Plymouth Chronicle June East 2023

Teacher praises volunteer doctor after horrific fall

A teacher from Hooe has paid tribute to a volunteer doctor who gave her vital medical help after she fell and was badly injured while walking her two dogs.

Suzanne Reeve wanted to share her story to thank the volunteer medic who came to her aid as she makes her recovery.

Suzanne has two Alsatian dogs and regularly strolls in her local woodland in Plymstock. One day in September last year Suzanne did not have her mobile phone and was unable to get herself up after falling badly.

She said: “I thought I had only broken my arm, but when I went to push myself up, I then realised I had broken every single bone in my ankle.”

Suzanne was unable to move. She had broken her arm and her ankle was at 140 degrees facing her with a splintered bone.

Adrenalin took hold and Suzanne put a splint on her own ankle using her shoelace and some sticks. “I quickly put the splints together and then wrapped my ankle, which I had to obviously twist back,” she said.

Laid in the woods for approximately 15 minutes with no passers-by,

and two walkers who devastatingly ignored Suzanne’s cries for help, she began to feel distressed.

After a further 10 minutes Suzanne was beginning to panic. Fortunately, this time a lady answered Suzanne’s cries for help, but was unable to lift her, so she went to Suzanne’s home to alert her husband.

“The lady was amazing and it is really down to her, I think,” said Suzanne.

Meanwhile, BASICS Devon volunteer immediate care Dr Anthony GoldingCook, a Plymouth area responder, saw the case on the Ambulance system after work and decided to attend the incident. Tony arrived first on the scene. He eventually found Suzanne in the woods, a difficult location, being pulled along by her husband in a beach trolley, but stuck due to rough terrain.

Tony treated Suzanne at the scene, assessing her injuries and was able to administer vital specialist pain relief. Tony said: “I was just amazed that Suzanne had done such a fantastic job at splinting her ankle, which must have been absolute agony.” He stayed with her in the dark until the ambulance arrived.

Suzanne said “I was incredibly lucky because Tony came along and without Tony I really don’t think I would have been able to get through it. I have an awful lot of thanks to Tony for everything that he did.”

With ambulance demand under increased pressure, BASICS Devon aims to support the South Western Ambulance Service in caring for critically injured patients. Year on year the charity callout figures have grown by approximately 10 per cent. BASICS Devon help reduce response times and, for many emergencies are able to stand down the ambulance response, relieving pressures on the NHS. Being on the ground, in our local communities, BASICS Devon can be fast to the scene in all weather conditions and at night, and likely to arrive first.

As a team of specialist voluntary doctors, there is no equivalent in Devon. All hold advanced qualifications in pre-hospital emergency medical and trauma. The doctors are senior decision makers and carry enhanced pain relief, sedative drugs and specialist equipment. They are also trained to undertake a number of specialist

MAY TO SEPTEMBER:

lifesaving surgical procedures.

Suzanne’s story highlighted the importance of the team and how their specialist skills and expertise are crucial.

Since January BASICS doctors have attended 141 callouts, 44 of which were at night, and they arrived first on the scene at nearly a third of them.

With help the charity will be

able to continue its mission to provide specialist prehospital medical care, especially reaching those that are vulnerable and isolated and supporting our local ambulance service when needed most in one of the most rural counties in the country. To support the doctors or get involved visit www.basics-devon. org.uk.

Volunteer Immediate Care Doctor Anthony Golding-Cook, pictured with Suzanne Reeve and Darren Lang

Meaningful midnight miles will benefit St Luke’s Hospice care

St

Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s

iconic Midnight Walk is back for 2023, shining a light on precious memories of lost loved ones while supporting a well-loved and respected local charity.

Hundreds of generous and caring walkers will be taking to the streets of the city wearing the event’s distinctive pink T-shirts on Friday July 7 in a poignant and colourful celebration remembering those family members and friends who are no longer with us.

Funds raised will help St Luke’s continue the charity’s vital work providing specialist care for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at its specialist unit at Turnchapel, as well as emotional support for their families.

Route options for 2023 – three miles, six miles, or 13.1 miles (the equivalent of a half marathon) – open up the walk to the whole family, from young children, teenagers and occasional strollers through to seasoned long-distance striders of all ages.

Entrants will leave from and return to Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park stadium, gathering as evening falls and setting off towards Derriford and beyond between 8pm and 9pm, depending on the distance they are walking. This year a Reflection Mile at

the beginning of the route will feature entrants’ words of remembrance about friends or family members who have died, and there’s also an option to sign up to be a Midnight Walk VIP, with lots of extra benefits.

Penny Hannah, head of fundraising, said: “While Midnight Walk is a poignant occasion, it’s ultimately a celebration in honour of those we have lost, and it always has a lovely, positive atmosphere.

I’m delighted that we’ve made some exciting changes and additions this year that will make it more special

New Backgammon club in Plymouth

Backgammon is the world’s oldest board game with relics found from some 5,000 years ago!m A game of great skill, but easy to learn and have a go!

Ocean City and Devon Backgammon is a recently formed backgammon club based in Plymouth.

Founders Gerald and Rosemary Whitehouse are members of the UK and French Backgammon Federations with many years’

experience. They regularly play in tournaments against international players which gives them a great insight into the game. Rosemary has even played a match against world number two Michihito Kageyama.

smoothly, you get ‘dumped’ on from a great height every now and again, and because dice are the shakers and movers within backgammon they can let you down badly, just like life itself,” he added. “That’s why it’s a great game, exciting because you never know the outcome until the last throw.”

Ocean City and Devon Backgammon welcome players who would love to learn the game, as well as welcoming others who play regularly online, but would like to play face to face from time to time. Others may have played in the past and would like to resurrect their playing, so feel free to go along.

and inclusive than ever, and we’re very grateful to our new sponsors Michael Spiers, along with Marchand Petit.

“Whether you have taken part in our event before or are participating for the first time, we can’t wait to see all our supporters striding out in their pink T-shirts. What really makes the night for everybody though, is that they’re doing what they can to help local families.”

Regular registration costs £24 for ages 11 and over, and £12 for ages 10 and over. You can sign up at www. stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk

VEGAN BAKERY COOKING UP SOME GREAT DEALS TO MARK ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Plymouth’s only 100 per cent vegan sourdough bakery is celebrating the first birthday of its shop next month with a host of giveaways and discounts on baked goods.

Heyl Bakery, which specialises in using stoneground and heritage grains and plant-based ingredients, opened its shop doors at Alma Yard, Cattedown in spring 2022 following a successful year and a half baking from the kitchens in the Devonport Guildhall.

To mark the occasion, on June 3 the bakery is running a series of offers, including giving away free branded tote bags to the first

10 customers of the day, dishing out free slices of birthday cake, and a 10 per cent discount on all products.

They will also be running a prize draw in the run up to the event, which will offer participants the chance to win a goody bag of Heyl bakes and a selection of locally and sustainably made pantry goods.

Co-owner Sam Dennis said the celebration is an opportunity to say thank you to all the customers who have supported the bakery over the last year.

“The last 12 months have been really challenging for a lot of families and small businesses like ours, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has come to visit us, either at the new shop or one of our markets, it means so much to us,” he said.

“At times like this, it’s especially important to celebrate these milestones and show our appreciation to our amazing customers.”

Set up in 2020, Heyl Bakery produces a range of sourdough loaves, baguettes and focaccia from its Alma Yard site, as well as sweet buns, cakes and cookies. Last year they launched their Slice of the Yard pizza night - an event they plan to bring back this summer - and have also started running one-day sourdough bread classes.

The bakery specialises in using a variety of organically and regeneratively-grown, locally-milled stoneground grains in their bakes, to maximise the flavour, character and nutrition of their bakes.

Founders and partners Kate Langston and Sam Dennis are also passionate about sustainability, which is demonstrated through their commitment to veganism, as well as their decision to use only plastic-free packaging in the bakery and shun hard to recycle disposable coffee cups to minimise waste.

Alma is a new development located just a short walk from the Barbican and Drakes Circus. Consisting of a series of renovated 19th century factory buildings, once completed it will be home to a host of artists, designers and independent businesses.More information is available at www.heylbakery.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @heylbakery

Gerald said: “Backgammon has been referred to as the Game of Life and a book has been written about backgammon entitled The Cruellest Game because players never know what will happen. The game is not won (achieved your objective) until the end, the last throw of the dice.

“Like life itself not all goes

If you have a backgammon board do take it with you, if not no worries they’ll have them there. All over 18s are welcome.

The club meets every Monday at 7pm at Raffles 5 Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6QG.

For more information contact Gerald at geraldwhitehouse4@ gmail.com or call 0776 7567366

Heyl Bakery’s Sam Dennis at work

Photo Tom Carder

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.

Past Coronations Exhibition

Until May 18

Exhibition at the Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays and 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Occasionally events can be cancelled through unavoidable circumstances so it is worth checking beforehand (tel. 01752 665442).

Plymouth Urban Tree Festival

May 13 to 21

Plymouth Tree Partnership with the help of STRAW are organising the first ever Plymouth Urban Tree Festival. The nine day festival of almost entirely free events in the city for local people to celebrate the city’s urban trees. Events for all ages! The Plymouth Tree Festival is independently run entirely by passionate local volunteers, tree-experts, charities and groups. For more information visit www. plymouthurbantreefestival.com

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.uk

Dinosaurs in the Park

May 19 to June 11

An educational and enjoyable day for the family with 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors can wind their way along the Dinosaur Trail, solve puzzles and even carry out some Jurassic dnetistry by brushing the teeth of the resident T-Rex. For tickets and information visit www.dinosaursinthepark

Spring Concert

May 19 and 20

Plymouth Musical Activities Club present Mac’s Musical Universe at the Devonport Playhouse. Go along to hear a variety of well-known songs about The Stars, The Sun and the Celestial. Tickets £7 on sale now. For tickets please text or call Carole Rowntree on 07926 029268.

Quiz Night and Pizza Supper

May 20

For teams of four at the Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 per person and booking is essential. Call 01752 665442 for details.

Plymouth Pirates Weekend

May 20 and 21

Swashbuckling fun for all the family around the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront. This popular event is one of the highlights of the year in Plymouth and draws thousands of people to the waterfront to enjoy the spectacle.

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals

May 24 and 25

A spectacular line-up of some of the world’s best professional dancers will be at Plymouth Pavilions with performances each night at 7.30pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For details visit www. strictlytheprofessionals.com

Flavour Fest

May 26 to 28

Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre. It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills. Find out more on the Flavour Fest website at www.flavourfestsw.co.uk/

Big Bowls Bash

May 27

Oreston and District Bowls Club open day to support Bowls England when potential new members, both experienced players and beginners will be welcome. The event is at Deans Cross Road, Plymstock behind the children’s play area from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Phone Sue on 07708 370749 or Chris on 01752 941750 for further information.

Take Up Outdoor Bowls!

May 28

Plymouth CityBus Ladies Bowls Club has an Open Day to support Bowls England Big Bowls Weekend. Try out playing outdoor bowling from 10am to 4pm at Devonport Park bowling green behind the Park Cafe. Free equipment loan and tuition will be available. Please bring/wear flat shoes with no heels. Contact Gail on 07754 296861 for more information.

The Browne House

June 1 and 2

Presented by Plymouth’s Theatre of Boom! at The Muse Theatre, Lipson Co-operative Academy and starring local legend Rick O’Shay as Mr Browne. Based on a true story, this little-known series of dark and chilling events takes place in the heart of Dartmoor. Tickets cost £11 and can be obtained through www. wegottickets.com or contact Katrina on 07596 545739.

Plymouth Motorshow

June 3 and 4

Annual two day car show at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club from 10am to 6pm is open to vintage, old classics and sport cars including high performance car rally vehicles, kit cars and modern cars of interest of all motor sport clubs and motor cycles. Children’s entertainment, a family fun dog show (courtesy of Paws4Proceeds) an assortment of live local bands, food and of course, bar. Overnight camping is available for vendors and car show entrants.

Charity concert

June 9

Mustard Seeds Singers in concert at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall at 2.30pm. Donations in aid of Funds for Human Need

Ceremonial Music

June 10

West Devon Chorale present Handel’s four Coronation Anthems at St Andrew’s Minster Church at 7.30pm. Also Parry’s I Was Glad and Blest Pair of Sirens and music by Dove, Harris, Thompson and Esenvalds. Tickets £14 or £12 in advance. Students and children £4. Available from www.wegottickets/

westdevonchorale or from the choir administrator on 01752 776479.

An Evening with Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

Jun 11

The legendary ski jumper - the first and only competitor to represent Great Britain at the Winter Olympics is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Models and Railway Exhibition

Jun 17

Five model railway displays along with numerous built scale models kits including aircraft, sci-fi, ships and military vehicles. Plymouth Tothill Community Centre from 10am to 4pm. Traders will also be selling railway and modelling items. Tombola during the event and hot and cold food on sale. Disabled access and plenty of parking. Entrance fee: adults £2, family £5 and concessions £1. Children under 12 free.

Table Top Sale

June 17

Trinity United Reformed Church, Hartley from 10am to 12 noon. Entry 20p. Light refreshments available. To book a table call Jill on 01752 249337.

Rehabilitation Triathlon

June 22

Hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler on The Hoe. Over 200 participants from the UK Triservices and veterans will attend this event, along with International teams from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. The swim will take place in the Tinside Lido and the cycle will consist of a time trial on rowing machines in a marquee positioned on the Hoe promenade. The allimportant Awards Ceremony will be held on the main stage on Plymouth Hoe.

Armed Forces Day

June 24

Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will be returning on Saturday June 24, with an exciting day for all the family to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe, and celebrate our military and all the great work they do. Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families. There will be activities for all the family to enjoy and get involved in, from exploring military vehicles and equipment, to tackling the Royal Marines obstacle course. Event starts at 10am and finishes at 10.30pm with a free evening concert.

Newspapers of the World

June 24 and 25

A display of newspapers of the world will be held on Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25 at the Visitor Centre in Ford Park Cemetery. It will be open from 12.30pm to 3.30 pm. The historical newspapers will include ones of the Plymouth Blitz, old Plymouth, Royal events going back to the 19th century, the assassination of President Kennedy and more.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir with Children from Fletewood School

June 24

The choir presents John Rutter’s The Sprig of Thyme and Andrew Carter’s Benedicite in The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth at 3.30 pm. A cream tea is included in the price of the ticket. Tickets £20 in advance or £22 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, please visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Abba Tribute Night

June 24

Hosted by the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the Take a Chance on Us is a live Abba Tribute band. Two course dinner, DJ and drinks promotion on the night. For information and tickets call 01752 639900.

How to Keep Going

June 30

Plymouth Samaritans annual literary event will be held at the Copthorne Hotel, Armada Way, Plymouth from 9am to 5pm. Entitled How to Keep Going, the event will be a day of inspirational speakers who will share their journeys through life’s challenges. Authors include Beth Greenaway, Jessica Harrington, Floyd Steadman OBE and Michelle Thomas. Tickets £25 can be obtained from janetasherriff@btinternet.com

Plymouth Triathlon

July 9

Plymouth Triathlon Club’s annual Triathlon race at Mount Edgcumbe Country House and Park. There is a distance for everybody. From a Super Sprint to a Middle Distance and everything in between. Also the kids can race in their respective age categories on a great course. Don’t you fancy a Tri? Then why not enter the Aquathlon or Aquabike. Bring the family too, as this location is not only a stunning place to race, but great for spectators as well. Visit www. plymouthtriclub.com to enter.

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.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe on June 24

Nominations invited for the National Lottery Awards

Plymouth organisations, groups and individuals received over £5 million of funding from the National Lottery in 2021/22.

Now the National Lottery Awards are back for 2023, in search of the inspirational individuals and organisations who do amazing things with the help of National Lottery funding.

An incredible £5,006,878 of National Lottery funding went to projects in Plymouth in 2021/22 according to new figures released today to mark the launch of the 2023 National Lottery Awards.  A total of 100 National Lottery grants were allocated in this period, providing crucial support to arts, sports, heritage and community organisations in Plymouth.

The National Lottery Awards are the annual celebration of the ordinary people and projects who do extraordinary things with the help of National Lottery funding and attracted more than 1,300 entrants last year.

Again, this year, The National Lottery is looking to highlight the exceptional work of local heroes who have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their communities, especially during these challenging times.

Any person or group who has received National Lottery funding is eligible for nomination.

Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, said: “Since it was established in 1994, The National Lottery has continued to make a remarkable contribution to life in the UK.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, an incredible £47 billion has been raised for good causes, with £30 million supporting people and projects around the UK every single week.

“The National Lottery Awards seek to honour those who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people around them. In difficult circumstances, this selfless dedication has never been more important, and we want to thank them and celebrate their incredible efforts.”

The National Lottery Awards will recognise outstanding individuals in the following categories:

• Community & Charity

• Arts, Culture & Film

• Sport

• Heritage

• Environment

• Young Hero (Under 25s)

There will also be a Special Achievement Award to mark the accomplishments of an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond to make the lives of people that little bit better in their local community.

Individual winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members from The National Lottery family and partners and will win a £5,000 cash prize and an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy.

To make nominations for this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses using the hashtag #NLAwards with your suggestions or complete an entry form through our website: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

Entries must be received by midday on May 16.

Dad battling terminal cancer vows to raise awareness of brain tumours

Father of two Andy McNeill from Mutley has detected brain tumours during his many years as an optometrist – and now he is battling terminal cancer himself.

Andy’s first symptom struck in October last year when he experienced a sudden loss of function in his right side while warming up for a game of squash.

Suspecting a TIA (mini-stroke), Andy attended A&E and underwent an MRI, which revealed the cause of his symptoms: he had three brain tumours.

Biopsies revealed the tumours to be a multicentric glioblastoma multiform (GBM), an incurable cancer with a poor prognosis and, realistically, Andy said he will be doing well to see out 2023.

Treatment is aimed at giving the patient more time, but doesn’t cure it. Treatment started January 2023 with six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Andy is now entering a second cycle of treatments, which will consist of six months of chemotherapy for five days every four weeks.

From the moment of diagnosis, Andy said that he was going to use his diagnosis of terminal brain cancer to help increase society’s understanding and improve treatment for brain tumours.

As an optometrist Andy said he can see things from both patient and practitioner perspectives.

In his role, he has detected numerous brain and ocular tumours. Only a few years ago Andy referred a four-yearold girl for diagnosis of a suspected brain tumour. The MRI confirmed his suspicions: she was diagnosed in 2019, bur sadly passed away in 2021. The case deeply affected Andy.

He said: “The situation also makes you live every day for the day, which is a great way to live life. The only thing that I know now which I didn’t before the diagnosis is what I’m likely to die of.

“Not a great revelation that I’m going to die – we all are, but we don’t like to think about it. It also puts your priorities in the correct order, putting friends and wider family way out on top. It is a surprisingly happy place to be,” said Andy.

Andy, who is 48, is the father of two boys, aged 11 and 14, and he is trying to use the time he’s been given to create positive memories for them whilst also trying to navigate the complexities of explaining to the boys what is likely to happen, being transparent without giving worst-case scenarios.

“I have touched base with Jeremiah’s Journey, the Plymouth charity that deals with childhood parental ill-health or parental bereavement and how to address it; they’ve sent me some literature to help me, but it’s not easy,” said Andy.

Andy, who is an enthusiastic litter picker with Clean Our Patch, has thrown himself into fundraising for the Brain Tumour Charity and completed a five-mile walk and litter pick in March. Andy was surrounded by friends, colleagues and was joined by many members of Clean Our Patch.

Clean Our Patch will be fundraising for the Brain Tumour Charity throughout 2023 and plan to organise a number of events. So far Andy has raised over £1000 for the charity and anyone who would like to donate can find details at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-mcneill4

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Andy McNeill has terminal cancer – but as an enthusiastic supporter of Clean Our Patch he took part in a charity litter pick to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Charity

Andy McNeill

Photo by Free2bee Photography

LABOUR BACK IN CONTROL OF PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL AFTER TORY VOTE COLLAPSES

Labour swept back to power in the Plymouth City Council elections on May 4.

Labour increased its number of seats from 24 to 31, reducing the Conservatives to 18 seats. Prominent councillors such as Nick Kelly - a former Cponservative leader of the council - Chaz Singh, Jonathan Drean and George Wheeler all lost their seats.

Tudor Evans becomes the new leader of the council - the fifth time he has held that post. He has represented Ham Ward since 1988 and has led the Labour Group on the council since 1998.

It was a good night for Labour, gaining seven seats, as well as holding onto all the seats that they were defending. It meant that they won 15 of the 19 seats being contested on the night.

Labour gained seats from the Conservatives in Budshead, Eggbuckland, Moor View, and Southway and also gained St Budeaux, where Green Party candidate George Wheeler was ousted.

The only seat the Conservatives held on the night was Plymstock Radford where Kathy Watkin finished ahead of Labour’s Roger Dodd by less than 250 votes.

Independent Terri Beer held Plympton Erle with a substantial majority, while former Conservative Patrick Nicholson standing as an Independent won Plympton St Mary with a majority of over 1,000 votes. Turnout was 32.1 per cent - marginally higher than the last local elections in 2022. It was the first local election when voters were required to provide ID before casting their vote.

The new Labour administration will formally take control at the council’s annual meeting on May 19.

Tudor Evans...leader of the council for the fifth time

Starring role for Rick O’Shay in new production from the Theatre of Boom!

One of Plymouth’s newest theatre groups has announced details of its latest production.

Plymouth-based Theatre of Boom! was founded in 2021 and its first production was the sell-out ‘Field of Greens’ which was based on the days of administration and near closure of Plymouth Argyle.

Written by the legendary musician and Argyle fanatic Rick O’Shay ‘Field of Greens’ was presented over four nights at the Green Taverners Suite in March last year. Fans of the club were included in the cast, even though very few of them had any theatrical experience at all.

The production had come into being after Rick had met Vince Sutton for a general discussion about the play. Vince ended up as the director and Rick’s wife Katrina took of secretarial, P.A. and production duties.

‘Field of Greens’ was so successful that the group decided to continue as a theatre company and Theatre of Boom! was formed.

Rick said: “Our aim is to bring a theatrical experience to our audiences in which as much as possible has been created from within the company. Our work celebrates the depth of human imagination by engaging our audiences with high quality storytelling.

“Theatre of Boom! also curates events to create dialogue between patrons and artists, furthering our connection to Plymouth and surrounding communities.”

The not for profit organisation aims to produce great plays utilising its artistic ensemble of actors, writers and stage crew.

Their brand-new production is called ‘The Browne House’ written by Vince Sutton and featuring Rick O’Shay as Mr Browne. Based on a true story, this little-known series of dark and chilling events takes place in the heart of Dartmoor.

With this in mind the Theatre of Boom! wanted to put on at least one performance in the area it is connected with and have announced that on Sunday June 25 they will be at Yelverton Memorial Village Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The performance will start at 7.30pm with doors opening at 6.45pm.

The play will also be performed in The Muse Theatre, Lipson Co-Operative Academy, Bernice Terrace, Lipson, Plymouth. PL4 7PG on June 1 and 2. Tickets cost £11 and can be obtained now through www.wegottickets.com or contact Katrina on 07596 545739.

Anyone who would to join the company in any capacity or or back staff can contact them through their Facebook page or visit their website at www.theatreofboom. webador.co.uk. The company rehearses each Wednesday at Compton Methodist Church Hall, 2 Revel Road, Higher Compton, Plymouth at 7.15 pm.

Roarsome family fun with the dinosaurs in Central Park

Stomping into Plymouth this May half term, Dinosaurs in the Park features 40 lifesized animatronic dinosaurs and is sure to delight dino fans of all ages.

Transforming Central Park into a palaeontologist’s playground from May 19 to June 11, Dinosaurs in the Park offers an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family.

Visitors can wind their way along the Dinosaur Trail, solve puzzles, and even carry out some Jurassic dentistry by brushing the teeth of the resident T-Rex.

With dinosaurs round every corner, the park will be filled with classic favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as the lesser-known Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus and Hyparosauras.

Plus, there will be a guest appearance from reallife palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax. There’s also a food court, fairground rides and trampolines to add to the fun.

After a successful debut year in 2022, Dinosaurs in the Park visits three fresh locations this year, premiering in Plymouth before visiting Cardiff and Manchester.

Created by the organisers of Dinosaur

Park is an ideal half-term day out.

Sven Schmidt, creator of Dinosaurs in the Park, said the event was inspired by the ever-popular

Calling all Chaddlewood FANS!

A new community group Chaddlewood Friends and Neighbours Society (FANS) has been established in Plympton.

The objective of the group is to engage with the community to support and promote the social and environmental benefits of Plympton Chaddlewood Ward and its immediate area.

Chaddlewood FANS is about people helping each other, the environment and promoting a sense of belonging and pride within the neighbourhood. Activities could include managing wildflowers, planters, tackling invasive species, providing benches and improving outdoor play areas.

The constitution has been agreed, a small committee is in place and now they are ready to get started, working together with local people and like minded organisations. Chaddlewood FANS welcomes people who live, work, run businesses, go to school, use the parks, in fact anybody using any of the amenities and services in Chaddlewood, who would like to get involved in encouraging and fostering a strong community spirit and a pride in their environment.

Dave Curno, chair of Plymouth Open Spaces Network, has been instrumental in helping to set up Chaddlewood FANS. He said: “It’s brilliant to see a Friends group covering Chaddlewood joining the 30 plus other friends groups in Plymouth taking care of the city’s important green spaces.”

The initial idea of a Chaddlewood Friends group came from Cllr Ian Poyser, who as a community campaigner pledged to set the group up

after listening to concerns and feedback from local residents.

Chaddlewood FANS is entirely a community led group and is not aligned to any political party

For details visit www.dinosaursinthepark.co.uk

Cllr Poyser said: “It’s fantastic to see local residents coming together to do positive things for their local community, bringing people together to help manage open spaces for the benefit of nature and residents. I hope others will join the group over the coming months.”

The group is looking for a diverse range of people of all ages to become members and help create an amazing neighbourhood. Anyone who would like to be involved, whatever age, is invited to the Chaddlewood FANS meeting in June, with ideas, opinions and enthusiasm for the new neighbourhood group.

The meeting is taking place at Chaddlewood Community Centre on the June 29 between 7pm and 9pm. The group can also be contacted by e-mail at chaddlewoodfans@gmail.com

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Encounters Mini Golf, the Bristol Christmas Markets and the popular Mojito Beach Bars, Dinosaurs in the

dinosaur craze. He added:

“After the incredible success of last year’s Dinosaurs in the Park we can’t wait to welcome more families to this funfilled attraction.”

Signing the FANS constitution. Committee members (from left) Gordon Flower, treasurer, Amanda Mair, chairperson. Carolyn Hadji, secretary and Dave Curno, chair of Plymouth Open Spaces

All set for the big Midsummer Festival

For a small village that no one has ever heard of, Plympton St Maurice certainly knows how to make a splash.

This year it will be celebrating one of its most famous residents, artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was born in Plympton St Maurice 300 years ago. The celebration of his birth formally takes place in July and the residents have a three-day event planned to mark the life of one of Britain’s most famous artists.

Celebrations begin before that though, with the very popular Midsummer Festival on Friday June 16 to Sunday June 18. The three-day event is built round the historic Lamb Feast, held on the Castle Green for hundreds of years.

Every year the village is packed with visitors wanting to enjoy the events. The young Sir Joshua Reynolds would no doubt have known the venue for the first one. The choir bearing his name will be singing a varied repertoire ‘Colour My World – Painting Pictures with Music.’ It’s held in the ancient village Guildhall, which was around when Sir Josh was a small boy. The programme begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £7 on the door. Refreshments will be available.

When he was a lad, Sir Josh might have known a version of the Lamb Feast – which was probably being held on the Castle Green. In those days, instead of bouncy slides, cake stalls, music, judo displays, mouthwatering food and enough entertainment to keep the kids happy for hours,

WAR GRAVES WEEK BRINGS FREE TOURS AS PLYMOUTH REMEMBERS THOSE WHO FELL IN WORLD WARS

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will be bringing War Graves Week to Plymouth and offering free tours at Ford Park, Efford and Weston Mill cemeteries, as well as tours of the Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe between May 20 and May 25.

Sir Josh would have watched strapping Devonian chaps ‘wrestle for a purse of guineas’ or ‘Gurning, bobbing and diving’ whatever that might be. He might even have had a go at ‘Cudgel playing for a silver cup.’

This year, the Lamb Feast will be opened by Plympton’s Stannator, Andrew Cooper. When not donning his chain of office Andy can be seen in

the events arena throwing his weight around – or those of his judo pupils as they demonstrate martial arts skills, just one of the arena entertainments. Residents can get dog to put her best paw forward in the dog show. Householders can stock their garden with plants, admire the many craft stalls and drool over the impressive range of classic cars that will be on show – there’s

so much to see and do and it’s all free!

Enjoy live music and if it all gets too much, retire to The Guildhall for tea and cakes. Sir Josh would approve, not only about the cakes but the fact that the beautiful building will house an art exhibition by The Plympton Art Group.

Gardeners in their droves turn out for the very special ‘Hidden Gardens of Plympton St Maurice’ on Sunday June 18. Gates, doors and paths open at 2pm to people who have travelled from all over the area to admire the huge range of gardening artistry.

From cultivated mediaeval piggeries, allotments in the Castle moat, huge walled gardens bearing fruit and flowers to the chance to see the rare Saxon strip gardens – it’s something to make visitors hearts sing whether they have green fingers or not. Tickets cost £5, children free. Available outside the Guildhall, the bottom of George Lane or Dark Street Lane.

Visitors can also enjoy the Lady Morris dancers. who are expected to entertain the footsore as they make their way to the church hall for a cuppa and cake.

As professional as the event is, it takes a huge amount of organising. Meetings started back in the winter and the festival relies on a legion of volunteers from the area to ensure it’s successful. James Heesem,, one of the organisers said: “It’s a testament to our lovely community that the event is always a success.”

War Graves Week is an initiative aimed at encouraging people from the local community to come together and discover the World War heritage on their doorstep – learning about the stories of those commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in Plymouth and the skills, dedication

and expertise of staff and volunteers who work to keep their memory alive.

The free guided tours will take place at various times that week and will give people in Plymouth the chance to discover the remarkable stories of the men and women of the Commonwealth forces that died in the

First and Second World Wars who are buried in their community. There will also be an Open Day at the Memorial on The Hoe on Saturday May 20 from 10am to 4pm.

More than 25,000 casualties from World War One and World War Two are buried or commemorated across Plymouth. As well as

casualties from the Commonwealth nations of India, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK, there are those of other nations who also served in the World Wars from places as far flung as Fiji and Zimbabwe, as well as closer to home such as Belgium and Portugal.

The tours will be led by local residents, Rebecca Smith, the Commission’s public engagement coordinator, and Dennis Goddard and Tony Smith, who are volunteer speakers and tour guides for the CWGC.

Claire Horton, director general of the CWGC, said: “Behind every name on a war grave or memorial in Plymouth is a human story waiting to be discovered and War Graves Week is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

PLYMOUTH 96.3FM or listen online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

“As world leaders in commemoration, our mission is to ensure those who died in service, or as a result of conflict, are commemorated so that they, and the human cost of war, are remembered forever.”

The CWGC is encouraging people in Plymouth to seek out the stories in their local area and book onto a free tour this War Graves Week. To book a tour, visit www.cwgc.org/wargravesweek

Local tour guide, Dennis Goddard sharing stories about those commemorated on the Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe

Rebecca Smith from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission showing a group around a local site

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Breast screening awareness bus for Plymouth drives the message home

A new breast screening awareness bus has hit the road in Plymouth as part of a campaign to encourage more people to attend their appointments.

It follows recently updated figures which show a worrying fall in the uptake of breast screening appointments nationally and locally, with the overall uptake in the Plymouth health area dropping to 72.5%. In some parts of Plymouth, the figure has dropped to 54%.

Thanks to funding from Plymouth-based breast care charity The Primrose Foundation and The Primrose Breast Care Centre Screening Team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, a Plymouth Citybus double decker has been given a makeover in the Primrose Foundation colours of pink, yellow and grey.

For the next 12 months, the bus will be used by Plymouth Citybus on routes across the city, but primarily where breast screening take-up is known to be particularly low. The bus is part of a three-year ‘Support Us To Support You’ campaign launched by the Foundation in October 2022, which is aimed at increasing breast care awareness and raising more funds towards local NHS breast services.

The sides of the bus carry the slogan, ‘Breast Screening Saves Lives – Always attend your free screening appointment’. The ‘Support Us To Support You’ message is displayed on the back of the bus.

Saving lives

Dr Karen Paisley, director of Breast Screening at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “This is a great initiative to try and improve uptake for breast screening. We know that the impact of screening in saving lives from breast cancer is greater the more women that attend for their screening mammogram.“

Screening saves about one life from breast cancer for every 200 women screened, as cancers are diagnosed and treated earlier than they would have been without screening. Unfortunately, there has been a drop in uptake recently. Overall, uptake in our local programme was only 72.5% in 2021-22, a drop of nearly 8% in the last 10 years (78.5% in 2010-11) and is as low as 54% in some areas of Plymouth.

Dr Paisley added: “While this compares favourably with national uptake (62.3% in 2021-22, a drop of 15% since 2010-11), we are working hard locally to explore the reasons for non-attendance and to try and address these, ensure equity of access, improve uptake and, consequently, improve the mortality benefit of breast screening.”

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinatorat The Primrose Foundation, added: “With this bus, we are taking the all-important message right into

the heart of our community. We are hoping that the bright, eye-catching double-decker bus will grab people’s attention and encourage them to use the West Devon and East Cornwall breast screening services.”

The Foundation has supported The Primrose Breast Care Centre for over 27 years, raising public awareness and millions of pounds, to enhance breast care treatments. Each year over 25,000 people are seen by the service and between 400600 breast cancers are diagnosed and treated.The bus is being paid for in part by money raised by a group of nine local women who call themselves ‘Dare 2’.

They have all received a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment at The Primrose Breast Care Centre. The women raised almost £12,000 at a charity ‘Dare 2 Dance’ evening at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel last autumn. They specifically asked that their donation be used to promote awareness about the importance of attending breast screening appointments when invited.

Madeleine said: “We pride ourselves on working closely with our supporters and fundraisers by giving them a real opportunity to make a difference in their local breast care service, and this latest project is a great example of this. We rely on our fundraisers, and it’s important they have a real say in how the funds are used.”

Dare 2 member and chair of the Primrose Foundation, Fiona Osmaston, from Plymouth, said she owes her life to breast screening: “My own cancer was picked up through routine screening,” she said. “I didn’t have any symptoms – no lumps, bumps, or orange peel skin.

“Without the diligence of the radiographers at the screening service at Plymouth Guildhall and those skilled colleagues who viewed the mammograms, my cancer would not have been

picked up at such an early stage. That’s why funding this awareness bus for a year is so important.”

The Dare 2 group has raised over £33,000 since it was launched in 2019. As well as the bus, their efforts have funded training bursaries, a fellowship, and a beautifully decorated quiet room in The Primrose Breast Care Centre.

Debt of gratitude

Fiona said: “All of us in the Dare 2 group have had direct experience of screening, either symptomatic where we’ve been referred by our GP, or as part of our routine breast screening. Many of our group therefore owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Primrose Breast Care Centre.

“Following my diagnosis, I experienced first-class treatment. It’s why I want to do all I can to help ensure that anyone else who goes through the Breast Care Service has an exceptional experience during a worrying time.”

Madeleine added: “The bus campaign has only been made possible by generous fundraisers – and by the ongoing support from the bus company. Plymouth Citybus have supported the charity in many different ways over the years, and recently provided the breast screening service with 100 free day riders to be issued to anyone who is unable to attend their breast screening appointment due to financial difficulties.

“They also put our ‘Support Us To Support You’ campaign posters in all their fleet of buses during November 2022, to help promote screening awareness. So we are very grateful to them and to everyone who has supported us in spreading the campaign’s important messages.”

Visit The Primrose Foundation website for more information and ways to support the charity. www. primrosefoundation.org

Yealmpton Bowling Club Open Day

Yealmpton Bowling Club is holding an Open Day in May and is inviting people along who would like to have a go at bowling.

The friendly outdoor mixed bowling club play on a green on the outskirts of Yealmpton and the open day is on Sunday May 21 between 10am and 3pm.

The club’s primary aim is to get players enjoying the game, the exercise and the social aspects of outdoor bowling.

They have teams in both Plymouth & District Leagues for men and ladies and also play mixed friendly games against other clubs in the area.

Club secretary Yvonne Willis said: “If you are new to the sport we offer a comprehensive coaching scheme

where you can get some expert tuition over a number of weeks.

“No need for any equipment or special clothing –just flat shoes. Once you are a member of the club you can play at any time.

“This season we are hoping to encourage others to join us in the enjoyable sport by joining us at the open day on May 21.

“Anyone is welcome to come along at any time on the day and just have a go. Bowls will be provided and all we ask is that flat shoes are worn on the green.”

For more information visit the club’s website at www.yealmptonbc.uk or ring secretary Yvonne Willis on 01752 862148.

PLYMSTOCK FORUM TO BE WOUND UP?

A special meeting of the Plymstock Forum was held at the end of March and resolved that unless a new committee can be identified by the end of July 2023, the organisation will wind up and assets disposed of.

For more information, contact Brian Steele on 01752 405132

Civic Society to stage history weekend

Plympton and District Civic Society are staging a history weekend from May 19 to 21..

On the Friday their Heritage Room at Harewood House will be open from 11am to 2pm where an array of documents and historic artifacts can been seen.

On Saturday May 20 Plympton Stannator Andrew Cooper will officially open the proceedings at 11am in Harewood House.  On

PRIDE & JOY The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Our services include:

hedge & shrub maintenance

both Saturday and Sunday the exhibition will spill out into the adjoining room where many more artefacts will be on show including a plan of Ridgeway down the years, along with scrapbooks, mining models and more.  Refreshments will be available.

Again on both the Saturday and Sunday members of the Age of Chivalry will be at Harewood House from 11am to 2pm.  Their members will be in period costume and

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there will be a number of demonstrations and displays. These will range from warfare and armour to board games and make-up to calligraphy. Visitors will be able to learn about life in Medieval times.

The weekend is free to attend and offers something for all the family. Any queries about the event can be sent to plymptoncivicsociety@gmail.com (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Members of the Age of Chivalry in period costume

NEWS IN BRIEF

Outgoing Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel has handed over a cheque for £1,826.41 to Jeremiah’s Journey, representing the money raised for the charity during his year in office. The presentation was made at Harewood House coffee bar recently.

Belling-ringing teams at St Mary’s and St Maurice churches in Plympton sounded a peal in ‘ Ring for the King’ shortly before King Charles III’s coronation on the morning of Saturday May 6. Many people across Plympton enjoyed the sound.

Do you know a young person living in Plympton who deserves to be recognised for their community work? If so, why not nominate them for the Marjorie Lynden Award. Nominations close at midnight on May 19. Simply email plymptonpodcast@gmail.com explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.

Woodford Pre-school are looking for stall holders interested in booking a table at their Summer Fete on 8 July. For more details e-mail woodfordpreschool@gmail.com

Following some carpentry by John Boulden MBE Harewood House is now proudly displaying a list of current and past Youth Ambassadors to supplement the long-standing Stannators boards which are on display.

Two members of the British Red Cross Bookshop in St Stephen’s Place have been presented with awards in recognition of long service at the shop. Stalwarts Peter and Lynne were presented with certificates for five years of service each at the shop. A spokesperson for the British Red Cross said: “They are both such an integral part of the Bookshop Team and we are so proud of them and grateful for all their help.”

The Sir Joshua Reynolds (Plympton) WI group is looking to recruit more members. They meet monthly and participate in a large variety of activities to suit all. Why not come along for a taster session and the chance to meet some ladies who like to learn new skills and meet new friends. Sir Joshua Reynolds WI meets at Harewood House, Plympton on every third Tuesday at 7.00pm (News in brief provided by Plympton Podcast)

Andy Cooper takes over as Plympton’s new Stannator with Oliver as Youth Ambassador

Andy Cooper, a prominent member of the community in Plympton St Maurice, has become Plympton’s 42nd modern day Stannator and Oliver Chard, a 16-year-old student at Hele’s School, has become the town’s 5th Youth Ambassador.

Both were invested into office at an official ceremony at Harewood House on April 29 attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Sue Dann, her consort Alderman Chris Mavin, past Stannators, members of Plympton Community Council and invited guests.

Kevin Collis spoke of Andy’s attributes and his community work in St Maurice, especially with the Guildhall there, the annual Lamb Feast and his involvement with the Hash House Harriers running group.

Andy went on to swear his oath of office and was presented with his Stannator’s chain by the Lord Mayor.

Addressing the assembled tables of guests Andy said that he had chosen MND - the Motor Neurone Disease charity - as his cause for the year, selected as his mother had passed away with the condition last year.

He said he also hoped to work with Plympton’s new Youth Ambassador, Oliver Chard, on young people’s mental health issues.

Andy then went on to outline ambitious plans to do a sponsored bike ride between all four of Devon’s Stannary towns (Plympton, Tavistock, Ashburton and Chagford) in one day later in the year.

Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann said she hoped to support Andy in his fundraising work and undertook to join him for part of his intended bike ride between the four Stannary towns, even if it was on an electric bike and she would also make her tambourine available which she had found useful for fundraising during her year as Lord Mayor – as people would often donate to stop her playing it!

A blessing was then offered by the Rev’d Dr Jan Collis, a fellow resident of St Maurice and a member of the chaplaincy team at Derriford Hospital.

Oliver Chard was introduced to the attending guests by Plympton Community Council secretary and past Stannator Pauline Kadoche. Pauline read out a glowing reference from Hele’s Principal

Justine Mason who described Oliver as ‘a diligent student with a big heart.’

Oliver read out his Youth Ambassador Promise and after saying a few words of his own was presented with his badge of office by the Lord Mayor.

One of Oliver’s first official duties was to present the Lord Mayor with a potted flower and make presentations to outgoing Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel and his wife Lizani.

Later in the evening Oliver had the opportunity of handling one of the three historic Plympton ceremonial maces which had been brought to the event by the Lord Mayor’s macebearer.

Outgoing Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel said he’d had an amazing year as his time in office drew to a close at the handover ceremony.

Pastor Bessel announced he had raised over £1,800 for his main chosen charity Jeremiah’s Journey and had gathered in 258kg (approx 500lbs) of food for his other cause - Plympton Foodbank.

Following on from a theme he introduced at his inauguration last April he held aloft a tin can as he spoke, illustrating Plympton’s historic tin mining past and drew an analogy between life and a tin can.

He explained that some cans can be empty, others half empty, half full or full, but a full can doesn’t always mean it has the right content.

Pastor Bessel said he hoped during the past year he had added some good content to people’s ‘tins’ and added something positive to the ‘tins’ of the lives of many people.

Then, to the sound of much laughter in the room, he forewarned his successor Andy Cooper to be prepared for two matters to be constantly

Trevi launches Blossom Appeal

Local women’s charity, Trevi, has launched its Blossom Appeal to raise funds for a women-only accommodation service based in the centre of Plymouth for women affected by trauma and abuse.

The Blossom Women’s House Appeal was launched at a celebration event at The Box to mark Trevi’s 30th anniversary this year. The new facility will be for women with complex and multiple needs with the capacity to accommodate nine women across three floors. It will be a safe, contained, homely space with an enclosed back garden.

Blossom Women’s House will be the place where women can find some peace and security and take positive steps in their journey of recovery from trauma and abuse.

The accommodation is vital as there is a shortage of women-only accommodation in Plymouth. Countless projects, service interventions and commissioned research highlight how a lack of women-only accommodation is acting as a significant barrier to women moving forward in life.

Women are entering a revolving door in and out of accommodation, restricting their ability even to get a chance to address their trauma and understand how it manifests so that they can move forward in life.

Without this safe space, women are trapped or sofa surfing in unsafe perpetrators’ homes, sometimes locked into a world of drugs and substance misuse and at continuous and high risk of domestic and sexual violence.

While there is already a lot of incredible work happening in Plymouth, Trevi wants to seize this opportunity to help to build capacity for women.

Trevi has now reached a critical time where vital funds are needed to ensure that women are given the best possible chance of exiting a life filled with trauma and abuse by allowing them to move into safe, 24/7 supported, women-only accommodation.

Hannah Shead, Trevi chief executive said: “This is Trevi’s biggest appeal to date and will significantly impact the lives of women affected by domestic abuse and violence. As we celebrate our 30th milestone, we couldn’t ask for a better start to what will be an exciting year!

“It’s important that Blossom feels homely and nurturing so that women are supported to heal, grow and thrive. For some women, Blossom will be the first place that they experience what a real home is like. With the help of our local community, we can ensure that Blossom is designed, decorated and furnished to be a warm, homely and welcoming space with thought put into all the finishing touches so that women feel valued and loved.”

The Blossom Appeal needs to raise £615,000 for Trevi to be able to purchase and refurbish the property. So far, Trevi has raised £405,000 from trusts, foundations, pledges and donors, leaving £210,000 to raise by December 2023.

Trevi want to work with community groups, businesses, funders and individuals to make this happen. For more information, visit www.trevi.org.uk/ blossom-appeal.

on the agenda of Plympton Community Council Executive Meetings - the poor state of the ladies toilets in Harewood House and the introduction of Wi-Fi facilities in Harewood House. He then concluded by saying ‘Thank you so, so much’ for the past year.

Following this the Lord Mayor presented Pastor Bessel with a scroll and badge to mark his year as Stannator.

Outgoing Youth Ambassador Bel Winsor-Maloney unfortunately had to miss the handover ceremony as her Duke of Edinburgh gold award training had been shifted to avoid clashing with the King’s Coronation weekend, but ended up clashing instead with Stannator’s night.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

TRIBUTES PAID TO FORMER STANNATOR

Tributes have been paid to former Stannator and previous Plympton Community Council chairman Fred Lethbridge who has died aged 85.

Fred was Stannator of Plympton in 2011/12 and during his tenure formally opened the new Plympton Library after it was rebuilt following destruction in a fire.

In 2015 Fred was formally elected as Chairman of Plympton Community Council having taken over the role during 2014 after John Lock stood down from the position due to illness.

He went on to serve in the post until 2018. Fred became the first chairman of the Community Council to regularly wear the chain of the old Plympton St Mary Rural District Council. The chain, commonly referred to as ‘the Plympton Chain’, was involved in a wrangle with Ivybridge Town Council who claimed to have an equal interest in the chain. A compromise was eventually reached between the various interested parties enabling the Stannator of Plympton or chairman of the Plympton Community Council to wear it on significant civic occasions in Plympton.

Fred wore the chain at the 2015 Plympton May Fair and used the public address system to inform those attending of the history of the chain and the significance of him wearing it.

Fred’s funeral took place at Weston Mill Crematorium on May 4. Another former Stannator and past Community Council chairman, Alan Street, said: “Fred was a true gentleman who, in a quiet and unassuming way, did so much for our community.” Many postings on social media referred to Fred being a lovely man who gave so much of his time to the community.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

The Blossom Appeal was launched at a special anniversary event at The Box

Pictured (from left): John Gilding (Chairman of Plympton Community Council), Andy Cooper (new Stannator of Plympton), Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann, Alderman Chris Mavin, Pastor Arno Bessel (outgoing Stannator), Oliver Chard (Plympton’s new Youth Ambassador), Rev’d Dr Jan Collis.

Plymouth champagne boss toasts first US export deal

Corks are popping for the UK’s specialist ‘Champagne Retailer of the Year’ once again after announcing its first export deal in the United States.

Sip Champagnes, co-founded by former Hele’s School student Daniel Blatchford, is now shipping to California, Florida, Illinois and Montana, with talks already underway to expand its range of grower champagnes in other parts of the US.

The first shipment from the Sip Champagnes range, includes Famille Delouvin; Louis Brochet; Alexis, Beaugrand; Didier Herbert; A. Levasseur; and Hélène Beaugrand.

Formed in 2021 by business partners, Daniel Blatchford and Peter Crawford, Sip Champagnes sources and supplies only the best small-batch, handcrafted champagne straight to consumers and the hospitality trade from France’s iconic wine region.

In less than three years, Sip Champagnes has quickly established itself as the UK’s leading online Grower Champagne retailer. The company now has its sights set on further global expansion, including the US, where the thirst for champagne is bigger than it has ever been.

The USA is now the top export market for champagne. Sales soared by 19.4% to $998m in 2022, with American wine lovers developing a taste for quality cuvées.

Boasting the UK’s largest collection of 60 champagne producers and over 236 individual cuvées from across 25 villages in its range, Sip Champagnes only deals with ethically-sourced and artisan products direct from farmers.

The dominance of the big wine houses and supermarket champagne has meant that champagne options have been very limited in the UK and the US, until Sip Champagnes came along. The small producers previously had no supply chain and no access to high-end restaurants, bars, hotels and wine boutiques, which meant consumers had little choice.

Over the past year, Sip Champagnes has been working in partnership with Cage Imports to create the infrastructure needed to make its first shipment to the US this spring. The firm plans to continue working in partnership with Cage Imports to expand its range across the US in 2023 and beyond.

Daniel, who is one of the UK’s leading champagne experts said:  “It was always part of our plan to export to the United States. Grower Champagne is underrepresented worldwide and our ambition was to create a model that would be global. The US is a huge market, with a great wine trade established and a growing appetite for the most interesting, artisan products.

“The US market demands well-made, sustainably minded champagnes. The American consumer cares about how the grapes are farmed, how the land is treated, who makes the wine and what their story is. Of course, it also needs to be delicious, but that is not the only factor that determines the final consumer choice.”

He added: “Brexit has complicated things for exporters in general. We had to create a French subsidiary as it was too difficult and costly to go via the UK, although this came with its own set of challenges.

“Similarly, across the channel, there are a new set of difficulties, namely state-by-state alcohol licensing laws. As such, we have chosen to partner with an established champagne professional who shares our ethos but, crucially, has experience navigating the import and distribution network. This will make it far quicker and simpler to get our Champagne to market.”

Garth Hodgdon Founder of Cage Imports, said: “Our goal is to bring what is current in champagne to the consumers in the United States. Our partnership with Sip allows us to access their deep knowledge of the region and the relationships they have with producers to continue to import new and exciting champagne.

“Together, Sip and Cage have the ability to share the champagne growers with with the consumers who are passionate about what they are creating.”

In September 2022, Sip Champagnes was awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘Champagne retailer of the year’ by the world’s leading wine media brand, Decanter, who singled out the newcomer for its “laser-like focus on cutting-edge wines from the region”, and in the words of one judge, “is changing the game for Champagne.” Sip Champagnes was also a runner up in the ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Judges Choice’ categories.

Sip Champagnes also won The Drinks Business ‘Specialist Online Retailer of the Year Award’ for 2022.

Alongside their online store, which sells individual bottles and curated cases, Sip Champagnes offers curated monthly subscription packages to help people enhance their understanding of the grower champagne movement. Alongside truly exceptional bottles, there are tasting notes and even live tasting sessions with the farmers themselves.

All Sip Champagnes packaging is made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable. They also invest in carbon offsetting programmes to reduce their environmental impact and they plant a tree for every order placed.

For more information on Sip Champagnes, visit www. sipchampagnes.com and follow on social media, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Former Hele’s School student Daniel Blatchford...leading expert on champagne

Plymstock Matters with Councillor Rebecca

What a memorable weekend, crowned by Plymouth Argyle’s title-winning win at Port Vale!

What a weekend! I am typing this on Bank Holiday Monday after a fabulous weekend to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. With an emphasis on servant leadership, it was deeply moving to hear the King’s response to this welcome at the start of the service:

‘YOUR Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kkings.’

‘In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.’

As someone who is in public office, serving as I do on Plymouth City Council, it was a reminder of the privilege that comes with this role and the need for a heart focussed on service. I am grateful to Revd Jenny Appleby who also drew attention to this at the celebration service held at Plymstock St Mary’s Church.

And of course, I must mention the success of Plymouth Argyle. Not only gaining promotion (fortunately without needing to go to the play-offs!), they only went and won the League too by beating Port Vale 3-1 in the final match of the season roared on by 4,000 jubliant members of the Green Army! Congratulations to the whole team and on making the city so proud.

Thank you to everyone who came out and voted in the Local Elections on May 4. Whilst it was not a good night for my team, I am delighted that Cllr Kathy Watkin was re-elected to serve alongside me and Cllr Bill Wakeham in Plymstock Radford.

We will continue to work hard for you as a team together and work as part of the wider Conservative team holding the council to account in the months ahead.

Work continues behind the scenes to help secure a new Post Office on Plymstock Broadway. Whilst at the end of the day, it is a commercial decision, we have been able

to support the potential new Post Master and remain in contact with all stakeholders as things inch forward. Ever the optimist, I am hopeful there will be good news in due course.

Between the three Plymstock Radford councillors, we were able to ensure Dean Cross Car Park remains available all day on Saturdays to enable the football club to operate unhindered. Although signs still say that free parking is limited to two hours on a Saturday, we have been assured that parking attendants will not enforce this, meaning families and players can park and enjoy match day at the club.

I had the opportunity to take part in the April edition of the ITV Westcountry Debate a few weeks ago. Standing in for an MP with two hours notice, it was great to be able to take part in the debate on immigration, housing and the local elections with Karin Smyth MP from Bristol and Baroness Bakewell from Somerset.

In amongst all the election campaigning, my good friend, Gareth Streeter, was selected to fight Plymouth Sutton and Devonport at the next General Election. Having fought the same seat myself in 2019, I am delighted that such a strong and experienced local candidate has been selected. And for those of you who are wondering, he is also the son of Sir Gary Streeter MP!

Finally, I was a bit late to the party, but I enjoyed Mrs Murals new artwork at the Broadway recently. Do check it out next time you are there!

A shorter update than usual - a reflection on the hours spent on the local election in the last month! However, I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things now the summer is on its way.

As ever, do let me know if I can do anything to assist with local issues or support local projects - rebecca.smith@plymouth.gov.

BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD IN EFFORD AND LIPSON WARD FOLLOWING DEATH OF COUNCILLOR BRIAN VINCENT

A by-election will be held in the Efford and Lipson ward on Thursday June 15, following the sad passing of Councillor Brian Vincent last month. (See story on page 18).

A Notice of Poll has now been published on Plymouth City Council’s website.

The deadline for registering to vote in this by-election is midnight on Tuesday 30 May. Anyone who is not yet registered, the easiest way to do this is online. Details of name, address or voting preferences can be updated on the same page online.

Residents who are already registered and would like to vote by post you can download a form at www.plymouth.gov.uk/howvote#vote-by-post. Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on Wednesday May 31.

Anyone with queries should contact the electoral services team on 01752 304866 or email ero@plymouth.gov.uk.

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate in the by-election will need to complete a set of nomination papers, available online and from the electoral services team. Completed papers must be received by 4pm on Thursday May 18.

Smith

Cllr Rebecca Smith pictured with Gareth Streeter, the newly-selected Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and son of Sir Gary Streeter MP.

Turnchapel Post Box with its Coronation decor

Rebecca Smith pictured with the Mrs Murals Butterfly Mural at Plymstock Broadway

Age UK Plymouth’s young people’s volunteering scheme is expanding

As the second group of volunteers from Plymstock School approach the end of their volunteering programme with Age UK Plymouth, the huge success of the scheme has been rolled out into another city secondary school.

The first group of 16 to18 year old students from Lipson Co-operative Academy are about to start their volunteering at the William and Patricia Venton Centre in Mount Gould.

The first group of students from Plymstock School who completed their volunteering at the Age UK Plymouth Dementia Day Centre based Memory Lane in Plymstock found the experience invaluable and has given them the ability to demonstrate proactivity, empathy and an ability to work as part of a team.

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

A-level student Isabella who has chosen to continue volunteering at the Dementia Day Centre said: “It’s been an amazing experience being able to work with such great people. I really enjoyed my time and look forward to continuing this journey with Age UK Plymouth.”

The initial trial and subsequent first round of the programme were both a huge success with almost 100 per cent of volunteers choosing to stay with the charity after their six weeks of volunteering, and there’s certainly a pattern emerging as the second round of Plymstock School volunteers are almost all electing to stay.

“It’s been really incredible to see the dedication from these young people,” said Tracey Walker, Day Centres manager at Age UK Plymouth. “Our Dementia Day Centre is a really wonderful place to be, it can be challenging at times but all of our volunteers experience the sense of joy that we foster with our clients and that is an invaluable experience for our young volunteers.”

Plymstock student Ewan has been grateful for the welcoming and inclusive spirit at Age UK Plymouth:. He said: “In my own personal experience of Age UK at the Dementia Day Centre, I have started to build new relationships with a wide variety of people, in what was previously unfamiliar environment. Both the staff, volunteers and clients were so welcoming and kind, and allowed me to give my time and attention to not only listen to people, but to grow as an overall person too.”

Young volunteer Ruby also believes she has benefitted from the experience she has gained through her time volunteering, and looks forward to continuing to work with the charity. “I have loved getting to know the clients and staff and having fun with the team. I have gained lots of experience with more elderly people and I feel this has really benefitted me,” she said.

Wendy Snook, volunteer coordinator for Age UK Plymouth has worked closely with the students from the interview process through their integration into the teams, She said: “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of all the volunteers from Plymstock School. The level of commitment has been a real testament to these young people and we’re looking forward to working with our first cohort of students from Lipson Co-operative Academy at our Mount Gould Day Centre.”

Elizabeth Monelle, head of Sixth Form at Plymstock School said: “We are delighted to be working with Age UK Plymouth to give some of our students the opportunity to volunteer within

Sherford Life

‘Long live the King!’ some of us shouted. ‘Not my king!’ shouted others.

I’m writing just after the Coronation weekend, where we saw parties and celebrations (and demonstrations too). For many it was the chance to be part of a bit of history, a once-in-a-lifetime event. For others perhaps it was just a chance to have a good old knees-up.

In my own local area in Sherford we had a handful of street parties, spirits un-dampened by the drizzle. Our local over-50s group had a Coronation livestream party in our Community Hub. And as a church we celebrated with a special Coronation-themed Sunday service followed by a ‘Big Lunch’ featuring plenty of Coronation Chicken and even some of the official Coronation Quiche.

Elsewhere in Plymouth the story was the same: street parties, celebration lunches, churches and community centres playing host to people coming together in celebration of a very particular part of our shared British cultural heritage.

Apparently 33 Plymouth streets registered with the City Council for street party closures over the weekend. Various official events due to be held open-air were moved to the Guildhall, including a live screening of the ceremony and a largescale ‘Big Lunch.’

Whatever you think about the monarchy, I hope you found some way to have a good time!

“It’s been a really uplifting experience to work on this project which has seen young people able to develop and gain practical and transferable skills such as, working as part of a team, communication, self-motivation, organisation, time management and initiative. But credit where credit is due, these students have been outstanding, a real pleasure to work with.”

Age UK Plymouth support worker Caitlin began volunteering with the charity whilst still studying for her A-Levels and was recruited by the charity at the Dementia Day Centre.

Responsibility

the local community and for such a good cause. It is another way that our students can show the compassion and goodwill that so many of them have, their willingness to help others always astonishes us during such a busy time in their studies. We have already had a great response to the programme and we are hoping this can be a link with the local community for many years to come.”

Age UK Plymouth has a strong sense of partnership, frequently working with local organisations to bring services, projects and volunteers together.

“Cohesion in the community is fundamental to what we do,” said head of fundraising, Tara Dale. “We’re a local charity serving people within our city and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to connect with many other organisations, businesses and charities who also see the importance of community.

“During my time as a volunteer I was able to improve my confidence as I was an extremely shy person,” said Caitlin. “I developed a new sense of responsibility because I wanted to ensure that clients were able to enjoy their day. The Day Centre contains an incredible group of staff members and volunteers who are all kind-hearted individuals. We all share the same morals and passion surrounding dementia awareness and advocating for vulnerable people, which means that we all work together amazingly and are able to better support clients.”

Like many charities Age UK Plymouth relies on volunteers to help offer vital services in the local community. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the organisation as CEO David Wood explained: “Age UK Plymouth are committed to making our city a community where people Love Later Life. As the need for our services grow, so does the need for volunteers. People may be surprised by how many different ways there are to give their time and skills.

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

By Revd Tom Brassil

Are you a royalist? Cards on the table: I’m not sure whether or not I am. I was an ardent supporter of Queen Elizabeth during her lifetime. I had huge respect for her, despite (or perhaps even because of) watching all six series of The Crown. And I’m quite prepared to continue being a royalist, if Charles turns out to be a good king.

I sincerely hope he will! But at the same time I do have a great deal of sympathy with those who shouted, ‘Not my king!’

Those who (rightly) don’t believe in what used to be called ‘the divine right of kings.’ Those who want more from their leaders. Those who long to be seen, and heard, and actually helped, by the people in the highest echelons of power.

On Sunday May 7 our church’s Coronation-themed service actually focused on another king, who the Bible describes as ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’ (Revelation chapter 1). This is the king to whom Charles III swore allegiance at his own coronation service.

In the same chapter the writer describes an awe-inspiring vision he has of the real king Jesus: a vision that reassured him that Jesus isn’t just divine, but that he has the perfect mix of power and gentleness to rule rightly and lovingly. That’s a king I can get behind! Why not investigate for yourself whether this Jesus might just have ‘the divine right of kings,’ and maybe even the power to be an effective and good leader. What if he really was able to bring evil to an end, and bring about the good we all long for?

For more on why I follow the one the Bible calls the king of kings, send me a message at tom@sherfordchurch.net

Volunteer Ewan

Volunteer Dom

Volunteer Isabella

Volunteer Ruby

Volunteer Jemima pictured with Day Centres Manager Tracy Walker: “I feel I have benefitted by Volunteering with Age UK Plymouth because I have experienced what it would be like to work within a section of Health and Social Care. I have enjoyed meeting new people.”

Tributes paid to former Lord Mayor Brian Vincent

Tributes have been paid to Plymouth City Councillor and former Lord Mayor Brian Vincent, who passed away in April.

Councillor Vincent was a ward councillor for Efford and Lipson. He was first elected in 1997-2000 and was re-elected in 2003. He represented the City as Lord Mayor from 2008 to 2009. Prior to that he was the Deputy Lord Mayor.

Councillor Vincent was also the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Planning and sat on a number of committees, including the Children and Young People committee, Planning committee and more recently the Performance, Finance and Customer Focus committee.

Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, added: “This is very sad news. Councillor Vincent was a real community champion in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed.

“He was a true gentleman and was a pleasure to work with in the Council chamber. He was a very intelligent, thoughtful and methodical person, which made his contribution to the many council committees he served on a valuable one. He will be missed.

“Brian was also well known for his love of Plymouth’s green spaces. He was a champion of the environment and will leave a lasting legacy in Efford and Lipson not just as a councillor, but as someone who put family, community and compassion front and centre in everything he did.”

Councillor Mark Shayer, Interim Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Brian was a hugely dedicated councillor, he was well respected by everyone and will be sorely missed.

“He was a defender of local decision making, a committed public servant and a champion for the people he represented. His loss will be felt by all councillors, regardless of politics. He will be sorely missed.

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of the Labour Group at Plymouth City Council, added: “Myself and all my colleagues in the Labour group are extremely saddened at the passing of such a valued friend and respected colleague.

“Brian had a great sense of humour and was always available for a few words of advice when needed. He was a talented councillor who always conducted himself on the Council with great dignity and politeness to everyone.

“Plymouth has lost a true friend. Our condolences go to his family and friends.”

Alan celebrates his 100th birthday with a game of bowls at the Life Centre!

A former teacher from Plymstock celebrated his 100th birthday recently - by playing bowls at the Plymouth Life Centre!

Centenarian Alan Mitchell celebrated the big day with a game of bowls with friends, including members of the visually impaired section of the Life Centre bowls club, followed by a birthday cream tea and cake provided by the staff of Plymouth Active.

He was also presented with a Lifetime Honorary Membership by the club captain Bob Oaten, as well as a bottle of champagne donated by the catering staff at Plymouth Active.

The occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended and Alan spoke eloquently about his many years with the club, highlighting how friendly and welcoming members were when he first moved to the area,

Alan lives independently in Plymstock and according to his daughter-in-law Polly Mitchell his ‘can do’ attitude is inspiring. She said: “Not only does he enjoy his bowling, but he also keeps active painting with acrylics and carving driftwood. He also

enjoys cooking and replicating international cuisine.

A man of many talents, Alan bred and exhibited Staffordshire Bull Terriers, breeding champions and international champions. He judged the breed at Crufts and internationally and published ‘The Show Stafford Handbook’ which is still quoted worldwide.

Alan was also a keen sailor, sailing Scorpion dinghies into his 80s.

In the Second World War Alan qualified as a Sapper Royal Engineers and was selected for officer training. Alan was in active service in Italy from October 1943 to May 1945. He was wounded three times and won battlefield promotion to captain.

After the war Alan became Head of English at Treviglas School in Newquay and on his 100th birthday Alan received over 100 comments on a Facebook group page from former pupils who clearly held him in high regard as he was an inspirational teacher.

At the age of 90 Alan moved to Plymstock from Newquay to be closer to his family which is when joined the Plymouth Life Centre Bowls Club.

Independents retain Plympton seats in local council elections

Plympton’s two Independent councillors - Patrick Nicholson and Terri Beer - have retained their seats in the recent local elections on May 4, becoming the first Independents in Plympton to be elected at the ballot box.

Cllr Nicholson has represented the St Mary Ward on the council for 30 years, originally as a Conservative, but he resigned from the local Conservative group in January this year after being deselected by the Tories.

In election literature to residents

Cllr Nicholson said: “I have considered retiring but talking to community representatives they are keen that I continue and I am very pleased to be giving you, the voter of Plympton St Mary, the final choice as to whether you wish me to continue to represent you or not, by standing as an Independent candidate.”

It was a decision which the voters answered clearly an unambiguously with more than half those voting casting their vote in his favour. His total number of votes was 1,965, a majority of 1,138 over his next nearest rival, second placed Matthew Boote of the Conservatives who polled 827 votes.

Across the valley in Plympton Erle there was an equal vote of support for Terri Beer who left the Conservatives in March 2021 and continued as an Independent.

More than half of those voting cast their vote for Councillor Beer, giving her a vote tally of 1,236 and a majority of 738 over second placed rival Roger Williams of the Labour Party who polled 498.

Conservative candidate Ashley Ward was pushed into third place with 442 votes.

Speaking to the Plympton Podcast immediately after his election result

Cllr Nicholson said: “I am hugely grateful (to the people of Plympton St Mary) for their continuing support and pledge to do my very best for them for the next four years.”

Asked what future he saw for Independents in Plympton Cllr Nicholson said: “I hope that Plympton can have a firm independent voice that we can grow because Plympton needs decent representation.

“I wish to ensure there is true democracy and debate in the future and that will certainly be a priority, raising those concerns that people of Plympton have in the council chamber and trying to get a real sense of achievement in representing their views.”

Talking of her own election success, Cllr Beer said: “It’s all down to the residents of Plympton Erle and I just thank them for putting their trust in me.”

Addressing concerns raised by Merafield residents about difficulties getting to the polling station in Market Road, Cllr Beer said she empathised with them, but there is no suitable local building in Merafield which can be used.

The old style portable polling stations once used in Merafield are no longer deemed suitable due to disabled access issues and lack of access to welfare facilities for polling station staff.

Cllr Beer said: “I need to do much more work to get people on postal votes in that area and that will alleviate a lot of pressure off a lot of residents and save them that journey down into Market Road.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO TEACH LOCAL ADULTS TO LEARN TO READ!

Since its formation four years ago, Read Easy Plymouth have been successfully helping local adults to learn to read, or to improve their existing reading skills.

Currently, 20 adults in and around Plymouth meet twice a week in a local library or community centre with their Read Easy reading coach. The coaching is provided free of charge and is completely confidential.

Read Easy Plymouth are now appealing for more reading coaches and would be delighted to hear from anyone who may be interested. No previous teaching experience is needed, but coaches must be a fluent reader and be available for two half-hour coaching sessions per week.

Read Easy Plymouth will arrange initial training held online on Zoom, which provides the chance to virtually meet volunteers from other Read Easy groups around the country. Ongoing support will also be provided. Coaches are encouraged to reclaim any out-of-pocket expenses associated with their coaching sessions, such as petrol or parking costs.

Some 2.4 million adults in the UK either can’t read at all, or struggle with this most basic requirement of everyday life.

There are all sorts of reasons why people don’t learn to read as children. Read Easy reading coaches minimise the possible stress and embarrassment involved in learning to read as an adult by providing confidential, one-to-one tuition at flexible times and in discreet and convenient places. People learn in privacy, at their own pace, and with the understanding support of their own dedicated reading coach.

The difference Read Easy makes is genuinely “life-changing”; it’s a phrase that new readers use over and over again. It helps them in so many ways including getting jobs or promotion, or attending training courses as well as becoming independent shoppers, of life’s essentials such as medicines, food and clothing.

New readers also gain increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved mental health as well as reading books, newspapers and accessing social media – completing online forms too.

Contact plymouthrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk for more information. Read Easy Plymouth is affiliated to Read Easy UK, a registered charity covering many areas of the country.

Alan Mitchell pictured on his 100th birthday

It has been a good time to be an avid football fan here in Plymouth of late.

At the time of writing Plymouth Argyle have just finished their season and have done so in some style, winning League One with a huge points total of 101!

They beat some very large club sides to the title including Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town who took the fight right down to the wire. With the comparative operating budgets of the clubs, Argyle’s success can be seen as a bit of a David v Goliath victory. Argyle representing David in this particular case.

When the squad celebrated their victory with a boat trip to the Barbican and an open top bus parade of the city, the impact of their success on the people of Plymouth was clear. People lined the streets and thousands turned up at Home Park to cheer on their heroes. All that despite wet weather all day!

Whether you are a football fan or not the success is a mark of civic pride for many and will reap economic benefit for the city. The club sides in the Championship are on another level again and will bring more fans, and more revenue, to the city. The challenge of competing at the next level is one which the club are relishing and the Green Army are very much

Classic story of redemption

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

looking forward to witnessing.

This success is made all the more special by considering the recent history of the football club. 10 years ago almost to the day the club only just avoided relegation out of the football league entirely. That narrow escape had been preceded by dreadful ownership issues and the club having to go into administration. Plymouth Argyle had been perilously close to disappearing from existence all together.

Thankfully with the initial takeover by James Brent and the subsequent investment and current ownership of Simon Hallett the club is now sustainably run and back where it should be.

Redemption stories like this are so wonderful to hear. All too often we are fed in the media the fall from grace parts of these but it is so important to learn of how situations and even people’s lives have been turned around for the good. The main reason being that we need help to turn things around too.

You may be reading this and find yourself in the midst of a very low life ebb. Perhaps through even your own actions you find yourself in the personal equivalent of where Argyle found themselves all those years ago. Directionless, without much resource and clinging on for survival.

Anyone in the know will tell you that the transformation that has taken place at Home Park has only happened through the hard work and dedication of a whole host of people who have gone about their business consistently behind the scenes. Turning things around takes this sort of commitment.

Encouragingly Plymouth Argyle’s turnaround has happened much quicker than anyone thought possible.

It is my hope that in reading this article you are encouraged that the same can happen to you. The comparison to a football club might be too tenuous to do that for you so I want to encourage you with the wonderful Life

Stories interviews we hear on Cross Rhythms Plymouth.

I mentioned these in my last article and if you are struggling at the moment, listening to these real people telling their stories of redemption in their own lives may be exactly what you need.

You can listen to them online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth and click on ‘Listen Again’ and ‘Life Stories’.

The common theme among them all is how they have personally encountered God for themselves and come to know and follow him in their lives.

At its core the Christian message is all about redemption. Through the person and sacrifice of Jesus all of humanity is redeemed.

This redemption is open to you as much as it is to anyone else. I encourage you to reach out to God in your own way.

As a result, like the situation for Plymouth Argyle, your life may well turn around for good much sooner than you can currently imagine!

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

PLYMOUTH BREST TWINNING PANEL CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP

A group of people from Brest in France will be arriving in Plymouth in May to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the twinning link between the two cities.

Over 40 visitors from the French city will arrive in Plymouth on May 18. All are members of the link and, for this visit, will be divided into two groups. Half of the group will be concentrating their time visiting The Box, Arts University Plymouth, Levinsky Gallery and Karst as they are ‘Ami du Musee’ – Friends of Brest Museum and Art Gallery.

Prior to the construction of The Box, there was a similar organisation in Plymouth: Friends of Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery, now sadly disbanded. This group will leave for St Ives and Penzance on May 21 to continue an itinerary of visits to galleries and exhibitions in Cornwall.

The whole group will welcomed by Victoria Pomeroy, chief executive of The Box and members of her staff on May 19. There will be an architectural tour of the building followed by free time to browse through the exhibitions.

On Friday evening, there will be social gathering and musical soiree at Stoke Damerel Church, with a meal and Breton and English folk dancing. Part of the group is a Breton band called Bep Sort, who will play in various pubs in the city. On Saturday and Sunday the programme will include visits to places of interest.

All members of the group are hosted by local families, some of whom have been members of the twinning for many years and others are new to the organisation. The musical link is particularly important and enjoyed by both nationalities.

The last major visit was a linking of various choirs to sing Karl Jenkins composition the Armed Man: a mass for peace, in November 2018 to commemorate the end of World War 1. Many links exist outside the auspices of the ‘twinning panel’ and enhance the city’s French connection.

Plymouth has been twinned with Brest since 1963. The ethos of such international friendship links was to repair the damage done by wars and to promote good relationships between nations.

Brest has a deep and protected natural harbour and has much in common with Plymouth in its strategic miliary important and naval history. During World War 2, it was badly bombed during the siege of the city in September 1944.

It was reconstructed after the war and has a similar

population to Plymouth, with a university, major engineering schools with large numbers of students and research scientists.

Numerous activities have linked the two cities over the years, some still going strong and others disbanded. Also, the pandemic and Brexit have had a detrimental affect on exchanges, cultural visits, sporting and musical alike.

This year has seen the return of some student groups to local language schools, which have been badly affected by both Covid and Brexit. European students may no longer travel with identity cards, and must have passports which are costly and administrative waiting times have prevented some groups from visiting Plymouth.

Prior to Brexit many European students were able to take part in work experiences in commercial enterprises, refugee support agencies, charity shops and nurseries. Such experiences had become an integral part of the school programme.

These changes have affected French connections, as many

student groups are now considering visiting Ireland, Malta or further afield.

Speaking on behalf of the twinning panel, Marilyn Goldsbrough said: “Our Breton friends are very keen to resume our link with vigour and enthusiasm. We feel that we are part of a closely connected Anglo-French family as many of our members have known each other for a very long time.

“A group from the drama department of Plymouth University took a modest production to Brest at the end of March, and negotiations are in place for a street dance taster session later in the year.”

Plans are already in the pipeline for the return twinning visit in mid September. Twinning is open to all who are interested in the French language, culture and simply getting to know French people on a reciprocal basis of shared accommodation and entente cordiale.

There is no obligation to speak good French: just a modest smattering will fit the bill! Anyone interested can contact Marilyn on 07890 165524.

Dave Simpson

Breton band Bep Sort will be be playing in various pubs during their visit

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ACCESS ALL AREAS!

Access Plymouth provides Plymouth’s ShopMobility service, part of ShopMobility UK, a nationwide network of centres which hire out mobility equipment to the public.

The charity has a range of equipment including manual wheelchairs, powerchairs, mobility scooters and walkers so people with restricted mobility can enjoy independence outdoors.

Open to anyone over the age of 18 who are looking to access shops and leisure facilities in the city centre.

Access Plymouth provides reliable and comfortable equipment that ensure confidence and peace of mind.

They have a dedicated team which includes 10 volunteers and with over 3,600 hires last year the service is well equipped to support everyone.

‘Panda Warmer’ for Derriford Hospital

Derriford Hospital Children’s Wards have taken delivery of a much needed ‘Panda Warmer’ which is an innovative piece of equipment featuring a number of technological devices to ensure the wellbeing of newly-born children.

The vital piece of equipment, which has been partly funded by the Lions Club of Plymouth, provides a warm and safe environment for the new-born.

The all-in-one, integrated solution helps babies

go home healthy.

All the tools are in one place, making it easier to have the clinical confidence to give babies the seamless care they need.

A built-in scale makes taking baby’s weight easy and there is no need to move baby to another piece of equipment.

A brilliant, full-colour display shows patient information in an easy-to-read format while displaying patient parameters, such as temperature, weight, oxygen levels and ECG.

Linda, a customer, said: “I wouldn’t be able to get into town and meet my daughter without using a mobility scooter from Access Plymouth. It keeps me independent. Everyone is so helpful and having a private car park in the centre of town makes everything really easy.”

If walking longer distances is a problem or spending time outdoors

with friends and family is challenging, Access Plymouth can help.

Based in Mayflower East Car Park, customers can park and access the city shops and leisure outlets with ease. Prices start as little as £5 for daily hire. The service is open Monday to Saturday 9.15am to 4pm.

Access Plymouth is a registered charity and has 25 volunteers and 13 staff.

The charity also runs a community transport service for local residents to get out and about in Plymouth. Last year, they made over 9,000 trips for people using their transport services.

To find out more about ShopMobility at Access Plymouth call 01752 600633, email info@accessplymouth.co.uk or visit www. accessplymouth.co.uk

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KSR

Shop gives Parkinson’s cause a boost

A special raffle and fundraising day was staged at Nimrif Radio Controlled Model Shop in Moorland Road at the end of April to mark the end of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

The event raised over £1,300 for Parkinson’s UK, via raffle sales and donations and an added bonus for the day was an appearance by Darth Vader who people were keen to be photographed with.

One of the prize-winners in the draw was Chris Hogben who won a remote-controlled car. He said: “Well done for hosting the event, raising money and awareness for such a worthy charity. I’m blown away to have won a prize, thanks so much; It’s awesome.”

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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A major chess congress for Plymouth primary and secondary age students, will be held at Plymouth College in June.

The tournament is being organised by Plymouth Chess Club and takes place on Saturday June 24.

Alan Crickmore, president of Plymouth Chess Club said: “We currently have a group of students attending the Plymouth Chess Club every week for tuition, and the benefits are already evident.

“We know there are many more students, both boys and girls, playing chess in schools, and our objective is to encourage these groups, and what better way than to hold a congress with free entry.

He said there were many advantages playing chess. “It appears to improve logical thinking, academic performance, confidence, patience, a sense of fair play, and above all, the ability to meet and communicate with new friends.”

Prizes will be awarded and all players will receive a certificate. A bookstall with books at modest

MAJOR CHESS TOURNAMENT PLANNED IN PLYMOUTH

prices suitable for players, but particularly those in the early stages of playing chess, will be available.

Alan added: “We have a very experienced committee, who are keen to ensure that this inaugural congress is a success.”

Further information will be sent to all Plymouth schools in the next few weeks and it is hoped this will lead to more chess being played in schools and lead to an online inter-school league.

For more information call 01752 768206.

Start a new career in child and family social work

Graduates and people looking for a career change are being invited to ‘Step Up to Social Work’ and join Plymouth City Council’s Children’s Services team.

Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time, highly-rewarding training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of child and family social workers.

It is designed for people who want to become a social worker, but do not have a degree in social work. Successful applicants train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience in a local authority, receiving support with training costs and a bursary of £19,833 over the duration of the programme. Applications are open now.

Applicants eligible for the programme, which includes financial support alongside training, will be individuals with experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults, and who can demonstrate emotional resilience and potential for success.

Step Up To Social Work aims to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds resulting in a workforce that represents the society that it serves.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Plymouth, and our team of social workers play a vital role here in helping to support vulnerable children and their families.

“If you’re looking for a new career where you can really make a positive difference to people’s lives, please consider stepping up to social work and joining our passionate and determined Children’s Services team.”

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:  “I’ve been truly inspired by the social workers that I’ve met. The passion and support they provide for children and families is a real testament to the profession and it is what makes it such a rewarding career. To attract more great social workers we’re helping councils, including Plymouth City Council, with recruitment and retention, along with better support for social workers with new early career development.”

The Step Up programme is backed by a £25 million investment by the Department for Education to support 700 individuals to enter the social work profession in local authorities across England in 2024.

This will be the eighth cohort of Step Up since 2010, since then the programme has successfully supported over 2,300 social workers to enter the profession across England.

For more information visit susw.eu-careers.pocketrecruiter.com/

Spend the night with sharks!

Children and families will get the chance to experience what happens underwater at night with the return of Sleeping with Sharks at the National Marine Aquarium.

Launching on May 27, the Aquarium is opening its doors late at night to give the public a chance to explore the venue, before sleeping in the Eddystone Reef exhibit, where the sharks and other sealife dwell.

It’s a great opportunity to uncover the maritime-mysteries of what sea life gets up to when no one is around, Sleeping with Sharks is a combination of education and entertainment.

Evenings at the aquarium are geared at getting across a great understanding of the marine environment and how to help keep it safe.

The series of events includes an after-dark tour of the aquarium, arts and crafts, games throughout the aquarium, a big screen movie in front of the Eddystone Reef Tank, midnight snack, followed by breakfast in the morning.

For tickets and more information visit www.national-aquarium. co.uk/events/sleeping-with-sharks-at-the-aquarium/

Optometry taster day for clear-sighted pupils

Plymouth University hosted a special taster day for 50 South West pupils to inspire them to be tomorrow’s opticians.

The event was organised by Lecturer in Optometry Alice Cottle and sponsored by Specsavers.

The pupils, all in Years 10 to 13, met academic staff from the University’s Optometry programme, attended mini lectures on eye anatomy and visual processing, and had the opportunity to participate in a practical session using equipment in the optometry lab.

They also met students from the University and optometrists from different settings to highlight the range of opportunities available and support the message that, as a career choice, optometry is much broader than people might think.

Miss Cottle, the module lead for Clinical Optometry Skills in Year One of the BSc (Hons) Optometry programme and herself a graduate of the University, said: “Optometry is a hugely

rewarding profession, and it was great to see so many young people enjoy learning about it.

“We want to inspire the next generation of optometrists and provide practical learning and opportunities for patient facing activity to help achieve that. Our student satisfaction rating reflects the popularity of our approach,

Harbour charity launches powerful film featuring chief executive’s story

Harbour, Plymouth’s leading substance misuse charity, has launched a powerful short film documenting the potential severe consequences of trauma.

The film features the incredible story of Harbour’s Julie Howes - from using substances to escape her own trauma to a career with Harbour, eventually leading the charity as its chief executive.In the film Julie said that anyone could turn to using substances problematically to escape trauma. In the UK more than a quarter of a million people are in contact with drug and alcohol services, and deaths are increasing.

In recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of women seeking help for substance misuse. People struggling with addiction are encouraged talk to their friends and family and seek help. Harbour has been helping women, men, young and old for more than 35 years and never turns anyone away. Alongside its partners within the Plymouth Alliance for Complex Needs, the charity is helping people who need them most.

For more information visit www.harbour.org.uk or go to their Facebook page.

and we hope the pupils we met during this event will become the next generation of satisfied students in the future.”

Lucy Knock, Early Careers manager at Specsavers, helped facilitate the day and gave a presentation on how Specsavers can support students through school and university.

Luke Serle, a pre-reg optometrist from the Plymouth Armada Way practice and another Plymouth graduate, also joined her for a question-and-answer session on what life as a pre-reg is like.

Lucy said: “This event was a remarkable success and I want to thank the University for its efforts to inspire students to consider optometry as a career. It was fantastic to see the profession being showcased by Alice and her colleagues and Specsavers was pleased to be able to support the day, not least because our purpose is to change lives. We may have just done that for some of the young people during the day.”

Julie Howes

It’s bags of comfort for Plymouth children who are going into care

Plymouth children who have to leave everything that’s familiar to go into the care of the local authority will now be given a My Journey bag full of items to make the experience easier.

Hand knitted toys, books, pyjamas and toiletries will be among the items packed into a special rucksack they can call their own throughout their care journey.

It’s thanks to a partnership between the children’s charity Barnardo’s and Plymouth City Council, who together deliver Plymouth Care Journeys, and the Buddy Bag Foundation, a charity that has been providing bags of comfort and inspiration since 2015.

Children who are taken into care may have to leave their home with nothing, or just have a plastic bag with a few basic items.

The idea of the My Journey bags is to provide a child with their own personal bag full of essential and comforting items which they can keep with them, helping them to increase their sense of self-worth, security and belonging.

Jemma Flower, Barnardo’s Children’s Services manager with Plymouth Care Journeys, said: “These bags have the potential to make a real difference to the experience of many children and young people during those first few days when they enter care.

“Coming into care for the first time can be extremely daunting and emotional, we hope these bags will provide children and young people with some comfort and distraction.

“Each bag was packed with love and care and will be personalised to each individual young person with a handwritten card,” she added.

Care experienced young people from the city joined a team from Barnardo’s and Plymouth council to pack 200 My Journey bags and explained what having such a bag would have meant to them.

One said: “It would have made a massive difference if I came into care with supplies, I had nothing with me. It would make

young people think people do care and don’t want to see us struggle.”

Another said: “I think this is an amazing idea and will really help young people who may be coming to a strange home with little or nothing. Having something they can use or play with that may be a comfort to them may help them feel more welcome.

“It’ll give them something to do while they settle in, especially if they wish to stay in their room while they get used to their surroundings.”

The team travelled to the Buddy Bags base in Sutton Coldfield to pack the rucksacks. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers and has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Volunteers have packed more than 51,000 bags since 2015.

Founder Karen Williams was inspired to set up Buddy Bags after coming across a similar scheme in Australia.

Plymouth children and young people will receive their items packed into Madlug bags.

The Madlug (Make a Difference Luggage) foundation provides a free travel bag for a child in care for every bag purchased by a member of the public. Bags can also be gifted and the charity gives care experienced young people job training and entrepreneurial opportunities.

For more information: plymouth.carejourneys.org. uk/ www.buddybagfoundation. co.uk/ www.madlug.com/

Bags of comfort: Care experienced young people and staff from Plymouth Care Journeys and Plymouth City Council with Buddybags chief executive Karen Williams (second from left)

Bags of comfort: Kirsty, a Buddy Bags volunteer, Sophia Morgan, Care Journeys project worker and Ibby, a care experienced young person filling the bags

New autism team offering support for Plymouth children and families

Step Up Speech and Language is launching a brand new autism service called Plymouth Autism Team for children and families in Plymouth.

Step Up Speech and Language has been working on creating a new autism team for several months. They will be providing expert knowledge and support to parents who are trying to get their child assessed and potentially diagnosed with autism, as well as helping deliver interventions to help children achieve lifelong goals with their communication and development.

Plymouth Autism Team can assess the child at home, their school/nursery or online. After this they will be able to provide a breakdown of the child’s ability to communicate and interact with their surroundings.

Once this has happened they will help to develop the child’s skills with interacting with their family and peers, supply and teach techniques to help get the child talking, help increase their attention span and social awareness and utilise sensory communication aids like Makaton.

Founder Lisa Taylor Jones said: “Around one in 57 children in the UK is on the autistic spectrum. Lots of parents worry that their child might be autistic, and can find it difficult to get answers quickly due to long waiting lists.

“Often parents are stressed out as they don’t know what they can do to help their child. At Step Up we take away that stress by providing parents with honest answers to their questions and help them to find a way forward with their child.

“ We provide assessment and advice to help children achieve lifelong skills and move forward

with their communication.”

Autism services available from the new Plymouth Autism Team include autism assessment by a highly skilled speech and language therapist; clinical reports; direct intervention with one to one therapy sessions at home or school and helping parents learn who to support their child in their ability to communicate at the very early stages.

A parent with autistic child said: “I’d thoroughly recommend Plymouth Autism Team to anyone –especially those who have been stuck on waiting lists and are wanting a prompt, honest and proactive approach.”

Taylor Jones,

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 July edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on June 9 with a copy deadline of May 25. 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.

A SENDCo teacher added: “We were unsure what we could do to help him. Now you work with him - he’s talking in class and now we see him playing with other children at lunchtime.

“That’s really what we always wanted for him. Your input has made such a difference!”

The Plymouth Autism Team has also been working with local schools to deliver sessions with teaching staff to help raise awareness and provide support to children with autism.

Find out more information on the website www.stepupspeechandlanguageplymouth.com/ plymouthautismteam

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).

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of

Lisa

founder of the Plymouth Autism Team