Plymouth Chronicle East March 2023

Woodside appeals for help to keep the rain at bay

Elfordleigh-based Woodside Animal Sanctuary, is home to over 450 cats each year, the majority finding new homes.

In order to be able to help so many cats, the sanctuary has three different catteries, along with four special care cat units for residents. Now one of the catteries is in desperate need of a new roof before the start of the kitten season, which is traditionally around April.

Woodside founder Carole Bowles said: “Our outside cattery is suffering from a leaky roof. Sadly not just in one spot but many as the current roofing is long overdue replacement.”

The cattery, affectionately known as ‘The Cottage Block’ is a wooden building, which currently has a bitumen corrugated roof. This will be replaced by galvanised roof sheeting, which has a much longer lifespan.

Carole added: “The cattery is predominantly used in the warmer months, but given that both demand for cats to come in is still high and that we are currently helping many feral and stray cats, it is likely that it will be used, although to a lesser extent, throughout the winter too. It has 22 pens so in the busy period with kittens, it can house over 50 cats.”

”The cattery is a great help when in kitten season and often houses many litters of kittens, so it is essential that we are able to raise funds for a replacement roof before the season comes around again.”

The total cost of the project is £6,850 and the sanctuary is appealing for donations or for help from businesses.

To donate visit http://easydonate.org/CATROOF

Donations can also be made by text. Contact Woodside for details on 01752 347503.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Elfordleigh has received a donation of £350 from Freemasons in Paignton.

A cheque was presented to kennel supervisor Cora Harvey by Phil Greenway, charity steward of Courtland Lodge in Paignton and David Froud, both of whom own rescue dogs themselves. The funds will be used to purchase dog food at a time when Woodside has the highest number of animals in their care since before the pandemic.

Woodside is currently caring for nearly 200 animals on site, involving 14 different species. The charity’s founder Carole Bowles said the the increase in the number of animals being cared for was ‘very worrying’ and was most likely due to the cost of living crisis.

She also said the rising number of small and large animals at the shelter is one of their biggest concerns as they count for over half the number of intakes. She also said from the sanctuary’s own experience, and from looking at national statistics, rabbits continue to be one of the most neglected pets.

Woodside’s Dawn Corrish outside the leaking cattery

Phil Greenway presents the cheque to Woodside’s Cora Harvey

While Freemasons donation helps to provide support at a challenging time

All set for launch of Connect Plymouth

A new website has been launched as part of an initiative to provide new ways for people to move around Plymouth.

Connect Plymouth will officially launch on March 21, but ahead of this date people are being invited to visit www.connectplymouth.org to see what facilities will be near their home and where they work or play.

By the end of the installation phase, Connect Plymouth will see 500 electric bikes for hire at over 90 locations, 300 fast and rapid electric vehicle chargers in 50 locations and an electric car club across the city.

The ground work needed for docking stations and charging points is already underway in a number of locations. Council staff have been road-

testing electric bikes, for instance, from Ballard House and work is currently ongoing at Manadon Sports Hub in St Peters Road, which is one of the first sites to get infrastructure installed.

Other preparation work involves electricity cable installation, parking bay marking and in some cases, changes to kerbs.

The new Connect Plymouth components – the e-bikes, car hire and charge points – are designed to be integrated with existing public travel including ferries, walking and cycling routes and the Connect Plymouth website not only has a map of planned facility locations but links to journey planners and to the companies who run the schemes.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We’re really excited about Connect Plymouth as it will offer greener, more sustainable travel right across the city.

“The scheme is all about making sustainable transport easier and more attractive for the people of Plymouth to use. With the official launch date in sight, we wanted people to check out the map so that they can get a sense of what’s on offer near them.

“We have committed to reducing carbon emissions and to greener travel as part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan and we want Connect Plymouth

to play a big part in helping to change people’s habits and to get greener on the go.”

Last year the council awarded contracts to Co Cars, the on-demand, zero and low emission car club to run their fleet in the city. Beryl Bikes are on board with a 500-strong fleet of electric bikes for hire to be located across the city. When fully operational, there will be an additional 300 parking bays across the city with electric vehicle charge points provided by Wenea.

Connect Plymouth is the new name for the network of facilities – which were formerly called mobility hubs. It is part of the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

In March 2020 the Council received £51.2m capital funding from the Transforming Cities Fund. This builds upon the £7.6m previously awarded in 2019.

Adrian Vinken wins top honour at Devon Tourism Awards

Adrian Vinken, former chief executive of the Theatre Royal Plymouth, has been presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’ at the Devon Tourism Award’s ceremony.

Adrian, who is also former chair of Destination Plymouth, Mayflower400 and director of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and The Lowry Salford has been a driving force in both the visitor and cultural sectors in the region.

He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for his leadership of the cultural and creative sector in the South West helping to create the first Cultural Strategy for the region.

In 2018 he was appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon and in 2022 he was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

A founding Director of Sheffield’s Leadmill Theatre in the late 1970’s his pioneering work led to the growth of the cultural industries and connected tourism offer in the city. He left in 1990 to run one of the region’s most successful and iconic venues, the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

During this time, apart from presenting nearly 2000 shows, Adrian was responsible for the development of TR2, the theatre’s unique award-winning Production

and Learning Centre on the River Plym and the theatre’s wholesale modernisation in 2013, expanding front of house and catering facilities and creating the building’s third performance space The Lab.

He joined the Board of Destination Plymouth as a founder member when the company was formed in 2010 and was instrumental in the development of the city’s first ‘Visitor strategy’ embedding culture at the heart of the city’s ambitious growth plans for tourism and the wider visitor economy. Adrian retired from the Theatre Royal and Destination Plymouth in 2021.

Adrian Vinken said: “It’s a joy to receive this honour and I want to thank all those involved at the Devon Tourism Awards team. Frankly I feel a little embarrassed to be given such an award for, in the end, just simply having the good fortune to enjoy one of the most exciting, varied  and fulfilling careers imaginable in such a brilliant city.

“It’s been a privilege to work with my fellow directors and the great executive team at Destination Plymouth, the leaders and officers at Plymouth City Council and key activists in the area’s cultural sector.  Their commitment and advocacy has been responsible for radically transforming Plymouth’s cultural and tourism landscape over the past two decades.”

...and gold for the Tourist Information Centre team

Plymouth Tourist Information Centre’s team has won gold at the Devon Tourism Awards in the ‘Visitor Information Service of the Year’ category.

The team, led by Visitor Services manager Clare Phillips, won the award for their exceptional standard of service and appropriate information.

The Plymouth Tourist Information Centre is a key part of the Association of Barbican Business, has an excellent rapport with visitors and are an integral to the success of local tourist events.

The team has also been busy with the refurbished Mayflower Museum, which

showcases a journey through time with four floors and four centuries to explore.

Plymouth’s Ocean View at The Dome also won gold in the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and bronze in the ‘New Tourism Business’ categories. The gold award for ‘Unsung Hero’ went to Doug Kerr, Plymouth Volunteer Cruise Ambassador.

Winners in all categories will automatically be ‘fast-tracked’ into corresponding categories of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards on at the Eden Project on March 23.

Clare Philips, Visitor Services manager at the Plymouth Tourism Information Centre said: “It’s amazing to be recognised

again for our exceptional standard of service at the Devon Tourism Awards. Its been a busy and exciting year in Plymouth, which the team have embraced with their usual enthusiasm.”

Amanda Lumley, chief executive at Destination Plymouth said: “We are so proud of the team at our TIC here in the Barbican and the great service they provide. Not only do they provide a warm welcome to the city but they are incredibly knowledgeable and give expert advice to the millions of visitors we receive annually. This award is truly well deserved and Clare and her team are to be congratulated”.

The first phase of Connect Plymouth goes live on March 21 and the occasion with be marked with a special launch event between 8am and 6pm at the Piazza in the city centre..

The public will get the chance to find out more information about each component of Connect Plymouth as welll as taking part in a range of fun activities. There will also be the opportunity to view the brand new electric VWID3 which will be part of the car club scheme.

Throughout the day the public will also be able to ride the e-bikes for free when joining one of the short 15 minute guided rides to help show people how to use the e-bikes and get a taster.

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Building the Box Architectural Tour

Feb 16, Mar 16

Building The Box was a huge task. Meet a guide at the Welcome Desk and then take an architectural tour of the site and learn about the restoration, demolition and new build construction that took place between 2017 and 2020. Also discover some fascinating information about the history of the buildings, dating back to the 1860s. External pulpits, Blitz bomb damage, redundant tram lines, and more! The tour involves walking up and down stairs. Tickets £10 must be booked in advance at www.theboxplymouth.com/ events/talks-and-tours/architectural-tour

Live Music at The Roundabout

Feb 17

Featuring Ask My Bull, jazz punk four piece from Manchester supported by Semantics, a one man machine of honesty, energy, words and noise. 8pm to 1am. Tickets £3 in advance from www.trybooking.com

Plymouth Jazz Club

Feb 19

Featuring Devon Magnolia Jazz Band at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door from 7pm. Details www.plymouthjazz-club.org.uk

Wedding Fair

Feb 19

China Fleet Country Club from 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Details at www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/eventcalendar/

Lucy Porter: Wake Up Call

Feb 22

Brand new stand-up comedy show from the fringe favourite at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 8pm. Lucy’s TV appearances include Would I Lie To You, QI and Live at The Apollo. Tickets £18 from www. comicalentertainment.com.

Anniversary Ceildh

Feb 25

With Plymouth Morris at the Woolwell Centre from 7pm to 11.15pm. With Black Velvet Ceilidh Duo. Tickets £8. Contact bagman@plymouthmorris.uk or www. plymouthmorris.uk

Susie Dent - The Secret Lives of Words

Feb 25

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day at the Quad Theatre, Marjon campus at 2pm. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster). Susie will also share a selection of the funniest moments from her 30 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as some startling results from eavesdropping on a group of waiters. Tickets £23.50 from www. comicalentertainment.com.

The Terry Higgins Concert

Feb 26

Part of Jeannie Moore’s 29th International Concert Series at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Terry has chosen seven pieces for this concert and performers include pianist Mark Bebbington, violinist Peter Fisher and flautist Judith Hall. Tickets £15 on the door and from www.wegottickets.com/event/568323

Cloudbusting:

Mar 3

band can be and resulting in sell-out performances across the UK. Hosted at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus from 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50 from eventbrite.co.uk

Music for Lent

Mar 4

West Devon Chorale present works by Mozart, Palestrina and others at Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 (£12 in advance) £4 children and students from www.wegottickets/ westdevonchorale or from the choir adm inistrator on 01752 776479.

Rule the World Mar 10

Take That tribute band appearing at Boringdon Park. Doors open at 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. Tickets including three course dinner and welcome drink £40. Call 01752 339113.

Stand Up for New Parents

Mar 10

Professional comics perform for new parents who can’t get out at night!. At the Soapbox Theatre in Devonport Park at 11am. Limited tickets which include one adult and one child for £8/£10/£15 or pay what you can afford. Call 07947 880557 for tickets.

Mozart’s Requiem

Mar 11

The University of Plymouth Choral Society together with the Levowan XII choir and the Divertimento Ensemble present this legendary work and other compositions at 7.30pm in the Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. Bookings from 01752 585050, www. plymouth.ac.uk/arts-institute/tickets or Mannamead News, Eggbuckland Road. Tickets £16 adults, £6 students/young people also available on the door.

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

Mar 11

The Music of Kate Bush

As the longest running and most universally applauded homage to the music of Kate Bush, Cloudbusting has been championed by Radio One as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate’s music has won over sceptical fans everywhere, challenging perceptions of what a tribute

Join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives. This special day is so much more than a fun, banter-fuelled, outing to revel in with your friends – it’s also about being mindful of our mental health. Discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront from 10am. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion, participants

can tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading. For details visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/mensdayout/

Soup and Sweet Lunch

Mar 18

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Tickets £8, booking essential on 01752 665442.

Plymouth Brick Festival

Mar 18

A LEGO fan event at Plymouth Guildhall dedicated to all things brick! From 10am to 5pm Early bird from 10am £12 per person. Standard entry from 11am £6 per person, children £4. Family tickets available.

Table Top Sale

Mar 18

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

The Marsha Head Concert

Mar 23

Part of Jeannie Moore’s 29th International Concert Series at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Programme to include Passacaglia, Siciliana and Innocence Lost. Tickets £15 on the door and from www.wegottickets. com/event/568327

Plymouth Harbour Half

Mar 26

Join the Plymouth Harbour Half for a scenic running experience from Yelverton, following the former railway lines through Plym Woods, back to Saltram, and finishing up around the picturesque harbour. Jump on a coach to the heart of Dartmoor and enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking Plymouth, as you end up back on the Barbican. Details www. phrdevonmind.com

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Mar 26

The choir presents Dvorak’s Stabat Mater in Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30 pm. Tickets £20 in advance or £22 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com †or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, please visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session. Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! The award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show. Tickets at www.dinomania. co.uk/events/dinomania-tourplymouth.php

Spring Fayre and Plant Sale

Apr 1 Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm. Details 01752 665442.

Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Apr 2

Magician Magical Bones brings his show to The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with awe-inspiring and high energy magic. Tickets from www.tickettailor. com/events/comicalentertainment/784365

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Hear Better ‘Mini’ Exhibition

May 4

Free hearing loss exhibition designed for individuals and hearing professionals to find out more about the latest technology and local support available to assist people with hearing loss in daily life. To be held at the Copthorne Hotel from 10.30am to 3pm. There will be an NHS Re-tube clinic and British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter from 10.30am to 1pm. For more information contact Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth 01752 201899.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

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

Plymouth Pirates Weekend

May 20 and 21

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

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

St Luke’s Hospice is staging its popular Men’s Day Out fundraiser on March 11

Popular Plymouth vet Edmund Shillabear, who is 83, will be competing in the London Marathon in April to raise funds for SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

Edmund is the oldest runner for the charity and also one of the most experienced extreme athletes.

Edmund, who has veterinary surgeries in Peverell and Elburton is no stranger to the gruelling 42.2 kilometre challenge across London.

He said: “I ran my first marathon more than 50 years ago in 1971. I have finished more Plymouth Marathons than anyone else and I ran the very first London Marathon and the 25th one. I have run a few other London ones but I can’t remember which years!”

Edmund has a few secrets that contribute towards his phenomenal success. For one, he trains with five times British Racewalking Olympian, Chris Maddox and has a specific training style.

He explained: “Over 90 per cent of my training sessions are done at maximum intensity, a policy forced on me by lack of training time and nurtured by my best friend and oftentimes training partner Chris ‘Mad Max’ Maddocks. My Christian Faith has also helped me through numerous challenges.

“My competitors never believe me when I told them my low training mileage!”

Ed has also completed Ironman challenges and quadrathons – swimming, cycling, walking and running.

Edmund explained that his impressive athleticism was due to regular consumption of a full range of organic supplements and a lack of any modern sports science methodology or coaching.

Although, being a veterinary surgeon, Edmund knows his way around bodies and their capabilities. He’s put his skills to good use and is a shining example of what may be possible in later life.

He said: “When I entered the Fosters’ Quadrathon – which consisted of a 2.4 mile sea swim, 51km walk, 112 mile hilly cycling stage, finished off with a full marathon – 100 qualified to enter, 81 started, 64 finished, and as the oldest competitor I was third!”

“The winner had trained in the Himalayas and second place went to an ex SAS man who full time trained, and I came third. I took the week leading up to the event off, otherwise I was working full time.”

To make a donation to Edmund’s chosen charity, follow this link: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/ pf/edmund-shillabeer

Mahatma Gandhi

Green light given for 550 homes at Coypool

Plymouth City Council has approved unanimously Coypool Park, a Homes England development of over 500 homes on the former site of the china clay drying works.

A masterplan by LDA Design with CampbellReith and The Environment Partnership will transform the steep derelict site on the edge of Plymouth into a welcoming, imaginative, and attractive landscape-led community that is properly integrated into the wider neighbourhood.

The development of up to 550 homes includes affordable housing, 60 homes for older persons living and nearly 40 acres of high-quality accessible woodland.

Overlooking the Plym Valley, Coypool Park will be defined by its relationship to its woodland setting, originally planted to

screen industrial activity but now to be managed to provide the neighbourhood with a remarkable recreational asset that also delivers biodiversity net gain through enhanced added flora and fauna. A Design Code outlines how the woodland character will be drawn into the residential streets and play areas.

NEXT EVENT...

Reverend Dr Andy Hardy

What hope is there for those looking for answers to the deeper questions of life? Many people are asking this, both those in the church and those with no church affiliation. Andy Hardy is an experienced practical theologian who brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject and communicates his response in a way that is easy for all to understand.

Hear him speak:

Saturday 25th Feb

The King’s, Tavistock PL19 9AZ at 7:30pm

Lloyds Pharmacy to pull out of Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills

Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills is to lose its Lloyds Pharmacy after a strategic review led to a decision by the pharmaceutical retailer to announce the closure of all its pharmacies in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK.

Lloyds Pharmacy, which is a leading community pharmacy and healthcare provider, has undertaken the strategic review of its operations in response to changing market conditions and agreed that pharmacy services will be withdrawn from all Sainsbury’s stores over the course of 2023.

Commenting on the announcement, chief executive of Lloyds Pharmacy, Kevin Birch, said: “This decision has not been an easy one and we understand that our patients and customers may have questions about how the change will affect them.

Sunday 26th Feb

The King’s, Tavistock PL19 9AZ 10:30am

The Worship Centre

Estover, PL6 7LF 7:30pm

Coypool will be well served by sustainable transport, reducing reliance on travelling by car. A bus service linked to the adjoining Park&Ride will provide a frequent service into the city centre, and the adjacent Drake’s Cycle Trail will enable people to reach the city centre and join the SUSTRANS National Cycle network.

Paul Connelly, a director at LDA Design and project lead for Coypool Park, explained the rationale behind the scheme. “We don’t want Coypool to be one of a kind – we want it to establish a

benchmark for new landscapeled brownfield communities. The masterplan will create a sociable place to live, for all ages, but one that is also well connected to the wider landscape and the city beyond. It combines creative urban design with innovative engineering to turn environmental challenges into great placemaking opportunities, in particular in the imaginative use of woodland.”

The plans have been developed in close consultation with the Neighbourhood Forum, who have endorsed them. The proposals are designed to benefit existing residents by improving access to community facilities and sustainable transport links and be providing access to the extensive woodland green space. Homes England has now appointed BDW Trading Ltd as their delivery partner to bring the development to fruition.

“We would like to thank them for their continued support and assure them that we are committed to providing a smooth transition over the coming months.”

He added: “I am very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication to our patients, customers and communities.”

No exact date for the closure of the branch within Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills has yet been finalised. Lloyds Pharmacy is currently exploring options for each individual branch which means that timeline and final plans will vary on a branch-by-branch basis.

“It is working with all colleagues potentially affected by the changes and has underlined its commitment to support them through the process. Lloyds Pharmacy is also committed to helping patients easily find a suitable alternative provision.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Plympton schools to support day marking scouts and guides founders

It is likely there will be a sea of uniforms being worn by children in Plympton and beyond in February to mark a special day among Scouts and Guides.

16th Feb - 8am

22nd Feb - 5pm

Tune in on 96.3FM or listen online at bit.ly/CRPlymouthPlayer

For more information email info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

Listen to his interview on Cross Rhythms Plymouth www.fathershouse.org.uk

Every year, on February 22, the Scouting movement celebrates the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell (b.1857), and his wife, Olave (b.1889), who was the first Girl Guide. This is known worldwide as Founders Day for Scouts and Thinking Day for Girl Guides. It is a day for Scouts and Guides to celebrate by wearing their uniform and all Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Leaders are encouraged to wear their uniform all day!

All primary schools in Plympton have agreed to support the day by allowing their pupils to wear these uniforms on that day.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

FathersHouseSW

Artist’s impression of the woodland setting for Coypool Park Credit: LDA Design

The former china clay drying works - site of the new Coypool Park development Photo credit: Imerys Minerals Limited

“I’ve advertised in the Plymouth Chronicle many times because I know it will reach a wide audience of Plymouth residents. The staff are always friendly and helpful and prices are affordable for a local independent

Plympton Police guage interest in Speed Watch

Plympton Police are seeking to establish whether there is sufficient interest in Plympton in setting up a community Speed Watch initiative.

A member of the Plympton Policing Team explained: “We get a lot of reports of road related problems, vehicle ASB and especially speeding vehicles here in Plympton. It would be great to have your help.

“Have you ever heard of Community Speed Watch? Well, it could see one of you trained by Police to record details of speeding vehicles using specialist equipment. Speed Watch is undertaken in 20, 30 and 40 MPH roads in our local area. It is on a volunteering basis and you will be highly visible helping to encourage drivers to become more speed aware. From the work you do, speeding drivers are contacted, explaining the potential consequences of their behaviour.

“Your help in doing this will go a long way in helping to make your community and roads a much safer place to live in.

“At the moment, Plympton does not have a group set up, so would require a few of you (around 4) to create one. This would be a great opportunity to work alongside your local team and we will support you when we can.

“If you have any questions, please let us know and we will be happy to help. We appreciate your assistance and hope to see some of you out on the road soon!”

For more information and to set up a team, visit https://crowd.in/BzqwHL

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Green councillor raises issue of missing play park

Dental Practice – SW England

After moving back to the area where she grew up Dr. Roxanna Smith decided to set her sights on creating a dental practice with a difference – offering high quality service at a fair price. Here at elburton dental we want our patients to receive the treatment that’s right for them, clearly discussing the options available so that you can make the choice of treatment that suits you best After all, they are your teeth!

You can register with us online at www.elburton.dental or give us a call on 01752 310000

Chaddlewood’s newly elected Green Councillor Lauren McLay lost no time getting stuck into her new role by quizzing cabinet member Cllr Bill Wakeham about the lack of a play park at Redwood Heights during her first full meeting of Plymouth City Council.

Cllr McLay outlined that £82,000 of section 106 funding had been set aside since 2021, when the building of new homes finished, for the provision of a play park at Redwood Heights but that it had yet to materialise.

She asked Cllr Wakeham to explain the delay and what could be done to bring the park into being. Cllr Wakeham indicated he could not immediately fully answer the question. He thought the site was still in the hands of the contractor, but that he would look into it.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Archaeologists discover remains of ancient road and pottery at Sherford

Sherford continues to reveal its rich history, with archaeological investigations uncovering the remains of an ancient road and other fascinating finds.

Some of the artefacts are believed to date back to the Roman period and provide evidence that this area has long been a crucial link for trade and connecting ancient communities.

With the new findings following on just one year after the monumental discovery of ice-age Megafauna, archaeologists have been working to uncover even more of the new community’s hidden history. The latest discoveries come as part of key infrastructure work to create the Sherford Business Park – part of which is within the new Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

As well as shedding new light on how people once lived, worked and travelled, the discovery of a probable Roman road – which extends across the length of the area towards Plympton – also showcases ancient construction methods; with its crushed slate surface and adjacent drainage points still clearly visible and well-preserved.

Archaeological investigations at Sherford have been taking place since construction of the town first began in 2015. Committed to revealing and preserving Sherford’s history, the Sherford Consortium – a partnership between Taylor Wimpey, Countryside Partnerships & Vistry Housebuilding which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes – fund an ongoing programme of

archaeological excavations, working with Devon County Council, as well as expert teams from Orion Heritage and AC Archaeology.

As part of the most recent archaeological investigations, evidence of ancient community family life was also unearthed.

The area was likely a thriving place of activity from the Bronze Age (2700-700 BC), as shown by the discovery of the remains of roundhouse postholes – circular style family homes, typical of the period and usually constructed with natural materials found in the local area. Pottery, dating back to 1500 BC, was also uncovered and still shows unique decorations; likely made from a cord being pressed into wet clay before being fired.     Square enclosures, once home to farmsteads during the Roman period (1st – 5th Century AD), showed evidence of crop processing having once taken place on the site, alongside the discovery of waste associated with the making of flint tools; which ancient communities likely would have used to work and farm the land.

All findings that can be removed from the area will be carefully analysed and preserved by a team of archaeological experts, hopefully to join other artefacts discovered at Sherford and eventually put on public display.

Peter Sadler, managing director of Countryside Partnerships South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “It’s amazing to reveal even more archaeological finds at Sherford; this new community continues to reveal its extensive

history. The discoveries provide even further evidence that Sherford is archaeologically rich and diverse, with the area now known to have been a key route for travel and trade between local families and communities thousands of years ago. Sherford’s new Business Park will continue this legacy, by acting as a point of trade, collaboration and connection.”

Rob Bourn, managing Director of Orion Heritage added: “Enhancing our understanding of not just Devon, but also Britain’s ancient history, the archaeological work at Sherford continues to be fascinating. We are thrilled to work on these important historic investigations, and hope the findings at Sherford help to encourage everyone to take an interest in local history and the secrets under the soil.”

South West Water’s £4 price increase for 2023/24

South West Water is keeping increases to its average household bill for water and wastewater services for 2023/24 well below inflation, alongside record levels of investment.

The company has announced that the average bill will be increasing by less than £5, to ensure they remain affordable during the cost-of-living crisis.

The average household bill for water and wastewater services for 2023/24 will be £476, compared to £472 last year.

South West Water’s chief customer and digital officer, Laura Flowerdew said: “We understand

the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis for our customers, which is why we have worked hard to minimise any increases. We strive to help any customers who need it, and we encourage any customers who are worried about their bill to get in touch and see what additional support we can offer.”

While South West Water’s first focus is always on keeping bills low, it is also undertaking a wide range of initiatives to help customers during these challenging times. This year the company has supported customers with £68 million of benefits, providing a range of support measures for customers struggling to pay their bills and vulnerable customers, with over 79,000 customers

expected to access financial support between April 2020 and April 2023.

As the largest employer in the region, South West Water can help in other ways too, having just announced plans to double its apprenticeship and graduate programmes to 1,000 by 2030, and offering 5,000 work placements for children over the same period.

By April this year 42,000 customers will have been taken out of water poverty through South West Water’s support tariffs as part of its industryleading ambition to eradicate water poverty by 2025.

Customers will also continue to benefit from the £50 Government Contribution for 2023/24.

Residents in Plymouth will need to show photographic ID to vote in person at this year’s local elections which are being held on May 4. It is the first time this has been a requirement.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form which is available from the council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25.

Anyone who wants to vote in the local elections this May, must be registered to vote by April 17. For those who aren’t already registered it only takes five minutes to register online at www.plymouth. gov.uk/voting-and-elections.

Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

More information on registering to vote, what voter ID will be accepted or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is available on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, can contact the council by calling 01752 30486 or emailing ero@plymouth. gov.uk.

Tracey Lee, returning officer for Plymouth, said:

“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.

“With elections taking place in Plymouth on May 4, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.”

Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photo remains a good enough likeness to the elector, and the name on the ID is the same name as appears on the Electoral Register.

The changes do not affect postal votes but do affect proxy voters who will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else.

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Voters will have to provide ID at the council elections in May

The Roman road discovered at Sherford viewed towards Plympton in the north west Inset: some of the flint remains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Green Tourism Awards for three Plymouth businesses

Plymouth businesses are flying the flag for the city’s sustainability mission, celebrating fresh success with more Green Tourism awards.

A further three businesses have been recognised for their commitment to the initiative – a partnership between Green Tourism and Destination Plymouth – which supports Plymouth’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism and helps businesses across the area achieve sustainable growth.

Among the latest to be accredited are Destination Plymouth members, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm at Moorhaven, Ivybridge – the first to win Gold in the Green Tourism awards. The business has since been shortlisted in four categories of the Devon Tourism Awards, including the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable section.

Co-owner Ryan Lynch said: “Our location, just outside Plymouth and in Dartmoor National Park, is very special and means we have a strong desire to be stewards for the environment. The scheme has allowed us to understand the progress we’ve made to be green, identify ways to share ideas and best practices with others and continue our journey to do more for the planet. Kudos to Plymouth for driving this initiative and setting an example to other cities around the country!”

Plymouth’s first luxury hotel, the historic The Duke of Cornwall, and Plymouth Boat Trips were both awarded Bronze status.

Peter Adams, general manager of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a Bronze Award for Green Tourism and Green Meetings!

“It’s very important to us that we do what we can to protect our environment, so it was an easy decision to engage with the Green Tourism Accreditation Programme to achieve this award. It’s encouraging to see so many other Plymouth businesses do the same, as it’s an extremely strong and positive message to promote to help us drive domestic and business tourism visitors to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City!

“This year the hotel celebrates its 160th anniversary, so whilst it can be challenging with the age and size of our building to achieve greater energy efficiency; we have been able to identify areas for change and improve processes where we can, and has now been proven, to be more sustainable. We are now working towards Silver!”

Plymouth Boat Trips’ owner Dom Squire said: “As a business operating within the National Marine Park and at the forefront of zero-emission vessel design, it is important to us that we do all

we can to reduce our impact on the environment. This award is part of an ongoing sustainability journey for Plymouth Boat Trips and will help us benchmark our position and monitor progress as we endeavour to reduce emissions and work towards a greener Ocean City in the future.”

Almost 50 businesses across Britain’s Ocean City’s tourism, leisure, cultural, heritage and hospitality sectors have signed up for the internationally-recognised Green Tourism programme. The Mariners Guest House, Jury’s Inn (now Leonardo Hotel), Bovey Sand Lodge Holiday Park and the New Continental Hotel were the first to achieve accreditation. And for others interested in joining, the opportunity to take advantage of fully-funded registration onto the programme was extended until the end of 2022.

Those taking part receive free expert support to help them reach their sustainability goals and gain the internationally-recognised Green Tourism Standard.

The programme includes a series of webinars with Green Tourism showing the benefits of enhancing sustainability practices to attract the rapidly expanding, green-minded tourism and corporate events sector.

More participants are currently in line for green accreditation but businesses which have applied are being urged to ensure they have submitted their green check assessments by the deadline in order to ensure they are considered for awards and receive the benefit of a fully funded second year too.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive, said: “The more businesses that sign up, the better for Plymouth. Not only does each business benefit by becoming more sustainable but the reputation of the whole city and surrounding area is enhanced as a sustainable destination. We want to help as many businesses as possible to achieve the internationally recognised Green Tourism Standard and encourage all those who are considering the scheme to join us in striving for the highest standards possible.“

Plymouth Sound is also home to the UK’s first National Marine Park, which enables a new collaboration between ocean, heritage and City. The National Marine Park will foster positive behaviours for individuals and businesses alike and aims at transforming the lives of every single person in the community of Plymouth through engagement with the city’s maritime heritage, landscape and nature and in turn promote sustainability and protect and conserve the marine environment.

For businesses wishing to find out more about this important environmental and sustainable opportunity and to apply directly, please visit www. visitplymouth.co.uk/green-tourism

BUSINESSES URGED TO SUPPORT CARE LEAVERS

Businesses and organisations in Plymouth are being urged to follow Barnardo’s and NHS Professionals, and sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant and offer support to a care experienced young person by offering apprenticeships, work experience, and free or discounted goods or services.

As part of its commitment to promoting equality the city council offer guaranteed interviews to those if they meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, or have been in Plymouth City Council care.

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national programme that supports care leavers aged 16 to 25 to live independently.

The Covenant works with the council to create opportunities for care leavers in a number of ways

and aims to make Plymouth the best place for care experienced children and young people to live, to grow up and be supported for when they are ready to leave care.

Care leavers have dedicated personal advisors, who can help provide information on what the Covenant offers to them.

The aim of the Care Leaver Covenant, to which organisations commit, is to provide additional support for those leaving care; making available a different type of support and expertise from that provided by local authorities.

So far the Covenant have created over 2,000 opportunities covering employment, training, support, free tickets, discounts, giveaways and help with DIY! Some of these will be local and some will be national. Opportunities can be found

on the website mycovenant.org.uk

The Covenant will support organisations by making contact and providing training, advice and guidance on the best way to support the young person.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People, said: “The Care Leaver Covenant is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to support our care leavers who are looking to get their foot in the door and to support them with the next step in their journey. We are appealing to the people of Plymouth to get involved and pledge their support, to sign up and offer a care leaver the opportunity to broaden their horizons and support them in their next step in life.”

For more information visit mycovenant.org.uk

Dom Squire of Plymouth Boat Trips (left) receives the Green Tourism Award from Glen Gardner, Cruise New Business Development Manager & Sustainable Tourism Project Manager for Destination Plymouth

Peter Adams, general manager of The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

Eventfull year ahead for the city

From pirates to pyrotechnics, live music to military moments and food festivals to family fun, Plymouth’s 2023 calendar is jam-packed with popular events.

Each year, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company work together to offer a buzzing events programme which also includes supporting independent organisers to host events in the city.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce the epic line-up of events taking place throughout 2023. It’s a great way to attract new visitors into Plymouth, who will spend money in the city and boost the local economy, positioning Plymouth as a lively, vibrant city with lots going on.

“With such a range of awesome events on offer, including best-selling bands coming to Britain’s Ocean City, it’s looking to be a busy year. Here are all the key dates you need for your diaries.”

Inspired by the high seas, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will fill the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront with two days of swashbuckling fun with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy (May 20 and 21).

Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year too. Flavour Fest (May 26 to 28) is the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills.

Later in the year, the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival (September 16 and 17) will celebrate all that is great about the city’s stunning waterfront and fishing industry.

There’s also an impressive line-up of live music to enjoy over the summer.

The August Summer Bank Holiday weekend will see the 1 Big Summer music festival take to Plymouth Hoe (August 25 and 26), with the lineup set to include a range of music including the fabulous Ibiza Orchestra.

Plymouth is set to host more global music superstars, at Home Park Stadium, including Devon’s very own Muse (May 27) and Kiss with their End of the Road Tour (June 3).

The Big Tribute Festival will be returning to Central Park, with an even bigger and better lineup than last year, hosting an impressive range of talented tribute acts (August 11 to 13). The party continues with Live in the Park (August 16 to 20) featuring a range of original and tribute artists to enjoy.

Another popular event coming back to Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock (June 24). It’s a great opportunity for everyone to show their support for the military community. The day includes a packed programme of entertainment, military equipment and displays, interactive activities, parades and live music. The day will finish with an awesome free evening concert, where visitors can enjoy an amazing line up of performances to dance and sing-a-long to.

The Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler (June 22) will also take place in the city, with outstanding athletes – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them - competing in this tough event. The triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth Hoe.

The popular British Firework Championships are one of the highlights of the 2023 events calendar in Plymouth

up to

For those who enjoy participating in sport, or looking for a new challenge this year, the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (May 14), includes the Plymouth Half, 10k and 5k, offering something for runners of all abilities.

For the motorcycle enthusiast, visit the Ocean City Motorcycle Festival, incorporating the Ocean City Bike Show (August 12) and The MegaRide, (August 13), hugely popular motorcycle ride, starting at Lee Mill and raises money for charity, including South West Blood Bikes.

Look to the skies in August as the British Firework Championships (August 16 and 17) sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work in six epic ten-minute displays, as they compete to be crowned the nation’s best.

Later in the month, the West End Carnival (August 26) will return to the city centre offering a full day of carnival flair. Expect live music, street performers and free children’s activities to enjoy, and take time to explore the city’s independent quarter at the same time.

Circus Berlin will also bring their high energy, music and brilliant circus acts to Central Park, (September 6 to 23).

There’s a huge range of cultural activity planned for 2023 too, including a series of public artworks in locations across the city plus a top-class programme of exhibitions and events at The Box. Plymouth Pride is set to take place on Saturday August 5 and the location will be announced in due course.

For all the latest details about what’s on in Plymouth, including information about smaller events taking place throughout the year, please see visitplymouth.co.uk

Plymstock family turn back the years

A Plymstock family celebrated two important birthdays in January - and the occasion provided the opportunity to turn the clock back 70 years for a special family photograph.

A black and white photograph taken in the early 50s of five siblings from the Barreto family – three daughters and two sons – was replicated when a special party was held at Down Thomas Jubilee Hall.

The siblings - Chris Barreto, Richard Barretto and their sisters Irene Morrish, Helen Gibbons and Barbara Hooperwere pictured together again for the first time in seven decades.

The celebration was prompted by the fact that Richard was 70 in January, while Irene’s husband Cliff was 85 in the same month. Around 70 friends and family gathered for the special tea party with food served by the grandchildren and great grandchildren suitably attired in 50s style clothes.

Community rallies round to make it a very special 100th birthday celebration

People in Plympton rallied around to make it a special 100th birthday for a resident of a local care home at the beginning of February.

Staff at Amberley House put out an appeal on social media explaining that their Mrs Williams was about to become a centenarian but had no living relatives and invited members of the community to send in 100th birthday cards to her.

Staff hoped they might be able to get a hundred cards in total, one for each year of Mrs Williams’ life. In the event the appeal achieved several times that target with around 500 cards having arrived at the home by the day of her birthday, including one from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

There was also a surprise visit to Mrs Williams by Stannator of Plympton Pastor Arno Bessel and Youth Ambassador Bel WinsorMaloney.

A spokesperson for Amberley House said: “Thank you to every single person who has sent our lovely lady a card, gift or flowers. Well over 300 cards have been received and endless amounts of flowers have been delivered. We cannot believe the generosity of strangers to help a 100 year old lady celebrate her special day. A massive thank you once again for making Mrs Williams’ 100th birthday one to remember.”

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

boost for St Mary’s Church in Plympton

£2000

A Plympton church has received a £2,000 boost from local Freemasons.

A cheque for that sum was presented to Prebendary Robert Harris of St Mary’s Church, Plympton by Nicky Ball, deputy provincial grandmaster of the Devonshire Freemasons. The donation will help with refurbishment of the church and its lighting system.

One for the family album. The Barretto brothers and sisters (from left) Helen, Irene, Richard, Chrristopher and Barbara and opposite the siblings in the 1950s

Stannator Arno Bessel and Youth Ambassador Bel Winsor-Maloney pictured with Mrs Williams

Pictured right Nicky Ball accompanied by his wife Gill and assistant provincial grand master Andy Vodden present the cheque to Prebendary Robert Harris.

Charities benefit from motor retailer’s diamond anniversary

Plymouth-based bereavement charity Jeremiah’s Journey is among six Westcountry charities to each receive a £10,000 boost to their coffers thanks to motor retailer Snow’s Group who have a Toyota outlet at Langage in Plympton.

To mark the company’s 60th birthday SnowsMission60 was launched to raise £60,000 to be split among charities chosen by the company’s staff.

Colleagues were given the opportunity to nominate local charities to be considered as part of Mission 60, and after a final companywide vote the charities chosen were: Second Chance Animal Rescue, Jeremiah’s

A whole range of fundraising activities were staged throughout 2022, including hair shaves, football matches and a 600 mile static cycling challenge to name just a few.

The beneficiary charities are now being presented with their cheques, with the one here being presented recently to Jeremiah’s Journey outside Snow’s Langage showrooms.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We know the money raised will be going directly back into helping the people and communities who have supported us over the last 60 years.”

Merafield gets new bus link after campaign by local councillors

After campaigning by independent councillors in Plympton, Merafield has got a new bus service to reduce the impact caused by the loss of the number 19 at the end of last year.

The withdrawal of the service left Merafield residents without a direct public transport connection.

The decision of Plymouth City Council to axe the 19 was announced last November and the service ran its final journey at the end of December.

The axing of the 19 led to an outcry among the residents of Merafield, including many elderly people who feared they would become more socially isolated as it was the only bus which actually came up the hill to the Merafield area.

Following the council’s decision to axe the 19 Andrew Hill wrote to transport portfolio holder Jonathan Drean on 15 November suggesting the recently introduced service 20, funded by Devon County Council, and linking Sherford directly with Deep Lane, Langage, Lee Mill and Ivybridge, be re-routed to go through Merafield after picking up Sherford passengers.

Plympton Erle councillor Terri Beer also set up a petition against the loss of the 19 to

demonstrate the strength of public feeling against the withdrawal of the service and highlighting the associated inconvenience and social isolation impact on residents. The petition had amassed over 200 signatures by the time it was handed in.

Following these representations a solution has been found involving the re-routing of a different Devon County Council subsidised bus service.

The current 59 Citybus service to the outlying villages of Sparkwell, Lutton and Cornwood s now being re-routed up Cot Hill four times a day Monday to Saturday. Once in Cot Hill the bus will follow the route of the previous 19 to Mudge Way.

Upon reaching Mudge Way these four 59 services will go back down to St Mary’s Bridge and then into Glen Road to follow the 59’s standard route to Lutton and Cornwood. It will operate in reverse when the 59 comes from Cornwood, through Plympton and into the City Centre.

The usage of the 59 in Cot Hill and Merafield will be reviewed after six months to ensure that leg of the journey has proved to be commercially viable and the travelling public are being warned it will be a question of using it or losing it.

Commenting on the original decision to axe the 19 and some other subsidised bus services and the solution now found Cllr Drean said: “We face huge financial challenges. The tender returns would have resulted in nearly £1m to be found to retain all the existing routes. It is simply not affordable and many of the routes require high subsidies due to the low overall patronage.

“I know that this was disappointing and behind the scenes Council officers and myself have been working really hard to see if there was any way that some of the routes, albeit partially, could be reintroduced.

“I would like to express my thanks to Devon County Council and Plymouth Citybus for working with us on finding a solution. But I need to emphasise to people who live on those routes that bus services can only operate if they are commercially viable. Therefore, if you don’t use them, you will unfortunately lose them.”

The new arrangements started at the end of January and come at no extra cost to Plymouth City Council. The new timetable for the 59 can be viewed at www.plymouthbus. co.uk

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Popular Jolly Jacks bistro to reopen

Jolly Jacks Bar and Bistro based at Plymouth’s Mayflower Marina is due to relaunch under new ownership in February.

The popular restaurant, which closed in October, is to be run by experienced businessman and restaurateur Jason Bond and his wife Hannah. Jason, who has recently taken on the lease of the waterside eatery, is currently spearheading a reinvigoration of the bistro, which will maintain its ‘Jolly Jacks’ name, ahead of reopening to the public on Sunday February 26

Jason has a lifelong passion for good food and already operates two successful restaurants based in Looe, the ‘Little Barn’ and ‘The Coddy Shack,’ which chef Nathan Outlaw once described as “The best shed I’ve ever eaten in”.

It’s an exciting time for the marina restaurant as Jason and his team, prepare to open. Hannah said: “We’re thrilled to take on this new project. As frequent patrons of Jolly Jacks, we’ve always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of the marina and look forward to preserving that sense of community. Our ethos is all about good food, excellent wine, and engaging conversation. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new, and sharing this experience with them.”

Ahead of opening to the public for Sunday Roast on February 26, the restaurant will host two bespoke prelaunch events on February 24 and 25 for select guests to enjoy a delicious range of canapes and sample the curated wine list.

Jolly Jacks will be open every day between 9am and 9pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bistro will continue its long-standing commitment to using fresh local produce and sourcing from sustainable producers. The Bonds and their team have already confirmed West Country based St Austell Brewery and Castang Wines as part of their beverage offer and will be announcing further suppliers, alongside their menus soon.

Jason and Hannah Bond

Journey, Children’s Hospice Southwest, Rowans Hospice, Naomi House & Jacks Place and Wessex Cancer Trust.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

City council confirms free parking is still available in short stay car parks

Plymouth City Council has confirmed that free parking will not be impacted by the installation of new parking terminals in short-stay district car parks, contrary to rumours on social media.

New terminals are being installed in short-stay district car parks to help ensure that free spaces continue to be available for shoppers and support local businesses. The new terminals are in response to concerns that some people are overstaying their ‘free time’ allocation and in some cases staying all day. The terminals will simply ensure that people check-in when they arrive and leave at their allotted time.  This will ensure a regular turnover of spaces.

Tributes paid after death of Ken Foster

Plymouth City Council staff and councillors have been saddened to learn of the passing of Alderman and former Councillor Ken Foster at the age of 92.

Alderman Foster was a much-respected councillor who served Plymstock Radford for 22 years before his retirement in 2019.

He had the honour as serving as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2007-2008 and Lord Mayor in 2009-2010, in addition to supporting his wife, Alderman Wendy Foster, as Consort during her term as Lord Mayor in 2017/2018.

Alderman Foster was first elected to the then Devon County Council ward of Plymstock Radford in 1997, the year before Plymouth became unitary in 1998.

Throughout his political career, he served on many committees, including as Chair of Housing, Finance and Performance and Taxi Licensing, and as Vice Chair of Licensing.

In recognition of his years of service, Ken was appointed as an Alderman in 2021.

In his professional life, Alderman Foster worked as a professional technical officer at the Dockyard for 40 years was chairman of the Institute of Professional Civil Servants.

In his spare time, he supported local schools as a governor of Plymstock Comprehensive, Pomphlett Primary and Downham Schools.

A keen musician, he was the bandleader and trumpet player of the Ken Foster Orchestra between 1948 and 1965.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sue Dann, said: “Ken Foster was a committed and hardworking councillor. He always spoke up for his residents in Radford and was an active member in the community.

“In the council chamber, I know that you could always rely on Ken to contribute to debates, adding his personal touch of passion and humour.”

The funeral of Alderman Foster will take place at Efford Crematorium on February 17 at 2pm.

Councillor Richard Bingley, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Having the ability to park for free for a short period of time is a vital to keep our district shopping centres alive.

“But we do need to ensure that people do not abuse this benefit and overstay their allotted time. It isn’t fair on other local shoppers and it isn’t fair on our local businesses.

“The new terminals will simply be a way for drivers to check in. We have had similar arrangements in place at the Crownhill car park for over 10 years and it works really well.

“I know that there has been some confusion and a lot of unhelpful misinformation online. So I will be clear – the free parking that is

currently available in district car parks is not being reduced or removed. It is being protected.”

The new terminals are being installed at: Alexandra Road, Plymstock Broadway, Church Street, Deans Cross, Haye Road South, Marlborough Street, Morice Street, Mudge Way North, Plympton Ridgeway and West Park car parks. They will be live by April 2023.

Signs will be placed in each car park to let drivers know when the terminals are due be activated and we will be writing to nearby businesses to let them know what is happening and when.

Parking officers will also be on hand when the system goes live in each car park to help explain the new arrangements.

But petition is launched to have controversial meters removed from Ridgeway shopping centre

Newly

District Shopping Centre in Ridgeway have sparked great controversy and have led to a petition calling for their removal.

Some have welcomed the meters, hoping it will deter people who, it is said, effectively use the site as an unofficial park and ride and thus will free up space for genuine shoppers.

Others though feel it is the thin edge of the wedge which will ultimately result in free parking being scrapped and charges brought in for parking, something which would most likely reduce the number of shoppers and be highly detrimental to businesses in Ridgeway.

The new meters appeared in the car parks by the Co-op and Iceland in January, with three car parking spaces being lost to accommodate the siting of some of the new machines.

Currently the machines are covered over but they will be brought into operation within a matter of weeks. Once operational motorists will have to insert their registration numbers into the machines on arrival to get two free hours of parking (or three hours for blue badge holders).

Anyone not putting in their number or overstaying their time is liable to receive a fixed penalty.

Although the two free hours of parking will still be available many are sceptical of the motivation behind the installation of the machines at a time when the council is struggling to plug a multi-million pound deficit in its finances.

Their concerns are shared by senior Plympton Councillors Patrick Nicholson (Ind, Plympton St Mary Ward) and Terri Beer (Ind, Plympton Erle Ward) who have launched a petition against the installation of the car parking machines.

The petition, which the councillors have distributed to Ridgeway traders for customers and staff to sign, is calling on ‘Plymouth City Council to remove the recently installed car parking machines at the Ridgeway Shopping Centre Car Parks until the Council

undertakes a full risk and impact assessment on adjacent Health Care Facilities, Harewood House and Harewood Park, local schools and neighbouring residential communities and makes a final decision on whether to introduce District Centre Car Parking Charges.’

Cllr Patrick Nicholson said: “Although Plympton St Mary Councillors objected to the car parking modernisation proposals last September, we have only received an acknowledgement and insufficient consideration has been given to the impact on adjacent critical health care facilities at Mudge Way, the Plympton Clinic where the District Nursing team operate or Harewood House and the adjacent Cricket, Bowling and Tennis Clubs. These machines should be removed and used to upgrade equipment in our City Centre car parks.”

Cllr Terri Beer added: “Plymouth City Council has been telling us for months that they have a budget deficit, but they can afford to purchase and install these expensive machines to enforce the current two hour free period.

“Although the car parks are very busy, we haven’t had any major issues with visitors overstaying their time and this action confirms the Conservative Council’s intention to start charging for car parking in the Ridgeway Car Parks which Cllr Nicholson and I believe will have a detrimental impact on Ridgeway, Plymouth’s most successful district shopping centre.”

One of those perplexed at the public’s adverse reaction to the parking meters is Alderman Glenn Jordan who served as a Chaddlewood councillor for 19 years.

In a posting on social media he said: “I don’t get it. This car park has always been two hour parking max and people used to complain to me why are people parking there all day, why aren’t the council enforcing this, now the council is to enforce the two hours parking people are up in arms and against it. You either want to be able to park while visiting the shops or you want to lose the local shops and just have supermarkets, your choice.”

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

installed parking meters in the car parks serving the Plympton

Cllrs Patrick Nicholson and Terri Beer pictured with Andrew Briggs, president of Plym Chamber of Commerce and proprietor of hairdressing businesses on Ridgeway with the petition

Plymstock Matters with

Councillor Rebecca Smith

And just like that, it’s February and 2023 has well and truly started! I hope your year has got off to a good start. A busy few weeks across Plymstock and beyond for me but some positive stories in among some of the trickier issues landing in my inbox and on my Facebook page.

Firstly, I want to give you an update on the campaign to get a Post Office back in the centre of Plymstock. As you may know, the Broadway Post Office had to close in January as the newsagent it was run from was closed by its owners, Morrisons. Since then, Plymstock councillors and our local MP have been lobbying the Post Office to make sure they deliver a replacement service.

However, the Post Office rely on someone or some business applying to run the new Post Office service. If you know anyone who is interested, you can visit the website www. runapostoffice.co.uk and search for Plymstock for more information. It can either go into a new store or an existing shop. For any further help and support, please email me on rebecca.smith@plymouth.gov.uk. It’s a busy Post Office in a high footfall area so has the potential to be an exciting venture…

Are you a local community group in Plymstock, keen to get some additional support and maybe even access to some funding?! If so, there is a drop-in event by Plymouth Octopus Project - POP+ at Plymstock Library on February 21 between 9.30am and 12.30pm and it is not to be

missed! We’re also keen to learn about the groups that exist across our community so if you can’t make it but want to find out more, please feel free to email me and I’ll link you up.

When you’re a local councillor it can sometimes take longer than hoped to get success with some projects. The Furzehatt Road zebra crossing is a classic example that took a whole lot of work, by a wide group of people over a 50 year period to get something done!

However, that puts the work it has taken to sort out new lighting on Breakwater Road into context. For a year or so (if not longer), I’ve been trying to get someone to take responsibility for the lack of and broken street lights on Breakwater Road but it took time to sort out ownership and get correspondence to the right people. At the start of the year, I finally had word from Royal Mail that they are going to install 24 LED lampposts along Breakwater Road. I am really pleased about this as it will make it much safer for people to walk that route from Oreston as well as to and from all the businesses located in the area. Huge thanks to the local residents who first asked me to get involved and also to Royal Mail for coming up with a solution. Should be installed in March. Watch this space…

Talking about the issue of safety, the end of January saw a speech in Parliament which delivered on one of the city’s Violence

Sherford Life

It seems that there is already a clear frontrunner in the race to be 2023’s ‘word of the year’: strike. As I write on a frosty Monday morning in February, the news channels tell me that today will be the biggest walkout in NHS history, as both nurses and ambulance staff take to the picket lines.

It’s nothing new: we’ve had almost daily strike action since late November, with teachers, train drivers, civil servants and postal workers all taking action. Just last week I had my daughter home from school and for one day I became Mr. Brassil, Supply Teacher extraordinaire (much to the chagrin of her two older brothers whose teachers were not on strike!)

PLYMOUTH LIONS CLUB DONATION TO GOOSEWELL PRIMARY ACADEMY

against Women and Girls Commission recommendations - namely that we wanted our local MPs to share the work we’ve done on this important issue here in Plymouth on a national level to help others who might want to do something similar.

On January 25, I went up to London to watch Sir Gary Streeter MP lead an hour-long debate on the work of the Plymouth Violence against Women and Girls Commission in Westminster Hall. It is great to hear a range of MPs talk about the issues we have been working on, as well as Sir Gary who spoke specifically about Plymouth, and at least one MP has already started work on something similar in his city.

Finally, I recently had the privilege of meeting World War Two veteran, Ivor Foster, at his home in Hooe. Ivor was a member of Bomber Command in World War Two and served as a mid-upper gunner on Lancaster bombers. He survived 16 flights between 1944 and the end of the war. It was fascinating to hear his recollections - what a brave man.

As his local MP, Sir Gary is working to secure him a specific medal from the MOD and I accompanied him to meet Ivor (which meant I could also be photographer!). Through my work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, I often get to hear the stories of heroic individuals who sadly didn’t survive the war, so on the few occasions I’ve been able to meet veterans from the Second World War like Ivor, it has been a particular honour.

As ever, do let me know how I can help as your local Councillor on rebecca.smith@ plymouth.gov.uk and feel free to follow me on Facebook or Instagram at @PlymouthRebecca.

I should make one thing clear: this is not a moan at those workers! I believe strongly in the right to industrial action to lobby for better pay and better working conditions, especially in the current climate when family budgets are so tight. Most of us will know someone who is personally affected by these ongoing pay disputes, or maybe several people. Perhaps you were among those who felt the need to go on strike?

If so, I hope and pray that you felt the support of friends and family rather than their anger and frustration – and I really hope your action makes a difference longer-term.

Back in the COVID lockdown times we took to our front gardens once a week to clap for our NHS and other ‘frontline’ workers. While ‘claps don’t pay the bills,’ as one online campaign reminded us, I hope it was nevertheless a source of encouragement to you if you are one of those keyworkers. So here’s a challenge for the rest of us: what can we do this month to show our appreciation for all these people in our own communities doing such vital jobs? How can we encourage our postal workers, our children’s school teachers, our public transport drivers, our doctors and nurses?

By Revd Tom Brassil

And let’s not forget all those whose contractual obligations don’t give them the opportunity to go on strike – especially the men and women who serve us tirelessly in our armed forces. Thank you all!

Here’s a word of encouragement: as we’re living through the inevitable disruption of strike action, there is one Person who never stops working. Psalm 121 in the Bible was a song written by someone facing a daunting and dangerous journey along a road known to be full of bandits and wild animals. The writer looks anxiously at the hills around, wondering what or who they hide. But he knows that God is with him, and so he plods on. Better still, as he says in the middle of his song, ‘He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.’ (Psalm 121:3-4, the Bible). As a Christian I put my trust in the God who is always on duty, always on the alert, and always capable of keeping me going to my destination.

Want to chat more about any of the above? Send me a message at tom@ sherfordchurch.net

Plymouth Lions Club have donated funding of £200 to Goosewell Primary Academy, for specific use for children with special needs to assist with their basic but essential requirements.

The cheque was presented to the school’s head boy and head girl by the Lions Club President Jill Owen accompanied by Past President George Poad and Goosewell Primary Academy’s interim headteacher Marc Leader.

Rebecca Smith pictured with Sir Gary Streeter MP at Westminster

Sir Gary Streeter MP meets up with Second World War veteran Ivor Foster

Experience

Springtime certainly feels like the most dramatic time of change in the year. The daylight hours get longer and temperatures slowly warm up as winter gradually releases its grip.

Changes can be seen all over the place. Bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils all come into bloom and trees and bushes start budding with new growth. At the time of writing this myself and my family are going through one of the most sizeable changes it is possible to have, that of the arrival of a brand new family members. My wife is pregnant and due any day with our second child.

Just like the changes from Winter to Spring, there is so much about this big change that we’re excited about. Not least our daughter who is getting ever more excited about becoming a big sister. Change in our lives is one of those things, like death and taxes, that is absolutely guaranteed. Change is also quite daunting and at times very difficult to deal with. This goes without saying when it comes to negative changes like losing a job or the passing of a loved one, but change in

When everything’s changing...

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

general isn’t easy to navigate.

We’re very excited about the arrival of our child but it is equally daunting embracing this change to our lives. We have to face the sleepless nights all over again for one thing!

Our daughter’s anticipation for becoming a sister is very pure, mostly because she has no concept of what this is really going to be like. We know she’ll make an excellent sister but equally she is bound to find the change in her life a challenge.

She isn’t going to solely have her parent’s attention anymore. She’s going to have to share us, her toys and lots of other things with her new sibling. Toddlers aren’t exactly renowned for finding all of that easy!

I recently spoke with someone who told me that change is one of the things they find most challenging in life. That might be the case for you too. Whilst I was looking through the track listing for Cross Rhythms

Plymouth I came across a song by Family Force 5 which was especially relevant. Its title is ‘When Everything’s Changing’.

The lyrics in the chorus speak of a way in which the songwriter copes with change;

When everything’s changing

You are my constant

I’d be lost without You

You might interpret this as being a constant person in your life who enables you to process change. A spouse, best friend or family member perhaps.

The constancy of the love and support from people in our lives is a significant support but it isn’t this to which the songwriter is referring.

The song is about how Jesus is the one who is truly constant in our lives and is able to give us the comfort and stability we need to face any change.

Friends let us down, spouses can

Meghan Field takes on key role in work of the VWAG Commission in Plymouth

A new strategic lead has joined Plymouth City Council, to help drive forward the recommendations from the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission across the city.

The Plymouth multi-agency Commission was established in January 2022 by Plymouth City Council following the tragic murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod. Since the final report has been published organisations have been working hard across the city to shine a light on the issue and drive culture change, create safe spaces, ensure that women and girls in Plymouth are supported and empowered to report violence and abuse and get the support they need at the right time and in the right place.

One of the key recommendations from the Commission was that a new strategic lead be recruited to help drive forward this work.

Meghan Field joined the council last month and is passionate about combatting violence against women and girls. Throughout her 25 year career she has worked across the globe to support victims and design and deliver community responses to violence against women and girls in both the charity and public sectors.

She is also a certified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and managed a frontline IDVA service in West London for three years before taking on a range of roles including the VAWG Strategic Lead for central London, co-founder of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, and most recently the Director of Advance Women’s Charity in London.

Now in Plymouth, Meghan has been appointed to work in collaboration with the

Safer Plymouth partnership to ensure that violence against women and girls is kept high on the city’s agenda. She will be leading on:

• The development of a city wide blueprint/ action plan to address male violence and improve the local response to VAWG

• Ensuring that the city blueprint and commitment to tackling male violence against women and girls is embedded in the Plymouth Plan

• Developing a local repository for information, campaigns, policy, details of quality assured training courses and materials and best practice relating to VAWG

• Regularly monitoring and reporting on the delivery of the VAWG Commission recommendations and provide ongoing evaluation of their impact.

Meghan said: “Empowering women and girls, and combatting violence against women and girls. Could not be more important to me. My whole career has been dedicated to this in one way or another.

“Plymouth is trailblazing in its work so far.

I have been impressed with the work of the Commission to strive to do more. What is really clear is that to eliminate male violence against women and girls, one individual cannot do it alone. It is down to all of us. Working together to achieve one clear goal.

“I hope to be able to pull all the good work that is already being delivered in Plymouth together and help identify the gaps moving forward. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to making a difference to this great city.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission for Plymouth, said: “We are

thrilled that Meghan has been able to join us. This is such an important role and getting the right person for the job was vital.

“Meghan’s vast experience in this field is second to none. She not only brings her personal dedication, but thanks to her impressive CV, she will also be able to share best practice. I look forward to working with her in the months ahead to really drive the Commission recommendations forward.”

leave and family members aren’t always consistent with their love and care for us but according to the testimony of the Bible and the experience of many millions of Christians in the world today and throughout history, Jesus is a very real and every faithful support in all the various stages of our lives.

The one who created us and knows us best invites us to live our lives with Him and to know the peace of His presence as we navigate the changes of life.

Myself and my wife are very privileged to have great family and friends nearby who we know will help us through the impending change we’re facing but much more importantly for us than that, we know that Jesus is with us.

This reality helped us so profoundly in the turmoil and change of 2020 when we had to raise our first child in the midst of a pandemic. The best thing is He is just as available to you now as He has been for us.

Freedom of City for military hospital group

A local organisation that provides military medical staff to work alongside the NHS have been recognised for their commitment to healthcare by being awarded the Freedom of the City.

The Joint Hospital Group provides around 170 personnel including consultants, nurses, operating department practitioners, radiographers and medics working in the trust.

The group is one of five tri-service – army, navy and air force – military hospital groups situated around the UK which provides the staff the opportunity to rapidly deploy and provide the ‘highest quality of healthcare’ in the UK and abroad, when needed.

The Freedom of the City – which was granted at the meeting of Plymouth City Council at the end of January – is an honour bestowed upon a valued member of the community.

Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “The Joint Hospital Group have looked after and will continue looking after the military community. They provide healthcare professionals to interact with people locally and nationally, and deliver the highest level of healthcare for those in need around the world when it is needed the most.

“The citizens of Plymouth have expressed their admiration for their great achievements in the service of this country and of their long and historic association with the city, and this is why we have chosen to grant Freedom of the City to them today. I would like to thank them for all of the incredible work that they do.”

Speaking on behalf of the Unit, the Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Coates, Royal Navy said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised for our long standing history of providing healthcare to the people of the city of Plymouth.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the city of Plymouth and be bestowed with the Freedom of the City.”

Dave Simpson

Meghan Field

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Local families and children encouraged to join The Wild Escape

The Box is joining The Wild Escape, a major new project uniting hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses with schools and families to explore nature and creativity.

Led by national charity Art Fund with support from Arts Council England, the project is the largest ever collaboration between UK museums.

Taking place between now and July, The Wild Escape invites children to find a favourite animal in their local museum and create an artwork imagining its journey to a natural habitat. The pictures and stories they create will be brought together in a collective work of art that imagines a better future for wildlife.

It will be launched online and in selected museums on Earth Day 2023. Visit www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023/ for details.

As part of The Wild Escape, The Box will be working with St Peter’s CE Primary School in Rendle Street, Plymouth on a series of workshops connected to evolution.

During the sessions they’ll be exploring the Six-Banded nomad bee – Britain’s rarest type of bee which can be found on the nearby South Devon coast – and its reliance on particular habitats and other species for survival.

The Box will also be supporting the school with its plans to redevelop its grounds through a donation of wildflower seeds.

During the Easter holidays, on April 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 11 to 15, and on Earth Day on April 22, The Box will be running free, family-friendly drop-in sessions inspired by Six-Banded nomad bee too. From headdresses and seed balls to bee homes and puppets; activities will vary from day to day and will give everyone who comes along the chance to be creative whilst learning more about this amazing insect and The Box’s natural history collections.

The Wild Escape is an opportunity to join the urgent conversation about climate change and biodiversity loss and look for solutions that will benefit nature, in partnership with leading environmental charities the RSPB and WWF and cultural organisations English Heritage and the National Trust.

The project is inspired by ‘Wild Isles’, a landmark BBC series that will air this year. Presented by David Attenborough, the programme will focus on Britain’s spectacular wildlife.

Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, said: “I’m thrilled that The Box is joining hundreds of organisations from across the country to connect thousands of children with the natural world.

Thanks to the invaluable support of Arts Council England, The Wild Escape will empower families and children to visit and discover our wonderful museums, whilst taking positive action to picture a better future for our wildlife.”

Jolly time was had by all!

Age UK Plymouth’s Jolly Elders group has recently had the opportunity to get out of the city and travel on two local scenic railways lines, thanks to a collaboration with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, a non-profit partnership who support branch lines in the South West including the St Ives Bay Line, Tarka Line and Atlantic Coast Line.

The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership was founded in 1991 has been nationally recognised with 30 awards from the Community Rail Awards since its inception in 2005. The Jolly Elders Programme was formed just 12 months ago as part of the charity’s active living project and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The group is for those over 50 who want to get together, meet new people and enjoy different themes and activities each week. Initially just one group met at Manadon Sports & Community Hub on Fridays but the group was quickly running at capacity. Keen to make Jolly Elders as accessible as possible across the city a second group was launched at Central Park Community Hub on Monday afternoons.

At the end of 2022 a third group was launched at the charity’s Mount Gould HQ, which gave the opportunity to make this a lunch club, with catering provided by the team at Age UK Plymouth.

Many have found Jolly Elders a lifeline with one regular saying, ‘the club saved my sanity after two years of being shut away. I could not mix with anyone. Lisa and Abi have been

doing everything, we think they are wonderful!’

Abigail Young, community support manager at Age UK Plymouth said: “As a charity one of the things we’re here to champion is wellbeing in the city of Plymouth. It’s amazing to be a part of supporting our Jolly Elders, an outing like a day’s round train trip to Looe can make a huge difference to someone’s wellbeing and helping them love later life.

“Our Active Living programme has been a huge part of the charity’s focus over the past year to reduce isolation in the community. We look forward to our weekly groups knowing that they are making a real difference to people. The psychological impact of lockdown has been huge on those who found themselves

grouped as vulnerable people. It’s amazing the effect of groups like Jolly Elders has in supporting people in leaving their homes and reducing that loneliness in the community.”

With the generous donation of free tickets, thanks to Great Western Railway, the Jolly Elders took their first ever trip, visiting Looe. The sun was shining as the group enjoyed a classic Cornish Fish ‘n’ Chip lunch and a walk along the sea front before making their way back to Plymouth Station along the Looe Valley Line.

For their second trip in December the group headed along the Tamar Valley Line where they enjoyed mince pies on the way and were greeted by children from Delaware Primary School who boarded the train singing Christmas carols.

The next step for Age UK Plymouth is to continue to grow the Jolly Elders Lunch Club which meets every Tuesday at The William and Patricia Venton Centre in the heart of Mount Gould.

The centre can be accessed by the number 23 and 24 buses direct from Royal Parade and the sessions include a hot cooked two course meal, activities and regular visits from guests including live singers.

For more information about Jolly Elders or any of the work of Age UK Plymouth visit www. ageukplymouth.org.uk.

To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how groups or organisations can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ ageukplymouth.org.uk.

Tree-mendous effort by U3A volunteers

Volunteers from Plymouth U3A have planted over 500 trees on National Trust land in Plymbridge Woods to create a lasting legacy to mark the 40th anniversary of the national organisation’s founding.

Plymouth U3A members took their spades and shovels and met up with National Trust area ranger Chris Acraman and his team, who guided the volunteers to the planting area.

Chris explained that the whips (young trees) were a mix of different varieties suitable for wet woodland, including alder, aspen, silver birch, buckthorn, and willow. As they grow, the area will develop into scrubland that will be a perfect habitat for ground-nesting birds.

Plymouth U3A chair Marilyn Lean, a self-

confessed pots and window boxes sort of person, said the idea of tree-planting had been generated in response to an initiative by the national organisation as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

She said: “We saw it as a way of making a positive contribution to the local ecology.”

Nationally, the U3A was founded in 1982 and has grown steadily since then. In the UK there are over 1,000

separate groups encompassing well over 400,000 individuals. Plymouth U3A, with around 800 members, is the largest in the South West, but new recruits are always given a warm welcome. With an eclectic mix of some 80 subject groups from Ancient History to Walking Groups there should be something for everyone. Full details, including an application form, can be found at: www.plymouthu3a.org.uk

Having fun on the Christmas rail trip

NEW NATURE PATH FORMALLY OPENED IN SEATON VALLEY

A vast swathe of green space in the heart of Plymouth has been formally opened to the public for the first time thanks to a new walking and cycling route.

The brand new, purpose-build Seaton Valley Nature Path stretches for nearly two kilometres and links the green space between Tailyour Road and Hunter Close in Crownhill to Forder Valley Road, near to the entrance of Poole Farm.

It is the first part of 5.6 kilometres of offroad network that will give easy pedestrian and cycle access to the nearby Forder and Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserves and previously inaccessible greenspace along the Seaton Valley.

Although the path has been open for a number of weeks, it has now received the finishing touches with tree planting and hedge laying all completed by Green Minds volunteers.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to get this path open to the public so that this beautiful part of the city can be enjoyed by all. One of the big selling points for me is that so many communities can be sustainable linked for the first time.

“I’ve always said that we’re not going to get people out of their cars and on their bikes overnight, but if we invest in infrastructure like this, if we continue to set an example, it can only help in all our journeys towards carbon neutrality.”

Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet member for Climate Change, added: “Sustainable transport facilities like this are so important, not just for the environment, but for people’s health.

“I can’t wait to see people of all ages enjoying the new path.”

The path was funded by the Transforming

Cities Fund and Green Minds and its construction has ticked off another action on the city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. Green Minds is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Urban Innovative Actions Initiative.

A full ecological assessment has been completed as part of the scheme to ensure that the impact to wildlife was effectively controlled and mitigated and supports the aim of the Community Park being a highquality site to benefit people and wildlife.

The new path is crucial to the wider

Derriford Community Park project, which will see 147 hectares of beautiful natural space with wooded valleys, wildflower meadows and rivers around Poole Farm opened to the public.

Further paths and routes are set to follow this as part of the delivery of the Forder Valley Link Road, which is set to open shortly.

A further celebration event, open to public, will be held at Poole Farm during February half term. Follow Poole Farm on social media for more details at facebook.com/

PooleFarmPlymouth

New Royal Eye Infirmary to open in the Spring

People with eye conditions will be able to access a brand-new state-of-the-art facility this year as the building for a new Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) is well underway. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s new REI on William Prance Road will include theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for children.

Dave Adams, head of the Optometry Department, explained how the move will be good for patients: “We are an ageing population which means that eye care and eye issues are going to continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

“The new REI means more space and more equipment which is good news for waiting times for patients accessing our services.

“We can treat more patients if we have the space, the staff and the equipment, and the good news is that we are employing more staff to work here too.

“In addition, when we move off the busy Derriford Hospital site, University Hospitals Plymouth will be able to put more wards in that space and take some of the pressure off the Emergency Department.”

The new REI includes the addition of a

Councillor Jonathan Drean officially opens the Seaton Valley Nature Path, backed by Green Minds volunteers who have helped with the finishing touches

third operating theatre dedicated to subspecialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries, to start to reduce the waiting times of patients from across Devon

and Cornwall.

The new REI will have improved access for patients with a drop-off zone and parking. It is due to open in the Spring.

Artist’s impression of the new Royal Eye Infirmary in William Prance Road

Bienvenue!!!

Plymouth set to welcome French tourists

Plymouth is aiming to welcome an influx of French visitors this year through an initiative with Brittany Ferries, showcasing the city as a go-to destination.

The partnership will promote the benefits of cross-channel sailing to reach the spectacular coastline and surroundings of Britain’s Ocean City.

Travellers from France can reach Plymouth in as little as six hours on a Brittany Ferry from Roscoff and it is anticipated the promotion will appeal to those seeking an easily accessible, sustainable and stunning coastal destination with a warm and inclusive welcome.

The partnership is being financed from VisitBritain’s GREAT Gateway Innovation Fund, enabling a joint marketing campaign, focusing on North-West France from Brittany, Normandy and the Loire regions across to Paris, to target the post-Covid-19, short-break travel market.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this initiative which is such a good fit for our own ethos as a sustainable destination offering unrivalled coastal and

countryside locations and activities, value for money and a plethora of other travel options from here onwards.

“We are known as Britain’s Ocean City and have enjoyed a very proud maritime history of welcoming visitors by sea for centuries, so we are eager to see many more make that short journey across the channel to explore all the opportunities Plymouth has to offer. This partnership is an excellent example of two key organisations working together to make that happen.”

VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: “The Gateway Innovation Fund encourages local destinations in forging partnerships within the industry and boosts their marketing activity, showcasing the very best of their region.

“It also encourages visitors to broaden their travel itineraries, boosting inbound visits across more of the year and across more of Britain, supporting local businesses, destinations and economies.”

Brittany Ferries sails from Roscoff to Plymouth once or twice a day from March to November. Sailings take around six hours by day and nine hours by night.

With great motorway links from the Loire,

Dordogne and Atlantic Coast to the French port, it offers easy access to crossings to Plymouth for travellers from a large swathe of France.

Once docked at Plymouth visitors will have myriad opportunities to explore the city’s culture – including The Box museum and gallery – its history and a fantastic choice of dining and accommodation options.

The area’s environmental attractions include the UK’s first National Marine Park, numerous stunning walking trails and Dartmoor National Park.

Julian Patchett, partnerships manager at Brittany Ferries added: “While Brittany Ferries today links 12 ports in France, UK, Spain and Ireland we never forget that Plymouth was our very first destination port 50 years ago when French farmers established a fledgling ferry route from Brittany to Devon.

“Their vision wasn’t just to transport cargo and holidaymakers - they wanted above all to enrich the regions served by Brittany Ferries ships by promoting trade and tourism links. Our mission remains the same to this day, as we look to reveal the fabulous destinations of Plymouth and the southwest to a new generation of French travellers.”

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