The Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North March 2020

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Derriford & North

March 2020

A Plymouth multiacademy trust has been recognised for its commitment to the wellbeing of pupils and staff See page 24

KEEP FIT, EARN MONEY Want to keep fit and earn money at the same time? Distributors and checkers needed for the Plymouth Chronicle!

See page 18 for more details.

Details of more Mayflower 400 commemorative events planned in 2020 See page 5

ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Community Job • Community Shop Directory • Cross Rhythms • Dial the Experts Experience

Whitleigh locals enjoy a fun time at College

A group of people aged from 70 to 92 from the Whitleigh area enjoyed a fun afternoon at City College in an event designed to bridge the age gap • Story on page 6

2 March 2020

2 March 2020

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The Box will put Plymouth on the cultural map and provide a major boost to the local economy The official opening of The Box - Plymouth’s £44 million cultural and heritage complex - is now less than three months away and it is set to put the city on the map in a big way.

When open, The Box will be the biggest cultural centre in the South West. It is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors a year and provide a major boost to the local economy.

The project brings back to life three Grade II listed buildings - the former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library and St Luke’s Church.

The Plymouth City Council-led project, backed by funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will cover nearly 8,000 square metres – more than three times the size of the original Museum and Art Gallery.

The Box will open on May 16 with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a new glass atrium, learning and research facilities and a brand new public square in Tavistock Place.

The weekend prior to the opening 6,000 local residents will be given the chance to preview The Box with tickets provided via a special ballot.

The Box’s stunning ‘archive in the sky’ is believed to be Europe’s largest bi-directional cantilever and will house over two million artworks, objects and documents that tell the story of Plymouth and its place in the world.

Project manager Caroline Cozens said: “We wanted to put our incredible archives front and centre of The Box and where these precious documents should be stored formed a key part of the design.

“Rather than being in a warehouse or in a basement we wanted them to reflect how important they are by creating something bold and striking. The Box is on a dense inner-city site and the only way to build was up.”

The ‘floating box’ was constructed with over 6,200 tonnes of concrete - the equivalent of more than 500 double decker buses.

Beneath the ‘archive in the sky’ is the Active Archive gallery - part exhibition, part social space, part workspace. Visitors will be able to browse the Local Studies collection in comfortable seating and engage with maps from the last 500 years via an interactive digital ‘map table’.

There will also be a dedicated research room which features highlights from the city’s historically-significant Cottonian Collection.

Amassed during the 18th century, the collection is protected by an Act of Parliament and consists of 2,000 volumes, 100 Old Master drawings and 3,000 of the finest prints from England and Western Europe. This is the space where visitors to The Box will be able to request access to any of the collections stored in the ‘archive in the sky’.

The Box brings together six outstanding collections, including objects from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, archives from the Members of the media are given details of the new gallery at St Luke’s Church

The Box - key

Journalists and media representatives were given a special tour of The Box

facts and figures • The glazed façade of The Box is made up of 149 panes of glass • Visitors will be able to see a dramatic suspended ‘flotilla’ of 14 newly restored monumental ships’ figureheads, appearing to sail through the atrium • Light will flood in through the glass façade during the day and dramatically lit at night, visible from a new 800 square metres space outside on Tavistock Place • The lower levels of the façade feature 340sqm – and 82 tonnes – of locally quarried Plymouth limestone to give a marble effect • Internal fixings include steel hanging points for the ship figureheads. Each is capable of holding up to two tonnes • 3,500 square metres of interactive exhibition space and large permanent galleries are being created by exhibition designers Event Communications • There will be learning spaces for schools add a teaching room for the University of Plymouth as well as meeting rooms, a shop and café • The fit-out is led by specialist contractors The Hub who have worked with globallyimportant museums such as the V&A • Other prominent architectural features include the historic atrium of the original Edwardian museum with its terrazzo marble floor and from which all galleries and exhibition spaces can be accessed.

The Box chief executive Paul Brooks in the learning centre, which features a mural by Wyn George

Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, film and photographs from the South West Film and Television Archive and South West Image Bank, furniture, texts, Old Master drawings and art from the Cottonian Collection, and incredible animal specimens from the Plymouth Natural History Collection.

This rich blend of collections will enable stories of international and local significance to be told through immersive experiences and amazing objects.

There will be learning spaces for schools and a teaching room for the University of Plymouth as well as meeting rooms, a shop and café.

Meanwhile St Luke’s Church has been transformed to create a gallery space which will attract national contemporary and traditional art exhibitions.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “We have an epic history and some incredible archives - from an Elizabethan document dating from 1587 that gave Sir Francis Drake permission to be a privateer, to the city’s Bomb Book and of course, the original pasty recipe.

“For too long, we haven’t been able to show them off. Part of The Box’s vision was to create a dramatic and suitable new home for Plymouth’s treasured collections and now we have one. This is cultural regeneration at its best.”

The three major exhibitions in the opening programme are:

• Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy will be the largest commemorative Mayflower exhibition in history with over 300 objects. Co-curated with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee, it will turn history on its head.

• Making It: International contemporary art exhibition featuring newly commissioned works

by Antony Gormley, Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes and Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha.

• Kehinde Wiley: A three-channel film work

by Kehinde Wiley - the first digital work by this internationally renowned painter.

For more information visit www. theboxplymouth.com

Rare work of art saved for The Box The Box has secured significant funding to keep rare work of art in the UK.

placed an export bar on the sculpture in a bid to keep it in the UK. Now, thanks to five awards of £137,200 from The Box has raised nearly a quarter of a million the National Heritage Memorial Fund, £30,050 pounds from five key funders to save a rare piece from Art Fund, £20,000 from the Arts Council of 19th century studio pottery for the nation.

England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, £15,000 from The work of art is a large sculpture of an the Henry Moore Foundation and £10,000 from the anthropomorphic crab. It’s a humorous object Decorative Arts Society, the work will remain in the measuring almost half a metre long with grinning UK and become part of The eyes, a curling moustache, Box’s permanent collections. cropped beard and smile of As well as being a uneven teeth. significant addition to The It was made in June Box’s existing and popular 1880 by Robert Wallace collection of Martinware, the Martin (1843-1923) and crab also connects with its is the earliest, largest natural history collections surviving sculpture by him and will provide inspiration in the UK. Robert and his for family events and STEM brothers Walter, Edwin and activities for schools.

Charles are considered the The Box is also first art potters of Britain and developing an exhibition excelled as designers and The Martinware crab. Image courtesy of highlighting the work of makers.

Phillips. the Martin Brothers, their Until now, the crab has influence and South West connections and art and been held in private collections. The only other science in the Victorian age for 2021/2022. known work of this scale is believed to be in To find out more about The Box a private collection in the USA. Last year, the visit theboxplymouth.com Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

March 2020

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Plymouth secures another £500,000 for Plymotion Plymouth City Council has secured another £500,000 from the Department for Transport’s Access Fund to continue its successful Plymotion travel programme.

The final assembly of the mammoth takes place, watched by City Council leader Tudor Evans and shadow leader Ian Bowyer

Mammoth moment at The Box The Box, Plymouth’s £44 million cultural and heritage complex, celebrated a ‘huge’ moment in February as its stunning fully assembled woolly mammoth was revealed for the first time.

The life-sized, as yet un-named female was inspired by a mammoth tooth in The Box’s collections, discovered at Yealm Bridge Cavern on the nearby Kitley Estate. Fossils show that woolly mammoths were roaming Plymouth 35,000 years ago, alongside bears, cave lions, hyenas and woolly rhinos.

The mammoth and tooth will be displayed together in The Box’s new natural history gallery, along with 3,000 other specimens including insects, taxidermy, minerals and skeletons.

Jan Freedman, curator of Natural History at The Box said: “Our mammoth is the ideal ‘wow’ object for The Box’s new natural history gallery. For thousands of years, mammoths were a very successful species, but they became extinct around 4,000 years ago as temperatures rose and humans hunted for meat, bones and fur. As a symbol of something our planet has lost, she highlights both the brilliance and fragility of nature.”

The mammoth has been built by Blue Rhino Studio, based in Minnesota, USA. The company specialises in interpretive design and artistic fabrication for visitor centres and

museums around the world.

Like the majority of all large-scale sculptures created at Blue Rhino, the fabrication of the mammoth began with the production of a detailed clay model that captured her mass, pose, gesture and scale. This painstaking process enabled the team to scrutinise and make adjustments to the design before she was sculpted at full-scale. She’s been created from fire retardant architectural foam and sealed with a fibreglass resin.

One of the most challenging aspects was replicating her fur. Blue Rhino had to carefully consider its colour, texture and direction and then applied it by hand from the feet up to create an amazingly realistic finish.

The mammoth was then disassembled into three sections and prepped for shipping. She arrived in Southampton docks in February and was then carefully transported to her new home in Plymouth.

Tim Quady, Owner of Blue Rhino Studio said: “Creating a large-scale beast like this is always a challenge but we thrive on pushing ourselves in new directions and love working on these sort of projects. We’re really pleased that she arrived safely after her long journey from Minnesota and hope The Box’s visitors enjoy seeing her as much as we’ve enjoyed creating her.

“This was our first project in the UK and we have been delighted with the way the project has been successfully completed. It took around five months to create and involved a team of up to 17 people. We have sought advice and input from the most experienced paleontologists and as far as we know this should be the most scientifically accurate and believable mammoth.”

He said that the mammoth’s fur had been created by the same company responsible for the fur on Chewbacca of Star Wars fame.

Visitors will be able to see the mammoth in situ when The Box opens to the public from Saturday May 16.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “This really is a mammoth moment and I think she looks brilliant! Woolly mammoths are one of the most iconic creatures from the Ice Age and this is going to be a great way for visitors to The Box to come face to face with the type of animal that lived here many thousands of years ago.”

Plymouth City Council Shadow Leader, Ian Bowyer said: “It’s fascinating to think these sort of beasts once roamed around the area where we all live today. It’s been great to see the mammoth in its fully assembled state for the first time and I’m sure visitors to The Box are going to be just as impressed.”

To find out more about The Box visit theboxplymouth.com

“It’s been totally worth it and I am beyond proud of what’s been achieved. The preview weekend is an opportunity for us to say thank you to some of our local residents and show those who are successful in the ballot the amazing museum, gallery and archive they’ve helped to create.”

If you live in the PL1-7 and PL9 postcode areas you can register your interest in attending the preview weekend via the ‘Visit’ section of theboxplymouth.com People will be asked to select their preferred time slot of 10am-12pm, 12.30pm2.30pm or 3pm-5pm on Saturday May 2 or Sunday May 3 and can apply for a maximum of four tickets each.

The ballot will close at 9am on March 30.

Tickets will then be allocated via a random selection and everyone who is successful will be notified by April 24.

Plymouth City Council Shadow Leader, Ian Bowyer said: “The preview weekend will be a brilliant celebration for the city and everyone who has believed in The Box. “Seeing peoples’ reactions when they walk through the doors is going to be such a proud moment for everyone involved. I hope as many people as possible apply for tickets for this unique opportunity and wish everyone the best of luck!”

The Box will open to the public from 10am on Saturday 16 May.

Ballot for ‘Plymouth Preview’ is now open The ballot for The Box’s ‘Plymouth Preview’ weekend has now opened.

The preview weekend will take place on May 2 and 3 and will give households which pay tax to Plymouth City Council the chance to explore the city’s newly developed museum, gallery and archive a fortnight before it opens to the public.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “We’ve backed The Box right from the start and have invested a great deal in this world-class project at a time when many other local authorities have had to make the difficult decision to cut their arts and heritage budgets.

Plymotion aims to make it easier for people to get around Plymouth by bike, on foot and by bus. It offers incentives to try greener, cheaper and healthier ways of getting from A to B, including the opportunity to speak to a travel advisor about all the options available for the regular journeys they make.

Travel advisors provide information on different modes such as walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport. They help people find the cheapest, quickest or healthiest options for all journeys, especially to and from work. They have an absolute focus on people, providing the most suitable advice for their transport needs.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said “I’m really pleased the Department for Transport recognises the value of the Plymotion programme and has awarded the scheme a further £500,000.

“In 2019 our Plymotion team were highly commended at the Transport Planning Society People’s Award, where judges look for projects that involve people in the planning and improve access to services, quality of life and well-being. It’s therefore great news that Plymotion can continue for another year.

“As a Council we are committed to tackling climate change and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. At the heart of our action plan is a recognition of the need to tackle transport emissions. Providing realistic transport choices is a key part of our strategy. Through encouraging and enabling more trips using sustainable transport, through Plymotion, we’re helping the city go green.

“Our 2018/19 programme saw a 15 per cent decrease in driving a car to work, a 13 per cent increase in cycling and a 22 per cent increase in bus use amongst people who had spoken to a Plymotion travel advisor.

“I’m really proud of the team’s work and encourage residents and businesses across the city to find out how Plymotion can help them with the regular journeys they make.”

The Plymotion programme spans leisure and commuter trips, businesses and residents and includes free adult cycle training, bike maintenance checks and led rides, helping people cycle for the first time or become a regular commuter cyclist.

For businesses Plymotion can also offer cargo bike trials to allow companies to give green logistics a go and match funding to help organisations overcome obstacles to sustainable transport, as well as supported walking and cycling challenges to incentivise employees to get active.

Plymotion also works in schools, with dedicated staff helping the entire school community with their commute, also supported by sustainable travel grants and exciting competitions.

Finally, Plymotion travel advisors are on hand to offer personalised travel advice to local residents, helping them make the best choice for the local journeys they make.

The team are looking forward to helping more people walk, cycle and use public transport in the year ahead.

For more details or information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/plymotion

4 March 2020

4 March 2020

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Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Plymouth Railway Circle Various dates All meetings take place at St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell starting at 7.30pm.

Admission charge £1 (members), £2 (visitors). Visitors are very welcome.

Mar 16: John Truscott and Bernard Mills present ‘Images and sounds of West Country Steam in the early Sixties.’

Bernard and John join up again to provide a combination of authentic sound and images of steam, including local trains in the West Country and also in the Isle of Wight, climbing Shap and int Edinburgh.

Plympton Fuchsia and Geranium Group Mar 10 Guest speaker is John Nicholass from the British Fuchsia Society. John is very knowledgeable and even the more experienced gardeners will find his talk interesting. The meeting takes place in the Main Hall at Harewood House starting at 7.30pm. Guests are always made most welcome and reasonably priced refreshments are available half way through the meeting. There is also a raffle.

Wind in The Willows Mar 11 to 14 Presented by the award Winning Sounds Musical Theatre Company at Devonport Playhouse. A riotous new musical comedy, a timeless story of woodland adventure, hi- jinks, villainy and true friendship.

Appealing to all ages with its catchy tunes, charming characterisation of the infamous Mr Toad and friends in their encounters with the devious Wild Wooders.

Book online www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or call 07395159955.

Jumble Sale Mar 14 Woodland Fort in Crownhill from 10am to 12 noon in aid of Hartor Ward at Derriford Hospital.

Table Top and Crafts sale Mar 14 Kings Tamerton Community Centre 10am until 2pm.

Refreshments available, £5 per table. To book a table ring 01752 298178 or 07955 962213.

Plymouth Collectors Toy & Train Fair Mar 15 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 2pm.

Admission £1. Children free. Free Parkingand café open.

Living Sustainably in a Modern World Mar 14 Emmanuel Church, Mannamead 11am to 5pm. A day of talks, workshops and stalls to discuss and debate how we can live sustainably in a modern world. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk Oxfam Fashion Show Mar 17 Plymouth Gin Distillery First ever Oxfam Fashion Show promoting vintage and up-cycled clothes modelled by lovely Oxfam volunteers. Hosted and supported by Plymouth Gin and the ticket price includes a free Plymouth Gin & Tonic (or soft drink) on arrival. Oxfam Fairtrade stock will be on sale along with fundraising raffle 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10, available from Oxfam Mutley Plain, 01752 228160.

Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Mar 18 Chris Stanbury, will play a wide variety of music from Big Band, songs from the Shows, 60s & 70s and much more at Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock 7.15pm.

Admission £5 including tea/coffee. Free parking. All welcome. For details call 01752 706712.

Mother’s Day Gift Workshop Mar 18 From 6pm to 7.30pm at Ocean Studios Makers Table, Royal William Yard, Plymouth. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to tailor make your mum her very own freshwater pearl bracelet. Or treat mum to a workshop and make one each, together!

All materials provided. Suitable for all levels. £20 per person. For details and tickets call 07465206809.

Not to be missed

Jon Culshaw Mar 14 Comedian, impressionist and star of BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringer’s, Jon Culshaw, accompanied by legendary comedy producer and author Bill Dare, bring their acclaimed show, The Great British Take Off to the Red House, Theatre, Millbay. An evening of unscripted, spontaneous comedy and conversation as politicians, sports personalities and celebrities are all up for a roasting. Details and tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com

Plymouth Bike Night Photo courtesy of Jeremiah’s Journey

Plymouth Bike Night Mar 19 The first bike night of 2020 on Plymouth Hoe, starting at 5.45pm. All proceeds to local charities.

Men’s Day Out Mar 28 Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2020! Join hundreds of men on the move, supporting St Luke’s and helping us to be there for more families who need us at the toughest of times. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, the walk kicks off at 10am and follows a planned route taking in some of Plymouth’s most famous sights, including the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe waterfront. Walkers then return to Albion’s ground in time to see their not-to-be-missed clash with their Richmond rivals. Registration is still £32, which covers the logistical costs including t-shirt, pasty, pint and entry to the rugby match - it’s the additional money raised through sponsorship that makes the real difference to patient care in the community. Places at this popular event are always in big demand, so beat the scrum and register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For details or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice.org. uk/mensdayout/

Mayflower Ocean Festival May 4 to 10 Celebrating Plymouth’s status as Britain’s Ocean City, bringing together OSTAR and TWOSTAR races with the city’s existing Pirates Weekend Plymouth on May 9 and 10 and a host of new activities that will get people on the water.

Plymouth History Festival May 8 to 31 City-wide programme of activity, including talks, tours, reenactments and exhibitions run by local people and organisations in Plymouth. Co-ordinated

by The Box and supported by Plymouth City Council (PCC) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme for 2020 will also connect with the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations.

VE Day 75 May 8 Join in the VE Day 75 celebrations, on Plymouth Hoe, from 11am to 5pm to celebrate and remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad. In association with the Royal British Legion, Plymouth will be providing an opportunity for the local community and visitors to pay tribute to those millions who gave so much, with a day of celebrations and commemoration to enjoy and take part in. Featuring Veterans Village, military bands, a range of preserved military vehicles and exciting displays and re-enactments by Hidden Heritage, and interactive displays. Follow in Plymouth’s historic tradition, with the iconic Tea Dance from 3.05pm, on the Promenade where dances took place, during World War II.

RSPB Plymouth Mar 18 Indoor meeting at Trinity United Reform Church, Tor Lane, Hartley, Plymouth, starting at 7.30pm. Talk by Ian Gasper on ‘Birds of Patagonia.’ Entrance for non members £4, refreshments and raffle.

Plymouth Bike Night Mar 19 The first Plymouth Bike Night is on The Hoe Promenade starting at 5.45pm. All proceeds go to local charities.

matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets from Box Office 01752 842197 or online at www.pgstheatre.com

is free. Entrance to church hall is from Crownhill Road or the car park behind Crownhill shops.

Spring Fayre Mar 28 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall, The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3pm. Stalls selling toys, gifts, jewellery and beads, bric-a-brac, etc.

Refreshments will be available. There are still a limited number of tables to hire at £5. To book call 01752 362161.

Samaritans Annual Literary Event Mar 19 Kitley House Hotel from 9am to 6pm. .Motivational literary event at which five different speakers and authors talk about their books and their journey through their challenges. Raising funds for the local Samaritans branch. Tickets from www.helmtickets.com/ events/5214

Easter Fayre Mar 28 St Budeaux Community Centre 2pm to 4pm. Stalls and refreshments available. To hire a stall charge £5 contact the secretary 01752 365246.

La Grande Messe Apr 4 Buckfast Abbey at 7.30pm. Brent Singers presents rare concert version of a 19th century Parisian high mass. Accompanied by David Davies and William Mason playing both organs. Director Matthew Searles.

Tickets from Buckfast Abbey www.buckfast.org.uk/ onlineshop/tickets and www.brentsingers.org.uk

Family Fun Fair Mar 20 to Apr 19 Anderton & Rowlands return to Central Park with their popular family fair. All rides £1 per person.

Plymouth Area Police Choir Mar 20 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 7.30pm.

In aid of the Organ Restoration Fund. For details contact Marilyn Goldsborough on 01752 564847.

Musicality Mar 21 Plymouth Pavilions hosts the annual event where 500 young musicians from across Plymouth unit to celebrate their love of music at the city’s two, annual youth ensembles concerts from 1.30pm to 8.30pm.

Tickets www.Plymouth Pavilions.com or 0333 772 7727.

The Pirates of Penzance Mar 24 to 28 Presented by PGS Theatre Productions at the Devonport Playhouse. Nightly at 7.30pm. Saturday

Carlton Big Band Mar 29 Duke of Cornwall Hotel, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Tickets available from The Duke of Cornwall or on the door.

Designers Makers Spring Market Apr 4 and 5 With Easter just around the corner, Ocean Spring Market at Royal William Yard heralds the beginning of a new creative season. Offering hand-made craft, intriguing art and sublime design along with seasonal delights and creative workshops, what better way to enjoy the spring holidays than a trip to Ocean Artists Designers Makers Market. Free entry from 9am to 4pm.

Details www.www.ocean-markets.co.uk Coffee Morning Apr 4 Crownhill Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12 noon.

Various stalls including delicious cakes and savouries, books, CDs and DVDs, bric-a brac and a raffle. All monies raised will be used to support the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators, an important task in Papua New Guinea where there are hundreds of languages.

All are welcome to the coffee morning where they will find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and admission

Plympton Flower Arrangement Club Apr 7 Harewood House, Plympton at 7.20pm. Demonstrator Lisa Davies, whose theme will be ‘Early Spring’ and and on April with demonstrator Sue Neale, whose theme will be Around the World in two hours. The April meeting will also include an Easter hamper raffle, a chance to win a hamper. Items for inclusion in the Easter hamper can be brought to the March meeting and are very much appreciated. Visitors always welcome, charge £4.

Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Apr 15 Guest artiste Elizabeth Harrison with a delightful concert of music for all tastes at Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock starting at 7.15pm. Admission £5 including tea/coffee. Free parking. 01752 706712.

Weekender Festival May 8 and 9 Newnham Park, Plymouth. Brand new two day outdoor multi-genre music festival, with four stages, more than 20 of the biggest names in dance music. Selection of fully licensed bars and independent food vendors and two huge afterparties.

Tickets on sale now via Skiddle (including payment plan options)www.skiddle.com/e/13672542

March 2020

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Get Active campaign will deliver year long health and wellbeing programme The 12 month Mayflower 400 Get Active programme jumped out of the blocks as over 500 Plymouth residents registered to start the New Year by taking part in the health and well-being programme that runs through the year alongside the many cultural events happening in 2020.

Supported by sports clubs and organisations all over the city, Argyle Community Trust are leading the charge, providing opportunities for members of the public to become involved in sports ranging from golf to basketball, football to hockey and many more.

Each month of the calendar year focusses on a special theme or sport and local providers are being encouraged to put on incentivised sessions which people can try, many of which will be free of charge.

The Get Active campaign also encompasses one-off events that include the hosting of a Special Olympics competition with participants from a number of countries and, importantly in Mayflower 400 year, competitors from Leiden in Holland and the United States will also be entered.

Additional mass-participation activities include the Mayflower 400 Big Toddle, organised by Barnardo’s, aiming to raise monies for local community nurseries.

Furthermore, the piazza in Plymouth’s city centre will host ten community open events which celebrate sport in our city.

Working with Plymouth Raiders and Plymouth Albion, the programme will also feature basketball and rugby youth invitational tournaments respectively, including teams from other geographical cities with a link to the journey of the Mayflower passengers.

Daniel Hart, social inclusion manager at Argyle Community Trust’s dedicated Mayflower 400 team, said: “We want 2020 to be the year in which the people of our city take the opportunity to try new things, commit to new challenges and initiate a healthier

new challenges, commit to healthier lifestyles and to meet new people within their community.

With activities ranging from fitness classes through to rugby, golf, hockey, netball and more, there really is something for everyone with a different theme each month throughout the Mayflower year,” explained Councillor Peter Smith.

A dedicated website, www.m400sport.co.uk gives information on all aspects of the Mayflower 400 Get Active programme and you can find out more from the Mayflower 400 website at www. mayflower400uk.org/plymouth

Spirit of Adventure project aims to get young people on the water A new project hopes to give more than 350 disadvantaged children in Plymouth an exciting and unique opportunity, and a crowdfunding page has been launched to help make it a reality.

As part of the Mayflower Ocean Festival – which takes place from May 4 to 10 – the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ project will give children and young people from Plymouth the chance to enjoy hands-on adventures aboard traditional wooden sailing ships.

Spirit of Adventure aims to connect young people with the Mayflower story, and with the ocean. The project is aimed at disadvantaged children, including children who are living in poverty, children in care and young carers, who have not had the chance to go sailing before.

Sarah Gibson, chief executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID (PWP), the organisation which is running the crowdfunder said: “Even though Plymouth boasts an enviable waterfront location as Britain’s Ocean City, many of our children and young people are disconnected with the ocean. We know that some of the city’s children have never been to Plymouth Hoe or visited

Plymouth Brick project to create lasting legacy A project to create community artwork as a lasting legacy for Mayflower 400 has launched a Crowdfunder appeal.

lifestyle. We are keen to celebrate and promote the hundreds of excellent community sport organisations and opportunities the city already features.’

Supported by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth School Sports Partnership, the Get Active campaign aims to provide a programme which delivers a legacy of improved sporting participation during and beyond the year of 2020.

“The Get Active programme is a chance for people to embrace sports and activities and to try something new. The chance to try activities throughout the city is an opportunity for the people of Plymouth to take up

the Barbican, let alone been on a wooden sailing boat.

“The schools we’re working with are located in some of the most deprived areas of the city. These children deserve to feel their own spirit of adventure, to test their skills as team players, as sailors and citizens of Britain’s Ocean City.

“We’re thrilled to be working on this project – and

when better to do it than during this extra special Mayflower 400 commemorative year. We’re asking local people and businesses to support Plymouth children and get behind this project to help make it happen.”

PWP have teamed up with The Island Trust, Sailing Tectona, the Lynher Barge, and the Bounty Project to run the adventurous sailing sessions. The four organisations have seven vessels between them, which will undertake daily voyages in Plymouth Sound during the Mayflower Ocean Festival.

Each day, groups of children will work together as a team, hoisting the sails and sailing the boats themselves with support from expert staff.

They will build communication, social and cooperation skills and feel a sense of responsibility and achievement, giving a much-needed confidence boost and memories to last a lifetime.

In order to make the project a reality, PWP and their partners need to raise £50,000. This will pay for all safety and boat costs, as well as transport, refreshments and resources for the young people.

To support the project donate online at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/spirit-ofadventure.

Mayflower 400: find out about the events in 2020 commemorating the journey of the Mayflower

mayflower400uk.org

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Plymouth Brick Project is a public art activity, developing an idea by local artist Dan Petley, that aims to bring new life to the Glen Park Avenue steps – an area close to Plymouth railway station that serves many locals, commuters and visitors to the city.

The aim of the project, with the help of local artists, is to turn the tired looking space into a monument of colour, by painting in acrylic, one brick at a time.

Locals who regularly pass through the area will be able to help renovate the space through a series of painting days giving the people of the city a collective and creative ownership of the walkway and breathing new life into the space.

With some funding from Mayflower 400 Community Sparks - a partnership project between Mayflower 400, Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, The Box and Vital Sparks - the project still needs further funding to help achieve its vision.

Dan Petley of Brick Project – a three person community interest company formed to effectively deliver this project, said: “People’s histories are important.

Our project focuses on the simple fact that history is made by ordinary people.

When the project is viewed after its completion, each painted brick made by an individual with the same intrinsic value as each of the other 3500 participants – the total number of bricks to be painted - will have its own story.”

Brick Project endeavours to restore the site while demonstrating that every citizen of Plymouth is significant, important and valued and creating something the whole community will be proud of.

To support the Crowdfunder and to help Brick Project achieve its £10,000 target, pledges need to be made by February 21.

To support the project, visit: www. crowdfunder.co.uk/plymouth-brickproject

COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

Local businesses, voluntary groups, organisations, groups and individuals are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is first Monday of the month prior.

DRIVER WANTED Saturday early morning delivery driver/deliver required. Must have own vehicle. Also newspaper deliverers required in Elburton, Plymstock and surrounding areas. Contact Elburton News on 01752 403871.

HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 0800 9230 039 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/ HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Age UK Plymouth are recruiting Help at Home Community Support Assistants for domestic tasks/ shopping for clients. This is a zero hour contract at national minimum wage, mileage is paid. Please visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk for full details and to complete an application form. Alternatively call on 01752 256020 for further details.

COMMISSION PAID SALESPERSON The Emotional Logic Centre charity has a children’s book series designed to make sense of emotions to prevent anxiety and mental illness and help autistic children to communicate. Materials for schools and businesses also. We need someone on a mission to promote this. Contact hello@emotionallogiccentre. org.uk or 01752 892455.

VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk

6 March 2020

College visit was real treat for local group A group of people aged between 70 and 92 were guests at City College Plymouth recently for an afternoon of dance, creative media, gaming and technology sessions.

The event was arranged with the help of Sir John Hunt Community College in Whitleigh, which hosts the group on a regular basis and its pupils join them for a series of activities, from special lunches to bingo and films.

The dance activity at City College saw the visitors learning part of a routine before being treated to a performance by the students. After a quick pit stop for coffee and cake, the visitors were then split into groups for a gaming and media experience, which involved testing a computer game programmed by the students, and a trip to the college’s Green Room. The group - who call themselves the Recycled Oldies - also enjoyed seeing their pictures come to life with the aid of augmented reality.

Beryl Underdown, one of the visitors, said: “It’s been a brilliant afternoon. We weren’t told where we were going; they kept everything a surprise.

The dancing was really good and got us all up and moving; being able to come here and experience all of these wonderful things is much better than just being at home in the armchair.”

Student, Connor Shaw, said: “It has been a great experience working with our visitors and being able to share our knowledge with them. We have also enjoyed some brilliant conversations and shared our views on a range of subjects - we were talking about theology at one point! It’s been fascinating to exchange ideas and opinions

Members of the group enjoying their time at City College

and to see how similar people from different age groups actually are.”

Students across the college have been involved with a number of initiatives in a bid to reduce the levels of loneliness in the local community.

This latest event was arranged by students and staff whose courses are part of the Media, Digital Industries and Performing Arts Academy. Rob Chadwick, academy manager, said: “The event has numerous benefits, but its key focus was on trying

to bridge the age gap between our students and some of the older members within the community.

It has been very rewarding for our students, who appear to have enjoyed it as much as our visitors.

“Students are expected to complete work experience during their time at the college, and organising this event has contributed towards that. It is brilliant to be able to work so closely with the community and to be able to hold worthwhile events such as these.”

MP meets with Mesothelioma team at Derriford Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, met with nurses from national charity, Mesothelioma UK at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to find out more about a major campaign aimed at raising awareness of, and providing treatment for, mesothelioma in the armed forces community.

Mesothelioma is an asbestosrelated cancer. National charity, Mesothelioma UK is delivering a national ‘Supporting our Armed Forces’ project to establish a specialist information, advice and ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE support service for armed forces Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley veterans and serving personnel ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If affected by mesothelioma. you are interested in the service and can spare the Johnny Mercer MP served in time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 the British Army for 10 years prior am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information. to becoming an MP and in 2019, was made a Parliamentary Under VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Secretary of State in both the Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers Cabinet Office where he jointly to have a doggy home board with them while their oversees a new Office of Veterans’ owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed Affairs. and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest He met with Christine Jones, dogs come with everything they need and only at Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired people , work at home and stay at home parents with Specialist (CNS) and Anne Moylan, school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You Mesothelioma UK Lead Nurse for must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or the Armed Forces project, to find out Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453. about the impact of mesothelioma in the Plymouth area and to learn more DISTRIBUTORS about what the charity’s Supporting Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Our Armed Forces project is doing Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help to support veterans and military deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential. personnel with the disease.

Development of the Supporting We are particularly looking for people to help cover our Armed Forces service is Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, supported by Government funding although other areas may be available. Please email from fines levied on the banking chris.etherington @cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623.

@PlymChronicle

Johnny Mercer pictured with Christine Jones, Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist and Anne Moylan, Mesothelioma UK Lead Nurse for the Armed Forces project

industry for manipulating the LIBOR rate (the London inter-bank lending rate). As part of the service, an Armed Forced Benefits Advisor has been employed to help clients to navigate the complex system of claiming compensation and accessing benefits - a system that is different to that for civilians. A dedicated Armed Forces Clinical Nurse Specialist has also been appointed.

A comprehensive research programme is nearing completion that will provide a broad insight into the impact of mesothelioma amongst our Armed Forces and veterans. Mesothelioma UK

is also collaborating with an increasing number of Armed Forces organisations to pool its resources and reach those veterans and armed forces personnel who need support.

Johnny Mercer commented: “It was great to see Chris and the team today; we are working on a flexible compensation package that suits the personal circumstances of veterans with mesothelioma caused by their military service and I look forward to seeing them again in London in due course.”

Anne Moylan from Mesothelioma UK added: “Mesothelioma UK is delighted to meet with Johnny Mercer MP to raise awareness of

our Supporting Our Armed Forces project. The service is hugely important, particularly in the areas of Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, given the high incidence of mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos that we’ve seen from patients in the local area, with people employed at the dockyards or based here during navy service.

“We hope that meeting Johnny will help to raise the profile of mesothelioma, the dangers of asbestos exposure and the availability of support for those in the Armed Forces and wider communities affected by it.”

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Local theatre group wants to recruit more members

ACT Theatre Group is currently looking for new members.

They are a small, friendly community theatre group, which produces two shows locally a year, a summer show - this year it’s Putting on the Ritz - for which they are rehearsing at the moment and a pantomime in December.

The group rehearses on a Monday night at the Miles Mitchell Community Hall in Crownhill, from 7.15pm. There is a small charge each week.

One of the group’s members Janet Robson said: “So if you have ever sung in the shower, or wanted to tread the boards why not come along on a Monday evening and meet the crew, we would love to see you.”

For more information please phone 07854850830. They would love to see you.

Ford Park Cemetery Trust celebrates 20th anniversary

Ford Park Cemetery’s first exhibition will celebrate 20 years of the Trust which has helped preserved important buildings and artefacts.

The exhibition - History of Ford Park - will give an insight into the work undertaken by the Trust, its staff and volunteers to protect the Victorian cemetery in the heart of Plymouth.

The exhibition will open for public viewing from Saturday March 28 and will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Entry is free, although donations are welcome.

In the meantime Ford Park Cemetery will be hosting its first model railway exhibition on the weekend on March 14 and 15. The exhibition will be presented by the Dartmoor 009 group.

It is open from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday. Entry is free.

The following weekend sees the annual Spring Fayre on Saturday March 21 with various stalls including bric-a-brac,jewellery and homemade cakes. The fair opens to the public from 11am to 2.30pm. Entry is free.

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8 March 2020

8 March 2020

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Abuse victim praises Together for Childhood initiative A woman who was sexually abused as a child has said a new programme of work to help prevent abuse has the power to change the lives of thousands of children, including many across Plymouth.

Emily has been finding out about how by joining forces with the community of Ernesettle, Together for Childhood is combatting child sexual abuse as part of an innovative programme that could be rolled out city-wide to prevent other children from going through what she went through.

The mother-of-one said: “I never thought I’d see a day when there would be a programme that can start preventing sexual abuse and abuse in general of children. I just didn’t think that was possible.

“Together for Childhood is tackling sexual abuse and abuse in so many different ways. It is no longer a taboo subject and that has the power to change the lives of thousands of children in this city and in this country and prevent thousands more going through sexual abuse and what I went through.

“Had that been surrounding me when I was little I think 100% I would have been able to get help.”

Under a Together for Childhood pilot, the NSPCC, partner organisations and the local community are working together to explore the best ways to protect children from sexual abuse.

Partners include Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board, Devon & Cornwall Police, Livewell South West, Barnardo’s, local schools and the voluntary sector.

Shelley Shaw, NSPCC’s development manager for Together for Childhood chatting with Emily, who suffered abuse as a child

United, they’re on a mission to prevent child sexual abuse, by identifying and addressing problems at a local level in a way that everybody understands.

The city’s #TalkPANTS campaign is one element of the programme, with children learning about it at school and parents given the relevant resources to start simple and age-appropriate conversations at home. High View Primary School students created a video to help reinforce the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign messages which was shared at the celebration event.

To help start the discussions, ladies at a local community group have knitted hundreds of pants for bears, which have become a familiar site

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Every adult has a responsibility to protect children in their care from abuse, and by bringing together different parts of the community child protection is becoming a real priority.

The community was formally recognised for its commitment to the programme of work at a special celebration event at the Parkway Social Club. Community members were joined by professionals from across the city, who learned how Together for Childhood is working in the community.

They heard how community action is making a real difference, with activity at the local youth club, Tea and Toast group, Ernesettle Community

School and the local sports hall, all contributing to embed and prioritise the safety of children within the wider community.

Simple messages are being reinforced in different areas of the community to ensure adults feel confident in protecting children, and children know how to identify trusted adults and speak out should they ever need to about something happening to them.

As well as workshops to plan how community members can get involved in the programme of work, and a drama performance from Space Shot Youth Club, attendees were the first to see a new Together for Childhood film being premiered in Ernesettle.

The NSPCC’s development manager for Together for Childhood in Plymouth, Shelley Shaw said: “Together for Childhood could change the lives of children across Plymouth. We know that one in 20 children will experience sexual abuse, and that a lot of children won’t realise that what is happening to them is abuse. We want to change that.

“It’s complex preventing abuse, but we are already taking steps forward and finding ways to break down the taboos that surround talking about sexual abuse.

“We have been overwhelmed by how local residents are supporting positive change in their community which is already benefiting children across the whole of the city.”

The community launch of Together for Childhood took place in Ernesettle in October 2018, following two years of work by the NSPCC and its partners in the city.

Ernesettle community recognised for the ‘real difference’ they are making as part of initiative Members of the Ernsettle community have been recognised for the positive difference they are making to protect local children with their involvement in a programme of work helping to prevent child sexual abuse.

Residents of Ernesettle have been at the heart of Together for Childhood since its public launch in October 2018, keen to do everything they can to ensure that children are protected from harm and lead the way in keeping children safe across Plymouth.

Community Engagement Lead for NSPCC, Jacky Wood said: “Without the incredible support of the Ernesettle community, Together for Childhood would not be making the progress it is to help safeguard children.

Working together, were ensuring adults in the community feel confident protecting children and informed about where to go should they ever be concerned about the welfare of a child.

“This programme is breaking down the taboos of speaking about abuse and when simple messages are reinforced throughout a community it makes a huge difference.”

Community members and groups were recognised for their commitment to Together for Childhood at two special celebration events. Dozens of community members and professionals attended the events at the Parkway Social Club and St Aiden’s Church in February.

Awards were presented by Cabinet member for Children and Young People at Plymouth City Council, Jemima Laing, and Strategic Service Manager at NSPCC in Plymouth, Oliver Mackie.

Individual residents were praised for their contribution, and Space Shot Youth Group, Exim Dance, Ernesettle Community Primary School, High View School and community group Tea and Toast were all presented with

Exim Dance were one of the groups to receive an award

accolades for their pivotal support for the programme, which ensures the safety of children is embedded in every layer of the community.

Bears with pants knitted by members of the community have become a familiar sight, and a useful conversation starter as part of the city’s #TalkPANTS campaign that forms part of Together for Childhood.

Community members Val Snedden, Laraine Jones, Margaret Hilton, and Val Wonnacott were recognised for the hundreds of pairs

of pants they have knitted for Together for Childhood. Sally Walker from Ernesettle Neighbourhood Forum has championed Together for Childhood from the beginning, sitting on the panel for the initial bid on behalf of her community.

She said: “It was great to see the Tea and Toasters recognised for their knitting.

How the NSPCC and Together for Childhood have become part of our community here in Ernesettle is great.”

As well as members of the local community, voluntary groups and school, partners include Kelly Powell representing Ernesettle Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community School receives an award Safeguarding Children Board, from Jemima Laing Devon & Cornwall Police, Livewell South West, and Barnardo’s.

Alison Sargeant was another community member recognised for her own involvement in the programme. She said: “The profound film with Emily set in Ernesettle will surely start conversations nationwide. I will follow with proud interest the results of the seed planted here in Ernesettle together for the ease of talking about child abuse past, present and future.”

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Councillor Chris Mavin, the Lord Mayor designate for 2020/21, is congratulated by current Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Ball

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Councillor Mavin was chosen at a meeting of the Lord Mayor’s Selection Committee.

First elected to the city council in 1987, Chris has previously represented the Sutton and Budshead Wards and is currently the councillor for Moor View Ward.

In total he has served the city for 23 years and was made an Honorary Alderman of the City of Plymouth in September 2014 and was Deputy Lord Mayor in 2018/19.

Born in Plymouth in 1951, Councillor Mavin attended Highfield Junior School and Devonport Secondary School.

In 1966, he entered the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport where he did his apprenticeship as a shipwright. He became a trade union activist, a shop steward and went on to become the GMB convenor at Babcock Devonport Councillor Mavin is a keen golfer, a member of Boringdon Park and the vice-captain of Magily Golf Society, which helps raise funds for charity.

Chris also loves singing and is a member of the Plymouth Area Police Choir. He can also be found singing at Home Park, where as a keen Pilgrim, he can often be found cheering on Plymouth Argyle.

Chris also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, and also trips away in his caravan.

Councillor Mavin said: “The world will be looking in on Plymouth throughout the coming year as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.

“To be selected to be Plymouth’s Lord Mayor at such an exciting time is a fantastic honour and privilege. I look forward to meeting as many residents and visitors as possible as we enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer.”

Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Ball, said: “Being Lord Mayor is an honour and a privilege and I send Councillor Chris Mavin my best wishes on taking up the new role.”

Councillor Mavin will take over as Lord Mayor from Councillor Ball in May 2020.

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12 March 2020

12 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Nurse’s grief leads to innovative way to gift back memories for bereaved families Senior Sister Ali Griffiths from University Hospitals Plymouth has turned her experience of grief into positive change for bereaved relatives.

As part of the Trust’s Innovation Programme, Ali and a team of innovators have worked together to improve the way personal belongings are returned to families after someone has passed away.

As a result, new ‘bereavement bags’ are being introduced across the hospital and it is hoped other Trusts across the UK will follow suit.

Ali said: “This idea was born out of my personal experience of collecting my mum’s belongings. She died very suddenly and unexpectedly under catastrophic circumstances.

“Her things, including her dressing gown and hairbrush, were presented to me in a carrier bag. When I saw the contents and her hair on the brush, I was overwhelmed. I collapsed in a heap of sadness, and it took me a long time to get past that moment in my own grief journey.

“It didn’t feel like a carrier bag was representative of the care and compassion that we give to families here at the Trust.

“It’s now been 10 years since mum passed away and the sadness and devastation that we felt as a family. Being able to change the way that belongings are handed over, in a more respectful and caring way, means that potentially tens of thousands of other families - during a really difficult time of losing somebody so beloved to them - may have that moment made a little bit easier.”

New purple bereavement bags are now available for use by hospital staff. They resemble dignified gift bags, which have been chosen to represent gifting back personal belongings and the memories associated with them. The bags have a closing lid so that relatives can take out the contents at a time when they are ready.

The distinctive colour and design means hospital teams will be able to recognise that the person carrying the bag is in need of extra care.

Dr Helen Neilens, Innovation Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “The look and feel of the bags has been chosen by the

Patient Experience group with design and function in mind, and we also spoke to other Trusts sharing the same issue.”

NHS innovation projects allow members of staff to suggest ideas to improve products, processes or services. The aim could be to improve patient care, make savings, and in some cases present a commercial potential, bringing income in for the innovator and the Trust.

As a result of this project, each time a bag is sold a percentage of the money will go back into the Innovation Fund. Even better, a percentage of that margin will go back to Ali Griffiths, because the project originated from her idea.

“She is then free to do what she wants with that money, which is a thank you to Ali for her role in making this important improvement”, added Dr Neilens.

Alan McLeod, managing director of Health Innovation Support Limited was key to the project’s success, creating and testing prototypes and working with the hospital’s procurement team to get the best price per unit for the bags.

He said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to deliver this outcome for Ali, in her mum’s memory, and for future families and staff.

“NHS staff can be very good at making do with what they are given, as opposed to saying ‘there must be a better way’.

“This shows that it doesn’t matter who you are, if you have an idea then there is a pathway for you. We hope to inspire people to know that they can make a difference.

“The fact there’s every chance thousands of these bags are going to be used up and down the country is great.”

Ali added: “As a nurse, I know that when you’re dealing with a bereaved family, this will be a really positive message to them. You’ve delivered all that amazing end of life care to their loved one, and by presenting their belongings in this bag and not in a carrier bag, it portrays that message that we still care about them as a family.”

The Trust has already had interest from several other trusts interested in using the purple bereavement bags.

Hospital staff can submit innovation ideas here www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ innovation.

Pictured with the new bereavement bags are (from left) Dr Helen Neilens - Innovation Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth, Alan McLeod, managing director of Health Innovation, Senior Sister Ali Griffiths, Claire Jukes, patient services support manager and Kathleen Harvey, category buyer

Plymouth nurse takes safe staffing petitions to the very heart of government A Plymouth nurse joined colleagues who presented petitions to Downing Street calling for urgent action to fix the nursing workforce crisis in England.

Vicky Brotherton, a senior ophthalmic nurse at Derriford Hospital was among four nursing staff who went to the heart of Government to hand in petitions totalling over 220,000 signatures from frontline health care staff, their patients, as well as members of the public demanding that resolving the nursing workforce shortage in England is the highest priority for the Government.

Vicky, who is the RCN activist lead for the Staffing for Safe and Effective Care campaign South West collaborative, said: “We would like to get safer staffing enshrined in law in England as it is in Wales for the benefit of our patients and colleagues.

“I’m really glad that my local MP Luke Pollard came to Downing Street with me. He spent a senior nurse shift with me so he’s aware of the challenges of frontline nursing in the present climate.”

The call comes as the NHS in England operates under record nurse vacancies, which have recently topped 44,000 for the first time,

Mayflower 400: an amazing year of events in 2020 commemorating the journey of the Mayflower.

Highlights in Plymouth include: Get Active Programme: January – December Various locations across the city

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir: 5 April Plymouth Guildhall

Mayflower 400 Community Sparks: Throughout 2020 across the city

Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy: From 16 May The Box

Mayflower Sports Week: 21 – 29 March With Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Albion and Plymouth Raiders Some Call It Home: 24 – 25 March Theatre Royal Plymouth Special Olympics Mayflower 400 Commemorative Games: 3 – 5 April Mayflower 400 National Supporters and Sponsors

This Land: 16 – 20 June Theatre Royal Plymouth

For the full Plymouth programme visit mayflower400uk.org/events

Vicky Brotherton pictured with Luke Pollard MP outside No 10

and follows a General Election pledge for 50,000 more nurses in the next five years.

At the last count there were 3,262 full-time registered nurse vacancies in the South West being advertised by the NHS, meaning at least 11.4% (more than one in nine) of nursing posts in the region were vacant as at last September.

The petitions are part of the RCN’s Safe Staffing campaign calling for investment now for financial accountability for the health and care workforce.

Lesley Cain, a cancer patient who has had a mastectomy who joined the RCN in handing in the petition said: “As somebody who has needed the help of the NHS I have nothing but praise for the care I received. The nurses made sure I was comfortable and were there for me every step of the way. It was clear though that they were under the most incredible pressure and they simply did not have a moment to even take a break.

“I cannot imagine what this can be like and we must start to care for those who care for us. As a patient I can tell you that I can see the pressures and I feel it is time for government demonstrate real action before it is too late.”

March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Jobs boost as Amazon reveals plans for new delivery depot in Estover Amazon will open a new delivery station in Plymouth later this spring to meet increasing customer demand - and create 10 new jobs in the process.

The new 6,000 square metre delivery depot in Thornbury Road, Estover, will replace the current operation in Broadley Park Road which opened last summer as a temporary facility while Amazon secured a site to meet its longer-term needs.

Amazon Logistics is helping independent local delivery companies to grow their businesses and adds capacity and flexibility to Amazon’s delivery network to provide the fast and reliable delivery Amazon customers love and trust.

Packages are shipped to the delivery station from Amazon fulfilment and sortation centres and loaded onto vehicles to get delivered to customers.

Five delivery companies provide services to Amazon in Plymouth using more than 85 drivers who collect parcels from the delivery station and deliver them to Amazon customers in the Plymouth area.

This will increase to more than 100 when the new delivery station opens.

The new delivery station will also see an increase in the number of permanent Amazon Logistics employees from more than 15 now to around 25.

Amazon is investing in transport infrastructure and innovation to increase supply chain capacity and provide customers with faster delivery options. Amazon also continues to innovate to improve the experience for customers and associates.

Customers benefit from convenient pick-

up locations such as Amazon Locker, they can now track where their packages are and how many stops the driver has left before the package arrives, and Photo on Delivery shows customers that their package was delivered safely, enhancing the experience for those not at home when we deliver.

Technological developments such as intelligent route planning support the associates working at the delivery station and the drivers who deliver parcels to customers.

Kerry-Anne Lawlor, country director for Amazon Logistics, said: “We are excited to open a delivery station in Plymouth where Amazon’s 20 plus years of operational expertise, technology advancements and investment in transportation infrastructure is enabling faster delivery for customers than ever before seven days a week.”

New home in Derriford for city’s precious registers An important piece of Plymouth’s history has moved to a brand new home, in a once in a generation move!

Staff from Plymouth City Council’s Library and Registration service recently helped move Plymouth’s Registration Records, which date back to 1837, from their old home at Lockyer Street on The Hoe, to a brand new purpose built repository at Derriford Business Park.

The council is responsible for all of Plymouth’s Registration Records, looking after approximately 4,500 birth, death and marriage registers.

The registers are all original documents, so before they could be moved a special strong room had to be built capable of protecting them from any potential fire and water damage.

Cheryl Spear is Plymouth’s Superintendent Registrar and is responsible for all the city’s registers. She said a move like this required months of planning: “Moving something as precious to the city as these registers required precision planning. These are historical documents and each box was carefully packed and catalogued before it was signed out of Lockyer Street and signed back in at Derriford.

Cllr Sally Haydon with some of the Registration Team moving out of Lockyer Street

Some of the thousands of Plymouth Registration records

Everything went really smoothly and we’re pleased with our new premises.”

Moving the registers is part of improvement plans that will allow the council to provide a more modern, flexible and accessible facility that will meet the needs of residents when registering life events such as births, deaths and notices of marriage and civil partnerships.

The new Register Office at Derriford is now co-located with the city’s coroners court and includes the purpose built repository, seven new registration rooms on the ground floor and a back office working area.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Customer Service said: “Moving the register office to Derriford means we can work more closely with our partners from the Hospital and the Coroner’s Service to help us improve the overall user experience for people when they need us. “ It also means we can focus on offering an enhanced wedding offer in the city centre

as well as promoting our ceremonies offer further by increasing the number of premises in Plymouth to be licenced, to improve choice for those wishing to get married or enter into a civil partnership.”

Civil partnership and marriage ceremonies will continue to be provided in the Drake Suite at Lockyer Street until July 2020, when this service will move to the Council House.

This means the council can continue to offer residents an affordable ceremony.

The Council House, is the city’s civic building in the heart of the city centre and can hold up to 60 guests and has a grand stairwell where photographs can be taken. Along with the move the council is introducing a new and improved booking system which will enable customers to book ceremonies up to two years in advance.

As part of the Joint Local Plan, it was decided that the site at Lockyer Street would offer a redevelopment opportunity and a number of options are now being considered.

13

Plymouth charity appeals for Half Marathon runners to support its work in the city

Plymouth charity Friends and Families for Special Children is appealing for runners in Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon to raise money for its work.

Friends and Families is unique to Plymouth as it provides information, support and services for families with disabled children, many of whom describe the charity as a life saver.

Last year Jane Smith ran the race to raise funds for the charity. She had a personal reason for choosing the charity as her son George, who will be nine this year, has Down’s Syndrome.

Jane and her family have been involved with the charity since he was born. George goes along to the many activities that the charity organises, from sailing to pizza making. The activities enable George to have fun with other children in a relaxed setting, allowing him to try things he might not have done before.

George’s sisters, Daisy and Lexi, don’t miss out as they attend the Fun and Freedom Club which run activities for young carers. These group activities give children time-out from their caring role and to have fun away from the stresses and punishing regime of caring. This allows a vital ‘recharge of batteries’ relieving isolation and providing time for young carers to have fun.

Jane said: “Running for Friends and Families was an obvious choice as they have been such a great support to my family - we have benefited from the activities and the support that the charity provides.”

But is wasn’t only Jane wo took on the running challenge, Daisy and George also took part in the Primary Schools challenge, which sees children running one mile.

2020 is a big year for the charity as it will be celebrating its 15th anniversary and will be kicking off the celebrations with a glamorous Great Gatsby Ball at the newly refurbished Club Argyle Lounge on March 6.

If you would like to make a difference and run this year’s Ocean City Half Marathon to raise money for disabled children and their families then call Diane on 01752 204369 or email diane@ friendsandfamilies.org.uk Jane Smith - ran last year’s Half Marathon

14 March 2020

Panto without a cast appeals for new recruits A Devon village panto, with a history spanning more than four decades, is facing the final curtain unless it can recruit new members.

Shaugh Players, based in the parish of Shaugh Prior, was founded in the early 1970s and stages an annual pantomime involving volunteers from the local community.

Despite attracting a full house for performances and praise from local audiences, the amateur dramatics group is on the verge of folding due to dwindling numbers.

The group is now launching an appeal for new members, in particular for those interested in performing on stage or directing the show.

It takes a cast and crew of about 50 people to stage Shaugh Players’ traditional pantomime, which usually takes place over three nights and a Saturday matinee in mid-January. However, this year is the first time since 2006 that the group has been unable to stage a performance due to a lack of cast members.

Shaugh Players is hoping to recruit enough new members to start rehearsals this summer to stage a pantomime at Lee Moor Hall in January 2021. Despite the venue seating nearly 200 people, the group has played to sell-out crowds and hopes to repeat its past success with a rejuvenated cast.

Richard Vincent, chair of Shaugh Players: “The frustrating thing is that we have everything in place to put on a fantastic panto we just need more people. Despite a number of talented children joining us from the parish in recent years, we continue to struggle in finding people to take on the adult roles.

“You can’t have a panto without a cast, so we’re hoping people in the surrounding areas can get involved and help us secure the future of this tradition that means so much to the local community.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about taking part in Shaugh Players’ pantomime, should email, shaughpanto@gmail.com

Keep Plymouth tidy join the big clean up!

14 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

The Great British Spring Clean is back for another year and Plymouth City Council is encouraging residents to get involved.

The council is backing the national Keep Britain Tidy led campaign, which runs from March 20 to April 13, which will see up to 600,000 people nationwide taking action to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country.

The Great British Spring Clean brings together individuals, community organisations, schools, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep. Last year in Plymouth, 576 people took part in either a litter pick or a beach clean and collected 1056 bags of litter, The Great British Spring Clean is about demonstrating that you love where you live – whether that’s by pledging to pick while you’re walking the dog or taking the kids to school, hosting a clean-up or joining someone else’s event.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment, said: “I’m really pleased that we are involved with the Great British Spring Clean again this year.

“Last year it was amazing to see communities get their gloves on, come together and help to clean up their little part of the city. All people need to do is have a look on the Keep Britain Tidy website to see what is happening near you. You can also log your pick with Keep Britain Tidy and that will also direct you to information on arranging a collection of what you’ve cleaned up.

“We should all have pride in the environment and each do our bit to ensure that we live in the cleanest city we possibly can!”

How you can get involved:

Host a clean-up: Grab a bunch of mates or neighbours and set up a community pick in your area. It can be a neighbourhood, a park, or even just your street. It’s up to you!

Join a clean-up: If you fancy getting involved in an already-arranged community clean-up, you can search the KBT website for events in your area.

Pledge to pick: You don’t have to organise a clean-up or join others if you don’t want to. You can simply register your support on the Keep Britain Tidy website at www. keepbritaintidy.org. You could pick up litter while walking the dog or on the walk to school.

This year’s campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the

environment on our doorstep, it also aims to rescue thousands of the plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that are simply thrown on the ground but could, very easily, be recycled.

Where possible, volunteers will recycle as much as they can by separating what is picked up into two bags: one for plastic bottles and aluminium cans and another for non-recyclables. The Council will then arrange collections.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The overwhelming response to last year’s Great British Spring Clean showed that there are many hundreds of thousands of people out there who love where they live and are prepared to take action to make it better for themselves, their families and their communities.

“We are delighted that Plymouth is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support.

“Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.”

To find out more about the Great British Spring Clean visit www.keepbritaintidy.org If you would like to borrow litter picking equipment, then further register your event with the council at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ litterpick.

Volunteers from the Clean Our Patch group in Plymouth are organising nearly 60 litter picks in locations across the city between March 13 and April 20.

They will be out in force every day and locals who want to get involved in cleaning up their neighbourhood can find the dates, times and locations on the Clean our Patch page on Facebook.

Argyle Community Trust offering young people chance to take part in National Citizen’s Service programme this summer

Young people aged from 15 to 17 are being offered an opportunity to take part in the National Citizen’s Service (NCS) programme for three to four weeks during the summer months, having fun and building up credibility and employability skills on their CVs at the same time.

NCS is run in the city by Argyle Community Trust and Groundwork Trust. Todd Hanrahan is the manager for NCS at Argyle Community Trust and knows first-hand how good it can be.

“I took part in the programme in 2011, and as well as really enjoying myself and all the activities, I went straight into an apprenticeship based on the skills I had learned and my volunteer work with NCS during that Summer.”

Todd, from Southway, attended Sir John Hunt school at the time and amongst all the activities he organised a fundraising day. NCS strengthened his CV and he was offered an apprenticeship with Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership, where he worked for four and a half years organising games in local schools.

In 2017 Todd joined Argyle Community Trust on the NCS team, and 18 months ago was appointed as the local NCS manager.

“NCS played a big part in me getting these opportunities, it can do the same for anyone who takes part,” said Todd.

During this year’s summer programme

young people will take part in a wide range of activities which includes: – Five days away from home, taking on adrenaline-fuelled activities like rock climbing, canoeing and archery, followed by a few days’ rest.

– Living independently, learning essential life skills from local business leaders and charities, gaining confidence in public speaking, communications skills and budgeting – all of which looks great on a CV. – Working with a team to devise a community project based on an issue they are passionate about. Using new-found skills and confidence developed on NCS they can feel proud by making a real difference in their community.

At the end of the programme, they take stock of all they’ve achieved – overcoming challenges, developing into new and exciting territories, and having experiences they never thought possible.

They’ll get to celebrate their triumphs with their fellow NCS-ers at a great end-ofprogramme event before exploring all the opportunities NCS opens up to them.

All of the above is included in the cost for the whole course of just £50. For families who need help with that, a total of 170 £50 vouchers have been made available by the Plymouth Drake Foundation, contact Caroline Perry on (01752) 764455 for further details.

Todd Hanrahan: ‘We want as many young people as possible to have this opportunity’

“We want as many young people as possible to have this opportunity,” said Todd, “so please get in touch to find out more. It’s a fantastic experience!”

Further information can be found at: www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk and click ‘book NCS’ for more details, or call Todd on 01752 562561 ext 4.

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March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth Science Park set for further success after big growth over last 12 months Plymouth Science Park is looking towards an exciting future as it celebrates four decades of supporting numerous companies, entrepreneurs, business leaders, scientists, researchers, academics and champions of innovation.

And that growing innovation pipeline is accelerating, with 23 companies joining the park in the last 12 months alone.

Plymouth Science Park was established as a joint venture between the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council in 1996 to support the growth of the region’s economy.

The fifth and most recent phase of development at Plymouth Science Park was partly funded by £3 million Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

This flagship building, which opened in 2017, is currently home to nine highly successful PSP businesses. The close connections with the founding partners remain and PSP located businesses continue to benefit from tailored support and access to a wealth of University of Plymouth facilities, research and technical expertise.

Sponge, Moortec, Acronyms, Chess Dynamics, Argans, Re:Cognition and Ultra-Cardiac are just some of the growth brands at the park, developing cutting-edge products and services, making use of world-class research and business environments available at the park and across the city.

And, in 2019 they were joined by the likes of magicseaweed, Fairhurst, Sentinel Healthcare and Cunninghams on the 25-acre campus, part of a thriving knowledge-based ecosystem. Tenants on the campus represent a range of key sectors including advanced engineering, technology, digital economy, marine and health and wellbeing operating across Plymouth, the Heart of the South West and exporting their goods and services internationally.

The influx of new arrivals takes the total number of brands now operating from the park to 95, with more set to be announced in the coming months.

Ian McFadzen, the park’s chief executive, said: “Plymouth Science Park has been home to thousands of people who have brought science and technology innovation, economic growth and prosperity to the region for nearly quarter of a century, many of which have had truly positive and profound impact.

“For us now it’s all about looking ahead.

Science and technology will never stand still which is why we’re incredibly excited by the rapidly developing ecosystem we are proud to be part of. Tech is the fastest growing sector in the UK. Science will deliver solutions to some

A long-term road closure planned for the Forder Valley Link Road is to be significantly reduced, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the project team and contractors.

of the world’s most urgent needs. From solving environmental challenges and applications for artificial intelligence, to health tech for ageing populations Plymouth Science Park companies are truly at the forefront of so many fields.”

Key highlights in the past 12 months have included the continued growth of Kovia & Argans and significant growth of Chess Dynamics, developing advanced engineering solutions for the defence sector, as well as software companies like RoweIT recruiting local graduate talent.

Continuing its growth, digital learning company Sponge was acquired by Aliter Capital in November 2019 to form part of a larger group. Working with some of the world’s biggest organisations, around 40% of Sponge’s revenue comes from overseas markets. Tech company Moortec Semiconductor, which has its head office on the park, opened their third site, in Bristol and continues to go from strength to strength.

And just under a fifth of all the tech companies announced so far on this year’s South West Tech List by Reach are based on the park – magicseaweed, Sponge, The Key, Webbased, Pixalytics, BluescreenIT and Microtest.

The UK’s top surf forecast website and app were developed by magicseaweed, covering close to 6000 beaches in 199 countries. Pixalytics works with companies all over the globe requiring satellite and airborne data and The Key delivers digital tools and leadership management to nearly half the schools in England.

Sponge’s founder and managing director, Louise Pasterfield, said: “Plymouth Science Park has supported our expansion over the past 16 years. In fact, business growth has meant we’ve moved seven times within the park. We’re pleased to retain our Plymouth HQ as we continue to expand as part of a larger learning group. We’re proud of our South West heritage and focused on

growing our Bristol base. And what could be better than working from an office surrounded by green fields and wild deer?”

The winning teams from the latest ‘TechStars Start-up Weekends’ BigSis Project and previously, MemoryPad, are now based at the Park working on their growth plans.

Alongside its range of businesses, Plymouth Science Park also works through collaborations with, among others, the University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council, the Plymouth Health Innovation Alliance, Brixham Laboratory, Plymouth City College, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, South West Academic Health Science Network, the University of Marjon and others.

Council leader, Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth Science Park has gone from strength to strength and we are chuffed to bits to see that since its inception in 1996, it continues to attract and support exciting new businesses.

“The park was set up to tap into and to keep entrepreneurial talent coming through the University in Plymouth and to forge links between starts-ups, established business, the research community and our key sectors such as the medical/life sciences cluster in and around Derriford Hospital. The figures speak for themselves: nearly 100 businesses, employing over 1,000 people, and a combined turnover of over £100 million.

“I think it is fair to say the results have been phenomenal. We have companies at the cutting edge of data from space, from the oceans and inside the human body. There are some truly boundary breaking teams based right here in Plymouth, setting the groundwork for the next generation of high growth companies and high value productive jobs.”

To find out more about Plymouth Science Park visit www.plymouthsciencepark.com

Council property deal secures jobs for Plymouth A major property investment by Plymouth City Council has helped safeguard the future of the Valuation Office Agency in Plymouth and led to the tripling of their workforce to over 300 civil servant jobs in the city.

The council acquired Crownhill Court to provide new premises for the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) increased workforce. The property will form one of its two customer service centre hubs in the UK following the recent signing of a lease with the council.

The Valuation Office Agency employs more than 3,200 staff who are responsible for compiling and maintaining lists of council tax bands for 26 million domestic properties and the rateable value of more than two

Forder Valley road closure to be reduced - at least in one direction

17

million commercial properties for business rates.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “I am so delighted that I am finally able to tell you the work we have been doing over the past 18 months to secure, not only the VOA’s future in the Plymouth, but the tripling of its workforce creating over 300 jobs.

“The Economic Development team has literally gone the extra mile in their role to secure Plymouth as one of only two service centres in the whole UK. The deal not only creates quality jobs but will keep council bills down by bringing an empty property back into life.”

The council brought the freehold of the empty office building in 2018 through its Asset Investment Fund. A refurbishment is underway to get the premises ready to receive new tenants. It is using historically low

interest rates to acquire properties that promote the local economy and generate income.

It is part of a long term strategy to be more entrepreneurial and to look at other sources of income in the form of rent, which improve the wider financial position of the council and helps protect vital frontline services. Acquisitions in the last few years include Ballard House, Friary Retail Park, Bell Park, Plympton, as well as the Royal Mail Regional Mail Centre.

It is also involved in a number of ‘direct developments’ - buying land to build industrial units and work space for companies to move into. The council currently has an existing investment portfolio worth over £250 million. An annual gross rent roll in excess of £15 million comes into the authority to help fund front line services.

The western section of Forder Valley Road (between Novorossiysk Road and Fort Austin Avenue) had been earmarked for closure for 17 months but the uphill side of the road will now be reopened to cars between four and six months earlier than planned.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “I asked the team to leave no stone unturned in finding ways to alleviate some of the disruption during these major works – while keeping the public and the workforce safe.

“We have to close this section of Forder Valley Road because we are basically rebuilding it, along with a brand new junction, five metres higher. We also need to reroute all the utility channels and cabling that run along it.

“However, I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree with subcontractors a way to reduce the closure on one side by up to six months. This is a massive achievement with such a huge and complex project and I know it will be welcome news to residents and businesses.

“Keeping traffic flowing while this mammoth scheme progresses is a huge challenge but we do listen and, where we can, we do our utmost to minimise the impact.

“We are continually reviewing the traffic arrangements and the construction programme to see if there is any way at all we can reduce the inconvenience, particularly for the residents and businesses nearby – and we will carry on doing this as work progresses.

“When the scheme is finished there will be a brand new road bridge, an entire junction moved and lifted, an amazing new country park and thousands of new trees in the Forder Valley – over 14,000!

“Most importantly for the entire city, there will be a new link between the A38 and Derriford, taking pressure off Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road and improving traffic flow for everyone.”

The closure of Forder Valley Road (West) is still expected to start in the summer but the uphill side will be reopened to cars up to six months earlier than planned. The downhill side will remain closed for the full 17 months.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use this section of the road, although there may be diversions at times.

18 March 2020

18 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Dealing with the pressures of life THE

By Ian Pilkington Presenter on Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience Sometimes life’s pressures get so overwhelming that our world shrinks to just the size of those pressures.

Hope, fun, dreams, rest, faith, all are literally ‘out of sight’ because they are far from our minds.

Our thoughts are full of worry and it’s as if we can only see a short distance ahead.

For me, I can at times feel like: ‘Life is full of these difficulties and how to get through another day.’

As a Christian my prayers become filled with problems; and I can lose sight of the needs of the people around me.

But life also has its share of joys and hopes, even if we lose sight of them.

There’s a passages in the world’s bestselling book (The Bible) that shows what God thinks about this: “ I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (Jesus, quoted in John Ch10v10) A definition of the term on Wikipedia says that: “’Abundant life’ refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for mind, body, and soul.’ Sounds good to me!

Also in the Good Book, the prophet Jeremiah tells us how God sees the potential of our lives:‘ “For I know the

thoughts and plans that I have for you, … thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” - Jeremiah Ch29v11 Hope is a brilliant perspective on life. The trouble is, how do we get there when we’re in the middle of painful suffering or heart-break?

A good place to start is by thinking on those promises. They point to the nature of God and his active love for us.

They are reliable promises because the One who made them is reliable.

Just thinking about those promises gives our worrying brains something else to focus on, Ian Pilkington something better.

But it’s not just positive mental attitude. In the middle of real struggles we need more than that. We need those promises to be real and we

need to do something ourselves.

‘Pick up the hoover and go clean Mary’s stairs’. What? That was the advice a good friend gave me thirty years ago when I was consumed with self-defeating worry.

What he meant was ‘just go and serve Mary. Do something for somebody else.’ I almost hit him, but he was right.

I followed his advice. It took me out of myself and into thinking about how I could make someone else’s day a little better.

A small step, but a step in the right direction.

My shrinking world expanded beyond my preoccupied horizons. In itself it didn’t change everything.

But as a principle to apply in the middle of problems, to help reset my self-oriented perspective, it’s proven to be so helpful.

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Jesus encourages us that this world will bring us trouble, but not to be anxious about that because He’s overcome those worries already.

A relationship with Him does not insulate us from the problems everyone faces, but it does give us hope, strength and grace to go through them with more resources than we can muster on our own.

There’s a plain English version of the bible, called ‘The Message’, which is a good read whether you have faith or not.

It says this (Romans Ch12v10): “Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.”

I need to play second fiddle more and bring my worries down to size by serving someone else – every little helps, as they say.

Worry dominates. Love serves. And it’s love that makes life worth living, and love that ultimately remains long after the problems have been and gone.

If we can know we are loved, and from that place love someone else, it truly puts problems into their right place.

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Fiver Fest in the West End

Shoppers are being offered exclusive £5 deals at some of Plymouth’s most popular businesses as part of the innovative Fiver Fest in the West End of Plymouth City Centre.

West End businesses, including traders in Plymouth Market, will be joining independent businesses across the UK in the unique £5 promotion throughout February half term.

Called the Totally Local Fiver Fest, the event includes retailers making one-time offers of £5 on a huge variety of products until the end of February.

It is being supported and promoted by the Plymouth City Centre Company and details of the offers and other news and information relating to the event will be hosted on the new West End Plymouth website www.westendplymouth.co.uk and social media channels.

The City Centre Company, which runs the city centre Business Improvement District (BID) recently created a new brand and identity for the West End with the aim of raising the area’s profile and to attract more shoppers to the huge variety of independent businesses in and outside the market.

Steve Hughes, the company’s chief executive, said: “We are doing all we can to get more people to discover the range of businesses we have in the West End and Fiver Fest will help us to do that.

“We just want as many people as possible to come and support their local traders. I’d really encourage anyone thinking of trying the West End or the Market for the first time – or revisiting for the first time in a while – to browse our fabulous businesses.”

More than 70 towns and cities across the UK will be taking part in Fiver Fest, as part of a drive to bring shoppers back to their local high streets.

The idea is the brainchild of Totally Local, an organisation set up to promote the Great British high street.

For more information, follow West End Plymouth on Facebook, @WestEndPlymouth on Twitter and @WestEndPlym on Instagram.

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

AERIALS

www.safesignal.co.uk 01752 982901 or 07724140471 Safe signal south west ltd

Local company specialising in the repair and installation of all aerial and satellite TV, telephone lines and CCTV systems.

ARCHITECT J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN House & Building plans Extensions • Conversions • Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Fast & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk

BLINDS

UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd We won’t be beaten on price or choice!

Comprehensive Range of Styles & Fabric Free Measuring, Quotation & Fitting Discounts for Multiple Blinds 01752 300923 | 07765 033470 www.ukblindsplymouth.co.uk

BUILDERS

DMC PLYMOUTH

Do you find it hard to get someone to come and do a small job?

• Fully Insured • Fully Qualified Electrician • NIC EIC Registered • No job too small or big • Free Quotations • Reasonably Priced • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Call 07860 555011 - 01752 548766 info@rowe-net.net

R.C. Electrical - Ryan Cross

Fully qualified ‘Approved Electrician’ Which? Trusted Trader & Reviews on Yell.com • Over 17 years experience • FREE quotes •

www.rc-electrical.net info@rc-electrical.net 07813 195943

STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 20 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work.

Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING 01752 341613 www.evglimited.co.uk

• Tree removal • Tree & hedge reduction • Stump grinding • Turfing • Hedge trimming • Grass cutting • Clearances • All aspects of fencing • Tarmacing, block paving & resin bond • Landscaping Decking • Retaining walls • Construction

Free quotations, fully insured

RETAINING WALLS AND STONEWORK. REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON CHECKATRADE. DMCPLYMOUTH@GMAIL.COM 07938976544

QUALITY LANDSCAPING Artificial Turf, Patios, Decking, Fencing, Garden builds Contact Stevie on 07482 195019 stevemannandson@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

CARPENTERS ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS Trading Standards approved company Bespoke joinery • doors • staircases • bars Box frame windows • counters • PCstations.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms.

All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling Tel 07704448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk 01752348648 allwoodinstallations@icloud.com

MALCOLM WILLS CARPENTRY

Home Improvements, Refurbishments, Alterations, Purpose Made Joinery, Flooring and Doors.

Call for an estimate 07599 888841 01752 255154 malcolmwills2017@outlook.com CARPETS EXMINSTER CARPETS

Carpets - Rugs Complete fitting service - Free estimates Large Showroom (5-7 Byard Close, PL5 2AQ) Tel 01752 361 096

www.exminstercarpets.co.uk

ELECTRICAL GIFFORD ENERGY & ELECTRICAL LTD

ELECTRICAL, SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE SERVICES SMALL JOBS WELCOME 42 Gifford Terrace Road, Plymouth PL3 4JE Mob 07891 909846 email info@giffordenergy.com

ROB'S LANDSCAPES

MOBILITY AID WLS STAIRLIFTS RECONDITIONED FROM £749 NEW FROM £1349 RENTALS FROM £52 PER MONTH

Mob 07887587957 Office 01752212136

OVEN CLEANING SERVICES

GREENS OVEN CLEANS Let me give your oven a new lease of life Call Trevor on 07501 645208 trevgreen4@gmail.com Fully Insured

PAINTERS & DECORATORS A.S. DECORATING & MAINTENANCE Specialising in full room skims/decor • Maintenance • Repair • Plastering • Flooring • Tiling • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting 16 Lympne Ave, Ernesettle, Plymouth Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129 Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.co.uk

ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

Decorating internal & external • Plastering Renovations • Flooring • General maintenance Garden decking & fencing • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis-ball@hotmail.co.uk

S.G.F Decorating Services Plastering & Decorating Specialist Painting - Plastering - Wallpaper - Interior & Exterior Work - Over 30 years experience C.S.C.S Registered - Friendly & Reliable 07859 804389 stevefull@live.co.uk

QUALITY PAINTING / DECORATING / MAINTENANCE INTERIOR / EXTERIOR SCAFFOLDING RARELY REQUIRED

Landscaping AND GROUND MAINTENANCE IN PLYMOUTH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Landscaping • Gardening • Natural Stone Walling • Fencing • Gates Block & Brick Walls • Patios • Decking • Ground Maintenance • Block Driveways Pressure Washing • Turfing Artificial Grass • Chainsaw License Free estimates • 18 yrs experience • Find us on Facebook

07506 739819

Contact Steve on 07445 246726 stevemannandson@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

robslandscapes@icloud.com

GUTTERING

TOTALLY GUTTERED BLOCKED, BROKEN OR DIRTY GUTTERS? Domestic & Commercial, High Level Gutter Vacuum (up to 4 Storey) Prompt, Efficient Service from a Local Family Business Call on 07467 297363

LOCKSMITH All Hours Locksmith - 24 hr Locksmith • Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting • Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs • Replacement Glass • Free Quotes 17 Ivydale Road, Mutley, Plymouth, PL4 7DE Tel 01752 516877 Mob 07989 599969

LOCKFIT PLYMOUTH

Emergency Locksmiths & Lock upgrades Covering Plymouth & surrounding areas You’ll get a fixed price, no matter how long the job or what parts are needed.

T: 01752-710590 W: www.lockfit.co.uk

PLASTERING A R PLASTERING & BUILDING From a small repair to the whole house All Internal & External Work undertaken • Plastering • Rendering • Building work • Decorating • Damp proofing • Tiling • and more Free estimates call Alex on 07904755491

STEVE BENNETT PLASTERING

Special OAP Rates Internal/External Plastering • Spar Dash Specialist • Insurance Work Welcome • UPVC Facias, Soffits and Guttering • Property Maintenance • Painting/Decorating • Coving Prompt Polite Friendly Service • No Job Too Small • Free Estimates 01752 368601 • 07971 741068 www.stevebennettplastering.co.uk • facebook.com/plasterersofplymouth

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

T.R.B Heating - Trevor Bryant

Full Heating Systems • Boiler Exchanges • Fire and Fireplace Installations • Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation • Former British Gas Heating Installer • Gas Safe Registered Special offer on servicing boilers £50 (T&C Apply) 0790 6706 799 www.trbheating.co.uk trbheating@live.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

One Call Maintenance

Call Richard • WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS 07974101028 • GLAZING REPAIRS • GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS or email

1callplymouth@ • ANY PROPTERY MAINTENANCE gmail.com All repairs expertly undertaken

StepUp Maintenance

◆ Home repair and improvement ◆ Garden Maintenance ◆ Power washing And more (no job too small) Contact Marc for free quote 07951 029947 help@stepupmaintenance.com - www.stepupmaintenance.com FULLY INSURED SERVICE

REMOVALS A M Removals Man & Van Service Plymouth Single items to full house moves 1 or 2 men available Fully insured Local/national work 07845735818 • 01752930301 www.amremovalsplymouth.co.uk

ROOFING

DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects.

Pitched or flat roofs • GRP (fibreglass) •lead-work uPVC Fascias & guttering • Roof-lights • Fully insured A fast & friendly service. Competitive rates.

Call or email Neil for a free estimate • 07543363225 • 01752216765 devonshireroofing@live.co.uk • www.devonshireroofing.co.uk 10% discount to Forces Veterans

PAUL JOHNSON ROOFING & BUILDING

Specialist in roof repairs • New roofs • General building work incl. UPVC works • All work guaranteed • Competitive rates • FMB Award Winner Tel 01752 364 466 Mob 07767 835879 pnjohnson@hotmail.co.uk www.pauljohnsonroofingplymouth.co.uk

WASTE REMOVAL

J&S RUBBISH REMOVALS House/Loft/Garage/Garden Clearances Licence carriers. Discount for OAPs. Free estimates Call Steve today to take it away Tel: 01752 600570 Mob: 07929000918 info@js-rubbish-removals.co.uk

MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • VAILLANT approved installer Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

Interested in advertising in Dial The Experts?

Call Glenda on 01752 225623 or email glenda@cornerstonevision.com Want to reach 90,000 homes around Plymouth?

Your business could be advertised in Dial The Experts

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info@cornerstonevision.com www.cornerstonevision.com flyers • brochures • office printing • signs display • promotional • and much more

20 March 2020

20 March•2020 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Crownhill Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11am and 2.15pm - 2.45pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for under 5s.

Lions support tapestry project

Chatterbooks Tuesdays, 4pm - 4.45pm Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Mondays and Thursdays Meet at the Woolwell Centre, Darklane, Woolwell, Plymouth, PL6 7TR from 6.30pm to 8pm. Friendly club offering all running abilities, over 16s welcome.

Details visit www.plymouthstriders.co.uk

Book Group Second Thursday of the month, 2.15pm - 3.15pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Memory Café Tuesdays 10am -11.30am. Drop in for reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

IT for beginners Tuesdays 11am-12noon. Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to “Learn My Way”. Our staff will be on hand to help.

Family games session Saturdays 10am-3pm. Join other families for a variety of games every Saturday.

Lego Club Saturdays 2pm-4pm. Do you have a big imagination and like making things? Why not join our Lego group for families?We provide the Lego, you provide the building skills!

Craft group Mondays 10am-12noon. For anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet or any other crafts. Bring along what you’re working on or drop in for a chat. Share your skills or learn something new in a friendly and fun setting.

Times Tables Club Weds (every 2 weeks) 4pm-5pm. Join us every other Wednesday to make and play games to help you learn your tables!

Feel Better with a Book Mondays 2.15pm-4pm. Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small friendly group.

Estover Library Knit and Natter Second and last Monday of the month, 10.30am 11.30am For anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet or any other crafts. Bring along what you’re working on or drop in for a chat.

Reading Café Last Saturday of the month 10.30am-11.30am. Meet up last Saturday of the month to have a cuppa and talk about what you’ve been reading.

Family History Help Saturdays 10.30am-12 noon. Drop in for help and advice on tracing your family history.

Rhymetime Tuesdays 10.15am-10.45am. Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Southway Library Work Club Mondays, 9.30am - 11.30am Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Feel Better with a Book Tuesdays, 10am - 11.30am Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small, friendly group.

Book Group First Tuesday of the month, 2pm - 3pm First Wednesday of the month, 4.45pm - 5.45pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Parents, Babies and Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays Come and join us, meet new friends during term time at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall, 10am-11.30am.

Booking recommended as places are limited. Call Anne 07791332503.

The Lions Club of Plymouth have recognised the determination of the Plymstock Community Forum to produce a record of Plymstock’s history with a colourful tapestry utilising the skills of local residents.

In order to assist with the materials required, Lion President George Poad presented Liz Coleman with a cheque for the sum of £250.

Plymstock has a rich and colourful heritage from prehistoric times, right through the ages into the 21st century. Many people are unaware of the heritage that surrounds them and it was thought that a tapestry would be a great method of telling the story of Plymstock.

The concept of a tapestry was proposed to replace an historical mural that was located on the old Plymstock library but destroyed when that building was pulled down.

In order to achieve this aim local historians, illustrators and artists together with people with needlework skills were brought together to produce a high quality tapestry that would not only be a visual representation of Plymstock’s past but also illustrate the talent that exists in the community today.

Plymstock Library have agreed to permanently locate the tapestry in the building and it is hoped that before long they will be able to display the finished project to the public.

Rhymetime Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Ernesettle Toddlers Group Meets Wednesday mornings 10am-11.30am at St Aidans Church, Ernesettle during term time. email awoolcock@hotmail.co.uk for more info.

Memory Café Thursdays, 10am - 12pm Drop in for a reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Events at Mainstone Community Centre Beginners line dance class 6.15 pm -7.15 pm Thursday evening. Cost £4; Bingo every Wednesday night,cost £6; healthy activities hour, Monday 11 am to 12 noon.

Free to all ages, all abilities.

Lego Club Thursdays, 4pm - 5pm The Lego is supplied, you supply the imagination and building skills.

Writers Group On the second and last Thursday of the month, 6pm 7.30pm For anyone with an interest in writing stories or plays. Drop in.

Family History Group Fridays, 2pm - 4pm Get help and advice on tracing your family history.

Knit and Natter Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm. Do you enjoy knitting?

Come along to our weekly group and meet new people who enjoy a chat.

IT for beginners Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm. Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to “Learn My Way”. Our staff will be on hand to help.

Code Club Tuesdays (term time only) 4.30pm-5.30pm. Code Club is a national network of volunteer-led after school coding clubs for children. Children follow modules of projects to learn about and develop coding skills using Scratch, HTML & CSS and Python.

Chatterbooks Fridays 4pm-5pm. Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

Gynae Girls Cancer Support Group Last Monday of the month Meet at 6.30pm at The Invicta Hotel, Osborne Place, Lockyer Street, Plymouth, PL1 2PU. Chat in a safe environment with refreshments, all new attendees will be made most welcome or you can call Julie or Rachel on 07754665832 or email:¬gynaegirlscsg. plymouth@gmail.com to touch base with us in the first instance.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays Youth music group for nine to 18 year olds. Meet at Courtlands School Eggbuckland (term time).

Staffed by volunteers who teach guitars, keyboards, drums, singing and flutes and clarinets. We support local events and twice a year hold concerts in the Devonport Playhouse. The children are only charged £1 per week. www.plymouthmac.co.uk Dancing Duo Fortnightly Saturdays With Henry and Jeannie at Elm Community Centre in Estover (near Asda) for ballroom, Latin and sequence, old time and more. Time 7.45pm to 10.45pm free parking. Entry £6. Bring your own drinks and and snacks. For more information call Jeannie Clark on 01803 325905 or visit the website at www.dancingduo. co.uk Coffee Morning and Book Stall Thursdays Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10am to 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and a chat. All welcome.

Plymouth Dog Training Club Meets at St Edward’s Church Hall, Eggbuckland on Wednesday evenings. For details call 01752 350788.

Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening. Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For details visit www.pmhc.co.uk

Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Coffee Afternoon Thursdays Mainstone Community Centre hold a weekly coffee afternoon every Thursday at 2pm Lets Work It Out! Mondays Weekly drop-in at the Efford Youth and Community Centre (Blandford Road PL3 6HU). Friendly help and support for all ages and abilities in a relaxed environment Mondays 2-5pm. Basic computer skills, job searching and CV/application writing, voluntary/ work placements and training courses, benefits advice and free tea and coffee! Starting March 14.

To find out more call Becky on 07933916513 or email letsworkitout@mail.com Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-tobe. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parentsto-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 The Filling Station, Yelverton Every fourth Thursday Top up spiritually: we are not a church but an informal way of expressing the Christian faith at monthly meetings. Everybody is welcome. Meet at Clearbook Village Hall at 7.30pm. For details visit www.thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Les and Di Wood 01822 854877.

Singing 4 Fun Thursdays We welcome new members. St Pauls Church, Torridge Way, Efford from 2pm to 3.30pm. For details call Janette 07854 850830.

Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events. Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start.

Socially, we will be enjoying ‘High Tea’ at Yelverton Golf Club and our date for Xmas Lunch has been set for December 15. Details of our Groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

Whitleigh: Tea, Toast and Timebanking Wednesdays 10-12.

Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Share a cuppa and a chat with local people. Everyone welcome. 01752 875916 Whitleigh: Mini Allotment Group.

Alternate Wednesdays 12-1pm. Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Come and potter in our little garden. No experience necessary. 01752 875916 Bingo at Leigham Community Hall Fridays at 1pm. Refreshments available.

Barnardo’s Children’s Centre, Whitleigh Monday: Parenting Groups. Call 875933 for more information; Garden Time - come and play outside 11.30am to 12.30pm Tuesday: Sensational Babies - sensory experience for pre-walkers 9.30am to

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

10.45am; Bump Buddies - for pregnant ladies and partners 1pm to 2.30pm. Booking essential.

Wednesday: Garden Time - come and play outside 11am to 12 noon; Thursday: Midwife clinic appointments only 9.30am 4pm; Latch-On group 10am to 11.30am; Step by Step for children with additional needs 1pm to 2.15pm; Friday: Community cafe 9.30am to 11am. For more information call 01752 875933.

Regular Events at William Sutton Village Hall, Crownhill Mondays: New Age Kurling for over 50s 12.30pm to 2pm; ACT Community Theatre group 7pm to 9pm; Tuesdays: Knit & Natter 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Wednesdays: Lace making 7pm to 9pm (except summer holidays); Fridays: Yoga 10am to 12pm (except school holidays); Saturdays: Bingo 2pm to 4pm; Katie Su School of Dance Mondays 10am to 11am and 4pm to 6.30pm; Wednesdays 4pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Every second Sunday 11am to 1pm Plymouth O Gauge model railway group.

Derriford Townswomen’s Guild Second Tuesday of the month at 2pm (except August) We meet at Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive Drive, Derriford, Plymouth. Visitors are very welcome to come to our meeting to see if they are interested in joining our Guild. We usually have a speaker and if you decide to join our guild we also have a gardening club, craft group and social studies group. A coffee morning is held each month and there is also a scrabble group and bridge club. For further information you can contact our Secretary Jenny Homeyard on 01752 781291.

Sensational Babies Tuesdays and Wednesdays A baby group with some sensory experiences for prewalkers. Tuesdays at Whitleigh Children’s Centre 9am to 10.45am; Wednesdays at Southernway Children’s Centre 9.30am to 10.45am.

Southway Pottery Group Fridays Come along for POTTERY YOUR WAY at the Southway Centre, Hendwell Close (off Bampfylde Way) Every Friday at 1pm to 3pm. Only £3 per session. Come along, have a cup of tea or coffee and give it a try. All abilities, over 18s. For further details contact Patrick on 01752 656529 Car Boot Sale Every Sunday George Park & Ride PL67HB Sellers 7am Buyers 7.30am. Cars £7 Vans £10-£15.

Refreshments and toilets on site. All funds raised go to Colebrook Community Centre which is a totally self funding charity. For further details please contact Kay 01752 200046.

Plymouth Miniature Steam Plymouth Miniature Steam is a group of like minded enthusiasts who have an interest in steam engines, model engineering , or any interesting engineering artefact or machine, the club runs a miniature railway in Pendeen Crescent, Southway. for the benefit of members and the local community, Pictures of our activities can be seen on our website (www. plymouthminiaturesteam.co.uk). Some members are able to build their own miniature railway engines and traction engines as well as a wide range of other large scale models, these are often seen in use at the railway, the club caters for both junior and senior members of all abilities and can train new members in engine management and construction. We run an apprenticeship scheme for junior members under 18, and welcome new members of all ages that want to get involved and learn new skills. Contact Rob Hitchcock on 01822 852479 for further details.

Flamenco Beginners Lessons Thursdays Friendly and social group with a passion for Flamenco and Spanish culture. Lessons are for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome as we use a range of levels where students can develop their technique through hand and arm movements and foot tapping. Flamenco is a fun way to exercise whilst learning this fiery and emotional dance. Meet at Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Sevillanas Rumbas & Castanets 7-8pm Compas of 12 & Rumbas. For details call Mercedes on 07848836630 or FB Mercedes Romero Flamenco Salsa and more.

Fishing Club Local club have salmon, sea trout and brown trout

March 2020

New Street Pastors are commissioned

21

Plymouth Street Pastors numbers were swelled when five new members were formally commissioned at Emmanuel Church, Mannamead.

Every Street Pastor goes through a thorough training course so the recruits will now join one of the four teams which patrol Plymouth streets every Saturday night from 10pm until 4am Sunday mornings, ensuring people’s safety and providing unconditional care and support to anyone who needs it.

The Street Pastors movement began in London in 2003 and is now operating in almost 300 towns and cities across the UK, from Penzance to the Orkneys.

Plymouth’s team was started in 2008 and some initiatives have been started abroad; notably Melbourne Street Pastors which was started by Andy Satterley, a Plymouth Street Pastor who emigrated to Australia some years ago.

Co-ordinator Roy Beaumont said: “Over the years more than 2,000 space blankets have been given away by the teams in our city, mostly to homeless people and over 8,500 pairs of flip flops have been handed out to protect girls’ feet from broken glass and other hazards.

“In addition, more than 75,000 bottles have been removed to prevent them being fishing memberships available on Rivers Plym and Tavy. Contact 07866 315195 or see website searching for Plymouth and District Freshwater Angling Association.

Ford Park Cemetery Gardening Club Third Sunday of the month The Club meets outside the Visitor Centre at 11.30am and is always looking for new members. If you have a few hours spare, why not go along and join them.

Devon Family History Society Fourth Tuesday of month Come along to our meetings and hear interesting and varied talks. Occasionally, we hold members evening where people can give a resume on their family history.

If anyone is hitting a brick wall, members will offer advice on how to resolve it. Meetings take place at Sturgeon Hall, Mutley Plain, (parking is free),starting at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are available. Any queries on membership or meetings please contact markparkman@icloud.com My Health, My Way Various dates Free four week courses running throughout 2019/20.

Helps participants develop knowledge, skills and confidence to self-manage the challenges of living with a health condition. Workshops are delivered by volunteers who are also living with a long-term health condition themselves. For more details contact Lorraine Grave at Improving Lives Plymouth on 01752 201892 or visit www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk RASC/RCT Association (Plymouth Branch) Bi-monthly branch meetings take place at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road, Derriford on March 11, May 13, July 8, September 9 and November 11 starting at 7.30pm. The annual general meeting will be on January 13 2021 at the same venue. The Corps Annual Dinner will be held in late January 2021. The Branch needs your support, please make the effort to take part and help keep the Branch alive.

RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) Dates of branch meetings for 2020 are as follows: Feb 26, Mar 25, Apr 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug 26, Sept 23, Oct 28, Nov 25. Meetings are held at held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth and start at 10.30am. We look forward to meeting members old and new. Please try to come along to these meetings and show support to your Branch and the committee and help to keep the branch alive! The Branch would particularly welcome more support from younger members to assist on the committee.

Pictured at the commissiong service (from left) are co-ordinator Roy Beaumont, Steve Brown, Andy Wheeler, Dina Santos, Lee Rickard and Jack Rickard

broken or worse, used as a weapon. More importantly perhaps, we’ve helped more than 300 people who have been assaulted and administered first aid or called the emergency services more than 950 times.

“We’ve also resuscitated two people, helped avert eight suicides and prevented at least three people from going into hypothermia.”

During the service, Roy said how proud RSPB Plymouth Local Group We hold regular walks and coach trips throughout the year and talks on birds/wildlife from September to March, so if interested in birds please have a look at our website for programme details. Google RSPB Plymouth. New members always welcome.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Your local sanctuary for most types of unwanted domestic pets. Good homes always needed - have a look at lovely animals, and what we do on www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk. We don’t destroy any animal unless it’s beyond veterinary help or dangerous and we have special units for elderly residents. Please don’t allow your pet to breed, ask us for friendly advice, or about our spay and neuter scheme for owners on benefit instead. Based in Elfordleigh. Tel 01752 347503.

Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group Fridays If you are at least 50 years old living in the Plymouth area and looking for somewhere to go, we invite you to come to our regular monthly meetings, currently held at the Oak Villa Sports Club, Ferndale Road, Plymouth, PL2 2EL from 2pm to 4pm. At least once a month there is a social meeting with live music and a buffet, costing just £2. Also free monthly darts and target bowls meetings, there is no charge to come to these meetings. All these meetings are from 2pm to 4pm, and is always on a Friday. Also monthly lunches at local restaurants and hotels. So anyone looking for good company and somewhere to go , can just come to one of the meetings or contact Margaret Williams on 01752 350498.

Army Cadet Force Is your child between 12-18? Are they looking for something to do ? Adventure, life skills, new friends, team building, confidence building and all round good fun. You do not have to have an interest in the Military to join. Plymouth and the surrounding area has eight detachments in various locations. For more information call 01752 261525 (number not manned 24 hours. Leave a message and someone will call you back.)

Plymouth Morris Meet on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Plymouth School of Creative Arts, Millbay, Plymouth (the big red building near the entrance to Brittany Ferries). We are now inviting male and female dancers to join us in time for the Mayflower 400 commemoration in 2020. See website for more details www.plymouthmorrismen. org.uk. All welcome.

he was to work alongside so many faithful Street and Prayer Pastors, some yet volunteer to do as much as they can.

Plymouth St. Pastors’ team has been recruited from 49 local churches over the years, a tribute to the increasing unity between the Christian churches.

For more information on Plymouth Street Pastors visit www.plymouth.streetpastors. org.uk Rambling The Plymouth branch of the National Ramblers welcomes new members on any of its extensive programme of walks. Details from the website plymouthramblers.org.uk. A less extensive programme is offered by the local Dartmoor Rambling Club, including Wednesday walks using only public transport. Phone John Skinner on 01752674230 to be sent a printed programme. Both groups love meeting new people and enjoying a chat as we walk through interesting places on seacoast, moor and river valley etc.

Flamenco Dance Lessons Thursdays Lessons for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Beginners - for adults and children. Learn the basics. 7-8pm Open Level - all abilities welcome and wishing to progress their Flamenco technique. For details contact Mercedes on 07848836630.

MS Society Third Thursday of the month at Colebrook Community Centre, Peacock Meadow, Plympton, Plymouth between 11am - 1pm. Refreshments and usually a guest speaker. MS sufferers and their carers are all welcome.

Your guide to community events in your area

Details of other city-wide community groups can now be viewed online at www plymouthchronicle.co.uk Organisations wishing to update their details or submit a new entry should send the information to info@cornerstonevision.com

Supporting people to improve their quality of life since 1907 A charity at the heart of our community, supporting and inspiring people to improve their health and wellbeing. www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

22 March 2020

22 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Derriford’s Keep Me Close appeal receives boost from housebuilder Derriford Hospital’s Keep Me Close Appeal has received a £1,000 boost from Barratt Homes Community Fund.

Leading church figure to speak at events in Plymouth and Tavistock Dr Hugh Osgood is coming to Plymouth in April.

He will be speaking at the Father’s House in Plymouth and Tavistock on April 4 and 5.

Hugh is a senior UK church leader who holds a number of national and international positions, including that of the Free Churches Group Moderator in the UK, a role he has held since 2014. This role means he represents denominations including the Baptists, Methodists, Assemblies of God and Salvation Army amongst many others to government and in other official capacities.

He is also the President of Churches Together in England, and serves as the founding President of Churches in Communities International. As these roles suggest, Hugh is passionate about seeing churches work together and engage with their communities.

In his family life Hugh is married to Marion and they have three children and eleven grandchildren.

Hugh is no stranger to Plymouth having spoken at the Churches Together in Plymouth conferences in both 2009 and 2015.

On this visit he will be speaking at the Father’s House, which is a collaboration of four local Christian ministries who bring speakers down to Plymouth and Tavistock several times a year. These speakers share on a variety of subjects which are all routed in their Christian faith and the belief that God wants to transform the lives of people for good with his presence and love. These events are free and open to all.

The meetings with Dr Hugh Osgood will be at The King’s, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ at 7.30pm on Saturday April 4 and at the Worship Centre, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 7LF at 10.30am and 7.30pm on Sunday April 5.

For more information about this event and other initiatives of the Father’s House visit the website at fathershouse. org.uk

The Keep Me Close Appeal is aimed at providing parental accomodation for the parents of babies cared for at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The charity encourages parents to remain close by to promote bonding, maternal and paternal mental health as well as having plenty of involvement in their child’s developmental needs.

Tracey Stacey, neonatal fundraiser at University Hospital Plymouth said: “At Derriford Hospital we take care of some of the most premature babies in the South West region - so their parents could be with us for a number of days or even weeks.

“It has always been our dream to be able to provide these parents a home from home to try and relieve a little bit of stress that they are going through. Last November, this became a reality and we are now able to offer this through our ‘40 nights stay’ scheme – offered to parents in our accommodation.

“It is from donations such as the one from Barratt Homes that has made this a possibility and we cannot thank Barratt Homes enough.”

Janice Old works for Barratt Homes in Exeter and nominated the charity after it provided support to her granddaughter Darcie.

“When Darcie was born in 2016 she was not breathing but they were able to bring her back to us. She needed extra care to make sure there were

Pictured are (from left) Chris Belsten, Darcie Belsten, Jo Towns, Tracey Clarke (from Keep Me Close), Janice Old (nominator of the charity) and Aimee Belsten. Darcie benefitted from the expertise of the NICU and Keep Me Close staff when she was born

no long term effects from having a traumatic birth, and we were told she had been starved of oxygen for a short time.

“You can imagine how we felt as a family, but thankfully she recovered well and is now a very happy four-year-old. If it wasn’t for the special care provided by Plymouth NICU she might not be here, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving cause for this donation.”

How Sensory Solutions is improving life for Cynthia Cynthia Bilby, who is 82 years old, is enjoying an improved social life with new friends, despite having dry macular degeneration, a long term condition which has led to her being severely sight impaired.

Through her contact with Sensory Solutions at Improving Lives Plymouth, Cynthia joined the Insight Extra group, which meets once a month, as well as the Macular Society and a book club at the Central Library – all of which she found through Sensory Solutions.

“I’ve met some lovely people through Insight,” she says, “We share information and learn from each other. We’re having a Christmas party at the library, too!”

Insight is Improving Lives’ four week course (one day a week) for people with sight impairment or severe sight impairment. The programme introduces people to the support available to help them adjust to living with sight loss and move forward with their lives. It can be followed up with the Insight Extra group, which meets monthly.

The free courses are held at

Improving Lives on Mannamead Road, Plymouth, and they provide: • An opportunity to meet and share experiences with others in a similar position • Advice on managing reduced vision, getting around, leisure and independence, daily living, equipment and much more • Valuable information on services, groups, benefits and funding that are potentially available • An opportunity to put questions to Low Vision Specialists, Rehabilitation Officers and other key people.

Refreshments and a light buffet lunch are provided and transport can be arranged; (a donation towards transport costs is appreciated).

It was eight years ago that Cynthia’s optician recommended that she ask Improving Lives for advice with equipment to help her see better in daily life.

“They have lots to try out, and they let you take gadgets away for a week to see how they will work for you,” said Cynthia. “It stops you buying the wrong thing.

And they show you how to use them. I have a portable magnifier

Nicki Reid, sales director from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes said: “As the nation’s leading homebuilder, we strive to create a positive legacy in the areas that we build in.

“We feel honoured to support such a worthy cause and are proud to be have played a part in their vital fundraising efforts. We wish the team our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work that they do.”

Cynthia trying out an electronic magnifier with Julie Williams at Sensory Solutions’ base at Improving Lives

so that I can read magazines and books; they also check my NHS hearing aids and clean them, replacing batteries all for free.”

Cynthia was born in Honicknowle when it was a village surrounded by fields.

In a varied working and family life she gained wide retail experience, including running Home Park service station with her late husband David after he left his long term role in the Admiralty.

“David always said ‘life is not a dress rehearsal,’ meaning you

have to make the most of every day,” said Cynthia. “I want to be independent, but I do need somewhere to go for advice and help. Insight Extra and Sensory Solutions, is helping me to do that.”

Don’t struggle with failing eyesight or a hearing loss, pop into the Mannamead Hub or contact Improving Lives for further information or to book a place: Phone: 01752 201899 or 01752 201900 SMS: 07496 950013 e-mail sensorysolutions@

USEFUL £1m Plymouth partnership offers NUMBERS brighter future for young people who are in the care system March 2020

@PlymChronicle

23

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 01752 202082 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has teamed up with Plymouth City Council in a trailblazing new project to improve the life chances of young people in care, and leaving care.

At the moment the future of these young people isn’t always as bright as it should be. In fact, in many places nationally and locally, only 60 per cent of care-leavers find themselves in a positive destination by the time they are 21, such as employment, education and training.

In an effort to change this, Barnardo’s is investing more than £1 million of its own voluntary funds to develop the ‘Plymouth Care Journeys Programme’.

The seven-year strategic partnership is one of the first of its kind in the UK and signifies a new way of working for both organisations, sharing experience and expertise to design and deliver better outcomes for care-experienced young people.

The Barnardo’s team have been led by regional assistant director Nick Cook who said: “Leaving home is a challenge for everyone, but young people leaving care often do so without the ongoing support of a loving family and wider networks to help them.

“They have often experienced trauma, neglect and abuse, and face additional barriers to education, employment and training.

“They are also at greater risk of poverty and homelessness, as well as struggling with isolation and poor mental health – after years of consistent disruption and breakdowns in relationships, they often place a greater value on self-protection rather than making new friends.

“The Care Journeys Programme is a bold and innovative movement to address these issues, remove any barriers and give care-experienced young people the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Young people have been closely involved since the beginning as they have the best understanding of their own situation, which means we shouldn’t simply import an existing ‘fix’ from elsewhere.

“The programme is about taking a new

Helplines

approach to finding new solutions, specific to local needs, so they can face the future with greater confidence and go on to lead successful lives.”

Plymouth City Council, which currently supports around 420 children and young people in care, was chosen by Barnardo’s due to its existing close working relationship with the charity through other local services, and its determination to dig deep into the problem and make change happen.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This is a really exciting partnership to be involved in because it means we can begin to make a difference right now in the lives of some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people.

“Because of the work we’re doing we know that a 14-year-old in care today will have a better chance of a brighter future as an adult than a 21-year-old care-leaver. That’s how significant this could be, transforming the life chances of a generation of children in care.”

In-depth interviews and workshops with local young people highlighted a strong desire for

positive relationships with professionals, stable placements and consistency of support. However, they were concerned about a lack of preparation for independent living, finding their way around the complexity of the care system, and not feeling informed and in control.

A particular issue was the loneliness and isolation experienced by many young people as they moved from living in a supported environment to living alone for the first time at a young age.

So the Barnardo’s team have been working with young people to ‘co-design’ innovative new approaches that would help them to keep and build their social networks, maintain connections with friends, and meet new people.

Potential solutions include wilderness and outdoors camps in order to build their confidence, cookery classes to promote healthy eating, and volunteer peer mentors, or ‘buddies’, to support them in the transition to independent living.

They will be tested and adapted over the coming months before the results are shared with Plymouth City Council in the Spring.

NSPCC launches new service in Plymouth to tackle online sexual abuse of children Children’s charity NSPCC has announced a new prevention service to help Plymouth schoolchildren stay safe online.

In Ctrl is a group work programme for children and young people that aims to help them stay safe online.

Children’s service practitioner, Helen Huntley will be involved in the delivery of the programme.

She said: “We will work with local school pupils to explore issues such as healthy relationships and friendships online, enabling them to develop skills that will help protect them from grooming and exploitation.

“We will be empowering children to ask themselves those really important questions when they go online, and increase their confidence in knowing what to do or who to speak to if they come across something that makes them feel uncomfortable.”

The first In Ctrl sessions are taking place at Marine Academy Plymouth, as part of the children’s charity’s Together for Childhood work in the city, but if it’s successful it will be offered to more city schools for students aged between nine and 13.

In taking a trauma informed

approach, it is designed to offer a safe space to children and young people to promote learning, build understanding of risk and increase resilience, in their online and offline worlds.

Online sexual abuse can happen anywhere that allows digital communication, such as social networks, text messages and messaging apps, email, online chats, voice chat in games and comments on live streaming apps.

Helen added: “The online world is a great place for children to learn, and it can be exciting

for them if they are exploring new social media platforms.

“As exciting as all this can be, children can find it hard to know what to do sometimes and situations can easily feel quickly out of their control, especially if they have had a worrying online experience.

“It’s important that we help children and young people understand that people might not be who they say they are, how to be share aware and to feel confident in taking practical steps such as using privacy settings, turning off location settings, or asking for help.”

The In Ctrl programme has been piloted in other locations across the UK and had positive feedback from the young people who have been involved.

Anyone concerned about an adult engaging inappropriately with a young person online can call the NSPCC Helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc. org.uk.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about any worry or concern they may have.

Children pictured are models. Credit Tom Hull

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 0300 111 0101 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel RAC Green Flag Rail Travel, national enquiries Plymouth Citybus National Express Coaches Brittany Ferries Cremyll Ferry Torpoint Ferry Tourist Information Passport Office, National Helpline

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

Leisure Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

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

24 March 2020

24 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth schools trust is honoured for commitment to wellbeing of pupils and staff A multi-academy trust in Plymouth is celebrating having been named the first educational group in the UK to win a ‘Mentally Healthy Organisation Award’ for its commitment to the wellbeing and mental health of its pupils and staff.

The award was presented to the Discovery Multi Academy Trust by the Centre for Child Mental Health and Trauma Informed Schools UK. The Discovery Multi Academy Trust, comprises of Oakwood Primary Academy, Beechwood Primary Academy and Edison Centre in Southway and Weston Mill Community Primary Academy.

The Trust’s approach includes animal therapy with guinea pigs and chickens, outdoor learning and shared lunch between pupils and teachers.Formed in 2016, the Trust provides education for nearly 1100 children aged between three and 11. The Trust has also developed the Edison Centre which supports children with their social, emotional and mental health.

All of the Trust’s academies have a higher than national percentage of children who are eligible for free school meals and children with special educational needs. At Weston Mill Community Primary Academy, over 41% of children are eligible for free school meals – significantly above the national average of 13.6%.

All three schools in the Trust received ‘Good’ ratings by Ofsted in 2019.

Discovery Multi Academy Trust’s change of methodology in supporting its children and families has resulted in significant improvements in behaviour, academic attainment and the wellbeing of both staff and pupils across the three schools.

In order to address their specific needs, Discovery Multi Academy Trust implemented a relational approach to support behaviour in order to develop a whole school cultural change to boost feelings of belonging and ensure psychological and physical safety for all.

All staff members are trained in empathic modes of interaction to help support the strategy.

Pennycross Primary School receiving their Gold award from Councillor Mark Coker (far left)

Animal therapy plays a key role at the Discovery Multi Academy Trust schools

Environments across the schools have been carefully developed to be calm, inviting and safe, with designated places for pupils to go if they are feeling lonely, anxious or need an emotionally available adult. Outdoor spaces and animal therapy are also used by the Trust as ways to promote alternative methods of learning and tackling difficult feelings.

Dr Margot Sunderland, from the Centre for Child Mental and Trauma Informed Schools said the Trust had met the key ‘Mentally Healthy Organisation’ criteria using key interventions to support the very best staff-pupil relationships known to markedly improve learning and academic attainment.

Suzie Franklin, education consultant and TIS UK Awards assessor said: “You can really feel the sense of emotional wellbeing as you walk around the school and the calm caring yet playful relationships that adults engage in at all levels

promotes emotional regulation across the whole school culture.

“The school’s ethos is focused around learning as the foundation for life, rather than league tables or exam results. Underpinning this is a comprehensive vision for students’ social, moral and cultural development.

“There is relationship policy for staff to ensure that interactions with pupils are reflective, regulating and warm and the schools really understand the evidence-based role that relationships play in shaping daily experiences,” she added.

Alison Nettleship, Leader of the Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Mentally Healthy Organisation Award for our ongoing care for the emotional wellbeing of our pupils and staff.

“The approach has transformed our culture and is a result of the hard work of our dedicated team. As a result we have seen an improvement in the wellbeing of staff and children and this has been a key strategy for facilitating school improvement.

“As a Trust we believe in the importance of recognising the emotional health of our school communities and we look forward to this ongoing development in the future.

Receiving this award continues to validate our approach and we are extremely proud to be recognised as a Mentally Music is another popular part of the curriculum Healthy Organisation.”

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Schoolchildren rewarded for choosing sustainable ways to get to school Children from schools across Plymouth gathered at an awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements in using sustainable transport methods on journeys to and from school.

Plymouth City Council’s Plymotion scheme and walking and cycling charity Sustans have been working together to encourage and support schools across the city to promote active and sustainable travel to school.

Schools have taken big steps, including: setting up walking buses, investing in bike and scooter parking, putting up covered waiting areas for parents and signing up to the Sustrans Bike It Plus project, which encourages pupils to cycle, scoot and walk to school.

The council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, with an action plan dedicated to the city becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Plymotion aims to make it easier to get around Plymouth by bike, on foot and by bus, reducing CO2 emissions.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “It’s brilliant to see so many schools, young people and their families taking steps and making more sustainable choices to reduce their carbon footprint. It shows that everyone making small changes really adds up to have a hugely positive impact.”

At the event, seven schools received awards from Modeshift STARS. This national scheme recognises the work done by

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schools to support sustainable travel, with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people. In total, 43 Plymouth schools have signed up so far.

Six schools - Drake Primary School, Compton Church of England Primary School, Austin Farm Academy, Ernesettle Community School, Chaddlewood Primary School and Hooe Primary Academy - received the bronze award for having taken at least 15 steps to promote sustainable travel.

Pennycross Primary School were also presented with a highly prestigious gold Modeshift STARS award, having recorded more than 40 different initiatives to drive change, going above and beyond to embed walking and cycling into the school culture.

The schools celebrated at the event for their efforts to be more environmentally friendly were: • Drake Primary • Compton Church of England Primary • Austin Farm Academy • Ernesettle Community School • Hooe Primary Academy • Pennycross Primary School • Widey Court Primary School • Knowle Primary School • Laira Green Primary School • Stuart Road Primary Academy • Leigham Primary School • Woodford Primary School • Holy Cross Catholic Primary School • College Road Primary School • Chaddlewood Primary School • St Peter’s Roman Catholic Primary School

Chronicle Plymouth

March 2020

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