Plymouth Chronicle January East 2023

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January 2024 An ‘orange army’ of volunteers have already gifted more than 20,000 hours of their time at Derriford Hospital this year See Page 3

Plympton & Plymstock The pool at Devil’s Point – one of Plymouth’s most popular bathing spots – is getting a makeover See Page 24

Gables Cats and Dogs Home is appealing for help to meet its soaring winter heating costs See Page 9

ALSO INSIDE: Looking for a tradesman?

Turn to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 20 and 21

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Final touches are added to the Christmas decorations in the house at National Trust’s Saltram • Story and photos on page 9 Photo: National Trust/SG Haywood Photography

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January 2024

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‘Orange Army’ of volunteers giving 20,000 hours of time A team of over 300 volunteers have gifted more than 20,000 hours of their time to support staff and patients at Derriford Hospital and other University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust sites in 2023 so far.

Trevi staff deliver the ENOUGH message

ENOUGH is ENOUGH! campaign launched

Local women’ s charity Trevi has launched a city-wide campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and says ENOUGH! The campaign was launched with a march through Plymouth city centre on November 25.

Volunteers make up a vital part of the workforce at UHP, providing guidance, help and a friendly face to those being treated at, working within, or visiting the hospital.

Currently, the Trust has over 320 volunteers from all walks of life who bring experience and enthusiasm to every shift they take.

Whether it is giving back to say thank you or learning new skills through volunteering to boost career prospects, the team support the Trust by helping in wards and various departments at Derriford Hospital and in new roles at Mount Gould and the Cumberland Centre.

Volunteers can have a huge impact on the patient experience as they are able to give an extra level of support through actions such as offering directions, pouring patients a cup of tea or a stopping for a chat, with an estimated 5,000 of these interactions taking place each month.

In addition to supporting patients and visitors during their time at UHP, the volunteers also provide vital services to the staff. In April 2023, the active response volunteer team delivered nearly 3000 medications from pharmacy to other areas of the Trust. This helps to free up Trust staff for other tasks, while ensuring patients get the medicines they need in a timely manner.

The volunteer programme at UHP can also support those who choose to volunteer on a personal level as well. Through the Volunteer to Career programme, some volunteers have progressed into careers in the NHS, while others have upskilled themselves and improved their CVs. In addition, many volunteers feel pride in what they do and are grateful for a chance to say thank you and give back to the Trust after themselves or a loved one received care.

Becky Smith, voluntary services manager, said: “We are inspired every day by our volunteers and their willingness to help. They tell us stories of interactions with patients, their personal achievements and everything they have done to be there for staff and patients. Our team gives over 2,000 hours every month to UHP, whether that’s in the Emergency Department, Outpatients, on wards or on Hospital Radio – it really is so varied and has a significant impact.”

Since the implementation of a volunteers’ programme at UHP, the ‘orange army,’ as they are affectionately known, has given over 1,000 years of their time to the Trust.

Showing their appreciation of that service, UHP joined thousands of charities and organisations in recognising Volunteers’ Week. To mark the occasion, the Trust hosted

Over the last five years, the number of domestic abuse incidents has been increasing in Plymouth, and it accounts for 27% of all violent crimes in the city compared to the national average of 16%. Last year alone, there were 6,933 reported cases of domestic abuse, an increase of 21% from the previous year.

Trevi’s campaign is simple: ENOUGH. They want to spread this message across Plymouth urging people to take action in helping end violence against women and girls, and everyone can be involved.

They are working in partnership with Plymouth City Council, NSPCC, Devon & Cornwall Police, First Light, MAN Culture Plymouth, Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services and the Plymouth NHS Trust organisations to amplify their message through billboards, artist walls, and a social media campaign.

Across the city, visual messages will be popping up which will encourage people to become part of the movement, which as Trevi explains, is ‘simple.’

Hannah Shead, Trevi chief executive said: “Our campaign message is clear: if you see it, call it out or report it. If you are experiencing it, seek help and support. Violence against women is learned. Each of us must examine - and change - how our own behaviour might enable, ignore or excuse all such forms of violence.

“As partners working together in the city, we are committed to creating positive cultural change around violence against women and girls. We want to live in a community that does not tolerate a society where women and girls are in danger of harm and abuse.

“As we think about those women affected by domestic abuse as well as those brutally murdered in the past, our organisations come together united in demanding an end to violence against women and children.”

An estimated 132,300 women and girls live in Plymouth, with 107,600 over 16. Based on the ONS estimate of 1 in 3 women likely to have been subjected to at least one form of harassment in the last year, that’ s around 36,000 women!

Locally, Trevi and partner organisations will focus on engaging communities both publicly and professionally to go beyond 16 days to all 365 days a year, advocating an adequate shift in practice to end violence against women and girls. They are particularly focused on engaging men and aim to shift societal attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that help perpetuate gender inequality and, therefore, men’ s violence against women. Local organisation MAN Culture is also supporting the campaign.

St JOHNS ROAD, CATTEDOWN, PLYMOUTH, PL4 0PA. Matt Garrett from MAN Culture said: “We sales@totemtimber.co.uk Tel: 01752 266390 are supporting this campaign as we agree that it is time to say ENOUGH. We are working in FOR: partnership across Plymouth to bring a change in TIMBER, PLYWOOD, WORKTOPS, DOORS, FENCING, attitudes and actions, by working with men and boys to start a conversation about cultural norms DECKING, GUTTERING, SAND, CEMENT, BLOCKS, and expectations. Violence Against Women and LINTELS, FLOORING, PLASTERBOARD, POWER TOOLS, Girls (VAWG) is not OK, and it never has been - It is time that we all stand together to bring it to AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE. an end.”

For information about taking an active role in supporting the ENOUGH campaign visit www. endvawg.org.uk

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a celebration evening, supported by Plymouth Hospitals Charity, and awarded long service badges and thank you certificates, ensuring the volunteers know how much they are valued within UHP’s #1BigTeam.

Danielle Faulkner, volunteer coordinator, added: “We recently carried out some work to ask patients, visitors, and staff about the impact of volunteers and the response was of gratitude and recognition of the support volunteers give. We love hearing these stories and feedback and make sure that we pass praise on to the team as well as UHP management to ensure that volunteers are thanked and recognised.”

The volunteers are UHP aged from 16 to their 80s with some gifting their time every week, and others less frequently, however, all are a welcomed part of the team.

There are always new opportunities opening up and additional areas requesting volunteer support.

Volunteers and members of staff from UHP meet regularly via a Volunteer Committee to discuss the volunteer experience and volunteering opportunities at the Trust. This ensures that volunteer voices are heard and listened to, improving the volunteer experience but also feeding back vital patient information and observations.

Anyone interested in volunteering at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust should visit www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/volunteering

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

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

Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon brings his latest tour ‘Rob Brydon - a Night of Music and Laughter’ to Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on February 25

Pennywell Christmas Experience Various dates Experience the Magic at Pennywell this Christmas!

At this time of year the Farm is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle. A truly magical Christmas experience awaits!

Allow between 2 - 2.5 hours for the experience. Please note the farm is only open for Christmas experiences at this time of year. For details and tickets visit www. pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-christmas-nativity-tickets Plymouth Christmas Market Until Dec 17 Plymouth’s popular festive market will feature dozens of traders giving shoppers the chance to pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts.

Festive Good Food & Craft Market Various December dates Royal William Yard’s Melville Building hosts a huge array of stalls offering festive wares and unique gifts.

The Hook & Line will also be there with its fresh fish market – and if you wish, you can take your catch to the restaurant to be prepared. Sundays in December from 10am to 3pm. Wednesday evenings in December from 5pm to 9pm including Christmas crafts for children.

Festive Market Dec 7 The market is taking place at Arts University Plymouth’s Tavistock Place campus from 4pm to 7pm.

The market will be open to members of public and students, staff members, alumni, and local businesses will all be selling their wares. The bar will also be open with a festive menu, and there will be a tombola to raise money for the Student Union Food Bank Christmas Appeal.

Advent Carol Service Dec 7 Stoke Damerel Church at 7pm. Open to all.

Carol Service Dec 7 To be held in the Victorian Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Tickets £6 which goes towards upkeep of Ford Park Cemetery.

The History of Plympton Dec 8 Plympton & District Civic Society have organised what promises to be a fascinating talk by the locally renowned historian Chris Robinson. It’s at Harewood House (behind Plympton Library). Doors open at 7pm, for a 7.30pm start. Admission £3 (£2 for members).

Zooluminate Dec 8 to Jan 1 Experience a magical and wintery walk around Dartmoor Zoo at Sparkwell, taking in a series of beautiful light installations which bring the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible!

Monday to Sunday from 5pm to 9.30pm. Closed Dec 24 to 26. For details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk Charity Concert Dec 8 and 9 The Down Thomas Singers will be raising funds for Barnardo’s Plymouth with their two night concert. The Candlelit Celebration of Christmas Music and Carols will take place at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. with free parking. Tickets are £5 including a hot drink and warm mince pie. All ticket sales and the closing bucket collection will be for Barnardo’s Plymouth. Tickets can be obtained from the secretary on 01752 299204.

Kids Santa’s Christmas Disco Dec 9 and 16 A fun packed festive children’s party and cruise for the whole family to enjoy with Plymouth Boat Trips.

The 90 minute party features festive music, face painting and a visit from Santa all on-board. Ticket prices include a tea/coffee and a mince pie for adults, plus a soft drink and a seasonal selection box for each child. For prices and more details visit www. plymouthboatrips.co.uk Southway’s Christmas Table Top Sale Dec 9 Lots of Christmas goodies available at Church of the Holy Spirit from 1pm to 3pm. Also children’s crafts, tombola and tea and coffee available. For information or to book a table at £5 contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Artisan Market Dec 9 The Watermark, St Leonard’s Place, Ivybridge from 9.30am to 1pm. Eclectic mix of handmade, good quality, reasonably priced products for sale all made by the sellers. Upstairs via the lift or stairs.

Carol Concert Dec 9 Presented by the South West Chamber Choir at Stoke Damerel Church at 4pm. Christmas-themed readings and choral music under the title ‘What sweeter music?’ varying from the sublime to the humorous.

Tickets £10 (£5 for 18 and under) from www.trybooking. co.uk/CRFN or at the door.

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir Dec 9, 12 and 13 The choir presents ‘A Little More Christmas Music’ at Harewood House, Plympton on December 9 at 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 including wine and mince pie. Also at St Luke’s Light Up a Life Service at St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth at 2pm. Admission free. Also at Crownhill Methodist Church on December 13 at 7.30pm in aid of church funds. Tickets £7.

Tots Christmas Party Dec 15 A Christmas treat for the under 5s. Visit Super Tramp

Plymouth in Breakwater Road, Plymstock for a festive bounce and the chance to meet Santa Claus.

Have your photo taken and receive a small gift. Play games and win prizes, plus Christmas music, tots meal box and cafe serving festive cakes and hot drinks. From 10am to 12 noon. For details visit 4www. supertrampparks.co.uk/ Christmas Concert Dec 15 South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII present an evening of festive choral music spanning some 700 years with music at St Peter & thew Holy Apostles Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. Wine and mince pies will be available. Free entry with retiring collection. Reserve a seat at www.eventbrite.co.uk Ed Byrne Dec 17 Popular comedian Ed Byrne brings his Tragedy Plus Time tour to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.comicalentertainment. com Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 17 Featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm.

Tickets on the door only. More details at www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Handel’s Messiah Dec 20 Performance by West Devon Chorale and Ensemble at Plymouth RC Cathedral, Wyndham Street West at 7pm.

Conducted from the keyboard by the choir’s newly appointed music director Michael Graham. Tickets: £15 at the door (£14 in advance) £5 students from www. wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from the choir administrator on 01752 776479.

Carols by Candlelight Dec 22 Festive celebration at Salisbury Road Baptist Church at 7pm followed by mince pies and hot drinks. All welcome.

Ballroom & Sequence Dance Dec 23 With Dancing Duo Henry & Jeannie at The ELM Centre, Estover from 7.45pm to 10.15pm. Tickets £6 per person.

A draw in aid of HeartsTogether will be held.

Sing Devon Jan 11 Do you enjoy singing? Do you like to meet new people? Then go along to a Welcoming New Voices free session at Pomphlett Methodist Church Hall, Plymstock. 7.15pm to 9pm. The emphasis is on fun, supporting the local community and supporting each other.

There are no auditions – just go along and give it a go. Experience the joy of singing. Details at www. singdevon.com or call Pete Scott on 07896 276577.

Carus Thompson Jan 20 Australian folk songwriter and storyteller bring his UK tour to Plymouth at the Barbican Theatre at 8pm.

His tour will see the launch of two new albums for the man who has opened for his good friend Seth Wakeman on a number of tours. Tickets from www. barbicantheatre.co.uk or by calling 01752 267131.

Rob Brydon Feb 25

Award-winning comedian and his eight piece band bring the ‘Rob Brydon - A Night of Songs and Laughter’ tour to the Theatre Royal. The evening features Rob’s brilliant stand-up comedy plus songs ranging from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), telling Rob’s personal musical journey from South Wales to the West End and beyond. Audiences can expect Rob’s usual warmth and humour, along with his famed gallery of voices, as he regales them with hilarious tales from his distant and recent past. Tickets and further information from www.theatreroyal.com Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

January 2024

5 @PlymChronicle

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The Bereavement Counselling Service is a small Plymouth charity which has been in existence for more than 30 years.

The service provides free counselling to people suffering from complex grief or traumatic loss – such as traffic accident, suicide, murder – in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

The aim of the service is to support these people and to enable them to move forward to normal grief and improve their mental health. Around 250 referrals are received from GP surgeries each year.

The NHS have previously funded the service, but due to cutbacks he funding has now been withdrawn and it may be that the service will have to close.

The service is the only organisation providing this specialised counselling in the Plymouth area. All the counsellors and the Board of Trustees are volunteers and there is no charge for accessing the service.

Trish Jones, chairman of the Board, said: “In the current financial climate, the service delivers essential support with no charge to clients. The service is only a small charity and as such, with no advertising budget, we can be overlooked as people donate to the larger charities that are able to advertise in the local media and nationwide.”

The service is now entirely dependent on grants and donations to enable it to offer this essential service.

Anyone who would like to help by making a donation, no matter how small can do so by visiting www.bcsplymouth. com where bank details are available.

Alternatively, please contact the office on 01752 349769 for further information.

Calling all junior badminton players The popular Plymouth Junior Badminton Tournament is taking place in February.

The event, which has been running for more than 50 years, will be held at the Plymouth Life Centre on Sunday February 25.

The tournament caters for all levels of players in singles and doubles at under 11, 14, 16 and 18 years old.

There is also a mixed doubles category in the under 18 age group.

The tournament has been sponsored by Devonport Royal Dockyard Sport and Social Club and there will be many trophies to be won on the day. There will also be merit awards and certificates to reflect the different levels of players involved.

Schools across Plymouth are being sent entry forms or they can be found at www. plymouthbadminton.co.uk/home and go to Fixtures, Results section. Entry forms also available at Plymouth Life Centre.

@PlymChronicle

6 January 2024

Residents’ views sought on city’s budget priorities Plymouth residents are being invited to give their views on how the City Council should prioritise its finances over the next year.

The council is working on its draft 2024/25 budget and a report considered by Cabinet on in November)outlined how a projected £11.2 million budget gap caused by increasing demand for services and rising costs has now been reduced to £2.3 million.

While work continues to close the gap before a balanced budget can be set in February, the council is now seeking the views of residents before it makes any final

decisions.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “I have said before that our situation is serious – but it is not all doom and gloom. We can still be ambitious for Plymouth by prioritising those things that are important, finding efficiencies and improving our processes.

“We are not alone in this. Nearly every local authority across the country is having to deal with the economic crash, high inflation and the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on our services. We are seeing demand like never before.

“All the while the Government continues to steadily reduce our funding. In 2010 we received £123.8 million funding from Government. Last year we received £11.6 million.

“We want a stable council, one that is focused and manages our finances responsibly. Help us by having your say on what is important to you, so we can take your views on board before making our final decision in February.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, added: “Over the past 10 years, with the staggering drop in Government

funding, we simply do not have enough money to continue doing everything. Quite simply, demand and costs are outweighing the money available.

“We have to prioritise and make smart decisions that will help build a better Plymouth. We can learn a lot from local people, particularly about what priorities we should be focusing on for the coming year.

I encourage everyone to go online and have their say.”

Residents have until December 11 to give their views through the Council’s website at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/we-want-your-viewsand-ideas

PLYMSTOCK CAMERA CLUB CELEBRATING SUCCESS Plymstock Camera Club is celebrating its recent success at the prestigious West Country Photographic Federation (WCPF) Kingswood Salver competition, where the club’s entry, titled ‘Dartmoor Stamps,’ received a ‘Highly Commended’ award.

made a significant mark with its exceptional entry.

The competition format required participating clubs to submit a panel of five mounted prints, each contributed by a different photographer, to form a cohesive and diverse collection of images.

The Kingswood Salver competition is Plymstock Camera Club’s entry, ‘Dartmoor an annual event organized by the WCPF, Stamps,’ captured the essence of Dartmoor showcasing the talent and creativity of GNH_PLYCHRON_196x184_SB5_Nov2023_DEXP 20x3 21/11/2023 09:48 Page 1 through the lenses of five distinct photophotography clubs from across the West graphers, showcasing the club’s commitment Country. This year, Plymstock Camera Club

READER TRAVEL

to both individual artistry and collaborative excellence.

The ‘Highly Commended’ award was testament to the skill, vision, and dedication of Plymstock Camera Club’s members. Ann Owens, Heather Compton, Tony Westlake, Bruce Robinson and Matthew Curtin each contributed their unique perspectives and techniques to the panel, creating a cohesive and diverse collection of images that beautifully captured the essence of Dartmoor.

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Their collective talent and passion for photography shone through, earning the club this prestigious recognition.

Club Chairman, Matthew Curtin expressed his excitement and gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Winning the ‘Highly Commended’ award at the WCPF Kingswood Salver competition is a tremendous honor for Plymstock Camera Club. It reflects the passion and skill of our photographers, as well as our commitment to creating compelling and diverse visual narratives. We are proud to have our work acknowledged at such a prestigious event.”

Plymstock Camera Club extends its appreciation to the WCPF and the Kingswood Salver competition judges for recognizing the club’s dedication to photographic excellence.

The success at this competition further motivates the club to explore new horizons and continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling through photography.

For more information about Plymstock Camera Club and to view the award-winning entry, please visit www.plymstockcameraclub. co.uk.

About Plymstock Camera Club Plymstock Camera Club is a dynamic community of photographers based in Plymstock. Committed to fostering creativity and camaraderie, the club provides a platform for photographers of all levels to learn, grow, and showcase their work.

More examples of the work of members can be found on the club’s Facebook page.

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Campaign to raise funds for statue of first Cost of city black rugby player to represent England centre works A campaign has been launched to raise funds for a statue of Jimmy Peters, the first black rugby player to represent England.

Jimmy, who played for Plymouth Albion between 1902 and 1909, played five times for England, but his career was cut short after he suffered an accident in Devonport Dockyard where he worked as a carpenter.

Jimmy also represented Devon and was the star player in the side which won the County Championship in 1906, resulting in the press calling for his selection for the national team.

In 1906 he became embroiled in controversy when the touring South African Springboks objected to him playing against them for Devon, due to his colour. The game was eventually played

after intervention by the South African High Commissioner.

After quitting rugby union he was accepted into rugby league and eventually retired from the sport in 1914 at the age of 35.

He continued to live in Plymouth and died in 1954 aged 74. He is buried in Ford Park Cemetery.

It was another 82 years before a black player represented England again - Chris Oti in 1988.

In his childhood Jimmy spent many years in orphanages after his father was mauled to death by a lion at a circus where he was employed.

One of the orphanages was near Blackheath rugby club and he certainly joined the crowds to watch games and almost certainly played for the club in his early career.

On November 4 Plymouth Albion entertains Blackheath in a National League One encounter at Brickfields. Some of Jimmy’s descendants were present at a special pre-match lunch funded by the Hidden Figures Project in Plymouth and others. Among them was Liam Henderson the great, great, great grandson of Jimmy.

Liam who plays rugby for Plymouth Argaum at Roborough, was chosen as a mascot at the England v South Africa game at Twickenham in November 2021.

The special event at Brickfields provided

tops £16.7m

Work has now started above ground level after months of preparatory work below the surface of Old Town Street and New George Street.

Jimmy Peters

Liam with the opportunity to talk to the audience about Jimmy and the plans for a statue in his memory. A committee is being formed to spearhead the campaign and a fundraising page has been set up for donations with a target of £200,000.

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Three rain gardens have now been installed outside the House of Fraser store as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme and work on the landscaping and planting above will begin shortly.

The rain gardens are essentially big holes that have been dug in the ground, then reinforced and layered with material so that at times of very heavy rainfall, the tanks can hold water, helping to reduce the risk of flooding.

They act like a giant plant pot, storing water to irrigate new plants and trees that will be part of the new landscape.

The rain gardens range in size from 16 cubic metres to 30 cubic metres and can handle up to 54 cubic metres of rainwater. And if there’s more rain, there is now a new storm sewer deep beneath New George Street to take the excess and keep flood water from combined sewer system.The new storm sewer system is a series of large plastic pipes – the largest 1.5 metres across and acts as a storage system during heavy rain, holding around 215 cubic metres of rainwater and releasing this gradually via a constrained outfall, known as a hydrobrake.

As well as the rain gardens there will be five more traditional gardens and other seating areas.

The scheme has moved on since contractors Morgan Sindall construction took over the site. There have been further revisions to the scheme, including more seating and more trees to be planted. There will be a total of 28 semi mature trees which are more resilient to an urban setting as well as the four existing large mature trees.

Proposals for a play area have changed, given the exciting proposals for a destination play village unveiled for Armada Way, there will be more planted landscaping instead.In order to finish the entire scheme however more funding is needed and a decision is being signed this week to award a further a £6,077,134 contract to Morgan Sindall.

Although the other gardens in the project don’t provide additional storage as they are not part of the SUDs drainage system, they help to reduce the surface water run-off to the combined sewer and water channels into them to water the trees and other plants.

Above the surface new granite paving is going to be laid to make the area much more attractive, less dated and tired and reduce the likelihood of trips and falls. There will also be new street lighting, decorative lighting to create a wow factor after dark and improved CCTV coverage.

The scheme includes an events space at the junction of Old Town Street and New George Street equipped with power and water and capable of supporting small events and performances. The works are funded from the existing project budget for Old Town Street and New George Street which includes external grant funding from Transforming Cities Fund, Local Economic Partnership, and Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone.

In order to award this contract, an additional allocation of £2,764,767 funded through corporate borrowing needs to be added to the capital budget of the Old Town Street and New George Street public, increasing the total cost to £16,752,850.

8 January 2024

WELCOMING SPACES OPEN TO PLYMOUTH RESIDENTS THIS WINTER

Venues across Plymouth are once again opening their doors this winter to offer people a safe, warm space to spend time in, as part of the city’s cost of living support for residents.

More than 20 Welcoming Spaces, which include churches, libraries and community centres, have already committed to opening during the colder months. The spaces all offer somewhere comfortable to sit down in a warm environment with the chance to meet other people and lots offer extras, such as free activities, advice, Wi-Fi or refreshments.

The warm, welcome spaces were such a success last year that many locations stayed open all year round, running regular community cafes or events to help bring people together and support them during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member responsible for the Cost of Living Plan, said: “We know that our residents are still feeling the continued pressure of the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy bills, and that will only increase during the cold winter months.

“It’s brilliant to see so many organisations opening their doors to be a Welcoming Space, bringing communities together and offering much needed support to local residents who may be really struggling.

“The Welcoming Spaces not only help people to keep warm but also give people the opportunity to make new friends, to feel part of a community and to access useful advice and support. This is also so important for supporting people’s mental health, particularly as the days grow shorter and colder.”

This winter, libraries in Plymouth will also be running a scheme to help provide people that are struggling due to the cost of living crisis with warm coats.

The ‘Donate a Coat’ scheme will run at four locations: Plymstock, Plympton, Southway and St Budeaux Library.

Residents with any unwanted warm winter coats can donate them at the libraries and anyone who needs one can then pick up a coat for free, with no questions asked.

Donations of adults and children’s coats will be accepted, but they must be clean and in good condition.

Locations of Welcoming Spaces can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/welcomingspaces.

Organisations that are interested in registering as a Welcoming Space can also do so via this link.

There is funding available from the Household Support Fund for organisations if they need financial support to open as a Welcoming Space this winter and applications are open funtil November 20.

More cost of living support is available on the council’s online hub: www. plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.

@PlymChronicle

New Christmas fayre format goes down a storm

The new format of Plympton’s Christmas lights switch on and associated fayre on Sunday November 26 seems to have gone down a storm with most of those attending.

Organising volunteers at Plym Chamber who put on the event must have awoken with a bit of a sinking feeling in the morning when they saw the rather wet weather and wondered if this was going to thwart the many months of planning which had gone into the day.

These worries soon faded, however, as families from Plympton and beyond donned their wet weather clothing and turned out in numbers to visit the many street stalls and open shops, watched and listened to a variety of entertainment acts on two stages and had a go at the games on offer. Plympton Stannator Andy Cooper and Youth Ambassador Oliver Chard were on hand to formally open the proceedings at midday.

For those reluctant to spend much time outside in the wet, there was the indoor comfort of the nearby Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub where more than 100 families came in to meet Santa, take part in crafting activities, or relax in the quiet movie space.

This year the lights switch-on and fayre moved from its long-established Monday night to a Sunday daytime, with stalls and entertainment from midday to 6pm. The Co-op car park in Ridgeway was used to host a games area in the

Above: Visitors braved the wet weather to join in the festive fun and (below) the rain stopped in time for the big lights switch on

small car park with stalls set out in a market type arrangement in the larger car park.

By around 4.15pm the rain finally stopped and this was the encouragement needed for even bigger crowds to arrive for the 5.15pm lights switch on by Plymouth Raiders and Pudsey Bear and this also offered a late boost in sales for traders.

Initial post event feedback from the majority of those attending has been positive about the new day and format with comments such as ‘we preferred the Sunday to the Monday, more relaxing and whole family could come’, ‘I found this format

much better’ and ‘I liked this evening better than last year, much better stalls.’

A range of pictures and videos from the day can be found on the Plympton Podcast Facebook page and also on the #LightUpPlympton one. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) Stannator Andy Cooper and Youth Ambassador Oliver Chard open the event

Indoor activities at a busy Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub

Your Online News, Information and What’s On Service

Follow us at Facebook.com/PlymptonPodcast for regular stories, pictures and videos of life in Plympton and surrounding areas To hear our audio podcasts and to find other useful community information go to:

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Tel: 07752 698504 E: plymptonpodcast@gmail.com

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January 2024

Saltram all set for Christmas

9

Gables appeal for help with soaring winter heating bills Gables Dogs & Cats Home takes in nearly 1,000 unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats every year – and that number has increased in 2023 due to the cost of living crisis.

The charity is now appealing for help with its winter heating bills which have increased dramatically over the last 12 months.

It is vitally important that their rescued animals are provided with the best during their stay at Gables and their pens must be kept warm and comfortable at all times. There are 76 cat pens and 71 dog kennels and during the winter months lots of donated duvets and blankets are used to help keep the animals warm and cosy.But their heating bills have now soared to over £15,000 for the winter months and the charity is hoping local people can help with donations.

General Manager Claire Sparkes said: “The huge increase in our heating costs is really shocking and means we have to ask our wonderful supporters for their help again. Winter is always a challenging time for us as the run up to Christmas brings in lots of old animals that people discard to make room for the Christmas puppy or kitten. Any donation will make a huge difference and help us to continue to be there for these vulnerable dogs and cats.”

Donations can be made in several ways including online at www. justgiving.com/campaign/wha23-24 or via Paypal at www.paypal.me/ gablesdogsandcats. Alternatively call 01752 331602.

Photos: National Trust Images/SG Haywood Photography

Staff and volunteers add the final touches to the Christmas decorations in the house at the National Trust’s Saltram in Plymouth.

This year’s much-loved event takes the theme of ‘Saltram’s Christmas in Bloom’- celebrating 18th century pleasure garden traditions.

The lavish decorations include a reproduction stage, an alfresco picnic and even a fleet of hot air balloons. There is also a Christmas family trail in the house and gardens.

Saltram’s Christmas in Bloom runs until January 2 2024.

For visiting times and for information about tickets – which must be booked in advance visit the Saltram website at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram/christmas-at-saltram

Welcoming Spaces This winter, venues across Plymouth are opening their doors as a warm, welcome space, open to everyone.

There are Welcoming Spaces spread across the city and they include libraries, churches and community centres. All of the spaces offer a warm and safe place to sit comfortably.

Many also offer extras, such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments, activities and signposting to advice and support. You’ll be able to stay warm, meet other people in your community and find more support to help you if you’re struggling with the cost of living.

See the map of Welcoming Spaces at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/welcoming-spaces

Energy costs Not being able to afford to heat or power your home can be very worrying and stressful. But it’s important to continue paying these bills and if you’re struggling to pay, or think you may get into difficulty, then you should contact your energy supplier as soon as you can. They must work with you to agree a payment plan under Ofgem rules and if you cannot agree on a way forward, then contact Citizen’s Advice for more support.

Find more cost of living support at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving

@PlymChronicle

10 January 2024

Could you be the next Stannator?

Plympton Community Council is seeking nominations for the next Stannator of Plympton to succeed Andy Cooper when his term ends in April 2024.

The role of Stannator is similar to that of a town mayor and since the reintroduction of the post in 1980 there have been 42 community minded people who have served in the position.

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 one or more charities 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 a judo club organiser, a member of the clergy, 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 they are 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 2024 to speak briefly about why they would like the role.

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

Once invested Stannators serve in their post for a period of 12 months. 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 for an initial informal discussion about the role phone Pauline on 07784 916648. The closing date for nominations and supporting documents is midnight on January 8 2024.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Cornwood bowled over!

Cornwood Cricket Club’s ground has been voted the best in the South West.

As part of Somerset County Cricket Club’s ‘Club Ground World Cup’ people were asked to nominate their favourite ground from across Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.

Those making nominations were asked to consider things like scenery, pitch, facilities, food and club characters.

The eight clubs with the most votes from each county went through to the County Pool SemiFinals, after which the winners competed in their respective County Finals.

The winner from each of the four County Finals then progressed to the Grand Final where they battled it out to be named the region’s perfect club ground. Cornwood successfully came through on top at each stage to be crowned this year’s winners.

A spokesperson for Cornwood Cricket Club said: “We are thrilled to have won the final round.

Many thanks to everyone who voted for us, it’s encouraging to know there is so much support out there for our club.”

In addition to the fame, kudos and accolades, this year’s winner has received 20 tickets to a day of County Championship cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground next summer.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Families in enthusiastic welcome for HMS Portland’s homecoming Plymouth-based warship HMS Portland was welcomed home by families and loved ones after months of operations in the North Atlantic and around UK waters.

The Type 23 frigate left her home port of Devonport in August and has spent time shadowing Russian vessels and also making visits to a variety of cities from Belfast to Nova Scotia.

She also briefly joined HMS Queen Elizabeth and the UK Carrier Strike Group for training and exercises with NATO. She was waved and cheered back into port by the crew’s loved ones, with many holding banners, flags and welcome home signs.Portland has had a busy schedule since leaving Plymouth in early August where she was tasked with tracking Russian warships and submarines.

She joined offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne and the RAF’s P8 Poseidon aircraft to monitor Russian vessels, including corvettes Boikiy and Grad, cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and others.

The frigate then briefly met up with Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tideforce for a replenishment at sea – a challenging feat of close manoeuvres and precise sailing to transfer fuel, stores and

other supplies to allow Portland to stay on operations for longer.

The ship visited Belfast towards the end of the summer before departing to her traditional operating areas in the North Atlantic to transit to Canada in support of the Royal Canadian Navy’s inaugural International Fleet Week alongside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

While there, HMS Portland opened the gangway to the public, including to youngsters from Techsploration, which aims to increase the number of young women working in science, engineering, trade and technology-related occupations.

They were given a tour of the ship, while a series of mutual visits by sailors from the navies represented in Halifax also took place. The week closed with ships saluting the Commander of the Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee.

Back across the North Atlantic and Portland took her place alongside the UK Carrier Strike Group.

She acted as an escort to HMS Queen Elizabeth beside Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond.

She supported the launching of a Training Variant Torpedo from Merlin Mk2 helicopters embarked on the aircraft carrier.Now back in the UK, HMS Portland has returned to Devonport.

Portland’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “I am delighted that the ship has had the opportunity for a homecoming event following its deployment.

“The support of friends and family is what allows sailors to do what they do, and it is important that we recognise their contribution to the ship and the Royal Navy alongside the efforts of the ship’s company.”

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12 January 2024

New director for Children’s Services is appointed

Plymouth City Council has announced the appointment of a new key senior manager to lead services for children, young people and families across the city.

David Haley, who has been the interim Strategic Director for Children’s Services (DCS) since the end of July will now take up the role permanently. His responsibilities will include Children’s Social Care and safeguarding, Early Intervention and Prevention, Youth Offending, Education, Participation and Skills and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

David brings to the role extensive experience in the delivery, management and leadership of public services through improving and supporting services for children, young people, education and SEND. He started his career as a teacher and has worked in children’s services for over 30 years.

David has undertaken a number of roles, including headteacher, director of education and inclusion and diirector of children’s services in two local authorities. He has David Haley led transformation and improvement in children’s social care, education, learning and skills, Local Area SEND Partnerships and Youth Justice Services.

Since starting at the council, David has focused on delivering improvements at the ‘front door’ to children’s services and in services for children and young people with SEND following a joint inspection of the local area SEND partnership earlier this year. Central to this work is a new partnership improvement plan that sets out clear priorities and areas for improvement and aims to rebuild trust and confidence in the local SEND system.

David said: “I am passionate about making a difference for children and young people and delivering change and improvement where needed.

“It’s my strong belief that no child should be disadvantaged or left behind and this is something I always have in my mind when delivering children’s services. We need to keep asking ourselves, what else can we do? How can we improve the lives of children, young people and families who need our support?

“I am excited to be able to continue to work with a committed and passionate team and partners that really work well together to make sure that we deliver. I am committed to continuing our improvement journey, sustain and embed the progress that has been made and lead further significant cultural, strategic and organisational change that will deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and their families.”

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Since David has been with us, he has really demonstrated his significant experience of leading change, working in partnership with staff and partners and he has a solid track record of developing strong collaborative partnerships, internally and externally.

“Work on our improvement journey for children and young people with SEND continues and is an absolute priority. I’m confident with that with David’s proven track record, and the work that he has already delivered, he is well equipped to lead the way, ensuring every child and young person in Plymouth gets the very best start in life.”

Pictured at the Caring Plymouth launch are (from left) Jack Davies, health and social care coordinator; Neil Eastwood, author of ‘Saving Social Care’; Emma Crowther, interim head of commissioning at Plymouth City Council; Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care; David McAuley, programme director of Plymouth Local Care Partnership; Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council; Emma Hewitt, skills lead at Plymouth City Council and Lauren Parker-Smith, health and social care coordinator.

Caring Plymouth to promote health and social care careers More support will be available for people who want to start or progress their career in the health and social care sector thanks to a new city-wide partnership.

Working on behalf of the city’s health and social care employers, the Caring Plymouth partnership will work together to connect local people with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs.

Caring Plymouth aims to support the need for a sustainable skilled workforce, with an initial focus on tackling staff recruitment and retention in adult social care.

The Plymouth City Council-led partnership will help people to access training and education so they can develop the skills needed for a career pathway in health or social care. This will support residents to find the right jobs for them, filling vitally important job vacancies in the city to help relieve some of the pressure on the wider health and care system.

There are currently more than 200 vacancies in adult social care, with the majority of these in domiciliary care roles.

These roles provide care to adults living in their own homes, enabling them to keep their independence.

Caring Plymouth aims to improve the information, advice and guidance that is available to people new to the sector, as well as supporting the existing workforce with career progression. To support better access to training and education, a new Adult Social Care Skills and Training Directory is under development and due for release in 2024.

The partnership will also host a new awards

ceremony, Plymouth’s Celebrating Excellence in Care Awards. This event, set to be held in March 2024, will celebrate and recognise the hard work of the city’s valued frontline care workers.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we’re launching Caring Plymouth. Making Plymouth a great place to grow up and grow old in is one of our key priorities and ensuring that the right care is available for people is incredibly important.

“Across the sector there are clear challenges with both recruitment and retention. While this problem is not exclusive to Plymouth, we are determined to address it and we’re taking a collaborative approach.

The initial focus of Caring Plymouth will be on adult social care as that is currently where the largest pressure is – if there aren’t enough care workers then we cannot provide care packages, and this can create a backlog in hospitals which means beds aren’t free for new patients.

“Working in adult social care is highly rewarding and all of our care employees are so highly valued in the city, so we want to get much better at celebrating them and encouraging people to pursue these roles as a career choice. There are opportunities for people to develop and progress into more senior roles and there are lots of jobs available. Caring Plymouth will work to promote this, supporting existing workers so they feel supported and more likely to stay in their job roles, as well as reaching out to potential new recruits.”

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Neil Eastwood, author of the book ‘Saving Social Care - How to find more of the best frontline care employees and keep the ones you have’ and founder and CEO of Care Friends, spoke at the Caring Plymouth launch event. He said: “Health and care sectors across the UK and internationally are facing huge and worsening workforce challenges.

Local responses to these challenges are commonly piecemeal and uncoordinated.

That is why it is so exciting to see Plymouth bring stakeholders together with a clear mission and a strong combined offer to both those considering a career in health and care and those already in the workforce.

Caring Plymouth shows what is possible and I am sure it will be held up as an example of how by working together we can tackle this challenge effectively.”

The delivery model for Caring Plymouth is based on the successful partnership Building Plymouth, which connects people with career opportunities in construction and the built environment. The new partnership will take a similar joined-up approach to tackling a second growth sector for the city and is set to change the way individuals are recruited and transitioned into vital roles.

A new city-wide recruitment campaign will be launching soon to highlight the opportunities available in adult social care, connecting residents with the Caring Plymouth team who can help them to access training, apply for the right roles and/or progress their careers.

To find out more visit www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/caringplymouth

January 2024

@PlymChronicle

13

City College Plymouth partners with Plymouth Active Leisure to shape the city’s future of health and wellbeing

City College Plymouth has embarked on an innovative partnership with Plymouth Active Leisure, strengthening its commitment to the educational, cultural, and economic prosperity of Plymouth.

The collaboration, designed to enhance both education and employment opportunities, marks a significant step in the college’s engagement with industry leaders to address key needs in the health and wellbeing sector.

The health and wellbeing sector in Plymouth is at a critical juncture. It’s a field experiencing rapid growth, partly due to the city’s demographic trends and partly because of a heightened public awareness of health and wellness. The sector is anticipated to offer a substantial number of new employment opportunities in the coming years, with estimates suggesting up to 5,000 new jobs - a rate of growth that eclipses many other industries.

This expansion is not just in traditional healthcare roles but also in emerging areas outside of a sports provision, such as marketing, management and hospitality - all of which are poised to transform Plymouth’s economic landscape.In response to these trends, the college’s partnership with Plymouth Active Leisure aims to integrate practical industry insights into the college’s diverse curriculum. With plans to offer joint working sessions, guest lectures, and work experience opportunities, students at the college will be given the opportunity to hone the skills required to acquire gainful employment in the sector.

The initiative promises to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, fostering a seamless transition to employment so that they are workforce ready.

Pauline Hands, executive of health, leisure & public services at City College Plymouth, emphasised the significance of this partnership.

She said: “Our collaboration with Plymouth Active Leisure is a testament to our commitment to providing education that is both relevant and responsive to the needs of the industry.

“By working together, we are able to offer our students unique learning opportunities that align with the real-world demands of the health and wellbeing sector, ensuring that they are well-

Pictured (centre) are Councillor Sue Dann, Rhys Jones, chief executive of Plymouth Active Leisure, City College chief executive Jackie Grubb, programme lead Josh Hookins and Pauline Hands executive of health, leisure and public services at City College. They were joined by colleagues from Plymouth Active Leisure and City College Plymouth

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prepared for successful careers.

“This partnership isn’t just about education; it’s a comprehensive response to the health and wellbeing challenges facing our city. Through this partnership, we’re committed to preparing a workforce that’s not only skilled but also passionate about making a difference in the health sector.”

The partnership agreement was signed by the college’s chief executive Jackie Grubb, along with Rhys Jones, chief executive of Plymouth Active Leisure and in the presence of Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure, HR and OD. Rhys said: “Plymouth Active Leisure is delighted to be collaborating with City College to make sure we offer the best opportunities for our workforce to develop, learn new skills and create lasting careers with us and to make sure the college offers world class relevant qualifications for maximum employability.

“As two organisations within the city and with

its people at our heart, we will do everything we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities, customers and our students for years to come.”

Councillor Sue Dann said: “It’s fantastic to see Plymouth Active and City College Plymouth teaming up in this way to share knowledge and expertise and help shape the future of sport and leisure provision in the city. This will provide valuable skills and experience for students, ensure that courses are tailored to best meet the needs of the sector locally and ultimately help to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“By integrating industry expertise with academic excellence, this partnership is poised to set new standards in health education and community wellbeing, making it a beacon of innovation and progress in the region.”

As City College Plymouth and Plymouth Active Leisure move forward together, they are charting a course towards a healthier, more vibrant future for all residents of Plymouth.

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14 January 2024

Sherford Life Plymouth’s Arts University receives Is Christmas Joy inevitably followed by January Blues?

As I write we are gearing up to start the count-down to Christmas. By the time you read this, you may well be beginning to pack away the decorations and start ‘getting back to normal.’ And we’ll have mixed feelings about all that. For some of us, Christmas is the encapsulation of the joy that has been bubbling up inside us all year.

For others, Christmas is the time when we have to expend the most energy putting on a joyful mask. Some of us love Christmas so much that it is a sad thing indeed when it’s all over for another year. Others of us can’t wait to get back to normality, away from the sensory overload.

And then comes ‘Blue Monday’ – the third Monday in January that is described as the most depressing day of the year. It’s supposed to be the point when the joy of the festive season has worn off, the New Year’s Resolutions are all broken and it’s the time in the year when we (at least symbolically) have the least to look forward to. And we all need something to look forward to.

‘Blue Monday’ is also the heart of winter, when the skies are at their greyest and the daylight hours continue to be shorter than we would like. In that sense it is a particular low point for those of us who live with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

But it’s also a helpful reminder that a lot of people struggle with mental health more generally.

Last Autumn

By Revd Tom Brassil local media reported that Plymouth mental health services were seeing a surge in patient numbers, almost double what they had pre-COVID. The youth mental health service Young Minds reports that in July 2021 one in six children aged 5-16 were identified as having a probably mental health problem.

What can be done about the “mental health pandemic”? Let me suggest two things.

First, let’s keep doing community well. One of the things I love about Plymouth is that sense of togetherness that I see in every little community. And it’s those small ways we reach out to one another that make a big difference.

Previously I’ve written about the Sherford Food Hub that provides affordable food to those in our local area who need it most. But they do so much more than that: they also provide a listening ear and a sense of belonging that is a lifeline to many. What is going on like that in your community? I’m sure there is a lot!

Second, let’s keep holding onto hope, and offering it to one another. Everyone can offer a neighbour some hope, but I think Christians are particularly well-positioned to do this. In our church recently we have been looking at the ‘happily ever after’ that the Christian faith offers, as the end of the Bible spells out. You might think that happy endings only appear in fairy-tales, but Christians beg to differ. Why not spend 2024 finding out if they’re right? Maybe we can pack away our January Blues after all!

the Kindness in Education Award Arts University Plymouth has won a Kindness in Education Award 2023, recognising the arts university’s collective work to build a kinder and more compassionate university and an inclusive community for staff and students.

Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, ViceChancellor for Arts University Plymouth, collected the award on behalf of the university at Kindfest 2023. The Kindness in Education Award was awarded by TeamKind, a community interest company powered by volunteers who believe that kindness can change the world and that right now kindness is needed more than ever.

Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks said: “It was a privilege to accept the Kindness in Education Award on behalf of Arts University Plymouth and we’re very happy to see the changes that we’re making within our community being recognised in this way.

“Arts University Plymouth was awarded University Title in May 2022, becoming the UK’s newest arts university, and we’re determined to do things differently. We believe that Professor authenticity, fulfilment Paul and kindness are indexical Fieldsendqualities in the process of Danks thinking, making and living.

“Education is the act of turning students towards the world that they live in, to inspire students to want to exist in and care for the world, and to act with kindness as both a method and a means to enact change and deliver positive outcomes.”

“At every level of Arts University Plymouth, we’re working to embed kindness into our decision-making processes, our community and our daily lives. We’re on a journey together and I hope that in time every staff member and every student will see kindness as something to be celebrated and encouraged.

In an increasingly polarised world, we want our students and our colleagues to know

that they belong to a community where compassion is one of our core values.”

The work that Professor Paul FieldsendDanks leads was nominated for the Kindness in Education Award by Jenny Evans, a lecturer in BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing and BA (Hons) Textile Design at Arts University Plymouth.

Jenny said: “My colleagues at Arts University Plymouth are among the kindest group of people who I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s a pleasure to work at a university where my own values are reflected in the strategies that lead our work and encouraged by my colleagues.

“I’m proud that we can offer a tolerant, inclusive and welcoming environment for our students and that we’re empowered to support them in approaching their studies and creative practices in the spirit of compassion. Put simply, we’re working together to do what we can to make the world a better place.”

The Kindness in Education Award is the latest in a series of notable achievements for Arts University Plymouth since becoming the UK’s newest arts university in 2022.

Arts University Plymouth was recently awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) by the Office for Students (OfS), recognising that experiences and outcomes are typically of very high quality for all groups of students.

Students voted Arts University Plymouth as the top arts university in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022, and rated the university above the national benchmark in all categories and the highest scoring arts university in the UK in five of the seven categories of the NSS 2023.

Arts University Plymouth also achieved Silver in the Small or Specialist Institution category of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in 2023 and Gold in the same category in 2022.

The university is currently ranked as a top 10 university in the Arts, Drama & Music League Table 2024 in the Complete University Guide, and as the sixth top university in the UK for studying Interior Design in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

MP encourages members of Youth Parliament Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer met with members of Plymouth Youth Parliament at a reception at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of the ‘What About Me? A Child’s Right to Matter Report.’

The report explores the views and needs of children and young people when parents separate.

Plymouth Youth Parliament has contributed to the report, providing the voices of young people in Plymouth. Members of the city-wide youth forum gave a presentation to the audience in support of the launch.

Johnny Mercer said: “It is always a great pleasure to meet with Plymouth Youth Parliament.

There is a wealth of young talent in our city. They have an important contribution to make in our political conversations.

MP Johnny Mercer pictured chatting with members of the Plymouth Youth Parliament

Plymouth’s delegates Sofia and Romana did superbly well delivering an important message on support for children of separated parents. They both did Plymouth proud.”

Jenny Way, a youth worker at Plymouth City Council, added: “We are so grateful that Johnny Mercer attended to support us and that he spent a lot of time talking to the young people and

us as workers, which was really engaging and a lot of fun. I look forward to linking in with him regarding the care experienced councils we also run to support our looked after young people.

“The voice of the child should be heard by everyone: the work Plymouth Youth Parliament undertook clearly showed and evidenced the concerns young people have when their parents decide to separate. All children and young people need a trusted adult they can turn too outside of the home if they want to ask questions and seek help and support.

“We are urging the Government to take account of the report and be clear on next steps and who will continue to advocate for better services for children and young people.”

January 2024

@PlymChronicle

15

Barnardo’s helps Plymouth with the challenges of parenthood Parents in Plymouth will be able to get extra help and support with the challenges of raising a family thanks to a new service which has been launched by the children’s charity Barnardo’s.

They will be able to sign up for advice in everything from how their baby’ s brain develops to the best ways of encouraging a good night’s sleep or moving on to solid food – and they can access it all without leaving the house.

Parents referred to the new 1,001 Days pilot will be able to join virtual sessions via their phone, tablet or computer where they can interact with experts, swap tips with other parents, ask questions, watch videos and find the solutions to their parenting dilemmas.

The sessions will be very informal with the chance to keep cameras off or get fully involved with discussions, and no one will mind if parents take a break to pacify a teething baby or keep an eye on a demanding toddler.

Some of the sessions will be available in the evenings and weekends to make it as easy as possible for parents to take part, including those who work. They will be in addition to the current support offered by the city’s Family Hubs.

Tracy Tucker, Barnardo’s children’ s services manager, said: “Plymouth is one of just three areas across the country to benefit from our 1,001 Days pilot and parents will have unique access to sessions with our childcare experts.

“We understand that travelling to a venue can be difficult when you have small children so by holding the sessions virtually we will be making it easier for people to join in. It won’t just be someone talking to them, it’ ll be very relaxed with chance to take part in quizzes and swap tips.”

The 1,001 Days pilot has begun with a six-week Understanding Your Baby course, with sessions held once a week. Parents need to be referred to the pilot and this can be done by their midwife, health visitor, GP or by parents requesting a referral through the Plymouth Family Hub. In addition, any Plymouth parent can access Barnardo’ s online Virtual Family Space which has a wealth of resources covering pregnancy, childhood and adolescence, with specialist advice for parents of young people with additional needs up to the age of 25.

Tracy said: “Absolutely anyone can access the Barnardo’ s Virtual Family Space at any time, and it covers all stages of parenting. There is a wealth or reliable information with links to further, trusted support.”

The advice ranges from keeping children’s teeth healthy to planning family meals on a budget, from dealing with tantrums to accessing financial support for free fruit and vegetables.

The pilot has been welcomed by Plymouth City Council. Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Barnardo’s is one of our key partners in the city in developing Plymouth’s new Family Hubs.

“The Virtual Family Space offers our parents something extra and the choice of getting advice and support and linking up with other parents from home. This is without all the logistical challenges of travelling with a young child, particularly at this time of the year when the weather can make it difficult to get out and about.

“We welcome being one of the three areas nationally to trial this new approach to working with our parents.”

The Barnardo’s Virtual Family Space is at https://families.barnardos.org.uk/.

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PLYMOUTH ARTS CINEMA LAUNCHES £10,000 CROWDFUNDER TO SECURE ITS FUTURE Plymouth Arts Cinema has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise £10,000 to secure its future.

The unique organisation has been part of cultural life in Plymouth since 1947 but it is at risk. Backing the Crowdfunder will help it to invest in vital upgrades to equipment and to continue to offer affordable tickets for everyone.

A spokesperson for the cinema said: “We live in challenging times for independent cinema. Plymouth Arts Cinema’s team is passionate about securing its future for years to come and is asking for help to make it a sustainable and affordable venue for the whole community.”

Rewards have been donated by Plymouth Arts Cinema’s suppliers and cultural partners including Salcombe Dairy, Summerskills Brewery, Canton Tea, wine from Tolchards, Ocean Studios and Plymouth Gin Distillery.

Also on offer are Plymouth Arts Cinema mugs, tote bags, pin badges, film posters, memberships to see unlimited films, pay it forward tickets, and cinema hire.

Plymouth Arts Cinema screens films from around the world that you cannot see anywhere else in the city, host talks with special guests from the film industry, supports local filmmakers, runs archive film screenings, Bringing in Baby Events, Relaxed and Inclusive Screenings.

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cultural organisations, schools and colleges and grass-roots organisations to host film events which raise awareness about the environment and climate change and issues facing society today.

It is Plymouth’s only independent cinema and in 2019 moved from its original home

at Plymouth Arts Centre on Looe Street, to the new, custom built 118 seat cinema at Arts University Plymouth’s main campus on Tavistock Place.

The Crowdfunder campaign can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/future-ofplymouth-arts-cinema

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@PlymChronicle

16 January 2024 There are so many stories to share this month that I’ll have to keep them all brief!

Tops Day Nurseries among best in UK for development of apprentices Tops Day Nurseries, which runs five nurseries in Plymouth, has been named as one of the top apprenticeship employers in the country.

The leading childcare provider was ranked 12th out of 100 top Apprenticeship Employers in the large employer category by the Department for Education.

The prestigious award, which recognises the best in apprenticeship programmes, highlighted Tops Day Nurseries’ commitment to fostering a culture of learning and professional development within the organisation.

The award acknowledges employers for their exceptional achievements in various aspects, and Tops Day Nurseries excelled in several key areas including the number of apprenticeship starts with a total of 118 new apprentices from Level 2 to Level 7 starting their journey in the last year.

It was also commended for promoting diversity and inclusion with apprentices aged from to 16 to 25 plus, including 14 from ethnic minorities and 15 with learning difficulties.

Tops Day Nurseries places a strong emphasis on supporting its apprentices throughout their learning journey. A total of 84 apprentices successfully completed their apprenticeships between March 2022 and March 2023: the high success rate confirming its dedication to providing apprentices with the necessary tools and support to thrive in their roles.

Cheryl Hadland, founder and chairwoman at Tops said; “Our 12th position among the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity.

“This achievement showcases our dedication to providing exceptional opportunities for career progression and personal development within the childcare sector.”

Tops Day Nurseries has settings in Bretonside, Devonport, Efford, Prince Rock and Stonehouse.

First, a report back on an ongoing case with South West Water. Over the last few months, as a result of the installation of some new water treatment equipment at Radford Sewage Works in Plymstock, an incessant buzzing noise could be heard across a wide area and it has been driving local residents to distraction.

There have been many emails and meetings and it’s not yet as it could be. However, a few weeks ago I visited the water treatment works for myself to see how it operates and to listen to and discuss the buzzing noise.

The case is not yet closed and it’s frustrating it’s taken so long, but it’s a good example of the sorts of issues local councillors and MPs get involved with.

Are you a carer for an elderly relative? Do you know an older person who would benefit from a regular session at a day centre? I recently met with Tara and Jade who run T&J Care.

They have started running a twice-weekly day session at Dean Cross Sports Pavilion in Plymstock.

Staffed by professional carers, with pick up and drop off available from Plympton and Plymstock, this day-long session is perfect if you or someone you care for has funding for respite care or activities in the community. Initially I thought Tara and Jade were providing a coffee morning drop in, but having spent time with them it’s definitely so much more than this!

My late granny and my aunt who was her full-time carer would have really benefited from these sessions.

It is always fun to spend an hour with 1st Radford Rainbows to talk to them about Parliament Week.

This year, we shared facts about Parliament, talked about how we make decisions and practised voting! The girls are always really engaged and drew some brilliant pictures of Parliament before they went home. Thanks for having me again!

Ever wondered how garden waste is turned into compost for planting your garden pots and containers? Well, I had a fascinating visit to South West Composting in Brixton to find out. You may have seen them advertising their locally produced compost recently - I can vouch for it’s excellent quality having used some myself!

It was great to meet local farmer Steve and Chris, who runs the site, to hear how this new business has developed and is providing

Rebecca’s Review

By Rebecca Smith Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South West Devon and Councillor for Plymstock Radford Ward

Rebecca Smith pictured at the T&J Care day session at Dean Cross sports Pavilion

Spending time with the 1st Radford Rainbows

jobs in the local community. I also met Jack from Fordbrook Nurseries in Brixton and was inspired to see a young businessman taking a risk to run a business doing something he loves. I enjoyed spending the weekend

Enjoying the celebration with the South Asian Society in Plymouth

planting the bedding plants I bought ready for the Spring.

Each year the South Asian Society in Plymouth host a community celebration evening and I had the privilege of attending again a couple of weekends ago. Over the years, members of the group have become friends and although we have very different faith and cultural backgrounds, I enjoy spending time growing in knowledge and understanding about their community. If you ever get a chance to attend, make sure you say yes! You’ll be sure of a warm welcome, fantastic entertainment and delicious food.

Finally, as Christmas approaches, I want to say a massive well done to the teams who made Light up Plympton and the Plymstock Broadway Christmas celebration such huge successes.

The time and effort that goes in to helping you and me get excited by Christmas by putting up decorations, Christmas trees and lights galore is appreciated by many and has certainly helped me get into the Christmas Spirit.

Wishing you and those you love a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

I am sure you will be too busy celebrating to get in touch but if you need anything, including the contact details of any of the organisations I’ve mentioned, please email me on rebecca@rebecca-smith.org.uk or contact me on Facebook @SWDevonRebecca.

@PlymChronicle

January 2024 Plympton Cubs enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities

Cub group on lookout for new members and leaders

Boys and girls across Plympton who would like to learn new skills and make new friends are being encouraged to join a local cubs’ group.

Sixth Plympton Cubs is looking for new members, who need to be aged between eight and ten-and-ahalf and is also on the hunt for adult leaders.

The group has been revived in the past couple of years following no meetings during the COVID pandemic.

It’s now up to a healthy 21 members but has the capacity to take on more children following its move to new premises at Chaddlewood Community Centre in September.

Cub Alex, nine, would encourage local children to think about joining. He said: “It’s really good fun. We go on walks where we build dens. We work towards badges and we play games. We also have barbeques in the summer.”

Badgework is a big part of Cubs. There are badges for nearly everything you can think of, from cookery to pet care and science to road safety. Whatever a child’s talent or interest, there will be something for them.

Sixth Plympton do regular trips to places like Supertramp and climbing at the Life Centre and there are plans to go camping in the summer.

Many of the current Cubs will soon be ready to move up to Scouts (for ten-and-a-half-yearolds to 14-year-olds), and while there’s space at Chaddlewood for both groups, there aren’t enough leaders to oversee both.

Andrew Horton, Sixth Plympton Cub Scout Leader, said: “The world-wide family of scouting opens up so many opportunities for children and adults alike.

So many people join scouting for life and build new social networks for them and their families.

“As well as looking for young members to join, we are also looking for adults of all ages to become helpers or leaders, giving as little or as much time as they can manage. As a Scouter myself from a family of Scouts, I guarantee you won’t regret the decision.”

Sixth Plympton meets at Chaddlewood Community Centre every Tuesday evening between 7pm and 8.30pm. To find out more, email sixthplymptoncubs@outlook.com or call Andrew on 07810 880536.

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@PlymChronicle

18 January 2024

Dunstone Diary

By Councillor Stefan Krizanac and Councillor John Stephens

Councillor John Stephens writes…..

As we rapidly approach the end of one year and the start of another, it is worth knowing the importance of looking back before moving forward. Like riding a bike or a vehicle to set off, we need to have a final look over our shoulder or in a mirror before we move forward.

Looking back for me this year has seen me realise the privilege of being a local councillor which has offered me so many opportunities beyond the Council House. Meeting with residents to help with their concerns, though sometimes not able to give the answer they would like to hear, and to listen to good ideas is the main part of the role.

I have also enjoyed engaging with interest groups in Plymstock and across the city, be they Plymouth Cycling Campaign Group, Plymouth Senior Citizens Forum who provide a voice and entertainment for older citizens, Plymouth Schools Sports Partnerships who organise sporting events and cycle training for our school age citizens, church leaders, local businesses and local schools.

I am inspired by people who sacrificially give of their energy and time for others. Many commit themselves to their local community, look after children or grandchildren while parents work hard to make a living and contribute to society through their work, some care for unwell or older members of their family, and I’ve met a wide range of individuals from those who feel they enjoy a relatively good, carefree life and those who struggle to see the point of their own life, given their circumstances.

Looking back over the past year can also be a tough look, with continued heartbreaking conflict dominating the news, and hunger, environmental disasters and often unreported conflict happening all over the globe.

Whatever our struggles as nations, peoples or individuals, hope can be the only thing onto which we can hang. We are about to celebrate the birth of Jesus whose hope for the world and the lives of anyone who desires it, was foretold centuries before and, I believe, is still true today.

So, as we prepare to enter a new year, let us stop and give thanks for the small and good things in life, then pray for the hope of peace and an end to all conflicts between nations, peoples, individuals and our own personal struggles. I hope that 2024 will allow us to focus on looking ahead to being a community, city, country, and world that will collectively commit to make things better for those who need it so badly.

I wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

John.Stephens@plymouth.gov.uk 07977 730 601 Facebook@ CllrJohnStephensforPlymstockDunstone

Councillor Stefan Krizanac writes…..

As we approach the end of another year, it can sometimes feel the world we live in is full of anger, greed, betrayal and selfishness.

Our localities have been damaged by national governments reducing their contribution for the upkeep of vital services for far too long. Too many people are living in fear of worrying if they will have enough food to feed their families, homelessness is on the rise and food banks are in demand more than ever.

But since having the huge honour of becoming a Dunstone ward councillor in July, I have been struck by the warmth and humanity of the people who live in Dunstone, Elburton, Goosewell, Sherford and Staddiscombe areas. We should never forget that there are always those who go out of their way to improve the lives of others and there are plenty of people like that in this special part of our city.

Some two thousand years ago, another family endured hardship at this time of year and life as refugees, but their presence among us would change the history of our existence forever; the family of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is not far away; it is a time when we can express we care. We can perfect our love for others until it becomes a constant, unchanging, no-matter-what kind of love – the type of love that supports change and allows for growth. We all need to experience pure love in our words and actions. Love is the thing that changes hearts. It is the purest motive of all, and we all can feel it. May this Christmas be a reminder that we can do better, be kinder towards ourselves and others.

Email: stefan.krizanac@plymouth.gov.uk. Mobile: 07813395873

Santa sculpture will light up the Barbican during December Mr Kriss, the UK’s largest illuminated Santa sculpture, is visiting Plymouth’s waterfront this Christmas and will be situated in The Parade, outside Bonne Sante and Rockets and Rascals, for the whole of December.

Mr Kriss is five metres high and five metres wide and adorned with over 10,000 lights bringing festive cheer to everyone who sees him. Visitors of all ages will be able to get up close and personal with Mr Kriss to take photos and ‘Santa Selfies’.

Jon Walton, chief executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: “Mr Kriss is going to add even more sparkle to the Barbican and waterfront this Christmas. He’ll be visiting

Plymouth from the end of November and be here until the end of December. We can’t wait to see the ‘Santa Selfies’ and photos that visitors take with him. We’d encourage anyone coming to see Mr Kriss to take some time to explore the rest of the Barbican and waterfront whilst they’re here – to support our many local businesses, cafes, restaurants and shops and soak up the festive spirit in our historic quarter.”

Visiting Mr Kriss is free and children are reminded to take their letters for Santa when visiting the Barbican as there will be a giant three metre ttall post box next to Mr Kriss with a special light show to let everyone know the letter is on its way to Santa.

Clock restoration fund nears target Plans to bring the church clock at St Mary’s in Plympton back into use could be about to come to fruition if one further fundraising push can reach the sum needed for the work to go ahead.

More than fifty percent of the £16,000 required has already been raised to date and officials at the church are hoping residents and businesses will support moves to achieve the remaining amount to get the project off the ground.

One of the most striking landmarks for people living in or passing through Plympton is St Mary’s Church, a building of architectural splendour, nestling beautifully in the lovely surrounding countryside with its hills, trees and bowl of urbanisation.

Of particular relevance to the church is its iconic clock which those passing by would regularly glance at to check the time. Sadly, it has not been working for some years now and members of the church have been striving hard to raise sufficient funds in order to meet the high cost of getting it back into working order.

The costs of running the medieval listed St Mary’s church are high and monthly expenditure often significantly exceeds its income.

The clergy, officers and members of St Mary’s Church would very much appreciate support from members of the community in order not only to fix the clock but to support the work needed to keep such an historic

building functional. If anyone feels able to donate they are kindly asked to e-mail stmarysplympton@gmail. com or treasurer.stmarysplympton@gmail.com.

St Mary’s Church is also a much-loved feature by many people living in the wider Plymouth City community and help from any people in this wider area, who treasure such iconic buildings, would be greatly valued as well.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

@PlymChronicle

THE

January 2024

The Gift that keeps on giving

By Ian Pilkington, volunteer presenter at Cross Rhythms

Experience At the time of writing it’s the end of November, and Christmas is approaching in the form of Advent, a time of hope and anticipation in the Christian calendar.

That sense of hopeful expectancy is shared pretty widely, among people of faith and no faith, although sadly not by all.

If you’re like me, this year is harder than many I can remember. Finances are stretched (that’s an understatement) and yet the advertising keeps coming at us with promises of gifts and presents to make our children happy and our loved ones over the moon.

Some of what I see looks, frankly, a bit cheap and nasty so why would I give it; and some seems out of my reach financially.

So, with less to spend, and seemingly less time to even think about it, will my family, friends and others be less than happy with me? Will I fail at Christmas and spoil it for everyone if I can’t give or do all I would like to?

19

There is a proverb in the whose business hasn’t been Bible that says: ‘A generous great this year, but who person will prosper; made a point of giving me whoever refreshes others treats for my dog. Little will be refreshed.’ To me, things. But they make a that seems especially difference. appropriate for the In both cases I know Christmas season. they would have had good It doesn’t say ‘whoever reason to shut up the gives most’ or ‘whoever shutters on their hearts and throws the best party.’ Just not bother, not make the ‘whoever refreshes others effort. is a generous person.’ The I’m so glad they did make qualification for being part the effort. I have lasting of this isn’t how much we memories and deeper have to give; it’s whether friendships with both those Ian Pilkington our hearts are open to people. giving.

It makes me hopeful that I’ve been blessed by generosity of heart, and people in the direst of straits; Graham, who not my credit status or bank balance, is what used to sleep rough in Plymouth but always really makes for joyful relationships. made time to talk with me and treat me like And the promise is that when we open our a person he valued; the local shopkeeper hearts to refresh others, we are refreshed

ourselves. It’s a two way street, because life is all about relationships.

Advent marks the period where we can reflect on the hope, peace, joy and love that God offered us when he gave His Son Jesus Christ as a gift to everyone who wants Him. It was a costly gift for God, but with no strings attached for us. A remarkable act of generosity, if you like.

Whether you’re reading this before, during or after Christmas, that gift is always offered and is available for anyone. We can receive it just like we receive any gift - with acceptance and thankfulness, acknowledging the Giver and valuing the Gift.

In my experience, this really is the Gift that keeps on giving.

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

Success for city schools

Students, families, staff and volunteers from Ted Wragg schools across Plymouth had a brilliant time at the recent Ted Wragg Awards.

Talented Babcock apprentices praised for their achievements Babcock apprentices, based at the company’s Devonport facility, have been celebrating their achievements at the company’s annual Apprentice Awards Evening held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth.

As part of their early careers journey, more than 50 Babcock employees were formally commended for their achievements in gaining new qualifications.

A wide variety of trades, including electrical, mechanical and fabrication, were presented with certificates from Paul Watson, Babcock’s managing director at Devonport.

Eleven groups covering several trade disciplines, as well as Higher-Level Apprenticeship schemes each named a winner of the

prestigious Apprentice of the Year category, as voted for by apprentice development manager. Harry Holt, Babcock’s chief executive Nuclear, presented the trophies to the deserving winners.

Paul Watson extended his congratulations, saying: “Every individual who received an award has strived for excellence throughout their apprenticeship and it really shows. Their dedication is inspiring, and it is fantastic to see so many committed and talented individuals with such promising career prospects, a huge thank you and well done to you all.”

For more information about Babcock’s apprenticeship opportunities visit https://earlycareers.babcockinternational.com/ apprenticeships

The awards were particularly auspicious as they also marked 10 years since the creation of the Ted Wragg Trust and were an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students, staff members and volunteers from across school communities.

The evening kicked off with a performance from the talented Lipson Co-operative Academy Band who were also nominated in the Student Teamwork category. Guests were also treated to performances by the Ted Wragg Choir between the three different award categories, Ambition Awards, Collaboration Awards and Selflessness Awards in line with Trust values. The choir which included primary school, secondary school and sixth form students from schools across the Trust came together for the first time to perform at this event. Their performances were a special part of the celebration evening and they received a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the night.

Winners from Plymouth schools included: Lily-Ann Brockman, Marine Academy Primary, Student of the Year; Julia Mes, Marine Academy Plymouth, Teacher of the Year; Yvonne Rowe, All Saints Academy Plymouth, Co-Professional of the Year; Student Services team, Lipson CoOperative Academy, Staff teamwork of the Year and Peter Friend, Lipson Co-Operative Academy, Student Community Leadership award.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved and the remarkable journey that we have been on in the last ten years.

“It was only fitting to mark this momentous occasion by celebrating the achievements of our wonderful students and the unwavering impact and service of our colleagues, volunteers and community members. Everyday in my job I witness the incredible power of collaboration, compassion and commitment in transforming education and the lives of children and it was great to take an evening to celebrate this.”

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Plymouth Proprietary Library has been presented with a cheque for £1,250 from Devonshire Freemasons.

The library is one of Plymouth’s oldest oldest institutions founded in 1810, enabling its members to read and borrow from the extensive collection of rare books, local history titles, maritime works and modern fiction.

The library also holds regular talks, poetry evenings, coffee mornings and group meetings including a writing group and book group. The donation will help with heating and running costs.

The Library was one of 19 local good causes across Devon to receive donations totalling £24.000.

Pictured above: Darren Bevin, manager of the Plymouth Proprietary Library and Lyndsay Cooper, library volunteer receive the cheque from Nicholas Ball (left), the Provincial Grand Master for the Devonshire Freemasons.

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Food donations play key role in helping families in need Charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust are facing record levels of need throughout the festive season and New Year, with many Plymouth people expected to need help from the charities.

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To support people through what could be the toughest winter for many years, Tesco’s Food Collection ran in Plymouth Express stores and in large stores until December 2.

During the collection customers were encouraged to donate long-life food to support the charities.

This year’s Tesco Christmas Report found that 26 per cent of people plan to make a donation to a food bank this year.

The top 10 most-needed items required from Plymouth shoppers are – UHT and powered milk, tinned meat and fish, sponge/rice pudding, long-life fruit juice, cooking/pasta sauces, tinned vegetables, tinned and dried soup, pasta, rice and noodles, cereal and porridge, tea and coffee.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group chief executive, said: “Over the last 10 years our generous customers have helped donate over 100 million meals to communities across the UK. Whether it’s in your local store through the Winter Food Collection or via your Clubcard points online, even the smallest donation can make a real difference to someone else’s Christmas.”

This year will see both

charities face their busiest winter yet as more people turn to them for support. The Trussell Trust is expecting to distribute more than one million emergency food parcels between December and February and have reported that alarmingly, 320,000 people have needed to access a food bank for the first time in the past six months.

Meanwhile, FareShare is estimating it will redistribute more than 28,000 tonnes of food this winter, the equivalent of over 68 million meals, up by more than 42 per cent compared to last year.

George Wright, FareShare chief executive, said: “Over the last decade, Tesco has supplied more than 250 million meals to FareShare, more than any other organisation in our history. As we prepare for another challenging winter ahead, the items we collect play a crucial part in our efforts to get food to the communities that need it most.”

Emma Revie, Trussell Trust chief executive, added: “The support provided by Tesco and their customers is invaluable to the food banks in our network, especially at this time of year when we anticipate that our network will be providing an emergency food parcel every eight seconds.

The generous donations received are vital in ensuring food banks can meet the urgent levels of need, whilst we work towards a future where everyone can afford the essentials.”

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Plymouth pet food bank in danger of closing as it can’t keep up with demand

Bramble’s Pet Food Bank, a small local community initiative that provides food for pets in need, is running low on donations. Bramble’s Pet Food Bank is struggling to keep up with the demand for food, and is in desperate need of help from the community.

Jo Butler, founder of Bramble’s Pet Food Bank said: “We simply don’t have enough food on our shelves to support people that so desperately need our help and who are struggling to feed their pets. This is heartbreaking, as we know how much pets mean to their families.”

Bramble’s relies on donations from individuals and businesses to provide food for pets in need. At this current time the pet food bank is facing a critical shortage of donations and it simply doesn’t have the food to meet the demands from people needing help feeding their pets.

The community initiative based in Southway is currently accepting donations of dry and wet dog and cat food, as well as treats and toys in the lead up to Christmas.

Jo added: “We have seen a significant increase in the demand for our services in recent months. Any donation, no matter how big or small, can make a big difference. We are so grateful for the support of the community.”

About Bramble’s Pet Food Bank Bramble’s Pet Food Bank is a non-profit initiative that provides food for pets in need. It was founded in 2020 by Jo Butler and is named after Jo’s beloved Cocker Spaniel, Bramble. Jo was inspired to start the pet food bank after seeing a growing need for pet food assistance in the community.

How to Donate There are a number of ways to donate to Bramble’s Pet Food Bank. Donations can be made online via an Amazon wishlist or by dropping off tinned or dried food (unopened) to a range of local businesses across the city that are supporting the initiative including Bellas Pet Shop in Peverell, Ladies and Tramps Dog Grooming, Duke of Cornwall Hotel and The Dog Dip in Plympton. There is also a Bramble’s Pet Food Bank GoFundMe page www.gofundme.com/f/maxprbpet-food-donations Bramble’s Pet Food Bank has helped hundreds of families in Plymouth since it was founded. Jo is committed to helping families keep their beloved pets together.

Jo Butler’s beloved Cocker Spaniel Bramble...namesake of the pet food bank

@PlymChronicle

22 January 2024

Micro-forests Bumper tree planting season under way set to be planted across Plymouth thanks to grant of £50,000 Tree planting season is officially underway with 3,500 set to be planted across Plymouth this winter.

A handful of micro-forests are set to be planted right across Plymouth thanks to some special grant funding.

It comes as the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest was successful in its bid to deliver what is hopefully the first of many Miyawaki Forests, funded by the King’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

The council have been granted £50,000 for the project from a special pot administered by DEFRA to celebrate King Charles III love of nature.

The money will be used in conjunction with local community interest company Societree CIC to plant up to six ‘Miyawaki’ Forests in Plymouth.

Miyawaki Forests are small trees planted very densely over an area the size of a tennis court. They encourage rapid growth, improves biodiversity and in the appropriate location, can help with flood management.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I welcome all funding for more trees in Plymouth but I think this grant is really special.

“It will go towards planting in a way we haven’t experienced in Plymouth before, and we look forward to working with Societree CIC to see the project flourish.”

Steve Warren-Brown, Founder of Societree CIC added: “The Societree team are delighted to have been awarded this funding. Whilst we are a start up we have been on a 4 year journey, and this funding endorses our plan, which is to plant 96 micro-forests into 96 schools.

“This will kick start our campaign and the work will impact on hundreds of children for years to come, and hopefully inspire others to get involved with our unique project.”

As part of the delivery of the project, the money will be transferred to Societree for delivery. All the schemes are to be delivered in this planting season 2023/2024.

The locations of the Miyawaki Forests are still being scoped by Societree CIC. The planned locations are most likely to be in parks and schools, but this has not yet been finalised.

The Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest is England’s 11th Community Forest and will eventually stretch from the heart of the city to the edge of the moor, encompassing 1,900 hectares of land to form a mosaic of different forest habitats.

Unlike traditional forests, the community forest isn’t geographically restricted to one place. Instead, it encompasses a mix of community woodland, private woodland, on street, urban woodland, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.

Since 2020, over 8,000 trees have been planted in Plymouth alone, across more than 100 locations with 3,500 more trees set to go in the ground this winter.

Made up of whips, maiden fruit trees and standards, most of the trees will be accessible throughout public places such as parks and open spaces, road verges, residential streets and outside housing developments.

Highlights of the planting schedule include: • 15 standards and eight maiden fruit trees near to the Devonport Soapbox Theatre in Devonport Park • 12 standards and 11 maiden fruit trees in Frogmore Avenue Park • 17 standards in Seagrave Road thanks to a partnership with Plymouth Community Homes • 450 young whips in Downhorn Park Phase 2 (six standards, 450 whips) • Five standards and 100 whips at Ham Drive Nursery School • 23 standards at Old Farm Road and Red Brick Field, thanks to a partnership with LiveWest • 170 whips and 15 standards at Horesham Fields/Albion Oaks Rugby Football Club Although the trees will form part of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (PSDCF), which spans the city and areas of the South Hams and Dartmoor, all 3,500 will be planted inside the city boundary.

This year’s schedule of planting follows on from the 8,000 already planted across more than 100 sites since the Community Forest launched in 2020.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I’m delighted to see so many trees being planted in Plymouth this year.

“Trees are so important to the future of the city, not just for their obvious carbon retention functions but for ensuring that Plymouth remains a green city.

“I look forward to getting my hands dirty myself in planting some of these trees and counting as many as the 3,500 as I can as they go in the ground.”

The planting will be made up of more than 3,000 whips, over 50 maiden fruit trees, and 350 standards.

Whips are young and slender trees, often just a few feet tall at the time of planting, you’ll be able to recognise these as they are often fit with tubular rabbit and deer guards.

A maiden is a smaller tree, usually three to five foot tall while a standard is a large tree that at the time of planting is already six to ten feet tall, having been grown in a nursery for several years, these require the most aftercare while they establish but offer instant visual impact so are the preferred choice for urban areas such as streets and parks.

Launched in September 2020, the PSDCF has facilitated the creation of over 80 hectares of new woodland throughout South Devon; that’s approximately 65,000 trees.

Councillor Briars-Delve, planting seedlings at a recent Community Nursery event

Stretching from the South Devon coast to the rolling landscape of Dartmoor National Park, by April 2025 we aim to have planted a further 420 hectares across our project area, creating a mosaic of orchards, hedgerows, areas of natural regeneration, native broadleaf, and productive woodland.

Unlike traditional forests, the community forest won’t be geographically restricted to one place. Instead, it will encompass a mix of community woodland, private woodland, on street, urban woodland, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.

Most of the schemes delivered across the city are requested by and codesigned with residents and community groups. If you would like to hear more about the PSDCF project, please contact PSDCF@plymouth.gov.uk, and keep an eye on our social media channels for an upcoming site request form for 24/25 tree planting in your local area.

The Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest is a partnership between Plymouth City Council, National Trust, Woodland Trust, South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, and is funded through the DEFRA Nature for Climate fund.

AgeUK Plymouth video nominated for award A video produced by Age UK Plymouth which highlights the challenges for today’s over 50s and gives voice to Plymouth’s older residents has been nominated for an award.

talented, dedicated and relentless force there is, which makes up the Age UK Plymouth team.

“Driving enablement for every single client, constantly thinking of everything so clients don’t have to, and seeing such positive, and empowering results, literally unfold before the camera, not just for the clients but their families and loved ones too.

“As a filmmaker, hearing the touching stories from the clients and seeing first hand, the work of the volunteers and the staff, it really hit home the importance of the vital support, organisations like Age UK Plymouth provide to us all in our later years, that we just come to rely on and so easily take for granted. They provide such a huge, diverse range of services, empowering seniors to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

“They really are a rock to so many, keeping our loved ones safe and sound. Honestly, hand on heart you have to ask, where would we all be without them? They are all superheroes, and if the backbone of Britain is anything, it is Age UK Plymouth.”

Bryony Rawson, head of communications at the

The charity is asking supporters to watch and vote for their video ‘Supporting Independence in Plymouth’ which has made it through to the public voting stage of the Charity Film Awards. The film, the first in a set of three shorts made in collaboration with local film-maker Simon Cohen, highlight the charity’s prestigious 81 year history of support for over 50s in the city through adaptive measures and continual evolution.

The charity are hoping that coverage from their nomination will help spread the work of Age UK Plymouth to new audiences. Previous winners include household names such as Macmillan, Teenage Cancer Trust, Asda, Barnardo’s, Action Aid International and the Harry Kane Foundation. In their category Age UK Plymouth find themselves nominated amongst some stiff competition including 2022 winner Greenpeace UK. Speaking about working with the charity, Simon said: “I count myself very lucky to work with such a great team at Age UK Plymouth and their clients, filming this series of promotional films showcasing the great work that they do.

“Filming over two days at both the Mount Gould Plymstock branches, I was allowed in behind the scenes of Age UK Plymouth. Camera in hand, I walked straight into a well-oiled machine, A still from one of the AgeUK videos immediately seeing first-hand what a

charity and co-producer of the film said: “Age UK Plymouth has been here for over eight decades but when people ask what we actually do, it’s difficult to answer in a way that does justice to the charity and it’s staff. It’s been a genuine privilege to produce these short films and give our clients, volunteers and supporters a platform and I feel very fortunate that the organisation are able to see the value in working on these awareness campaigns to bring our charity to increasingly larger audiences.

“Our thanks go out to everyone who was so open to letting us into their lives to share their stories, and to Simon for being as dedicated to this project as we were. “ I’m delighted that the first film in the series ‘Supporting Independence in Plymouth’ has been nominated for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, to be included alongside some incredible pieces of heartfelt and compelling work is a genuine honour.”

The charity has found support in local leaders like Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport.

He said: “I think most people know that it’s a tough time at the moment, the cost of living crisis means that many people are struggling and the Information and Advice Team here at Age UK are very much like the caseworkers that I have in my office, people who are absolutely dedicated to helping others to dealing with this massive volume of requests for help.”

To vote for the film and help Age UK Plymouth reach the next round of judging visit bit.ly/VoteForAgeUKPlymouth or follow links from Age UK Plymouth’s website or social media channels.

USEFUL £20m boost for waterfront and NUMBERS @PlymChronicle

Janaury 2024

port with big investment plans

Plymouth’s waterfront and port look set to benefit from almost £20 million as part of the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

Plymouth City Council has learnt that its ambition to regenerate the city by accelerating the Freeport, National Marine Park and Net Zero vision have all moved a step further forward through this award of funding to the tune of £19,946,417.

Council Leader Tudor Evans: “Absolutely brilliant news. That’s nearly £20 million worth of investment into Plymouth.

“We keep pressing the case for investment in projects that we believe have the potential to make a huge difference to our economy and to the people who live here – and it’s paying off.

“We have an extraordinary waterfront. We have some exciting ideas to help people in Plymouth prosper and want to create opportunities for young people to learn skills

that will see them with great jobs in the blue economy. The projects we have put forward will help make this happen.”

The funding has been allocated on the basis of three key projects which were put forward to drive change by making the most of the opportunities made available through the area’s Freeport status as well as help create a city where everyone can reach their potential.

The projects intend to deliver innovation, infrastructure and skills across the city through: • Marine innovation – through the delivery of innovation barns which allow practical innovation space for marine businesses helping research and development of products. Earmarked for Oceansgate, already a hotbed of innovation in the recentlydesignated Freeport tax site at South Yard, this will leverage opportunities to grow the sector by providing a focal point for

technological advances in the marine and defence arena.

• Modernisation of port infrastructure at Millbay – upgrading port infrastructure to increase freight through the ferryport.

This includes a move towards shore power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for shipping. Some key improvements are already in the pipeline, this will further encourage and support sustainable business growth, high value jobs and international trade.

• Transformed waterfront – repurposing derelict buildings to engage, inspire and train our future workforce. Raising aspirations to enable access for all to high value jobs and providing an attractive place to invest, work and play. The Council will be working with colleagues from the National Marine Park on raising the aspirations of young people to enter into marine employment.

The schemes will have to be delivered by 2026.

Plymouth bus depot controller Robert celebrates 20 years behind the wheel A bus depot controller from Plymouth was honoured for an impressive 20 years of commitment to the Plymouth community at a recent long-service awards ceremony.

Robert Stonehouse has worked for Stagecoach bus since 2003 started his career as a leading driver based in Plymouth and is now a full-time controller at Chelson Meadow in Plymstock.

In his role as a depot controller, Robert oversees the intricacies of the entire Stagecoach bus network in Plymouth, operating from the control room. His responsibilities include ensuring the efficient deployment of buses across the city through a meticulous tracking system.

From managing breakdowns to addressing driver issues, Robert’s dedication plays a pivotal role in maintaining the seamless operation of vehicles to keep the Plymouth bus network running as smoothly as possible.

Reflecting on his two-decade journey with Stagecoach, Robert expressed his deep connection to Plymouth: “I am a Plymouth person; I love it here. We are so lucky to drive buses in this picturesque part of the world from the moors to the seafronts.

“The team I work with are some of the best drivers around and like an extension of my own family. I have stayed at Stagecoach for such a long time as I am one of those people who does love their job, and so it’s nice to get rewarded for long service.”

Robert’s extensive experience and commitment were evident during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As he recounted, “Obviously in my 20 years here, Covid was one of our biggest challenges.

The control team had a huge job, but we kept working, making sure we were keeping the people of Plymouth safe.”

Throughout his career, Robert Stonehouse has worked his way up through the ranks of the business, accumulating a wealth of memorable moments and encounters with the

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 Theatre Royal Barbican Theatre Devonport Playhouse Plymouth Pavilions Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store Cineworld Vue Cinema Tourist Information National Trust Saltram The Box Plymouth Arts Centre

Leisure

diverse characters of Plymouth.

Stagecoach employees from across the South West including Exeter, Plymouth, Barnstaple and Torquay have been recognised for their loyal service and commitment to passenger transport at a special ceremony.

Since 1996, Stagecoach South West has been operating services across Devon and into Cornwall and Somerset. This year, 56 long-serving staff were acknowledged after accumulating an impressive 1,178 years of service between them, and each one was recognised for their hard work and commitment over the years at a celebration dinner and awards ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Stagecoach South West managing director

Robert Stonehouse receives his long service certificate from Peter Knight, Stagecoach South West managing director

Peter Knight said “It was fantastic to come together on the evening to honour our long serving employees who have remained dedicated to connecting people and communities.

Over the past 12 months we’ve operated over 14 million miles and carried over 24 million customers - it’s not lost on me the size and scale of what we do everyday in rain, shine, snow and everything else in between and it is important for our teams to know that everything they do for the business and the communities we serve doesn’t go unnoticed.”

01752 267222 01752 267131 01752 606507 01752 936363 03337 727727 03303 33444 0345 308 4620 01752 306330 01752 333500 01752 304774 01752 206114

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 The Met Office Weathercall

Weather

0370 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 2024

Repairs planned for Devil’s Point pool over

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One of Plymouth’s best-loved bathing spots will be getting a makeover early next year.

Devil’s Point tidal pool is where generation after generation of Plymothians swam their first strokes and is popular with people of all ages each summer.

But its vulnerable coastal position means that it takes a battering from the elements and needs constant upkeep.

In early 2024, the structural integrity of the pool will be strengthened using well-established techniques for the repair of marine structures. A combination of preformed and reinforced concrete with marine-grade stainless steel reinforcement will help ensure that the pool is fit for years to come.

While the pool is being repaired, there will also be upgrades to the access and facilities around Firestone Bay. Replacement hand-rails, new lockers for the swimming community and repairs to the steps are all in the schedule.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “We know that residents love the pool at Devil’s Point and so its vitally important that we look after it.

“Of course, we’ll never be able to literally hold back the tide to protect it but these works will be crucial to ensuring, especially in these economic times, that there is a free resource for families to use when the nice

homes in Plympton and Plymstock

Photo: Paul Read/Google

weather returns next summer.”

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, added: “Devil’s Point is a key focal point of our National Marine Park and so to ensure that it is fit for the next generation to enjoy is a really positive move.”

Works are expected to begin in March

2024 as the weather and tides become more favourable and will take approximately 10 weeks.

While every effort will be made to maintain access to the beach, there may be some disruption while work takes place.

Any environmental implications will be reviewed prior to any work on site.

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 12 with a copy deadline of December 30.

The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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

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

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