The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

PLYMOUTH’S BIGGEST MONTHLY CIRCULATION MAGAZINE - 47,000 COPIES

plymouth magazine the

ISSUE 190 APRIL 2020

Drake’s Jewellers celebrate 70 years with Nancy Astor Collection Debbie takes the plunge to launch business at 50 On Course pull-out training guide inside Dozens of events in What’s On guide

GREAT NEWS FOR PLYMOUTH CRUISE LOVERS - SEE FEATURE INSIDE

West Financial Management are delighted to welcome Rachael Eastley to their team as Client Relationship Manager.

Rachael has worked within Financial Services for over 12 years, advising on mortgages and protection and is now bringing that protection knowledge to the team.

Are you and your family protected if the worst happens?

Have you considered the consequences for your family if you don’t have life / critical insurance in place? If you would like to discuss your options, please feel free to contact us for an initial chat.

Telephone 01752 228382 Email rachael@westfm.biz

The West FM team wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter

Happy Easter www.westfm.biz

West Financial Management Co is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Great news for Plymouth folk who love cruises

Cruises have become hugely popular in recent years, but one of the disadvantages for people in Plymouth is that you have to fly or drive a pretty long distance to join up with your cruise ship.

But that’s all about to change! Next year it has been announced that one major cruise line company will be starting cruises from Plymouth. No more driving to Portsmouth or Southampton!

Cruise & Maritime Voyages have pioneered sailings from regional ports, such as Bristol and Liverpool, and now they are adding Plymouth to their intinerary in 2021.

Their cruise liner MS Marco Polo will be setting sail from Plymouth on four occasions next year during August and September - and hopefully if they prove successful we will see more cruises starting from Plymouth in coming years.

And cruise liners will be figuring large in the Mayflower 400 commemorations this year - with no less than 15 cruise ships visiting the city during the coming months.

Among the liners which will head to Plymouth are Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery and Disney Magic, the first cruise ship owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

The liners will bring an estimated 15,000 visitors to the city in what will be a historic year for Plymouth - to add to the estimated 500,000 tourists who will travel to Britain’s Ocean City in 2020.

That’s great news for Plymouth’s economy!

Hope you enjoy the latest offering and look out for the special On Course supplement in this edition.

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Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Design: Leah-Maarit Jeffery and Matthew Bowker Photography: Laura Joint, Olivia Phelps and Roy Perring Contributors: Laura Joint, Olivia Phelps, Janet Stirling, Anthony Goord and Derek Anderson Advertising sales: Karen Pilkington, Dave Simpson, Jessica Bennett, Glenda Charitos, Michelle Blackhurst, Esther Cole, Chris Etherington and Bethany Horton Distribution: Chris Etherington Artwork:Kim Strachan Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Strachan Front cover: Drakes Jewellers marketing manager Nicola Price displaying items from the Nancy Astor Collection. Photo by Laura Joint.

Contacts: Editorial Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: chris@cornerstonevision.com Advertising: Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: karen@cornerstonevision.com The views expressed in the plymouth magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this magazine.

However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the magazine.

The Plymouth Magazine is distributed free to 45,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 2,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and other locations.

Published by Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY Tel 01752 225623 Fax 01752 673441 e-mail info@cornerstonevision.com web: www.cornerstonevision.com Follow us @CornerstoneVis www.cornerstonevision.com

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

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CONTENTS APRIL 2020 EDITION

JEWEL OF A STORY

8

SUNSHINE KITCHEN

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16

Janet Stirling’s latest recipe from her Sunshine Kitchen is a mouth-watering offering of luxurious chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing.

LINGERIE LAUNCH

40

DETERMINED DEBBIE

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Plymouth’s Drake Jewellers are celebrating 70 years in business and have produced an exclusive Nancy Astor Collection. Laura Joint visited Drake Jewellers to find out more.

Plymouth woman Debbie Johnson was struggling to find work at the grand old age of 50 - so she decided to launch her own business. She has been talking to Olivia Phelps.

WHAT’S ON

Our comprehensive What’s On section has details of all the big events in the city along with details of activities for all the family.

TRICIA’S THRILLED

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Plymouth entrepreneur Jemima Ellis has launched a new lingerie business, after watching her mother Ruth struggle to find beautiful lingerie following a mastectomy.

Mortgages4Plymouth co-owner Tricia Kennedy has kick-started her 40th year in the industry in style, by collecting a coveted award in recognition of her lifetime’s work.

Tel: 01752 787600

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Celebrating seventy spar at Drakes Jewellers Drakes Jewellers are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year - and they are using the landmark occasion to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Plymouth.

The family firm was launched on 7 March 1950, when the first Drakes shop was opened on Old Town Street - little more than a stone’s throw away from its current Drakes store on the upper floor at Drake Circus.

Opening the doors on that momentous day was the founder, Harry Hirshman. The business remains a family affair with Harry’s son John still MD at the age of 81 and John’s children, Andrew and Monique, also directors - the third generation. Today, John has eased back a little, with Andrew and Monique taking the reins, along with Jennifer Manning, the first director outside the family.

Drakes say of their 70 amazing years: “The support of great people like you means today we are celebrating 70 sparkling years. Thank you.”

Another big factor behind the firm’s longevity is the renowned five-star customer service, which extends to customers being offered tea and hand-made chocolates - or even a glass of bubbly: “We pride ourselves on the customer service we offer,” said Drakes manager Natasha Manning.

“We very much want our customers to enjoy their experience in the store, so they feel they can take their time and not feel rushed.”

Another reason is the quality, experience and expertise.

Many of the diamonds at Drakes are personally selected and inspected by Andrew, who is a certified diamond grader.

Natasha said: “Andrew looks at each of the diamond pieces Drakes Jewellers directors (from left) John Hirshman, Jennifer Manning, Monique Hirshman and Andrew Hirshman

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

as they come in, so quality is guaranteed every time. Our Desire Collection, in particular, is very special. All the gorgeous items in this collection have a D-coloured diamond - the highest diamond colour you can get.

“By ensuring each product is of high quality, we are also offering the best value for money possible,” she added.

This year is made even more special for Drakes by the creation of an exclusive limited-edition Nancy Astor Collection to commemorate 100 years of women in Parliament. The design of the jewellery in the collection is inspired by the platinum, sapphire and diamond necklace the former Plymouth MP gifted in perpetuity to the City of Plymouth in 1959, to be worn on special occasions by the Lady Mayoress.

Nancy Astor famously became the first woman MP to take her seat in Parliament after being elected in a by-election in November 1919. She went on to serve as MP for Plymouth Sutton until 1945. On 28 November last year, a statue was unveiled in Hoe Park to mark the 100th anniversary of her election.

Drakes are donating 10% of sales from the collection to the Lady Astor Statue Appeal, which will fund the ongoing maintenance of the statue and the Legacy Project which helps to encourage local young women get involved in politics.

Marketing manager at Drakes, Nicola Price, said: “As a family business of 70 years, we are very connected to the city and proud of our city’s heritage. Therefore, we were keen to support the celebrations of 100 years of women in Parliament - it was an historic event for Plymouth and Lady Astor did so much for the city.”

When it featured on Antiques Roadshow in 2015, the necklace that Lady Astor gifted to the city was valued in the region of £400,000. Each link in the necklace is said to resemble a dogwood flower - the state flower of Virginia, USA, where Lady Astor was born. Natasha said: “We have used the dogwood flower as the main inspiration for the pieces in the collection and we have also used sapphire, which is said to resemble the striking blue colour of Nancy Astor’s eyes.”

The collection is bespokemade and is available in a choice of metals and price points. The collection includes: a pendant with sapphire; fancy ring with sapphire; lapel pin with sapphire; and earrings with sapphire. All

BUSINESS MATTERS

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have a beaded edge and are available in a choice of silver, 9ct white gold and 18ct white gold. The white gold jewellery also features a 0.08ct diamond in the earrings or a 0.26ct diamond in the other pieces. Prices start from ÂŁ150.

Customers can also order the jewellery with their own choice of metal, making it personal to them: “This is a rare opportunity to become the owner of a very special, limited edition piece of jewellery - but the collection is available only during the centenary year,� Natasha explained.

The collection can be ordered online or in person in the Drakes store. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri and Sat; 9am to 8pm on Thursday; 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

•

Drakes Drake Circus Shopping Centre Plymouth PL1 1EA 01752 227775 customerservice@drakesgroup.co.uk www.drakesjewellers.co.uk

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Nathan’s top tips for buying a kitchen!

Where do you start when you’re buying a new kitchen? Who can you trust when it comes to design, product, fitting, know-how and price transparency? And how do you know that your money and property is safe in their hands?

A new kitchen is one of the biggest home improvement investments you will ever make, so it pays to make an informed choice. And, according to Nathan Damarell of Plymouth family firm KF Kitchens, that means taking your time and doing your homework first.

Nathan has produced a series of tips for consumers, after a local KF Kitchens customer recently moved to Scotland: “They asked me for guidance on which good and bad indicators to look out for when deciding on a kitchen firm. I told them the questions I would ask if it was me, and I recommend that anyone buying a new kitchen should ask the same questions.”

Nathan, his wife Derinda and co-director Simon Rice established KF Kitchens at Faraday Mill 12 years ago - between them, they have 75 years of experience in the business. Like every other independent firm, they are up against the big national chains, which raises the first question that customers will face: national or local?

“People will often choose a national company because of the perceived ‘safety in numbers’ aspect,” said Nathan. “The company will have lots of branches all over the country.

“But will that store know the name of the

person who will be fitting your kitchen? If they don’t even know their name, how can you have any confidence that you will be happy with the end product? How will you know if your fitter has the necessary skills and experience to fit your kitchen to a standard you would expect for your expenditure? You are balancing the perceived safety in numbers aspect with not knowing anything about your fitter. It’s potluck!

“If you choose a local firm on the other hand, you can expect people with more experience, a better customer service, a better product range, and generally speaking, they will know who your fitter will be - if they don’t, you should avoid them. They will probably also know all your other tradespeople - the plasterer, plumber, electrician, decorator, floor-layer and gas technician. For example, we can tell you the name of your fitter and everyone who works on your project.

“Remember, you are not buying a product; you are buying a project, because you are also buying the experience of the designers and the fitters. Therefore, you really want to be talking to someone who has the knowledge that will provide you with a kitchen that will last you for the next 20 years. Why would you choose someone who is not experienced, rather than someone who is?”

“The next question is: which local firm should I choose? This is where you need to do your research. If you can tick these six questions, you are much more likely to have a happy kitchen experience - and you’ll end up with the kitchen you want.”

1: Does the company ask for a low deposit? Some companies ask for a high, up to a 35% deposit. If they are asking for this level of commitment, you’ve got to ask yourself why. We ask for a £500 deposit and the customer only pays for the kitchen when we deliver it.

2: Does the company accept credit card payment? If they don’t, this could mean they’ve been refused credit card facilities. Do not use them. And never pay by cheque.

3: Is the company long-term? If I’m a customer of such a major purchase, I want to know that

the company will still be here in a few years’ time - you need some back-up for the future.

You also need confidence that the firm won’t shut down mid-project. Do a company check online to see if they are financially sound.

Assess their showroom. The alarm bells should ring if they operate out of an office with only brochures on show. Our showroom has half a million pounds worth of kitchens, an investment that gives customers confidence.

4: Is the company a member of the Trading Standards approved ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme? This is the most important question.

Companies can only be part of this scheme if they meet strict customer service standards, are qualified, experienced and fully insured.

They are vetted regularly. All members are listed, and you can read customer reviews.

KF Kitchens is a member and has a maximum 5-star rating based on 46 reviews. www. buywithconfidence.gov.uk/about-the-scheme/ 5: Are they partnered with major brands?

Top brands will only commit to partner with companies they trust because their reputation is at stake. It is not a good sign If a kitchen company has no such partnerships. We are a Neff 5-star partner and have won the Studio Partner Award and Best Showroom Experience Award with Häfele.

6: Is there price transparency? To avoid nasty shocks during the project, you should know at the outset what the final cost will be and be given a run-down of all the expenditure. This includes everything - the kitchen, the fitting and all the associated work.

Reputable companies will do this. If a company quotes you only for the kitchen, you will have no idea what the final cost will be, and it could spiral out of control.

Nathan is leading a move to establish a national regulatory body for the industry and is talking to other companies and organisations such as Trading Standards to get the idea off the ground: “Having a set of recognised standards will help the consumer and it will also help the industry, because it will spell the end of those firms that are letting the industry down.”

Visit the KF Kitchens website for more customer stories

National Award Winning Studio

WOMEN AT WORK

It’s never too late to start a new venture - ask Debbie!

The growth in self-employment in the last 20 years has been mainly fuelled by the over-50s who are finding it increasingly hard to secure a full-time job.

decided that working for myself rather than for someone else, earning minimum wage, was the only way forward.”

Visiting Plymouth a number of times during her childhood, Debbie decided that it was the perfect place to relocate.

It was this dilemma which led a Plymouth woman to set up “I have fond memories of school holidays spent visiting my her own business - cleaning headstones and tending graves. nan. I also have a couple of old friends who had moved down Elite Memorial Cleaning was established by Debbie Johnson, here (Plymouth) from London over the years so I felt like I had a self-motivated and independent 50 year old who is a connection with the place.” encouraging others to be entrepreneurial.

Despite a number of knock backs, Debbie’s “After moving to Plymouth I took a couple resilience has shown that it’s never too late to Story and photo by of regular jobs, but realised that working for change your life. minimum wage while having to pay high private Olivia Phelps “I turned 50 in October last year and I think rent was never going to work financially,” said it was that coupled with it being the end of the Debbie, who lives in Peverell. decade that for the first time in a very long time, She has found a niche, but sought-after market tending I felt positive about the future”. to neglected graves in Plymouth. “I regularly walk my dog Realising that “life’s too short to be unhappy”, Debbie through Ford Park Cemetery as I’ve always enjoyed the peace decided to start her own business and take charge of her and quiet of that setting. situation - “It’s really early days for Elite Memorial Cleaning “I find it really interesting reading all the memorials and the but as least my fate is in my own hands...” underlying social history that is often attached to them. My Research suggest that more than 90 per cent of women grandparents are also buried there and I was sad to see their in their 50s say they’re happier than they’ve ever been. 50 is plot in an overgrown state.” no longer a time to slow down but a time to change direction After a number of difficult years living in Kent, Debbie, and pursue new avenues. decided to head for the south west, took the plunge and Starting a business gave Debbie a new lease of life at a moved to Plymouth to make a fresh start in 2016 time when a lot of women begin to feel invisible. “I’m at an “I needed to think of a way to better my situation and age where I’m, (I suppose) as a woman, ‘expected’ to be married and doing a little part time job to top up the money coming into the household, not trying to support myself and my dog!”

At an age where women are ‘supposed’ to be preparing for their imminent retirement from working life and their love life is a closed subject, many find themselves struggling to fill their free time.

“At my age I feel a bit like I don’t fit into society. I don’t have kids so can’t join all the ‘family’ focused things but I’m not in the age group where I want to be going clubbing/partying as other single people might and i’m still too young to be retired and meet new people through the groups they have available to them.”

Having worked in the banking industry for several years, Debbie feels that everyone should try working for themselves.

“I have really enjoyed the freedom of working for myself having been part of a big corporation for so many years.

5DS

Before and after - Debbie’s handiwork

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

WOMEN AT WORK

a “I’d started at the bank when I was 18 and truly thought it was a job for life. Being made redundant made me realise that there really was no such thing as job security working for someone else.

“At the end of the day you’re just a number on the payroll and despite how hard you work, one day your number may be up and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Debbie hopes her story will inspire many other women and 50 year olds to start their own businesses and leave behind the doubt casting a shadow over their lives that stops them from truly being happy.

“If you’re doing a job or are in a situation you really aren’t happy in then try to find the strength to change things. It’s all too easy to just carry on day after day, complaining about

Debbie Johnson - really enjoys the freedom of working for herself

partners or jobs or money worries and so on, but only we can make our lives better.”

•

For more information e-mail Debbie at elitememorialcleaning@outlook.com or visit www.elitememorialcleaning.co.uk

DIY DIVORCE ... IS IT EVER GOOD MOVE? The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill will shortly come into law.

It will give effect to the biggest change to the divorce process in England and Wales Teresa Cussen for nearly 50 years, by introducing “no fault divorce.” The basis for divorce remains that it has broken down irretrievably. More people may look to start the divorce application themselves, if they no longer need “prove” breakdown by either adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years separation and consent, or five years separation. In future, a couple will be able to divorce on the basis that they agree their marriage has broken down.

There are, however, common misperceptions about the divorce process which could easily trip up anyone not familiar with it. Seeking expert advice from the outset, will help ensure that you start off on the right foot. Having a family law expert look at any agreement to ensure that it

is fair and will meet your needs now and in the future, will provide peace of mind. Whether you want to check the agreement which you have reached, or you want help negotiating it, our family law experts can help in the way that works best for you.

The procedure for dissolving a marriage is not complicated but it is technical. It is important that the application forms are filled in correctly. The process is not automatic, and each stage needs to be applied for.

Dealing with the divorce dissolves the marriage but does not deal with the financial aspects. A separate application will be needed either to approve agreed terms or a hearing if there is no agreement. There needs to be a formal court order even if everything is agreed. If no order has been made all financial claims potentially remain live.

Doing nothing is risky because financial circumstances can change significantly very quickly. In Wyatt v Vince 2016 the High Court ordered Mr Vince to pay a lump sum of £300,000 to Ms Wyatt more than 20 years after they divorced. Long after they had separated, Mr Vince

generated a considerable fortune developing a renewable energy supply.

If you remarry before the financial aspects of your first marriage have been resolved, there is a risk you would lose the right to any provision so it’s important that the divorce application has been filled in correctly at the outset.

Family and friends can be a great support, and whilst there will be similarities, every couples’ financial needs, (housing, income, capital, or pensions) are specific to them. Any fair settlement will need to balance several different factors.

The introduction of “no fault” divorce is a long overdue development and will help to reduce acrimony and heartache for separating couples but there remains a place for timely professional advice from an experienced family law professional to help you reach the right outcome.

To find out how our accredited family law experts can help you contact Teresa Cussen at Roper James either by ringing 01752 546448 or emailing teresacussen@roperjames.co.uk.

Roper James Solicitors 3 St Andrew Street Plymouth PL1 2AH

01752 546448 • enquiries@roperjames.co.uk www.roperjames.co.uk www.cornerstonevision.com

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FOOD MATTERS

Janet Stirling’s...

Sunshine Kitchen Luxurious chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing I like all sorts of cakes, but there is something special about a chocolate cake, dark and luscious, that makes my eyes get that bit wider.

A chocolate cake holds such promise of pleasure and yet many chocolate cakes that I’ve tasted and made myself, over the years have been disappointing because they were dry.

If you’ve ever watched The Great British Bake Off, there is nothing worse for Paul and Mary[as well as Prue] than a dry cake! I think they hate that more than a soggy bottom. Lol! I have resorted to making Devil’s Food Cakes to avoid dry chocolate cake when I am making a special birthday cake. They are light and very chocolaty and everyone loves them, but I am getting bored with the same cake so I have perfected this recipe that makes a moist and luxurious chocolate cake. It is very indulgent and it is heavier that the Devil’s Food because of the moisture in it. It is simply ‘decadent’. That is a good word. The dictionary definition for decadent is ‘luxuriously self-indulgent’ - need I say more?

The first time I tried this cake recipe I made cupcakes with peanut butter icing for a fundraiser for a friend and they were so yummy that I considered keeping them for myself (naughty girl!) but I didn’t. I thought I would share it with you today and the icing recipe. Of course, you can make one large cake instead of cupcakes and put whatever icing you prefer on top but this recipe is one that I treasure and hope you will too. The icing is definitely for peanut butter lovers but

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

compliments the dark chocolate cupcakes so well.

I have six grandchildren and all of them like chocolate cake but my youngest grandson eats only chocolate cake. He used to eat other flavours of cake, but not now. It is chocolate cake for him and he definitely approves of these chocolate cupcakes.

I’m sure you are curious by now and your mouth is watering so here are the ingredients for my luxurious chocolate cupcakes. This recipe makes 12 fat cupcakes, possibly 15.

INGREDIENTS √ Margarine 110g. √ Brown sugar 130g. √ Granulated sugar 65g. √ Eggs 2 large √ Vanilla 2 teaspoons √ Whole natural Greek Style Yoghurt 225g. √ Sour Cream 115g. √ Coffee 2 tablespoons √ Plain Flour 245g. √ Cocoa 100g. I always use Bournville dark chocolate, it never disappoints √ Baking Soda 1½ teaspoon √ Salt ½ teaspoon METHOD Cream together the margarine and the sugars until they are light and fluffy on high speed.

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture. Don’t worry if they curdle a bit just throw a handful of the flour mix in with the eggs and it will be fine.

In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients [flour, cocoa, soda, salt] In yet another bowl or jug stir together the wet ingredients [yoghurt, cream, coffee] You cannot taste the coffee in the cakes but I assure you it enhances the chocolate flavour.

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed margarine and sugars in the mixer on medium speed. Now add the wet ingredients and continue to mix.

Mix until all is incorporated and smooth and finish the

FOOD MATTERS

mixing with a spatula making sure all the ingredients in the bottom are mixed in.

Put equal amounts into 12 hole cupcake tin [lined with cupcake papers] using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to keep them all the same.

Bake in the centre of the oven on 180C fan/350F for 20-25 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Let them cool on a wire rack before icing.

PEANUT BUTTER ICING I found this icing recipe in an Ina Garten cookbook. The measurements are in cups as it’s an American recipe but you can use a regular size mug or a teacup to measure with if you don’t possess a set of measuring cups. √ Icing Sugar 1 cup √ Peanut Butter 1 cup √ Butter 5 tablespoons, at room temperature √ Vanilla 3/4 teaspoon √ Cream 1/3 cup Mix together the icing sugar, peanut butter and butter with a hand mixer or by hand if you’re feeling your oats today.

Then add the vanilla and cream. Just mix it together, but don’t whip. A nice touch to finish is chopped roasted peanuts sprinkled on the top of each cupcake.

There, it’s done now just apply generously to the tops of the cooled cupcakes and swirl with a knife or pipe icing to make the professional look. If done well, I think piped icing helps to sell cakes because we eat with our eyes first don’t we? I didn’t have time to pipe mine, as I was late to the fundraiser. I challenge you to take a bite without getting the icing on your nose.

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WHAT’S ON

The Lyric ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com The Lyric ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Mar 17 to 21 HOLES Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-awardwinning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster. This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged eight and up.

Mar 24 and 25 SOME CALL IT HOME A provocative multimedia music drama that brings to life conflicting perspectives of our uneasy relationship with the land—our home, our planet.

Mar 27 and 28 ACOSTA DANZA International ballet superstar Carlos Acosta and his critically acclaimed Cuban company, Acosta Danza, perform a programme of new and existing works.

Mar 31 SWAN LAKE DREAMS Birmingham Royal Ballet brings its Dreams performance to Plymouth for the first time, featuring ballet students of all ages.

Apr 1 to Apr 4 SWAN LAKE Birmingham Royal Ballet brings one of the most iconic ballets of all time to Plymouth.

Apr 7 to 11 BILLIONAIRE BOY From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story!

Apr 15 to 17 THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Welsh National Opera’ s periodset production has all the ingredients of a classic opera.

Elegant sets, opulent costumes and an exceptional ensemble cast combine to pay homage to one of the greatest comic operas of its time.

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Apr 16 WNO: CARMEN Jo Davies’ new production, set in the recent past, will bring all the passion and drama expected of this iconic opera. Bizet’ s alluring music, from the famous Toreador Song to Carmen’ s provocative Habanera, exposes the emotion of the characters to create a tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Apr 18 WNO:LES VEPRES SICILIENNES Based around true events which occurred in Sicily in 1282, Verdi’ s grand opera features wonderful choruses and breath-taking arias, including the Bolero.

Apr 19 WNO: FAMILY CONCERT The WNO Orchestra performs a selection of music that will be familiar from the big and small screens, as well as the opera stage, all aimed at introducing younger members of the family to orchestral concerts while entertaining the adults. From 1pm in the Foyer there will be a series of free family activities including face painting, costume and make-up demonstrations, meet the musicians, and lots more.

Apr 21 to 25 DERREN BROWN: SHOWMAN The multi award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is at his very best on stage. His one-man shows have received wide critical acclaim and more Olivier wins and nominations than any other in history!

The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

School of Rock - The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit, award-winning West End show, will go on a major tour in 2021, and will be at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from July 13 to July 17 next year. Tickets will be available to purchase for the Plymouth shows in the summer of this year.

Apr 26 ROSS NOBLE:HUMOURNOID What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’ t a thing.

What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see it. This is it.

Apr 28 to May 2 PRIVATE PEACEFUL Acknowledged by Michael Morpurgo as his favourite work, this professional premiere is a new ensemble version by Simon Reade. It tells the story of a country lad fighting a war he doesn’ t understand for people he cannot respect.

Drum Theatre ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 Mar 17 to Mar 21 AUGMENTED Sophie Woolley’s brand new play is a personal story of the joy and conflict of becoming ‘hearing’ again after years of total deafness.

Mar 24 to 28 NATIONAL THEATRE CONNECTIONS 2020 A celebration of young people, theatre-making and the importance of access to the arts.

Apr 2 to 4 THE SAD CLUB Theatre Royal Plymouth Young Company present a show about sadness, told with live music, energy, colour and light. The Sad Club asks what stops us from being happy and how we might break through those barriers.

Apr 7 to 11 I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS A spellbinding and moving story

by Michael Morpurgo one of our greatest storytellers.

Apr 18 to May 2 THE ROOMMATE In the year of Mayflower 400, this Theatre Royal Plymouth production brings a funny and razor-sharp vision of modern American life, its dreams and warped ambitions.A female odd-couple relationship blossoms over a mid-life reawakening, with a dollop of good old American values.

CASTLE STREET, PLYMOUTH BOX OFFICE: 01752 267131 www.barbicantheatre.co.uk Mar 19 YOU’RE IN A BAD WAY When two sisters learn their dad has been diagnosed with dementia, they deal with the news in very different ways. This new show by John Osborne deals with themes that are increasingly

Theatres & Shows wanting to die and what can happen if we sit together with the dark. Grudgingly hopeful, occasionally funny, Caroline reunites with director Alex Swift to bring an unapologetically dark show about dark things. Winner of The Scotsman Mental Health Fringe Award 2019

familiar – but this is an optimistic, positive story. This brand new funny, sad, cosy, beautiful story deals with dementia, family and the role music plays in our lives. Just because something is diagnosed, doesn’t mean it’s the end.

Mar 19 to 21 OUR HOUSE: THE MADNESS MUSICAL Performed by Plymkids Youth Company at Plymouth Athenaeum.

Apr 2 to 4 GANGSHOW 2020 The show has been run by adult leaders of scouting and guiding for some 35 years. At the Plymouth Athenaeum.

Apr 10 NICK HELM - PHOENIX FROM THE FLAMES Multi award-winning stand up comedian, Nick Helm has been delighting audiences as a standup since 2007. Blending jokes, stories, poems and songs, he has earned an impressive list of awards and accolades such as Best Stand-Up Comedy Act at the What’s on London Awards, Apr 16 BLENDER: A NIGHT OF SEX & GENDER Drag as you’ve probably not seen it before… or expected! A night of eye opening queer art exploring society’s perceptions of transgender issues, modern feminism and living in today’s world as a queer person.

Apr 24 ALL OF ME Written and performed by Olivier Award nominee Caroline Horton - an intimate and absurd exploration of wanting to live, www.cornerstonevision.com

May 21 AN EVENING WITH PAUL MERSON Join football legend and Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson for a special ‘Evening With’ event. Paul will bring his fondest tales from his days in the Premier League, FA Cup, internationals and Saturday afternoon’ s in the Sky Sports studio. There will also be a fantastic opportunity for the audience to ask some questions of their own.

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Mar 18 THE TREES Plymouth’s four-woman supergroup play with vocal harmonies and their wideranging inspirations to offer a unique and special show.

Mar 19 CHARLIE LOUISE Young, soulful, countrypop musician who combines acoustic pop vibes with crystal clear country vocals to create a sound like no other.

Mar 20 NEIL BURNS ORGAN TRIO World-class jazz musicians featuring Neil Burns on guitar, Martin Jenkins on organ and Ric Byer on drums.

Mar 21 BLACK FRIDAY For over a decade Black Friday have been playing their foot-stomping mix of high energy, home-brew folk across Cornwall, Devon and far beyond.

Mar 25, Apr 8 and 22 CAFE ACOUSTICA Bi-monthly local music night sees great local talent, handpicked by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen. @PlymMag

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

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WHAT’S ON Mar 26 ELANI EVANGELOU For fans of Amy Winehouse, Laura Marling, Alabama Shakes.

Lost Revellers are at the B-Bar in April

Mar 27 BECCA LANGSFORD & VINCE LEE Vince and Becca have performed together in various band settings since meeting in 2008. Their current live show features 1920s and 30s country, blues and ragtime duets driven by mandolin, guitar, double bass and washboard.

Mar 28, Apr 11 and 25 CUBA PARTY Latin tunes and cocktails with resident DJ Misael.

Mar 29 FREEDOM COMMUNITY FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER A musical takeover from the talent behind the Freedom Community Festival featuring a host of fantastic local bands, raising money for the festival.

Apr 1 COMEDY NIGHT Featuring a fantastic mix of some of the best stand-ups on the circuit and some up and coming talent.

Apr 2 RUE RUE has been making waves in music since 2017, having pushed her sensational vocals and beautifully nu-soul inspired songs all across the UK.

Apr 3 LOST REVELLERS Performing on violin, accordion, percussion and bass, Lost Revellers’ live set combines a high octane performance, masterful musicianship and musical creativity.

Apr 4 LOST IN SPACE Madcap mix of funky ska, retro grooves and gypsy stomp, from full brass to hot strings, seven piece band, with at least fifteen instruments, not all at the same time.

Recreational & Professional Seafarers, would you know how to deal with a medical emergency on board?

Apr 9 WIDOW’S PEAK Acoustic duo powered by raw folkpunk song writing, bringing together the threads of their indie rock appreciation and trad folk culture.

Our MCA courses follow the guidelines set out in the new updated Ships Captains Medical Guide 2019 version.

Would you know what to do if a crew member fractured a limb, had a major or minor bleed, became hypothermic or unconscious? What if help is a long way away?

You need to do something!

DDRC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SPECIAL OFFER: MCA approved STCW A-VI/3 Proficiency in Medical First Aid (4 days) May 2020 is being discounted to £299 inclusive of VAT. To book go to: www.ddrc.org/training.

Insert promotional code MCA42020 to get your discount.

DDRC Professional Services is a subsidiary of DDRC Healthcare, Hyperbaric Medical Centre, Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth PL68BU Tel: 01752 209999 email training@ddrc.org

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Apr 10 GEOFF & ROB Geoff Lakeman, patriarch of a folk dynasty - as dad of Seth, Sean and Sam and father-in-law of Cara Dillon and Kathryn Roberts - teases English and Irish folk, Americana and jazz songs out of his vintage duet concertina. Rob Murch brings the ‘wow factor’ to the banjo, with his unique, punchy finger-style playing. Both live on Dartmoor, so it was inevitable they’d gang-up musically. Expect self-written and West Country songs, rattling folk tunes and foot-stomping ragtime and cakewalk riffs. The duo’ s relaxed yet sparkling stage presence together is bubbling with the ‘feel-good’ factor.

Apr 12 SUNDAY SERMON Monthly jazz gig and jam session hosted by the Neil Burns Organ Trio.

Apr 15 WEDNESDAY NIGHT MAGIC Regular showcase of talented local magicians as well as an ever-changing line-up of special guests and brand new talent.

Apr 16 FORKED FAREWELL PARTY The end of an era is celebrated in true Forked style with poetry, spoken word, cabaret and music to say thanks and farewell to one of Plymouth’ s most beloved artistic events.

Apr 17 ENGEL AND THE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE One day, whilst hiking through the Alpine wilderness, indie/ folk singer Luke Engel happened across a feral mountain tribe.

After careful tuition and many a battle...Engel and the Mountain People marched down the slopes towards civilisation.

Apr 18 ANAIRDA & THE ANARKISTAS A world folk-rock/fusion band with international roots who believe in the power of music to inspire change.

Apr 23 OLLY PARKER Stripped back to his acoustic roots, Olly shows you how much

Theatres & Shows fun you can have with just one guitar. His solo style and original songs have a smooth swing and intimate vibe that invite you into his world and carry you along for the ride.

Apr 24 GEORGE MONTAGUE Ingenious singer songwriter multi-instrumentalist George Montague is an exceptional musician with immense energy and countless contagious original songs. Playing piano and guitar, George is known for entertaining and rousing enthusiastic audiences in uplifting song with his versatile vocals.

Apr 29 GRACE LIGHTMAN & ELANI EVANGELOU Two enchanting musicians join forces and conjure an atmospheric twist of indie folk and alt. For fans of Lucius, Big Thief, Sharon Van Etten.

Apr 30 TAYLOR T From the streets of Byron Bay to Wellington New Zealand, Taylor T has taken his musical depth far and wide. Originally from the South West coast, Taylor’s poetic approach to lyrical song writing has been well received globally.

Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0333 772 7727 www.plymouthpavilions. com Mar 21 MUSICALITY Young musicians from across Plymouth unite to celebrate their love of music at the city’s youth ensemble concerts.

Mar 22 THE BOYS ARE BACK Featuring Catch 5ive, A1, Damage and 911 Four acts, one unforgettable night of hit-packed show of pop classics.

Mar 25 SONGFEST 2020 The Cornwall Music Education Hub’s annual vocal showcase returns with a new set of songs for 2020. Children from 23 schools take part.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more.

Mar 28 ED BYRNE Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children. Ed Byrne presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy hot on the heels of his last touring hit, Spoiler Alert!

Mar 27 MAGIC OF MOTOWN Revel in hit after hit as the incredible theatrical treat with a huge cast continuing the legend of solid-gold artistes the

Mar 30 SIR RANULPH FIENNES LIVING DANGEROUSLY Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’ s greatest living explorer’ , Sir Ranulph Fiennes presents a lighthearted and poignant personal journey through life, spanning his early childhood and school misdemeanours, his army life, the Transglobe Expedition and his current Global Reach Challenge; making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell.

Cruising - Ferries - Fishing

Set sail from where the Pilgrims left in 1620, on our new one hour cruise, departing daily from the Barbican Landing Stage Step aboard the new cruise from The Mayflower Steps, commemorating 400 years since the Pilgrim’s voyage to the New World. Learn more about the historic voyage, from where they set sail in 1620. Cruise along the River Tamar to the Royal Naval Dockyard, with further fascinating commentary, as we pass Plymouth’s historic landmarks and stunning coastline.

NEW

FOR APRIL 2020

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

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WHAT’S ON Apr 3 and 4 ROKIT WORLD SENIORS SNOOKER TOUR Snooker is back in Plymouth!

Two time British Open Champion Jimmy White headlines this new event which has been secured on a three year deal in Plymouth.

Other players lined up to compete include Stephen Hendry, John Parrott, Dennis Taylor and Cliff Thorburn. Eight players will play over four sessions to compete for a £20,000 prize fund.

Apr 6 THE JOE & DIANNE SHOW Expect music, comedy and of course a little bit of dance in this never-before-seen variety show from Strictly Come Dancing finalists Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell.

Apr 8 FRANK SKINNER Comedy legend Frank Skinner is adding extra dates to his latest UK tour and brings his critically acclaimed stand-up show Showbiz to Plymouth for one night only.

Apr 11 and 12 RIVERDANCE Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this powerful and stirring

reinvention of the beloved family favourite, is celebrated the world over for its Grammy Awardwinning music and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance.

Apr 17 JIMMY CARR Jimmy’ s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’ re just jokes - they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo.

ENJOY A FAMILY DAY AT THE RACES FROM JUST £20*

Apr 20 ELBOW Having built a deserved reputation as one of Britain’ s best live bands, these theatre shows are a rare opportunity to see Elbow in more intimate settings.

May 23 A QUESTION OF SPORT Join host Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – together with a host of big-name guests – as the world’s longest running TV sports quiz celebrates its 50th anniversary with an all-new live show.

Featuring many of the rounds

RACING FIXTURES 2020

and challenges you know and love, A Question of Sport Live is the perfect way for fans to see the hit show up close in a thrilling live environment. It is truly interactive as audience members will be able to participate by directly posing questions to the teams and getting involved in some rounds before the traditional ‘Sprint Finish’ climax.

This is A Question of Sport’s first tour in nine years and Sue, Matt and Phil are all excited about getting back on the road together with a host of special guest star panellists who will soon be revealed.

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

TUESDAY 23 (EVE)

See website for full details.

Theatres & Shows

Fantastic Spring season in The Lab at Theatre Royal Plymouth The Lab is a creative space in the heart of Theatre Royal Plymouth for developing and showcasing exciting new talent.

Local young people and communities, as well as emerging and professional artists using it as a space to meet, experiment and discover, whilst creating and sharing their work.

The Spring season offers a special mix of performances with something for everyone.

Tickets can be booked online at www.theatreroyal.com or by calling the Box Office on 01752 267222. Upcoming shows: Two Little Kittens March 31 to April 3 Two little kittens, one stormy night, began to quarrel, and

then to fight; One had a mouse and the other had none, and that’s the way the quarrel begun. Above Bounds invite you inside from the storm to watch as our tale unfolds. Can two unlikely companions learn to share and play together, or will one end up back outside on their own? With visual comedy, interaction and lots of laughs, Two Little Kittens is the perfect first introduction to theatre for under 4’s and their families.

The Goat Show March 31 to April 3 People say nothing is more stubborn than a goat that won’t move. Which makes you wonder what the goats think about us. Mixing puppetry, storytelling and live music Running Dog Theatre brings

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@PlymMag

you a rollicking adventure story about goats, division and overcoming conflict – but with chase sequences and competitive poo collection!

End Of The Pier Show April 4 At the end of a soon-tobe-closed-down pier in a forgotten seaside town, Pierre the pier handyman spends the last weeks as he always does: catching fish for his old bedridden mother and making strange and wonderful things from the rubbish he finds on the beach. Renowned standup poet and lo-fi theatre maker Jonny Fluffypunk presents a brand spanking new little show for families, with poetry,

puppetry, story, song and a healthy dose of anarchy.

Cycle April 7 and 8 Cycle, by Rosie Race, is a cross between live-art, dance and sparse realism. Above all it is a darkly comic look at how to tell the truth. This show is about the weight of loneliness and the desire for touch.

Contraband Sandwich April 9 and 10 In 1965 there was a hearing like no other. Astronaut John Young smuggled a sandwich into space and NASA was not impressed. This piece explores the inherent comedy of THAT sandwich and the absurd hearing that followed.

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

WHAT’S ON

Music

Music Mar 18 PLYMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm.

Conductor Anne Kimber, with Maria Wloszczowska - violin.

Tickets: Balcony £18 on the door, £16 in advance. Ground floor £16 on the door, £14 in advance, Children £5, from Mannamead News, 6 Eggbuckland Road, Plymouth PL3 5HF 01752 661451 or wegottickets.com or on the door. See panel on this page.

Mar 20 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. In aid of the organ restoration fund. Contact Marilyn Goldsborough on 01752 564847.

Mar 21 TAMAR VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR St Werburgh’s Church, Wembury at 7.30pm.

Mar 22 and 29 CARLTON BIG BAND Duke of Cornwall Hotel at 12.30pm. Tickets on the door or from 01752 275850.

Mar 22 WAR CHILD CONCERT Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Featuring pianist Mark Bebbington, Peter Cigleris, clarinet and Peter Fisher violin.

Proceeds to support orphaned children in Syria. Tickets 01752 770345.

Mar 24 to 28 THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Devonport Playhouse at 7.30pm with matinee at 2.30pm.

Presented by the PGS Theatre Productions. Tickets on 01752 842197 or at www.pgstheatre.com Mar 26 SPRING CONCERT Davy Mail Hall, University of Plymouth at 8pm. Presented by the University of Plymouth Orchestra. Free entry.

Apr 5 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring the Pete Canter Quartet. Swinging

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straight-ahead and Latin jazz from one of the most talented quartets in the West Country.

Tickets 01752 721179 or from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

Apr 4 LA GRANDE MESSE 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 Apr 17 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR St Stephen’s Church, Saltash at 7.30pm. In aid of church funds. Contact helen@ saltashteamministry.org Apr 19 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring the The Sunset Cafe Stompers. A rare visit from this fine traditional jazz band overflowing with talented musicians.Tickets 01752 774343 or from www.plymouth-jazz-club. org.uk.

May 8 and 9 WEEKENDER FESTIVAL Newnham Park, Plymouth. Brand new two day outdoor multigenre music festival, with four stages, more than 20 of the biggest names in dance music.

Selection of fully licensed bars and independent food vendors

The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Legacy Choir in charity concert A charity fundraising concert for the Plymouth Music Accord is taking place at Stoke Damerel Church in April.

Organised by Jeanie Moore, the concert on April 26 at 3pm features The Legacy Choir, which is made up of young people aged 12 and above.

The Legacy Choir was set up to allow young people to sing together regardless of the school they attend. The choir now has almost 50 members from 13 schools across Plymouth.

Legacy Choir is the lead UK choir for the Plymouth International Chorus, featuring young singers from the UK and the USA and the choir gets involved with exciting projects including exchanges to the USA and fun performances at events in the local community.

In November they performed with Hymn to the Fallen and The Greatest Showman in a combined ensemble with youth bands from Plymouth UK and Plymouth, Mass, USA. The choir sings a whole range of repertoire - something for everyone.The choir meets every Monday from 4pm to 5.10pm at Montpelier Primary School.

For more information about the choir, visit their Facebook page @plymouthlegacychoir.

Tickets for the concert are £8 for general admission and £4 for children under 15 years of age. They are available from: Jeanie Moore on 01752 770345 or via e-mail jeanie@ jeaniemooremvo.co.uk. They can also be purchased at www.wegottickets.com/event/496026. and two huge afterparties. Tickets on sale now via Skiddle (including payment plan options)www. skiddle.com/e/13672542 May 10 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring Simon Spillett with the Martin Dale Quartet.Leading British

saxophonist, the brilliant and charismatic musician Simon Spillett joins the region’s finest Quartet for an evening of swinging jazz standards.Tickets 01752 774343 or from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

For details of music events in and around Plymouth visit www.plyclassical.co.uk

34 Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1DU

t: 01752 222660 www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk

Foot care that’s just the ticket for Paula Paula Morton loves her job as a bus driver, but until she found Foot Solutions her working day was blighted by pain in her feet and legs.

“People may think driving a bus is physically easy,” said Paula, “but itʼs more demanding than that. Also, we have to walk fast from one end of Royal Parade to the other to change buses – hard to do with painful feet!”

Paula suffered with severe discomfort for years, due to a previous injury and badly fitting shoes. She often had sciatic pain, blisters and knee pain, which not only hurt but also tired her out.

That all changed in November 2019 when she booked an appointment for a free foot health assessment at Foot Solutions.

“The staff were friendly and easy to talk to. They spent a long time with me, checking everything from how I walked to how my shoes fitted, using their specialist machines to measure pressure and give a clear picture of what was causing my problems. They talked me through it all and then we discussed options to help me.”

Foot Solutionsʼ trained Pedorthist found that Paula actually

needed a size 8.5 shoe, where she had always been given a wide size 7 which made things worse. “I chose some really cool boots from their range, and it was a relief as soon as I put them on,” said Paula.

She was also assessed for custom inserts and when they arrived two weeks later the change was remarkable: “It was like coming home and putting my slippers on,” said Paula.

“For years comfort just wasnʼt possible for me. These boots with the insert are like putting my feet into heaven. Wearing them is a pleasure and I feel much less tired at the end of the day.”

Paula also reported that her knee pain and foot pain are a thing of the past, and she no longer suffers from blisters.

“My feet donʼt hurt from the minute I put them on to the minute I take them off,” she added. “These shoes have really transformed things for me.”

“Iʼve referred friends and I would say to anybody with painful feet: you must go to Foot Solutions!”

For a free appointment call Foot Solutions Plymouth or visit their store on Royal Parade in the city centre.

WHAT’S ON

Incredible week of oc on Plymouth’s wate

Plymouth’s waterfront will become a hive of activity for one jam-packed week this May, as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

Plymouth Babylab has been set up by the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth in 2006 in order to study language and cognitive development in children.

If you have children aged between 0-6 years, we would love to hear from you! All year long, we carry out fun and interesting studies with young children, in our Babylab next to Drake Circus. Your child leaves with a balloon, a certificate, and a Babylab toy or clothing.

01752 584865 www.psy.plymouth.ac.uk/babylab/ Contact Prof Caroline Floccia • School of psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA plymouthbabylab@plymouth.ac.uk

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

The Mayflower Ocean Festival, taking place from 4 to 10 May 2020, will bring a huge programme of activity with something for everyone to dive into.

With family-friendly activities, ocean themed film screenings, live music and unique opportunities to try a variety of watersports, the festival is a celebration of Plymouth’s status as Britain’s Ocean City and the home of the UK’s first national marine park.

A number of exciting events will take place during the festival: • Ocean Cinema film screenings at the National Marine Aquarium: May 4, 5 and 7 • On the Water Plymouth: May 8 • Ocean Sailing Activity Zone: May 8, 9, 10 • Shanty Shindig: May 8, 9 and 10 • Pirates Weekend Plymouth: May 9 and 10 • Horizons’ RYA Discover Sailing: May 9 and 10OSTAR and TWOSTAR race start: May 10 The festival includes a number of brand new events, such as On the Water Plymouth. This watersports focused event will take place around Sutton Harbour and West Pier on Friday 8 May, offering free taster sessions of activities including kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Local activity providers will also be showcasing the sports you can get involved in – from scuba diving to sailing.

All weekend, children’s sailing charity Horizons will be offering free family sailing voyages on safe and steady 20 foot keelboats. Budding sailors can sign up on the day at the stand on West Pier for a 45 minute sail around Plymouth Sound.

Another new event for Plymouth is the Shanty Shindig, a festival of sea songs and maritime music. From 1pm to 7pm each day of the Bank Holiday weekend, the Shanty Shindig will see a fantastic line-up of sea shanty groups and other musicians performing on stage, in locations around the Barbican and inside popular pubs.

The hugely popular Pirates Weekend, run by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, returns to the Barbican and Sutton

Major Events

cean activity to enjoy erfront this spring

28th April - 2nd May 2020 Evenings at 7:30pm. Matinee at 2:30pm

Directed by Rob Tremaine

Shanty bands will be performing over the Bank Holiday weekend

Musical Direction by Gary Hawkins

Book Tickets Online www.plymouththeatrecompany.com Box Office: 01752 560726

Adults: £17 Concessions: £15 Child:£12 Harbour during the festival with a huge variety of family entertainment. Two tall ships will be moored in the harbour and the familiar faces of Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa will roam the streets looking for trouble.

The free entertainment for children includes puppet shows, pirate stilt walkers, meet and greets with Melody the mermaid, swashbuckling school and storytelling sessions. Fancy dress is encouraged, with everyone invited to take part in the pirate parade at the end of each day – there’s a special gift for everyone who looks the part.

In partnership with Plymouth Arts Cinema, Ocean Cinema film screenings will take place at the National Marine Aquarium on the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. More details will be announced soon, but film fans can expect a mix of classic blockbusters and family favourites, as well as conservation films and historic marine footage of Plymouth.

Tickets will cost just £8 per person or £5 for concessions.

Concluding the Mayflower Ocean Festival is the start of the historic OSTAR and TWOSTAR races, the original transatlantic yacht races. Plymouth has always been the start point for the races and the OSTAR is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Visitors can take part in family fun activities at the races’ Ocean Sailing Activity Zone outside the National Marine Aquarium all weekend and cheer on the sailors as they set off on their epic journey on May 10 – the best viewpoints will be Plymouth Hoe or from the ‘wave screen’ at Queen Anne’s Battery.

An engagement programme will also run throughout the entire week. Starting on May 4, children from across Plymouth will have the chance to try out sailing through two programmes: Spirit of Adventure and Sailors of Tomorrow.

Spirit of Adventure will give more than 350 disadvantaged young people, including children in care, hands-on adventures aboard traditional wooden sailing ships whilst Sailors of Tomorrow will give 1,000 young people the chance to take part in dinghy sailing sessions at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre.

•

An amateur production by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe

To find out more about the Mayflower Ocean Festival and to see all the latest programme updates, please see visitplymouth.co.uk/mayfloweroceanfestival.

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WHAT’S ON

Major Events

Major Events Various dates LEAGUE TWO FOOTBALL Mar 23 Argyle v Exeter Apr 4 Argyle v Forest Green Apr 13 Argyle v Northampton Apr 25 Argyle v Port Vale NATIONAL LEAGUE RUGBY Mar 28 Albion v Richmond Apr 18 Albion v Rams BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE Mar 29 Raiders v Manchester Apr 5 Raiders v Worcester Apr 19 Raiders v Sheffield Mar 17 OXFAM FASHION SHOW Plymouth’s first ever Oxfam Fashion Show promoting vintage and up-cycled clothes modelled

by Oxfam volunteers. The event is hosted and supported by Plymouth Gin and the ticket price of £10 includes a free Plymouth Gin & Tonic (or soft drink) on arrival. 7pm for 7.30pm start.

Oxfam Fairtrade stock will be on sale and there will also be a fundraising raffle. Tickets available from Oxfam Mutley Plain, 01752 228160.

Mar 18 MOTHER’S DAY GIFT WORKSHOP Ocean Studios Makers, Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, Plymouth from 6pm to 7.30pm.

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to tailor make your mum her very own freshwater pearl bracelet. Choose from a beautiful selection of shimmering freshwater pearls, sparkling crystals and dainty charms if you fancy a little bit of added sparkle. Pearls never go out of style! All materials provided. Suitable for all levels. £20 per person. For details visit www.shhbysadie.com Mar 19 PLYMOUTH BIKE NIGHT First meeting of the season on Plymouth Hoe Promenade with gates opening at 6pm. All motor cycles and scooters welcome.

Proceeds to local charities.

Mar 21 to 29 MAYFLOWER SPORTS WEEK Celebrating all that is professional sport in Plymouth. Mayflower 400 has brought about an

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Everyone is welcome to join the Plymouth Race for Life Cancer Research’s much-loved Race for Life events are returning to the city - but are no longer restricted to female participants.

This means everybody can be part of the empowering Race for Life movement – and show support for the 34,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the South West.

Race for Life 5k take place at Plymouth Hoe on Sunday, June 21 followed by the Pretty Muddy 5k and Pretty Muddy Kids at Central Park on Sunday September 27.

Vicki Turner, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Plymouth, said: “This year, our Race for Life events are open to everyone.

“We’re sending a heart-felt message to anybody who’s thought about signing up in the past but for one reason or another hasn’t got round to it. This is your year. Our events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. Participants take part at their own pace – taking as much time as they like to complete the course. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk opportunity to engage each of the city’s three professional sports clubs - Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Albion and Plymouth Raiders – in a sporting connection that reaches further into the communities. During the week the three clubs’ home fixtures will feature community activity, together with the chance for new and existing fans of all ages to engage in themed workshops and discussions, and also purchase incentivised tickets that will grant entry to each of the games. Also, an inaugural city-wide sporting quiz night will be held at Home

The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

in the park. For others, it’s a jog or a run.

“Although ‘Race’ features in the name, our events are not competitive. Instead, ‘the Race for Life’ is about our doctors, nurses and scientists working as hard and fast as possible to help more people survive.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Vicki said: “The Race for Life is a powerful, inspirational movement which unites participants in Plymouth with people across the South West and the whole of the UK. “People get together and remember loved ones lost or celebrate the lives of those who have survived. At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with the disease, right now.

“Please go to the Race for Life website, choose an event, and sign up today.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org

Park during the week, an event with real legacy and one that will involve people of all ages, abilities and sporting interests. Mayflower Sports Week will start at Home Park on March 21 and end at Plymouth Pavilions, the home of Plymouth Raiders, on March 29.

Mar 28 MEN’S DAY OUT 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.

For details or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout Mar 28 MARCH FOR VETERANS Join the scenic 10 mile walk from Jennycliff to Heybrook Bay to • continued overleaf

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WHAT’S ON

Major Events Pirates Weekend Plymouth returns on May 9 and 10

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

raise funds for blind veterans. For details or to register go to www. blindveterans.org.uk/march/ plymouth Apr 4 and 5 OCEAN ARTISTS SPRING MARKET Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, Plymouth. With Easter just around the corner, Ocean Spring Market 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 and Royal William Yard. Open 9am to 4pm with free entry. For more details visit www. ocean-markets.co.uk May 4 to 10 MAYFLOWER OCEAN FESTIVAL 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. (See feature on pages 24 and 25.)

May 8 to 31 PLYMOUTH HISTORY FESTIVAL 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.

Since the History Festival started in 2013 thousands of residents and visitors have taken part in hundreds of events, learning and discovering more about Plymouth’s history through talks, guided walks and tours, performances, family activities, exhibitions and displays.

May 8 VE DAY 75 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 reenactments 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.

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WHAT’S ON

Mar 20 to Apr 19 FAMILY FUN FAIR Anderton & Rowlands fun fair at Central Park. Open every day from 2pm to 10pm.

Family Events

Mar 21 FAMIY FUN DAY University of Plymouth Campus from 10am to 4pm. Family fun day on the campus with activities and entertainment for everyone, including live music, Easter egg hunt, showing of Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the WereRabbit, food and sweet treats stalls, egg painting, colouring competition, craft stalls and lots more. Free entry. This event is in aid of the Bristol Children’s Hospital Grand Appeal.

Mar 30 to Apr 11 CEL-EGG-RITY EASTER EGG HUNT City Centre. The Easter Bunny has been busy leaving mini chocolate eggs around Plymouth City Centre, and to help find them he has marked their locations using favourite children’s characters.

Simply follow the map to find the characters on giant eggs in city centre shop windows and with each one found, go in store to collect your free mini chocolate egg, with 16 to collect that’s a lot of chocolate! But be quick! There are only 500 mini chocolate eggs in each store and once they’re gone, they’re gone! (Mini chocolate eggs may contain nuts). Download the map at www.visitplymouth. co.uk/dbimgs/A5_Eggtrail_2020_ AW_WEB.pdf. Excludes Sunday April 5.

Mat 30 to Apr 3 FUTURE MAKE HOLIDAY CLUBS Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard Kickstart your future with Future Make. Presented by Real Ideas, this is a series of creative-techymaking clubs and activities for children aged seven to 11.

From flying drones and creating digital immersive experiences, to designing extreme structures and thinking up exciting new ideas, take the confidence, experience and insight you gain and start to shape your creative future.

For details or to book visit www. realideas.org/futuremake Apr 7 ANIMATED FILM WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES Bridging the Tamar Visitor Centre, Pemros Road. Try your hand at filming a stop motion animation with the help of artist, Lucy Jackson. Help to create a community animated film and want the help of families. Drop in at any time between 11am to 3pm and spend as long as

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Photo: Ron Porter from Pixabay

you like getting creative and embracing your inner director.

Children £4. Details from www. bridgingthetamar.org.uk Apr 8 CREATION STATION The Treasury, Catherine Street.

Easter themed children’s workshop making Easter crowns and Easter themed sun catchers from 11am to 3pm. Booking not required, just drop in for some arts and crafts fun!

Cotehele Calstock 01579 351346 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehele Mar 14 to 22 DAFFODIL FESTIVAL See the wonderful collection of daffodils grown on Cotehele Estate. Over the week there will be a range of activities including displays of historic and new varieties of daffodils, guided daffodil tour in the garden on weekends and daffodil sculptures too from 10am to 4pm. Children’s activities will run on the three weekends and the Daffodil Discovery Trail runs every day.

Sculpture building in the garden begins on Wednesday March 13 and the full displays are ready from Saturday March 16.

This event is free, but normal

The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

admission charges apply for the venue.

Mar 28 to Apr 13 EASTER EGG HUNT Win a Cadbury chocolate prize on this annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt around the garden.Pick up a map and help Bunny find musical animals to join a band. The trail is suitable for ages 3+ and is fun for a family to do together.

Buckland Abbey Yelverton 01822 853607 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ bucklandabbey Mar 29 to Apr 13 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Hop along to Buckland this Easter, join in with an Easter egg hunt and discover what Tudor life was like in the Abbey. Pick up the shopping list from Visitor Welcome and head out on the yellow route and find all the giant eggs which are painted with all the food and items that were once grown at Buckland by the Medieval monks.10am to 4.30pm. Normal admission charges apply. Trail tickets £2.

Apr 19 NEW BORN LAMBS DAY Come and meet the Abbey’s new little lambs and tenant farmer James Eggins as he talks about all things new born lambs. Watch some bottle feeding, take part in

crafts in the Barn and learn about modern farming practices. Free event, admission charges apply.

No booking necessary.

Mount Edgcumbe Cremyll 01752 822236 www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk Apr 5 EASTER EGG HUNT See if you can find the clues hidden through the park as you wind your way to the prize - a lovely Easter Egg from 12 noon to 4pm.

Apr 11 and 12 MODEL AND RAILWAY EXHIBITION The exhibition is being held in the Belvedere Room, above the Stables cafe from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets £3, under 16s free.

Apr 16 BACK TO THE TUDORS What was life like 500 years ago?

Discover why Mount Edgcumbe House was so modern and unique when it was built. Event runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

May 2 WAGS TEA PARTY A tea party for those pooches in your life includes party games, activities and a party box for the pooches! From 12 noon to 4pm. Tickets available on www. adoggydayout.co.uk

Plymouth Hospital

“My debilitating neck and arm pain made me tired and depressed, but spinal surgery at Nuffield Hospital cured me!” says Devon dad Jacob Cunningham

In 2015, 40-year-old Jacob Cunningham was a student at the University of Plymouth studying to become a lawyer, “I have always been fit and enjoyed sport, and as a single dad l revelled at the opportunity to get involved in the university football team, at 35 I was a mature student and one of the oldest!” Jacob continues, “I took a knock in football and initially didn’t think anything of it, but it got progressively worse and from that point I suffered neck and shoulder pain, although it was nothing unmanageable. Then, in February 2019 I started to get quite bad nerve pain in between my shoulder blades and down my left arm. From there it got progressively worse and I was in serious discomfort, with limited movement. It also started to get me down and I was feeling very tired and depressed all the time.”

“I went to work in for a local law firm after finishing my degree and my job came with the added benefit of private medical insurance. I went to my GP and got a referral to be seen at Nuffield Hospital.”

“I chose Nuffield Health because of its great reputation. Nuffield have a hospital and two gyms in Plymouth - after doing my own research I discovered the hospital has excellent reviews and outcomes for their spinal patients.

“My surgeon was Mr Himanshu Sharma who thoroughly explained (after full examination and diagnostics) what was causing my pain and the risks involved in the operation.

Mr Sharma, Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon working at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital explains, “spinal surgery can be very rewarding for relieving disabling symptoms secondary to nerve entrapment in the neck and lower back. If your symptoms such as neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness and/or weakness in the upper limbs, back pain, leg pain, numbness and/or weakness in the lower limbs etc are persisting or gradually worsening for more than 6 to 8 weeks, then diagnostic work-up in the form of MRI imaging for confirmation of a diagnosis and outpatient review could be considered for consideration of relevant appropriate treatment as per the patient’s symptom manifestations and MRI findings. Unnecessary delay in treatment for long periods may lead to persistence of symptoms and sub-optimal outcomes following surgical interventions.”

Following investigation Mr Sharma informed Jacob that he had atypical symptoms secondary to left C7 nerve compression with shoulder and chest wall pain rather than classical shooting pain down the arm.

Jacob said, “my symptoms were atypical and so there was no guarantee that the operation would resolve my condition. But the MRI clearly showed the nerve compression at C6/C7 level and so I opted to go ahead.”

Email: plymouth.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com

Mr Sharma informs that “cervical spine surgery in the form of ACDF (Anterior cervical discectomy & fusion) is done as an inpatient admission for overnight in the vast majority of cases and could take 3-4 months to completely fuse up. Jacob’s scar is beautifully healed and hardly visible. He has regained full range of neck movements and his preoperative neck pain has significantly improved at the 6-month postoperative follow-up.All the symptoms secondary to his trapped nerve have settled and current mild residual symptoms are muscular in nature (which persists after the operation). His quality of life and functions improved dramatically.”

Looking back Jacob says, “prior to my injury and pain, I had always been active playing football, running and gym. But my pain stopped all of that. I am a single dad to my 9-year-old daughter and it was a real struggle to look after her, but I did it. Sometimes, when I was in pain I was really miserable, and she obviously noticed as we spend all our time together. It wasn’t great.

I couldn’t pick her up anymore or anything. It was really debilitating. I have very supportive parents and between us we cared for my daughter well.”

“The operation was a success! I recovered quickly, and I am now swimming 3 times a week and building up my activities again. With the comprehensive facilities and physical training staff at the two Nuffield gyms in Plymouth, I'll be slim again in no time! There are also great facilities and classes for children at the Nuffield Devonshire gym which are ideal for my 9-year-old daughter.”

“I cannot thank Nuffield enough for the exceptional level of care I received. Everything about the hospital is of a high standard, the consultants, the nursing, the rooms, the food and the aftercare. I would thoroughly recommend giving them a call”.

Patricia Warwick, Hospital Director of Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital says, “Jacob’s success story is a real joy for me and my Nuffield colleagues to hear about. We strive for excellence at our private hospital here in Plymouth and to know that Jacob and his daughter’s lives have vastly improved because of this is extremely rewarding.”

MEET THE EXPERTS If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these symptoms, you may benefit from coming along to a FREE patient event at our Plymouth Hospital: Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital: 17 April & 24 April Meet our Spinal Experts Call our enquiries team to find out more and book your place 01752 548993

Tel: 01752 548993

WHAT’S ON

EXMINSTER CARPETS

Host Galleries marks second anniversary with ‘Cities in Bloom’ exhibition

Two of the UK’s leading artists are to star in a new show at Plymouth’s most contemporary art gallery.

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Internationally-acclaimed Edward Waite, and Totnes-based Leanne Christie are both set to unveil new work at Host Galleries in March.

Both artists are creating new collections for the show – which marks Host’s second anniversary in Plymouth City Centre – and runs from March 21 until April 5.

Waite’s urban landscapes are collected all over the world and were the star attraction at Host’s opening show two years ago. He will be presenting a ‘stripped back’ collection of 3-D resin pieces.

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One of Leanne Christie’s works

Christie, the revered floral artist, will showcase her popular floral creations with a new twist.

The ‘Cities in Bloom’ show will kick off with the chance to meet and see both artists at work in a ‘live studio’ at the gallery in Whimple Street from midday to 3pm on Saturday March 21.

“Edward and Leanne will be available to discuss their collections and as they have been two of our most successful exhibitors this is the perfect way to start our third year and thank our collectors,” said Host Galleries owner Neil Stallard.

“Both artists are creating new collections that I think will go down really well here and the pieces will be taking over the entire gallery for the two weeks.”

“Our first two years have exceeded all expectations, although we have encountered the same challenges as many businesses over the last 12 months. We have continued to grow our presence nationally and have recently expanded our offering, working with some new publishers and ensuring that Plymouth has an art gallery that delivers the latest upcoming artists, as well as established favourites.”

Urban landscape by Edward Waite

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Exhibitions and Other Events

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Neil Stallard of Host Galleries (left) pictured with artist Edward Waite

“There’s nowhere else with the same offering in the region and now our customers come from far and wide. We are sending our works to Germany, Sweden, Portugal and even as far as Singapore, the US and New Zealand”.

Stallard has some exciting plans for Host in the upcoming year and is due to bring Formula 1 favourite Paul Oz to Plymouth in May. This will be followed by a ‘Homecoming’ exhibition’ by Plymouth born JJ Adams in June.

He said: “My passion is creativity and I love the process of working with the artists, of coming up with something that works for the people of Plymouth. But we are still establishing ourselves and now it’s about building an offering that people want.”

Stallard is also keen for Host to support Westcountry artists and to showcase their work.: “We are now working with artists like Martin Bush, Derek Dickinson, Gina Fisher and Lara Phillips. Lara works and paints in the gallery.

“It’s important for us to connect with the local art community and support them – especially at a time when the eyes of the world are going to be on Plymouth and its cultural offering.”

The ‘Cities in Bloom’ exhibition is sponsored by Plymouth firm, Synergy Chartered Accountants, exhibition show times are 10am – 5pm on Monday to Saturday and 11 to 3pm on Sundays.

Visit the Host Galleries website for more about all the exhibitions and artists at the gallery and the new framing service. You can also pick up a free glossy brochure from the gallery and see the very latest information and photos on the Instagram and Facebook pages.

•

Host Galleries 12, Whimple Street, PL1 2DH 01752 241234 www.hostgalleries.co.uk www.facebook.com/hostgalleries www.instagram.com/hostgalleries

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WHAT’S ON

As the first part of the 2020 South West Showcase in The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art, Eleanor Duffin presents ‘A Phantom Limb’, a new exhibition featuring sculptural objects and sound-based work by the Bristol-based contemporary visual artist.

Exhibitions and Other Events

Eleanor’s ‘Phantoms’ exhibition at Plymouth College of Art gallery

The exhibition is part of her ongoing project ‘Phantoms of Form’ and runs until April 9.

Inspired by the concept of the ‘other’ woman, the overall ‘Phantoms of Form’ captures Eleanor’s ideas about the other woman who takes on the role of a ghost, there but not present.

‘Phantom Limb’ focuses on a series of letters written by Eleanor to the artist Barbara Hepworth, following a visit to Hepworth’s studio in October 2018. Preoccupied with the garden planted by Hepworth at the studio, the research for this show began by focusing on Hepworth’s use of the garden as an exterior workspace. In tandem to this interest, Eleanor documents the demise of her own house plants slowly beginning to die.

Leah Harris, Gallery Producer at Plymouth College of Art, said: “We established the South West Showcase in 2013 with the aim of providing opportunities for artists within the region to work ambitiously, making use of the expertise of our technicians and facilities in the college, and it has been a pleasure to watch Eleanor’s research change direction, and deepen throughout her time working with us.

“The outcome of her hard work is a rich and explorative

exhibition which celebrates her collective understanding with the female artists of her research.”

Eleanor Duffin said: “The ‘Phantoms of Form’ project initially developed from my search for other female artists that I could identify with, thinking particularly about lineage and what it means to be a woman whose artistic practice is materially driven and whose concerns might contrast with those pursued by male sculptors, for example.”

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm, closed Sunday), free and open to all.

Photo by Luke Frost, from Saltash, second year photography student at Plymouth College of Art.

Springing into the new season at Bridging the Tamar Visitor Centre.

Join us for fun for all the family and find out what life was like before the Tamar Bridge and Royal Albert Bridges were built, as well as discover the story of the iconic bridges through hands-on interactive activities at the brand new centre. Open daily, 10-4, free entry.

What’s coming up?

Anchorage tours: monthly (see website for dates) :10—11:30am Join our volunteer tour guide to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes. You'll go inside the anchorage and see an area normally closed to the public. Booking essential. Min age 10 years.

Animated Film Workshops for Families: 7 Apr, 31 July, 25 Aug, 11- 3pm Try your hand at filming a stop motion animation with the help of artist, Lucy Jackson. We want to create a community animated film and want the help of families. Drop in at any time between 11-3 and spend as long as you like getting creative and embracing your inner director. £4 per child. Advance booking available on website or drop in on the day.

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Share Your Stories Day: Mon 30 March, 11 - 3pm Do you have a story or recollection of the Tamar Bridge or the Royal Albert Bridge. Were you part of the workforce who created this iconic landmark or have a childhood memory? We would love to hear your stories and see any photographs you or your family might have. Feel free to drop by and chat with us.

Easter Holiday Bridge Trail: 28 March - 29 Apr, 10 - 4pm Join us for a free spring-time family trail and find out more about these majestic bridges. www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk Tel: 01752 361577

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

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TRAVEL MATTERS

At last - Plymouth gets cruise boost!

Being a ‘Plymothian’ and lucky enough to live near our seafront, I have always been surprised how few cruise ships visit Plymouth, let alone depart from here.

Constantly seeing the ferry and naval ships sailing in and out, of what I feel is one the most picturesque ports in the world, is so frustrating as a travel agent knowing that if the cruise

By Travel Expert lines could utilise our facilities it would bring so many benefits to our fabulous city.

For many years I have been trying to encourage cruise lines to sail from Plymouth, offering us a selection of itineraries that mean we can avoid the three-hour journey to Southampton, or even further afield such as Tilbury or Dover.

I am therefore pleased to announce that in 2021 Cruise & Maritime will have a small cruise programme, sailing from Plymouth, on one of their favourite ships MS Marco Polo.

Cruise & Maritime have been pioneers in sailing from regional ports including Bristol, Liverpool, Hull and Newcastle.

Having the foresight to sail regionally, they have very quickly built up a loyal client base for a product that is good value for money.

Here are some more details of the cruises on offer: RIVER SEINE & BOURNEMOUTH AIR SHOW - departing August 19 2021 for six nights.

Circumnavigating the Isle of Wight, cruise River Siene, Ruoen (overnight), Honfleur. This is a re-positioning cruise departing from Bristol Port and finishing in Plymouth

Anthony Goord

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

(transport can be arranged to Bristol). A day at sea with a chance to relax on board is followed by a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight with a viewing of the Bournemouth International Air Show.

Breathe in the beautiful Normandy countryside as you cruise the beautiful River Seine. Discover Rouen’s magnificent Gothic cathedral or opt to visit Monet’s House and Gardens.

Honfleur will charm you with its medieval buildings and cobbled streets. Inner cabins from £484 per person; ocean view cabins from £674 per person.

EUROPEAN WATERWAYS & ROTTERDAM REGATTA – departing August 25 2021 for seven nights.

Sail some of Europe’s great waterways and explore four charming destinations in one cruise. Discover Antwerp, with its impressive Cathedral, Amsterdam with its waterways and windmills, and the pretty St Peter Port on Guernsey with its beautiful scenery and war history. The highlight of this cruise, though, is Rotterdam where the Marco Polo will lead the Cruise & Maritime Fleet Regatta. Inner cabins from £569 per person; ocean view cabins from £779 per person SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO – departing September 1 2021 for 10 nights.

A mouth-watering variety of destinations for this southbound cruise as you discover each destination’s unique scenery, charm and ambience. You’ll be tempted with shopping bargains, or choose simply to relax, enjoy the local cuisine and let the world go by. Visiting La Coruna for Santiago de Compostela; Cadiz for Seville; Casablanca for Marrakech and Lisbon. Inner cabins from £809 per person; ocean view Cabins from £1,119 per person BALTIC CITIES & ST PETERSBURG & KIEL CANAL - departing September 11 2021 for 15 nights.

This is a rare opportunity to sail from Plymouth and visit Russia plus transiting the Kiel Canal. Visiting six fantastic cities including an overnight stay in St Petersburg, giving you

TRAVEL MATTERS

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the chance to choose from a selection of itineraries. Visit Russia without the hassle of having to travel to London to obtain a visa.

Visiting Amsterdam - transit the Kiel Canal; Nynashamn for Stockholm; Helsinki; St Petersburg; Tallinn; Warnemunde for Berlin. This cruise finishes at Portsmouth and transfers to Plymouth can be arranged. Inner cabin from £1085 per person; ocean view cabin from £1499 per person The ships in the Cruise & Maritime fleet are older than most of the larger cruise lines and this makes it possible to offer you a more personal service.

If you’ve sailed on the more luxury style ships, there will be a marked difference compared to the Marco Polo. That being said the prices are excellent for the cruises on offer, and it really is fantastic news for Plymouth.

If this is your first time cruising, what an excellent start to your new travelling experience departing from your own doorstep, and with only £150 per person deposit to secure your booking. Personally, I feel if we can make these sailings a success from Plymouth, not only Cruise & Maritime, but other cruise lines will take note and position more ships in this part of the world.

•

For more details on the above cruises, or for any cruise enquiries, please feel free to contact Tracey, our cruise expert, who will be happy to run through the whole booking procedure and pass on her expert advice. She can be emailed at tracey@ petergoordtravel.co.uk or call 01752 364186.

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GARDENING MATTERS Now is the perfect time to get your hanging baskets started for a stunning summer display.

Hanging baskets, containers and flower pouches add a whole new dimension to gardening, helping to utilise all the available space.

With hanging baskets and flower pouches you can brighten up a sunny wall, or with the right choice of plants, even add colour to those tricky shady areas. Whatever size basket, the basic rules are the same, water regularly and feed fortnightly.

For a traditional hanging basket recipe, plant an upright focal plant in the centre, four to six trailing plants around the edge and fill in with bedding plants.

For an incredible display, it really is very simple to do and requires very little effort and hardly any knowledge. Anybody can do it. Simply choose your basket or pot, fill it with a good quality compost (we use Westland’s multipurpose compost with added John Innes, because it is less prone to drying out), and mix in a handful of slow release fertiliser and some water retaining crystals.

Arrange the plants in the basket before planting them to see how they look. If it’s not looking right, rearrange them until you get a look that you like, remove the plants from their pots, place them in the holes and firm the compost around them. Water well and place them in pride of place, it’s that simple!

Dead head and water regularly and it will look amazing for months.If that seems too complicated, then there is an even easier way to get amazing baskets and pots.

There is a range of plants called the Cocktail Series that have three plants grown together in the same pot. These again will be tough and vigorous plants that grow well together. They come in a wide range of colours and all you have to do is fill your container with compost, dig a single hole in the middle, take the plant out of the pot and place in the hole, firm the compost around it down, water and it’s done, it really is that easy. If that still feels a bit too daunting, we always have a great range of readymade baskets and pots available in store to buy, so there in no excuse not to have beautiful containers in your garden this summer.

A question we are asked a lot is ‘I want to fill my pots and baskets with summer colour, but they will be in shade, can I grow anything in shade?’

Well, the answer to that is yes. There is a whole range of plants that not only grow well in shade, but actually thrive in shade or completely depend on it. They will burn and shrivel up if exposed to too much sun.

The best bedding plants to use for shady spots are Impatiens Busy Lizzies, New Guinea Impatiens, Begonias, Mimulus, Pansies, Violas, Fuchsias, Lysimachia and in dappled shade, Nicotiana. These all perform extremely well in shade, provided they get some light and aren’t in complete darkness.

As well as using bedding plants, I’d recommend mixing them up with some shade loving shrubs and herbaceous perennials to give a bit more interest, height, shape and texture for a truly outstanding display.

Hosts, Ferns, Heucheras, Euphorbias, Foxgloves, Astilbes, Hydrangeas and Acers all look great in the the summer and thrive in shaded sites. Use bedding as under planting or companion planting for them and you will turn those difficult, dull shady patches into focal points and beauty. Make this the

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

With Derek An

Time to s hanging b

year you transform that dark patch you don’t know what to do with!

It’s not just flowers you can grow in pots and baskets, vegetables, fruit and herbs can be extremely successful and incredibly productive when grown in pots. If you only have a small patch or a few pots and want maximum yield from your crops then I’d recommend cut and come again crops.

Plants such as runner beans, French beans, peas and broad beans can be picked on a weekly basis and still continue to produce more. Cut and come again lettuce, perpetual spinach, rocket, chard and kale are fantastic leafy greens for repeat harvesting. With tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes, chillies and peppers, the more you pick, the more they crop.

Other space saving ideas for growing fruits and vegetables include companion planting. Tomatoes have been traditionally grown in grow bags for years and this has always proved to be pretty reliable, but they can also be grown up bamboo canes in large pots. Either way is productive, but don’t let the soil at feet of the tomato plants go to waste, plant that space up with strawberries. They enjoy the same growing conditions and feeding regime as tomatoes, or

Jobs for April • Plant out sweet peas now for a great show • Cut lawns on a regular basis • Feed roses and shrubs with the appropriate feeds • Spray roses against Blackspot and mildew.

• Sow salad crops such as lettuce and swiss chard • Plant your tomatoes and cucumbers in growbags • Pot up your begonia tubers into their final pots and protect from frosts • Finally, take every opportunity to sit out in the spring sunshine

nderson of Plymouth Garden Centre

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Plant of the Month The Dicentra or Bleeding Heart is my choice for plant of the month, these dazzling perennials are smothered in blooms from early March until June. They are available in shades of pink, red and white. The heart flowers are unusually striking as they dangle from long arching stems. They are perfect for a shady spot and a great source of early season nectar. The bright colour really adds the wow factor so early on in the season.

They grow to a height and spread of 45cm (18ins). alternatively, what goes great with tomatoes? Basil! Grow basil at the feet of your tomatoes and pick together at the same time for a tasty treat.

You can also grow strawberries at the base of fruit bushes to maximise your growing space.

Window boxes are great for growing salads: a 60cm (2ft) window box is perfect to grow an entire salad with cut and come again lettuce, spring onions, tumbling tom tomato and radish. This is a quick and easy project that can be cropped from a few weeks and kept going throughout summer. Once the radishes and spring onions have been cropped, they can be sown again.

Hanging baskets are actually surprisingly effective for growing certain crops in, herbs will grow very well in a baskets, and bush and trailing tomatoes such as ‘Tumbling Tom’ and ‘Totem’ both do very well in a basket. Strawberries are great in baskets, and are high enough off the ground that slugs and snails can’t eat the fruit, and for the same reason, lettuces perform excellently in hanging baskets because they are out of the reach of slugs and snails. Dwarf chillies, such as the bird’s eye types also do really well in hanging baskets, just make sure you feed them and water them regularly.

Fruit bushes grown in pots can also be very successful, especially those that require different soil types that your garden may not have such as blueberries and cranberries.

They both require damp, ericaceous soil, which is easily achievable in a pot. They also need a position in dabbled shade, so can be moved around in their pots until the perfect spot is found.

Thanks to new breeding, dwarf varieties of raspberry and blackberry are now available and both are perfect for pot growing and for small areas. They are thornless and only grow to a height and spread of 90cm (3ft). Larger growing trees such as apples, pears, cherries and plums can be grown in pots if they have been grafted onto dwarfing or semidwarfing root stocks. These will only grow to modest sizes, between 1.8-2.4m 96-8’) and are perfect for small gardens. If space is really tight and you still want to grow fruit trees, then espaliered fruit trees could be the solution. These are fruit trees on dwarf root stocks trained to be grown flat against a wall. They take up minimal space, can be grown very happily in a pot and are surprisingly productive. www.cornerstonevision.com

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/39

BUSINESS MATTERS

ELAN Lingerie -

inspired by mother, created by daughter Plymouth entrepreneur Jemima Ellis has launched a new business, after watching her mother Ruth struggle to find beautiful lingerie following a mastectomy.

incorporated media and marketing elements in a final year project, Jemima took her mum’s story as inspiration: “It was almost like a light bulb moment - and the more research I did for the project, the more passionate I became about it.

Jemima, 24, has set up ELAN “I realised the need for Lingerie and has been boosted by comfortable, feminine underwear being selected for NatWest’s Back for women who had undergone Her Business initiative which is run surgery for breast cancer was not in partnership with Crowdfunder. It being met by the High Street or could mean Jemima winning up to by specialists online. That’s why I £10,000 to take her business to the decided this was something I had next level. to do not just for the project, but Working closely with UK freelance beyond that.” lingerie designer Lucy Warwood, As part of her research, Jemima Jemima has created a collection attended a meeting of Bosom Pals of bras which are ready to go to Plymouth - and the message she market testing - including feedback heard from all the women was from Ruth and members of the the same: “Every single one of the local breast cancer support group, women said: ‘this is fantastic, you Bosom Pals Plymouth. must do this’. They were women of “The designs might then need to all ages and they all felt that what be tweaked a little bit, depending on is currently on the market just isn’t their feedback, before we go to the right. production stage,” said Jemima. “If I “The bras aren’t flattering or can get some good support through feminine, they’re bulky, the material Crowdfunder, it will help, and if I is itchy and there is a poor choice of am chosen as a winner of Back Her colours. Usually, they do not have Business, it will be amazing. The knickers that go with them. more I can raise, the wider range “And I was seeing all this with my Jemima with her mum Ruth of sizes I can offer for testing - it’s mum as well. She was diagnosed important to me that the bras aren’t with breast cancer in July 2016 just pretty, they’re also fit for purpose.” and had a mastectomy that October. She tried ordering bras Jemima must raise as much as possible on her Crowdfunder online but there was obviously no care or thought put into page in the four weeks between March 2 and March 30. If any of them. I don’t think they realise just how upsetting she raises £500, NatWest will match fund it. In addition, this is for women. Something of this nature needs a more Gold, Silver and Bronze winners of Back Her Business are personal, sensitive approach.” selected on the quality of their product and Jemima set up a website and Facebook page marketing campaign as well as the support. for the business in 2017 but put it on hold to Story by Laura Joint The investment awards are £10,000 for the pursue her career. After leaving college with Gold winner; £5,000 for four Silver winners; and a First Class Honours Degree and a college £2,020 for 20 Bronze winners award for her business idea, Jemima initially Jemima, who lives in Stoke, first came up with the idea of worked for a year in the buying department at the Range ELAN Lingerie in 2017 when she was taking Fashion, Media head office, buying textiles for the store’s website. She now and Marketing degree course at Plymouth College of Art. works in the marketing department at Plymouth College of Tasked with devising a fashion business concept which also Art. Running ELAN in her spare time, she is currently researching UK manufacturers as she is keen for her lingerie to be made in Britain, using sustainable materials.

She aims to use organic, ethically sourced fabrics and recyclable packaging

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

BUSINESS MATTERS

and hopes to keep the carbon footprint down by keeping it as local as possible. Initially, the plan is to sell the lingerie through the website, with a longer-term ambition to also have pop-up stores and to offer a bra fitting service - Jemima is trained as a bra fitter.

For the time being though, she is keeping the designs under wraps: “We have finalised a collection of designs and we’re hoping to do four or five bras and matching knickers,” said Jemima.

“The first to see the designs are the women in Bosom Pals Plymouth.”

In fact, three of the women - Bridget, Kim and Lucy - are featured on the ELAN Lingerie website, telling their video stories, alongside Ruth. Jemima hopes to add more to the ELAN Stories blog - email her if you’d like to share your story.

You can help Jemima’s Back Her Business campaign by interacting on the ELAN Facebook page and donating on Crowdfunder, linked from Facebook.

The winners are announced on 7 April: “Whether I’m a winner or not, I am so excited about taking ELAN Lingerie forward. I’m committed to giving women their confidence back, one bra at a time!” www.elanlingerie.co.uk

•

Jemima Ellis

ELAN Lingerie jemima@elanlingerie.co.uk www.elanlingerie.co.uk www.facebook.com/ elanpostsurgery

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

/41

FINANCE MATTERS

Double cause for celebration for Mortgages4Plymouth’s Tricia Mortgages4Plymouth co-owner Tricia Kennedy has kickstarted her 40th year in the industry in style, by collecting a coveted award in recognition of her lifetime’s work.

mistake. The result? She ended up applying for and getting a job at Hambro Life – which became Allied Dunbar, where she remained for 25 years until the doors closed in 2005. Many of the staff and sales force joined a new network which has Tricia has just received the Hall of Fame award from grown and is now known as PRIMIS Mortgage Network. the PRIMIS Mortgage Network - the largest provider of Since 2000, she has seen Mortgages4Plymouth grow to mortgages in the UK. Mortgages4Plymouth is a member of a team of 12, plus the helping hands - or paws - of two very special ‘meet-and-greet’ receptionists, pet pooches Miss the network, which is responsible for one in nine mortgages nationally.

Ellie and Ruby. As well as a team of qualified mortgage The award was presented by Great experts, the firm also has a dedicated Britain’s six-times Olympic Gold administration team - essential when Medallist Sir Chris Hoy at a gala event purchasing a home is time-critical. in Birmingham and is in recognition of “This is often a difficult, stressful the quality of Tricia’s business and her time for people and our job is to long-term service: “PRIMIS have 2,500 help them, “said Tricia. “One way we associates in their network, so to be can do that is to ensure a prompt recognised as one of the top brokers service. We also have no up-front nationally is quite an honour,” Tricia told fees. We care about our clients, and Plymouth Magazine. the personal touch that runs through The award makes it three-in-amy team is very important. This is the row for Mortgages4Plymouth: in part of the job that I really enjoy - it’s 2019, the firm won the network’s Top nice to help people, whether they are Firm - Quality award based on client first-time buyers or people looking feedback and in 2018, Tricia won the for a new home because they are Top Individual - Quality award. And, as going through a divorce. There is so Plymouth Magazine was going to press, much mental ill-health, and often this Tricia received a Recognition Award is caused by financial stress, we see at Scottish Widows’ inaugural Marius this,” she added.

Recognition Event in London - the “One of the significant changes in award celebrates the support and care the industry in recent years is that it in the provision of protection advice to has become quite inflexible - if the clients. computer at a High Street bank says The latest gongs come just weeks ‘no’ it seems to mean ‘no’. Therefore, before she celebrates her 40th people aren’t getting the help they anniversary in the industry on 1 need.

May. And it coincides with the 20th “But I am happy to encourage anniversary of Mortgages4Plymouth anybody suffering financial stress Tricia with Sir Chris Hoy being founded in 2000 by Tricia and her about their mortgages to come in for business partner, Anne-Marie Reilly. a coffee and a chat, particularly if Sitting in her office in Peverell Park they have an interest-only mortgage Road, Tricia reflects on the changes in that is coming to an end and they still the industry over the past 40 years and owe money. There are new products on her own personal journey: “When that could help them to resolve their I started out, the network which was situation, by keeping the costs down. started as Hambro Life had few women A chat over coffee costs nothing.” in the sales force,” she says. “But I This caring approach helps to remember clearly one year, very early explains why so much of the firm’s on, when a woman won the Hall of business comes through personal Fame award. I was in complete awe and recommendations - and why it gave me something to aspire to.

Mortgages4Plymouth has earned “So it has felt like a journey from its reputation as a trusted broker. then, to the moment when I went onto Another advantage is that because the business is not tied to a single the stage at the Vox in Birmingham to collect my award.” lender, it can search the market for Yet things might have been very the product that is best suited to the different, had it not been for the “happy customer. accident” which set her on her career The firm also offers a range of protections for peace of mind: in the finance sector. She picked up the phone one day to ring a company about mortgage cover, buildings & a sales job in a toy factory she’d seen contents, life insurance, critical Tricia with the two recent awards advertised in a newspaper but dialled illness cover and income protection. the number in the advert next to it by Call the Mortgages4Plymouth

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

FINANCE MATTERS

Tricia with the Mortgages4Plymouth team

team to book a free, no obligation initial appointment. The office is open from 9am to 5.30pm, and weekend and evening appointments are also available. As for Tricia, she has no thoughts of taking things easy just yet: “I love what I do now as much as I did at the start - I can’t ever imagine not doing this.”

•

Mortgages4Plymouth 8 Peverell Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4NA 01752 264500 (or 07721 498412 – Available 24/7) info@mortgages4plymouth.co.uk www.mortgages4plymouth.co.uk

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/43

ART MATTERS

Plymouth Colour Collective artists hold their first major exhibition

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Four artists in Plymouth have set up a new collective - and the public have the chance to see their work at the ‘Naive 4 Plymouth’ exhibition at the Royal William Yard’s Ocean Studios from March 31 to April 26.

The idea for the Plymouth Colour Collective came from Brian Pollard and Arth Lawr, who held their hugely successful ‘2 Naive in Plymouth’ exhibition at Ocean Studios two years ago - it’s the gallery’s second best attended exhibition, with only the Grayson Perry exhibition in 2015 enjoying more visitors.

Brian and Arth have invited two other local artists, Laura Edmunds and Lou C Fused Glass, to join them as founder members and are already looking to expand the group. Brian explained: “Arth and I decided we wanted to have a group of similar artists, a group formed by invitation, of artwork we like and which fits in. We were both looking around and we really like the work of Laura and Lou, and so the Plymouth Colour Collective was born.”

The ‘Naive 4 Plymouth’ exhibition has around 60 pieces of artwork: fused glass art by Lou, pictures made entirely of beach finds by Laura, and acrylic paintings by Brian and Arth. Especially for this exhibition, all four have created a picture to mark Mayflower 400.

For Lou and Laura, this is their first major exhibition.

Lou’s stunning fused glass art has a 3D feel to it and often reflects the wildflowers, trees and birds literally at the end of her garden on the edge of Plymbridge Woods, as well as local landmarks: “I actually used to paint with acrylic, but then I became fascinated with glass,” said Lou. “I have that feeling of excitement every time I open the door of the kiln - it’s like Christmas morning!

“And I’ve always loved bright and colourful things, things that make people smile. And it brings me joy.”

If the local woods are Lou’s hunting ground for inspiration, then for Laura, it’s the local beaches. Her work uses sea glass and other found items washed ashore in Devon and Cornwall.

Everything is blitz-cleaned before finding a new life in Laura’s one-off pieces.

Laura sells her pictures through her business, Serendipity Sea Crafts which she started while recovering from post-natal depression. Initially, her pieces were sold only through Rockpool Trading on The Barbican, but she now works full-time, supplying outlets across the South West.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of Laura’s work features the sea and coast as well as village scenes and colourful birds. Whatever the subject, her pictures have one thing in common: “They’re bright and colourful and fun!”

Arth will be showcasing his latest miniature paintings, featuring lots of people and big cats: “What I love about naive art is that if we like something, we make it bigger! There is a lot of

Artists Lou Coultas, Brian Pollard, Laura Edmunds and Arth Lawr

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01752 642445 artistic licence, there aren’t the limitations that you get when you’re trying to make everything life-like. It’s got its own life - and children love it.�

Arth says that having Brian on hand just up the road has helped him to develop his work since the last exhibition: “I take a lot of paintings up to Brian’s studio for his guidance, and whenever I paint, I have Brian’s voice in my head, saying ‘now watch that line, it could be sharper!’ - so I think my work is much sharper now.�

Having been a leading member of the UK’s naive art scene for 40 years, Brian is excited by the emergence of so many talented artists in the city. Plymouth is, of course, home to the late Beryl Cook, famous for her paintings of larger-thanlife characters, and Brian said: “We are building on what Beryl started and Plymouth remains an important centre for naive art. “Our collective is able to offer support to invited artists so they can take that next step up. We are already talking about our next exhibition, and we are looking to expand the group by asking other artists to join - not just naive artists, but artists that share our love of colour.�

Last year, the Elmer elephant Brian painted for St Luke’s Hospice sold for a staggering ÂŁ36,000 - which he still finds hard to believe: “I was going to bid for it, but the bidding went up very quickly!â€?

The Elmer Trail introduced a lot of new people to art, and Brian hopes that ‘Naive 4 Plymouth’ will do the same: “Naive art draws people in, people can connect to it - and what better reason is there to paint, than to bring people into art?�

•

 � � � �

� � �   ­   �

Naive 4 Plymouth Ocean Studios, The Royal William Yard, Plymouth March 31 - April 26 www.oceanstudios.org.uk

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/45

CHARITY MATTERS

Rosemary’s marathon effort for blood bikes charity

Michael Freeman with his wife Rosemary

A Plymouth-based charity run entirely by volunteers is providing vital support to the NHS. South West Blood Bikes has around 30 volunteer bikers and drivers who transport urgent items such as blood, human tissue, organs, medical equipment and notes to NHS hospitals and hospices in Devon and Cornwall - including Derriford and St Luke’s Hospice.

Historically the only way to transport the items has been either by taxi or courier, which has a cost to the NHS. The charity aims to help to reduce that cost and burden by providing a safe and effective alternative which in turn reduces the burden of cost and time on the health system.

The charity was founded by well-known local businessman Michael Freeman of Jobel and his wife Rosemary in 2018 - and they are proud of the fact that everything the charity does is entirely voluntary.

“Our main work involves collecting blood samples from local surgeries at the end of each day and taking them to the main hospitals for testing,” said Michael.

“We also deliver medical notes and equipment and on occasions human organs. We have been supporting St Luke’s Hospice for the last year mainly delivering medical notes and blood samples.”

The volunteers provide cover outside normal working hours between 5pm and 7am every day of the year as well as 24 hour cover at weekends and on bank holidays.

South West Blood Bikes have eight high powered motorbikes and five cars located across Plymouth and also in Torbay and Cornwall.

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The Plymouth Magazine April 2020

Michael said: “It costs about £80,000 a year to keep our bikes and cars on the road, but we believe it is important that all the money we raise goes towards paying for the support we provide.”

Volunteers from the charity commit a significant amount of time to fundraising, visiting schools, groups, clubs and other organisations to raise awareness of what they do and encourage support for the work. They are also regularly in attendance at Plymouth Bike Nights on The hoe.

And in a few weeks time - Coronavirus permitting - Rosemary will be taking part in the London Marathon dressed as Minnie Mouse to raise funds for South West Blood Bikes.

Rosemary, who will be 70 later this year, said: “I’ve always wanted to do the London Marathon and Michael entered me last year. We were both delighted when I got the letter saying that I had secured a place.”

Rosemary was a keen runner in her youth, but has not taken part in any marathons for more than 30 years.

“I started training in January and have been gradually building up week by week. I’m now doing a long run of at least 12 miles every week and will continue to increase that in the run up to the marathon,” said Rosemary.

They are both hoping that the London Marathon - which is scheduled to take place on April 26 - won’t be cancelled because of the current Coronavirus situation.

Rosemary will be setting up a fundraising page ahead of the London Marathon, but in the meantime donations can be made via the website at www.swbb.org.uk or by transferring funds directly into the South West Blood Bikes bank account: Sort Code 30-90-89, account number 45098768.

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