Plymouth Chronicle October East 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOWLERS RAISE CASH FOR GABLES DOGS AND CATS HOME

Plympton Bowling Club raised £500 for Gables Dogs and Cats Home at their annual charity day.

A cheque was presented to Katy from Gables, who was accompanied by her 10 year old Irish setter Mrs Claus by the Plympton Bowling Club president Jan Stapleton. She was joined by bowling club members and Dylan a club member’s Border Collie wearing a bowling club shirt.

The day was organised by Bob Williams the club’s competition secretary and Elizabeth Lightowlers, ladies competition secretary with support from Derek Scantlebury.

The money was raised by the club members playing a ‘Triples Charity Event’ helped with generous donations, raffle prizes plus other money raising events. Club members are proud of their charity fund raising events and thanks are due to everyone who assisted and donated. Since 2004 the club have now raised in excess of £15,000 for mainly local charities.

Ellie’s tribute to Sir Joshua

Local street artist Ellie Johnson –better known as Mrs Murals – has been working alongside Plympton Library to paint a large public mural with the community.

Young children, families and local councillors have helped with the artwork on the outside wall of Plympton Library to commemorate the 300th birthday of portrait artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was born in Plympton.

Mrs Murals painted a design onto the wall, which included a large armchair, one of Reynolds famous paintings and a large bookcase. Members of the local community were then invited to help

finish the mural by painting books in the bookcase, assisted by Mrs Murals.

Project coordinator Roxanne from Plympton Library said: “The library felt it wanted to produce an exciting but enduring tribute to Plympton’s most famous son. This mural perfectly combines the work of Joshua Reynolds with the world of reading and is made extra special because of the community’s involvement in its creation”

Mrs Murals said: “What a fantastic project to be involved in! It has been a great way to get together with the local community to enjoy art, literature and local history. It’s been a real pleasure and

such a privilege to have had the chance to celebrate a brilliant local artist in this way.”

Joshua Reynolds was born in 1723 as a son of the master of Plympton Free Grammar school and lived in Plympton for his early life. He travelled around Europe extensively and learned from the great artists in Italy. He is best known for his portraits and in 1768 became the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts.   Plympton Library is a wonderful source of information about art and artists, as well as other local celebrities and historical figures. It is also well known for engaging the community and local events.

Cost of Living Plan launched

A new city-wide Cost of Living Plan that aims to increase the support available to Plymouth residents in dealing with the ongoing cost of living crisis has been launched by the City Council.

The new plan recognises that addressing the challenge to the city has to be a team effort and has been created in partnership with local organisations and charities that work directly with people most affected by the crisis.

The plan sets out how the Council and partners will support residents and brings together activity going on across Plymouth that will help local people, with five key themes:

Offers and discounts: Promoting all the free and low-cost things there are to do in Plymouth

Making the money go further:

Helping people to access financial advice and claiming the benefits they’re entitled to, support for people to find and remain in work and ways to save money.

Crisis support: Providing urgent support for people in crisis, including those at risk of homelessness or who need emergency food aid

Asks of Government: Lobbying

the Government for support with new initiatives in Plymouth and for changes to existing policy

Longer term plans: Activity that will benefit local residents in the future, including investment, funding and business support.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Cost of Living Plan, said: “The ongoing cost of living crisis is having a huge impact in Plymouth. More people than ever before are needing crisis support and living in temporary accommodation, with many more finding themselves struggling to get by with the increase in rents and mortgages, food and energy prices.

“When we were elected to lead the Council in May, we pledged to make the cost of living an absolute priority and have been working alongside our partners over the summer to produce this new plan, which I’m proud to be launching today.”

Throughout the coming months, the council will be working closely with partners to provide support and advice to residents. This will include: working directly with employers to showcase how they can support their employees; running campaigns to encourage people to check they’re

claiming the benefits they are entitled to; providing free skills support to help people back into work or to get better jobs; and facilitating and promoting the opening of warm, welcoming spaces in the cold winter months.

Emma Handley, CEO of Citizens Advice Plymouth said: “In the past year, the rising living costs have pushed more people into the financial crisis and seeking help from foodbanks and other charitable support.

“Since January, Citizens Advice Plymouth has helped over 2,600 Plymouth residents to address issues related to increased living costs. The cost of living crisis is not affecting everyone equally and impacts the most vulnerable in multiple ways. Therefore, we welcome the Council’s initiative of the joined-up approach that will bring many benefits to the local residents. We encourage anyone, who doesn’t have enough money to live on, to seek advice. There are lots of options for support across the city.”

The plan is available to view now at www.plymouth.gov.uk/cost-living-

plan

Find help and support on the Council’s Cost of Living Hub: www. plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving

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.

Tell Me a Story

Sept 15, 22, 29

Visit The Box every Friday morning at 10.30am for half an hour of storytelling underneath the Royal Naval ship figureheads - perfect for under 5s and their grown ups. And there will still betime to say ‘hello’ to Mildred the Mammoth afterwards! Free admission. No need to book.

Circus Berlin

Until Sept 23

From the producers of Circus Extreme comes the incredible and jaw dropping Continental Circus Berlin in Central Park. With an array of brilliant circus acts, music and real youthful energy, enjoy an international production packed full of comedy, daredevils, dancing and aerial acts. Housed in one of the UK’s largest circus big tops this show will delight young and old alike and promises to be a family treat. For details visit www.circusberlin.co.uk

Open Day

Sept 16

Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club is holding an open day between 9am and 1pm at Richmond Walk, Devonport. For details contact secretary.morc@ hotmail.co.uk

Seafest Plymouth

Sept 16 and 17

Seafest Plymouth - formerly Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival - is a must for seafood enthusiasts. The festival will include lots of trader stalls, tasty treats, and demonstrations from the cookery theatre. Children can take part in the free activities including a find the fish trail. The popular cardboard boat race will also be taking place on Saturday. The free Seafest Plymouth is organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, and takes place on The Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront.

In Conversation with Judith Weir

Sept 18

Opening event for the new Musica Viva season at the Levinsky Hall, Plymouth University. Featuring composer Judith Weir, Master of the Kings Music, for a public evening of conversation with Robert Taub about her music, inspirations for her creativity and her current projects. Judith’s recent orchestral overture Brighter Visions Shine Afar was performed at the Coronation of King Charles III. This special evening will include an opportunity for members of the audience to pose questions to Judith Weir. For further info and tickets visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/ arts-institute

SOAK Live Art

Sept 21

Based at Leadworks, SOAK is a new platform for performance in Plymouth, showcasing work across live art, dance, theatre and experimental sound and music practices. Performances will take place every third Thursday of the month for the next year follow Arts Council England funding. SOAK will share regular artist call-outs throughout the year. Follow @soakliveart on Instagram for updates or email @soakliveart@gmail. com to get in touch about performing.

Car Free Day

Sept 22

Enjoy fun and free activities for all ages at The Piazza, Armada Way September between 11am and 5pm. The Car Free Day event will see representatives from local businesses and the Council share advice on how people can save money and time all whilst benefiting their health and the environment. Look out for interactive activities including the chance to join

visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor

in with guided bike rides, climb aboard the Plymouth City chatter bus, or take on the challenge of pedalling a bike to power a television! Free bike maintenance checks will also be available with Dr Bike, so bring your bicycle along to have an experienced mechanic check everything from wheels, brakes, gears and more. This year, Plymouth is offering free rides on the Beryl e-bikes for anyone in Plymouth. Download the Beryl app, create an account, and start planning a journey.

Mediaeval Lunch

Sept 23

In the Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre. Tickets £10 available from the office which is open weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Telephone 01752 665442. Booking essential.

Sunday Night in the Lyric

Sept 24

Plymouth’s PGS Theatre Productions celebrate their 100th anniversary with a one night show at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth with special guests Plymouth Military Wives and Plymouth Performing Arts Academy. Tickets available from Theatre Royal Box Office.

Against Apartheid

Sept 29 to Dec 2

A new group exhibition at KARST curated by Ashish Ghadiali, founding director of Radical Ecology, with featured artists including Sue Williamson, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Kedisha Coakley, Angela Camacho, Ashanti Hare and Annaless Davis. Through the work of international contemporary artists, activists and scientists, the exhibition explores the origins of ‘climate apartheid’ - a potential outcome of anthropogenic climate change where life becomes impossible for increasing sections of the human population. This scenario would predominantly impact black and brown communities living on the frontlines of climate breakdown. For details visit www. karst.org.uk

King Charles Coast Path Celebration

Sept 29 and 30

Fun-filled free activities will take place along the Plymouth shoreline to celebrate the new King Charles III England Coast Path at Jennycliff, Mount Batten, The Barbican and Plymouth Hoe. Royal William Yard takes centre stage for the activity on September 30. From live performances, guided walks and augmented reality immersive experiences, to artistic adventures, a scavenger hunt and Geo Trail with the University of Plymouth. The festivities offer something for everyone. For details visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk

Motown Tribute Night

Sept 29

China Fleet Country Club celebrates Motown’s golden era starring Ruby Washington and Bruce Parker, the California Soul Man. For bookings visit www.china-fleet. co.uk/events/event-calendar/motown-tribute-night.

An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott

Oct 4

The outspoken cricketing legend will be appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus for a night of fun and laughter, cricketing anecdotes and stories plus film of his playing and commentating career. Starts at 7.30pm tickets on sale from £20 at www. comicalentertainment.com

An Evening with Jeff Stelling

Oct 5

The Sky Sports legend, plus special guest former professional footballer Craig Hignett give an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the studios along with some incredible football stories. Followed by a live auction and Q&A. Event takes place at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus starting at 8pm. Tickets available from www.comicalentertainment.com

Screwed Up

Oct 13

Comedian, prankster and Tik Tok maestro Simon Brodkin will appear at Plymouth’s Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus as part of his UK tour starting at 8pm. Tickets are available from www. comicalentertainment.com

British Beard and Moustache Championships

Oct 14

Organised by local couple Clair and Mike Wellsbury-Nye at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Competitors from all over the UK - and further afield - will battle for honours in the event, sponsored by beard care brand Honest Amish. Funds raised will go to the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts. For details visit www. britishbeardandmoustachechampionships.co.uk

Choral Workshop with John Hobbs

Oct 14

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir present an all day event at Woolwell Community Centre, Plymouth featuring Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Parry’s I Was Glad. Cost is £22 which includes the loan of scores. Light lunch available for £7. Further details are available from www.plymouthphilchoir.org. Online booking available at wegottickets.com/f/13134

Our Secret’s Safe

Oct 21

Latest production from Pilot’s Thumb Theatre - known for their edgy social drama – at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Tickets from www.wegottickets. com

Myths and Magic trail

Oct 21 to Nov 5

Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail to discover the folklore tales and magical properties of trees here at Saltram. And of course don’t forget those pesky pumpkins, they’ll be back hiding in the gardens too, can you spot them all again this year? Every day from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.15pm). Free entry and no need to book.

Collectors Toy & Train Fair

Oct 22

Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at The Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Admission : Adults £1. Accompanied children free. Free onsite parking, security, wheelchair friendly, toilets. Cafe onsite.

Oliver!

Oct 25 to 28

Award-winning Plymouth theatre company TOPS Musical Productions present the popular musical at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. For tickets visit www. atgtickets.com/torquay

Oktoberfest

Oct 27 and 28

The popular event returns to Central Park with Oompah bands, DJs, and traditional German food and drink. Tickets available from https://buytickets.at/ oktoberfestuk/846197

Nearly New Sale

Oct 28

New parents and carers in Plymouth can save money and be environmentally friendly at NCT Plymouth and West Devon’s sale Nearly New Sale at Eggbuckland Community College from 10.30am to 12.15pm. A limited number of early entry tickets will be released to allow a lucky few to get access at 10am alongside NCT members. Volunteers helping to set-up and run the sale will get the chance to bag a bargain before the doors even open. Visit www.facebook.com/ nctplymouth to find out more.

Day Conference on Roald Amundsen

Oct 28

The Devon and Cornwall Polar Society is hosting an all day event at Plymouth University’s Roland Levinsky Building on the life and times of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. In recent years, the Society has conducted several successful events commemorating Polar explorers of the ‘heroic age’ of Antarctic exploration and a celebration of Roald Amundsen is long overdue notwithstanding that Plymouth is the birthplace of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. A panel of four distinguished polar experts will discuss the adventures and achievements of this great Norwegian explorer to an international audience. Details at www. devonandcornwallpolarsociety.org.uk/

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Nov 25

The choir presents Handel’s Samson in The Minster Church of St Andrew at 7.15pm. Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/events/586914 or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, visit plymouthphilchoir.org

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

St Lukes Hospice’s big Tour de Moor charity fundraiser is taking place on October 8. For more information and to register

Photo: Paul Slater

Support available to help people in Plymouth make healthy choices and improve their wellbeing is set to continue until 2025.

The service, One You Plymouth, is commissioned by Plymouth City Council and delivered by Livewell Southwest. The current contract for this service is now being extended for a further 18 months to March 2025, in a decision signed this week.

One You Plymouth provides a variety of services to local residents:

• Support to stop smoking

• Healthy weight management

• NHS Health Checks for over 40s

• Training courses in first aid, mental health and suicide prevention

• Falls prevention service

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We want everyone in Plymouth to feel empowered to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. There are some things that we can all do which will benefit us: eat well, exercise more and stop smoking. And although these sound like simple steps, we know they can be anything but because changing habits or creating new ones is very difficult without support.

“This is where the brilliant service provided by One You Plymouth comes in, offering a helping hand that enables people to make positive change.

“In addition to supporting residents’ physical health, One You Plymouth also works to support our mental wellbeing. This has included developing a network of Wellbeing Champions across the city, as well as providing training to help people understand the complexities of mental health and what they can do to help both themselves and others.”

All of the services are open to self-referral, which means anyone living in Plymouth can access them directly without needing to be referred by a GP or other professional.

From 2022-23, a number of people were supported by One You Plymouth:

• 176 pregnant women were given support to stop smoking

• 485 people completed a training course in topics such as mental health awareness, first aid and suicide prevention

• 3,087 people attended physical activity sessions

• 914 referrals were received for the falls prevention service

• 168 people received an NHS Health Check.

The service has been running since 2013 and is a localised version of the NHS’s national ‘One You’ campaign. It has been developed more recently through Thrive Plymouth, the city’s 10 year approach to improving health and reducing inequalities.

The Council will work with local healthcare providers to understand the needs of local residents and review the current service offering before the extended contract with Livewell Southwest ends.

This learning will inform a procurement process for a future health improvement service in Plymouth.

Find out more about the services offered by One You Plymouth at www.oneyouplymouth. co.uk

City residents being supported to live their healthiest lives

90th birthday surprise for ‘Mr Plympton’

A local historian who has become known as ‘Mr Plympton’ celebrated his 90th birthday on August 24 with a surprise gathering at Harewood House.

John Boulden MBE thought he was being taken out for an afternoon on Dartmoor when a sudden detour took him to Harewood House where dozens of members of the local community were gathered to wish him a happy 90th birthday.

A cream tea had been prepared for the event and Lizani Bessel brought along a 90th birthday cake she had made. At John’s request an impromptu collection was also held for the St Mary’s Church Clock Appeal.

John said: “My thanks to the Community Council for arranging the cream tea to celebrate my 90th. I suspected something was afoot but certainly not on the scale that took place, it was a memorable and lovely occasion and special thanks for the kitchen staff who organised the food and to Lizani for the very tasty cake.”

It was John’s second surprise of the day. In the morning colleagues at Plympton Priory, where he attends on Thursdays each week, decorated the outside of the visitor centre there with birthday flags and laid on a table of birthday food.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

NEW PAINTING GROUP LAUNCHED IN PLYMSTOCK

Painters@Plymstock is a friendly, not for profit art group that has just started meeting at the United Church Hall, Plymstock Road in Plymstock.

The group welcomes all abilities and art mediums at our meetings and the new 10 week term started on September 7 and will continue each Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. Cost for this term is £40, plus 50p cash for tea/coffee/biscuits. Occasional tutor evenings will be held with costs to be advised.

Anyone interested in joining for an evening of painting ordrawing and chat, please contact Jacky Partridge on 07842 131826 or Dave Crawford on 07859 195615 or email Painters.at.Plymstock@gmail.com

Last month’s two night concert ‘Sounds Familiar’ given by the Down Thomas Singers was a great success.

All the ticket sales and closing bucket collections were passed to the charity Asthma + Lung UK whose aim is to reduce lung disease by 20 per cent in the next five years. In a stroke of community spirit the landlord of the Mussel Inn, Down Thomas magnanimously doubled the bucket collection. The charity were delighted to receive £1,133.25 from the group’s efforts. They hope the Christmas concerts for Barnardo’s Plymouth will be as well supported.

W E ARE RE C RUITIN G

Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1 1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people

Whether you are beginning your career or looking to take the next step, your skills to the highest level.

We currently have vacancies for a variety of rewarding positions at all levels, including Carpentry, Engineering, Welding, Fabricating and more

Benefits include

• Competitive pay

• Pension contributions

• Employee discounts platform

• 4 and 3 day working week

• Training

• Occupational health

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible shift patterns and more

Discover our range of career opportunities and apply at www.princessyachts.com/careers or scan the QR code below

Members of the Plympton community at Harewood House with John Boulden (centre front) celebrating his 90th birthday

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There are a range of options for landlords. For more information please contact us: easylet@pathdevon.org

01752 293719

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PRIDE & JOY

The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Our services include:

• hedge & shrub maintenance

• tree work

• weeding

• lawn care & grass cutting

• creation of flower & veggie beds

• shed & greenhouse work

• general garden tidying

New plan to help unlock potential of young people in Plymouth

Your Online News, Information and What’s On Service

Follow us at Facebook.com/PlymptonPodcast for regular stories, pictures and videos of life in Plympton and surrounding areas

To hear our audio podcasts and to find other useful community information go to: www.localwhatson.info

Tel: 07752 698504

E: plymptonpodcast@gmail.com

More support will be offered to young people in Plymouth who struggle when leaving education, helping them to find jobs or access training.

An ambitious new plan, Unlocking Plymouth’s Potential, has been co-designed with local businesses, employers, schools and colleges, and outlines how Plymouth City Council and key partners will work together to address issues and empower young people to aspire and achieve.

While most young people leave school and make a positive transition to working life or further education, approximately one in ten end up not in employment, education or training (NEET) or in an unknown situation.

Young people who are NEET are more likely to be unemployed or in low paid, low quality work later in life, and it can also be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

The plan sets out how these young people will be targeted and supported to seek education, employment or training (SEET) and then to take advantage of those opportunities so they can develop new skills or begin their careers. The support on offer will include:

• Enhancing the post-16 training offer in Plymouth with more traineeships, internships, apprenticeships and other early career opportunities

• trellis work

• pond care

• fencing & gates

• patios, decking and general landscaping work

Call NOW to discuss your needsWe can help! One-off or regular service.

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• Spares for PVC/Aluminium

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• Wide Range Of Locks & Mechanisms

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30 Percy Terrace, Alexandra Rd, Lipson Vale PL4 7HG

• Increasing the number of internships and employment opportunities for young people with educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by forming a Plymouth City Council-led SEND Employment Forum

• Providing bespoke action plans, skills assessments and pre-employment courses for young people

• Working with employers to develop an effective model for work experience and to grow opportunities for entry-level jobs

• Running a programme of careers events across the city so that every child in Plymouth can attend at least one event a year

• Creating a mentoring and coaching programme where young people in further education can support young people from SEET into education or training.

The plan is subject to approval and is due to be discussed at the council’s next Cabinet meeting on September 11.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We’re taking positive, proactive steps that will support young people in Plymouth to seek employment, education and training. The new plan outlines a coordinated, multi-agency approach which will ensure we can tackle the problems young people are facing and help them to find the right career path.

PLYMSTOCK Plymstock Community Centre

Monday at 5pm and 7pm with Bethan 07814 682898

Monday at 8am and 9:30am with 07494754493 Lauren

Wednesday at 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm with Richard 07828 773047

ELBURTON Elburton Village Hall

Thursday at 5.30pm and 7pm with Rich 07828 773047

Friday at 9am and 10.45am with Rich 07828 773047

Friday at 4.30pm and 6pm with

Jayne 07974 642634

Tuesday at 9.00am (New Group) from 12/09/23

PLYMPTON St Peters Lutheran Church

SHERFORD Sherford Community Hub, Hercules Road (Larkham Lane)

Thursday

at 9am with Lesley 07717 721392

Thursday at 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm with Debbie 07547 673997

Friday at 9am and 10.30am with Debbie 07547 673997

Saturday at 8.30am and 10am with June 07865 090812

“We want all young people in Plymouth to grow up well, leading fulfilling and healthy lives. Our aim is to raise aspirations and improve outcomes so that our young people are confident about their future and successfully transition into adulthood.”

The inclusive plan also includes additional support for young people with SEND, those that are care-experienced, young parents, and those known to the criminal justice system.

Businesses urged to react to ban on single use plastic

Trading Standards are reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers who supply certain single use plastic items that a ban comes into force this October, and they should start thinking now about alternatives and where to source them from.

The Government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items that is expected to come into effect from October 1 2023. It means that from October, businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single use plastic items to the end user.

The ban includes all single use plastic cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, and balloon sticks, as well as banning the use of certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers used to supply food which is ready to consume.

From October, members of the public won’t be supplied these products from any businessthis includes retailers, takeaways, food vendors and the hospitality industry and the ban will apply to online and over-the-counter sales.

The ban includes the supply of items by businesses from new and existing stock and will cover all types of single-use plastic –including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.

Businesses which continue to supply single use plastic items after the legislation comes into effect could be given a fine.

It is estimated that England uses 2.7 billion items of single use cutlery each year, and 721 million single use plates. Only 10% of these items are recycled.

Certain plastic items, such as straws stirrers and cotton buds, have already been banned.

Plastic pollution takes hundreds of years to break down and inflicts serious damage to our oceans, rivers, and land. It is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the production and manufacture of the plastic itself to the way it is disposed.

It is expected that banning these items will have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and littering in England. Plastic cutlery, for instance, was in the top 15 most littered items in the country by count in 2020.

Businesses could:

• Swap plastic for bamboo or wooden cutlery for takeaway food

• Swap plastic for metal cutlery for in-house guests

• Swap single use plastic plates or bows to re-usable alternatives that can be washed.

• Offer paper plates instead of plastic

• Offer to refill customers’ water bottles or travel cups.

• Encourage customers to bring their own clean containers for takeaway food.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “I hope strengthening the ban to further singleuse items will encourage retailers that didn’t take heed then to urgently seek out more sustainable alternatives. It’s an essential step to help clean up our streets and protect marine life.”

Rachael Holden, group manager Business Support and Innovation for Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service said: “Businesses should use up existing stock and find alternatives to single-use items. For instance, reusing plates, bowls and cutlery, or sourcing alternative single use items such as wood-based cutlery and paper-based plates.”

Smiles of success at Hele’s

After an anxious wait over the summer break, Year 13 students and their families arrived at the school on August 17 to collect A Level and Level 3 results with Principal Justine Mason and other staff present to share in celebrations with students and parents.

Miss Mason remarked: “Today marks the end of a very unusual journey through education for our Year 13 students. This cohort were unable to take their GCSEs in 2021 so this summer’s exams were the first external assessments they have taken and obviously at this stage in their education, the stakes can feel incredibly high.

“They have shown grit and determination to overcome tremendous adversity and we are unbelievably proud of each and every one of them! It has been wonderful today to celebrate their successes with them.

“As we say every year, success is measured far beyond the classroom and students are not defined by a set of grades; we celebrate all that these young people have brought to Hele’s over their time with us. Now, though, it’s time for them to fly the Hele’s nest and there are exciting times ahead for them all, whether it be going on to university, taking up an apprenticeship, starting in employment or taking a well-deserved gap year.

“Today’s results are a testament to the collective hard work and dedication shown by all associated with Team Hele’s, from the students themselves to our staff and parents, along with the Westcountry Schools Trust, and the wider network across the city of Plymouth. I am so proud of our Hele’s students and all the other young people collecting results today; they thoroughly deserve their time to shine and we wish them all the best of luck for their next exciting chapter!”

Director of Post 16, Kairn Stone, added, “Working with this cohort has been a real privilege as we tackled unprecedented challenges together. I am so proud of what they have achieved today, both as individuals and collectively. This year group have contributed widely to our school community, acting as extremely positive role models for our younger students and displaying determination and resilience in abundance. As a result, they leave a wonderful legacy and have set a new benchmark of others to aspire to. We will miss this fine group of young people but wish them well as they go on to make their mark on the world.”

Erin Rumble achieved A* A A and has secured a Degree Level Apprenticeship with Bishop Fleming to become a chartered accountant - these apprenticeships are extremely competitive, so this is a fantastic achievement.It was A* A* B for Alicia Dan who can’t wait to start at the University of Plymouth to study Game Development

Best friends, Evie Laird and Francesca Graham,

celebrated excellent grades in Drama alongside their other A Level results, with Evie now off to study Law and Frankie taking a gap year.

The following week Hele’s staff were welcoming Year 11 students and their family members back to collect their much-anticipated GCSE and VTQ results.

After a turbulent journey through their Level 2 courses, there was great joy as students opened results of which they are rightly proud. This Year 11 cohort showed exceptional resilience and determination not to be defined by the circumstances in which they have studied for these qualifications, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, with students, staff and family members alike celebrating the achievements of these fantastic young people.

Principal, Justine Mason, who shared in the occasion along with families and friends who supported the students through their final years of secondary education said: “This group of young people have been such a credit to themselves, their families and us as a school from the day they started in Year 7.

“We are immensely proud, not only of the results they are collecting today, but also the broad set of skills they have developed along the way, which I’m sure will stay with them into adulthood and arguably say more about them individually and collectively than a set of grades ever could.

“That said, I am thrilled that in addition to all that they’ve given to the school and our wider community during their time at Hele’s, they also leave a legacy as the best-performing Year 11 cohort we have ever had!

“Students have worked incredibly hard, demonstrated such a positive attitude and sense of togetherness, and it’s all of this which has secured them what they have achieved today. Well done to all our wonderful Year 11 students, and my warmest thanks to the wider team of parents, carers, family members and staff who have been such super support to our young people throughout their time at Hele’s.”

Over half of the students collecting results will now return to Hele’s Post-16 to study for their A Levels. Those flying the nest have a range of other exciting plans, ranging from further education to apprenticeships and some even entering the job market.

Deputy Principal, Emma Clapham, said: “We are delighted that our students can look forward to their next steps with such confidence, knowing that hard work really does pay off. We always talk about GCSEs being a passport to the next stage of life and it’s great to see that coming to fruition now. It has been such a privilege to work with this cohort; their work ethic will stand them in such good stead going into whatever they choose to do next, be it at Hele’s or beyond. We are incredibly proud of our students and wish them the best of luck for the future.”

There were too many personal successes to mention but stand out individual attainment included: Charlie Hodgins: Isobel Prowse; Grace Taylor; Erin Marshall; Sid Warrier; Adam Partridge; Aidan Hannon; Matthew Duckworth; Megan Chambers and Lena Szarota

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Oreston residents raise funds for brain tumour research

The Old Wharf Residents Association in Oreston recently raised money through a series of social events.

They raised a total of nearly £700 with the generous help from families, friends and residents of The Old Wharf and nearby Boston Close for the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Plymouth University in their fight to find a cure for this terrible illness now affecting a high proportion of people.

The Plymouth University Centre of Excellence is only one of three supporting the UK’s largest dedicated groups of laboratory based scientists progressing world-class research into the growth of low grade brain tumours and as such, deserves the support of local people in order to assist them in achieving their aim.

Best friends, Evie Laird and Francesca Graham, celebrating excellent grades in Drama alongside their other A Level results, with Evie now off to study Law and Frankie taking a gap year

A cheque for £680 was presented by Peter Lenthall, chairman of The Old Wharf Residents Association to Becky Trout, fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research Plymouth University.

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Help is available...

Financial help and advice

Find out how to check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to, get support with budgeting, saving money or dealing with debt and find advice about avoiding scams.

Energy costs

If you’re worried about energy bills, find out about the support schemes available and tips to save money.

Food costs

There are a number of organisations in Plymouth that can help if you are struggling with the cost of food, with a map showing all the different food support available across the city

Help for families

If you have children, check you’re claiming all the support that’s on offer such as free school meals, free childcare, Healthy Start and help buying school uniform.

Housing costs, bills and homelessness support

If you are at risk of becoming homeless, it’s important to ask for help as soon as you can. There’s also discounts and offers to help with other housing costs including broadband, water and TV licences.

Employment and skills support

Get help finding a new job or sign up for free courses to help improve your skills and employability.

Mental health support

If you’re struggling, there are lots of local services and organisations that can help so please reach out and remember you’re not alone – there’s always someone to talk to.

Warm, welcoming spaces

During the winter months, many venues in Plymouth will open their doors to provide a warm space for anyone to spend time in.

The Lion Who Never Roared

- Jack Leslie biography to be published In October

As the spirit of Jack Leslie continues to flow through Plymouth Argyle with an exciting and promising start to the club’s Championship campaign, his life story is to be told in print with a biography to be published soon.

The Lion Who Never Roared is written by Matt Tiller, a lifelong member of the Green Army who co-founded The Jack Leslie Campaign with his friend and fellow fan Greg Foxsmith. It will be released in hardback and include a fantastic section of photographs, many from the Leslie family archive, by Pitch Publishing on October 23 and is available to pre-order from all good bookstores.

More information about the launch can be found at www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/ lion-who-never- roared

The book tells the story of a boy born in East London to a Jamaican father and a white, English mother who was signed by Plymouth as a 19-year-old from Barking Town in 1921. He became an Argyle legend playing 400 timesand scoring 137 league and cup goals.

Jack Leslie was a pioneer.

For most of his career he was the only black player and was the first to be appointed captain of a Football League side. He is now well-known for the honour he should have won.

Jack Leslie was the first black player to be selected for England in 1925, but he was quietly dropped due to the colour of his skin and never allowed to represent his country.

This new book tells that story in detail and his remarkable life from childhood in East London through the Argyle years to his time at West Ham United, where he worked until he was 82 cleaning the boots of World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and

Matt said: “This has been an honour and a privilege to research and write. Jack’s granddaughters have given me access to their archive and to their memories and precious family stories. Their honesty and integrity with their grandfather’s legacy has ensured this is an honest portrait of this remarkable footballer and man.

“I shared the book with them to make sure I had got all the facts straight, but I was also nervous of what they would think. When they told me they loved it I was relieved and delighted.”

Jack Leslie’s three granddaughters, Lyn, Gill and Lesley have supported the campaign from the very start and it has been hugely positive for them.

They said: “When we finished reading

Trust’s Dip in the Sea campaign aims to make big splash for families

Plymouth-based Ocean Conservation Trust has launched the Dip in the Sea campaign to support local communities and families in need gain access to seaside essentials for enjoying time at the beach.

Donations can be made directly at the National Marine Aquarium where the teams will deliver and distribute seaside equipment such as swimwear across the city to those who need it. Wanting to give people the full experience of a brilliant day at the beach, as well as swimwear, The Trust is also accepting donations of swimcaps, beach shoes, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, swim shoes, towels, googles, sun cream and buckets and spades.

Donations can be made at the National Marine Aquarium, with plans to have drop off spots across the city. No entry ticket is required for drop off, and can easily be dropped into the donation box at the Aquarium’s gift shop.

Working closely with a number of charities tackling financial hardships in Plymouth, Ocean Conservation Trust is working with local food banks and Wellbeing Hubs including Trussell Trust, William Sutton Memorial Hall, Emmanuel & St Paul’s Parish Church, City College Student Food Bank and more.

For more information on the Dip in Sea campaign and how to get involved in either hosting a donation box or helping to distribute swim packs, head to the Ocean Conservation Trust website at www. oceanconservationtrust.org/ocean-advocacy/our-campaigns/a-dip-inthe-sea-from-the-oct/

the book, we were in tears. It was a very emotional read and we think that’s a good thing because it eloquently describes Grandad’s life and the impact he had on all his family, friends and colleagues. To say nothing of the effect we believe the book will have on all who read it.”

Matt continued: “The more I’ve read about Jack, the more I admire him. When he was selected for England he was just hitting his stride and starting to write headlines, but in the years that followed many, and not just Argyle fans, considered him the best inside left in the country who should have represented it on many occasions.

“That must have been tough, knowing that despite his talent and his undeniable patriotism, he would never get that chance to play for England.

The Lion Who Never Roared has already received praise from those who have been given a preview, including Viv Anderson MBE. Viv was the first black player to win a full England cap in 1978, 53 years after Jack’s selection. He has contributed a foreword and says the book is ‘Inspiring and important. An extraordinary life story.’

WORK ON AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR PLYMPTON UNDER WAY

Westward’s latest two housing developments in Plympton and Southway will provide 18 affordable homes.

Building work began recently with Homes England funding and recycled grant funding from Westward for both sites. All the homes are being constructed by local business and first-time partners for Westward, Classic Builders.

All properties on both sites will benefit from photovoltaic solar panels to assist with fast-rising energy costs and support environmental and sustainability strategies.

Two shared ownership and three affordable rent properties will be built at St Peter’s Close in Plympton, ready for occupancy next summer.  The two two-bed bungalows for shared ownership and three one-bed bungalows for social rent will be adaptable for accessibility, with one of the larger one-bed bungalows being already fully wheelchair accessible.

The homes offer the opportunity to downsize for those who now need less bedroom space.The land was owned by Plymouth City Council and sold to Westward at a discount for redevelopment to include accessible homes as a priority. The bungalows will also each have an electric vehicle charging point.

In addition, the regeneration site at Moses Close in Southway is providing 13 much needed affordable homes. This will be welcomed by residents nearby as a restart on site following the delays caused by a previous contractor ceasing trading.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “I’m really pleased these schemes are progressing. The council is committed to working with partners to get good quality affordable housing built in Plymouth.

Donations can be dropped off at the National Marine Aquarium

“I’d like to thank Westward Housing, Homes England and Classic Builders for the work they are doing to make that happen on these sites in Southway and Plympton.  The rental homes at both sites will be marketed on Devon Home Choice, available from summer 2024. Shared ownership homes at St Peter’s Close will be sold through Westward.

Geoff Hurst.

Plymouth’s ‘living seawall’

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall after organisations across the world united in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront.

A series of specially-designed concrete panels has been installed on the edge of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to make new habitats available to a variety of marine flora and fauna.

The panels, developed as a result of extensive scientific research, have been fixed to the seawall close to the Mayflower Steps memorial.

They cover an area spanning 12 metres by two metres, and will be monitored over the coming months to assess any different species of flora and fauna which have taken up residence.

The hope is that they could become home to limpets, barnacles, anemones, seaweeds, sponges and other species commonly found in natural habitats along the South West coastline.

The Living Seawall in Plymouth installation is the largest of its kind in the UK to date. The project is being led by the University of Plymouth working alongside partners including Living Seawalls, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Our Only World, The Rock Pool Project, Arup, Swansea University, and Ocean Conservation Trust.

The project is also being supported with funding from the University of Plymouth, Our Only World, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, and Associated

British Ports (ABP).

Dr Louise Firth, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Plymouth, has worked on marine eco-engineering initiatives across the world for more than two decade and is leading the new project. She said: “We have been investigating how to enhance biodiversity on seawalls locally for years. These efforts have all been conducted at small, experimental scales but the Living Seawall in Plymouth is the first large, real-

world-scale installation in Britain. We are very excited to work with the global community to build the evidence about the ecological benefits for both new and existing artificial structures.”

The Living Seawalls initiative was first launched in Sydney, Australia, in an attempt to preserve habitats along the global coastline.

Rising populations have resulted in structures such as seawalls, pilings, pontoons and marinas replacing natural habitats such as saltmarshes, beaches, mudflats and rocky shores and their associated marine life.

Research in Sydney Harbour has shown that after two years Living Seawalls already support at least 36% more species than plain, unmodified seawalls, with as many as 85 species of invertebrates, seaweeds and fish living and growing on the panels.

Professor Melanie Bishop, Co-founder of Living Seawalls, said: “Built structures are a growing source of biodiversity loss in our harbours and coastal oceans. Living Seawalls provide a solution for returning marine life to marine constructions across the globe. We are excited to partner with the University of Plymouth on the most comprehensive trial of Living Seawalls technology in the UK yet.”

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront (Credit - University of Plymouth)

The panels of the Living Seawall in Plymouth were installed by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CreditUniversity of Plymouth)

Groundbreaking Port Agreement will drive growth at Millbay Docks

Plymouth City Council, Millbay Docks and the dock’s major customer Brittany Ferries have pledged to work together to support the docks to grow and to work towards Net Zero by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

The move will support Millbay Docks  as a key economic driver for Plymouth and work towards the Council’s ambition to become Net Zero by 2030.

The memorandum was signed by Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries and Henrik Pedersen, chief executive of Associated British Ports (ABP) and commits all partners to working together to ensure Millbay Docks enjoys a sustained era of clean, green and good growth, with investment to future proof facilities at the docks for years to come.

It came as the city welcomed thousands of visitors for the British Firework Championships, with Brittany Ferries marking its 50th year of service by becoming a major partner in the event.

Millbay Docks, owned and operated by ABP, covers 50 acres of port estate and is home to Brittany Ferries services, connecting the South West to France and Spain. It handles 400,000 passengers and 150,000 vehicles per year, as well as 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year, contributing to over £95m to the UK economy.

Millbay Docks is less than a mile from the city centre and its geographical advantages ensure that it is well placed to continue to serve established European trade routes as well as the growing cruise market via its two dedicated berths.

The three parties will work together to bring forward improvements and business development opportunities, for the mutual benefit of the docks, the parties and the wider port and city of Plymouth, in the following areas:

• A shared ambition for Millbay Docks to be Net Zero by 2030 supporting new green jobs and investment

• To maximise the impact of planned capital projects, including quayside passenger access and freight improvements

• To identify grant funding opportunities for investment in shore power, assisting in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vessels visiting the docks

• To develop the freight opportunity for Millbay utilising the Freeport, underlining the importance of trade between France, Spain and the United Kingdom

• To increase inbound tourism and cruise working with Destination Plymouth and other regional bodies.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “Port cities such as Plymouth have the advantage when it comes to working towards net zero. Transporting goods by ship is one of the cleanest ways of getting products from A to B.

“Millbay Docks has huge potential to be a major player for new freight opportunities, particularly as part of our Freeport status.

“We’re really keen to work closely with them to explore all avenues that create new jobs and are particularly excited about the prospect of green jobs and marine innovation that Plymouth leads the field in.

“We need to do more and we can do more to keep Plymouth ahead of the competition.

Summer of Light Colour

That’s what this Memorandum is about.”

Associated British Ports’ chief executive, Henrik Pedersen, said: “This year has seen the launch of our wide-ranging new sustainability strategy, ‘Ready for Tomorrow’, which outlines our plan to invest £2 billion in decarbonising our own port operations by 2040, and in major infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition.

“If we are going to make Net Zero a reality, it is essential there is a partnership approach, which is why we are delighted to be working with Plymouth City Council and Brittany Ferries to support greener growth for Millbay Docks and Plymouth more broadly.”

Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries added: “We are delighted to support this strong message of collaboration and intent with the city and Plymouth Port.

“We have proudly operated from Plymouth since the company’s inception in 1973. Fifty years on we are looking forward to a shared future built on economic growth, more crossborder trade and sustainable operations at sea and while in port.”

Life

‘I’m thankful for…’ How would you finish that sentence?

In days gone by, we would celebrate Harvest Festival around this time every year. It would be a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude together for another successful harvest, for enough food to keep us going through the cold winter months. These days we tend to take such things for granted, because Sainsburys, Morrisons and Tesco don’t (usually) run out of food on the shelves. But with the loss of the uncertainty, I wonder if we’ve also lost the thankfulness. Our American friends celebrate their ‘Thanksgiving’ at the end of November. Do we need to reinstate our own festival of gratitude?

Let’s do a little exercise: list a few (or a lot of) things that we are thankful for. I’ll go first!

I’m thankful for being able to call Plymouth my home, with all the benefits of city life yet boasting easy access to beautiful countryside and stunning beaches. I’m thankful for my family and friends, as well as good neighbours. I’m thankful for the fact that my children are guaranteed a good education for free, from teachers who really want to see them succeed. I’m thankful for the relative stability and safety of living in this country, and that I’ve never had to experience war or natural disasters firsthand.

What about you? Your list will almost certainly look different, albeit with significant overlap.

Hopefully, for as many things as you can cross off my list, you can add more of your own. I’ve personally found that sitting down to make a list like this has an instant positive impact on my outlook!

By Revd Tom Brassil

But, of course, this exercises is only about gratitude, not thankfulness. What’s the difference? Gratitude is that internal recognition that you are grateful for the good things and the good people in your life.

Thankfulness takes it a step further, by that gratitude to those who deserve our thanks. So here’s exercise number two: who can you thank today?

My ‘thankfulness list’ might look something like this: expressly thanking my neighbour who came to the rescue when my fence caught fire while I was away on holiday(!); finding an opportunity to thank my children’s teachers for their efforts and dedication; making it a habit to thank those who serve me day by day, whether the postman or the bin collectors or the doctors or shop assistants or bus drivers. Again, why don’t we all make a ‘thankfulness list’ and the start ticking names off?

I expect you know where I’m headed here. The biggest name on my ‘thankfulness list’ is the God who created everything (Genesis 1:1), who holds everything together (Hebrews 1:3) and fills our lives with good things (James 1:17). We read in the Bible that God even gave Himself for us – the greatest gift ever given!

Does your local church celebrate harvest festival? Why not pop along and express your own thankfulness? If you’re in the Sherford area, look out for our special dads and kids harvest event. However you express it, let’s not give up the habit of being thankful!

How was your summer? I’m writing this in the (typical) September heatwave as August ends! No complaints though…I made a point of having some time off over August so a few less highlights than usual, but still enough to fill a column.

Plymstock artist, Mrs Murals has been popping up all over the city over the summer, but you might have seen her work at Plympton Library over August too. The fantastic team at Plympton Library enlisted her talents to paint a mural on the side of the Library to commemorate Sir Joshua Reynolds, a world-renowned artist who hailed from Plympton. I was invited along to join in and enjoyed painting one of the books on the shelves.

The Broadway in Plymstock held a Summer Fun Day over August to coincide with the usual Monthly Market. With a host of entertainment like a magician, live music and mini golf, it was a great success. Using my Councillor Community Grant, I funded the mini golf - Portable Putts - so

Rebecca’s Review

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

popped in to meet the team and have a go! It was also good to chat to some of the market stall holders, including the team from Utility Warehouse who were promoting their energy deals to help households tackle the rising costs of living.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, I had the opportunity to meet with the Tourism and Digital Tech Minister, Sir John Whittingdale MP, at Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plympton.

For those of us who live locally, we may know Boringdon Hall for its fabulous spa or outstanding restaurant if we’re celebrating or enjoying a special treat with friends and family.

But if you are visiting Plymouth, you’ll book it because of its Five Star reputation as you explore all that Plymouth and South Devon have to offer. It was great to meet hotel general manager, Matieu with John and to discuss its hotel’s success and how it is contributing to the tourist offer here in Plymouth.

It has become clear in recent months that health provision in Plymstock is under pressure. With many residents unable to secure a local GP and the ongoing absence of a health and wellbeing Hub, I have been working with Sir Gary Streeter MP and local providers to look at what can be done to change this situation. Over the summer, Sir Gary wrote to the local Devon Integrated Care Board (responsible for health provision across the county) and also Livewell SW, asking for an update on their plans for improving Plymstock health services and offering support. We’ll keep you updated on this in the coming months.

Finally, as I mentioned, I did make a point of taking some time away from work over August. I was fortunate enough to spend two nights just 30 minutes away in a little camping pod in Cornwall and can highly recommend being off grid, even for

a couple of days.

If you’ve met me, you’ll know I am quite a talkative extrovert but it was so good to have time to read and relax with nothing but for birds and a couple of rabbits for company!

As ever, do let me know if I can help in any way or if you have a local event or organisation I can visit and promote. You can contact me on rebecca@rebecca-smith.org.uk or via Facebook wwwfb.com/SWDevonRebecca

Plans for new Sherford indoor leisure centre are approved

Planners have given the go-ahead for the construction of a new indoor leisure centre to serve the growing community in Sherford.

The new centre will feature a four-lane 25 metre swimming pool, sports hall with four badminton courts that can be subdivided to provide two courts and a soft play facility with capacity for 125 children, a 65-station fitness suite, two multi-purpose studios, meeting rooms, changing rooms, toilets and showers and a cafe with customer seating overlooking the pool.

In developing the current proposals, the emphasis has been to develop flexible, multipurpose spaces that can be intensively used for a variety of sporting and fitness uses, getting best value for money and futureproofing the scheme.

Key aspects are the inclusion of suitable storage and proper consideration of the performance aspects of the design, such as ventilation and lighting, to ensure suitability for each different activity.

The 25 metre pool has been designed for community swimming and learn-toswimactivities. The sports hall will have a clear height of 7.5m, will accommodate

community level badminton and other community level sports. In the future, if the soft play is no longer required, this space will be used to create a full size sports hall accommodating basket ball, five-a-side and volleyball.

Parking requirements are to be met by the new 114 space leisure centre car park.

Additional motorcycle and cycle parking is to be provided.

The site is owned by the Sherford Consortium and is part of the development east of Plymouth, and forms part of the new town Sherford. The development boundary is located along Hercules Road, the main artery road entering Sherford from the west.

Rebecca giving Mrs Murals a hand with the new street art on Plympton Library

Rebecca enjoying Portable Putts at the Plymstock Broadway Summer Fun Day

Architect’s impression of the new indoor leisure centre Image ©copyright Roberts Limbrick

Spanish and photography tops at Plympton Academy

Students and staff at Plympton Academy are celebrating after receiving their A-Level grades.

Students at the Academy, which is part of Thinking Schools Academy Trust, have excelled by achieving a year of great results and many are now preparing to head on to university, apprenticeships or job of their choice.

The school is particularly proud of the results from Spanish which saw 100per cent of students gaining A*-B grades, and Photography which saw 80 per cent of students achieving A*-B grades. Further success was also seen with the Sixth Form’s BTEC pathway and subjects such as Health and Social Care with 83 per cent of students gaining Distinction * to Distinction grades.

While all students have done well, there were some standout individual achievements. These included:

• Rachael Easterbrook, who achieved AAA, will be studying Law at the Prestigious Durham University;

• Ellie Beddell Garner, who achieved an A in Spanish and a Double Distinction in Performing Arts, is intending to study Drama, Film and Screen at Bath Spa;

• Charlotte Jones, who achieved AB and a Distinction * in her subjects, is going on to study Psychology and Criminology at Plymouth University;

There were also successes in science subjects. Freya Martin’s passes which included Biology and Chemistry, as well as Maths, have secured her a place at her chosen University of Cardiff.

Among those collecting A Level results was Robert Nedelcu who said: “Collecting my results, I am reminded that knowledge is power, but that action is even more powerful. I am pleased with my results and they will enable me to study computer science in the future. I have enjoyed the diverse experience of studying at Plympton Academy, it was a pleasure to work with the teachers and work in such a friendly atmosphere. I will miss my time here, but look forward to my next steps.”

UK BREAKS

Lisa Boorman, Principal at Plympton Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students as they collected their Post 16 results today. They have demonstrated hard work and resilience over the past two years in order to achieve these qualifications which will open doors to bright futures.

“I am particularly proud of the diverse destinations which our students are now able to pursue, inclusive of studying Law, Diagnostic Radiography, NHS apprenticeships,

Engineering Apprenticeships, Art Degrees and Performance pathways. At Plympton Academy Sixth Form we support our young people in Discovering their Future, whatever that might be.”

The following week when GCSE results were announced Photography again was top of the class with 96 per cent of the students achieving a GCSE grade in the range of 9 – 4 and a staggering over 30 per cent of maximum grade 9’s. The Academy was also extremely proud of the students who completed Sport Studies and Art and Design courses as they too had over 90 per cent of the grades in the ranges 9-4 and Distinction Start - Level 2 Pass. There were also some standout individual performances. These included:

• Grace Beer who achieved five grade 9s in her impressive results suite and she is looking to continue into our sixth form.

• Livvy Collins-Oliver who got grade 8 for English, Maths and Science among other impressive results. Livvy is looking to continue her education with us in the sixth form.

• William Phillimore who achieved 8’s in English and Maths and 99 in Science, William is also looking to remain at Plympton Academy to further his education.

Collecting her GCSE results, Grace Beer, said “Opening my results, I felt so nervous, I had no idea I would do so well.  I am really pleased with my results.  I am looking forward to starting sixth form in September.”

Lisa Boorman said: “I am delighted for our students collecting their GCSE results today. They have shown determination, resilience and hard work over the last two years and achieved an excellent suite of results.

“I am proud of the future opportunities that our year 11 students have obtained with their results and look forward to welcoming many of them back into our sixth form. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our students, parents, carers and staff for the support and encouragement for the students.” (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Departing Fri 10 Nov ‘23

The Edwardian harbour town of Folkestone and the classic backdrop of Canterbury provide the whimsical settings for a festive breakaway to Canterbury Christmas Market, full of delightful treats to kick off your Christmas season.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 3 nights at the 2-star Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast

 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks

Departing Mon 20 Nov ‘23

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! Set in a lavishly decorated auditorium, this celebration of the festive season delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, dazzling costumes, music and variety.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast

Departing Sat 25 Nov ‘23

Enjoy the magical, award-winning Christmas Market in the beautiful city of Bath! With a huge range of traders providing a variety of handmade and local Christmas offerings in chalet-style stalls, there is plenty to take in to get you into the festive spirit.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast

 Visit to Bath Christmas Market

 Entertainment every evening

 Free time in Folkestone

 Excursions to Sandwich & Canterbury

 Entertainment every evening

 Entrance to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular

 Excursions to Norwich & the Norfolk Broads by coach (Horning & Potter Heigham)

 En-route visit to a mystery location 4 Days by Coach only

5 Days by Coach only £399

2 Days by Coach only £119

Grace Beer celebrates acheiving five grade 9s in her GCSEs

Could you deliver the Plymouth Chronicle?

Plymouth-based warship shadows Russian vessels off the coast of UK

A Plymouth-based warship has played a key role in a concerted monitoring operation tracking Russian vessels close to the UK.

HMS Portland joined HMS Tyne and RAF patrol aircraft to track the movements of the Russian Navy in the English Channel, North Sea and North Atlantic.HMS Portland and the Poseidon patrol aircraft worked together to monitor Russian vessels, including corvettes Boikiy and Grad, cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and others.

With their collective array of powerful sensors for locating and tracking, the British submarine-hunting frigate and maritime patrol aircraft are a formidable duo for locating and monitoring operations, allowing for constant surveillance from the sea and air.Having detected a ship or submarine, the aircraft can communicate the position, allowing a warship to intercept and track. Royal Navy ships and aircraft routinely conduct training with the long-range RAF patrol aircraft, enabling a seamless transition to operations to protect the sea areas around the UK.

Lieutenant Sam Charleston, one of HMS Portland’s bridge watchkeeping officers, said: “It was rewarding to conduct operations protecting UK waters and interests. The team worked hard in rough weather and difficult conditions.

“This is my third time conducting this type of operation and I enjoyed seeing the widearea search capability that the P-8 brings and working with the RAF aircrew.”

Commander Ed Moss-Ward, HMS Portland’s Commanding Officer added: “P8 aircraft operating with a Type 23 frigate with an embarked Merlin helicopter provides the UK with a world-leading anti-submarine warfare capability.”

Many of the Russian vessels were associated with the Russian Navy Day, which was held in St Petersburg on July 30.

Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne shadowed three Russian ships in separate tasks, including Merkury, a Steregushchiy-class corvette and research ship Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov, taking over duties from NATO warships.

HMS Tyne’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Ryan Grieg, said: “The operations Tyne has executed over the last few weeks are a reflection of the hard work and dedication delivered by her ship’s company all year round.

“She has again demonstrated her alacrity

and flexibility in proving herself as an efficient asset providing assurance and security in UK home waters.”

Larry’s Lousy Liver Appeal

Gables Dogs & Cats Home has recently taken in an 18-month old cat called ‘Larry’ who is in need of urgent medical care and life saving surgery.

On arrival at Gables he was very wobbly and it was discovered he was having seizures. Gables contracted vets Filham Park carried out tests which indicate he has a portosystemic (liver) shunt. It is believed he was born with this condition, where the toxins in his blood are not filtered out by his liver and instead travel to his brain.

This causes him to have episodes where he becomes very wobbly, disorientated and dribbles.  He is currently taking medication every 12 hours to manage this condition but it is not effective long term. Even on the medication he still has seizure style episodes which take two to three days for him to recover from.

To help with this fatal condition Larry has been referred to High Grove Referral Centre in Bristol so he can

have a CT scan to investigate his condition and to plan for lifesaving surgery to correct the liver shunt.

Gables deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “He is such a lovely character and it is heart breaking to see him suffering with these episodes. He is only a young cat so we hope that the specialist surgery he desperately needs will enable him to live a normal life. We are currently medicating him every 12 hours, which he tolerates well. He is always so pleased to see me in the evenings and is a pleasure to care for. He has lots of love to give to a new owner once he is well enough to be adopted.”

It is estimated it will cost Gables £7,000 for all the treatment, scans, specialist surgery and medication that Larry will need now and into the future, as well as basic care such as flea and worm treatment and vaccinations.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding

and has felt the financial strain from the cost of living crisis, but they are determined to help Larry.

Readers can help to ease Gables financial burden by making a

HMS Portland visited Belfast following their mission in the North Atlantic.

HMS Portland monitored Russian vessels like the one pictured below

Preparation work to clear Armada Way is scheduled to start soon

Preparation work to clear Armada Way is expected to get underway in the next few weeks.

With the bird nesting season coming to an end, Plymouth City Council will have independent ecologists in Armada Way to see if there are any live bird nests within the felled trees and brushes.

They will use specialist heat seeking technology to give a better picture of what is present.

The council is currently working with its ecologists to prepare and complete a proposed method that it will ask contractors to follow when they start the clear up. In line with the legal injunction conditions, this proposed method will be shared with the claimant in the High Court case.

The claimant will then have 48 hours to respond, and only following consideration of their views, will the clean-up operation be able to start.

The council is working on the premise that the removal work will take place over a 24 hour period, starting in the early morning and continuing through the day into the evening and overnight, if necessary, to enable completion and to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We said we would sort out Armada Way and this a massive step in the right direction.

“Not only that, but we are almost there with our new proposals for a future Armada Way and will be looking to share them for people to give their views once the felled trees have gone.”

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “This will  be very welcome news for our businesses on Armada Way. We hope the felled trees will now be cleared away as soon as possible and the whole area tidied up and made more welcoming.

“But, most importantly, we look forward to being consulted on the new plans and work being allowed to start on the muchneeded regeneration of the city centre.”

There will also be some preparation work to install additional fencing and acoustic screening to reduce noise.

As soon as the felled trees and brush have been removed, the area will be cleaned and made safe before we fully remove all the fencing.

The council has written to businesses along Armada Way to give them the latest update and will let them know final details once they have been confirmed.

The Box partners with National Gallery for major arts project

The Triumph of Art, the National Gallery’s commission to round off its Bicentenary year, has announced the partners it will be working with, to develop, produce and deliver the project – and The Box in Plymouth is one of them.

Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller will be celebrating festivals, gatherings, and art in the public realm, in this UK-wide performance work.

The Box will join Mostyn in Llandudno, The Playhouse in Derry/Londonderry and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee as partners with the National Gallery. Together, they will recruit four specialist curators, each of whom will be seconded to a partner to work on The Triumph of Art. The research, public programme and performances that result will be developed with close links to their local communities and geography.

Deller’s inspiration for the new work comes from the important role

of art as encountered in our public collections, museums and cultural spaces: from Renaissance paintings to folklore, dances, plays and rave culture.

Each partner will research, develop and stage a local performance piece. All four projects will then join together in a major performance outside the National Gallery, on Trafalgar Square in July 2025.

Deller has been researching and cataloguing events on the Square as a history of celebration,

commemoration and demonstration, collecting countless instances of joy and art in activism. The Triumph of Art will bring ‘NG200’, the National Gallery’s year-long festival of art to celebrate its 200th anniversary to an end, and look to the start of the Gallery’s next century.

Jeremy Deller said, “I’m looking forward to working with partners across all four nations to create something epic to mark the Gallery’s 200 years.”

Emily Stone, Project Curator at the

National Gallery, said, “We couldn’t have found better partners to work with for this commission – they represent a fantastic combination of history and heritage, and emerging talent. Researching places of joy and gathering has unearthed some very exciting ideas that showcase both individuality and common ground across the UK. We’re excited to find four brilliant curators to bring together local communities with an unparalleled celebration in Trafalgar Square.”

Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller

Photo: Stretch New Media The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

Dunstone Diary

By Councillor Stefan Krizanac and Councillor John Stephens

Exhibitors overcome weather extremes for Plympton Show

Exhibitors overcame what was described as ‘a difficult growing year’ by Plympton Gardeners Association show secretary Paul Hutchings to fill the main hall of Harewood House with more than 350 exhibits for their summer show on August 19.

Paul said: “It’s been an unusual year for the weather which obviously has affected the produce that goes with a gardening show, but we’ve achieved a good show at the end of the day.”

Drought, rain, winds and a hosepipe ban all had their impact on growers and tested even seasoned exhibitors this year.

Councillor Stefan Krizanac writes….

I am pleased to contribute for the first time to our monthly update since I was elected to the City Council in July, it is a pleasure to serve the people of Plymstock Dunstone and the city.

During this short period of time, people have regularly contacted me to share their concerns and issues people are struggling with. Cllr John Stephens and I are lobbying about the inadequate public toilet facilities in the Broadway shopping centre area, with people needing to cross a busy road to access the current poor provision that is not accessible for all.

People are sad that many working people are needing to use food banks and as I have seen first-hand, nightly soup runs in the city centre. Many older residents have shared with me how when trying to arrange a GP appointment, they are met with a dehumanised phone answering machine and a long waiting time to speak to someone to be told go on the website and book an appointment; but many people are still digitally disadvantaged.

I am pleased that the new council has acted upon lots of new initiatives that will help improve the city. Many potholes have been filled in and around Plymstock (yes, I know not all yet!). New inward investment will make a big difference to the lives of the people of Plymouth and Plymstock Dunstone. I am looking forward to seeing this come to fruition and working alongside Cllr. John Stephens and others who are keen to improve the lives of people in our area.

Councillor John Stephens writes…..

As someone who went has spent my life from the age of four to four years ago in education, my mind is habitually set to September being the start of a new year. I certainly feel more motivated for new starts and new promises in late summer than the beginning of January.

During September I have been meeting with local school headteachers to learn of the great things happening in their schools, their plans for the next year and also to listen to the many challenges they and their staff teams face each day.

Since the pandemic, one of these challenges has been pupil absenteeism, both locally and nationally. The impact of this is not just on a child or young person’s progress and achievement ,but also on their social and emotional development. There are a range of reasons behind cases of absenteeism so as a member of the Education and Children Social Care Scrutiny Board, I look forward to challenging and supporting plans to help schools and families make a turnaround in Plymouth’s schools attendance figures.

Another ongoing situation in recent years has been the demise of high streets, particularly affected by the pandemic, cost of living crisis and business rate charges. Support for our local shops and businesses is crucial in order to safeguard local jobs, services and a sense of community.

I continue to liaise with Sherford Consortium about that community’s need for shops and health provision. It’s a delight to experience the buzz at special events on The Broadway such as monthly markets and Neighbourhood Police Team engagement opportunities, Plymstock Library and musical events, all of which draw people of all ages together to support the growing range of shops on The Broadway.

Unfortunately, a consequence of the necessary gas service work has affected trade in Elburton village where a good range of businesses depend on year-round support. This has helped shape my September ‘new year’ promise to support local neighbourhood businesses more to help keep our lovely community alive and kicking; I hope you can too.

If you would us to help you with any local issues or ideas, contact John.Stephens@plymouth.gov.uk 07977 730 601 or Stefan.Krizanac@plymouth.gov.uk 07813 395 873

Paul explained that when the rains came along after the period of drought, a number of gardeners found their produce then bolted and went to seed before the show. Then strong winds a couple of weeks before the show caused havoc and damage to some produce which had otherwise survived.

The introduction of a hosepipe ban for the first time in many years also led to at least five regular major exhibitors at the show giving up for this year.

Despite all these challenges Arthur Hext managed to get a number of dahlia exhibits and other flowers and vegetables onto the display benches and was the runaway winner of many classes, so much so his winning cups filled two boxes and were presented to him en bloc at the end of the show.

Others achieving prizes for their exhibits included Sally Luscombe, Carol Penhallurick, Roy Rogers, Lydia Ross, Sue Bone, Joan Hogg and Jill Warren, the latter for her pasty entry in the domestic science classes.

Paul Hutchings won the photography cup this year.Ruby Lapthorne was among those who impressed the judges in the children’s classes with her sheep, made from a combination of a potato, cauliflower florette and courgette slices for its feet.

Plympton Stannator Andy Cooper formally opened this year’s show and later presented cups and trophies to the winners. Some changes are in the pipeline for next year.

Paul said: “Plympton Gardeners this year made a visit to Taunton Show and we’ve picked up one or two ideas from Taunton and next year there is going to be a refresh of our show schedules and the classes that are in there.”

There will also be a focus on encouraging more children’s entries. He added: “We’re going to try to do more for children’s entries, including possibly having the children come in and put their exhibits together here, supported by produce from the gardeners for the

vegetable animal and that type of thing.”

The Plympton Gardeners Association was founded in 1948 to promote gardening and to assist members in improving their gardening skills. The Association is currently affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, the National Vegetable Society, the Daffodil Society and the Dahlia Society. They meet in Harewood House on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. There is often a guest speaker. Anyone interested in finding out more or becoming a member can turn up at one of their monthly meetings.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Cattewater receives funding for extension to Barbican landing stage

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners have been awarded £150,000 of Government funding towards the extension of the Barbican landing stage via the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).

Capt Richard Allan, harbour master, and chief executive of Cattedown Harbour Commissioners said: “We are delighted to announce that our plans to extend the facilities at the landing stage by adding three new pontoons has been awarded funding from the Government and can now go ahead.

“We are grateful to the Marine Management Organisation for their help and support through the grant process, without FaSS support, this project would have not been possible at this time.

“Since taking back the management responsibility of the Barbican landing stage we have invested considerable sums in improvements to the existing structures, this grant will help

create additional capacity and for more maritime businesses to operate from the heart of our waterfront.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans said: “Tourism is important to Plymouth and the opportunity for more visitors to go and catch some fish or take a trip and enjoy our waterscape and marine wildlife is just a fantastic addition to the Ocean City brand.

“The extension will also provide more space for noncommercial vessels like recreational anglers to use the site and provide better access for those with reduced mobility.”

The pontoons will now be commissioned, and it is expected that the additional three pontoons will in place by early spring. Businesses interested in operating off the new pontoons next year are encouraged to contact Cattedown Harbour Commissioners via info@plymouthport.org.uk to indicate their interest at the earliest opportunity.

Sketch shows how many more boats will be able to use the landing stage after the extension work is completed

I have the privilege of presenting a radio show on Cross Rhythms Plymouth called Life Stories.

In it I get the opportunity to interview people from various different walks of life about their lives, the ups and the downs and how they have become the person they are now.

Often this type of interview programme is reserved in the media for celebrities but I find the people I interview, though not famous themselves, have just as interesting stories to tell.

Recently I did one which has particularly stayed with me. I interviewed a local lady called Emma Marlow who wanted to share something quite different to the usual Life Stories interviews.

Her interview was focused on the immense difficulty her family had gone through in recent years following her son’s cancer diagnosis. She spoke openly and honestly about how they were informed of this heartbreaking news by a consultant and the subsequent seven year journey they would all go on as he battled the cancer.

It was a journey which would result in the most devastating of outcomes, the death of her son at a very young age.

As a new Dad myself I couldn’t immediately understand why Emma was wanting to share this story so publicly. When I asked her that question

T here’s hope beyond death

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager

she simply said it was a way for her to bring her son into today. Not only that but she wanted to do the interview because her Christian faith had been a real help to her throughout the entire dark chapter. She wanted to share how Jesus was present with her and her family through it all and share something of the hope she has, even in the face of her son’s untimely death.

The articles I write in the Plymouth Chronicle always reflect something of the importance of my faith and how it impacts my life and I believe the lives of us all in society at large. In the past I’ve discussed caring for those less fortunate than ourselves, being thankful for the good in my life, looking after the planet and a whole host of other subjects.

I don’t believe I have ever written about death however.

Given it is a guarantee for all of us, it is odd how little we talk about death and dying. Other cultures may well have a more open dialogue about the subject but certainly in the UK the topic is almost taboo.

Cross Rhythms Plymouth

In many ways this is understandable. It is a deeply painful subject. In some ways probably the most painful. Losing a friend or loved one hurts so much it can be almost unbearable. It is even said that death is ultimately the basis of anything we fear.

Death just feels wrong. Particularly in a situation like Emma’s where a disease caused the death of her child long before his time. Yet in the face of this most egregious situation Emma was able to find a real hope.

Christianity has much to say about all manner of subjects to do with our lives. In short, that love should be our prime motivator towards God, ourselves, those around us and the world at large. It also brings a very tangible hope into the pit of darkness that is death.

Indeed a major narrative in the faith is that death actually is wrong. That it is an intruder in our lives which Jesus Christ has overthrown. It is the result of a world which is fallen and not as it was designed to be. The promise of the Christian

The Old Wharf Residents Association in Oreston has organised the siting of an outdoor defibrillator on the development.

The device was supplied free of charge by Beneden Charitable Trust but the cost of the storage box and its fitting had to be achieved through fundraising by the association’s committee.

The efforts of the residents of The Old Wharf and Boston Close were helped by generous donations from Victory Masonic Lodge, Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge and the three Radford Ward councillors, Rebecca Smith, Kathy Watkins and Bill Stephens, who each provided £100 from their community grants towards the cost of the storage box.

The councillors visited Old Wharf to meet some of the residents and were thanked personally by the association’s chair Peter Lenthall.

Lions boost for Plymouth Foodbank

Plymouth Lions Club stepped in with valuable support when they heard that Plymouth Foodbank’s shelves were looking empty.

Club President Bob Dight accompanied by community service chair Lion Phil Greenwood and wife Lion Pam, with the agreement of all club members presented Rachel Javan, warehouse coordinator, with a cheque for £500 to purchase more food items.

The money donated was raised by public contribution to many fundraising activities held by the Lions Club for use within the local community.

Plymouth Foodbank helps people who are in financial crisis by providing them with much needed food (plus toiletries and cleaning items), a listening ear and useful support. Over 140 different

agencies can provide clients with Foodbank vouchers. Short term provision is given, with each food parcel containing enough tinned and dried food for a balanced diet for three days.

During July Plymouth Foodbank helped nearly 900 people were served, two-thirds of them adults and one-third children, providing a total of almost 8,000 meals.

The Foodbank relies on donations of food, toiletries and money. In one week recently they spent £3,000 of donated money to supplement donated goods. There are still some empty shelves in the warehouse. Donations can be taken to Plymouth Foodbank, The Oasis Project, 28 Manor Street, Stonehouse, PL1 1TW.  For more information contact info@plymouth.foodbank.org.uk 01752 254981 or follow them on Facebook or twitter.

faith is that whoever trusts in Jesus will have eternal life.

I’m not going to convince you of the truth of that statement. Even in my life it is one which takes faith, rather than absolute certainty, to grasp hold of.

What I will do though is encourage you to listen to the Life Stories interview with Emma Marlow. She shared far better than I ever can, from personal experience, how this promise continues to give her and her family real hope about where her son is now and the expectation that they will be reunited one day.

Her son trusted in this promise for himself and Emma remarked on the incredible peace he had in facing the final days of his young life.

Emma’s reason for sharing her story is to give hope to those who hear it that this promise is for anyone.

You can listen to the interview on the Listen Again pages at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth or watch it on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth YouTube channel on youtube.com.

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

Life-saving defibrillator installed at Old Wharf in Oreston

Support for Foodbank: Lion President Bob Dight, Lion Phil Greenwood, Rachel Javan, warehouse co-ordinator, and Lion Pam Greenwood

Dave Simpson

Radford Ward councillor Rebecca Smith pictured with councillor colleagues and members of the Old Wharf Residents Association at the event marking the installation of the defibrillator

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Views sought on new adult care facility

There is still a chance for residents to have their say on the new £10 million adult care facility in Plymouth, a service that will support adults with learning disabilities by offering a combined day and respite service in one central location.

The state of the art, modern and accessible building is being designed specifically to support people with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs. It will include 12 en-suite bedrooms and six self-contained apartments with their own courtyard gardens to offer short respite breaks.

The facility will also include different spaces for activities such as sensory rooms, art rooms, gardens, and a kitchen.

Located on the site of a disused depot on Outland Road, which was once home to the council’s parks department, the facility will benefit from easy access to Central Park as well as strong transport links throughout the city.

The consultation launched earlier this year, with drop-in events and an online survey, and the survey has now been re-opened following requests for further information

about how the council will make the facility as low carbon and sustainable as possible.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “A lot of hard work has

gone into designing this new centre of excellence and I hope that others will agree that it will not only

improve our existing adult social care offer, but it will also transform a disused piece of land at the edge of Central Park.

“Supporting our must vulnerable residents, and their families is the utmost importance to the council. I believe that this new centre will be an excellent addition to the city.

“In addition, I am pleased that the facility will have strong environmental credentials, using low carbon materials, built to minimise heat loss, providing as much on-site renewable energy as possible, and improving nature and biodiversity on-site.”

Once built, the centre will replace the current daytime support offer at The Vine in Whitleigh and the respite provision offered by Colwill Lodge in Estover.

An online consultation is available until the September 17 at: https://plymouth-consult. objective.co.uk/public/jcasc/ asc_cp2023

Demolition of the existing depot buildings on the site was carried out earlier this year. A full planning application is due to be submitted this autumn, ahead of the procurement for the construction of the new facility.

Artist’s impression of the new care facility which will be built on the site of disused council depot on Outland Road

to Plymouth trades & services

Plastering

Former Plympton councillor John Lock has passed away

A former Plympton Councillor and past chairman of Plympton Community Council has died.

Ernest John Lock, known as John, passed away peacefully at Derriford Hospital on Sunday August 13, aged 85.

In his early years John was a sheep shearer and also rounded up sheep on Dartmoor on horseback. His main occupation was then as a heavy plant driver. In later life John took up an interest in politics and served four terms as a councillor for the Plympton Erle Ward, being initially elected as a Liberal Democrat in May 1992 and served until May 1995. He later won a Plympton Erle seat on Plymouth City Council in May 2003 and successfully defended it the following year.

He successfully defended the seat a further time in 2008,

this time as a Conservative, and served until March 2012.

During his time on Plymouth City Council he was chair of planning. He later became Chairman of the non-party partisan Plympton Community Council before stepping down due to ill-health in 2014.

Among his other voluntary roles in the community was chair of South West Devon Conservatives, school governor at St Mary’s Infant School and various roles at Plympton St Maurice Church. John is survived by his wife Jackie, children Chris, Louise and Richard and grandchildren Rosa and Holly.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind messages of support at this sad time. A private family funeral has been held.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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New walking and cycling champion

Plymouth City Council has appointed a walking and cycling champion to promote and encourage more active travel.

Providing cleaner, greener and healthier ways for people to get around Plymouth is one of the council’s top priorities and, in his new role, Councillor John Stephens will be aiming to get more people walking, wheeling and cycling, both for their everyday journeys and for leisure.

He will work alongside Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, in identifying and bringing about improvements to make active travel easier and raising awareness of the support that is available.

“Walking, wheeling and cycling are great ways to stay fit and healthy, save money and explore the city, while also helping to improve local air quality,” said Councillor Stephens. “We want to ensure that these are appealing travel options for everyone, by providing the routes, infrastructure and support they need.

“As well as helping to guide our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, I will be working to promote the practical support on offer for people keen to make more journeys on foot or by bike, such as free cycle training, bike maintenance, led rides and a whole range of online resources.

“I’ll also be supporting local safety schemes and improvements that make it easier to walk, cycle and use mobility scooters and wheelchairs, such as new and improved crossings, footways and cycleways, as well as initiatives such as Safer School Streets and the Bike It Plus programme for schools.”

Councillor Mark Coker added: “We want to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle in Plymouth and that means ensuring there is a comprehensive network of routes that everyone feels confident using, regardless of their level of experience or physical ability.

“Active travel has so many benefits – it is low-cost, it is great for your health and wellbeing and it helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality.

“I look forward to working with Councillor Stephens, as well as key partners and stakeholders like Sustrans and Plymouth Cycling Campaign, to maximise walking and cycling opportunities in Plymouth and encourage more people to give them a go, more often.”

The latest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Plymouth can be viewed at www.plymouth.gov.uk/localcycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan

Coun John Stephens

Rarely seen masterpiece will be centre of attention at special ‘conservation in action’ event

A giant painting which hasn’t been seen in public for decades will be rolled out at The Box in September, as part of a live ‘conservation in action’ event.

Lady Jane Grey at Her Place of Execution was painted in 1839 by Plymouth-born artist Solomon Hart (18061881). The painting, which measures over three and a half metres high by just under three and a half metres wide (12 feet high by 11 feet wide), has been in storage for years. Now, the team at The Box are keen to explore its possibilities for the future.

Hart is widely considered to be one of the most influential Jewish artists of 19th century Britain. He was the first Jewish person to be elected to London’s prestigious Royal Academy and was also its Librarian for 17 years. His legacy in this role is huge as during his tenure he increased the expenditure on books significantly.

Unfortunate

Hart devoted an entire year to painting his ambitious work which shows the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554) about to meet her demise.

She stands before the block at the Tower of London looking to the sky, while the grim outlines of the battlements and her executioner loom behind her. It was the painting that secured Hart’s election to the Royal Academy.

Grey is often referred to as ‘The Nine Days Queen’. She was the greatgranddaughter of Henry VII and inherited the crown from her cousin Edward VI on July 9 1553. By July 19, her cousin Mary Tudor had been proclaimed queen instead. Lady Jane was imprisoned in the Tower of London where she had been preparing for her coronation.

She was tried and convicted of high treason, and executed on February 12 1554.

Despite his success with the Royal Academy, the enormity of the painting proved to be a challenge for Hart. He kept it rolled up for 40 years until 1879, when he gave it to his hometown of Plymouth to be hung in the newly-built Guildhall.

The painting was then moved and displayed at the former City Museum and Art Gallery in 1911, but was rolled for storage before the outbreak of the Second World War and has remained there ever since.

Now, thanks to The Box’s conservation in action event it will be slowly unrolled in view of visitors.

A team of conservation experts will then assess its condition to understand the stability of the canvas and paint layers in order to plan the scale of restoration required and the costs involved.

In the 1980s, the painting was ‘faced up’ with tissue to secure loose paint and protect the surface. This treatment will be examined to see how

effective the facing has been and how easy it is to remove. The assessment will give The Box a much better idea about the potential for displaying the painting in the future.

“We are really proud of Solomon Hart’s achievements and are delighted to be sharing his work and story with our audiences,” said collections manager Steve Conway.

Impressive

“The Execution of Lady Jane Grey is an ambitious painting that deserves to be seen – even the original gilded frame which has been dismantled and aged over the years is impressive.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to be really transparent about some of the important work that usually takes place behind the scenes. It’s set to be a fascinating few days for everyone involved.”

The schedule for the conservation in action

A new hotel for Plymouth has moved a stage closer thanks to a deal to unblock a key stalled site in the city.

The former Prince Rock playing fields on Embankment Road has been earmarked for redevelopment since 2018, but in common with other development projects, has stalled due to an increase in costs as well as changes in the proposed scheme.

Now a decision has been signed by Council Leader Tudor Evans to enter into a forward funding agreement which will enable planning permission to be sought for the commercial development of the site – with a hotel as its anchor tenant – to be built and let out.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We have said before, this administration is all about getting things done and attracting new investment into the city. This was one of a number of stalled projects that we have revisited to see what the Council can do to get this project on track.

“It is one of the busy entrances to the city and this decision will help speed up the start of work and what’s more, could create around 70 jobs in the completed development as well as supporting jobs in the construction phase.”

The extra funding is currently confidential due to commercial

A brand new, multi-agency CCTV control centre with fully upgraded technology is now keeping a watchful eye on Plymouth’s streets and road network.

New hotel on Prince Rock site one step closer thanks to funding agreement

sensitivities, but it will be financed through the Property Regeneration Fund. This deal will also bring a longer term rental income into the Ccouncil.

The council owns the 1.5ha (3.6 acre) development plot and its proposed new life with a hotel and other leisure features support economic development and the growth agenda in Plymouth.

The site has not been used as a playing field for many years and has been allocated for a mixed use development under the Plymouth and South West Devon Local Plan.

event will see the unrolling on September 27 followed on September 28 and 29 with condition reporting, treatment and recording. The painting will be on public view on September 30 and October 1. This will be followed on October 3 and 4 with additional condition reporting and then rerolling.

Opening hours at The Box are 10am to 5pm. Admission is free and there’s no need to book.

The Box will be holding an informal Bitesize talk about Solomon Hart at 1pm on September 27.

‘Hart of Plymouth’, a brilliant one-man show written and created by David Prescott and performed by Derek Frood (Poldark, Manhunt) will also take place at The Box on September 30 and October 1.

For full details and to book tickets to one or both events, visit the What’s On section of www. theboxplymouth.com.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the new centre monitors 356 cameras across Plymouth, covering its key transport routes, car parks, district shopping centres and city centre pedestrian areas.

It replaces ageing facilities previously located in the Council House and brings together teams from across the council, including CCTV operators, urban traffic control officers and staff from highways maintenance contractor South West Highways in a more modern, collaborative working space.

It also includes a dedicated room for the police, where they can monitor and review footage without having to interrupt day-to-day operations.

With 57 high-definition screens (which can also provide multiple split-screens), staff can now display images from at least three times as many locations as before, at a much higher resolution.

Direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) mean the CCTV and Urban Traffic Control teams can now work more closely together to monitor sites and respond to any issues, from medical incidents or anti-social behaviour to traffic collisions or road flooding.

The centre is also fully connected to the emergency help points in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley.

Dated computer equipment and systems have been replaced, with improved traffic control software and better connectivity to signalised

New CCTV centre will help keep city safe

junctions, so engineers can adapt timings in response to problems on the city’s roads.

Systems also draw in traffic data from the council’s public transport and events teams as well as the emergency services and the Tamar Bridge and will soon also include occupancy data from the city’s car parks.

Engineers are also developing journey time monitoring, which will help to identify congestion hotspots, improve signal timing efficiency and inform future traffic management strategies (for example in managing events, such as Plymouth Argyle home matches). It will also enable teams to better manage traffic flow and provide priority where necessary, for example to improve bus service reliability.

Data from the city’s weather forecasting stations is also collated at the centre to plan winter road gritting and emissions monitoring from air quality sensors at designated sites such as Mutley Plain now means traffic control staff can respond to immediate air quality deterioration, for example by releasing queuing vehicles.

The new centre was made possible thanks to funding secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Solomon Hart (1806-1881), Lady Jane Grey at Her Place of Execution, 1839 ©The Box, Plymouth

Comedian Russell Brand will support Trevi’s Blossom Appeal with live show in city

Award-winning comedian, actor and author Russell Brand will be performing his new live show in the city to raise money for Plymouth women’s charity, Trevi’s 30th anniversary Blossom Appeal.

Russell will bring his new show ‘ ‘Bipolarisation’ to Plymouth Pavilions on September 22 in aid of the Blossom Appeal, to raise £50,000 for the charity’s new women-only accommodation in Plymouth.

A passionate activist for mental health and drug rehabilitation, Russell was introduced to the charity by a former resident who attended one of his retreats. She told of the amazing support she received from the charity and how she believed it saved her life.

Russell said: “I’m so pleased to be able to lend my support to Trevi - I’ve been in awe of the work they do from the minute I was introduced to them through my friend - one of the only places in the UK that allows kids to stay whilst they help mothers in recovery - literally giving mothers back their children. They provide wonderful safe and nurturing spaces for women in recovery to heal, grow and thrive.”

Russell’s charitable organisation, The Stay Free Foundation, focuses on supporting people through recovery from addiction, their mental health and the non-profit organisations that help them.

Hannah Shead, Trevi chief executive, said: “We are looking forward to working with Russell and the Stay Free Foundation. We are excited that he is able to support us with this show. This is Trevi’s biggest appeal to date and will have a significant impact on the lives of women in recovery from trauma and abuse!“

Tickets for Russell’s new live show, Bipolarisation, show can be purchased at www. plymouthpavilions.com. For more information, please contact communications@trevi.org.uk

PUBLIC NOTICE

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

Rycliff Cars Limited trading as Rycliff Cars Limited of Unit 6, Athena Court, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV346RT

Is applying for a licence to use Turnchapel Wharf, Barton Road, Turnchapel, Plymouth, PL9 9RQ

as an operating centre for:

2 goods vehicles

AND 2 trailers

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use of or enjoyment of the land would be affected, should make a written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Huge £700k grant boost for community-led initiatives

Local community groups, businesses and organisations can now apply for a major grant, helping them deliver projects that will improve the lives of local people, benefit the environment and boost the economy.

As part of Plymouth City Council’s delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it is launching a new £700,000 community grants scheme. Any organisation in the city, including voluntary, community, social enterprise groups or businesses in Plymouth are invited to apply for a major slice of the funding to deliver their projects.Projects eligible for community grants must demonstrate positive impacts under one or more of the following themes:Cost of living challenges

• Focusing on Net Zero

• Supporting our communities/creating resilient communities

• Regenerating community heritage assets

The council is looking to fund up to two major projects from this funding and are encouraging local organisations to collaborate and come forward with their ideas on how this significant grant could make a difference to their work. Projects have to be delivered by March 2025.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/uk-sharedprosperity-fund

Helplines

Crowdfunder launched for Shekinah’s new home based at Stonehouse Creek

Plymouth’s homelessness charity Shekinah has set the local business community the challenge to help raise £20,000 by the end of October to furnish their new centre at Stonehouse Creek.

Opening in January 2024 after the refurbishment works are completed, Shekinah will move from their current location in Bath Street to the purpose designed centre to continue supporting people who are experiencing all forms of homelessness.

Offering a wider range of services needed to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities in the local community, Shekinah’s new centre will provide expanded community facilities; health services; training, education, employment and housing services; and a café.

By better integrating the services from a wide range of local providers and enabling delivery of these critical services from this new single site, the Stonehouse Creek centre will significantly improve access for the city’s most vulnerable people.

The ambition to raise £20,000 through Shekinah’s crowdfunding campaign will enable the charity to invest in furnishing the new centre with high quality furniture and equipment.

John Hamblin, chief executive at Shekinah said: “This is about raising the aspirations of the people we support and give them a building they deserve, not having to make do as they’ve had to their whole lives, this is a real chance

to give people more. A successful crowdfunding campaign will enable us to equip the beautiful building at Stonehouse Creek with beautiful furniture as opposed to making do.”

On announcing the crowdfunding campaign, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Shayer said: “Today launches the start of the refurbishment project for Shekinah’s new HQ which will incorporate centralised services to support local people most in need. Through the crowdfunding campaign we will be able to make these people’s lives as good as they can be, let’s not let those disadvantaged feel second best. I urge our local business community to donate, fundraise and help us to make a huge difference to those facing all forms of homelessness.”

Carl Heslop, managing director of Obedair Construction said: “As principal contractor, we are very proud to be involved in delivering this prestigious community project as well as Shekinah being a key charity we support throughout the year. It is great to see the Building Plymouth partnership with the construction industry and the local business community coming together to support this important crowdfunding campaign as well as donating materials and labour in-kind to help us minimise costs to the charity throughout the refurbishment project.”

To donate and find out more about the crowdfunding campaign visit:www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/stonehouse-creek-refurbishment-project#start

Advertise to over 21,000 homes in Plympton and Plymstock

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe.

The November edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on October 6 with a copy deadline of September 25.

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

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

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

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Last month’s answers

Across: Across: 6 Abdicate, 8 Yaks, 9 Salad dressing, 10 Climatologist, 14 Reincarnation, 17 Weatherperson, 20 Anon, 21 Solidify.

Down: 1 Lira, 2 Bandit, 3 Cereal, 4 Eyesight, 5 Akin, 7 Braille, 11 Monotony, 12 Our, 13 Show-off, 15 Ageism, 16 Nipple, 18 Etna, 19 Reds.

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the publication.

Gables has been helping the regions unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. We take in and care for nearly 1000 cats and dogs every year.

We are a non-euthanasia charity, which means no healthy animal in our care is put to sleep. We receive no Government funding so rely completely on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies. We need your help to care for unwanted and aban doned animals in your local area.

Any donation, large or small, would make a significant difference to the work we do and will help to protect our future.

| www.gablesfarm.org.uk

Pictured at the Crowdfunder launch (from left) Lady Mayoress, Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Mark Shayer, Emma Hewitt Building Plymouth, John Hamblin Shekinah and Carl Heslop Obedair Construction