Plymouth Chronicle - Plympton & Plymstock - March 2021

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See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

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Plympton & Plymstock

March 2021

COVID UPDATE

CONNECT WITH US

Gables Dogs and Cats Home are caring for a 13 year old cat who has been evicted from his home See page 6

Talented singer Esther Cole has made her way through to The Voice Battle Rounds See page 13

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

Helicopter heroes

Little James Berry from Plymouth and his mum Natalie meet pilots Mark Woodley (left) and Dave Burgess (right) from the Children’s Air Ambulance during a special event in Bristol. James was just four months old when the helicopter heroes airlifted him to Derriford.

• See story on page 13

2 March 2021

2 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

We will make Plymouth stronger

By Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council Over the past few weeks I have been reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on Plymouth.

The pandemic has been devastating for so many people – not just in Plymouth but across the globe. The danger of COVID-19 is self-evident. As I write this today we have lost 148 local people to this terrible virus, with many more fighting for their lives.

Whilst the pandemic has been (and will continue to be) hugely challenging, it has also been inspirational seeing how we, residents, community groups, charities and businesses have pulled together

to support one and all through such turbulent times.

Now there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. The NHS vaccination roll-out programme is well underway.

But that isn’t the end of the COVID-19 story. The cost of the pandemic will have a lasting impact – to our local economy, to our NHS, to our people.

This week we published our Council budget, which outlines how we will invest in future local services that will continue to protect Plymouth despite a greater demand on our services.

We now have more people than ever claiming Council Tax Support. There has been increase in the number of residents who are homeless or threatened with homelessness – with at least 2,760 now

needing our help. We’ve also seen a rise in those who are furloughed or unemployed.

Over 3,580 vulnerable adults need our social care support and since March we have seen significant increases in the number of children who are in care, costing over £4 million a year.

We must be braced for these numbers to rise. And we must prioritise our finances for those most in need.

Therefore, at the heart of this budget is the need to keep Plymouth safe and help the city come back stronger.

I would like to end by thanking you for everything you are doing to keep our infection rates low. I know it has been tough. We will get to the other side of this and there will be brighter tomorrows.

LET’S NOT TAKE OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS

I am pleased that as I write this, our COVID-19 infection rates are continuing to drop. This is great news, although I think the increase we saw was a bit of a wake-up call that it really doesn’t take much for case numbers to escalate.

Once again a huge thank-you for your hard work, the sacrifices you have made in not seeing your families and friends and the upheaval in your working lives and education of children.

But when it comes to saving lives, it has been worth it.

We must not take our foot off the gas. You will have all heard the news about the new strains of COVID-19 across the country. This new strain is virulent and spreads fast.

The NHS vaccination programme is accelerating across the city and thousands

of people have already had their first dose, either at a hospital, GP Hub, the new largescale vaccination centre at Home Park or a local pharmacy.

You will have hopefully seen the NHS call-out to those who are 70 or over, or clinically extremely vulnerable, who have not yet received the vaccine. If that is you please contact the NHS now and register for your vaccination. You can do this online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. Everyone else, please wait until you are contacted.

Over the next few weeks we will also be launching our new Community Testing Programme, where we will be inviting local key workers who are not displaying symptoms to have a regular COVID-19 test.

Please make sure you watch the Council’s website and social media feeds for more information.

And finally – I know I don’t need to remind everyone – but please help us keep our infection rates down by continuing to follow the lockdown rules.

I know everyone is tired and restless, but if we get this right, it will save a lot of anguish in months to come.

Stay Safe Plymouth.

By Dr Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymout

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19. There are also daily updates on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Vaccine continues to roll out across Plymouth Thousands of people in Plymouth are now being vaccinated against COVID-19, as the biggest vaccination programme in the NHS’s history gathers pace.

A few weeks ago the Home Park vaccination centre opened. The centre is managed by the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and will provide local people with another option when they receive their invitation for an appointment.

More than 145,000 people have received their first jab in Devon, with around 80 per cent of people aged 80 and over already vaccinated.

We know you will have questions about the vaccine and we hope the following information will help.

Who is being offered the vaccine?

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. At this time, the vaccine is being offered to people over 70, those who work in care homes and health and care workers at high risk. The vaccine will be offered more widely, and at other locations, as soon as possible.

How will I know it is my turn to get the vaccine?

The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It is important NOT to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then, unless you are

over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable and haven’t yet been invited. When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation either by telephone or letter either from your GP or the national booking system.

This letter will include all the information you will need to book appointments, including your NHS number.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, says the vaccines are very safe and highly effective. As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development

and manufacturing process and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being rolled out.

Is the vaccine vegan/vegetarian friendly?

Yes. There is no material of animal or dairy origin in either vaccine.

Do I need to have the vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.

Can I have the vaccine if I am pregnant?

The vaccines have not yet been tested in pregnancy, so until more information is available, in general those who are pregnant should not have this vaccine.

It is best to delay until after the baby is born; the vaccine is safe to have if you are breastfeeding. There may be a few exceptions such as when the woman is at very high risk for COVID-19, where they may decide to proceed after discussion with their GP or specialist. There is no evidence that the vaccine can effect fertility, and you do not need to avoid pregnancy after the vaccine.

Do I still need to follow the lockdown rules if I have received the vaccine?

Yes. It is really important to remember that it takes about three weeks for your own immune system to respond to the vaccine and for you to be protected. Those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are reminded that they must continue to follow the public health rules, including staying at home, social distancing, regularly washing hands and wearing a face covering.

For more information about the vaccine visit www.togetherfordevon.uk.

March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Don’t get caught out by scammers As the COVID-19 vaccination programme steps up a gear, Plymouth City Council is urging residents to beware of vaccine fraudsters.

The vaccine is a vital tool in our fight against COVID-19 and a safe and effective way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Sadly, there have been cases reported of dishonest individuals approaching members of the public to offer vaccines in return for payment. Therefore, we want to remind everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and that the NHS will get in touch when it is your turn to receive it.

If you’re contacted by anyone claiming to

be from the NHS who asks for payment or a fee – or who gives you a link to a website to take payment for the vaccine – it is a scam.

No-one from the NHS would come and knock on your door unannounced and you would not receive emails inviting you to click on links.

If anyone approaches you in this way, or attempts to force or coerce you into handing over funds – in person or otherwise – always contact the police.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

24/7 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN PLYMOUTH

Livewell Southwest is here to support you if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Livewell is the social enterprise delivering free NHS mental health support for children and adults across Plymouth, including the First Response Service and Crisis Response Service, who provide 24/7 dedicated support if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis.

First Response is available to support people aged 18 and over who might be feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health.

The free service is available 24/7 on 0800 923 9323. Calls are answered by a trained mental health professional who will offer

dedicated support and advice or signpost or refer you to another service.

Face-to-face visits are made when necessary and the team can support people virtually via the Livewell Connect app.

Children and young people struggling with their mental health can also access round-the-clock support from their Crisis Response Service by calling 01752 435122.

And if you’re generally struggling with anxiety, depression or you’ve been feeling down lately, you can access help from Livewell’s Plymouth Options service.

It’s perfectly normal to be feeling this way during uncertain times and it’s important to access support if you are.

It’s a free, confidential NHS talking therapy service that can help you feel better, by giving you the tools and techniques to help improve your wellbeing.

Options is open to people aged 16 and over who are registered with a Plymouth GP and you can self-refer by emailing PCHCIC. plymouthoptions@ nhs.net, by calling 01752 435419 or by searching for ‘Plymouth Options’ online.

Financial support available to help Plymouth businesses Plymouth business owners are urged to check what financial support is available to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

The Invest Plymouth website (investplymouth. co.uk) is regularly updated with the latest news and advice for businesses and you can sign up to receive the email newsletter to get all the information you need directly into your inbox.

The Plymouth City Council-run website also contains all the details of the coronavirus business grants, the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) and the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

This includes everything business owners need to know about eligibility, if and how you

can claim and guidance about the process.

The LRSG is available to support rate-paying businesses that have been forced to close due to lockdown restrictions, while the ARG is a discretionary fund to support other businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

These grant schemes are intended to help with fixed business costs rather than to replace lost income.

Since April 2020, the Council has paid out more than £64 million in grants to thousands of local businesses to support them through the challenges of the last year.

You can also stay up-to-date with all the latest business news in Plymouth by following @InvestPlymouth on Twitter.

NOTE: The information on these pages was correct at time of going to press on February 11.

Please visit plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 for latest updates or sign up for email updates with the latest news and information at bit.ly/plymouthemailalerts

3

Plans to convert bungalow into a house stirs up mixed reaction

City planners have given the go-ahead to the redevelopment of a bungalow in Copse Close, Plympton into a two storey box-style house amid a mixed reaction from local residents, which included objections from some people living below in Underwood Road.

Ward Councillor Terri Beer described the proposed new look of the building as ‘a blot on the landscape’ and told the planning committee that it did not fit in with the overall historical look of the area with properties dating back to the early 1800s.

“It does not fit in with a Grade II listed building not even a stone’s throw away from this proposal,” she said, adding that it would cause much damage to the historical nature of Underwood Village which would never be reversed.

The committee heard that the applicant had worked positively with the local authority regarding pre-planning discussions and design amendments and that there had been some letters of support as well as objections.

The council case officer informed the committee that Copse Close is outside the nearest conservation area and that there are a mixture of different property types which have been built in the area bordering Underwood since the 1960s.

A resident in Underwood Road, speaking on behalf of herself and her neighbours, explained to planners the concerns they had of being overlooked from the heightened property and the loss of view they would have of the nearby Hardwick Woods.

Cllr Patrick Nicholson subsequently moved to reject the application. This was seconded by Cllr Maddi Bridgeman (Cons.

Moor View) but this motion to reject the application was defeated by 8 votes to 5.

This left the case officer’s recommendation to grant permission to be voted upon. Cllr Nicholson succeeded in getting two amendments to the recommendation before the next vote. These amendments included the preservation of a tree on site and the removal of future permitted development rights, meaning that any future proposed structural alterations would have to be subjected to another planning application.

The committee subsequently granted permission for the application subject to these two amendments, again by 8 votes to 5.

Committee Chairman Cllr Bill Stevens described the application as ‘part of a natural evolution of an area’.

He told his committee colleagues: “Places like this, and Plympton is no exception, do change and I think that we do have a modern, innovative design which will find its place in the townscape there and whether people appreciate it is slightly outside our consideration.”

After the committee’s decision a number of residents posted positive comments on social media, remarking that the design ‘looks amazing’, is ‘very modern’ and that ‘it is going to be a lovely house’. (story courtesy of www.

PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

4 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Beaver fever in Forder Valley!

The first beaver in Plymouth for over 400 years finally has a female companion.

lodges together. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on proceedings.

The introduction of the new arrival continues the work of the Green Minds project, which will create more spaces for wildlife and nature in different pockets around the city and encourage more people to connect with nature.

As well as being charismatic, beavers are fascinating creatures as they engineer their

The female Eurasian beaver arrived in Plymouth in January and was immediately released in the specially designed re-wilding enclosure near Poole Farm.

Remarkable footage shows her meeting with her companion, who was released in November last year, for the very first time. Having left her cage, she swam around the pond for several minutes, before the male emerged from his lodge. They swam together before having a little ‘getting to know you tussle’ in the water.

Like her male friend, the new arrival weights around 20kg and was also caught in the wild in the Tay Catchment in Scotland.

The pair’s behaviour and actions will now be monitored in the hope that its actions will reduce flooding further downstream and create habitats for wildlife in the Bircham Valley.

It’s all part of the Green Minds project, a city council initiative which will re-wild urban parks, gardens and Photo: Chris Parkes verges and introduce a new system of working with partners. Crucially, it will surroundings by felling trees, damming sections of encourage more people from all walks of life to river and creating a network of canals. They also enjoy the health benefits that our green spaces create wetland habitats which are great for birds, provide. fish and invertebrates and they also ‘slow the flow’ Although around 20% of beavers are solitary, of water during and after rainfall that can help most are sociable and prefer to live in family reduce flooding downstream. groups where they build dams, ponds and live in

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Two very similar rivers – Bircham and Seaton will be monitored to see how the beavers are able to make positive impacts. We can compare and contrast with the Seaton stream which has similar characteristics.

Beavers also lead to improved water quality and quantity and store carbon in a really efficient way to help combat the climate emergency.

Both the beavers have come from the Tay catchment in Scotland. There, beavers have been in the wild for some time and as a result, where there are conflicts with farmers, a licence can be obtained to cull them. Both beavers have been rescued from this fate and will now live a very happy life in the six hectare re-wilding enclosure, which covers 600 metres of river in a wooded valley.

The city council has been working with partners including leading beaver experts at Devon Wildlife Trust, rewilding specialist Dereck Gow and Roisin Campbell–Palmer, the UK’s top beaver ecologist, to ensure the beavers settle in.

For more information visitwww. greenmindsplymouth.com or follow the Natural Infrastructure team on social media at www.facebook. com/natureplymouth and www.twitter.com/ NaturePlymouth Find out more about Poole Farm and the surrounding Derriford Community Park project go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/poolefarm

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Former Plymstock Councillor Ken Foster is among three former councillors to have been honoured for their years of public service by being made Aldermen of the City of Plymouth.

The honour of Alderman is traditionally given to former members who were either a past Lord Mayor or have served at least 15 years for the Council (or both).

Ken Foster became a Devon County Councillor in 1995 representing Plymstock Radford and then became a Plymouth City Councillor when Plymouth became a Unitary Authority in 1998, serving in the post until he retired at the May 2019 elections.

He served as Lord Mayor between 2009 and 2010 and Deputy Lord Mayor between 2007 and 2008. As well as being a busy city councillor Ken was a founder member of, and also served for 27 years with Plymouth Cruse Bereavement Care.

Also made Aldermen were Jean Nelder and Dr John Mahony.

Jean Nelder was one of Plymouth’s longest serving city councillors (1987 to 2015) and received the Honorary Freedom of the City for her services to Plymouth in 2015. Throughout Jean’s time on the council she maintained the respect and admiration of local people and opposition politicians because of her personal integrity and commitment. She has managed to stay rooted in her community, engaging local people to help deliver improvements, while also handling with distinction demanding leadership responsibilities, as well as a period as Deputy Lord Mayor.

Dr John Mahony was first elected as a councillor for the old Trelawny Ward in 2000 before he was re-elected for the Peverell ward in 2003 where he served until May 2019. He was elected as Lord Mayor in 2015 and served as Deputy Lord Mayor between 2003 and 2004. Dr Mahony has worked as a GP in the city since 1984 until he retired in 2013.

Police appeal after unexplained fire

Police are appealing for information after an unexplained fire at a property in Plymouth.

The fire service were called to a fire on Fort Austin Avenue at approximately 1.10pm on Wednesday February 3.

The fire is understood to have started within an outside storage area and spread to the nearby garage and adjoining house.

Police subsequently attended the property and an investigation was launched to identify the cause of the fire.

No-one were injured but significant damage was caused to the property.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via email on 101@dc.police. uk quoting CR/008591/21.

6 March 2021

Renters urged to check if they might qualify for extra financial help Tenants in Plymouth who are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit are being reminded by Plymouth City Council that they may be eligible for extra financial help if they are struggling to cover their rent.

A Discretionary Housing Payment may be available if there is a shortfall between the amount of housing related benefits people receive and the rent they pay, if they are in rent arrears or need to pay removal costs or rent in advance to be able to move to somewhere more suitable for their needs.

People may also be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment if: • they have a spare bedroom that Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not pay for • there is someone in their property who has a disability • a benefit cap has reduced the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit they receive These are only examples and don’t cover all the circumstances in which a Discretionary Housing Payment can be awarded. To find out more information including how to apply visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/benefitsandgrants/ discretionaryhousingpayments or ring 01752 668000.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development said: “We would encourage tenants to see if a Discretionary Housing Payment could give them some welcome financial assistance. Anyone who rents and receives Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit may be eligible, so please look into whether this payment could help you and your family.”

“What care means to me” - Natalie

At Friends Helping at Home we are really keen to share the amazing stories of our service providers. Our dedicated ladies and gents work tirelessly to support clients across the South West. In this article, we celebrate the lovely Natalie!

Natalie has worked in both our Plymouth and Torbay branches and continues to share the love across the South West.

How did your journey in care begin?

I worked in a supermarket for a while and found that I was having a lot of panic attacks. I noticed how much focussing on other people calmed me so I decided to change my job to something more people focussed. I got a job in a small care home in Newton Abbot and it changed my life. Now there is nothing that I would rather do.

6 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

New baby causes Tattered Tom’s eviction Gables Dogs and Cats Home in Plympton have taken in a dishevelled 13 year old cat, as his owners were expecting a new baby and were concerned that the cat would make the baby ill and get the baby dirty!

When Tattered Tom, as he has affectionately been named, arrived at Gables it soon became obvious that he was suffering from more than just his rundown, untidy looks.

His fur was matted, greasy and heavily discoloured – the result of not being able to groom himself.

This has also left him with a rather distinctive odour. He was born with a cleft lip, which makes eating and breathing normally much more difficult for him.

Poor old Tattered Tom

The poor old boy will require immediate treatment for dental disease, blood tests to see if he has any underlying conditions and basic care such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatment. He also has a heart murmur, which will require treatment once fit enough.

Tattered Tom has done nothing wrong, he is just one of the thousands of unlucky pets that find themselves needing a new home each year, due to a change in their owner’s circumstances. Sadly this trend is likely to increase when people start to go back to work once the pandemic is under control and we come out of lockdown.

Ruth Rickard, deputy manager at Gables said: “As soon as I saw a picture of Tattered Tom’s face, I saw another golden oldie that desperately needs our help! We certainly appear to be seeing an increase in the amount of older dogs and cats needing help, which is such a shame.

Tattered Tom has turned out to be a very sweet and affectionate old boy who wants nothing more than to just curl up on someone’s lap”.

It is estimated it will cost Gables around £4,000 to treat all of Tattered Tom’s medical issues, and provide ongoing medical support to ensure that he will be happy and comfortable for the rest of his life.

Gables Dogs and Cats Home

Why do you love your work so much?

I find it really comforting to know how much I am able to help someone, especially when you are helping someone stay in their home. There’s no place like home – you really can save someone by doing something (however small) to keep them there. When I am with a client I feel like I can really be myself – if I didn’t need to have a job, I would do it anyway.

What was it like working through the height of the lockdown?

I thought more about PPE and things like that but my actual job was the same. For me it doesn’t matter what is in the way. Some people needed more support without family and friends to help them. There has also been a change in the amount of emotional support I have to give my clients but that’s ok – I’m glad I can be there for them.

Tattered Tom...in safe hands at Gables Dogs and Cats Home

does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help Tattered Tom. To help ease

We are delighted to have Natalie in our team, serving the needs of our customers every day.

Are you looking for a new career?

This has been a time for many to consider career options, as new constraints will have forged a “new normal”, changing the way we want to work. We have been able to maintain “service as normal” throughout.

Our way of working has meant that we have been able to attract the best carers. We have a 90%+ carer retention rate and we have well established working relationships with the NHS and Adult Social Care teams. To find out more, use the contact details on this page to get in touch.

Absolute continuity of care.

Your choose your carer from our vigorously vetted team.

Your chosen carer will get to know you and your needs - you can ask for what makes you feel comfortable and safe.

A single point of contact to address any concerns and reassure you.

Full PPE as standard.

Contact Jo to discuss your requirements and to arrange a free initial visit, without obligation on your part to discuss your requirements.

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What advice do you have for young people considering a career in care?

I would say if you’re thinking about it then go for it. I would also say it’s really important to make sure that you have the support that you need for all of the other things that go with work so that you can just focus on your clients and their needs.

Gables financial burden please make a contribution to ‘Tattered Tom’s Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/ttom2021 to donate online.

(01752) 648 320 We provide a safe, friendly and professional service that enables you to remain living in the comfort of your own home.

Email:

plymouth@friendshelpingathome.co.uk

Find us online at: friendshelpingathome.co.uk

March 2021

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Plans are being developed to unveil a plaque in Devonport Dockyard in recognition of the part its workforce played during the Falklands War.

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Thought For The Day

“If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.”

Plans to install plaque to honour role of Devonport Dockyard in Falklands War

7

William Wilberforce

The proposal has come from a former sailor who served on HMS Hermes during the conflict.

Andrew Cave, who lives in Portsmouth, said: “In August 2019 I contacted Portsmouth MP Penny Mordaunt regarding possible recognition in the form of a plaque for the dockyard workforce at Portsmouth Naval Base for all they achieved during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.

“As a result, she very kindly wrote to the Commodore of Portsmouth Naval Base who supported the proposals and agreed the design and location for their plaque, which was officially unveiled in October last year.

“When I first contacted Portsmouth there was no intention on my behalf of contacting other dockyards who were involved in this conflict, but I decided to research this subject matter further and was amazed by the achievements and sacrifices made by all dockyard personnel to ensure that the Task Force was ready for war.

“Nearly 40 years have now passed since the start of this conflict and I believe that these dockyard workers, their families and indeed the dockyards have waited far too long and deserve a lasting recognition as our nation was facing a severe crisis and they played a massive part in the success of the operation.”

Andrew has now contacted all Royal Navy dockyards and former Royal Navy dockyards and plans are now under way to unveil a plaque in Devonport Dockyard in 2022 - 40 years after the conflict.

Andrew added: “The reason that I concentrated on Portsmouth initially was because I was a 17-year-old sailor serving on HMS Hermes who vividly remembers on the April 2 1982 the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher receiving news of Argentina’s impending invasion of the Falkland Islands.

“The decision was taken to retake these bleak islands in the South Atlantic and a Task Force was assembled. A large number of ships were prepared in a matter of days in the dockyard at Portsmouth including the two aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible which sailed just three days later on the morning of April 5.

“I can remember our Captain Lyn Middleton RN signalling the dockyard thanking them for their magnificent support and this was repeated by other departing ships. I can also remember being told by one of these dockyard workers after the conflict that many of the jobs that were done in order to make sure that everything was ready for the ships to sail on time would normally have taken weeks but had been done around the clock in just days.”

Plans are also being developed for plaques at Chatham Historic Dockyard; Gibraltar Dockyard; Portland Dockyard; Rosyth Dockyard; Clyde Naval Base; Ascension Islands; Hull and Southampton.

8 March 2021

8 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Go the distance for St Luke’s while staying close to home Much-loved local charity St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is sending out a rallying call to the community to take on the challenge of quite literally going the extra mile to support its vital service while staying safe, close to home.

The compassionate care and support St Luke’s provides for terminally ill people across Plymouth and surrounding areas is given at no cost to them or their families, but it does not come cheap to the charity.

The extra pressure of looking after more people throughout the pandemic – coupled with a decline income due to cancelled mass participation fundraising events and the temporary closure of its shops – means community support is needed now, more than ever, to keep its vital service running.

The charity, whose team gives not just hands-on medical care to patients but also the crucial emotional support and practical advice they and their families need at the most vulnerable of times, is inviting people to sign up for its Landmark Challenge this month to raise much-needed funds.

The challenge is flexible, giving everyone who registers the opportunity to walk, run or cycle the distance to a well-known landmark – either a special one of their own choosing or Yelverton Rock (9 miles), Tintagel Castle (39 miles), Land’s End (85 miles), Stonehenge (131 miles) or Big Ben (213 miles). (Mileage is approximate from Plymouth city centre.)

Though they may not be able to get to their chosen landmark in person due to the national Covid-19 safety restrictions in place, participants can use their choice of GPS tracking app and clock up the miles virtually, either outside within their local area or even at home.

Argyle Community Trust receives £23,000 for pandemic projects Plymouth Argyle Community Trust has been awarded nearly £23,000 to contribute towards community projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the Landmark Challenge, Penny Hannah, head of fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local community to take on a physical challenge to suit any ability, particularly at a time when many people want to be more active during lockdown because they recognise how beneficial it can be to body and mind.

“Other people may choose to get involved because they want to raise awareness of the vital service St Luke’s provides to so many families or because they want to celebrate the life of a lost loved one by taking part in

memory of them.

“Whatever their motivation, what matters is that they’re not going for just a walk or run.

The sponsorship they raise with every step will make an important difference, ensuring more local people with terminal illness get the high-quality care they need – and deserve – at the end of their lives.”

Sign up for the Landmark Challenge by 31 March 2021 at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ landmarkchallenge - you’ll have five weeks from your sign-up date to complete the challenge and all participants will receive a medal to celebrate your achievement.

The grant, which totals £22,858, came from the Chairities Aid Foundation Resilience Fund as part of the Community Match Challenge funding scheme from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Argyle Community Trust’s chief executive officer, Mark Lovell, said: “We are delighted to have received this grant, which will help with our charity restart projects, alongside creating new provision. It’s a difficult time for people in Plymouth and we will continue to do our utmost to support our community through a range of different projects over the coming months.

“Through the funding made available we will be able to offer new community provisions for families and help provide support in keeping families active, alongside enhancing life skills and employability.’’

Dan Hart, the Trust’s community engagement manager, said: “The project enables the Trust to work with those most affected by COVID-19 and develop support groups, resources, workshops and challenges for families to participate in.”

For more information on the vital work that the Argyle Community Trust delivers in the community, go to argylecommunitytrust.co.uk or email community@pafc.co.uk.

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Across the city, Neighbourhood Care Networks continue to support individuals in their communities. Whether it has been help with shopping; prescriptions; debt-advice or some much-needed company on the end of a phone, the NCN’s have been there throughout. If you or your organisations would like to volunteer, text 07411 949 742.

NCN’s Helpline Numbers:

Here at POP we love a community! It’s what we do and the reason we are here: supporting and encouraging organisations that help to bring about ‘change’ and make the world a better place. Big or small, we support existing ones and help new ones begin.

At the heart of everything POP does, is a belief that being part of a community makes our lives better, whether that’s the area in which we live; the sport that we play or follow or the interests we share.

We know that being a part of something is good for us: we are physically and mentally healthier when we ‘belong’. POP supports the community projects; the charities, organisations and social enterprises that make up our wonderful voluntary and community sector. But we also know that you cannot have strong, healthy and sustainable projects, and expect them to work their magic, without the fundamental ingredients of ‘relationships’ and ‘trust’. And it is for this reason, that everything POP does focuses, one way or another, on supporting our communities through the creation and strengthening of these two elements.

Without them, we have nothing.

With more than 350 members, POP gets to hear about the many wonderful projects ‘doing good’ across the city and strengthening communities; building relationships and creating trust. Some are radical; some inspirational and some are creating lasting and meaningful change. One such project is all these things and more: The Diversity Project.

Changing perceptions Set up in 2014 in Ernesettle by the charity Barefoot, the Diversity Project was created as a way of tackling racism by introducing young people to some of the many ‘different’ cultures and religions in Plymouth. It was a huge success and can be credited with changing perceptions; creating empathy and dispelling racist attitudes. In November 2019, a third Diversity Project began in November 2019 in nearby Whitleigh, at the request of a group of 13 and 14-year olds who, having seen what had happened

Gabby Lloyd and Kiera Chown at the Plymouth Synagogue

in Ernesettle, wanted their own ‘diverse’ experience. The effect it has had on those who participated has been profound. Fourteenyear old, Kiera Chown, says it’s made her a better person; “I’ve become a nicer person to the religious people,” she says. “I do not judge them anymore because I learnt about them and their beliefs and how they live.”

Talking with youth workers, the young people decided what and who they wanted to learn about and how they might do it. They have visited the Plymouth Piety Mosque; participated in ‘refugee awareness sessions’, where they met and listened to the stories of refugees now living in the city and volunteered (and ate) at Cultural Kitchen. For Gabby Lloyd, also fourteen years old, these experiences have been a revelation;

“It opened my eyes” “Before we started it we thought that some religions, like Muslims were like… not scary, but we was just wary of them, and we went up to the mosque and they were really lovely people and it opened our eyes and showed us that what you read in the newspapers isn’t true. It’s just other peoples’ opinion.”

Efford Community Network traditional funding applications which are often quite onerous, S2S is straight-forward.

One of the youth group, fourteen-year old Courtney Smalley, wrote the expression of interest, and was thrilled to hear that her Efford application had been successful, and they Efford Efford Community Efford would receive the money.

07380 309 586 Community

Efford Network

07380 309 586 Efford

Networkshock A Community positive 07380 309 586 Network

And what an experience it turned out to be.

Hosted by the council-run youth club, Bollo Brook, in inner-city Acton – home to a lot of gang activity - the group of eight young people from Whitleigh were able to experience one of the most diverse cities in the world. As Jon Dingle the youth worker running the Diversity Project explains, it was an eye-opener for both groups; “It always seems to come as a bit of a shock to both groups but by the end of the week they always start engaging positively with each other which is always amazing to see.”

Efford 07380 309 586

Currently waiting for Covid restrictions to be lifted, the Whitleigh group is looking forward to showing their new friends from London around Plymouth. There are also plans to take a group of older residents to London and, in doing so, help to strengthen the relationship between the different generations in their own community. Meanwhile, another group of young people waits for Diversity Project 4 to begin: a pioneering initiative that has proved to deliver significantly more than it costs.Thanks to all these wonderful individuals and organisations that have helped to bring about greater tolerance and understanding in Ernesettle & Whtileigh: The Plymouth Synagogue; Piety Mosque; START; Cultural Kitchen; Jabo Butera at DBI; Plymouth & District Equality Council; Jonathan Marshall MBE, Plymouth Centre for Faith and Cultural Diversity; Four Greens Wellbeing Hub; Julie from Barefoot; POP+ and the Street-2Scale fund and Cllr Jonathan Taylor.

Visiting the Mosque proved to be a lifechanging experience for the groups from Ernesettle and Whitleigh. As well as having a tour of the mosque; an inspirational talk from the Imam and a frank Q & A session the young people were invited to attend one of the prayer sessions. As Josh Mills (also 14 years old) recalls; “Going to the Mosque opened my eyes to a lot I didn’t know about Muslims: it was fun!”

Designed to take place over ten sessions, the young people in Whitleigh wanted more: they wanted to learn about Black History; Judaism and the Holocaust and so it ran for a further four weeks. As part of their ‘Jewish’ studies, they visited the Plymouth Synagogue; watched “Anne Frank” the film and learnt about the horrors of the concentration camps. As a result of their interest, they were invited to attend the memorial service on the Hoe on Holocaust Memorial Day and to put up a display about their own Diversity Project in the Guildhall as part of the day’s events.

At the end of the project the young people were rewarded with a trip to London – a result of an application to POP for £1000 from the Street-to-Scale fund. Unlike

Young people from the Whitleigh Diversity Projec t at the Delve youth club in Acton, London (found ed by Jamal Edwards MBE).

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Come and join the POP team and meet some of our amazing members.

Chat about your project; learn about theirs and see if there might be a magic spark between you. Our network sessions bring people from the voluntary & community sector together and, in doing so, inspire, engage and connect.

Monday 22nd February & Tuesday March 23rd www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pop-bites-tickets-133691263167

March 2021 11

@PlymChronicle

Top young sailors heading for Plymouth A prestigious event for the country’s top young sailors will take place in Plymouth in August.

The Royal Yachting Association has confirmed that its National Youth Championships will be based at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre from August 9 to 13.

The event, the country’s most prestigious youth sailing competition, is traditionally held around Easter but earlier this year the decision was made to postpone it due to the COVID-19 situation.

The delay aims to give young sailors more time to train in the run-up to the event when restrictions allow, and to enable the British Youth Sailing team to plan the best event possible.

It is hoped the timing will also allow the nationwide vaccination programme to take effect.

Original host Plymouth Youth Sailing Club has agreed to hold the rescheduled Youth Nationals from its base at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre on the shores of Plymouth Sound.

The event will feature the 420, Nacra 15, 29er and International Laser Class Association (ICLA) classes. It is the intention to hold a sprint series

for the 29er fleet on Monday August 9 which will not count towards the overall series. The ILCA fleet will not race on Friday August 13 as they will need time to prepare for the ILCA National Championship which starts in Weymouth on August 14.

Mark Nicholls, RYA youth racing manager, said: “We were all devastated when, earlier this month, we had to make the difficult decision to have to postpone the Youth Nationals from its original dates.

However, this decision now appears to have been vindicated and the delay should mean we can deliver a safe, fun Youth Nationals that celebrates all that we love about racing.

We’re delighted that today we can announce the new August dates, and at the prospect of a midsummer event. Our thanks go to Plymouth Youth Sailing Club and the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre for working with us to ensure this great event can go ahead.”

For the latest news from British Youth Sailing, head to www.britishyouthsailing.co.uk

Work under way on one of the fishing boats

Saltram Rotary is hooked on new charity

As part of their spring series of talks, Saltram Rotary invited Ken Bromage, a retired Royal Navy Chaplain, to their meeting to tell them more about his charity Greenhook Fishing.

Greenhook Fishing is a new charity, which Ken set up to support primarily ex- Armed Forces personnel who may have fallen on hard times.

Ken told the club that the charity is currently building two 30 foot sail powered fishing boats and that those who are using the services are receiving training in how to build boats, sail and fish!

Once equipped with the skills, they will be offered the opportunity to join cooperative ventures in boatbuilding or fishing, which will allow them to become part of the community and enable them to earn a sustainable living; regaining self-respect and become financially independent.

COVID-19 has presented additional challenges for this new charity and funding remains a significant challenge, particularly in the medium to long-term. Given the links between Plymouth and the Royal Navy, Saltram Rotary was keen to support and promote this worthwhile charity.

Saltram Rotary’s President Sam Cross said

that she appreciated that fundraising has been difficult, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and that the club members were pleased that they are able to donate £200 from their charity fund to help Ken and Greenhook Fishing make a difference to others.

Ken thanked Saltram and told the club that their donation will go some way towards helping homeless ex-service personnel learn new traditional boat-building and restoration skills, and overall have a better life.

Details can be obtained from Ken Bromage on 07824773351, and by visiting www.greenhook.org or emailing greenhookfishing@gmail.com

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12 March 2021

Sherford Life

Thank you all – every one of you who has done a selfless act for the sake of others during this awful pandemic.

Everyone who has put the needs of others before themselves once, twice, or even daily. We could list those for whom we are thankful: NHS workers, delivery drivers, teachers and school support staff, emergency services, medical researchers…

But you don’t have to be a ‘key worker’ in order to be self-sacrificial and help others at the moment.

So let’s also thank the good neighbours caring for those down their streets!

In our local area I am thankful for the growing team keeping the Sherford

By Revd Tom Brassil Mutual Aid Group running. For all those who are going out of their way to help people with food shopping, collecting medication, posting letters and keeping our free larder (Sherford’s ‘little free pantry’) stocked up.

Let’s also thank the parents of schoolaged children, trying to balance work and home-schooling and household tasks and caring for small children all at the same time. In just a few days it will be Mothering Sunday (March 14 – get it in your diaries!)

How can you take that opportunity to thank your mum for how she has cared for you during this lockdown?

At Sherford Community Church we will be celebrating Mothering Sunday with an online service on Facebook Live, but we’ll also be offering free potted primulas for children to take home to their mums. If you’re local to Sherford, keep an eye on Facebook for more details about where we’ll be and when. (And we’ll be thanking dads too when June rolls around!)

As we thank all these people and more, don’t we want to copy their wonderful examples? Think of Captain Tom, the heroic fundraiser whose memory inspires us today. I was spurred on by the way that the media and our national leaders calling us to ‘be like Captain Tom’.

F ollowing the examples of the heroes we see all around us might make the world just that little bit better.

As a Christian I have another hero, and you won’t be surprised to hear who it is: Jesus.

The apostle Paul wrote to his friends in Philippi all about the amazing example of selflessness Jesus gives us. Although Jesus is God, nevertheless He “…did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.” (Philippians 2:6-7, the Bible).

As Paul goes on to say, Jesus went all the way to death on behalf of others – us, in fact! That’s a heroic act that calls for thanks, and invites emulation as well.

As Paul puts it, “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). Let’s keep trying it! What selfless act will you do this week?

If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to know more about Sherford Community Church or about Jesus’ incredible selflessness, please contact me at tom@sherfordchurch.net

12 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

New vegan sourdough bakery is launched in Devonport Guildhall A young couple have revived a disused bakery space in a historic Plymouth landmark to launch the city’s first vegan sourdough bakery.

communities, individuals and businesses to help them develop and thrive.

As well as owning the Guildhall building, RIO also managed Column Bakehouse, but after making the decision to close Column during last year’s lockdown, they gave new businesses the opportunity to apply to use the bakery space through their Start Something scheme.

“The last few years have seen a growing awareness of the need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, as well as a desire

Based in the former Column Bakehouse kitchen at the Devonport Guildhall, Heyl Bakery will use only plant-based ingredients and a blend of locally-grown, organic and heritage grains, to produce a delicious range of naturally leavened loaves and buns, alongside a variety of tasty vegan sweet treats, including cinnamon buns, cookies and tarts.

Founders Sam Dennis - an experienced baker who previously worked at the esteemed E5 Bakehouse in London - and Kate Langston, a highly-skilled homebaker, are both passionate about using the new businesses to promote sustainable food practices and support the UK’s dedicated community of food producers.

The couple have long dreamed of opening their own business, but the tumultuous events of lockdown including the passing of Kate’s father over the summer - prompted the couple to take the leap and relocate from London to Kate’s hometown of Plymouth to transform their dream into reality.

The venture was made possible with the support of the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) - a local charity Sam Dennis and Kate Langston that offers a range of support to

to shop more locally and know more about where our food comes from,” said Sam. “The South West is home to an amazing community of food producers, and we are eager to use every opportunity to celebrate locally-grown and sustainably-produced ingredients in our bakes.

“We are also keen to show people that they can enjoy the same tasty baked goods they know and love, while also reducing their impact on the environment,” added Kate.

“The rise in vegan-friendly businesses in places like Plymouth demonstrates that there is a strong appetite for plant-based products, and we are excited to do our bit to contribute to the city’s flourishing foodie scene.

The bakery is currently taking pre-orders for collections from the Ocean Studios cafe on Fridays, and hopes to expand this offering soon.

More details can be found on their lnstagram page @HeylBaker and in the coming weeks they will be launching an online shop at www. heylbakery.com.

“Despite only launching in December, we have been blown away by the support we have received from fellow businesses and the local community,” said Sam. “As we develop and grow, we can’t wait to get to know more of our fellow food producers, and would love to hear from anyone interested in supplying us or collaborating in some way.”

Fresh from the oven...

Plymouth nursery group celebrates top eco award Tops Day Nurseries are the UK’s first family of early years education providers to be awarded a ‘Green Flag’ status from EcoSchools at all of its settings.

Even Christmas was celebrated with sustainability in mind, with eco-Christmas crackers, recipes with less meat and dairy, and reusing wrapping paper for ‘pass the parcel’.

The family of eco-sustainable nurseries have been working hard to become one of the UK’s leading sustainable Childcare Providers, using the challenges of Covid-19 to focus on something positive. Now all its nurseries across Plymouth, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset have achieved a bronze, silver Eco-Schools Award and Green Flag Award. Funding for the Green-Flag external assessment costs for all the nurseries was donated by FRUGI, the UK’s leading ethical and sustainable children’s clothing brand.

Assessment was completed via Zoom calls and photographic evidence rather than on-site visits in order to protect the assessors and children.

Lara Smrtnik, head of marketing at FRUGI said: “Congratulations to Tops Day Nurseries on their Green Flag award and for all their hard work in raising awareness about our environment.

Benefiting children, communities, and our

environment, the Green Flag award from EcoSchools is part of our collective global effort to support the education of children on sustainable and environmental issues and to help them to change our world for the better.”

Eco-Schools is a global programme engaging millions of children across 64 different countries, making it the largest environmental schools programme in the world. It provides a framework for learning and action around nine topics – biodiversity, energy, litter, global citizenship, healthy living, grounds, transport, waste and water. It follows a very simple seven-step process to lead schools on their journey to achieving a Green Flag Award. Children and staff have been able to focus on the areas that are most

fascinating, and relevant to them in each nursery.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director of Tops Day Nurseries said: “Being the first ‘large chain’ of nurseries in the UK to achieve Green Flags across the board is a great achievement. I believe the education of our children is the most effective way there is to provide a sustainable environment into the future; by instilling a passion in our colleagues and children to learn more about how everyone can made sustainable decisions each day.

“The last 10 months has brough huge challenges with the almost intolerable stress that’s been put on colleagues in the early years sector. We have remained open throughout the pandemic, adapting to all the challenges as and when they hit us. It’s a huge salute to staff resilience that they been able to focus on positive sustainability with the children, despite the negative news surrounding them.”

Tops Day Nurseries have also been shortlisted for Nursery World’s new award category for 2020, the ‘Eco-Friendly Early Years’ Award. The award showcases early years settings and services who are developing an eco-friendly approach in all aspects of their work, from management, resourcing and design, to educating young children about sustainable development.

March 2021 13

@PlymChronicle

Talented singer Esther gets a million views after appearing on The Voice A former City College Plymouth music student has hit the headlines after appearing on ITV’s The Voice.

Esther Cole, 22, lives in South East Cornwall and appeared on the popular show with her good friend Yana Bing from Torpoint. They had been invited to take part in auditions after a You Tube video of the pair singing a duet attracted the attention of the show’s producers.

After a series of virtual performances on Zoom and auditions in Manchester, they were both chosen to appear live on the second of The Voice’s Blind Auditions in January.

Esther’s stunning performance of ‘Let Me Down Slowly’ won the support of judges Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs as both turned their chairs for her.

Tom said: “You have a beautiful, beautiful voice.

I thought, I don’t want to let this girl go. I couldn’t not hit the buzzer. You have a lovely voice.”

Olly added: “You’re brilliant and it was beautiful.

Last time I had a girl from Cornwall on the show, she won the show - just saying!”

Deciding between the two, Esther said: “It’s a really hard decision but I’m going to go with Tom.” Before appearing on stage Esther had watched from the wings as Yana performed Lady Gaga’s ‘Stupid Love.’ Sadly, none of the judges turned their chairs - which left Esther in tears.

She said: “Having been on the audition journey together since March it really upset me when Yana failed to win over the judges, but I had to pull myself together and get on with my own performance.”

Watched by her proud parents Chris and Kerry and boyfriend Josh, Esther showed no nerves as she hit each note perfectly. Since appearing on The Voice her performance has been viewed more than a million times on You Tube.

Esther, who studied a music practitioners course for three years at City College, first started singing at school and got her first guitar at the age of 12.

Her vocal skills as well as her songwriting

Council leader invites new US President to Plymouth Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans has invited President Joe Biden to visit Plymouth, the city where the Mayflower set sail.

Photo credit: The Voice UK

ability, led Esther into performing at an increasing number of local gigs and events over the years.

For the last three years she has also been a worship leader at St Matthias Church in North Hill.

Now she is preparing to appear in the Battle Rounds of The Voice when she will go head-tohead with another member of the Tom Jones team

in a sudden-death duel.

“It has already been an amazing experience and I am so proud to have got through to the Battle Rounds. It will be really tough as there are some extremely talented singers in Tom’s team,” added Esther.

The Voice UK, Saturdays, 8:30pm on ITV.

Children’s Air Ambulance patient is now a ‘lively and funny boy’ as he celebrates seventh birthday Young James Berry from Plymouth celebrated his seventh birthday on February 2 and his mum had special thanks for the role the Children’s Air Ambulance played when he was just a baby.

James was just four months old when he was transferred by helicopter from Leeds General Infirmary to Derriford Hospital, to continue the specialist care he had been receiving since being born 17 weeks early weighing just 1lb 5oz.

The family were scheduled to move home from Leeds to Plymouth at the time, but a 300-mile journey by ambulance or car was out of the question due to his fragile condition.

To travel from Leeds to Plymouth by road would have taken up to nine hours with traffic delays, so the safest and quickest option was to fly James with a specialist team from Embrace, Yorkshire & Humber Infant & Children’s Transport Service – one of the clinical partner teams that work with the Children’s Air Ambulance. The flight took just two hours.

James’s mum Natalie is forever grateful that the Children’s Air Ambulance was available to transfer her son. She said: “It will always have a special place in our hearts.”

With limited options available to celebrate James’s birthday due to lockdown, the family planned an outdoor activity before a special tea.

“As James enjoys being outdoors, he will be happy with this. He loves exploring new places, getting really wet and muddy and cycling,” said Natalie.

She works as an emergency nurse practitioner at Derriford Hospital and sometimes sees the Children’s Air Ambulance on the helipad there.

“It makes me smile but it also reminds

Four month old James on the helicopter flight and (below) enjoying the snow with dad Ian and mum Natalie

me of what we’ve been through and I think about why the helicopter is there and the family involved,” she added.

After his Children’s Air Ambulance transfer as a tiny baby, James spent another two weeks in hospital before he was strong enough to go home.

He is now a lively, funny, and intelligent little boy who is curious about the world he lives in – loving facts about animals, history, and how things are made. “He is cheeky, energetic, loving, and caring and talks a lot!” said Natalie.

For further information on the lifesaving charity visit www. childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 300 3045 999.

Speaking on the day of the president’s inauguration and following the announcement that the G7 summit is heading to Cornwall in June, he said: “I think it is brilliant news. The eyes of the world will be on this part of the country and all of us will benefit from the attention this stunning area will get.

“It’s a great opportunity for the whole region and for Plymouth as the region’s major city.

“I have this week written an invitation to the president and his wife Dr Biden to visit Plymouth, to stand where the pilgrims stood in their final moments in England; to look out from the Mayflower Steps to the ocean they crossed to America and to join us in marking this important international history.

“The Mayflower voyage is one of the most influential journeys in global history and a defining moment in the shared history of Britain, the US and the Netherlands.”

The commemoration is an important international collaboration between partners in the USA, the Wampanoag nations, Holland and the UK, with the UK epicentre of the whole commemoration in Plymouth.

With government support, an international partnership has been working to create this shared commemoration and while the COVID-19 pandemic hugely changed plans, we are still aiming to close our commemorations in spectacular fashion this summer, he said.

The culmination of the Mayflower 400 commemorations is the Mayflower International Festival and Four Nations Ceremony on 10 and 11 July 2021.

President Biden will have visited the south west of England just a month earlier for the G7.

Councillor Evans added: “We would love to also welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to join us in Plymouth to mark the anniversary of this world shaping history and the cultural ties between our nations.”

A formal invitation will be sent to Vice President Harris and the US Ambassador to the UK when they have been appointed.

President Biden - heading for Plymouth?

14 March 2021

14 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Freezone bid Inspiring new education facility to develop could be worth marine and engineering skills in Plymouth millions to the local economy

Plymouth City Council has joined forces with neighbours at Devon County and South Hams District Council in a bid to unlock £35 million pounds of funding for the area.

The Freeport bid, which was submitted to the government in February, would see the area become one of 10 zones around the country to benefit from import and export tax reliefs to help drive jobs, growth, and innovation.

A Plymouth and South Devon freezone would create space for businesses to import goods and materials, add value to them (by manufacture), and export them and leverage the city’s marine innovation strengths to attract big marine sector tech companies.

Industry giants Babcock and Princess Yachts have already backed the bid.

In the submission, the freezone would include sites at South Yard, Langage Energy Zone and Sherford Business Park. Estimates suggest that it could create more than 1,000 new jobs in the first two years and up to 9,000 over the next 10 years and 50 new apprenticeships and 10 internships every year by 2027.

Meanwhile, more than 70 local businesses would benefit from the scheme, which is forecast to bring in over £100m investment in the next six years.

The recent Centre for Cities annual report identifies Plymouth as the only major city in the south of England with a major levelling up agenda to address. The freezone will play an important part in addressing this challenge.

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Quite simply, this bid is a no brainer for the south west and could help our thriving marine sector to build upon its already strong national and international reputation.

“It also makes complete sense to partner with our neighbours, who we already have strong ties with through our development of the Joint Local Plan.

“Between the three authorities, we have the facilities and we have the industries so if we can get the money and the help from government, then we’ll be looking at a much brighter future in these most uncertain of times.”

Leader of Devon County Council John Hart added: “This is an excellent example of the type of cross-party cooperation and partnership between councils that we will need to get the economy moving again once the pandemic is over.

“We have worked together quickly to submit this bid which will benefit Devon and Plymouth and we look forward to financial backing from the Government for a scheme which will help to level up the regional economy and provide good jobs for local people.”

The government funding aspect is for £17.5 million which with matched funding will become £35 million.

The knock-on effect locally will enable Devon County Council to bring forward works at the Deep Lane junction on the A38, unlocking housing at Sherford.

More details on freeports can be found on the government website – www.gov.uk/ government/news/freeports-bidding-processopens-for-applications

A new dedicated learning environment is opening at Oceansgate, Plymouth’s marine enterprise zone, with teaching expected to start this September.

City College Plymouth is transforming over 630 square metres of industrial unit into a bespoke facility to deliver new university-level courses that will provide high-quality and up-to-date training to people both looking to work and already working in the marine and engineering industries. Alongside the development of the new state-of-the-art building, new degree programmes have been developed as part of the South West Institute of Technology project.

The college has worked closely with local employers to identify the skills required and has used this to develop four Bachelor of Science degrees linked to naval architecture, marine engineering, integrated technologies and autonomous engineering. These programmes will further shape the future workforce, and allow students to continue their studies on a part-time basis beyond levels 4 and 5.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “With Oceansgate, we set out to create a dedicated space for the marine and maritime industry in an unbeatable waterfront

location, attracting new businesses to our city and enabling them to flourish.

“But attracting the businesses is just one piece of the puzzle – we need to make sure we are developing the right skill sets locally, so that Plymothians are able to meet the needs of businesses and benefit from these high-earning jobs. City College’s new facility will help to do just that and we’re delighted to welcome them to Oceansgate.”

The Oceansgate facility

Jackie Grubb, Principal and CEO at the college, said: “Plymouth is a world-leader in marine technology and engineering. The facilities on offer to students at the new Oceansgate site will be

world-class, and the training on offer - that has been developed with guidance of industry experts - will equip our students with the skills necessary to continue to take this industry forward. The marine industry has played a vital part in Plymouth’s history, and City College Plymouth is committed to ensuring it is a vital part of the city’s - and wider region’s - future.”

The waterfront facilities will maximise on their location, surrounded by key marine businesses and organisations including the Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC). Students will be able to access specialist equipment through the MBTC’s proving area, Smart Sound Plymouth, which is used for designing, testing and developing cutting-edge marine and autonomous products.

The college’s new facility is based in Oceansgate’s second phase, which includes a new three storey office building and 15 light industrial units. The already complete Phase 1 has a mix of offices and industrial units, home to several marine and maritime businesses.

The £7.6 million Phase 2 development has been funded by Plymouth City Council and a £2.25 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Find out more at www.oceansgateplymouth.com.

Information and advice proved vital for local couple Dennis and Julie Dennis and Julie Vangorph

Dennis and Julie Vangorph had a £30 a week drop in their PIP payments when Julie turned 66, after an assessment which scored her down by just one point.

“It seemed wrong to me,” said Dennis, “Julie had a stroke and brain haemorrhage in 1999, I’m a full time carer for her and £120 a month makes a huge difference to us.”

Dennis turned to Improving Lives Plymouth’s Information and Advice team. They had helped them through the very complex application form for PIP and when they reviewed the work they assured Dennis that they thought the decision was worth challenging based on what they knew. “The staff were always friendly and understanding,” said Dennis, “and we were treated with total respect and they were nonjudgemental in our case.”

With advice and support, Dennis and Julie appealed the decision but their appeal was turned down, so their case moved to a tribunal where it was reviewed by a judge and two doctors in a telephone interview.

“People cannot see Julie on a form,” added Dennis, “and it’s a nightmare to fill out if you don’t have someone who knows what they’re doing. The questions can be confusing and you can easily say something that works against you simply because you don’t know how

to put the truth down the way they want to hear it.”

The caseworker at Information and Advice was able to guide Dennis and Julie through the process, and they gave Dennis the confidence he needed to go to tribunal to get their case heard.

The outcome was that the tribunal ruled that Dennis and Julie should have been scored with a few more points than they had, so they have had their payment reinstated.

“I would recommend anyone to get in touch with Information and Advice – they know what they’re doing and if you deserve the benefit, you should get it in my opinion.”

Information and Advice are continuing to support anyone who has enquiries about Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Universal Credit and all other benefits and appeals work including offering a benefits check for anyone who might need it especially if considering making a new claim to Universal Credit from legacy benefits. As usual they are also supporting anyone who has Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Child Tax Credit queries as well as providing signposting in relation to general non-benefit questions.

Contact Information and Advice: 01752 201766 Email: infoandadvice@ improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

Supporting people to improve their quality of life since 1907 A Charity supporting people since 1907

A charity at the heart of our community, supporting and inspiring people to improve their health and wellbeing. www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

A Charity supporting people since 1907

March 2021 15

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Barbican Theatre’s £135,000 funding boost Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre has been awarded a grant of £135,550 to help them face the continuing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, supporting local young and emerging artists and providing income for freelance artists and practitioners in the area.

Barbican Theatre is one of a number of cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving part of more than £30 million of investment from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The fund was created by the Weston family in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19, and is supporting a diverse range of organisations from museums to regional theatres and national touring ballet companies. Grants range from £100,000 up to £1.5 million based on the size of the organisation.

Garfield Weston Foundation director Philippa Charles said: “Our cultural sector is at the heart of our local communities providing not only entertainment but education and inspiration for many. Our Trustees were impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit shown across the arts in response to COVID-19 and it was a privilege to hear what organisations had been doing to not only survive but also to reinvent the way they reach audiences. What really stood out was the level of collaboration and support they had for each other and the determination to keep going, despite the increasingly difficult situation.

“We all want and need our cultural sector to thrive and, if anything, our time away from the arts has shown just how important they are to us – bringing much needed pleasure and enrichment to our lives. Arts organisations are desperate to re-open and get back to what they do best, and we hope that this new funding will help many of them do exactly that.”

Barbican Theatre is an Arts Council England

In December members of Barbican Theatre’s ReBels Training and local dance artists Mercedes Romero and Vibha Selvaratnam entertained Plymouth Christmas shoppers with an open air event fusing Afro Beat, Commercial, Flamenco and Bharatanatyam. More than 4’000 people watched the performances live from the Piazza and via Facebook live, which was also featured on ITV Westcountry News.

National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and a registered charity established in 1980. We are an inclusive organisation and get excited about people creating and enjoying theatre, dance, culture and live entertainment on stage and in unusual spaces.

Barbican Theatre chief executive, Laura Kriefman said: “This vital funding will allow us to continue our extensive work across Plymouth: helping us build people’s creative voices.

“We are relieved to be successful and are looking forward to continuing to create extraordinary work with the community and artists in Plymouth and the UK.” Barbican Theatre will be concentrating on

creating pay-what-you-can site specific events around Plymouth - taking creativity and culture to communities directly, whilst people cannot go to the theatre. From live music and dance, to giant puppets and comedy.

The Barbican Theatre adapted to the first lockdown by taking performances out into the community.

For example, the popular monthly Café Acoustica was moved to Teats Hill Amphitheatre in Coxside. Held on the last Friday of the month this brought live music, dance and spoken word to the local community in a safe and secure way offering entertainment and performance opportunities to emerging artists in the city.

During the third lockdown the theatre used YouTube Live Stream to stream their January ‘Wassail and Warmth’ event, which was watched live by more than 290 people, with a further 300 watching the recording. The funding will enable the live streaming of open air events to continue throughout 2021 and beyond.

It will also ensure Barbican Theatrecan continue to run successfully re-designed talent development work, which was relaunched in September 2020 with 16 classes for 12-25 year olds, adaptable for online teaching during lockdown.

A total of 119 places have been taken by participants ages 12-25 in subjects such as Character and Stage Combat, Online Stories, Comedy Sketches, Composing & Choreography and Acoustic Performance.

Classes cost £60 for an entire year and participants can attend as many sessions a week as they want. Introducing more classes has enabled Barbican Theatre to offer increased employment for freelancers across Plymouth and increases the quality of training available for 12-25s.

The funding will enable further site specific productions to take place, with the Barbican team currently working on a summer 2021 spectacle in a unique Plymouth space, offering paid employment to more than 60 local creatives.

Barbican Theatre was facing a reduction in turnover in the region of £425,000 in the 2020/21 financial year, so this grant is vital in enabling it to continue its work and support people to gain employment in the arts.

For updates on Barbican Theatre activity, events and opportunities please visit the website barbicantheatre.co.uk or follow them on social media channels: Instagram: @Barbican_Theatre; Facebook: Barbican Theatre Plymouth; Twitter: @ BarbicanTheatre; Youtube: BarbicanTheatrePlym

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16 March 2021

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Choir staying in tune despite COVID

Photo Howard Perks

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary year in 2020 - but the pandemic meant that its four planned public performances had to be cancelled.

Determined to bring some cheer the choir recorded a new (COVID) version of The Twelve Days of Christmas and presented an online carol concert. Other projects such as the Desert Island Discs series also helped to keep spirits buoyant and further strengthened the bonds of support and camaraderie.

Mary Johnson, press officer for the choir said: “We’ve been challenged, to say the least, but we’ve learned new skills and have adapted. We have become adept at internet shopping, Zoom meetings and figuring out our children’s or grandchildren’s maths school work!

“Maybe the question is, what will we now choose to learn for our own enjoyment and fulfilment and to boost our health and mental well-being?”

Despite having not sung a note in their planned concerts, the choir has still managed to recruit new members in

Ellie working on the mural at The Fish Lounge

Mrs Murals makes an art of supporting charity

Plymstock artist Ellie Johnson has been brightening up the lives of families and businesses across Plymouth and raised money for charity in the process.

Ellie, who is also known as Mrs Murals, raised well over £100 for Children’s Hospice South West after reading about the charity in the Plymouth Chronicle.

She said: “A couple of months ago there was a story in the Plymouth Chronicle about funds being raised for Children’s Hospice South West in memory of Oliver Brown. I painted a mural in memory of Oliver for his family on the outside of their home back in June, so when I saw the article I contacted the family as I wanted to help.

“To celebrate my Facebook business page getting 1000 likes I wanted to say thanks and give something back to the community by helping a local charity.”

She donated £20 for every mural she painted in January and also

raised money online through a donate button on a time lapse video she posted of one of her mural commissions.

One of her latest commissions was for a new restaurant in The Barbican called The Fish Lounge, which is due to open in the spring.

Ellie said: “While painting the mural of a gold fish, I was told that the last artist to paint a mural there was Robert Lenkiewicz.

“His work was uncovered during the renovations over the last few months, but unfortunately couldn’t be saved. If saved they would have been worth tens of thousands of pounds.

“I doubt my artwork on the walls in the building will be worth that much in the future, but I can dream!

“I’m hoping that this story might help raise awareness and support for Children’s Hospice South West.

Life in lockdown is hard enough for us all but I can’t imagine how difficult it is for children with life limiting conditions and their families,” she added.

recent months.

Mary added: “Whilst we don’t yet know when or what we will be singing, the choir are nonetheless excited about the prospect of performing beautiful music with the exhilaration and sense of achievement that comes from this. To be part of their even more joyous 51 year celebrations, please consider joining us.”

For further details please contact membership secretary Pat Brodie (01752 330337 pat.brodie@outlook.com) or visit the website at plymouthphilchoir.org

Plymouth pilot scheme for country’s first pharmacy-led digital consultation service Push Doctor, the leading digital healthcare company, has partnered with Well Pharmacy, to launch the country’s first pharmacy-first digital service in Plymouth.

The pilot scheme is providing over 50,000 patients living in the area with direct access to local community pharmacists via the Push Doctor platform.

It is estimated that one-third of GP appointments nationally could be treated by pharmacists who are clinically trained to treat minor ailments such as eczema, hay fever, indigestion, and cystitis.

By adopting a pharmacy-first approach, patients who access the Push Doctor platform with such concerns will be directed to a pharmacist who will be able to offer quick and effective treatment online. This will free up GP appointments for those with serious or chronic health issues, easing the burden on the local NHS at a time of unprecedented demand. The service is now available at four GP surgeries across the Plymouth Sound primary care network: Oakside Surgery, Friary House Surgery, Estover Surgery and Elm Surgery.

By using the Push Doctor platform patients will be able to access a highly trained Well Pharmacist flexibly at a time that suits them. Patients can conduct digital consultations using any device with video capability and internet connection. These consultations are COVID safe, confidential, and conducted at no additional cost to the NHS. Over the next six months Push Doctor and Well will be increasing the number

of surgeries offering digital pharmacist consultations, with Well looking to recruit more clinical pharmacists as the partnership expands.

Wais Shaifta, chief executive, Push Doctor, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Well Pharmacy to provide the residents of Plymouth with better access to primary care. By directing patients to the most appropriate clinician in the first instance we can treat them faster and more effectively, delivering better health outcomes across the local area.

“By fully utilising the skill and expertise of pharmacists, we will remove non-essential footfall for GP practices, freeing up more time for GPs to see patients with more serious medical issues.

“We hope this will be the start of a new pharmacy-first delivery model that

will set up a future digital NHS across the country.”

Seb Hobbs, CEO, Well Pharmacy, said: “Through this unique, pharmacy-first approach our aim is to provide the local community with increased access to our highly trained pharmacists who are skilled at treating a variety of health conditions.

“Throughout the pandemic pharmacists across the UK have shown that they can help take some of the pressure off the NHS and GPs. Our partnership with Push Doctor, once again shows the important role pharmacists have within the healthcare system. We are pleased to offer flexible pharmacy services to a greater number of people across Plymouth and contribute to sustainable health services in the local area.”

For more information visit www. pushdoctor.co.uk

March 2021 17

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Plymouth’s largest martial arts school is thriving - despite the pandemic Discovery Martial Arts Academy in Plympton has had its most successful month ever, despite Covid, as more people turn away from Netflix, Nintendo and their refrigerators to don Doboks, bust out their Taekwondo moves and virtually train together in live streaming classes, five days a week.

After experiencing a worrying membership decline at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the new year has seen the club attain

Cobey and Lola Jackson enjoying their virtual martial arts session

Weird things which passengers have left on the buses False teeth and a prosthetic leg were among the weird and wonderful items left on Plymouth Citybus services in 2020.

In an effort to raise awareness and return more lost property, Plymouth Citybus have revealed some of the most surprising items left behind by passengers. Among the thousands of other unusual items left on bus services in 2020 were a lateral flow COVID-19 test, a sex toy, a professional chef’s knife set and even a dog!

The Plymouth Citybus lost property team recorded over 2,000 found items in 2020, down from the previous year due to the significant decrease in ridership during COVID-19. Many of the items were safely returned to owners, including the dog (after enjoying a brief stay at the lost property office). All unclaimed items are donated to local charities or disposed of safely and sustainably.

Some of the most commonly lost items on the buses included: AirPods, travel cards, smartphones, glasses, bank cards and towards the end of the year, gloves, hats and Christmas presents! Last year also saw a rise in medical items such as PPE, a single crutch and even a lateral flow COVID-19 test.

At the beginning of 2020, Plymouth Citybus became one of the first bus operators in the UK to adopt new technology to better manage their lost property. With the innovative NotLost platform, customer experience staff at Plymouth Citybus can register items found on bus services in seconds by simply taking a photo. Passengers are able to fill out an online report if they have lost something whilst the software gets to work matching lost/found items automatically.

James Church, customer experience manager, said: “Despite a decline in ridership this year, we naturally still saw huge amounts of lost belongings on our services.

“Losing something whilst travelling can be distressing and inconvenient. We think it’s incredibly important to highlight some of the bizarre items left on our buses as it helps remind passengers that ‘all is not lost’ when it comes to getting items back. We have a reliable lost property operation in place and it is always worth enquiring using the lost report form on our website.”

its strongest position yet. Participation is now significantly higher than it was preCOVID with more members fighting lockdown boredom and training online then they ever did in person.

“The pandemic hit our club hard because the social aspect of training has always been a massive motivating factor,” said Gary Burdock, chief instructor and director of Discovery Martial Arts Academy, which is based in Longbridge Road, Marsh Mills.

“Adults made the transition to virtual training with relative ease, but we did struggle to retain some of our youngest members who missed that personal touch and went on hold during the crisis.”

Fast forward a year and the club has evolved into a different position where teaching students remotely has become second nature for Discovery’s instructors and they have found success in unknown territory through collaboration, fun and creativity. Members have

reactivated, youngsters have adapted to change, there is renewed interest in the live streaming format, and Discovery is once again thriving.

“Membership hasn’t fully recovered to pre-COVID levels yet, but participation has skyrocketed, and our training family has been the driving force behind it,” added Gary.

“They’ve been absolutely fantastic and have shown so much positive spirit, support and encouragement of each other. We can’t wait until all this craziness stops and we can resume in-person classes but in the meantime, we’ll enjoy fighting it out.” adds Gary.

January is historically the club’s busiest month and this year has been no exception.

Gary attributes the club’s turnaround to small changes which have boosted engagement and reconnected members to the club they love. Black belts have taken over breakout sessions and it’s being future proofed from within.

Nick Jackson, first degree black belt, whose family has been heavily involved in Discovery Martial Arts Academy since it was set up six years ago, said: “Training together is something our whole family looks forward to! It gives us a chance

Gary Burdock of Discovery Martial Arts Academy

to connect to others, stay active, support local and keep motivated. The instructors have done a great job in keeping everyone moving and fighting fit during the pandemic.”

For details visit www.discoverymaa.co.uk

102 Mayflower hats knitted for modern day seafarers in need More than 100 international seafarers are set to benefit from some handmade woolly hats produced by local ladies during lockdown.

The hats were created as part of a special Mayflower-themed ‘Knitting Challenge’ that The Box set its’ Women’s Craft Collective in 2020.

The initiative saw the group take inspiration from the stories of the 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower and then knit a hat to represent each of them.

The Box posted parcels of wool, patterns and stories to the group who kept each other up to date with their progress through social media and telephone calls. The challenge provided them with a fun activity to get involved with during last year’s lockdowns, as well as a way to stay connected while they’ve been unable to meet face-to-face.

The colour coded hats were displayed at The Box throughout December and represent the different groupings and families that made up the passengers on the Mayflower. There were 28 different groups of families, friends and workmates and each group was given its own colour. The selected colours are common to the clothing of the early 1600s which, although not quite as bright as modern dyes, included colourful russets, pinks and oranges.

Now the display has finished, the hats have been presented to seafarer charity, Stella Maris.

Established in 1920, and originally named the Apostleship of the Sea, Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world. It works to improve the lives of seafarers and fishers

Ann Donnelly, regional port chaplain (left) pictured with Jennifer Biscoe from The Box’s Women’s Craft Collective

through a network of local chaplains and seafarer centres that provide information, advocacy and spiritual support.

Ann Donnelly, Plymouth’s Regional Port Chaplain said: “The seafarers, like the passengers on board the Mayflower, are often at the mercy of the sea, sailing away from their loved ones in the hope that they can provide them with a more stable future. They’ll wear the hats with pride and are really grateful to the Women’s Craft Collective for taking the time to knit them.”

The Craft Collective currently has over 40 members and reaches

women from across the city and beyond, all of whom benefit from the creativity and companionship that the group provides.

Chloe Hughes, engagement programmes manager at The Box said: “Everyone really enjoyed knitting the hats and the group has produced hundreds of items for a range of charities over the last few years. This particular challenge has given them a chance to explore the stories of the Mayflower passengers who were confined to their ship just as we’ve been confined to our homes at times. It’s also given them a purpose and a reason to stay in touch with each other at a difficult time.”

Although face-to-face meetings are currently on hold, more information about joining the Women’s Craft Collective can be obtained by sending an email to TheBoxLearning@plymouth.gov.uk.

Find out more about The Box at www. theboxplymouth.com

18 March 2021

Hemerdon Ball pictured from within Drakelands Mine during a previous open day

Hemerdon Ball gets its own Facebook page!

Readers may have seen a small clump of trees on Plympton’s horizon in the Sparkwell direction – but do you know much about them and are you aware of their local and historical significance?

Well now a new Facebook page has been set up where you can find out a lot more and share any tales and stories you may have.

The small area of woodland in question is known as Hemerdon Ball and it is right on the edge of Drakelands mine where Hemerdon borders Sparkwell.

As well as being visible from many places within Plympton, it is also noticeable from many other points, including from the main road between Roborough and Yelverton.

Although the clump of trees in question is ball-like in its shape it is believed that their name derives from ‘bal’ - an old word for mine.

Hemerdon Ball has long since been a local landmark for seafarers and during the Second World War the trees were removed to avoid German bombers using them as a landmark for finding their way over Plymouth.

Fresh trees were planted on the site after the war and have matured into what is there now.

Many have great affection for this small area of woodland. Local artist Jill Griffin has used the woods as a subject for at least one of her works of art and when Hemerdon Ball was thought to be under threat from the expansion of Drakelands mine in 2016 it sparked a number of letters calling for the preservation of this natural part of the area’s heritage.To find out more about Hemerdon Ball go to the new Facebook page at Facebook.com/ Tales-of-Hemerdon-Ball-102738161655684 (Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

Criticism over slow action on burst main Thousands of gallons of water have gone to waste in a ruptured main in Valley Road, Plympton.

A local couple walking their dog originally noticed the leak which involved water bubbling through the pavement like a spring opposite the Murray Skoda garage on January 12.

The leak was immediately reported to South West Water’s emergency line but the firm later came in for criticism over the perceived slow reaction in organising the repair which was originally scheduled for 17 January, with water continuing to leak out in the meantime.

A spokesperson for South West Water initially explained: “In order to gain access to the water main on this busy industrial estate, and to reduce any disruption to road users, the repair has been planned for Sunday morning (January 17) when most commercial properties are closed and the number of parked cars is much lower.

“Due to the presence of electricity cables running parallel with our main it will also be necessary to utilise specialist equipment to avoid disturbing the cables and to ensure the safety of our workers while carrying out the excavation work.”

In the event the intended repairs that Sunday were thwarted as crews had to be diverted to work on a major trunk main burst near Ivybridge which left consumers without a water supply. The work in Valley Road was eventually completed the next day.

(Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

18 March 2021

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New off-road cycle path for popular route in Plymstock Work has started on a brand new, off-road cycle path in Plymstock.

The Broxton Drive to Saltram Meadow roundabout walking and cycling scheme will run parallel to Billacombe Road and will act as an extension to the current route that stretches back past the Laira Bridge.

The path will start on the eastern side of Broxton Drive, run along the route of the old railway line and meet up with the new roundabout that links Billacombe Road to the Saltram Meadow development.

Contractors South West Highways will begin work on Monday and plan to be finished by the summer.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: “It’s great to see work starting on this project, which extends a route that is already popular with walkers and cyclists further into Plymstock.

“Neighbourhood-based schemes like this are crucial to providing the infrastructure needed to tackle the climate emergency.

“We know that people aren’t suddenly going to start leaving their cars at home overnight but if we can make the transition to sustainable transport that little bit easier or that little bit more desirable, then over time we hope to see more people walking and cycling.”

Construction of this route, improving

access for pedestrians, cyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users, is funded through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, thanks to successful funding bids by the council, as well as developer contributions.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “We are delighted that the Heart of the South West LEP has been able to support this project through Growth Deal funding.

“The creation of this new off-road cycle path will help to improve connectivity within the heart of the city and continue to encourage the move to increase more walking and cycling and reduce reliance on other forms of transport helping to reduce traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.”

Once construction has finished, attention will turn to extending the route further east to Colesdown Hill and beyond to link in with Elburton Road and the Sherford development.

Steven’s perfect recipe for survival A long-serving Plymouthbased soldier who served in Afghanistan and other overseas postings, is using his experience to teach young people survival and bushcraft skills.

Staff Sergeant Steven Kelly has served with Citadel-based 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery for over 18 years and established South West Survival as a hobby in 2015.

The idea for South West Survival came about after Steven came to terms with a serious eye disease.

“I was potentially getting discharged from the British Army. It gave me a scare, so I started to look at ways to pay the bills,” said Steven.

“Then I thought I will use my skills that I have gained from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and set up my own company, and that was when South West Survival was born.

“Luckily for me, the British Army retained me and I have progressed in my career. I have less than five years left in the British Army and I want to run my survival company full time.”

Prior to COVID lockdowns Steven was running regular survival courses at Saltram as well as team building exercises and other programmes for schools, colleges, corporate events, birthday parties and stag and hen parties.

Steven said: “Survival and bushcraft skills today are almost a forgotten art. Simple things such as lighting a fire in the wild with just a flint are skills that are being lost in this very modern world in which we live.

“Survival and bushcraft can

Experienced soldier Steven Kelly has launched an award-winning venture

Youngsters learn about the importance of team work

also really bring out the best in people – it will challenge and show hidden resilience and toughness, it can develop a great attitude, determination and leadership.

“To quote Ray Mears ‘every man, woman or child who visits wild places by whatever means will benefit from bushcraft knowledge.’

“That’s where South West Survival comes in, teaching the fundamental skills and more, to confidently survive and find shelter, water, fire and food.”

Steven’s company was recently given a Prestige Award for ‘best survival experience’ in the South West. “I am just overwhelmed and happy that my company won a award,” he said.

Steven has a passion for teaching and is truly happy when outdoors, and he hopes to be able to impart that knowledge on those who wish to learn.

He has been on numerous survival courses in the army gaining valuable experience but maintains you can never know enough and continues to learn and practice new skills when and wherever he can.

For more information visit www. southwestsurvival.co.uk

Moss is a good source of water

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March 2021 19

Children’s Hospice South West appeal as it celebrates 30 years of creating memories to cherish Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 …and everyone is welcome to join the party!

10th anniversary this year, opened in St Austell. Little Harbour was the final piece in the CHSW jigsaw, meaning that no matter where families live in the South West, children’s hospice care is available within an hour-and-a-half drive.

During the last three decades, the charity has provided a safe Today, CHSW supports more than 500 families from Plymouth haven of care, support and friendship for thousands of local families with a seriously ill child. And in its 30th year, supporters and across the rest of the peninsula. It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe support wherever are being asked to help it create more cherished memories for and whenever families need it, including in the hospices, and many years to come. for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.

A £1m fundraising appeal to build the South West’s first The charity needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospice was launched in 1991 by Eddie and Jill children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through Farwell, who experienced the urgent need for hospice care for voluntary donations. local children. Their two eldest “Katie and Tom, who had so children, Katie and Tom, had lifelittle that this world values, limiting illnesses and the family not only inspired their parents, had to travel more than four but also many thousands of hours, from their home in North people to create CHSW, which Devon to Helen House in Oxford, then the country’s only children’s has helped and will continue to hospice. help, many hundreds of families Mr Farwell, who is the charity’s across the South West,” said Mr chief executive, said the idea to build a children’s hospice came Farwell. to him during the middle of a restless night, and despite being “It has been a tremendous journey and so many children and told to ‘stop being so silly and go back to sleep’ by his late wife families have been helped along the way at each of our three Jill, the idea began to take shape. hospices. That work would not have been possible without the “From that bonkers statement, an idea grew,” said Mr continued faithfulness and generosity of people all over the Farwell. “We knew that there were many hundreds of families South West. in the West Country who should also have the opportunity “So we hope they will join with us in 2021 and celebrate this to experience the benefits which we were receiving at Helen wonderful milestone, and all that they have helped us achieve.

House.”

“We have lots of fundraising ideas on our website and The couple started fundraising in the laundry room of their anything people are able to do to help, no matter how big or home and spent days, small, will make a real evenings and weekends difference to families Gardens at Little Harbour in St Austell on the road with in 2021. printed leaflets talking “Together, we can to anyone who would continue to create listen about the project. more memories to be In 1995, Little Bridge cherished for another House opened its doors 30 years.” in Fremington, near There are lots of ways Barnstaple. people can support Huge demand for CHSW during its 30th its services led to the year and every penny opening of the charity’s raised will help CHSW second hospice, continue to care for Charlton Farm, near very poorly children and Bristol, in 2007. families.

And in 2011 Little To get involved visit Harbour, which will www.chsw.org.uk/30 also be celebrating it’s

Plymouth High School for Girls joins Thinking Schools Academy Trust Plymouth High School for Girls joins Thinking Schools Academy Trust One of Plymouth’s oversubscribed secondary schools has joined the highperforming Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

school. Our teachers are experienced, dedicated and possess a real passion for teaching lessons that have the students engaged and interested. All staff at the school really do want the very best for our students and engage enthusiastically in continually developing their own practice.

Plymouth High School for Girls and Thinking “We and Thinking Schools very much share the Schools have been in discussions and sharing same values and we are very excited about this practice in recent months, leading to the transfer partnership, and the potential it offers our school, of the school to the trust formally taking place our staff and above all our students to achieve today following approval by the Department for even more.”

Education.

Stuart Gardner, chief executive of Thinking Plymouth High is rated Good by Ofsted and led Schools Academy Trust, said: “We are thrilled to

by Headteacher Simon Underdown, who joined welcome Plymouth High School for Girls to the in September 2019. It is the 16th school to be Headteacher Simon Thinking Schools family, making us a close-knit Underdown part of Thinking Schools, which was rated by the 16 schools. Their motto ‘For Life, Not School, We Department for Education as the best academy Learn’ is very much on brand for our trust as we trust in the South East for GCSE results in 2020 and whose other are unique in ensuring that our students leave school fully primary and secondary schools are across coastal cities and equipped with the tools they need to reflect on the knowledge towns - in Medway, Deal (in Kent) and Portsmouth. learned in life.

Some of the immediate projects that the school and “The transition period has seen teams from the school and trust will work on include a large investment in PHSG’s IT the trust working collaboratively to provide a firm foundation to infrastructure, creating a platform for Trust wide student kick-start our new and exciting beginnings. leadership opportunities and support for PHSG to become the “We are really looking forward to working even more closely first accredited Thinking School in Plymouth. with PHSG as they become an incredible part of our Trust, with a Simon Underdown, headteacher of Plymouth High School for Girls, said: “We provide a high-quality learning experience at our successful future ahead.”

Children’s Hospice South West founders Eddie and Jill Farwell.

Sadly Jill passed away from cancer in 2004, three years after starting the charity

20 March 2021

20 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Music is definitely a gift from God! THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience

The saying ‘if music be the food of love, play on’ is a famous line from one of Shakespeare’s plays, Twelfth Night. It refers to the idea that music can fill a person’s heart and make them stop feeling heartbroken, just like food can fill a person’s stomach and make them stop feeling hungry.

When the idea for Cross Rhythms was conceived back in the early 80s, its genesis was at a time in my life when I was seriously searching within myself for the meaning of life.

At the time, my heart was broken and my soul was in tatters. A song from Bob Dylan’s album Slow Train Coming called ‘Gotta Serve Somebody’, released in the late 70s, had a profound impact on my life.

It was beyond inspirational; it was at a time when Bob Dylan was expressing his Christian faith and the lyrics powerfully impacted me as Providence was compelling me to explore the deeper spiritual meaning of life.

For me, music is a gift from Creator God, the Intelligent Designer who expresses and

demonstrates the power and influence of music within creation through ancient scripture and how it can inspire and encourage the human heart and soul like nothing else.

I can list songs that Chris Cole ‘speak deeply’ to me, from classical music that does the same without lyrics to classic pop music with amazing lyrics, which like the opening quote in this article can satisfy and replenish deeply.

A serious exploration of faith is hard to undertake without truth of the inner personal/individual condition being part of the process.

We may believe now that all truth is relative to the individual’s worldview and beliefs and in a way that can be true.

For a Christian, however, who believes by experience that there is an Absolute Truth, and He is 100% Divine, and 100% human, truth can be awesome. His

TimeNominate to nominate your Dementia Hero in a dementia Plymouthhero from Plymouth Individuals and organisations in Plymouth who have gone the extra mile to support people affected by dementia over the past year could be recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Nominations are now open for Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Heroes Awards 2021 which will be hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter and TV presenter, writer and journalist Richard Madeley in May. The awards, which are sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare, will take place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic on May 20 during Dementia Action Week (May 17-23) and will showcase the stories of people doing outstanding things during the pandemic – Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia heroes.

Derek Dodd, Alzheimer’s Society’s area manager for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Lockdown has been tough for all of us. But imagine how much worse it would have been if you couldn’t understand why it was happening: why you no longer saw your loved ones; why your carers stopped visiting or why they wore masks. Tragically, this was reality for tens of thousands of people living with dementia in the UK. And it was also the reality

for carers, who were left unable to visit their loved ones, or without precious respite.

“Throughout the pandemic, individuals, groups and organisations have shown incredible support for people affected by dementia. We want to recognise these dementia heroes. The awards will recognise the inspirational achievements of those who care for people with dementia, those finding innovative solutions in research, and the campaigners and media fighting for the rights of people with dementia.

“Since the pandemic began, Alzheimer’s Society has helped huge numbers of people affected by dementia get the support they need, from speaking to one of our Dementia Advisers, to accessing information and advice on our website. Our services have been used nearly three million times since lockdown began in March 2020, showing that people affected by dementia need us now more than ever.”

Nominations close on March 5.

It’s quick and easy to nominate your dementia hero. Just visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/ dementiaheroawards For more information about Dementia Action Week visit www. alzheimers.org.uk/DAW

name is Jesus Christ, and He has come to give us true freedom.

Like Pontius Pilate when facing Jesus, we all can ask, ‘and what is truth’?

That is a question God wants us all to ask if we are searching the bigger questions of ‘why life, and what is the point of existence’?

The answer begins when we are truthful with ourselves. These are very deep questions and they take us on a life changing journey.

During the 60s and 70s a spiritual revival hit parts of the Western World called the Jesus People Movement. The profound impact of this ‘spiritual awakening’ was the conversions of many mainstream musicians, like Bob Dylan, who used their gifts and influence to speak into society about some of the cultural challenges we were facing back then.

The sixties was a time of cultural revolution that would change the Western World forever.

Much of this musical history is documented on the Cross Rhythms website and one of our young presenters on Cross Rhythms Plymouth, Esther Cole, has found herself propelled to prominence with her appearance on ‘The Voice’.

I can assure you that behind her experience on TV her motivation is still at heart her faith in God, who has nurtured and upheld her in the good and bad times of life.

I am so proud of her as her dad, but not as proud as her Heavenly Father is because he sees the depth of who she truly is and the choices she has made even at such a young age in the challenging times.

For me she is a winner in life.

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

The smiles say it all...

...enjoy the great outdoors - go for a ramble!

With the prospect of lockdown easing in the not too distant future, it’s time to think about getting out and about again - and rambling is a great way to exercise and enjoy spectacular scenery.

Whether it’s getting out on Dartmoor, trekking along the coast path or exploring all the quirky bits in between, there are two local official rambling groups which offer a range of interesting walks led by enthusiastic and well-informed volunteers.

Plymouth Ramblers is a branch of the National Ramblers and a full walks programme is advertised on their website - just as soon as the government allows people to walk in a group. Visit plymouthramblers.co.uk, then click on the walks to find quite a range of distances and dates.

Dartmoor Rambling Club, is an independent group and costs just £5 a year to join. Everyone is welcome to try out one of their walks - even on a number of occasions - before signing up.

The group walks every other Wednesday, using where possible public transport: bus train or perhaps ferry from Plymouth.

Walks are generally eight or nine miles.

For information contact the group by email or telephone: ronaldfwsmith@gmail.com or 07780913546.

There are many benefits in joining a group. To start with participants will be led in directions that they might not have thought of for themselves, or had the confidence to embark on for a first time. Then there is the company, cheerful, chatty, full of genuine friendship.

Ron Smith from Plymouth Ramblers, who is also walks coordinator for the Dartmoor Rambling Club, said: “There is just one caveat; walking boots are essential for all rambles. We do try to avoid tussocks and bog, but Dartmoor can be a little bit uncompromising. Mud is inevitably omnipresent until high summer dries the paths out. Superb views are dangerously addictive. Give us a go!”

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22 March 2021

New memorial for victims of slave trade to be installed A memorial dedicated to the many victims of the slave trade is set to be installed in the Plymouth Hoe Peace Garden later this year.

The memorial, which will be mounted on a

limestone plinth, will feature a plaque that not only commemorates the many lives lost to the slave trade but will play tribute to the work of Plymouth residents who worked tirelessly in their campaigns to end slavery.

It will be unveiled on March 25 to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “It is so important that we recognise the role that Plymouth played in the Slave Trade and the devastation which this caused to lives and communities all over the world.

“Although slavery was abolished over 200 years ago the trauma of these atrocities - the legacy of racism and discrimination can still be felt today.

“As a city, we must not try to hide from our past. We must raise awareness of the horrors of this cruel trade and most importantly the people and communities it affected.”

An image of the British slave ship Brookes, designed by Plymouth MP and artist Sir William Elford, will adorn the plaque.

This image was first published in a pamphlet by the Plymouth chapter of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade and became one of the most important symbols of the national abolitionist campaign.

This story and Plymouth’s contribution to this history can be explored in more detail at The Box and its 100 Journeys gallery.

Sir William Elford

22 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Rockfish boost for National Marine Aquarium following third closure Sutton Harbour’s award winning seafood eatery, Rockfish has donated a further £8,000 to its neighbour, the National Marine Aquarium, in a bid to help the much-loved city attraction in wake of another lengthy closure.

This brings the total donated to £23,000 in the past twelve months from the popular restaurant, despite the hospitality industry being badly hit by the impact of the pandemic.

The vital funds were raised by Rockfish over the six months prior to its enforced lockdown closure, and come from their optional £1 table donation from customers.

These come at a crucial time for the Aquarium which relies on visitors to cover its operating costs – and to keep its animals fed, which is upwards of £5,000 each month. But due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it was forced to remain closed from late December.

Mitch Tonks, chef and Rockfish owner said: “The aquarium is an iconic part of the Plymouth landscape who do such important work in the community and it is wonderful that we can do something to make a difference, especially during this incredibly challenging year for ourselves and for the aquarium. We want to come out of this alongside our neighbour, the NMA, thriving so it feels particularly important to look out for each other.”

Roger Maslin, chief executive at the National Marine Aquarium, said: “We are delighted to receive another generous donation from Rockfish and their customers.

“We share many of Rockfish’s values when it comes to helping preserve the marine environment and their support means we can

Rockfish’s Mitch Tonks (left) pictured with council leacder Tudor Evans and Roger Maslin, chief executive of the National Marine Aquarium

continue in our vision of creating a healthier Ocean for all.

“One of the biggest challenges that face aquaria at this time, is the ongoing costs of feeding and maintaining the fish and animals. Even when closed to the public, the cost of operating the largest Aquarium in the UK remains up to £10,000 a day. This fantastic donation means we can continue to care for our animals, as well as continue our free education lessons for home schoolers and classes across the UK.” Leader of Plymouth City council, Tudor Evans, said: “How wonderful to see two Plymouth institutions working together to help each other

out during this incredibly difficult time. The customers and teams at Rockfish, most of whom are Plymouth locals, are looking out for their neighbours, something that is reflected in many areas of our city. This is why we have such a good community here and long may it continue.”

Despite the aquarium’s closure the Ocean Conservation Trust, which runs the attraction, is continuing with their vital education and conservation work, including weekly Ocean school lessons on YouTube and cultivating ocean habitats in their lab to replant in the ocean.

For more information go to www.nationalaquarium.co.uk or www.oceanconservationtrust.org

(not including public health budgets) will increase by just £9.338 million with £7.922 million of this rise expected to come from increasing Council Tax. Issuing the call for Government to finally publish the figures, Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Plymouth Council, said: “We are in the middle of the worst public health crisis in a hundred years, and yet the Government are forcing us to fight with one hand tied behind our back. The ongoing silence on public health is holding us back and that puts lives at risk. We need answers – now.

“From test and trace, to rolling out the vaccine, and now giving councils certainty in public health funding, the Government has repeatedly been too been slow to act, systems have failed, and lives have been lost.

“Council budgets have been ripped apart by the cost of COVID, and now the Government’s answer is to simply ask local people to pay more in their Council Tax, whilst risking a reduction in services.”

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, has said that Directors of Public Health and their teams desperately need certainty on how much they can budget for in 2021/22 to help their communities deal with the immediate impact of COVID-19.

According to LGA figures, public health funding grants to councils have been reduced by £700 million in real terms from 2015/16 to 2019/20.

The lack of any new money for public health in the recent Spending Review will also likely lead to greater demand pressures on the NHS, which is already facing unprecedented challenges.

Public health silence risking lives in the middle of a pandemic, says councillor With the new financial year just weeks away, the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Plymouth City Council is demanding the Government finally publish this year’s Public Health funding allocation.

The city council is providing a range of services to help tackle COVID-19 infection rates, support the roll out of the vaccine and protect the vulnerable, yet Ministers have failed to publish the 2021/22 public health funding allocation – making detailed planning for the year ahead impossible.

The prolonged uncertainty comes at a time when councils across the country are facing wider budget cuts and pressure from central government to raise Council Tax by 5 per cent.

The Government has announced that Plymouth City Council’s Core Spending Power

USEFUL Plans to celebrate 125th anniversary of NUMBERS March 2021 23

@PlymChronicle

Devonport High School for Boys in 2021 Devonport High School for Boys is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2021.

Founder Alonzo J Rider opened his new school, Devonport High School for Boys – incorporating the Stoke Naval and Civil Service School – on January 16 1896, in a building at the top of Albert Road in Stoke which he had purchased for £3500.

Mr Rider was no stranger to education, or the area, as he had previously been headmaster of Stoke Public Elementary School. He retired in 1906 when the local education authority bought it in a reorganisation of secondary education.

He didn’t go far though, as his home adjoined the school and that is where he passed away 100 years ago in 1921. He kept a close eye on his school and was Chair of Governors until his death.

In one of his final speeches he expressed his paternal pride in Devonport High which he had founded 22 years previously. Many parents had no confidence in this municipal school and consequently transferred their sons to alternative ones!

By 1913, the subsequent headmaster, Mr A F Treseder, proudly announced that Devonport High School for Boys was now the largest boys’ school affording secondary education in the three towns of Devonport, Stonehouse and Plymouth.

Mr Treseder retired in 1932 and to this day is the longest serving head of Devonport High. It was said that he rarely smiled but did his best!

Cue the next headmaster – HATS! Mr HAT

Plymouth will come together to remember the 1,172 civilians who died during the 1941 Plymouth Blitz in a special series of commemorative events.

The events will include: • The Box will be sharing pages of the Bomb Book marking every raid on Plymouth during World War Two alongside other exhibits from our city’s wartime past.

• A special remembrance service will be held for the 76 people lost in the bombing of the Portland Square air raid shelter organised by the University of Plymouth.

• The Fire Brigades Union will be unveiling a new memorial to the 41 firefighters who died during the Plymouth Blitz in a special online service.

• CityBus will be publishing photographs of the bomb damage to their Milehouse depot that included buses blown onto the roof of the depot by the force of the blast.

• St Andrew’s Church will be holding a special livestreamed service to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing of the Minister Church and the placing of the ‘Resurgam’ inscription outside the church the day after.

The Marine Biological Association on Plymouth Hoe that was hit by bombs will also be publishing photos and diary entries from staff at the time recounting the raids. The

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Helplines

From the archives...Devonport High School for Boys seen before Stonehouse Creek was filled in

Simmonds became the third headmaster, in 1933 at the age of 33 and made his mark by introducing the school blazer!

By 1940 the school had grown to 700 boys, from only 94 in 1906 at the time of the local education authority takeover. On May 14 1941, following the March and April air raids, the school was evacuated to Penzance - although some pupils opted to attend the Emergency High School within Sutton High School.

School did not resume in Plymouth until the September 10 1945 – in a new home. Local philanthropist Albert (Archie) Ballard had paid £10,000 for the empty Stoke Military Hospital and

gifted it to Plymouth for educational use.

Beverley Kinsella, who is co-ordinating plans to celebrate the anniversary, said: “Just last week a pupil from this period told me how excited all the boys were to be going to their new building and how impressed they were by the colonnade which is 165.5 metres long and linked by 41 arches.”

She said that tentative plans were being made for a celebration later this year.

Those interested should register at www. dhsb125.co.uk/She would also love to hear any DHSB memories and see any memorabilia which former pupils may have. Please email Beverley Kinsella at alumni@dhsb.org

80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz to be marked by series of special events A programme of special events will be taking place this year to mark the 80th anniversary of the Blitz which killed over 1,000 people in Plymouth and changed the city forever.

Emergency Numbers

A page from the Bomb Book

Lord Mayor will also be leading the city in a moment of remembrance.

Babcock, the Royal Navy and the Royal British Legion will all be participating in events. As will those organisations who remember those civilians who fell including Ford Park Cemetery Trust whose chapel is engraved with the names of every victim of the Plymouth Blitz.

Plymouth was targeted by the Luftwaffe as a major naval port, home to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and as a base to units of the Army and the Royal Air Force.

During the 59 bombing attacks, 1,172 civilians were killed and 4,448 injured Luke Pollard MP, who leads the organisation of the event programme said: “During this time of national crisis, it is more important than ever to remember the Plymouth

Blitz and the spirit that saw our city through that dark time. 80 years on we are faced with an invisible foe in the form of Coronavirus and the same spirit of rising again. Just as Plymouth got through the Blitz and the horrors of war, to rebuild, we will do that with this virus.

“As a proud military city, we remember those in uniform who served and gave their lives for our freedom, and during the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz I hope the stories of our city’s civilian population can be retold and rediscovered. I invite everyone in Plymouth to remember this anniversary, be proud of our city’s past and hopeful about the future true to the essence familiar to Plymothians eighty years ago embodied in the resurgam spirit.”

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy

Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “As one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two, this March and April mark 80 years since one of Plymouth’s darkest hours.

“The destruction caused by the Blitz changed the city forever – but so did the way it rose from the ashes and rebuilt itself. This is an opportunity for us to remember everyone who was lost and everyone who survived. As we continue to face the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s also a really timely reminder of how resilient Plymouth can be in the toughest of times.”

Nicola Moyle, Head of Heritage, Art and Film at The Box said: “As one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two, this spring marks 80 years since one of Plymouth’s darkest hours. The destruction caused by the Blitz is a subject we return to time and time again – not only to inform people about what took place, but also to remind them of how resilient Plymouth is and how it rose from the ashes.

“At the Box we are privileged to hold a wealth of material in our archives and in our galleries. One particularly iconic document is called The Bomb Book – it literally captures night by night all the bombs that fell across the city during the Blitz.

“We will be sharing highlights from this book as part of the anniversary commemoration.”

The events programme will be published by Plymouth City Council shortly.

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

24 March 2021

24 March 2021

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth’s Tracy Perkin flying the flag for female plumbers An apprenticeship can be daunting for anyone. But what about when you’re a woman entering a sector that’s stereotypically male-dominated.

For Plymouth-based Tracy Perkin, the trepidation was far outweighed by her overwhelming desire and enthusiasm to carve out a career in gas engineering and plumbing.

Having worked for the best part of 20 years for a plumber’s merchant selling boiler parts, Tracy, who lives in West Park, found herself at a career crossroads as she approached her 40th birthday.

Her determination to realise her dreams paid dividends as he was offered an apprenticeship with LiveWest, the largest housing association in the South West.

Estimates suggest that there are around 1,000 female plumbers and gas engineers in the UK which accounts for just two per cent of those working in the trade.

And there are only just 500 who have secured the Accredited Certification Scheme which is the accepted route for experienced gas operatives to gain the certificate of competence needed to become a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Although Tracy’s new career path still provokes an element of surprise for some people, she is thrilled to be able to ‘fly the flag’ for women plumbers.

At the start of National Apprenticeships Week, Tracy said: “I often get that look of surprise when I knock on the door of one of our customers.

“People generally expect a male to arrive and that’s perfectly understandable.

“Our customers are great, and I get lots of comments about how fantastic it is that a woman has come to look at their boiler.

“The plumbing trade has always been male-dominated and it will take time for

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Plumber Tracy on her way to another call out

that to change. I guess I am flying the flag for women.

“What I hope it will do is make people think and consider a career path regardless of gender and age.

“Luckily for me, LiveWest don’t hold any barriers and welcome people whatever their age or gender.”

LiveWest customer Dave Hogg, 74, was full of praise for Tracy after she completed a recent gas check on his property in Plymouth.

The former chief radio supervisor, who spent 22 years serving in the Royal Navy, said: “It’s fantastic, I’m all for female plumbers.

“Tracy came in and was extremely friendly, professional and competent.

“It’s good to see women doing what have traditionally been jobs done by males in the past.

“My daughter is a nurse at Derriford Hospital, and she has lots of friends who are male nurses. It’s about breaking down gender stereotypes.

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Chronicle Plymouth

March 2021

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

Gables Dogs and Cats Home are caring for a 13 year old cat who has been evicted from his home See page 6

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Plympton & Plymstock

Talented singer Esther Cole has made her way through to The Voice Battle Rounds See page 13

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Helicopter heroes

Little James Berry from Plymouth and his mum Natalie meet pilots Mark Woodley (left) and Dave Burgess (right) from the Children’s Air Ambulance during a special event in Bristol.

James was just four months old when the helicopter heroes airlifted him to Derriford.

• See story on page 13

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is a registered charity number 280681

Tracy: ‘More women should have a go at these trades’

“I was in the Royal Navy and they could do with more women at sea.”

Against a backdrop of coronavirus restrictions over the past 11 months, Tracy has still been able to carry on her apprenticeship thanks in part to the safety measures employed by LiveWest.

Tracy added: “I have learnt so much over the past year. At first it is daunting going into someone’s house to fix an issue or do a gas check.

“But you have a mentor with you at all times and Mark Malone has been an amazing support for me.

“There is no better satisfaction than fixing someone’s boiler so that they can get access to hot water and heating again. It puts a smile on my face every time.

“Of course, at this time of year it is extremely busy, and we also have to factor in all of the safety precautions in place to keep ourselves and our customers safe.

“It has been a challenging year for everybody but being able to help in a small way fills me with joy.

“Having worked with LiveWest in my former career, I knew they were the organisation I wanted to work for because of their focus on great customer services and the way they support and develop their employees.

“I am in the second year of my apprentice and it is the best thing that could have happened to me. It has literally changed my life.

“What I would say is that more women should have a go at these trades because you gain some fantastic skills.

“I am a practical person so the best way for me to learn is have a go at things. I have learnt so much already.

“If you are not a classroom person, on the job training is an excellent way to learn.

“And it is all thanks to LiveWest for believing in me and giving me the platform to show I can do this.”

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 April edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on March 12 with a copy deadline of March 1. The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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18/12/2020 11:53