a new paediatric emergency department; five new interventional theatres; four conventional theatres and all the support accommodation and imaging capacity that’s associated with our emergency care pathway.”

Chief Executive, Ann James said: “This

Artist’s impressions of the new Emergency Department courtesy of Stride Treglown

purpose built facility will create a modern space where we can effectively and efficiently care for the sickest of patients and also deal with the increasing numbers that are presenting to the hospital.

“We will be able to progress the facilities for same day emergency care, to reduce

waiting times for those who need to be seen and treated, but don’t need to be admitted to the hospital.

“Really importantly, we’ll not only have state of the art diagnostic equipment to support faster diagnosis but also new interventional radiology theatres and surgical

theatres which is at the leading edge of clinical practise and innovation.”

The plans are part of the government’s commitment to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, backed by an initial £3.7 billion, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation.

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10 January 2022

10 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Mark Ormrod to be awarded the freedom of city

Date set for completion of busy junction works A busy Chaddlewood junction which has been left in a dangerous unfinished state for months on end may at last be closer to finally being completed.

One of Plymouth’s most inspirational residents will be awarded with the highest honour the city can bestow.

Former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE, will be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Plymouth, after a formal decision was made at the Full Council meeting in November.

Mark’s life changed forever on Christmas Eve 2007 when he was blown up by an improvised explosive device whilst on a routine patrol in Afghanistan. He lost an arm and both legs above the knee and was twice pronounced dead at the scene.

Doctors originally told him that he would never walk again. But just five months later, he marched onto the parade ground on prosthetics to collect his tour of duty medal.

Today, Mark is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, a peak performance coach and the author of the award winning auto-biography Man Down. He’s won 11 medals, including four golds at the Invictus Games and is a source of daily inspiration for the thousands of people who follow him on Social Media.

He is a relentless charitable fund-raiser and earlier this month was awarded the Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the year award in recognition of the hundreds of thousands of pounds he has raised for charity by undertaking remarkable feats of endurance.

He has run 3,500 miles across the US to raise awareness of wounded veterans, cycled 3,000 miles around the UK and this year raised almost half a million pounds for veterans’ charity REORG by taking part in a 5km run, a 1km swim across

Mark Ormrod with his Pride of Britain Award

Plymouth Sound and a 99.9 mile bike ride!

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “Mark Ormrod is without question one of Plymouth’s most inspirational residents. His achievements since he suffered life changing injuries in 2007 are nothing short of amazing. We are absolutely delighted to be able to award him with the highest honour the City of Plymouth can bestow.”

Mark, who lives in Plymstock said: “As a born and bred Plymothian I am absolutely honoured to be awarded with the Freedom of the City. It’s been a pretty intense year for me and this is a perfect way to end it, by being recognised with the highest honour that my home city can bestow. Thank you so much.”

Only 45 individuals and organisations have been awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of Plymouth since 1917.

The work at the junction of Hillcrest Drive and Glen Road became delayed in April when cabling belonging to Openreach was uncovered during excavation works.

Explaining the delay in August 2021 a spokesperson for Openreach said: “Barratt David Wilson Homes (BDWH) commenced highway works at the junction of Hillcrest Drive and Glen Road without engaging with Openreach to make sure our telecommunications infrastructure would be protected during the works.

Some of our ducting will need to be moved in order for the works to be completed and we are working with BDWH and Plymouth City Council to make sure this will be done in a way that will not compromise the integrity of our infrastructure.”

A spokesperson for Barratt David Wilson Homes said at that time: “We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We’ve been in discussion with Openreach since earlier this year and have now agreed a way forward to complete the works.”

Despite these statements nothing evident has happened at the site in the ensuing four months. Meanwhile residents and motorists have continued to vent their anger and concern at the

dangers posed by the unfinished works, with many commenting that the situation is an accident waiting to happen - especially with the restricted vision issues posed by the temporary barriers.

Now though Openreach have confirmed a date has at last been set for the re-routing of the cabling to go ahead.

In an updated statement an Openreach spokesperson said: “We have been waiting on a date for our contractor to complete these works and have now been given a start date of 8 December. We share the frustration of residents and motorists and apologise for the delay.”

A spokesperson for Barratt David Wilson Homes added: “Openreach committed to carrying out works to their telecommunications infrastructure in October, but unfortunately they have been delayed. We understand these are now planned for December. Once these are complete, we can finish our works and a safety audit of the roundabout will be carried out.”

Some residents are however concerned there will still be safety issues even after the outstanding works have been completed. A number have expressed concern at the tight turn from the Westfield direction towards Langage, especially for heavy goods vehicles, which tends to put them into conflict with approaching traffic wanting to go to Westfield from Langage. They will be awaiting the outcome of the safety audit with interest.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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Sherford Life New year, new start. Wonderful words, as long as they come true! We may be thinking that the last two New Years have been something of a false start, and we’re hoping for ‘third time lucky’!

It feels very much like 2021 was the ‘nearly’ year. For starters, it was the year that our nation nearly beat back COVID-19 with social distancing and a worldleading vaccine programme.

It was the year England nearly won the men’s European football championships (and not quite so nearly won the men’s T20 Cricket World Cup!) Of course we did have that wonderful highlight in September where teenage tennis sensation Emma Raducanu went one better than ‘nearly’ as she won the US Open.

In domestic sport news, six of the best-known football clubs in the Premier League nearly joined a breakaway European Super League before backtracking speedily when they saw how much their fans hated the idea!

2021 was also the year that the USA nearly descended into a state of anarchy as activists stormed Washington’s Capitol building in January. Later on Donald Trump nearly got himself impeached based on claims that he had incited that uprising.

Closer to home, the tail end of 2021 saw our nation’s relationship with France and the EU nearly crumble completely.

On a (slightly) brighter note, the international delegations at the COP26 By Revd Tom Brassil conference in Glasgow agreed to cut the use of fossil fuels to a level that is nearly low enough to head off long-term ecological disaster.

Some of these ‘nearlys’ were a relief; some of them were crushing.

So, will 2022 be the year we go beyond ‘nearly’? Perhaps you have big plans for this year. Perhaps you’re simply hoping and praying that things get better in the world. Or perhaps you have forgotten how to hope without despairing. If that’s you, then I hope that 2022 is the year when you are at least reminded that good things can happen! To get you started, you’ll find plenty of news of good things happening in these pages.

Hope is definitely hard to come by, but it is also necessary, like oxygen: when we don’t have hope we feel like we are suffocating. A real hope is one that is true (otherwise how can we trust it?)

A real hope is one that can deliver on what it promises (otherwise what’s the point?) And a reall hope is one that will last (otherwise we’ll still eventually end up disappointed!) This kind of hope is what the Christian faith offers: a joyful expectation for the future, based on true events in the past, that changes everything about my present. That last sentence is borrowed from Rico Tice, who has put together a 3-week course called Hope Explored. We’ll be running that course throughout January at Sherford Community Church, and we’d love you to join us. Why not start 2022 with hope?

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

12 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

NEW COMMUNITY HUB OPENS ITS DOORS AT SHERFORD

Sir Gary Streeter MP officially opens the new community hub accompanied by Cllr Dan Brown and Judy Talbot, co-ordinator of the Sherford Community Trust and Sherford Vale School pupils Sophia and Harry

A new Community Hub has opened at Sherford, officially launched by Sir Gary Streeter MP.

The new building is the first dedicated community indoor facility at Sherford and a base for its Community Trust. Already boasting a packed calendar of activities and services, it is hoped the Hub will encourage people to come together and become more involved in the developing town.

During the official launch, an open day was held for residents to tour the facilities and meet some of the clubs and organisations involved. Residents perused stalls including Breathe Pilates, Over 50s Club, Slimming World, Sherford Community Church, and Friends of Sherford Country Park and Open Spaces. They also enjoyed refreshments from neighbouring business, House of Brews, Sherford’s coffee shop.

In addition to being a place the community can come together for events and activities, the Community Hub will also The new community hub

be used by external organisations to provide support services. From Sherford Community Church groups, Home-Start volunteers and Learn Devon adult learning courses, to an Over-50s group, Space youth services, and a variety of clubs and functions, it promises to be a hive of activity.

Based right at the heart of the new town – in the local centre next to Sherford Vale School – the Community Hub has been provided and funded by the Sherford Consortium to give residents access to a dedicated social space and array of support services, all on their doorstep.

The Community Hub is run by Sherford Community Trust, the independent organisation acting for residents, in place to support the sustainable growth and economic development of Sherford’s community.

A portable building, it is set to stay until construction begins on Sherford’s secondary school. It has been specially fitted out to

provide a hall, meeting room, office, kitchen and family-friendly facilities. Part of the fit-out was funded by the South West’s leading housing association, LiveWest, which contributed £5,000 to the task.

Sir Gary Streeter MP, commented: “I am delighted to formally open the Sherford Community Hub, a space dedicated for use by the local community that has been in the pipeline for quite some time. Congratulations to the Community Trust, the Sherford Consortium along with local authorities for getting this off the ground. This Hub will, I am sure, prove a great asset for what is a new and growing community at Sherford.”

Judy Talbot, Sherford Community Trust co-ordinator, said: “It has been a busy couple of months for the Community Land Trust in setting up this facility for the community.

We have enjoyed welcoming new groups and organisations to the hub and it is now a vibrant and busy centre for the community to come together for a variety of different classes and activities.

“This launch event has enabled the wider community to see what is on offer for everyone. Should you have an idea for a community group or could make use of the space, please get in touch.”

Jenna Waters from the Sherford Consortium and a member of the Shadow Community Trust Board, added: “This is already a place with a strong sense of community and now we have a facility that will further unite the people of Sherford; we are delighted to give current and future residents such a useful space. From getting involved in group activities to gaining new skills or finding support, we have no doubt this will be a well-used and much-loved space.”

More information on the Community Hub, activities on offer, and how to book the space can be found at www. sherfordtrust.org.uk. More information about Sherford is available at www. sherford.org

January 2022 13

@PlymChronicle

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Saltram’s spectacular Christmas sparkle Saltram will be bringing some festive sparkle to the Georgian mansion. A staggering 48,460 lights will be adorning the huge Christmas trees inside the house, with the grand rooms elaborately decorated to tell the story of the Nutcracker. Booking will be essential with limited tickets to visit the display inside the house and garden until January 3.

again, last year we really missed decorating the house and so we anticipate that this year will prove to be very popular and busy.

“That’s why we have made booking essential into the house and garden, so that we can make the experience enjoyable and safe for all. We were unable to create the illuminated garden or open

Within the Georgian mansion, volunteers and staff have been busy for weeks working on the festive display in the grand rooms. They’ve been busy creating toy soldiers, snowy scenes and the land of sweets from the story.

An army of Nutcrackers line the staircase hall ready to fight the mouse king, while a blanket of flowers take over the dining room as if it’s been taken back into the wild.

Fiona Macmillan, visitor operations and experience manager said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to bring back these Christmas celebrations

late nights this year, however it’s great knowing that as a charity each visit to Saltram supports our work looking after special places like this for future generations to enjoy.”

Saltram will be open during the daytime only this year. Booking is essential and can be made via the website or by calling 0344 249 1895. This also means that people who want to visit just the garden this year they will also need to book.

It is anticipated that the parkland will get equally busy so visitors are advised to consider this before visiting at weekends and school holidays.

On a stroll around the garden families can learn all about ‘Nature’s real nutcrackers’ on the free family trail. Members visit for free this Christmas and normal admission applies to non-members. Saltram is open seven days a week, 10am to 4.30pm but closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ saltram, call 01752 333500 or pop in to the Welcome Centre to find out more.

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

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

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

14 January 2022

14 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Moving tribute

New commission is being launched to tackle violence against women in Plymouth A new multi-agency commission is to be launched in Plymouth to tackle violence against women and girls.

The Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Nick Kelly, is establishing the commission, which will bring together key partners and agencies across the city to review what more needs to be done to prevent this type of crime.The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Commission will review what is being done across the city to educate men and boys, prevent and deter these types of crimes and consider what support is available for victims.

The commission will invite local organisations who work with female victims of violence, to hear more about their experiences and their recommendations about what more needs to be done.

Crimes of violence against women and girls include rape and other sexual offences, stalking, domestic abuse, ‘honour-based abuse’, ‘revenge porn’ and ‘upskirting’, as well as many others.

It is the intention that the new commission will be chaired by a new ‘Champion for VAWG’, Councillor Rebecca Smith.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, said: “This is such an important issue. One that I am honoured to lead on behalf of Plymouth. We cannot shy away from the realities that women face. ”The feeling of fear, intimidation, harassment and helplessness cannot continue, we need to confront these

Exactly 108 pairs of black shoes are now on display in Plymouth to remember the number of women murdered by men in the UK in 2020.

problems head-on so we can come up with a lasting, long-term solution to the deadly violence and abuse too many women and girls experience, at the hands of men.

“We have a number of groups in the city who are working tirelessly on this already and I am keen to work with them to capitalise on their experience and expertise, so that together we can be part of the solution. I want to move forward and make a real change for Plymouth.”

Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, from Devon and Cornwall Police and the Chair of Safer Plymouth, said: “No one person or organisation is going to have all the answers when it comes to keeping women and girls safe. To change things for the better we need to listen to a broad range of people and try to understand how the whole city can work further together.

“I believe this commission will play a key role and the Photo: Adobe Stock Devon and Cornwall police will be an integral part of it. If the right conversations can take place, and we can secure commitment to things they tell us, we will ensure women and girls are safer, and feel safer, in our city.”

To help feed into the commission agenda, Safer Plymouth – the city’s community safety partnership – is seeking to hold a virtual Q and A with local people over the next few weeks, to listen to local people, particularly women and girls. Further information about this will follow shortly.

The event was planned to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and was particularly poignant given the recent tragic death of Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

The shoes were due to be on display in Plymouth Guildhall until mid-December.

The installation was conceived by local women’s charity Trevi, in collaboration with Plymouth City Council and many third sector agencies across the city who are working to prevent violence against women and girls, including First Light and The Eddystone Trust.

Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member for Governance, HR, IT and Community Safety, said: “Recent tragic events bring home how much work still needs to be done to end violence against women and girls.

“Thank you to Trevi

for their work on this piece, and to all of the people working to protect and get justice for victims of violence.”

Hannah Shead Trevi’s chief executive said: “It is a genuine privilege to honour the 108 women who were murdered in 2020 – however, in collecting these shoes, the grim reality of the scale of the murders has struck all involved in preparing this exhibition. These shoes represent 108 women who should be alive now, spending time with their friends or families.

They aren’t, and we will mourn them together over the next 16 days.

“My sense of sadness is only matched by an anger that these women were murdered so brutally and senselessly. It is for this reason that we shall continue to campaign against male violence and fight for a world in which women can be safe.”

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January 2022

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Gables launch urgent appeal for help with winter heating bills Each year Gables Dogs and Cats Home takes in nearly 1,000 unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats and this year they have seen yet another increase in the number of vulnerable puppies and kittens needing their help.

It is vitally important that they provide their animals with the very best during their stay with them and their pens must be kept warm and comfortable at all times. During the winter months they use lots of donated duvets and blankets to help keep the animals warm and cosy, but their heating bills increase dramatically. There are 81 cat pens and 82 dog kennels to keep warm, which costs over £5,000 each year.

General manager Claire Sparkes said: “This will be the fifth year we have asked for help with our heating costs and we are always amazed by the generosity of our wonderful

Café seeks to make personal alarms available to young people

supporters. Their help really does make a difference to how we can look after the vulnerable dogs, cats and kittens, such as Dolly, Droopy and Fun-Sized Freddo. The current rise in energy costs is a worrying trend and we have had another year of being unable to hold or attend any fundraising events, which means we are facing another huge funding shortfall.”

If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping all the animals in their care.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic. If you can help to ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to their ‘Winter Heating Appeal 2021-22’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/wha2021-22 or paypal.me/ gablesdogsandcats to donate online.

The Rees Centre Community Café has added personal alarms to its wishlist of items with a view to making these available to young people in the area in the wake of the tragic death of BobbiAnne McLeod from Leigham.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION STALWART PASSES AWAY

Royal British Legion member, Norman Knipe, has sadly passed away, aged 98.

Norman was a stalwart member of the branch and had been actively involved in selling poppies as part of this year’s Poppy Appeal, including on the day before his death.

Paying tribute to Norman’s long service Plympton RBL Branch President Bob Goodman said: “Norman Knipe will be sadly missed by the Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion and also the Poppy Appeal.

“Norman was a quiet man, who relentlessly just got on with the task in hand.

“He was always available for advice to the

15

Branch and has held numerous posts during his time as a member.

“Norman was a fastidious Poppy Appeal collector and could always be seen at this time of the year doing his bit to help; he was collecting the day before he died. Our thoughts are with Judith and his wider family.” (Story Plympton Podcast)

A spokesperson for the cafe said: “In light of this terrible tragedy and lots of people now feeling increasingly unsafe, we have added panic alarms to our Amazon wish list to be able to distribute to young people at Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub who may feel safer with one.

“If you would like to help donate by purchasing some alarms from our list we can get these handed out as soon as they start to arrive.

“Alternatively if you would like to purchase any alarms yourself from another source to donate them to our young people, we would be extremely grateful.”

Donated alarms can be dropped into the Rees Centre reception or arrangements can be made to collect them.

The wishlist can be found at www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ ls/3DZ4ILK6SM1LN (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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16 January 2022

Eco-friendly Plymstock homes plan approved

16 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

A new Plymstock housing scheme has been

given the green light.

The council’s planning committee have unanimously approved planning permission for 10 well-designed new homes on the site of the former Morley Youth Centre, off Broadland Gardens.

The spacious family homes will be a mixture of two, three and four bedroomed properties and heated with modern, energyefficient technology, to help achieve low carbon living.

The new development is a council-backed scheme that will see the direct delivery of new homes in Plymouth for the first time this century.

Designed by Plymouth-based architects Clifton Emery Design the development features high-quality homes that overlook an open, green space. Drawn up to be liveable, adaptable and sustainable, all of the homes will be available for sale on the open market.

Artist’s impressions of the new development courtesy of Clifton Emery Design

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said: “This is a really important scheme so I‘m pleased that members on both sides of the chamber have united to approve it.

“The plans for these homes are remarkable and will make a fantastic

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addition to this area of the city. This is the first scheme we have directly delivered for a number of years and if it is as successful as we hope it will be, it certainly won’t be the last.”

The plans for Broadland Gardens were first submitted in December 2020, before a public

Plymstock Matters

serving Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

consultation was launched for neighbouring residents of Broadland Gardens and beyond.

With new ideas taken on board, a planning application was submitted in April.

A contractor for the build will now be appointed with construction likely to beginin Spring 2022.

with Councillor Rebecca Smith Planting daffodil bulbs in Oreston

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Can’t believe it will be almost Christmas by the time you read this! So far I’ve managed to buy a wreath for my front door!

It feels like quite a lot has happened since I last wrote.

We’ve had a few glitches with the final green waste collections but hopefully you’ve kept your bins out and the final collections have been made. Any issues, feel free to let me know.

Several residents have been in contact about the ongoing closure of part of the South West Coast Path in Plymstock. This is something I’m as concerned as you about and a meeting is due to take place on site about this soon - probably before this goes to press. Watch this space for further news.

You may have heard that a new Friends of Down Horn Park has been set up. For those who are not sure where this is, it’s the lovely green space behind the Broadway Car Park. The new group, which has a Facebook Page (search ‘Friends of Down Horn Park’ or follow the link on my page) and which can be contacted via friends.dhp@ gmail.com, is keen to establish a Community Garden to be enjoyed by all and improve the access to the area. Do check out what they’re planning and get involved if you’d like to. I’m supporting behind the scenes!

Whilst on the topic of gardens and green spaces, I recently provided several hundred daffodil bulbs with

my Community Grant to plant in Oreston - on The Green and also at Old Wharf. It was great to gather with a group of local residents and fellow Radford Ward Councillors, Kathy Watkin and Bill Wakeham to plant these bulbs amazing what a bit of team work can achieve! Looking forward to seeing them flower in the Spring (fingers crossed!)

Finally, in light of the recent tragic murder of BobbiAnne McLeod in Leigham, the council has set up a new Commission on Violence against Women and Girls which I have been asked to Chair. You can read the full announcement on page 14 of this edition.

We will be bringing together groups across the city who work in this area to review what is being done to tackle the issue and look at what more can be done to ensure women and girls feel safe in our city. I am keen to listen to the voices of those across the city who have been victims or do not feel safe as we work together to make our city safer.

Further announcements will be made soon about how people can get involved. Please check my Facebook (@ PlymouthRebecca) for updates or the council website.

As ever, please get in touch if I can help by e-mail at rebecca.smith@plymouth.gov.uk or phone 07825 034970. All that is left is for me to wish you a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year!

@PlymChronicle

Big Sis social enterprise helping young girls and carers with mentoring programme A Plymouth-based social enterprise is helping young girls and their carers to deal with the challenges of puberty changes.

Big Sis CIC is a community interest company set up by creative educator Friedel Fink. Formed at the end of 2019, Big Sis aims to provide emotional and educational support to empower girls with a deep understanding of their body, mind and emotions. In turn this supports their participation as confident, resilient young people in their families and communities.

After raising nearly £19,000 through Crowdfunding - which was match funded

by Plymouth City Council, Natwest, Nudge Community Builders and iMayflower – a ‘Girl Mentoring Programme’ was launched in the first months of the pandemic.

Meanwhile a girl empowerment curriculum was finally launched in three Plymouth primary schools in September this year supporting 50 girls aged 10 and 11.

The ‘Big Sisters’ - eight women who are students of psychology and mental health or mothers of pre-teens are volunteering their time to deliver the 12 week curriculum featuring themes such as emotions and feelings, puberty changes, menstrual cycle experiences and body image.

A key aspect of the curriculum is a question and answer time for girl’s questions about puberty. With the impacts of the COVID crisis being felt all over the UK, founder Friedel Fink knew that the Big Sis Mentoring Programme would be vital in helping young girls through their increased stress and anxiety.

Friedel said: “The central questions for Big Sis as an organisation are how can we create positive narratives for our girls and how can we empower them to grow into confident and resilient people?

“Equally we found it important to support carers in finding their voices and confidence

Proposals designed to get more people to join Plymouth’s taxi trade as well as encourage cabbies and operators to go greener have been set out in a new draft Taxi Licensing Policy.

Ideas outlined include: • Removing the limit on the number of Hackney Carriages and extending the period of time that drivers can return to the trade to three years without having to complete the drivers’ test and knowledge test.

• An enhanced age and emissions policy to clean up the current taxi fleet and work towards achieving the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan by 2030.

• A coloured livery taxi fleet of a specified green and white. This is would be for newly plated vehicles only although from 2027 all taxis would be expected to have this livery.

• All Hackney Carriages must take card payments – most taxis and private hire vehicles do this, but this move will help passengers to get home safely and not worry about getting cash to pay their cab home.

A delegated decision was signed in November giving the go-ahead for the consultation which started on November 25 and will last 12 weeks and the council wants to hear from passengers as well as the trade.

17

The Big Sis mentors

Countdown to charity’s 24/7 Advent Challenge People all over Plymouth are planning weird and wonderful activities to support the Friends and Families 24/7 Advent Challenge.

in supporting girls. In our community, carers most frequently report having received negative, fragmented, or no education at all about puberty-related topics.”

Taila, a coach and aunt said: “I can’t wait for more girls to have a different education, so they don’t have to grow up with the shame that I did!

“I would like my child to be supported by more people than just me, trying my best to make it a positive experience against my own upbringing, family attitudes and general society,” said a survey participant.

Through their work, Big Sis have understood, that parents find it hard to approach these conversations with their daughters. So in 2020, Big Sis established a monthly interactive webinar addressing the basics of puberty preparation for carers ‘Preparing Girls For Puberty.

Cara, a mum of two said: “You have filled me with confidence to suss out the next part of life with my daughter.”

Since 2020 Big Sis have reached 40 parents and carers who support 50 girls ages from seven to 13. Parents are being empowered to better support the young girls in their care.

Big Sis involves mental health and well-being experts, holistic practitioners and teachers to develop and deliver their materials and programmes.

A close collaboration with Plymouth University and Marjon University is important for them. Big Sis have worked with four student interns in the development of the ‘Girl Mentoring Programme’ giving them the opportunity to develop themselves professionally.

Find out more, become a volunteer or help us raise funds visit www.big-sis.co.

The Department for Transport has asked all councils to review taxi policies to make sure they comply with the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, which was published in July 2020.

Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member for Governance, Human Resources, IT, Community Safety and Licensing, said: ‘We are using this review required by Government to see what measures we can take to help revive the trade while at the same time looking at changes to help us meet our carbon emission targets.

people to go out and enjoy what Plymouth has to offer and we want them to get home safely.”

The green and white livery measures which were first proposed in 2017 are back on the table as a measure to increase confidence from the public.

The new livery would give people confidence that they are hailing a properly licensed and approved cab, he said and added: “The colours are distinctive, they are Plymouth’s colours and promote pride and professionalism. We are proposing a gradual move to this new livery so that drivers and operators won’t be hit too hard financially.”

The proposed main changes have been shared with key players on both sides of the trade before the formal consultation and have received mainly positive feedback.

Like the many other industries, measures will need to be taken to upgrade vehicles in line with latest regulations and laws designed to address the effects of climate change.

The policy will be reviewed within the next two to three years to ensure the council continually reviews and updates the emissions policy in line with the Government’s recommendations.

The consultation on the taxi policy finishes on February 17 2022.

To comment on the proposals, fill in the online consultation at https://www.plymouth. gov.uk/licensingandpermits/taxilicensing/ taxipolicyguidanceandbyelaws

MORE TAXIS AND GREENER TAXIS ARE PROPOSED IN BID TO REVIVE THE TRADE More taxis on Plymouth streets, greener, lower emission vehicles and green livery are the key proposals being unveiled to help the city’s taxi trade.

January 2022

TAXI STATS In 2019 Plymouth had 357 Hackney Carriage drivers and now there are 315; there were also 801 Private Hire drivers compared to the current total of 667 In 2017 there were 392 Hackney Carriage drivers and 835 Private Hire drivers “Plymouth lost around 160 drivers over the pandemic and we want to make it easier for drivers to return by removing the hoops they would have to jump through.

“By removing the limit on the number of Hackney Carriages Plymouth can have we hope to see new drivers join and work in the evening and night time economy. We want

The Plymouth-based charity are asking people to do something challenging every day throughout advent to help raise money to support families with disabled children.

Charity founder and chair of trustees, Kay O’Shaughnessy, said: “Caring for a child with disabilities is a very real challenge that the families we support face 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“As we near the end of another difficult year, we thought why not finish it on a high by doing something positive to raise money and make a difference in people’s lives? So, we’re asking people to take on our 24/7 Advent Challenge to help us continue to provide vital support to these children and their families.”

Friends and Families CEO, Tim Tod, has already taken the plunge and committed to swimming in the sea for seven minutes for the 24 days of advent.

Tim commented: “The 24/7 Advent Challenge is great as it’s accessible to everyone. People get to set their own challenge – whether that’s walking seven laps of a local park, telling seven jokes a day or running seven miles a day – but the test is to do it every day for the 24 days of advent.”

The money raised will help Friends and Families continue to provide vital advice, support and training to parents of disabled children.

Donations also help fund activities that are accessible to all members of the family.

This includes the Fun and Freedom club that allows young carers time to meet and have some fun away from their caring role.

If you would like to take on a challenge or make a donation to help raise money for Friends and Families, visit www. friendsandfamilies.org.uk for more details.

The charity provides activities for families with disabled children

18 January 2022

Devonport’s Market Hall and Dome hosts prestigious Tech South West awards

18 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Winners of this year’s Tech South West Awards have been revealed at a live ceremony at the new multi-million pound Market Hall and Immersive Dome venue in Plymouth.

Artificial reef systems, satellite-powered earth observation and filtration systems to tackle microplastic pollution were among the innovations celebrated at the annual technology awards covering the entire South West region.

Tech leaders and organisations from across the South West tech sector attended the event, now in its third year, which showcases the region’s fastest growing sector.

Pippa Clarke, head of Technology, Innovation and Growth at Bishop Fleming, the Headline Partner for this year’s awards, said: “The Tech South West Awards 2021 were a fantastic showcase of the tech talent and innovation taking place in the region, and Bishop Fleming are delighted to have been a part of it. Since they first took place in 2019, Bishop Fleming have been proud to support the awards and help to celebrate and recognise the region’s fantastic tech sector.”

The Future Tech Award went to Pixalytics, an earth observation company based at Plymouth Science Park specialising in satellite remote sensing. The company has supported a range of projects across the globe including investigating the sustainability of sand mining in Kenya, identifying plastic in the coastal zone in

Indonesia through a European Space Agency funded project, and identifying waste plastic and tyres in urban areas in Singapore.

Devonport High School for Boys won Best Education Initiative in recognition of their commitment to teaching digital skills.

Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West, said: “The tech sector in the South West is one of the most vibrant in the country.

From marine tech hubs like Plymouth to cyber in Cheltenham, photonics in Torbay and software in Cornwall, innovative science parks in Exeter and Plymouth, and

outstanding university partnerships like the SETsquared programme and Falmouth Launchpad, the sector is full of cutting edge collaboration. The Tech South West Awards are all about celebrating that and showcasing the very best in the sector, from start-ups to scale-ups and companies with global reach.

A huge congratulations to the winners and to all the finalists.

“The awards are just one part of Tech South West’s mission to help bolster the region’s tech sector, alongside initiatives such as the fully-funded StartUp Studio accelerator

programme for early stage tech firms, and the Tech Talent programme. In early 2022 we are also publishing an in-depth review of the sector, led by Whitecap Consulting, which will highlight the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities facing the sector. It truly is a wonderful time to be working in and around the tech sector in the South West.”

The tech sector is the fastest growing part of the South West economy, generating £9bn in turnover, employing upwards of 68,000 people and attracting over £500m in investment in 2020.

Could you be Plympton’s next Stannator or Youth Ambassador?

Plympton Community Council is looking for candidates to be the next Stannator of Plympton and the next Plympton Youth Ambassador.

The role of Stannator is similar to that of a town mayor and was reintroduced in 1980. Duties typically include attending and sometimes speaking at or opening events, being a figurehead in the community and representing Plympton at civic functions such as the Lord Mayor’s choosing.

Past Stannators have typically undertaken 60 or more engagements during their year in office and they also adopt a charity of their choice to raise funds for.

Candidates for the post must live in Plympton and ideally be involved in voluntary work which benefits the people of Plympton. Past Stannators have been involved in activities such as the Women’s Institute, Scouts and Guides, volunteer broadcasting, the British Legion, local history groups, children’s activities and gardening organisations to name but a few.

Nominations should include a proposer and seconder and be accompanied by confirmation from the nominee that he/she is willing to stand plus a brief half page CV from the nominee giving some details about themselves and the nature and length of their community activities. Nominees will be asked to attend a meeting of Plympton Community Council sometime in January 2022 to speak briefly about why they would like the role.

Plympton’s first Youth Ambassador Isaac Hudson congratulates his successor Molly Disney

Following this meeting the groups and individuals making up the Plympton Community Council will determine who they wish to vote for and a secret ballot will take place at the Community Council’s AGM in the spring when the winning candidate will be announced. The successful candidate will subsequently take office at a formal investiture ceremony, likely to be

held around April time, which is normally attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth or their deputy.

Any nominations or enquiries about the role should be sent by e-mail to Plympton Community Council secretary Pauline Kadoche at plymptoncommunitycouncil@ gmail.com or if you would like to have an initial informal discussion about the role you can phone Pauline on 07784 916648. The closing date for nominations and supporting documents is midnight on January 8 2022.

The hunt is also on to find Plympton’s next Youth Ambassador whol will be the fourth to take on the role since it was establied in 2017.

Applications are now being invited from 14 to 18 year old residents in Plympton who are interested in taking on the post. As with the Stannator the Youth Ambassador will serve for 12 months from the date of their investiture.

The Youth Ambassador will often accompany the Stannator on engagements as well as forging their own activities with appropriate guidance and supervision.

They will also represent the youth voice of the area at Plympton Community Council meetings as well as feeding back to their peers. Isaac Hudson, who was 14 when he applied, became the first person to hold the role and he attended many civic events and other public functions.

In November 2017 he took part in the Remembrance Day march in Plympton where he proudly wore his grandfather’s

service medals and among other things he handed out prizes to winners in the Rotary Club of Plympton’s Youth Speaks event.

Isaac was succeeded by then sixth-former Molly Disney who adopted mental health issues and reduction in single use plastics as themes for her year in office. While in the Youth Ambassador role Molly engaged with the Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub to promote the advancement of mental health issues as an offering at the Hub when it opened and achieved changes in the canteen at her school where single use plastics were ultimately done away with.

Plympton’s third Youth Ambassador was Charlotte Bryant, then 14, who chose to raise awareness of dementia and get young people interacting more with the aged residents in the area. As a result of that she was involved in visiting care homes.

Speaking at the end of her year in office Molly said: “Being Youth Ambassador has shown me it’s so easy to make a difference.

This role has enabled me to flourish as a Youth Ambassador and has taught me how to balance my academic life with the community side of life. It has prepared me for the future and I would recommend this opportunity to any young person.”

Anyone interested in the Youth Ambassador position should contact Pauline Kadoche by e-mail or phone (as given above) to obtain an application form and associated paperwork.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

This Christmas it’s easy to see why here in Plymouth we might feel a little despondent. We have a health system and amazing key workers maintaining herculean efforts to keep us safe, healthy and educated while they continue to cope with the demands brought by covid. We have seen the very worst of human behaviour: the tragedy in Keyham and the murder of Bobbi-Anne, making you wonder what’s happening with people.

But all the dark and suffering has a backdrop of incredible, amazing and simply inspiring people. Working together can be difficult, but every day we see so much positive action taken in our communities that we must seek hope at this level. Whilst our national and international leaders let us down; whilst corporate blindness continues to reap havoc on our planet, it is our connection to one another that holds the key to a positive future.

Everyone at POP wishes you a content and fulfilled Christmas. We hope you can find solace and happiness in those around you and together we will work towards making 2022 a year of connection and belonging for everyone.

With the best of wishes,

Matt at POP

The team at POP was thrilled to welcome members to our 2021 “Voices” Festival last month at The Beacon in North Prospect. Technically it was a new challenge for us as we decided to create a ‘hybrid’ event, giving individuals the choice whether to come in person or join online. ‘Together in the room’ was decidedly the more popular choice with representatives from more than sixty organisations networking, with a further fifteen people joining via Zoom. POP was supported by participants of the Positive People initiative with Georgia on refreshments and Alan, the day’s official photographer.

The event began with the internationally renowned speaker, Cormac Russell, beaming in from Ireland. He led an interactive discussion on how best to put communities at the centre of change.

Cormac spoke wisely inviting us to consider many things including: •

How we get more people in the community to do what they think they should do;

•

How do we include the efforts of those that don’t have the confidence or the belief in themselves;

•

How do we build communities that welcome a stranger at the edge;

•

How might we, at the scale of neighbourhood, find and appreciate those individuals who are natural ‘connectors’ rather than seeking out ‘leaders’.

Reflecting on the significant role of communities during the pandemic, such as, the Neighbourhood Care Networks which formed across Plymouth with the support of POP, Cormac believes that the strength and support that was so urgently needed is best delivered locally; “Covid19 precipitated us into dealing with the crisis not as self not as organisations but as neighbourhood.”

And it is in the ‘neighbourhood’ through the act of citizenship that he believes people can feel most appreciated and energised. In fact, it is when we act locally as an expression of citizenship that we are at our most ‘political’. And Cormac senses that many of us are actively seeking out ways to channel and express this sense of citizenship and, in doing so, “we are citizens of democracy at the neighbourhood level”.

“Community happens when somebody loves the people around them. Institutions produce programmes and services; community produces love and joy,” Cormac Russell

Internationally renowned speaker and author on community development, speaking at this year’s POP festival

Voices from the Voices Festival: considering the big dilemmas for grassroots communities

Cassius Roberts from ODILS: The volunteer age is changing: some of that is because we’ve got to carry on working until we’re sixty-seven whereas the previous generation would have stopped working at sixty and I think, people are losing that sense of being able to contribute back into their communities.”

Nadia Millinship, NSPCC: I think there’s a real power imbalance between institutions and families and communities even in the words we use. We talk about ‘safeguarding’ whereas communities ‘look out for one another’.

Jolyon Walker, The Plant a Tree Foundation: Generally, the problem we have is apathy. I’ve seen it in the last 12 months; the lack confidence and self-esteem.

Kate Thorn, WEA Adult Education: I think there’s a danger with digitalising everything. Sometimes it can prevent people from being part of the community and we don’t want to marginalise and exclude people. I think sometimes we elevate the digital land into some kind of mystical status.

The POP Voices event also had an engaging workshop given by Stephane Kolinsky (one of POP’s associates) of Sky Space Team Development and POP administrator, Deborah Penprase, inviting the audience to consider their own internal voice; the part it might play when faced with the challenging voices of others and, yet, how these might be included.

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

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

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

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“This was my first POP meeting. It was great to meet so many like-minded people. I am hopeful for the success of community action in Plymouth. Inspirational!”

Judy Harington, Rhizome Artists Collective

Cormac also has great belief in those individuals less sure of themselves: not only is he passionate that every individual has a gift to share, whether it might be, for example, the ability to cook, to create or to care but that people are waiting to be asked:

“The hybrid event worked well (I was online) so it would be good to continue this format in the future. Cormac Russell was excellent. A great balance of external expertise and participatory sessions.”

“As human beings we fundamentally need to feel that we are needed not just that we are needy.”

“Thought it was fantastic: great venue & absolutely inspirational guest speaker.

Be hard to beat.”

And it is this desire to encourage individuals to help sustain their own communities that is at the heart of everything that POP does through, for example, our funding; training and support of networks, including, and specifically those evolving within their own neighbourhoods.

Jo Bussell, Honicknowle Comnet

Hilary Kolinsky, McCaren Design

“Great event, right length, awesome speaker, very considerate set up (hybrid & space at venue).”

Martin Mills, Our Plymouth

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125

20 January 2022 THE

Experience Many of us celebrate His birth at Christmas and at the beginning of every New Year we at Cross Rhythms endeavour to start this column off with a focus on the Person of Jesus Christ.

Both divine and human, Jesus is the Cornerstone and Foundation of the Christian faith.

According to Pew Research Agency, as of 2015 there were just under 2.3 billion Christians around the world, or about one-in-three (31.4%) people worldwide. This makes Christianity the world’s largest religion. The world’s Christian population is expected to grow to 2.9 billion by 2050.

Christendom, or structured Christianity in the West, is challenged as it endeavours to adapt to social changes since World War 2, but global Christianity continues to grow. However, there are some encouraging signs of new life in the church in the West especially among the younger generation.

According to ancient scripture (the Bible); historic tradition; history itself and the belief of orthodox biblical Christianity through the ages, Jesus Christ is the focus of global Christianity.

Christ lives in the heart and experience of those who believe who He is with lives confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

C.S. Lewis wrote that there are only three

20 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Jesus is the reason for the season

By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

options of opinion open to us when we consider He never owned a home. He never wrote a the claims Jesus makes about himself: madman, book. He never held an office. He never had a liar or Son of God... family. He never went to college. He never put For Christians, Jesus is the one and only Son His foot inside a big city. He never travelled of God, He has existed with the Father and two hundred miles from the place He was born. the Holy Spirit for all eternity, and He came to He never did one of the things that usually earth as a man 2,000 years ago accompany greatness. He had no in the mysterious act we call credentials but Himself... the incarnation – quite literally, While still a young man, the tide Heaven invaded Earth. of popular opinion turned against But who is Jesus to you and me? him. His friends ran away. One of A couple of hundred years ago, them denied Him. He was turned Napoleon Bonaparte had this to over to His enemies. He went say: “I know men and I tell you through the mockery of a trial. He that Jesus Christ is no mere man… was nailed upon a cross between Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, two thieves. While He was dying and I have founded empires… upon His executioners gambled for the force. Jesus Christ founded His only piece of property He had on empire upon love; and at this hour earth – His coat. When He was Chris Cole millions of men would die for Him.” dead, He was laid in a borrowed Even today more than 350 million grave through the pity of a friend.

Christians live out their faith under severe Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, persecution across the globe. and today He is a centrepiece of the human race In 1926 Dr James Francis wrote the following: and leader of the column of progress.

“Here is a man who was born in an obscure I am far within the mark when I say that all village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up the armies that ever marched, all the navies that in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat until He was thirty. Then for three years He was and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, an itinerant preacher. have not affected the life of man upon this earth

as powerfully as has that one solitary life.”

The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ has existed for all time and beyond time. He created us and the world we live in.

‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ He may be, but He is also ‘tougher than hell’ and he defeated death, rising again to life to empower men, women and children with grace to carry on where he left off.

He enables us to defeat fear with love in the power of His Holy Spirit.

He sits now, ‘the lamb Who was slain’ on a throne beside his Father’s in heaven and his Father has given Him charge of everything that He has reclaimed with His own life. He has promised He will one day return to bring His peace and the rule of righteous Love in the world. Prophetic scripture confirms this.

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

From all at Cross Rhythms, have a powerful and influential 2022 especially in these challenging times.

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

New cycling initiative to combat climate emergency A new initiative has been launched in Plymouth to combat the climate emergency by increasing sustainable, safe and secure cycling in the city.

The Sustainable Cycling Symposium, which is the brainchild of Plymouth man Darren Peck, was placed second in Plymouth City Council’s #backthefuture Crowdfunder aimed at local businesses which are making a difference in relation to climate change.

By being placed in second spot the project secured funding of £12,500 and is now targeting a total of £20,000 by December 8.

The project will roll out 12 cycle

events next year between the Spring and early Autumn with the prize money being used to fund this.

The Sustainable Cycling Symposium will link up multiple cycle services which are provided by a wide range of existing local organisations.

It will target the three core themes of safety, security and sustainability aimed at combating climate change by increasing cycling in Plymouth.

Some of the benefits include ensuring a second life for disused bicycles which will be donated to people in lower socio-economic groups, improving air quality by encouraging greater use of cycling and improving social connectivity,

allowing people to travel locally without cost.

Bicycle security is another key aim which will help to drive down crime and free up emergency services.

There were over 77,000 bike thefts in England and Wales in 20/21.

Safer travel for all is another objective helping to reduce the the number of serious or significant traffic incidents involving cyclists.

The Crowdfunder is still live and the project is looking for sponsors, partnerships and donations to reach the target total and make a real difference to climate change in Plymouth. The Crowdfunder can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ the-sustainable-cycling-symposium)

Local women’s charity secures £900,000 for key partnership project Trevi, the leading Plymouth-based women’s charity has secured £900,000 in funding to deliver a large partnership project that aims to prevent women with multiple disadvantages being affected by domestic violence and abuse.

Awarded as a share of the Government’s £11.25 million Tampon Tax Fund, the unique partnership of seven organisations will be instrumental in the delivery of the project across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

The South West organisations partnering in the project include; the Women’s Centre Cornwall, Exeter CoLab, the NSPCC, The Zone, Plymouth City Council, BCHA and the Eddystone Trust.

The South West Women’s Spark Project, as it will be known, aims to prevent women with multiple disadvantages, being affected by violence and abuse; ultimately achieving a better-quality of life.

This will be accomplished through 24/7 support by delivering a wrap-around, outreach programme incorporating traumainformed Assertive Outreach Practitioners, fast-track access to women-only supported accommodation, practical and therapeutic support, and a violence prevention

programme in schools. in Northern Europe while Plymouth has The project is responding to a significant 29,000 residents in the most 10% deprived need in local communities as a result of a areas in England. rise in domestic abuse, attributed in part The Spark project is vital in the South West to the pandemic and home-working which to connect and illuminate the pathways to has denied many victims increasing women’s safety access to safe spaces. and quality of life.

Sexual violence has Addressing the entire increased; recorded rapes cycle from prevention at have doubled. school age to working with Women’s homelessness, Experts by Experience, street work and ‘survival Spark will result in a sex’ has escalated: some transformational blueprint women reporting it as a for meeting women’s method of ‘self-harm’. unmet complex needs with Collective research by long-term sustainability in the partners demonstrates mind. that the biggest needs Hannah Shead, Trevi to be addressed across chief executive said: ‘We Hannah Shead the South West are are thrilled to be awarded out of hours support; this funding. There have lack of women-only been some high-profile accommodation and a consistent traumatragedies over the last 12 months that have informed response. shone a light on the reality of violence Areas of high deprivation, social isolation against women and girls. Those of us working and high numbers of fragmented and in the sector recognise that this is not a new dysfunctional families can be found in all phenomenon. There are no quick fixes or three counties. Cornwall is the poorest region easy answers, but I am delighted to know

that this funding will make a difference for women and girls in the South West.

“I believe that the impact of this funding will be significantly enhanced by the strength of our partnerships. During the application process, we were able to harness our shared passion and determination to improve outcomes for women and girls. I am so pleased that we can now make our vision a reality.”

The Spark project will also gift grants to other South West organisations who are working with women and delivering projects aligned to its aims.

In the 28 years that Trevi has been operating, the organisation has helped transform the lives of thousands of women and their children.

From rehab and health to housing and employment, Trevi helps any woman in recovery move from ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving’.

The experience of the women the charity supports informs everything Trevi does; from the services it provides to its influencing and campaigning work.

For more information on the partnership project, please contact communications@ trevi.org.uk

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 25 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work.

Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

ARCHITECTURE J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN House & Building plans Extensions • Conversions • Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Fast & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk

ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

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Call 01752 548766 or email info@rowe-net.net

FLOORING

BLINDS

PB LAMINATE & WOOD FLOORING ADVICE - SALES - INSTALLATION Floors to suit all budgets and tastes All work is fully guaranteed You won’t beat us on quality or price 01752 774411 Estover Close, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PL

UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd We won’t be beaten on price or choice!

Comprehensive Range of Styles & Fabric Free Measuring, Quotation & Fitting Discounts for Multiple Blinds 01752 300923 | 07765 033470 www.ukblindsplymouth.co.uk

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

colourfenceplymouth.co.uk

L D Building and Construction

Storm proof garden fencing.

Professionally installed with a 25 year warranty.

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CARPENTERS ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS Trading Standards approved company Bespoke joinery • doors • staircases • bars Box frame windows • counters • PCstations.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms.

All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling Tel 07704448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk 01752348648 allwoodinstallations@icloud.com

MALCOLM WILLS CARPENTRY All aspects of carpentry.

Home Improvements, Alterations, Flooring and Doors, Small jobs undertaken.

Senior Citizens Rates. Call for an estimate: 07599 888841 or 01752 255154

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R.C. Electrical - Ryan Cross

Fully qualified ‘Approved Electrician’ Which? Trusted Trader & Reviews on Yell.com • Over 19 years experience • FREE quotes •

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Tree Felling • Crown Reduction Pruning • Stump Grinding • Hedge Cutting Garden Clearance NPTC Qualified - Fully insured FREE QUOTES 07366474535

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LOCKSMITH The Door Doctor - 24 hr Locksmith • Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting • Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs • Replacement Glass • Free Quotes 30 PERCY TERRACE, PLYMOUTH, PL4 7HG Tel 01752 516877 Mob 07989 599969

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PAINTERS & DECORATORS A.S. DECORATING & MAINTENANCE Specialising in full room skims/decor • Maintenance • Repair • Plastering • Flooring • Tiling • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting 16 Lympne Ave, Ernesettle, Plymouth Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129 Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.co.uk

ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

Decorating internal & external • Plastering Renovations • Flooring • General maintenance Garden decking & fencing • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis-ball@hotmail.co.uk

S.G.F Decorating Services Plastering & Decorating Specialist Painting - Plastering - Wallpaper - Interior & Exterior Work - Over 30 years experience C.S.C.S Registered - Friendly & Reliable 07859 804389 stevefull@live.co.uk

GAS & HEATING

A Boiler 4 U Boiler servicing, boiler repairs, boiler replacement.

Radiator replacements. All plumbing and gas work undertaken. Book your boiler service with us today.

Visit our showroom at Unit 12 Sugar Mill Business Park,

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07786 864375 or 01752 242897

PLASTERING A R PLASTERING & BUILDING From a small repair to the whole house All Internal & External Work undertaken • Plastering • Rendering • Building work • Decorating • Damp proofing • Tiling • and more Free estimates call Alex on 07904755491

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PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • VAILLANT approved installer Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

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ROOFING

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All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects.

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STAIRLIFTS & ACCESS Our qualified engineers can supply, service and repair all makes of mobility scooters, stairlifts, and home lifts. Please call Best Mobility for a sensible quote.

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22 January 2022

22 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Counting the cost Making waves on a global scale of tooth decay in young children Plymouth City Council Leader Nick Kelly has visited world-leading research and support facilities here in Plymouth that are helping to showcase Britain’s Ocean City on a global stage.

Many children in Plymouth suffer needlessly from the effects of early years tooth decay.

It affects the appearance of teeth and a child’s smile, leading to embarrassment and impacting their ability to play and socialise. This carries on into adulthood, often lowering the chances of getting jobs and promotions in later life.

Yet tooth decay is largely preventable and a number of schemes start early in the fight for better oral health and a better quality of life for our children.

According to figures from Public Health, extractions under general anaesthetic (GA) are all too common in Plymouth, and children living in more deprived areas of the city suffer much more from tooth decay, for complex reasons.

The figures for 2019/20 are stark: 620 children had tooth extractions under GA. Between them they had a total of 3,935 teeth removed.

Children in deprived areas were three times more likely to be included in those figures.

The impact on school and work life is felt by the children and their families: Time taken off school is usually at least two days (the average is five), with a knock on effect for parents and carers who need the same amount of time off work. On top of that, the cost for extraction under GA is £1,015 per procedure, so the annual cost to the NHS was £629,300.

In addition, the general crisis in the NHS that is worsened by the pandemic, with at least 3,000 children on NHS dentist waiting lists, contributes to a pretty bleak picture all round.

So what can be done to make things better? The good news is that tooth decay among children is almost entirely preventable, and parents, carers, dental practitioners and schools all play an important role in making sure our young people enjoy good oral health, leading to a better quality of life.

Targeted projects aimed at providing fluoride varnishing and supervised tooth brushing in primary schools are already underway, and programmes like First Dental Steps (providing dental checks by the age of one) and Open Wide and Step Inside (www.openwidestepinside.co.uk) are all giving practical help, support and education to encourage better oral health for our children. Over the coming months we’ll be featuring some of these in the Chronicle.

Some top tips for helping the children in your home: • Get the right equipment - When choosing a toothbrush for your child, choose a small headed toothbrush with medium texture bristles, and use fluoride toothpaste for your child’s age.

• Start early - Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first baby tooth appears (usually at about 6 months of age) and brush all tooth surfaces and the gum line where plaque gathers.

• Show them how to do it - brush or help your child in brushing their teeth until they are at least seven years old.

• Brush at least twice a day for about two minutes – by doing this, plaque can be removed while it is still soft.

However, once it hardens, it stays and causes problems until it is scraped away at your next dental cleaning.

• Make sugar swaps - cut down sweetened drinks and foods generally and completely avoid sugary foods and drinks just before bedtime.

• Visit the dentist twice a year – start when their first milk teeth appear, to help children get used to the environment, and then at least every six months.

For more info, go to www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ childrens-services/specialist-dental or talk to your dentist.

He was invited to the University of Plymouth campus on a fact-finding mission to get a sense of the scale and global ambition of the establishment. He said: “Plymouth really does play home to some amazing high tech facilities that most people never hear about. It was a real eye opener to be reminded of the truly pioneering work in so many sectors, being undertaken right now in our city.

“What is research now will become jobs, skills and opportunity tomorrow.”

Earlier this year, the University was named as one of the top 25 institutions globally for its performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the council leader was shown examples of the expertise which helped earn that accolade.

He was given a tour of the COAST (Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport) laboratory, a facility that allows waves, currents and wind to be generated so as to test offshore renewable energy and other devices.

He also got a captain’s view of life on the university’s ship simulator and heard about its expanding fleet of research, autonomous and uncrewed vessels used to gather data in the marine environment. He also learned more about a new partnership with the Royal Navy to enhance understanding of the potential of these vessels in a market with the potential to grow to £103 billion by 2030.

The university is working with many local companies to optimise sensor developments for the data capture to monitor offshore operations.

Plymouth is also home to the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group, which is the largest of its kind globally and is uniquely placed in the understanding of risks to maritime vessels, port infrastructure and national security. The council leader was told about its research and toured the Cyber-SHIP Lab, a unique and world-first facility which is equipping the maritime sector with the capability to achieve cyber resilience.3 The university’s clean maritime credentials

Nick Kelly pictured with Professor Deborah Greaves during his visit to the university

and research also chimes with Plymouth’s National Marine Park status and the city’s push to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

That research was showcased at a Maritime UK and the Connected Places Catapult event at COP26, with the projects featured including Plymouth’s Marine e-Charging Living Lab (MeLL). Led by the university, with the City Council and Princess Yachts as partners, it will make Plymouth the first city in the UK to install a network of shore-side charging facilities for its expanding fleet of electric maritime vessels.

Deborah Greaves OBE FREng, Professor

of Ocean Engineering and Director of the UK’s Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub, highlighted the university’s expertise in ORE research and discussed the vital role it has to play in tackling the climate emergency and reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

She also highlighted a new children’s adventure book – Gaia’s Energy Adventure! – which aims to communicate the often complex subject of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, as well as encouraging girls and those from other under-represented groups to consider a career in engineering.

Friends club together to give The Box an early gift A group of lifelong friends have joined forces to make a donation to The Box. Plymouth-based Derek Wood, Malcolm Elliott, Ali Gilhespie and Linda Stott have been friends since they were pupils at Burrington School in Pennycross in the 1960s.

They met up again in 2019 and decided to put feelers out to old school friends to see who would be interested in attending a reunion. What they thought was going to be a small gathering ended up with over 200 ex-pupils across the years buying tickets to attend. A surprise element of the evening was a talk about Maker Camp by one of The Box’s community officers.

The Box has been supporting the ‘Maker Memories’ project, which has been exploring the social history of Maker Camp on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula, since 2017.

Derek, Malcolm, Ali, Linda and many other Burrington pupils enjoyed many holidays at Maker as children and the talk brought back many happy memories.

As a result, the four organisers decided to donate the surplus of the monies raised at the reunion to The Box Foundation (The Box’s charitable arm), which has now received £506.95 from them to support its ongoing engagement work and collections development.

Linda Stott, who also worked for The Box and Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Early Christmas gift (from left) Malcolm Elliott, Emma Philip, senior curator at The Box, Derek Wood and Linda Stott

for over 15 years, said: “Maker Camp holds special memories for many of us and the talk at our school reunion inspired many conversations on the night.

“The Box has been undertaking some brilliant outreach work with local communities and is a venue we’re all really proud to have in the city. Donating the monies we raised on the night to it was an obvious choice.”

Emma Philip, senior curator at The Box said: “We’re really grateful for this generous

donation. It’s a lovely early Christmas present for The Box and will support our ongoing work or possibly fund an acquisition in the future. We’d like to extend our thanks to Derek, Malcolm, Ali, Linda and everyone else at the reunion who made this contribution possible. It’s really heartening to know our work is inspiring the local community – and to be supported by them in return.”

To stay up-to-date with all The Box’s news visit www.theboxplymouth.com.

USEFUL Spreading Christmas cheer for people in need NUMBERS January 2022 23

@PlymChronicle

Local Plymouth people are coming together to fight COVID-19 restrictions to bring Christmas to those in need.

A group of local people have set out to raise £2,500 to bring Christmas cheer to people in need in Plymouth.

The idea was the brainchild of local businessman Paul Shannon who owns and runs Be Unique, a personal training gym in Cattedown.

Paul said: “When I heard that many people who access the Plymouth soup run and Shekinah wouldn’t get a sit down Christmas meal this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, I felt we as a community can do better.”

Paul decided to do something about it and created a post on his social media asking for volunteers to help organise a Christmas celebration for these people who otherwise might miss out this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Straight away people started replying saying how much they wanted to help so I knew we could do this,” said Paul. “Since that post there has been a steady stream of volunteers signing up to help on the day as well spreading word and making the much needed donations to help the day happen.”

The aim is to raise enough money to pay

for a sit down Christmas meal outside as The group have already secured a marquee, well as gifts for all those attending. They outside heaters, and some of the food are expecting between 60 and 70 people needed for the day, however there is still to attend the event to be held on Sunday much to do and organise.

December 12 on Bath Street outside the “The more money we can raise the more Shekinah mission. we can give back to those in need. We hope “It’s been a tough 18 months for a lot of to buy gifts including sleeping bags and people but everyone rucksacks and other winter deserves a Christmas meal essentials as well as and a bit of Christmas typical Christmas stockings cheer. It’s a small gesture with all the usual treats.” from those of us who are Anything that is left more fortunate but if we over will go to support the can show that there are ongoing work the Soup people who care and can Run do all year around make this day a positive as well as the Shekinah one for those who come mission. then it will have been a To support the event success.” donations can be made So far the Crowdfunder at www.justgiving.com/ has received donations crowdfunding/paulof well over £2000 shannon-xmasdinner?utm_ from individuals and term=kpRnkYWg3 or if Paul Shannon wants to raise businesses. you’d like to volunteer £2,500 to give people in need “We’ve been blown away on the day or have some some festive joy with the support over just supplies to donate to the a few short days and it cause get in touch with shows how the people of Plymouth want to Paul Shannon on 07814767370 or paul@ help each other,” added Paul. beunique.fitness to discuss.

Public views are sought on restoration of Civic Square

Plymouth City Council is finalising its plans to restore and upgrade the Civic Square and want to know what residents think.

It is hoped that work on the square will start early next year to restore its most important heritage features, while at the same time reimagining it for the 21st Century. The project is part of Plymouth’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, a partnership between Historic England and Plymouth City Council.

Improvements being considered include: • New tree planting and works to existing trees • Soft landscaping to create an attractive green public space • Repairing mid-century design features including the Hoopla (circular) seating, pool copings and planter seating and restoration of the banded natural stone terrace • Repairing the pond to improve water quality, filtration and biodiversity • Returning the flagpoles to the square on the original axis • New modern seating and street furniture considered to reduce clutter On-street parking spaces at the front of the courts will go to expand the square with new spaces created on Princess Street and more spaces at the Guildhall car park.

The project builds on the views of the public when the council presented ideas as part of the Better Places Plymouth scheme in 2018. Civic Square is a grade II Registered Park and Garden and important to the city’s heritage. It is part of the civic layout of Plymouth planned in 1956 based on Patrick Abercrombie and J Paton Watson’s post-war plan for Plymouth of 1943.Some of the proposed changes are designed to improve movement in and around this key public area for both cyclists and pedestrians.

It will address issues such as narrow pavements and pinch points which hinder movement through the square. Raised edges, kerbs, bollards and parking areas also create obstacles in this key public space limiting access for some people.

The Civic Square is on a key axis for both cyclists and walkers going to and from the waterfront to the station and the east-west connection between the Guildhall and Civic Centre is hindered by parked cars and street furniture.

Expanding the footprint of the square will

Artist’s impression of the Civic Square from Royal Parade

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

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

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

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

Entertainment

create much more generous shared routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

More cycle stands and lockers are on the cards and there are also plans for a mobility hub, which will provide electric vehicle charge points, e-bikes, car clubs, and information on local transport for businesses, the public and visitors.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “This is one of Plymouth’s key civic spaces and it is fair to say some of its original impressiveness has faded over the last half century.

“This scheme is designed to bring that back and to create a sense of pride in a key location in our city. It’s also taking into account measures we need to think about to make walking and cycling more attractive as well as improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and congestion. It’s a careful balance and we would be interested to hear what the public think.”

These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund along with Historic England Heritage Action Zone funding. Simon Hickman, principal inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas, Historic England South West added: “Plymouth Civic Square was designed to draw parts of the city together following the devastation of the Plymouth Blitz, linking the

Hoe with the City Centre and the West End. “These days it’s looking tired, but we’re hoping to see its original features restored and that once again it’ll be a place for the city to meet, work, and play. Historic England are proud to be supporting the project through its Plymouth High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.”

Thanks to the Transforming Cities Fund, (www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ transportplansandprojects/transportplans/ transformingcitiesfund) a number of projects are in the pipeline to make cycling, walking and public transport in Plymouth a more attractive travel option.

Two consultations are currently underway about two new cycle routes from St Budeaux to the City Centre and the council is keen from the public, and in particular cyclists or those considering cycling, to get involved.

For more information and details go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/ viewsonwalkingandcyclingupgradebetween stbudeauxdockyardandcitycentre) Projects also in the pipeline include cycle routes from the dockyard to city centre, Mayflower Street bus stops and Royal Parade improvements, mobility hubs, major improvements to St Budeaux Interchange.

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

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

24 January 2022

24 January 2022

@PlymChronicle

Blooming brilliant! over

Advertise to

Fourteen local businesses and voluntary groups have been awarded certificates of achievement in the South West in Bloom competition in 2021.

21,000

Deb Hoskin pictured with clients at the Plymouth Horticultural Therapy Trust

The Royal William Yard hosted the awards with entries from Plymouth, Bere Alston, Gunnislake and Liskeard. The awards were presented by Richard Taylor, a judge from Bovey Tracey and co-ordinator for Devon, who invited more entries in the future.

The themes of the awards were Enhancing, Productive, Ingenious and Caring (EPIC).

Enhancing the landscape with Planting and Art. Bere Alston won the Denise James Art Trophy, the first award of this new category. Denise James was the Secretary of South West in Bloom and the new award marks her service to the Bloom movement.

The art included a trail of metal dragonflies and two floral half men, a top and bottom half. A notable exhibit was the floral galleon in Notte Street from Plymouth Community Homes and a floral dinghy from Pembroke EMB also featured. Attractive plantings by residents surround residential flats in herbs in addition to flowers. the Barbican at Castle Street.

These ranged from a rooftop Two new groups, Woolwell garden at Morley Court in the in Bloom and St Matthew’s centre of Plymouth to keen Church Elburton improved volunteers in Gunnislake with local open space with plants. flowers around the village Three business entries and a community allotment. presented with awards in a Freedom Fields Park grow competition to use flowers vegetables as well as the park and plants to enhance their plantings. premises and encourage Groups were Ingenious in patronage. They were Royal Plymouth Community Homes making bird boxes, hedgehog William Yard, Liskeard Traders impressive display in Notte houses, compost bins, tool Association and MEMCO Street racks, knitting for displays, flowerbeds at the Millfields restoring lawn mowers and site. This is in addition to wheelbarrows and building walls. ARC Metals Plymouth Waterfront Business Improvement made the hull and sails for the Mayflower Galleon District being awarded a Gold Award at the in Notte St, a work of great ingenuity.

Regional Awards last month.

Caring was an important theme of the awards.

Productive groups grow fruit vegetables and

homes in Plympton and Plymstock

Plymouth Horticultural Therapy Trust received an outstanding award and a special discretionary award for their work with disabled clients during lockdown.

They counselled and supported them, as well as growing fruit vegetables and flowers. With special arrangements in place they were able to keep the Trust open through lockdowns.

This was reported in the RHS Garden magazine and Deb Hoskin from the Trust was interviewed on Radio 5 Live. Clients from this site also helped with the MEMCO flower beds.

Liskeard Foyer run by Live West won an award for its garden, vegetable growing and orchard.

Activities for children to do in gardens when home schooling during lockdown was written and distributed. Another need that was met was the provision of additional outdoor seating to facilitate people meeting outside.

Winners of the South West in Bloom Awards

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 14 with a copy deadline of January 4. 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.

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Chronicle Plymouth

January 2022

A new community hub for Sherford has been officially opened by Sir Gary Streeter MP For details see Page 12

# PLYMOUTH TOGETHER A new multi-agency commission is to be launched in Plymouth to tackle violence against women and girls See Page 14

Plympton & Plymstock

Gables Dogs and Cats Home have launched an urgent appeal for funds to help with winter heating bills See Page 15

It’s sparkling at Saltram!

ALSO INSIDE:

• Out and About • Local news and views • Sherford Life

• Cross Rhythms Experience • Dial the Experts • Useful numbers

Saltram will be sparkling this festive season with nearly 50,000 lights adorning Christmas trees inside the National Trust’s Georgian mansion. The grand rooms have also been elaborately decorated to tell the story of the Nutcracker.

• Story and pictures on page 13.

Photo: Steve Haywood

Real Christmas Trees In Stock NOW For all your festive lighting, sparkly decorations, great gifts and much more, visit

Otter Garden Centre

Chittleburn Hill, Brixton, Plymouth

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

JOB VACANCIES Phone 01752 225623

Find us on Facebook @PlymChronicle

Or online at cornerstonevision.com

www.ottergardencentres.com

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The Plymouth Chronicle is published by Cornerstone Vision Limited, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY. Registered in England Company Number 05563986. Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth.