Chronicle Plymouth # PLYMOUTHTOGETHER
May 2022
Armed Forces Day returns to Plymouth in June after an absence of two years because of COVID For details See Page 3
Friends of Boringdon School are getting in the Jubilee Spirit by commissioning a special gin to mark the occasion See Page 17
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Plympton & Plymstock Devon Wildlife Trust’s popular Marine Centre at Wembury opens again for 2022 Full details See Page 24
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A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war. The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash • See story on page 11
2 May 2022
2 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
COVID WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE US NEW CHALLENGES You may know someone who has had COVID-19 in the last few weeks, or even had it yourself.
At the start of this month, free universal testing ended. This makes it almost impossible to know exactly how many cases of COVID-19 there are in our community. However, we know that numbers are very high and it is estimated there are currently over 1,000 cases per 100,000 people. This shows us that it is incumbent on us all to take steps to protect ourselves and others. We can see that COVID-19 is again causing issues for some businesses and organisations due to the number of staff who are off work. Some people with COVID-19 are fortunate to experience symptoms similar to a cold but many people feel very unwell and need two or three days in bed. In the last few weeks the NHS has expanded the ‘symptoms’ list to help people identify where they might have COVID-19 and selfisolate from others. Symptoms now include a blocked or runny nose, feeling tired or exhausted, a sore throat, a temperature and loss of appetite. Unfortunately, some people complain of feeling the effects of the virus for several months afterwards. However, the high number of positive cases continue to impact the NHS due to the measures needed to care for patients in hospital who have COVID-19 and the numbers of health workers having to stay off work. The good news is that the vaccine appears to be doing a good job of reducing severe illness. The vaccine programme is now being supported by a spring booster vaccine offered to people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.
We knew from our experience of COVID-19 over the last two years that it is far from over – the Government’s Living with Covid document does flag that we are in for some uncertain times – but the current high rates have shown this to be the case even more quickly than many of us had expected. None of us wants COVID-19 to continue dominating our daily lives in the way it has done for so long. However, the current position shows we need to continue taking it seriously and asking ourselves whether we are doing what we should to stay safe.
How we can live with COVID-19
By Dr Ruth Harrell
Director of Public Health for Plymouth
Help keep rates as low as possible: The higher the COVID-19 rates in our community, the greater the risk of more people getting seriously ill and the NHS being put under even more severe pressure, as well as further disruption to our daily lives, whether at school, work or leisure. It makes sense to always consider simple measures that can go a long way to reducing the risk to yourself and those around you: wearing a face covering in crowded, indoor spaces, washing your hands frequently and letting fresh air in when meeting indoors – or even better, meeting outside. Staying at home when sick: While there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home if you do have it, and also any time that you feel ill. Getting tested: Testing was scaled back on 1 April and the PCR test centres in Plymouth have now closed. PCR testing is only still be available for various at-risk groups and social care staff. Paid-for tests will be available for everyone else. We are still waiting for Government guidance on testing arrangements in the future. Getting vaccinated and boosted: The vaccine is very good at preventing severe illness if you get COVID-19. If you haven’t had all your vaccines yet, there are walk-in sessions being held in locations around the city. The Government has now launched a spring booster campaign for people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.
Where to get your vaccine If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van. The mobile van will be visiting the following locations: • Tuesday 12 April: North Prospect Library (10am to 5pm) • Wednesday 13 April: Southway Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 14 April : Frankfort Gate (11am to 5pm) • Wednesday 20 April: Plympton Library (10am to 5pm) • Thursday 21 April: Frankfort Gate (11am to 5pm)
• Friday 22 April: Devonport Library (9am to 4pm) • Sunday 24 April: Honicknowle Youth Centre (11am - 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations. Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups. Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ get-tested.
HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE
You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19. NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on April 7.
@PlymChronicle
May 2022
Armed Forces Day is back after two year absence Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will return to Plymouth Hoe this summer after a two year absence due to the pandemic.
Pictured at the opening of Flapjackery are back row: Carol Myott, shop manager Grace and Sally Jenkin, bottom row: Adam Wotton, Alex Grassick, Plymouth RNLI Coxswain Simon Jeffery and Sam Stephan
RNLI crew turn out for launch of Flapjackery
Plymouth’s RNLI were on hand to open the Barbican’s newest shop, Flapjackery, which has taken over the famous Yarmouth Stores on Southside Street, selling delicious handmade flapjacks, and other sweet treats.
Flapjackery, which is based at Tavistock, will fund raise for the RNLI from its Plymouth shop. Coxswain Simon Jeffery officially opened the shop, cutting the ribbon for owners Sally Jenkin and Carol Myott, to the accompaniment of sea shanty band Jack Flash. Simon said: “We would like to thank Carol Myott and Sally Jenkin for supporting the Plymouth RNLI and inviting the crew down to the opening of Flapjackery today. “I would also like to say thank you for asking me to do the official opening. It was a privilege and we wish the shop all the very best for the future.” Flapjackery Plymouth joins the company’s growing stable of shops at Tavistock, Wells and Minehead, with further stores opening in St Ives and Bath this spring. Sally Jenkin said: “It was a wonderful day, with many people turning up to enjoy a piece of flapjack, with a Plymouth Gin with Luscombe tonic. Flash Jack were fantastic, with many bystanders joining in. “Huge thanks to all the team at RNLI Plymouth for turning up and making it such a great occasion. Fundraising is an important part of our business and RNLI Plymouth joins our other chosen charities - Wells Cathedral, RNLI Minehead and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.”
Coxswain Simon Jeffery with Flapjackery’s shop manager Grace
The exciting programme for the event was revealed following a launch on March 17 hosted by 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at the Royal Citadel. Captain Chris Morris presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Terri Beer, with the Armed Forces Day flag before a ceremonial firing of the gun from the Citadel’s battlements. The hugely popular, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday June 25. This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment and parades. There’s lots of live music to enjoy too, including a free evening concert headlined by ‘From The Specials’, starring Neville Staple who’s famous for his 2-Tone legacy. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council, said: “Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, but also a hugely important opportunity for the people of Plymouth to show support for all members of the Armed Forces and their families, and to thank them for their hard work and dedication. “Plymouth is incredibly proud of its military history and there’s much to celebrate this year. “It was very fitting to host the launch at the Royal Citadel as this year the Commando Gunners will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a parade through the city centre in May.” Armed Forces Day will start with the RAF and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service at 9.10am, followed by the main activities beginning at 10am. The Parade of Standards, which is open to all veterans, will see veterans and cadets parade
3
The 2022 Armed Forces Day was launched at the Royal Citadel
across the Hoe Promenade at 11am. There’s plenty to experience throughout the day. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army all in attendance. They will be hosting activities, displays and military vehicles in their own specific ‘villages’. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Coastguard Rescue Service and Dartmoor Search and Rescue will also be there on the day. More than 70 organisations and charities will be represented within the Veterans’ Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, offering support and advice as well as information from training providers. To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, there will be a dedicated Falklands veterans’ parade, with any veteran that was involved in the conflict invited to join. The arena programme promises plenty of entertainment and thrills, with the
Devonport Services Rugby Team showing off their skills, Field Gun tournaments and displays from local cadets and the City of Plymouth Pipe Band. The entertainment continues into the evening with a free music concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, taking place on stage from 5pm to 10.30pm. Performances include: Military Wives Choir; Ocean City Sound Barbershop chorus; Local powerhouse duo Roulette; Absolutely Elton, an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John; From The Specials – The Neville Staple Band. This year the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines, will also take place in Plymouth for the first time ever on Thursday June 23. This tough competition will see outstanding tri-service athletes take part in a swim in Tinside Lido, cycle time trials across the Hoe and a static rowing challenge before crossing the finish line. For all the latest information about Armed Forces Day, visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk.
Mark Ormrod presented with Freedom of the City Former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE, has been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Plymouth by the Lord Mayor.
marched onto the parade ground on prosthetics to collect his tour of duty medal. Today, Mark is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, a peak Mark was presented performance coach and with his official scroll Lord Mayor Coun Terri Beer the author of the award and medal at a special presents Mark Ormrod winning auto-biography ceremony at the the with his official scroll Man Down. He’s won 11 Council House. medals, including four Being awarded the golds at the Invictus Honorary Freedom of Games and is a source the City is the highest of daily inspiration honour the city can for the thousands of bestow and is awarded people who follow him to ‘persons of distinction’ on Social Media.He is who have shown a relentless charitable exceptional service or fund-raiser and last year achievement. was awarded the Pride of It recognises those Britain Fundraiser of the who have provided year award in recognition ‘eminent services’ to of the hundreds of Plymouth and gone the thousands of pounds he extra mile to enhance has raised for charity by the city’s reputation or undertaking remarkable feats of endurance. improve the lives of people less able to help themselves. Mark The Lord Mayor Councillor Terri Beer said: “I am delighted to is without doubt one of Plymouth’s most inspirational residents. afford Mark Ormrod the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. He On Christmas Eve 2007 Mark was blown up by an improvised has worked tirelessly to fund raise for charities that support our explosive device whilst on a routine patrol in Afghanistan. armed forces and done amazingly well at the Invictus games. I He lost an arm and both legs above the knee and was twice am so proud of Mark, he has overcome so much and continues pronounced dead at the scene. Doctors originally told him to be an inspirational Ambassador for our city.” that he would never walk again. But just five months later, he
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.
Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals is at the Plymouth Pavilions in May
Summer Garden Party Jun 25 Dartmoor Zoo is staging an an exclusive adults only evening of fantastic concert band music and a sumptuous hog roast, salads and mini desserts. There will be a silent auction with some fantastic prizes and a fundraising raffle as well as animal talks. Tickets £25 which includes zoo entry, food and a welcome drink. Call 01752 837645.
Exhibition - Yonaoshi Until Jun 11 Featuring paintings, textiles, ceramics, film and sculpture, South West Showcase artist Huhtamaki Wab brings his solo exhibition ‘Yonaoshi’ to the MIRROR at Plymouth College of Art. The exhibition combines influences from Japanese mythology with concepts of ecological collapse and world renewal. Exhibition Apr 12 to May 19 An exhibition entitled Artists in Residence, detailing the lives and work of some of Plymouth’s famous local artists, will be held at the Visitors Centre, Ford Park Cemetery, April 12. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm (12.30pm to 3.30pm at weekends) until April 30, and then daily until May 19, 11am to 3pm. Plymouth Jazz Club Apr 17 The Riviera Ramblers at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door only. Details from www.plymouth-jazz-club. org.uk. Martin Dale Quartet on May 1; The Dart Valley Stompers on May 15 and the Pete Canter Quartet on June 5. Dinomania Apr 17 Meet the award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania who will teach you all about dinosaurs and some prehistoric creatures. With realistic dinosaurs, loads of fossils and replicas any dinosaur enthusiast will have a roarsome time. Hosted by Plymouth YMCA in Honicknowle. Details www. dinomania.co.uk Men’s Day Out Apr 23 Loads of banter with your mates, a pasty and a beer, plus a cracking rugby match at the end! Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2022, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 40th anniversary year. Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout/ Put It To Bed Apr 26 to 29 An exhibition by Devonport artist Yvonne Mousley at Devonport Live which is being opened up to community groups who are creating work which will be displayed alongside Yvonne’s exhibits and will then become an interactive project. Mixed media will be available for visitors to use or take along an object to literally ‘put to bed.’ Everyone welcome. Spring Fayre Apr 30 St Budeaux Church Community Hall from 11am to 2.30pm. Various stalls including crafts, cards, jewellery, cakes and toys. Refreshments available including coffee, tea, cakes and pasty lunch. Admission 20p. Tables £10 Email: fayres@st-budeauxchurch.co.uk. All proceeds to to the Hall Development fund Spring Fayre Apr 30 Taking place at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle. Various stalls and egg painting with the Springtime Bunny. Refreshments on sale, come along for coffee, cake and chat. Pirates Weekend Plymouth May 7 and 8 The Barbican and Sutton Harbour host a swashbuckling two days of fun inspired by the high seas. Plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy! Guided Walk May 8 The heritage team at Ford Park Cemetery are holding a guided walk in conjunction with its current exhibition Artists in Residence. Meet at the Visitors Centre at 2pm. Light refreshments will be available in
Plymouth Model Show Jun 25 Taking place at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 4pm. Plymouth’s model clubs will be displaying all types of static scale models along with several traders who will be selling model kits. Other clubs from across the South West will also be taking part. There will be a large display commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Hot and cold refreshments are available during the day. Further details from Dave Watson on 01752 518287.
the team room and there is free parking is available in the grounds. The walk is free, donations always welcome.
Priest by Handel. Tickets available through the Arts Institute Box Office on 01752 585050 or email theartsinstitute@plymouth.ac.uk.
Charity Quiz Night May 13 Dartmoor Zoo will be holding a Charity Quiz Night at Plymouth Argyle to raise funds to support the zoo’s vital conservation work. Bring your family and friends along for a fun filled evening of quizzing on a variety of topics with top team prizes and a fantastic raffle. For tickets and details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/ charity-quiz-night/or telephone 01752 837645.
The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over th e first weekend in June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year! For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com
Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals May 19 and 20 The official tour is back for 2022 and heads for Plymouth Pavilions in May. Directed by Strictly’s creative director Jason Gilkison, the tour will feature an exciting line-up of 10 magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites including Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova and Professional World Mambo Champion and 2020 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer. Tickets from www. strictlytheprofessionals.com Lord Mayor’s Day May 21 This popular annual event offering lots of family fun will again be taking place in the city centre welcoming the new Lord Mayor into their role. Tango Sonoro May 22 Performance by Tango Sonoro, a Devon and Cornwall based band specialising in Argentine tango and Latin music at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Plymouth at 3pm.Tickets £15 available from 01752 770345. Young Frankenstein May 25 to 28 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present Mel Brooks’ award Winning musical comedy at the newly refurbished Devonport Playhouse. The celebrated American brain surgeon grandson of the original Dr Victor Frankenstein arrives in Transylvania to inherit his grandfather’s estate - with hilarious consequences! Book tickets online at www. ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395 159955. Shows are at 7.30pm throughout plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Flavour Fest May 27 to 29 Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre. It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills. Summer Concert May 28 Plymouth University Choral Society present a celebration of summer music for the Royal Jubilee at St Andrew’s Minster Church at 7.30pm. Music by Dowland, German, Jenkins, Walton and Zadok the
1 Big Summer Jun 2 to 4 Three days of entertainment on Plymouth Hoe. Each day has been curated to appeal to a plethora of musical tastes, genres and audiences, ensuring there really is something for everyone. Details www.1bigsummer.com One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‘s West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singersongwriters. With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Tickets available by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available. Ocean City Running Festival Jun 19 Few cities can rival Plymouth’s rich seafaring heritage, its stunning waterfront and natural harbour, its vibrant cultural life and its close proximity to some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Thousands of runners of all ages will be making history by running in the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, encompassing the Half Marathon, 5K and 10K. Find out more on the Run Plymouth website at www. runplymouth.co. uk. Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www. plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk
Gospel Choir Concert July 2 A special evening of top class family entertainment at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall at 7.30pm. All ages welcome. Callington Community Gospel Choir welcome you to join them sing, clap, dance along, or just sit and and enjoy yourselves. Free entry donations welcome on the night to charity. Ball and Boe Jul 8 Two of the greatest voices in the world - Michael Ball and Alfie Box - will be performing in Central Park in July. As a duo, they have now sold over 1.5 million albums in the UK, received two Classic Brit Awards, sold out two headline arena tours and presented three ITV Specials. Tickets from www.ballandboe.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk Paloma Faith Jul 9 Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour, performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date in Plymouth on Saturday July 9 at Central Park. For tickets and more information go to www.premier.ticketek.co.uk
Open Day Jul 16
The Royal British Legion at 41 Market Road, Plympton is holding an Open Day and all are welcome. There will be entertainment, bric-a-brac, cake stall, arts and craft, barbecue food and much more. The fun begins at midday and entry is free. Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle. For full details visit SailGP.com British Firework Championships Aug 17 and 18 Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guarateed to leave you awestruck. Charity Black Tie Masquerade Ball Aug 27 A special event at Plymouth Guildhall to raise money for three worthy causes - the Royal British Legion, Mind Devon and Jeremiah’s Journey. The evening will feature a live band, buffet and a raffle with amazing prizes. Doors open at 7.30pm with the programme starting at 8pm and ending at midnight. Tickets for the event cost just £25 and can now be booked on Facebook by searching for Black Tie Masquerade Charity Ball. 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.
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A fleet of green and white cabs is coming to Plymouth – but drivers and operators will have plenty of time to make the changes.
Plymouth’s new taxi licensing policy has now been approved by Full Council but there are some key changes following consultation with the public and the council’s scrutiny committee. The new livery will happen, but there is now a five year lead-in time, said Councillor John Riley, Governance Human Resources, IT, Community Safety and Licensing, said: “The green and white livery will be introduced to increase public’s confidence that they are hailing a properly-licensed and approved cab. “The colours are distinctive. They are Plymouth’s colours and promote pride and professionalism. At night, this will help with identification and will support clearer CCTV images if required. “We know it’s been a tough few years so are giving drivers and operators more time to do this and this is allowable as a business expense.” From May 1 2022: • There will be no limit on the number of hackney carriages • Drivers can return to the trade within three years without having to complete the knowledge test • The Plymouth Ambassador Course and the English Spoken Test will now be pre-requisites for new drivers • Both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicles must take contactless payments by July 2022 • The Department for Transport recommendations for additional DBS requirements for drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators will be introduced • Operators will be required to keep a register of all booking staff and undertake safeguarding training • One year licence fees and the first 12 months of a three year licence will now be non-refundable • A staggered approach to introducing cleaner vehicles by 2030 • Livery for new taxis and for existing from May 2027 (private hire vehicles can no longer be white: existing have until May 2027 to change colour)
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ELECTIONS 2022 ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? On Thursday 5 May, have your say on who represents you in the local elections. A number of measures will be put in place to help you stay safe when voting in person at polling stations.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? In order to vote, you must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Thursday 14 April. If you have received the recent household notification letter then you don’t need to re-register.
YOU CAN VOTE BY POST! If already on the register, then you may wish to vote by post. The deadline for registering to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April.
CAN I NOMINATE SOMEONE TO VOTE FOR ME? Yes, this is called a vote by proxy, the deadline to register is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April. But remember, you and your proxy voter must both be registered to vote. For information on registering to vote and how you can vote, visit
plymouth.gov.uk/votingandelections
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Stepping back in time for St Luke’s When one of Plymouth’s best-loved charity events returns this year, it is taking participants back to the past to raise vital funds that will help local families for generations to come.
St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk is back on Friday July 22, when it is set to be awash with women embracing this year’s theme of 1982, which is when the hospice – then based at Syrena House in Plymstock - welcomed its first patients. But that’s not all! As well as the retro theme to mark four decades of St Luke’s compassionate care and support for families across Plymouth and surrounding areas, this year – for the first time – the charity has added a new 2.5-mile route to the popular annual event. While this shorter walk has been introduced so that young children can be part of Midnight Walk, both this distance and the five, 10 and 15-mile routes are open to all girls and boys aged up to 17, as well as adult women, so that doing good in the community can be more of a family affair. Sponsored by local company Drakes Jewellers, Midnight Walk is an opportunity for women and children to come together and celebrate the lives of relatives and friends who have died but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets of Plymouth in aid of St Luke’s. Leaving from – and returning to - Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park Stadium, they will be raising funds that will help the charity continue its specialist service caring for terminally
May 2022
7
Months of traffic delays likely as Plymstock gas upgrade begins Wales & West Utilities is starting work to upgrade gas pipes in the Plymstock Road area of Plymouth later this month.
ill people at home, in hospital and at Turnchapel and providing emotional support for them and their families. Speaking about the event, Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at the hospice, said: “If ever there was a year for coming together to walk in memory of lost loved ones, this is it – St Luke’s 40th anniversary year. “As part of marking such a special milestone, we’ve made Midnight Walk more family friendly so that children can join in and enjoy the party atmosphere, too. It feels fitting to be doing this as we look to the next 40 years and build our charity’s resilience so that we can be here for all
the local families who will need us in the future. “This summer’s Midnight Walk is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to pay tribute to each and every person the hospice team has had the privilege of looking after since our specialist service began, in 1982. We’re inviting our walkers to bring a copy of a favourite photo of their lost loved one and add it to our Memory Wall on the night – they are welcome to do this even if that person was not a patient of St Luke’s. Registration for Midnight Walk costs £24 for those aged 11 and over and £12 for children aged ten and under. Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk for more information and to sign up.
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The £750,000 work will start on April 19 and is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses. Barring any engineering difficulties, it is due to finish in November. Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Plymouth City Council to plan the work and, to minimise disruption, it has been agreed to complete the work in phases: • Between April 19 and May 23 temporary four-way traffic lights will be in place on Dean Cross Road, Church Road, Horncross Road and Pomphett Road • Between May 3 and June 28 temporary four-way traffic lights will be in place on Dean Cross Road, Dean Hill, Radford Park Road and Plymstock Road. During this time a one-way system will also be in place between numbers 1-35 Randwick Park Road. Traffic will be able to enter from Plymstock Road only. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel. Additional traffic management will be in place between July and November 2022 and the company will keep the local community updated as the work progresses. Wales & West Utilities Fran Kirk is managing this gas pipe upgrade work. He said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. “We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum. “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the Plymouth area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it. “This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.” Wales & West customer service team will take calls if residents have any questions about the work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999. Alternatively, can contact them on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/ WWUtilities.
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8 May 2022
Fund launched to restart time at St Mary’s
Time has stood still at St Mary’s Church in Plympton for many years with the hands of its clock firmly stuck on the same time day in day out.
Now though moves are afoot to get the clock going again and a £20,000 fundraising campaign has started to bring these moves to fruition. The plan has captured the imagination of local residents who have already stumped up almost £1,000 to get things going. St Mary’s Church treasurer Chris Bunney said: “We believe it is time for our heritage church (over 700 years old) to have its clock restored to working order. There is a great enthusiasm to see the clock telling accurate time again and hearing the bells chime with the time. “However, such unique pieces are very costly to repair. We need your help to bring a much-loved centrepiece back into operation, providing a visual and audible reminder of the church for the people of Plympton. “Like most, the church is under severe financial pressure and cannot restore the clock independently. As a charity, we rely hugely on donations to undertake any significant restoration work, which is why we are asking for your support.” All donations will be ringfenced to help meet the restoration cost and made directly to St Mary’s Church Plympton. Local people are being encouraged to help make a difference and get this wonderful timepiece working again. Regardless of size, every donation and every pound counts. An online fundraising site for the project can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/tictoc-mend-our-clock (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
8 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Shark warning in Turnchapel! Residents of Turnchapel have been warned that there are a couple of sharks in the water! Only these sharks aren’t of the great white variety and they’re certainly not dangerous to humans. These sharks eat only one type of prey – litter! The Waste Sharks are state-of-the-art Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that survey the surface of our seas, gobbling up litter, helping to keep our natural environment clean. They have been introduced as part of Plymouth City Council’s Preventing Plastic Pollution project and are being trialled first in Turnchapel, before operating in the wider Cattewater where litter is known to gather. Working in collaboration with Plymouth-based robotics and artificial intelligence expertise MSUBS and Marine AI, the project will look at adapting and enhancing the technology of the basic Waste Sharks to work autonomously moving around the water to where the plastic waste is collecting. The University of Plymouth will bring their marine plastic pollution expertise to this project and will be helping to collect and analyse the waste consumed by Waste Sharks. The Cattewater Harbour Commissioners have agreed to trial the project in their waters and are keen to work with us on the education and awareness programme involving local schools and communities. Ideas for engagement include naming and painting competitions to helping with programming and trialling the sharks in the water
Project partners join forces to launch the Waste Sharks Project partners join to launch the Waste Sharks
using the new automation ROV technology. Babcock has also purchased a Wasteshark which will be helping to collect plastic waste from waters around the dockyard, helping cut plastic pollution within the city. Babcock is an active member of the Britain’s Ocean City, Plastic Task Force. All partners involved in the various Waste Shark projects are actively working together to share knowledge, experience and expertise to help cut plastic pollution and positively contribute to the Climate Emergency Action Plan for Plymouth.
The Waste Sharks in action in the water
Bridge opening delayed Network Rail has announced that the repairs to the Cot Hill rail bridge at Plympton will not be completed in time for its original reopening date of April 19.
A spokesperson for the firm explained: “There is a combination of factors as to the delay in the works, firstly the protective layer of the bridge surrounding the structure – which protects the public, vehicles and our teams from falling debris – was badly damaged, and had to be replaced. “Certain activities can only be completed when the trains were not running, we had 44 planned hours over a few weekends to complete this work. However, due to the storms and other factors, we actually only worked 16 hours out of the planned 44 hours, and thus this extended the works on the bridge. We are working day and night to complete this work by May 23.” (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
School’s aid for Ukraine
Boringdon Primary School has marked the recent International Women’s Day with a collection for families in Ukraine.
With the school community looking for a positive way to support those caught up in the conflict, the school’s Friends group asked families and staff to bring something from a specific list of high-need items being requested by local charities. Despite having only 420 children on roll, several thousand items were donated including nappies, wipes, torches with batteries, toiletries and more. Following the collection, a large group of mums on the school run spontaneously started sorting, packing and loading all of the donations to minimise work for the charities on the front line of the crisis. Hannah Daragon, chair of the Friends of Boringdon, said: “It has been really incredible to see our community come together to support families in Ukraine. I found it deeply moving to see the outpouring of support and I am really proud to be a member of the Boringdon community today.”
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7 and 8 Pirates Weekend Plymouth Barbican and Sutton Harbour 14 Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade Royal Parade 21 Lord Mayor’s Day City Centre 27 to 29 Flavour Fest City Centre
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23 Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines Plymouth Hoe 25 Armed Forces Day Plymouth Hoe
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17 and 18 British Firework Championships Plymouth Waterfront 27 West End Carnival Plymouth City Centre
All events subject to change. Please see visitplymouth.co.uk for the latest information.
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10 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Anger over plans to abolish elected school governors Moves to do away with elected parent governors and abolish individual governing bodies at more than a dozen schools in Plympton and Plymstock have resulted in a backlash from many parents who are angered by the proposals.
Author Sarah Adams at the British Red Cross Bookshop
BOOKSHOP PROJECT PUTS AUTHORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The British Red Cross Bookshop in Plympton has started a new project called ‘Author Around The Corner’ which is giving local authors an opportunity to put their work in the spotlight.
Authors take part in a question and answer type printed interview which then appears on the shop’s Facebook page. The featured author for March has been Sarah Adams. The interview can be found by searching for @BRCPlymptonBooks on Facebook. The shop is asking other local authors interested in being the featured author of the month to get in touch with them. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
PASTOR ARNO TO BE NEXT STANNATOR OF PLYMPTON
Pastor Arno Bessel is to be the next Stannator of Plympton.
Arno was voted into the role in a three way secret ballot at the annual meeting of Plympton Community Council in March. Arno has lived in Plympton since 2006 and is the pastor at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Larkham Lane. Pastor Bessel will be officially invested into the role of Stannator at a ceremony towards the end of April. John Gilding was also voted in as the Community Council’s new chairman, replacing Rose Hamley who has completed her period of office in the role. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
New Plympton Community Council chairman John Gilding congratulates Pastor Arno Bessel on being elected the next Stannator of Plympton
Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) announced the plans recently and this has led to more than 750 people signing an online petition on change. org to fight the plans. WeST is a Multi-Academy Trust with 27 schools under its wing, including Plymstock School, Coombe Dean, Hele’s and 10 primary schools in the area. Under what is planned it would also leave each of the schools in the Multi-Academy Trust without its own individual governing body. In a letter to parents, carers, staff and existing governors, WeST’s chairman of Trustees, Iain Grafton, said: “WeST has grown from two to 27 schools and that has started to challenge our current system of local governing bodies. At present, several local governing bodies are struggling to recruit a full complement of governors and others are struggling to recruit clerks. “To deal with these risks, trustees have considered a number of options from retaining the status quo to dissolving local governance mechanisms. After considerable debate, the Trustees believe that WeST would be best served, at this stage in its development, by a system of hub advisory boards which will replace local governing bodies on September 1 2022. “Trustees recognise the significant personal investment that many governors have made in our schools, and I would like to thank you for the time and commitment you have given to our pupils and staff. I very much hope that you will want to be part of what comes next.” However, Mr Grafton’s letter has gone down like a lead balloon with a significant number of parents who have come together to fight the plans tooth and nail. A spokesperson for the parents’ group said: “Parents across the Trust are upset that any accountability or link between governors and local schools will be lost alongside their right to elect parent governors. Also staff will no longer have a governor either. To make this worse, many longstanding governors across the trust were not even shown the courtesy of being informed that they were being dismissed prior to this (letter) being sent out. It is a power grab pure and simple. “Parents, staff and communities across WeST are organising to overturn this decision and with 17,000 children in a WeST school across our locality we think this is going to be a big public interest story.”
“We believe that every school is a special and unique place which evokes pride, develops identity and inspires loyalty for a lifetime. If WeST has got too big to value each school then WeST is too big” Explaining the proposed replacement scheme Mr Grafton said in his letter: “The Board proposes to establish four hub advisory boards. All hubs will have between six and eight schools, at least one of which will be a secondary school. Schools within each hub will be geographically close, in order that the hub may maintain links with the broad community that the schools within the hub serve. “The Board wants to create hubs which add value to the work of the Trust. Trustees recognise the important role of our school communities in influencing the direction of the Trust. “With this in mind, the Board intends to invite interested parents, staff and local business people
then WeST is too big. We entirely reject the premise that WeST bureaucrats are better placed to decide who should govern our schools. “We do not believe that the children’s interests are best served by batch governing multiple schools in a one-size-fits-all homogenised and centrally-vetted politburo. “Good governors know the school area, the children, the families and the staff. These governors are in-tune with the challenges and opportunities and passionate about working with the leadership team to help make that school the best it can be for the students. “Therefore we think that WeST’s decision to sever the link between school communities and their governors is an abhorrent power grab by a faceless organisation desperate to steal school’s voices and identities to create one for itself.
Iain Grafton, chair of Trustees
to apply for a seat on a hub advisory board. The Trust will consider the skills and experience of everyone who applies and will select just over half of each hub’s members from them. The chair of the hub advisory board will be elected from this group. “In addition to this group, a number of seats equal to the number of schools within the hub, will be appointed. Parents and carers from each WeST school will be able to apply to serve on their hub. Again, the Trust will consider the skills and experience of everyone who applies and will select from them. “This group will support the hub in thinking about the communities served by the hub schools. The Trust Board is clear that these elected members are not representatives of a particular school but will have the interests of WeST and all its 14,000 learners at heart. “Each hub advisory board’s remit will be to consider and advise the Trust Board on matters to do with curriculum, community involvement and safeguarding. The Trustees are very clear that they wish each hub advisory board to act as the eyes and ears of Trustees. Hub advisory boards will have no decision-making powers.” The headteacher of each school within each hub will serve on its advisory board. Mr Grafton concluded: “The Trust has considered carefully the advantages and disadvantages for the proposals for the operation of hub advisory boards and would now like you to give your views on the proposed route ahead, or suggestions on constituting the hubs differently.” Involved parties were able to take part in a consultation with an initial closing date of March 28, but this was later extended to April 4. In a statement issued in support of their petition the group of parents pulled no punches in their response to Mr Grafton’s letter, saying: “We believe that every school is a special and unique place which evokes pride, develops identity and inspires loyalty for a lifetime. “If WeST has got too big to value each school
“Schools need to be more accountable to children and families, not less. This will make it even more difficult for parents and staff to question and change practices which are not in the best interests of the children” “WeST needs to stop its creeping increase in controls on member schools and we demand that the system of each school maintaining its own local governing board is retained as a minimum. “The stated reason for this power grab is that some schools don’t have a full complement of governors and others cannot appoint a clerk. It seems perplexing that WeST haven’t actually advertised any of these crucial vacancies to parents across the Trust or anywhere else in order to try and fill them - why is this? “It also seems quite illogical that the answer to not having enough governors is to sack every experienced, long-standing and effective governor across the Trust. It is clear this argument doesn’t stack up. “No bureaucracy ever gives back power. We must make a stand now for our local schools or they will be subsumed into this faceless entity that nobody chose.” Individual parents have also been having their own say by posting additional comments alongside their support of the online petition. One parent remarked: “I think it’s important to have school governors that are linked into every individual school. This sounds like a bureaucratic watering down of the safeguards for our children in schools.” Another stated: “Schools need to be more accountable to children and families, not less. This will make it even more difficult for parents and staff to question and change practices which are not in the best interests of the children. This move is indicative of the further corporatisation of state education.” A further remarked: “If you receive taxpayers money to provide services you should have proper systems to be held to account by the public and by your service users or their families. This is a basic premise of public service and WeST appointing their own choice of governors flies in the face of this principle.” Parents with children at small WeST schools are particularly concerned about the adverse impact of the proposals. One said: “Our primary is a tiny village school and I cannot see how it can be effectively represented in this way.” Another endorsed this, adding: “Every school is different. Each school has to have its own identity. A small village school will get lost in these hubs.” Parents now eagerly await WeST’s response to the consultation and their response to the petition against the overall proposals. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
May 2022
@PlymChronicle
All aboard the Peace Bus
Richard Stevens, managing director of Go South West with the distinctively painted bus
A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war.
The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash. All funds raised by company employees will be matched pound for pound by parent company Go-Ahead Group. To kick things off, drivers and other colleagues will wear blue and yellow from March 28 until April 8 in exchange for a donation and to show their support. Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus are also working with the local authorities to provide free bus transport to any
refugees arriving in the area as a result of the Ukraine crisis. Richard Stevens, managing director of Go South West, which incorporates Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, said: “Like many people we felt saddened and pretty helpless by the Ukraine War. We hope our Peace Bus is going to be a strong visual demonstration of our support wherever it travels across Plymouth and Cornwall. “The events in Ukraine have shocked us all, and we know lots of people will be affected in different ways. Many of our team felt that they wanted to do something positive to help, and by doing this we can encourage our colleagues, passengers and all people in our community to contribute.” The Peace Bus will be used on various routes across Plymouth and Cornwall. Anyone can donate to the DEC campaign via www.dec.org.uk
A new task force is to be set up to help ensure that Plymouth is prepared for Ukrainian refugees as they arrive in the city.
Following the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, thousands of people across the country have signed up to offer a room for those who are fleeing the war. Local authorities have been tasked with supporting this process. This includes safeguarding checks for host households, welcoming refugees as they arrive and ensuring that they are able to access services such as health, education and benefits as quickly as possible. A new Ukraine Crisis Task Force has been set up by the new Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Richard Bingley. It will be chaired by Councillor Chris Penberthy. The group will ensure that the city-wide approach to accommodation, education, health, safeguarding and other services is aligned to support any arrivals as best we can. The group will also look at the wider community response around issues such as donations. Councillor Bingley said: “Councillors were again united in condemning the invasion of Ukraine. However, I believe it is also important that we commit to do all we can to proactively support refugees fleeing their country. “It has been fantastic to see the level of support shown by communities, charities, and organisations towards the Ukrainian people. So many across the city coming together to collect
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medicine, food, and other items of comfort. And now many people are preparing to open up their homes. “We must now stand ready to support the refugees as they arrive in Plymouth. They must feel welcome, safe and able to access the vital services they will need – such as schools, healthcare and jobs. To ensure that we have a city-wide approach, the new task group will oversee our efforts. The safety and welfare of Ukrainian refugees and of the residents and organisations who house and help them has to be front and centre of this response.” Councillor Chris Penberthy, Chair of the Plymouth Ukraine Crisis Task Force, added: “Thank you to the Leader for his swift response to the motion of notice on Monday and for taking a cross-party approach. I am honoured to be taking on this very important task and would be really interested to hear what is already going on in Plymouth to support Ukraine and especially to hear from any Ukrainian people already living in the city.” For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/crisisukraine
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12 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Work set to start by end of year on new Sherford leisure centre
up to
A state-of-the-art new leisure centre is set for Sherford, with plans progressing for the new facility and work set to start before the end of the year.
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The new community amenity will include an indoor 25-metre, four-lane heated swimming pool, sports hall, soft-play area, gym, fitness studio, café, changing facilities for outdoor pitches and courts, and a 100+ space car park. The leisure centre marks a major investment in the creation of high quality community facilities at Sherford, and will be led by the Sherford Consortium, the developers responsible for Sherford – a partnership between Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships, which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes. The creation of the leisure centre has always been a crucial element of Sherford’s design, since planning began over two decades ago. Sitting within the boundary of Plymouth City Council, the local authority has secured £400,000 in developer contributions towards the project, as part of its ongoing commitment to delivering healthy communities. Additional funding will also be provided by Plymstock and District Swimming Pool Association, contributing £182,000 to fund enhancements to the pool area that will ensure it is accessible to all. Set to bring the latest leisure and fitness facilities, equipment and skills to Sherford is LED Community Leisure, which has been selected as the operator following a competitive tender process. With a proven track record in managing centres across Devon and Somerset, LED Community Leisure reinvests all profits into creating, maintaining and enhancing leisure hubs for the benefit of the local community. Managing 12 leisure and entertainment centres across the region, LED’s inclusive and innovative approach will ensure Sherford’s leisure centre meets the needs of both residents and the wider community. The addition of a leisure centre at Sherford is a further boost to what is fast becoming a leading destination for sport and recreation. The town already boasts a skatepark, play park, multi-use games area, and tennis courts. A cricket pavilion, all-weather pitch and multiple grass pitches are coming soon. Public open green space is central to the design of Sherford and the first phase of the Country Park is already open, and will expand to 500-acres in time, with walking and cycle routes throughout the town.
Existing lesiure facilities and the site of the new centre
The local community will be invited to view plans of the much-anticipated leisure centre as part of a public consultation on May 20 at Sherford’s Community Hub. There will be the opportunity for both Sherford residents and those living in the wider area to view the designs, speak to a team of experts, and share their thoughts. It is expected that plans for the leisure centre will be submitted this summer and, planning decision permitting, work could start on site by the end of the year. Construction would take around 18 months, seeing the finished facility open to the public in 2024. Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Partnerships South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “As one of the most anticipated community facilities at Sherford, we are delighted to move forward with plans for the leisure centre, as well as welcoming LED Community Leisure as its chosen operator. “This is an exciting stage for Sherford and we look forward to sharing the designs with the very community it is set to serve. This facility will make a massive difference to Sherford and the wider area; we are confident it will be a vibrant new community space, a place to be proud of, and somewhere to be enjoyed for generations to come.” Peter Gilpin, chief executive of LED Community Leisure, said: “We can’t wait to join the Sherford community, and look forward to meeting its residents and those living in the local area, to discuss and finalise plans for the brand-new leisure facility. As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest our profits in to ensuring our facilities
become valued community hubs, while providing everything needed for everyone to achieve their health and fitness ambitions.” Councillor Mark Deacon, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We have long anticipated a swimming pool and leisure facility for this part of the city and this will be a welcome addition not just for the Sherford new town but for the wider community. A new leisure centre will not only help more people to stay active and fit but also improve our residents’ overall health and wellbeing.”
Basketball is popular with youngsters at Sherford Photo: John Allen
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May 2022
@PlymChronicle
13
Reel-y good news for Plymouth’s night life One of Plymouth’s 1930s cinemas is set to open its doors as a new entertainment and live music venue.
The former Reel Cinema and Gala Bingo building in Derry’s Cross has been the subject of negotiations with Plymouth City Council and the current leaseholders of the building and a third party operator who are keen to see it reopen. The council as the freeholder has now signed a conditional agreement with the long leaseholder to rejuvenate the site. Full details are still to be unveiled but the project is expected to see an extensive refurbishment that will see the main auditorium back to its original glory. This is likely to include Existing lesiure facilitiews and removing an existing wall the site of the new centre enabling the auditorium to
Councillor Nick Kelly pictured with Will Furze (left) and Chris Morgan-Giles whose company are leasing the Reel Cinema
hold 1,000 people for live entertainment. Speaking before he was voted out as Council Leader Cllr Nick Kelly said: “We committed to working with partners to develop and deliver additional venues across Plymouth for music and
entertainment and while this is in the early stages, it’s incredibly exciting. “Plymouth has a number of smaller venues and a large venue, the Pavilions, but has not had a venue that can accommodate 1,000 people
– that crucial medium-sized venue that is a missing link in Plymouth’s entertainment scene. “We want Plymouth to be a great place to live and that includes enjoying a great night – particularly in the city centre. “We are not yet in a position to give more detail, but I promise you, people will not be disappointed.” The Art Deco front of the building would be preserved under the plans and where possible, remodelling will aim to respect its architectural heritage and its importance as a community asset. The cinema was completed in July 1938, and was designed by in-house architect W R Glen for the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) and housed 2,024 seats. The building suffered bomb damage in 1941, but fortunately remained largely intact.
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14 May 2022
14 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Enhancing green space in Plymstock Sherford Life It’s nearly time to get the union flags out and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Are you excited? I confess: I’m an ardent Royalist! But even if you’re not, we can unite around a desire to honour the woman who has, for seven decades, represented much of what is great about British-ness.
Community members in Plymstock are working together to make improvements to the fields that lie between Dean Hill and Horn Lane at the top of the Broadway shoppers’ car park.
Local residents use the fields for recreation and enjoyment of nature, but many people are unaware of this tranquil green open space in the centre of Plymstock. The Friends of Downhorn Park aim to promote its protection and conservation and to enhance the benefits of its use by the community. The group is working closely with the local Primary Care Network in support of their social prescribing policy. The aim is to improve physical and mental health through the social interactions, exercise and outdoor activity involved in developing and maintaining a Community Garden, a project initiated by GP Dr Anna Dias of Church View Surgery. Chair of the Friends’ group, Dr Colin Munn said: “Green open space is essential for our health and well-being and for a sustainable future. We want to provide a way for the community to work together to help to enrich their local area’s biodiversity and ecology. “We plan to organise regular volunteer activities and family events throughout the year, helping to address continued habitat loss and the climate emergency that we are facing.” Rebecca Smith, Councillor for Plymstock
Aerial view of Downhorn Park showing planned improvements Credit: Google Imagery 27/05/2020.
Radford Ward said: “I welcome the creation of Friends of Downhorn Park and the Plymstock Community Garden. I’ve been providing a little support behind the scenes and think the progress the team have made already is really impressive. “Modelling on a version of community gardens which have been successfully set up in other parts of Plymouth is a really clever idea and I’m looking forward to seeing this
garden for the Plymstock community come to fruition”. Find out more about the project at the Friends’ website www.downhornpark.uk or via the Facebook group www.facebook.com/ groups/downhorn. Everyone is invited to a public meeting on Sunday May 8 between 10am and 2pm at Plymstock Community Centre to discuss the proposals.
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She’s modelled a quiet and unruffled dignity, a championing of those individuals and charities who go out of their way to do good to the people of our nation, and a sturdy resilience through good times and bad. So let’s get planning for the celebrations! If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of organisations waiting to help. The Government have put together a website full of ideas and resource links (www.platinumjubilee. gov.uk), including information about funding streams for local Jubilee projects. They also have details about how to get involved in lighting special Jubilee beacons on Friday 2nd June, along with people all up and down the country. There is even some music that has been written especially for the occasion! To help in more localised celebrations, the Eden Project team have put together a pack of resources to help you organise street parties with your neighbours. Have a look out for the Jubilee Big Lunch and get involved! In my own community of Sherford there will be a whole host of street parties, both large and small, on Saturday By Revd Tom Brassil June 4. We’ll also be putting on a community-wide event, a classic 1950s-style Summer Fair, and you’re all warmly invited! Lots yet to be finalised but we are hoping to have street food sellers, classic games and activities for all the family and even perhaps a vintage ice cream van. To find out what’s going on in your own area, keep an eye on the pages of the Chronicle both this month and next month, and get involved! Throughout history it’s actually quite rare to be able to celebrate a leader who is an inspiration to their people. It’s sadly all too difficult to find a leader who is genuinely for their people. We shouldn’t take this for granted! I believe that Queen Elizabeth is that kind of leader. She also regularly speaks of how she follows such a leader, one who fully embodied that characteristic of selfless leadership for the sake of his people. A leader who has inspired countless millions over the past two millennia. I once heard that Jesus is the only one who our Queen addresses as, ‘Your Majesty.’ If you’d like to know why, then let me encourage you to read one of the accounts of Jesus’ life (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John in the Bible), or find a local church where you can meet him for yourself. On Sunday June 5 at 10am we’ll have a special Jubilee service at Sherford Community Church as part of the community-wide celebrations. We’d love to see you there! If you have any questions about Sherford life, or to hear more about our Jubilee celebrations, please contact me at tom@sherfordchurch.net
How to avoid some financial traps of modern ways of money borrowing Making the household’s budget stretch to payday is becoming more challenging. Many online retailers work with credit lenders who can offer to split and delay payments at checkout, and banks enable us to borrow money through current accounts. If they are managed correctly, they can be a cheap and quick way of accessing credit, but if something goes wrong, you may face extortionate fees and even marks on your credit file. If you’re using new ways of money borrowing, read our tips below on how to manage them. Overdrafts are one of the most widely used credit products. Over 26 million Britons use different types of overdrafts every year. Out of that, 7.3 million use both ‘authorised’ and ‘unauthorised’ overdrafts.
2.
They allow you to spend more money than you have in your account but remember they are a type of borrowing and can incur charges ranging from 19% to 40% depending on the type of current account you have. Unlike a loan or credit card, overdrafts don’t come with a repayment plan, so paying off the debt is entirely down to you. To pay off your overdraft, you’ll need to get your current account balance back above zero.
3.
Citizens Advice brings you top tips for controlling your overdrafts: 1.
Stay on your account limit – keep a record of money coming in and out of your account, including cash withdrawals, direct debits and standing orders. Look at your budget and see where you can reduce your spending. If you think you might take out more than your account limit, contact your bank to discuss your options.
Let your bank know in advance if you need to go into your overdraft - You may have an overdraft automatically with a new current account, or you may have to request one. If you don’t, speak to your bank before going into the red numbers. They may set an ‘authorised’ overdraft that may be set for a fixed amount over a set period. If you go overdrawn without agreeing on this with the bank first, it’s called an ‘unauthorised’ overdraft. Use savings if you have some to pay off your overdraft - Using savings will help you reduce overdraft interest charges, and it’ll be cheaper in the long run.
4.
Change your direct debits to minimise fees – ask some of the companies you pay direct debits to if you can move your payment date.
5.
Reduce your overdraft limit – it could help resist spending temptation and avoid going back into it once the debt is clear.
6.
Compare bank accounts – If you don’t use a correct bank account or are paying a monthly fee and can’t afford
it, you should consider switching to a different account. Shop around to see if you can get a better deal. 7.
Speak to someone – if the overdraft becomes unmanageable, you may want to speak to debt advice specialists like Citizens Advice.
Buy Now Pay Later schemes (BNPL) and online shopping gained popularity during the pandemic, and approximately 17 million people in Britain now use them. They may be very tempting but can get you quickly into a ‘financial quicksand’. BNPL allows you to buy goods but pay them either later or by instalments at the checkout. The major BNPL providers include Klarna, Clearpay, Laybuy, Openpay and PayPal. Delaying payments or splitting purchases can be a very useful, for example if you need to make a purchase before payday. We advise you to consider saving for a couple of weeks and buying it later. Missed payments could lead to late fees, damage to your credit score, even to debt collectors being involved, depending on the lender.
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If you can’t afford your BNPL payment, it’s important to talk to your provider before you miss a payment. They could offer you some help, such as putting in place affordable repayment arrangements. If you don’t contact your lender and deal with the debt (miss two or three payments), the loan will ‘default’. Additional charges could be added to your account. If you’re struggling with managing your finances, call our Adviceline on 0808 278 7910, visit our website www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk or use Facebook Messenger to get in touch. The Citizens Advice Debt Helpline on 0800 240 4420 can also help.
Keeping track of BNPL purchases can become challenging. Therefore, you should
www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk
0808 278 7910
keep up a record of:
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16 May 2022
16 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Gardeners’ Spring Show returns after Covid break There were around 250 exhibits on display at Plympton Gardeners’ Spring Show on March 19 in classes ranging from flowers and garden produce to domestic science and photography. The event was formally opened by Lord Mayor Cllr Terri Beer who was given a pre-opening tour of the exhibits by chairman John Gilding. Carol Penhallurick was delighted to have come away with the Iris & Norman Lewis Trophy for her display of three bloom camellias, having wrested the trophy from club rival Dr Keith Clapton. All was not lost for Dr Clapton however as he won the G & M Hicks Trophy for his entry of three double daffodil blooms in a vase. Emma Dunne scooped both the Daffodil Trophy for best exhibit in the daffodil and tulip classes plus the Chairman’s Trophy for three varieties of different blooms in vases. Ian Hill created show history by being the first person ever to scoop first prize in all five photography classes at the show and won the President’s Cup for Best Exhibit in Photography, the five classes this year being: Favourite Place, Metal, Morning Noon and Night, Moving Water and Been There A Long Time. Other trophy winners included Sally Luscombe, always a dab hand with her flower arranging. While overall entry numbers were down on pre-Covid years, it was nonetheless a positive start to resuming shows after the two year break caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Subsequent to the show the Gardeners started the first full week of April by running the coffee bar at Harewood House and at their meeting on April 7 they had a talk by Brian Carlson entitled ‘All About Fuchsias.’ Their next meeting is on Thursday May 5 at 7.30pm in Harewood House when Caroline Stone will be talking about Peonies. Guests are welcome to attend. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) Nick Ball presents the cheque to St Luke’s representatives
Plympton Gardeners chairman John Gilding gives a guided tour of the exhibits to Lord Mayor Cllr Terri Beer and her consort Colin Beer
Aggregates business plan: residents concerned over impact of lorry movements
A steady stream of local residents turned up at Colebrook Community Centre on to learn more about the likely impact of an aggregates business at the Hemerdon tungsten mine, amid concerns of the volume of heavy goods vehicles this would bring through Plympton.
Donation for St Luke’s Hospice Devonshire Freemasons have donated over £1,000 to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. The cheque was presented to the hospice by the deputy leader of Devonshire Freemasons Nick Ball and his wife Gill during a visit to St Luke’s.
They were briefed on the challenges facing the hospice on the wake of the COVID pandemic. It costs £10 million each year to run St Luke’s with only a third paid for by the Government - the rest has to come through fund raising. St Luke’s cares for around 2,000 patients a year and due to the pandemic a 25 per cent rise in demand is expected, due to lack of access to NHS services for so many people in the region. More than 50 per cent of care is now provided in patients’ homes, with a quarter in main hospitals. Major events – such as the Midnight Walk – are vital to the work, with a hospice bed costing £11,000 and at home care costing £1000 a year. Meanwhile the St Luke’s lottery provides around £1 million a year and the charity’s shops are being streamlined to generate more revenue. Handing over the cheque for £1065, Nick Ball said: “Every year we come here and are always impressed by their drive to secure the funds to provide the services for those who need it. We hope our donation helps in some small way.”
The operation would see 20 new jobs at the mine to deal with the aggregates processing (including sales and administration) and Aggregates West estimates that for every one job they create at the mine, six extra jobs will be created elsewhere in the local economy. The downside for local residents is that the operation would involve 600 daily lorry movements through Plympton to reach and leave the site (300 inward visits and 300 outward movements) and it is this aspect which seems to have been uppermost in the concerns raised by those attending the consultation meeting. The recommended route to leave the mine will see vehicles coming down from Hemerdon, going along Strode Road, left along Glen Road, left at the new mini roundabout at the Glen Rd/Hillcrest Drive junction and right onto Sandy Road to eventually join the A38. It is proposed to halt vehicles leaving the mine during ‘peak’ periods for local commuters, but lorries would still come to the site early in the morning before the morning peak period. Consideration will however be given to some to overnight lorry parking on site, so that they are ready to leave in the morning with just the outward rather than also an inward journey at that time of day. Other concerns raised include the ability of the roads to sustain this level of heavy goods traffic with the surface on Strode Road and the part of Glen Road between there and Hillcrest Drive already showing potholes and areas of depression. Aggregates West indicates that the removal of aggregates from the site will ultimately lead to a more aesthetically pleasing landscape both currently and when the mine has reached the end of its life, rather than the large accumulated excavation mounds which currently blot the landscape. Plympton St Mary ward councillors have vowed to fight the proposals. In a joint statement they said: “We can assure you that Plympton Conservative councillors will be opposing any planning application. Our opposition will be on the grounds of the massive environmental damage such a proposal will have on our local environment.” The councillors went on to cite specifics, such as the detrimental impact on the local road network, significant air, noise and dust pollution and potential loss of green scape at Hemerdon Ball. The planning application, when submitted, will ultimately be decided by Devon County Council in whose jurisdiction the mine lies. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Residents demand action to curb speeding motorists
More than 240 people have signed a petition calling for the introduction of traffic calming and speed cameras on Staddiscombe Road at Plymstock after concerns over the growing toll of pet cats being struck by vehicles using the road.
Jaime Cummings who set up the petition said: “Staddiscombe Road is used like a race track at night with cars speeding in excess of 50mph and during the day it isn’t much better. It’s an open wide stretch of road that is obviously too much of a temptation to car drivers who enjoy driving fast. “This stretch of road is in a residential area, surrounded by houses where families live with their pets. Four cats have lost their lives in just a few months due to the cars speeding and not being able to stop in time. Today it’s a cat; tomorrow it could be a child. The road is dangerous due to the high speeds that people are driving at, as there is no deterrence in place.” She added: “The residents of Staddiscombe want speed restrictions in place on Staddiscombe Road and Goosewell Road. We would like speed humps and speed cameras in place to protect our children and pets.” Graham Parker has friends who live in Staddiscombe Road. Posting on social media he remarked: “When we stay with them, we can hear the cars speeding by. No consideration for the residents or wildlife.” Deborah Lee-Halsey is one of the residents whose cat was sadly killed in one of the four incidents sparking the petition. She said: “My beautiful cat Lily was killed on Staddiscombe Road just weeks ago and little Reggie, our regular little character who visited so many locally, was killed on Staddiscombe Road. Something needs to be done!” While there seems to be a consensus that action needs to be taken to tackle the problem, not all residents however agree on the precise steps needed. One resident who lives off Staddiscombe Road said he sympathised with the bereaved pet owners but didn’t want speed bumps “as they bring their own problems and noise to residents and law abiding drivers.” He felt the initial steps should be to start with a speed advisory sign and to log drivers who are driving dangerously. The petition can be found by going to www. change.org and searching on Staddiscombe Road. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
New phone system for Pathfields A new telephone system at Pathfields Medical Practice was set to be introduced as this edition of the Chronicle was going to press.
In a statement the Practice announced: “Having listened to patient feedback about the frustrations of not being able to get through to the surgery and getting an engaged tone, we are launching a new phone system that will ensure you are always put into a queue and will no longer hear an engaged tone.” Some features of the new system are an announcement telling you your position in the queue and at times of high demand there will be a facility to ask for a call back when a receptionist becomes available rather than staying on the line. Pathfields are also recruiting more receptionists to reduce call waiting times. The spokesperson added: “As with all new system launches, there may be early teething issues, so please bear with us on Friday ( April 8) as we roll out the new system.” (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Huge response to Plymouth survey on violence against women and girls
More than 1,300 people have responded to the survey launched by the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Commission in Plymouth.
In view of the huge response members of the Commission have agreed to extend their work so they can further scrutinise the overwhelming amount of evidence that has been submitted. The VAWG Commission was launched in January 2022 to review what is being done across the city to educate men and boys, prevent and deter these types of crimes and consider what support is available for victims. Since it was established the Commission has received a huge amount of evidence, including; • 1,327 local people sharing their experiences in a survey • Written submissions from groups and organisations that work with victims • Around 40 hours listening to feedback from 33 individuals or organisations during evidence sessions • The Commission heard about a vast number of issues and considerations, arranged under the key themes of the role of men and boys, children and young people, places and spaces and culture as well as a session focused on innovation and best practice. Members of the Commission agreed are going to take two more months to explore the evidence that has been submitted, identify any gaps in areas where they need more detail and consider new regional and national strategies that have recently been launched. This includes the recent announcements that VAWG is to become a national policing priority, and the fourth round of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund, which has an additional focus on violence against women and girls. This additional time will ensure that the final report and recommendations will be robust, aspirational, far-reaching and importantly will really make a difference to the lives of local people. The report will then be published on May 27 2022. Chair of the Commission, Councillor Rebecca Smith, said: “I have always said that the final report and recommendations must be done at pace. However, the process must be robust, thorough and demand actions that will result in real change. “It has been overwhelming how many individuals and organisations have made their views known about what is already happening in Plymouth to prevent violence towards women and girls, and highlight what they think needs to be done.”
Commission chair Rebecca Smith
Boringdon School children near Dorsmouth rock with Plympton in the background in the process of collecting the botanics. From left to right: Henry Mallard, Alice Stewart, Sebastien Daragon, Poppy Mallard and Emma Stewart
School Friends getting in the Jubilee Spirit! The Friends of Boringdon School in Plympton have commissioned an award-winning distillery to develop and manufacture a unique gin named ‘The Spirit of Plympton’ to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The botanics to flavour the gin have been collected by local children from the town’s fields and hedgerows and the honey is from Plympton beehives too so the gin is completely unique and special to the area. The Limited Edition, 70cl, 40% ABV Premium gin includes a generous donation to Plympton charities for every bottle sold. Hannah Daragon, chair of the Friends of Boringdon School, said: “It is great to be working on such a unique project in aid of Plympton charities. Plympton is really proud of its identity and we felt that naming the gin ‘The Spirit of Plympton’, with our iconic castle on the label, really does sum up the town. “People are really excited as this is something a bit different and special so nobody wants to miss out as there are only a limited number of bottles being made! “We hope that plenty of local people, whether they live here, work here or have any connection with Plympton, past or present, will raise a glass of our gin to toast the Queen on the Jubilee weekend – with the added bonus of local charities benefiting from every sip!’ Mrs Daragon added: “And I can tell you, as one of only three people who have tasted the gin, it is absolutely delicious! Definitely the most fun I have had donating to charity in a long time!” The bespoke Spirit of Plympton gin is due to be delivered in midMay with collection before the Jubilee weekend in June. It is available now, sold by pre-order only for £38 and orders must be placed by April 27. More details and how to order can be found at https://bit.ly/3uXoyhs
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17
18 May 2022
18 May 2022
@PlymChronicle
Green light for station’s new look multi-storey car park
Couple to tackle Drake’s Trail to raise funds for Devon Freewheelers Two blood bike volunteers from Plymouth are gearing up to tackle the 21-mile Drake’s Trail in aid of the Devon Freewheelers are appealing for help from businesses and sponsors.
Planning permission has been given for the new-look multi storey car park at Plymouth’s train station.
The six-storey development will replace the old concrete car park which will be knocked down once the new one is built as part of the massive regeneration of the area around the station and the creation of Brunel Plaza. Special attention has been paid to the exterior appearance of the new car park, which will be one of the most visible buildings for passengers arriving by rail to the city. The triangles outside the building, with its aluminium panels and steel mesh, draw on a theme that occurs in other parts of the city centre, particularly the Civic Square. The new car park will have: • 453 parking spaces arranged over six storeys
• Full CCTV coverage • Electric Vehicle charging facilities with capability to expand as demand increases in the future. • A new mobility hub which will offer more transport choices to reduce private car use. This could include electric bikes, electric vehicles available for hire, bike parking, lockers for delivery and storage • Disabled and family parking spaces • Defibrillators The car park will be built to the east of Intercity House on the site of the former RISC building. The new car park’s location means a significant change to how private vehicles will be able to use Station Approach. All private vehicle trips to and from the new multi-storey car park, once operational, will enter and exit from North Road East (Station Approach) which
will be widened into two lanes rather than the current one-way configuration. This will mean most of the vehicle movements will be away from the front of the station, creating space and a better welcome for visitors arriving at Brunel Plaza. Work is expected to start early next year and should be completed by the summer of 2024. Once the new car park is open and operational, the old multi-storey will be demolished creating development sites for further university campus extensions and a new hotel. Major work has been progressing at Intercity Place – the tower above the station, with existing fixtures and fittings being removed from the building to prepare for its wholesale refurbishment as a new Faculty of Health for the University.
MORE CCTV CAMERAS FOR CITY CENTRE
Cabling and ground work is now underway for the installation of new CCTV cameras in and around the city centre.
Five locations will be getting new cameras. They are: Subway on North Hill; Athenaeum Street; Sawrey Street, Millbay; Union Street outside Lidl and New Street in the Barbican Once operational they will be monitored from Plymouth City Council’s dedicated CCTV control room which has 24 hour cover with remote access in place for emergency services, Plymouth against Retail Crime, Traffic Monitoring and Public Protection teams. The cameras can also provide extra lighting in the event of an incident and are in addition to the 354 already in place around the city. A dozen stand alone emergency help points are also due to be installed in the next few weeks at the following locations: Southside Street junction Friary’s Lane and another outside the Crown & Anchor pub; West Hoe Park; Old Town Street; Armada Way – Sundial; Royal Parade - Centre pedestrian
crossing; Union Street – Octagon and outside Lidl; Mutley Plain; North Hill; Mayflower Street; King Street and High Street, Stonehouse These sites were selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, pubs and clubs or local schools nearby. The well-lit help points will be installed near new and existing CCTV cameras offering increased surveillance. Anyone who uses them is automatically connected to the CCTV control room. The cameras nearby can also move to pick up the help points and staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way. Evidence from a recent College of Policing case study found that violent crime was reduced by an average of 21 per cent in areas with improved street lighting compared to areas without. The package is part of the city’s Safer Streets 3 funding awarded by the Home Office earlier this year. The fund specifically targets Violence against Women and Girls crimes and aims to improve feelings of safety.
You can help to save lives! www.daat.org Registered Charity No: 1077998
Married couple Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers Anthony and Amy Ewens, and a group of more than 17 charity supporters, will on April 17, walk the whole of Drake’s Trail, from the Barbican to Tavistock, setting off at 8am. The couple are appealing for help transporting the walkers from the Mountbatten meet point to the Barbican walk start, donations of small water bottles, and event and tee-shirt sponsorship. Entry to take part in the event is £5, and can be paid on the day, or in advance through the Devon Freewheelers website, quoting reference: Drake’s Trail. Submariner Anthony, aged 32, a Devon Freewheelers Blood Biker for two years, also serving the Plymouth area, said: “You never know when you might need the blood bike service. By coming along and taking part, every step will help keep the blood bikes on the road.” The Royal Navy Field Gunner added: “As well as raising funds for the Devon Freewheelers, the walk aims to boost people’s mental health and wellbeing because you get to spend time outdoors and see the Drake’s Trail and all its history and landmarks. Along the way you can download audio for all the routes.”
Anthony and Amy Ewens
Amy, aged 28, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer blood car driver for almost two years in the Plymouth area, is appealing for help with transport, such as a minibus or coach, to pick walkers up from Mountbatten to take them to the Barbican ready to set off. She said: “I am looking forward to walking the trail and taking along our dog, Maddy, as well as exploring the area that we are active in as Devon Freewheelers volunteers. “The plan is to walk along the whole trail and catch the last ferry back to Mountbatten.” She added: “We would really like to hear from any companies or businesses willing to donate water bottles so we don’t have to carry five litres with us.” Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “Anthony and Amy already do so much for the charity, giving up their time to volunteer and fundraise, so we are in awe of their latest challenge to help the keep blood bikes service on the road. “We cannot operate without fundraising, and our volunteers, so we are indebted to our supporters. We call them our hidden heroes. “I would like to thank Anthony and Amy for organising the Drakes Trail walk in aid of the charity, and for raising awareness of the Devon Freewheelers blood bike service, which supports the NHS for free across the South West.” To sponsor the event, or help with transport or water, email info@ devonfreewheelers.org.uk
Building strong grassroots organisations, charities, and social enterprises in Plymouth
Together we can overcome loneliness The Plymouth Social Isolation Forum has been brought together to help tackle, here in Plymouth, a nationwide epidemic of loneliness. More and more people are experiencing the dread of feeling ‘lonely’ and of being social isolated. From mothers of newborn babies to older people living on their own; teenagers to people in abusive relationships, loneliness can blight the life of any one of us.
Patrick Weir
Helpline Numbers:
Loneliness can be as damaging to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It can lead to a whole range of physical and mental health issues, such as, heart conditions, depression and dementia. It can also bring about a premature death. The PSIF has been established to tackle loneliness across the city; to recognise those who may feel lonely; identify potential factors and then to do something about it. As well as promoting the social interventions, clubs and activities available, the PSIF aims to bring about more strategic changes, such as, to planning and policies. One of the things it is keen to see is community and outdoor spaces betterdesigned to encourage interaction and ‘friendly’ behaviour.
Efford Efford Community Community Network Network
Efford Efford 07380 309586 07380 309586 Glenholt Glenholt 07849 413125 07849 413125
SUPPOSE YOU HAD £1000 TO SPEND IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? POP is working with Street to Scale to bring grassroots community ideas to life. There is no application form; no targets and no need for written outcomes. If you’d like £1000 to spend on your community, contact:
07842 043399 (WhatsApp)
The forum is made up of community and voluntary sector organisations – including POP – along with the city’s social prescribing teams, wellbeing hubs and a range of other individuals and organisations with experience and/or knowledge of the harm that social isolation can bring.
From mindfulness to martial arts; gardening to gaming and crafting to conversations, an abundance of grassroots initiatives has taken root in Keyham since the beginning of the year bringing people together and strengthening relationships. Now, a second round of the Keyham Community Sparks Grant, has been announced which will see a second wave of small but significant projects bring further positive change to the area and its residents. 29 large grants of £3000 and 33 small grants of £500 have already been invested in the Keyham community either to kick start or sustain community projects. Thanks to an additional pot of money from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, there will be a further round of £10,000 gifting £500 to both new and existing projects to support people; strengthen the community and help to create a greater sense of belonging. Debbie Burton, Plymouth Together Coordinator says it’s been amazing seeing the community get involved and bring about exciting opportunities so quickly: “There’s so much talent in the area and the willingness of individuals to share their skills with others. We have an amazing range of projects already underway which are really bringing people together, such as the dancing, cooking and planting workshops.
And this second round of funding will see more opportunities for more residents and, with it, bring about a stronger supportive community.” Imogen Potter, the capacity building manager from POP, which has been managing the funding process, says even the application process is all about fostering greater ties within the community: “Each person or project that applies for the Sparks funding needs to get other local organisations to support their application. So even at the early stage of applying people are having to talk to each other and, in doing so, are creating stronger relationships. That in itself, is going to have a positive impact in Keyham even before these projects have got off the ground!” Changes have already begun at the 1st Keyham Scout Group which successfully applied for two lots of £500: one, to pay for some much-needed new equipment and the second, to help set up a new scouting group, “Squirrels”, for four to six-year-olds. Scout leader, John Davies, says the positive effects can be widespread: “When you build up relationships you build up teamwork and aspirations and give youngster something to look forward to and that has the potential to reduce negative impacts on the community.”
Patrick Weir, born in 1937, has been going to the fortnightly Red Velvet Cinema, a social interaction for ‘older’ people for five years. He says it has, quite simply, changed his life: “I’ve never been married; I’ve never been in a relationship, and this is the only time I talk to people other than when I do my shopping.” The conference at the Duke of Cornwall on Wednesday the 27th of April will include presentations, workshops and discussions: Dr Ruth Harrell, the director of Public Health at Plymouth City Council, will be one of the event’s speakers. There will also be an exhibition of many of the organisations; charities and community organisations that are already working hard to bring people together and help reduce the feelings of loneliness across the city. For more information or to book a place visit call Jan Knight on 0776 423 2946 or visit www.socialisolationforum.org.uk
Keyham Community Sparks showcase event in March
Round Two of the Small Grants Scheme is now OPEN! You don’t need a bank account and, unlike most conventional funds, decisions are quick: each application is considered, approved or rejected within a week. Don’t hang about, visit www.plymouthtogether.co.uk for more information.
20 May 2022
20 May 2022
THE
Experience
I’ve been on planet earth for some time now and must be totally honest with you, I’ve never known a time of such doom and gloom. You can see it on so many people’s faces.
I’m from the baby boomer generation, born and raised in London just after the Second World War in the 50s. My folks emigrated to Canada and then moved to the USA. You could do that for £10 back then. We returned to the UK in the mid 60s when my father’s job relocated him back to the UK. I share this with respect to those born before 1946 and who were part of the silent generation born during or before the Second World War who really experienced some traumatic times. I’ve had a colourful life of travel and from the age of 16 or 17, when my folks divorced, I found myself in a bedsit just outside London trying to make sense of what had happened to me. I worked at various jobs to make ends meet and finally ended up in Brussels in Belgium at the right time and became a successful DJ and businessman. My life began to fall apart in the late 1970s through an excessive lifestyle of recreational drugs and alcohol. Inside myself I was an extremely lost and broken individual. Circumstances became very dark around this time, but within the darkest of
@PlymChronicle
Light shone through the darkness
By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms charity
times opportunities of light can also be experienced. I met a group of Christian businesspeople who weren’t interested in my business activities as much as they were in me as a human being. Through a process of amazing spiritual experiences, I encountered Jesus Christ on December 6 1981, at 11.30pm and my life changed for ever. I had emotionally hurt somebody in the 70s very badly and had always felt guilty about the way I had dealt with this person. On that night in December my conscience was touched by God, and I asked Jesus to forgive me for what I had done. I broke my heart as God forgave me and released me from the guilt of that sinful episode. This was over 40 years ago, and I must share that through the good and bad circumstances of life, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been totally faithful to myself and my family. Being a Christian
does not exempt you from difficulties and suffering. This is what the cross represents. God wants to mature us increasingly day by day that we may be carriers of His Grace and Love to those who are seeking an answer to the complexities of this life. As we recognise the Easter season, we are faced with the historical reality of God in the person of Jesus Christ coming to earth as 100 per cent Divine and 100 per cent human. He revealed that, despite the brokenness of this world, there is a good God who has placed eternity within the human heart. Chris Cole His miracles confirmed His message. Jesus then suffers the injustice of the cross, as a sinless sacrifice, to open a portal to the Father through His death and resurrection. Today, 2.4 billion Christians all over the world recognise this truth. Many of them are in persecuted countries, where it is
personally very costly to live a Christian life because of that persecution. Despite this they courageously share their testimony because they truly love their neighbour as themselves and have good news to convey. This Easter may I encourage you if you have a faith in Christ Jesus to share your story. The good and bad bits of your life, because people need to hear the truth of why you believe the way you do. If you don’t have a faith and are seeking, then may I also encourage you to ask God to guide you into His light and you’ll be surprised at the outcome if you ask Him with a truthful heart.
On Cross Rhythms Plymouth you can hear a number of people sharing their life stories and why they believe what they do. You can listen to these interviews whenever it suits you on the listen again pages on crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth. If this article has impacted you and you want to learn more about Christian faith email info@crplymouth.co.uk. Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Price of school meals frozen - at least for now
The Marine Station is a cutting edge facility providing direct access to Plymouth Sound for students and researchers (Credit University of Plymouth)
School meal prices in Plymouth will remain among the lowest in the region from April despite continuing increases in the cost of ingredients and wage rises.
Plymouth supporting action to prevent plastic pollution Some of the UK and France’s leading experts in plastic pollution met in Plymouth earlier this month to discuss advances being made in tackling the global crisis.
Partners from 18 organisations involved in the Preventing Plastic Pollution (PPP) project gathered for three days in the city to share insights from their work. This included updates on initiatives to promote behaviour change in businesses, schools, and communities; demonstrations of interventions being used to remove plastic from the environment; and workshops to discuss research on the ecological impact of plastics in the environment Around 80 per cent of all litter found in oceans is from a land source, and it is estimated that there could be more items of plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. These numbers are stark, and demonstrate that tackling the mountain
of plastic waste is a global issue, which requires engagement at all levels and across borders. PPP aims to drive that engagement across seven pilot sites, including the River Tamar catchment. It brings scientists, local charities and environmental experts together to start to map and truly understand the sources and movement of plastic pollution from source to sea, by following a river catchment-based approach. That process is being led by the University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency in collaboration with communities and businesses. Professor Richard Thompson, head of the University’s International Marine Litter Research Unit, has been working on the accumulation of plastic in the environment for almost 30 years. He said: “There is broad consensus across society about the scale of the
plastics crisis. Solutions to address this issue are the same as they were in the early 1990s, and are absolutely about reduce, reuse and recycle. However, we still lack specific information on the effectiveness of various interventions, the trade-offs between solutions and how these may vary between nations. “An international collaboration like PPP is essential to help achieve that because plastics and other waste pay no attention to borders or boundaries. Through research at both a local, national and international scale our team are working to develop and test interventions to address the challenge.” Liz Cole, natural infrastructure 0fficer at Plymouth City Council, added: “The PPP project has helped us to deliver a reduction in single use plastic across the city. Working in collaboration with partners both locally and across the channel has increased our capacity to deliver impactful solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.”
The Board of CATERed recognise that, post BREXIT and post the COVID pandemic, all families will have seen the cost of food rising when they do the weekly shop and this is no different for CATERed, Plymouth’s main school meal provider in all but a handful of schools and academies. In the last few months price increases of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent have come through on food and ingredients such as chicken, pasta, rice and potatoes and, along with increases to wage costs – CATERed is an accredited UK Living Wage Employer – and increases to national insurance from April it is a becoming increasingly difficult to balance costs in a sustainable manner. In spite of this, and recognising the pressure that household budgets are currently under, the Board have taken the decision that the cost of a paid for meal, and the value of a benefit-based Free School Meal, should not increase at the start of the new financial year, when most organisations introduce price increases. Instead families will benefit from a price freeze for the next six months, before a rise of 20 pence per meal is introduced from the start of the new academic year on September 5. The new price for a hot, twocourse school meal, which also includes a drink, will be £2.40 for primary schools and primary aged pupils in special schools and £2.70 for secondary schools
and academies. The price for secondary-aged students in special schools (currently £2.20) will increase to £2.45 and will then rise incrementally to match the price in all mainstream secondary settings. This will be the first increase in four years and it still means that school meal prices in Plymouth schools will remain lower than, or the same as, those in surrounding areas including Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset continuing CATERed’s ethos of providing excellent value for money for local families. Brad Pearce, managing director at CATERed said: “This future increase is as a result of the tsunami of BREXIT and the pandemic which has lead to the well-publicised and significant rises in food and ingredient prices, which look set to continue for the foreseeable future, as well as an increase to our wage bill. “We employ 265 local people, who prepare around 10,500 meals every day to make sure children get the fuel they need to perform well at school. We are an accredited UK Living Wage Employer because we value our staff and firmly believe in looking after them so they do a great job looking after the children they serve every day. Brad continued: “For £2.40 a day, less than most takeaway coffees, each child will have a great tasting, freshly prepared two-course school lunch. We are also one of the few providers in the region to offer pupils a drink of milk offered on a daily basis. This is the just one of the ways we go the extra mile to make a difference, every child, every time.” To see the latest menus visit www.catered.org.uk
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22 May 2022
22 May 2022
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Plymouth young people’s music club celebrates belated 40th anniversary A local young people’s music club is celebrating its belated 40th birthday with a reunion in June and concert in May.
Exclusive dresses added to The Box’s fashion collection An exclusive, hand-made latex dress celebrating Plymouth’s legacy has been unveiled at The Box museum.
Plymouth-based global clothing brand Westward Bound produced the dress after being approached by the £46 million museum and cultural attraction. It will sit within The Box’s Dress Code collection – Plymouth’s first exhibition dedicated to fashion. The dress, titled Brand Me-Flag Me, is green, black, and white in a nod to Devon’s heritage and also represents the city’s history of garment manufacture. Steve Beech, founder and managing director of Westward Bound, said: “We went for a relatable, funky-punky vibe for this dress. We want to reshape public thinking. People nowadays have been polluted into assuming that anything that isn’t modern, or that you can buy or sell, isn’t important. We’ve been made to think that knowledge is boring. Culture is fundamentally important, and being informed isn’t dull. It is power! “Gallery connections need to be alive. You need to capture people’s imagination, and our dress has very much done that.” Terah Walkup, Curator of Art at The Box added: “We are acquiring the Brand Me dress because of Westward Bound’s local history and importance, and its representation of 21st-century fashion. “Our dress history collection has items from the 1700s to 1970s, but very little material after that. We wanted to acquire this dress to represent the contemporary production of fashion and garments in Plymouth to continue the story of Plymouth’s history of garment manufacture represented in our collections.” In addition to creating the dress, Westward Bound also created two dresses to represent The Box’s Cottonian Collection – one in aubergine and gold and another in classic, creamy-white with a mixture of Elizabethan and Victorian design styles (see picture right.) This collection contains several thousand fine and rare prints, drawings, and watercolours from across the world, including works by Plymptonborn, renowned 18thcentury portraitist Sir Joshua Reynolds. It was also awarded national Designated Status by The Arts Council England in 1998, meaning that it’s one of the UK’s most important collections. Steve Beech added: “A lot of thought went into these dresses because it meant an enormous amount. For a brief moment, you’re a part of the history of that collection, and you have to be serious about that. “We’re presenting these dresses in a very traditional context and paying homage to an iconic collection. We are very much embracing it and looking at how we can integrate ourselves into it because it’s a great honour to leave our mark on it.” In including the dress in its collection, The Box now encompasses everything from lace to latex. The Brand Me-Flag Me dress will be on display at The Box’s Dress Code exhibition until September 4.
Plymouth Musical Activities Club (PMAC) consists of young people aged between nine and 18 along with adult volunteers, is busy rehearsing for a special concert which will see the club perform a selection of their most loved songs from over 40 years. The concert takes place in the Devonport Playhouse on May 13 and 14. As well as the concert, members past and present are invited to a reunion at the Green Taverners at Home Park on June 25. It will be an opportunity for those who were and still are a part of PMAC to meet, share memories and even play their instruments if they wish. Tickets are on sale for £5 for past members. Those interested can go along to Courtlands School where PMAC rehearse on a Thursday night or call Carole on 07926 029268 or Margaret on 07805 906297 for tickets. Established in 1980, Plymouth MAC was started Founder David Ashley
One of the many Lord Mayor’s Day PMAC floats in the procession
One of the intermediate groups at PMAC circa 1997
in Thornbury School by David Ashley, a community education tutor at the time. His vision was to involve young people from all backgrounds in live music in Plymouth. Through teaching and concerts the club continues to ‘Keep Music Live’ over 40 years on. The club moved to Widey Court Primary School and then to Courtlands School and over that time the group has played in some prestigious venues including the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the ‘Conservatoire de Musique’ on a visit to Brest in France. More frequent activities
have also taken place including annual concerts and Christmas concerts at Devonport Playhouse, performances on Lord Mayor’s Day, concerts for the Rotary, RNLI and other charities, numerous school fairs and late night shopping performances. Plymouth MAC has sections for many instruments including guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums, flutes, clarinets and a singing section. The young people have been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers for four decades. These
volunteers teach the children how to play instruments and other staff members support the running of the club in numerous other ways behind the scenes. Some of these staff started with the club as nine year old children themselves and are now bringing their own children along to learn an instrument. After David Ashely sadly passed away in 2001, the club was left in safe hands with musical directors Margaret Johns and Judy Roberts. Margaret said: “It’s hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that PMAC started. We have fond memories of working with David Ashley at that time to get the club to where it is today. “Over the years we have seen hundreds of members join and some have stayed on to become staff volunteers and are still with us today. It is a testament to those volunteers giving up their free time that we are still able to provide this opportunity for young people. Looking ahead to the concert Judy said: “Our audiences can look forward to a journey down memory lane. We asked our members past and present what their favourite ‘MAC’ songs were and we have a really uplifting programme to play for you in May. We would love to see as many familiar faces at the concert to sing along to some of the favourite songs. Tickets for the concert are £6 and available from Angela Fuller on 01752 773482. For more information visit www. plymouthmac.co.uk
Council agrees fee increase for care workers
Plymouth City Council has agreed an increase in fees to the city’s adult social care providers to recognise the rising cost of providing care for vulnerable adults.
Adult social care providers nationally are continuing to face a significant increase in costs in making sure adults are cared for safely, including for staff and the costs of utilities and food. To try and support them there is a
national drive towards paying them a fair fee so they are able to fully cover their costs and provide good quality support for those they look after. This approach also aims to help more staff to stay working in adult social care and attract new carers to the profession by paying higher wages. The council has made the decision to award a 10 per cent rise to regulated domiciliary care providers and a 6.49 per cent rise for care homes and a 6.39 per cent for
supported living provision. The funding follows a series of measures over the winter to support adult social care providers including the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund, funding for Infection Control and a recruitment campaign for care workers. Anyone who is interested in care sector work should visit the council website and register their details at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ workinhomecare
Overnight closures of Milehouse junction Road resurfacing works are to be carried out at Plymouth’s Milehouse junction during two weeks in April.
The junction is a busy traffic hub directing drivers towards all parts of the city and the new surface are needed to prolong its life. A total of around 8,500 m² of road surface will be renewed during the overnight works being carried from April 19 to May 1. The top surfacing layer will be planed off to a depth of 40mm and replaced with a new course of bituminous macadam. Plymouth Highways has carefully planned the works to cause as little disruption as possible. Work will be carried out between 7pm and 6am and the work is being phased at various different sections of the junction so a minimum number of routes through the junction will be closed at the same time.
Depending on which sections are closed, full diversions will be in place and these will be moved to suit the affected routes through the junction. Each stage is planned to take between two to four nights although some sections will be repeated for works that cannot be carried out until the surfacing has been allowed to cure, such as lining or traffic loop installation. Local access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times. While there may be some delays teams will endeavour to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. Highways assets such as barriers and kerbs along the adjoining closed routes will also be inspected before the work begins to see if any related works need to be programmed during the closures.
May 2022
@PlymChronicle
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Free city centre egg hunt for families to enjoy this Easter Families can follow a fun trail through the West End of Plymouth city centre during the upcoming school holidays, all for the chance to win one of three brilliant prizes.
There are 10 eggs to find on the Spring Time Egg Hunt, all hiding in the windows of shops and cafes around Frankfort Gate, Cornwall Street, Market Avenue and New George Street. Each egg has been beautifully decorated by the creative team at Barbican Theatre, including artistic director Chloe Georgakis and artists Jasmine Fassenfelt and Georgia Nethercott. The eggs have been inspired by a different local habitat during spring time, and the animals that live there, so look out for bunnies hiding in flower meadows and bees making honey in their hive. There’s a letter to find on each egg, which when put together spell out a word. Find them all and complete the online form on the Visit Plymouth website for the chance to win one of three fantastic prizes. First prize is a meal for a family of four at
Brewdog Plymouth up to the value of £100 and four tickets to see a film of your choice at Cineworld; second prize is a meal for family of four at Las Iguanas Plymouth (up to the value of £80) and third prize is a Hotel Chocolat milk chocolate Easter egg The egg hunt will run until April 24, providing an ideal way to keep children
New boss for Plymouth’s Waterfront BID Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Business Improvement District (PWP BID) has appointed Jon Walton as its new chief executive.
Jon, who currently manages the Sovereign Shopping) Centre and assists with regeneration in Weston-super-Mare, has taken the position to help deliver the new 2022-27 BID and develop the role of the PWP in Plymouth. One of Jon’s main tasks will be to develop strategic links with major stakeholders in the city. This will include involving the BID in the city’s regeneration plans, such as Plymouth City Council’s economic plan, Plymouth’s Visitor Plan for 202030 and the emerging Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Plymouth currently has two BIDs, Plymouth City Centre Company, which covers the retail heart of the city centre and PWP which covers four square miles of waterfront with its vibrant mix of hospitality, retail, leisure, office, accommodation and attractions. Together they represent more than 1,000 businesses in Plymouth and help to promote and manage regeneration schemes, events and street trading generating millions of pounds of investment. Nick Buckland, chair of PWP,
Plymouth prepares for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
said: “BIDs have already made a huge impact in Plymouth and there is great potential to expand their role and make a telling difference to the city’s future development, and to help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. “Jon recognises the opportunities BIDs represent and I’m thrilled he is joining us. He has a very impressive track record in delivering BIDs, initially as Plymouth City Centre Manager, then as CEO for the Southampton and Stirling BIDs. He’s also been Chair of the Dundee BID and Dundee Business Forum, plus has input to major regeneration projects, the BritishBIDs Advisory Board and acted as an executive member (cities) of the Scottish Towns Partnership. This is a key appointment and Jon will be a fantastic asset, who in 2021 won the Sceptre ‘Shopping Centre Manager of the Year’ award. I look forward to working with him over what will be an exciting five years ahead of us, delivering our new Waterfront BID Business Plan.” Jon was previously City Centre manager for the Plymouth City Centre Company between 2015 and 2017. His appointment follows the departure of Diane
occupied during the Easter holidays. Download a map from the Visit Plymouth website or collect a leaflet from one of the participating retailers: Moments Café, Daamn Good Bakes, Tribal Voice, Rise Bakery, Crystals, Fresh Flower Scent, Coffee Time, Futon Company, Cake Box or Power Plant Café. Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company who created the trail, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with the Barbican Theatre team to create this fun, free spring time trail all focused around the West End, our proud independent quarter. “I’d encourage you to make a day of it – come in and follow the egg hunt, browse the shops and stop for a bite to eat at one of our fantastic cafes or restaurants. The city centre has so much to offer, and our local high street needs your support now more than ever after the difficulties created by the pandemic.” For more information and to download a Spring Time Egg Hunt map, please visit www. visitplymouth.co.uk/egghunt.
Jon Walton...delighted to be back in Plymouth
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Mansell, PWP’s previous CEO, who steered the Waterfront BID to a successful renewal in November 2021, but who resigned for family reasons. Jon, who holds a BSc Degree in Business Studies and International Marketing, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be moving back to Plymouth, to take the Waterfront BID to the next level, making a significant contribution to the city that I’ve fallen in love with. “I’ve hugely benefited from working in Southampton, Stirling and especially Weston-superMare, but have always regretted leaving Plymouth and I look forward to meeting everyone
In June, the entire country will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an extra-long Bank Holiday weekend from June 2 to 5 and the people of Plymouth are being encouraged to celebrate with their community. Plymouth City Council has created a simplified process for road closures across the Jubilee weekend, making it easier for neighbours to gather together and host their own platinum street party. Road closures between June 2 and 5 will be free of charge. Applications had to be submitted at least eight weeks before
involved with the Waterfront’s development at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. “I want to ensure the success the BIDs have enjoyed over the past few years is built upon and together with our key partners, such as at the LEP, Destination Plymouth and the City Council, that we harness the potential of the city’s private sector to continue to drive the Waterfront’s economy forward. Diane will be a hard act to follow but I am determined to build on her fantastic legacy and create a vision and delivery of my own.” Find out more about Plymouth Waterfront Partnership at waterfrontbid.co.uk/.
the date of the closure, so people were asked to apply by April 8 to allow the team time to process requests. Plymouth will also join thousands of towns and cities across the UK and the Commonwealth in hosting a Platinum Jubilee Beacon. The city’s beacon, which will be on the walls of the Royal Citadel on Plymouth Hoe, will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2 and remain burning for the entire weekend. For more information about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Plymouth, go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/ celebratequeensplatinum jubileeus.
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Popular Wembury marine centre opens doors for the new season The ever-popular Wembury Marine Centre, near Plymouth is opening its doors for the start of another busy season of fun, marine education and seashore-based activities.
The Centre has taken its normal winter-break over the past months but opened again to visitors from on April 9. Its new season begins with a series of rockpool safaris, providing visitors with a guided introduction to Wembury beach’s stunning wildlife. Each safari is led by members of Devon Wildlife Trust’s expert team of staff and volunteers. People taking part can expect to come face-to-face with some of the rich range of species found locally including Hermit crabs, cushion star fish, blennies, snakelocks anemones, painted topshells, Pipefish and much else besides. Wembury Marine Centre is run by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust. Wembury marine awareness and eEngagement officer Coral Smith said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening our doors this Easter and welcoming visitors back to our new and improved Centre, as well as continuing to raise awareness of Devon’s stunning underwater world and encouraging everyone
Lots of family fun at Wembury Marine Centre Photo: Devon Wildlife Trust
to enjoy and protect it!” Wembury Marine Centre occupies an enviable position
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just above one of South Devon’s most interesting beaches and rocky shores. The Centre was
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Armed Forces Day returns to Plymouth in June after an absence of two years because of COVID For details See Page 3
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Friends of Boringdon School are getting in the Jubilee Spirit by commissioning a special gin to mark the occasion See Page 17
Devon Wildlife Trust’s popular Marine Centre at Wembury opens again for 2022 Full details See Page 24
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A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war. The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash • See story on page 11
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fully refurbished in 2021. It is free to enter and uses a unique blend of interactive activities and beautiful underwater imagery to tell the story of local marine life. Since opening in 1994, it has inspired thousands of visitors, fascinating them with the richness of Devon’s seas and leaving them with practical messages on how they can help conserve the oceans. Devon Wildlife Trust’s work for the local marine environment is supported by local authority partners, Plymouth University and South West Water. South West Water customer service director, Jo Ecroyd, said: “South West Water is proud to support Devon Wildlife Trust which is doing fantastic work to inspire and engage people of all ages about the wonders of the marine environment. “By partnering with organisations in this way, we are able to build on our own schools and community learning programmes, while working collectively to raise awareness and encourage people to play their part in protecting the natural environment.” For more information about Wembury Marine Centre, to plan a visit or book an event visit www.wemburymarinecentre.org
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