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Waterside & West
August 2020
A new app has been launched featuring self-guided history trails around the city See page 13
COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 to 6
St Luke’s Hospice are appealing for supporters to ‘go the extra mile’ to raise funds for its vital work See page 17
ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Community Job Experience Shop • Useful numbers
Soapbox Theatre is back!
Plymouth’s popular Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park is back in business after being closed for four months. The popular attraction is presenting outdoor performances of its new production Troublesome Tikes after the government announced a relaxing of the restrictions for outdoor theatres • See story on page 18
www.plymouthchristiancentre.org
Photo: Guy N Harris
@plymouthchristiancentre
www.plymouthchristiancentre.org Online services Sundays at 10.30 PCC Kids online Sundays at 10.15 Kidzklub and youth online Visit our website, or to keep up to date with what’s going on visit our Facebook page. Our Preschool is full for September but we still have space in our baby and toddler rooms.
2 August 2020
2 August 2020
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Keeping Plymouth safe must be a team effort Plymouth has faced some huge challenges from COVID-19 in recent months - and we have risen to them. Everyone has come together to help keep Plymouth safe and as a result we thankfully have a relatively low number of cases in Plymouth. As events in other cities such as Leicester have shown, the risks of COVID-19 are still very much with us and we cannot afford to lower our guard. We need to work together to protect each other and support our local businesses, many of
whom have really suffered during the lockdown. As the lockdown measures continue to be eased it has been great to see so many businesses reopening safely. We need to help ensure they can stay open by following the simple steps we are now used to – safe distancing, washing hands, wearing face coverings and self-isolating and getting tested if we have any symptoms. The Government has now confirmed that we need to wear a face covering when shopping to help protect each other.
This is a minor inconvenience for supporting the NHS and protecting livelihoods. The City Council maintained many services throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and we have now reopened many of those that we had to close in line with Government instructions. We are working to bring the remainder back when it is safe to do so and appreciate everyone bearing with us while we work on this. Please continue to stay safe. This is a team effort and if we all work together we will continue to save lives and protect the NHS.
We all have a role in protecting city from a COVID-19 outbreak A plan is now in place to reduce cases of coronavirus in Plymouth and protect residents in the event of a local outbreak – and we all have a role to play.
The Local Outbreak Management Plan has been agreed as the city takes responsibility for providing a fast response to any future outbreaks of the virus to prevent it spreading. It sets out how partner organisations including the City Council, NHS, Public Health England and the police will work together to protect residents and support schools, care homes and businesses. The aim is to work closely with the NHS Test and Trace service and ensure that local knowledge, networks and contacts are used to protect residents and ensure the needs of all members of the community are considered. It is essential that anyone who has symptoms gets tested. The plans are being overseen by the Plymouth COVID-19 Local Outbreak Engagement Board, which is chaired by the leader of the Council and includes the Director of Public Health and senior leaders from the NHS, Police, Clinical Commissioning
“We need the support of all residents in ensuring that NHS Test and Trace is as effective as it can be and for communities, businesses and organisations to take actions when needed to stop the virus spreading.”
Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health
Group, Council and the business community. The board held its first meeting in July. Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health
for Plymouth, said: “This plan is about the city working together to protect its residents, bringing all the knowledge and expertise that exists here together. “We recognise that easing the measures that have been in place in recent months to stop the spread of COVID-19 is important for restarting the economy and relieving the burdens that people have had to shoulder but we need to do this very carefully. “The risks of a second wave are significant and have the potential to cause significant ill health and loss of life. “We will take a cautious, system-wide approach and will be carefully monitoring the data and intelligence so we can address with issues quickly. “We need the support of all residents in ensuring that NHS Test and Trace is as effective as it can be and for communities, businesses and organisations to take actions when needed to stop the virus spreading. “We will be working closely with organisations and communities across the city to help ensure everyone is working together to reduce the risk of an outbreak.”
Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council
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Let’s work together to keep safe
August 2020
3
Big change means no change in city car parks Parking in Council-run car parks and on-street bays is being made cash-free as part of a package of measures to help people stay safe from COVID-19.
Photo: visitplymouth.com
Pubs and restaurants are open again but we all need to do our bit to keep it that way, the City Council says.
Going out for a drink or a meal is different and to stay safe and prevent an outbreak we need to follow some new rules. Council Leader Tudor Evans says it is vital that people who want to have a drink and enjoy themselves do so responsibly. He said: “Businesses have been working incredibly hard to make sure you are safe when you are out and we’ve been working with them to help them prepare for opening. “There are measures in place in all premises to ensure the virus does not spread and we all need to follow them. “Coronavirus is still with us, it is still deadly. Plymouth cannot afford to become another Leicester, our businesses can’t afford it and they need our support to stay open. “We are working closely with the police to avoid a repeat of the public disorder and littering issues we had on the Barbican before the pubs reopened. “Please, for the sake of the rest of us keep safe, keep your distance.”
Council to buy local to support city businesses The City Council has launched a plan to ensure Plymouth benefits as much as possible whenever it spends money.
The Spend-4-Plymouth initiative, which is part of the Council’s Resurgam plan to support the city’s economy following COVID-19, aims to make sure all spending has concrete benefits to the city’s residents and environment. It wants to buy Plymouth goods, works and services, use Plymouth businesses and pump some life blood into the supply chain. Procurement regulations means that this is not easy as the Council has to comply with ‘fair competition’ regulations. Buying local is already a key factor in the Council’s procurement and it spends almost half of its budget on businesses within PL postcodes, but now it plans to up the ante, committing to a 10 per cent increase over the next two years. It also plans to set up a Plymouth Supplier Directory, where local suppliers can advertise their capabilities to local buyers.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GOING OUT Before you go
• If you can, book ahead – check out the pub or restaurant’s website or social media beforehand.
Payment machines in city centre car parks no longer accept cash, to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You now need to pay through an app or by credit or debit card. The aim is for all parking machines – including on-street – to be completely cash-free by the end of Summer. You will be asked to pay by RingGo, via the mobile phone app, website or by phone. Details of payment methods accepted in each car park can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ findsomewherepark. To download the RingGo app visit www.myringgo.co.uk.
Sitting down
• If you’ve not booked and your favourite place is full you won’t get in • Once inside, you will be asked to stay seated • Pubs have inside seating but with two metres or screens to separate tables
Standing up
• If a pub has an outside area you can stand up and drink but you must try to keep two metres apart
Taking orders
• Please listen to staff and security staff – they are trying to keep everyone safe • You may need to follow different routes in and out of the buildings • If you aren’t social distancing you may be asked to leave.
Hundreds of Plymouth firms benefit from COVID-19 grants More than 350 small businesses in Plymouth impacted by COVID-19 have been given a much-needed lifeline through grants paid out by Plymouth City Council. The grants have helped support Plymouth’s fishing community, visitor economy, language schools, nurseries, charities and many other small businesses. The Council was responsible for distributing the £2.27 million Discretionary Grant Fund, which has protected almost 1,700 jobs. The aim was to help businesses that weren’t eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, but which have significant fixed costs and desperately needed financial support. A dedicated team of Council staff worked quickly to verify and process applications.
Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We’ve worked quickly and efficiently to get this much-needed financial support out to as many businesses as possible, as fast as possible. Our staff have worked incredibly hard to not only set up and handle the applications quickly, but also to score and evaluate them. “We expected demand was likely to outstrip supply and that turned out to be the case. We had to prioritise according to the Government guidelines to ensure the money went to those in most need, but we could have done so much more if we had been given access to more funding, or allowed to keep the under spend on the first grant scheme announced. “We’ll continue to fight for our local businesses by lobbying for more financial support – although lockdown measures are easing, this is far from over and we will do everything we can to protect Plymouth jobs and businesses.”
4 August 2020
4 August 2020
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All waste taken at Chelson Meadow again From Monday 27 July Chelson Meadow recycling centre will be accepting all types of waste again. Vans and trailers are now allowed, but only between midday and 6pm as mornings tend to be busier. Both vans and trailers still need a permit and the same exclusions and restrictions apply as before. If you don’t already have a permit the
easiest way to apply is online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/vanpermit. Staff at Chelson Meadow are not able to accept or process application forms or issue permits on site. Outstanding applications that were made just before lockdown are being processed and permits will be issued as soon as possible. New applications should take no
more than a week to process. The Council is asking people to be prepared for longer waiting times as vans and trailers take longer to unload than cars. Vehicles may be turned away if queues build up and start to impact on the road network. Please check all the information at www.plymouth.gov.uk/recyclingcentres before setting out.
Majority of City Council services now available as lockdown is eased More than 90 per cent of Council services in Plymouth are now available as Government COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
Most services are now operating with measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff and plans are in place for resuming the remainder in line with Government guidance. While many Council services, such as bin collections, continued throughout COVID-19, some had to be suspended in line with the Government instructions to stop the virus spreading. The majority of Council staff have been working from home, with many redeployed to critical services such as contacting vulnerable residents who were shielding to ensure they received the support they needed, providing supplies of PPE to care homes and quickly organising urgent grants for hundreds of Plymouth businesses. Most office-based Council employees
continue to work from home in line with Government guidance. Refuse collections have been maintained through COVID-19 and, to ensure this could be continued with fewer staff available, garden waste collections were suspended. Garden waste collections will now start by 24 August. Chelson Meadow Household Waste Recycling Centre is open with social distancing measures in place. Staff resources are being prioritised on operating this site safely, so the smaller centre at Weston Mill remains closed. All public toilets are now open and additional temporary toilets have been installed on the Hoe and Barbican due to the increase in visitors following the easing of the lockdown measures. The 1st Stop Shop in New George Street is being prioritised for homelessness enquiries. To ensure safe distancing it remains closed to visitors with other enquiries, which can be made online or through the contact centre.
Four city libraries are now offering a select and collect service and we are working on plans to enable further limited access to libraries from next month. All play areas and parks are open, as well as tennis courts and skate parks. Car parks have remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic and were free for key workers. Charges have been resumed and measures put in place to end cash payments of to prevent customers and staff from having to handle cash. The Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican is open. The Government has now announced that outdoor pools can open. This came without warning and there is a lot of work to be do before Tinside Lido and Mount Wise pools can open. We are working with our leisure provider to ensure this can happen as soon as possible. For the latest information about Council services please check our COVID-19 website at plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19.
Garden waste collections to resume in August Garden waste collections will restart by Monday 24 August – or sooner if possible, the City Council says. The service would normally have started in April but was paused due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to prioritise the city’s essential bin collections with reduced staff. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “We know Plymouth is a city of keen gardeners
During the lockdown months thousands of library users in Plymouth took advantage of the huge range of ebooks, digital magazines and comics and audio books offered by the City Council library service.
Now those who have craved getting their hands on a hard copy book can do so. The Library Service is running a select and collect service. Customers are now able to select up to three books by genre, format and age category, and staff will arrange a date and time for the books to be collected. Select and collect marks the first phase of re-opening libraries after lockdown. The Library Service is now working on plans to make more services available in more libraries. Look out for news about these plans on the Council’s website and also on its Facebook and Twitter pages. Information about select and collect is available at: plymouth.gov.uk/libraries
and that people want to get rid of their waste but ensuring that residents and crews are safe has to be our number one priority. “Garden waste collection isn’t a statutory service but we want to reintroduce it as soon as we can do so safely.” Residents who haven’t already registered for the service are being strongly encouraged to as this will help the Council manage demand and plan rounds. Councillor Dann added: “By registering,
residents will help us understand where there is the most demand and plan our rounds in the most efficient way. “As well as helping to keep crews safe, that also helps us reduce our fuel emissions – saving time and money and reducing our carbon footprint.” In the meantime people are encouraged to compost at home or take their garden waste (not soil or rubble) to Chelson Meadow recycling centre.
Council registering births, deaths and marriages Births
Nearly 1,000 babies were born in Plymouth during lockdown and the City Council’s registration team is now busy ensuring their births are registered. By law births can only be registered at a face-to-face appointment, so the team is making appointments by order of birth date. If your baby was born before 1 May 2020 you can book a birth registration appointment online. The Council’s website will be updated when it is ready to start making appointments for babies born after this date.
Marriages
The Government is now allowing wedding ceremonies to take place but with a maximum of 30 people. Some venues may allow fewer people because of social distancing measures. The City Council is running ceremonies at the Register Office, at approved premises and at the Council House. The Register Office is COVID-19 safe so couples can come in to give their notice of marriage, which has to be done faceto-face.
Registering deaths
The Council’s registration service is continuing to register deaths over the phone. Customers have given positive feedback about this method which is safer for them and for staff. Funeral and cremation services continue to run at Weston Mill and Efford Cemetery and Crematoria. Due to ongoing measures to protect people from COVID-19 there a limits on the number of people able to attend services. The Council is currently offering free webcasting for every funeral. For the latest information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk
No Mow May is a hit with insects
The City Council’s #NoMowMay policy, where it let a number of verges and banks grow wild, led to some wonderful flashes of colour from Mount Wise to Mannamead and from Peverell to Plympton.
The bees and other insects have loved it and the Council says there has been positive feedback from residents and from nature charities and organisations. Naturally wildflowers don’t last all year round and some areas are beginning to wilt so the Council is starting a new grass cutting schedule. This programme will see most areas cut as before but it will leave some areas to let nature do its thing – places like steep banks, or verges that are more use to insects and wildlife than they are to people. The Council cuts grass on a four weekly schedule. Its teams are still a little depleted, with some staff still shielding and others helping other, more urgent services, but it says it is doing its best to get round the whole city as quickly as it can.
Wild flowers blooming at Mount Wise
August 2020
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City Council secures £51 million funding to help transform green travel options in Plymouth A package of projects designed to help get us out of our cars and onto trains, buses, bikes, walking or using electric vehicles has been awarded a whopping £51 million.
A dozen projects can now get under starters’ orders, thanks to the Transforming Cities Fund which aims to help the city shift up a gear in tackling climate change and making sustainable transport more attractive and convenient. The projects aim to reduce congestion, improve air quality and help the city prosper by investing in infrastructure to improve sustainable transport on key commuter routes across the city. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “This will completely transform the way people get around in Plymouth. Collectively, transport makes up around 28 per cent of carbon emissions so it absolutely makes sense to do all we can as a city to get people out of their cars. Small changes make a big difference.” The schemes will deliver improvements to the walking and cycling network, focussing on filling gaps on the existing strategic cycle network and improving the current infrastructure. They will provide better and more continuous links to key
growth areas on the main transport routes using sustainable, low carbon travel, which reduces congestion and provides more reliable journey times. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene said: “We are thinking seriously about the type of city we want to pass on to the next generation and this is a fantastic mix of projects that will help plug the gaps in our sustainable transport network as well as bring on-track some exciting ideas for future forms of travel. “It’s about making the green, carbon-friendly option as convenient and easy as possible for residents, commuters and visitors.” Plymouth has already secured £7.6 million in the first wave of the Transforming Cities Fund and projects are already making a difference to people’s travel habits. Charge points for electric vehicles are being installed at public and private sites, Real-Time Passenger Information is being upgraded at bus stops, new bus shelters and timetable cases have been installed along our key bus routes and a new off-road cycle route is currently under construction along Southway Drive. Plymouth’s successful submission is called Productive Plymouth and looks to provide improved transport connections to help people of all ages and backgrounds get to work, education and training as well as hospitals and doctors quickly and easily.
Projects will encourage walking, cycling and public transport Electric power – around 50 mobility hubs with 300 electric vehicle charge points, up to 400 e-bikes, car clubs, solar car ports and a smart booking system. These will be integrated with public transport and mean people can plan journeys to use public and shared transport, in Plymouth and on the main routes into Devon and Cornwall. City centre walking and cycling links – a long-term programme to transform the city centre’s streets and spaces including de-cluttering and improving pedestrian and cycle movement through the city centre. Royal Parade improvement scheme – will increase capacity for buses with more bus stops. This road is a key part of the city’s transport network with 158 buses stopping every hour.
Mayflower Street bus stops – upgraded to take pressure off Royal Parade. Plymouth Station forecourt interchange – a pedestrian priority area linking to railway station concourse improvements which will be funded through the first tranche of TCF funding.
Walk and cycle improvements from Dockyard to city centre – the B3396 Saltash Road from the Dockyard to the city centre corridor to be significantly improved for cycling and walking with a new a 2.7 kilometre path.
Smart signals – modernising our traffic control systems so that it is less susceptible to failure. This will cut congestion on the roads by smoothing traffic flows and prioritising signals in response to demand. This will improve air quality as stop/start driving is inefficient for fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Re-phased signals for buses approaching junctions will give them a ‘green wave’ through the city.
Woolwell to the George Transport improvement scheme – funding for walking and cycling facilities linking the Park and Ride with Woolwell village to support the planned Woolwell development. Woolwell Roundabout will be replaced with a signal control junction and new signal junction at Woolwell Crescent. The road widening funding is still to be sourced.
Watch out for an electoral registration email The City Council is sending emails to thousands of residents as it begins its annual canvass of households to check voter details are correct.
The canvass checks that the right people are registered to vote at each address and is carried out every year to ensure the electoral register is up-to-date when it is published. This year the electoral canvass is changing. New rules allow councils to check voter details against other government records, which means some households will not need to respond to their canvass notification. You must respond if: • any of the information on your notification is incorrect • there are people eligible to register to vote at your address who are not included on the notification • the notification states that you must respond To help reduce the number of paper forms being sent out the Council is initially sending canvass notifications out by email and encouraging those who need to respond
to do it online. Residents who have not provided an email address (or who do not respond to their email) will receive a paper copy later in the month by post. Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, Tracey Lee, said: “It used to be a legal requirement that every household respond to their canvass form, even if there were no changes to make. “New canvassing rules mean that councils can now crosscheck the details they hold against other Government records so not all households will need to respond – although everyone should still check their details are correct. “We are initially contacting residents who have provided an email address and encouraging them to respond online, to help reduce the number of paper forms we have to post out. “However, even if you are contacted by post you can still respond online. You can also respond by text – full details are on the form.”
Public Transport Hub at St Budeaux – the two St Budeaux rail stations (Victoria Road and Ferry Road) are both close to bus services. A hub will connect commuters using trains from South East Cornwall and West Devon with employment and healthcare opportunities in the Derriford area. Enabling passengers to change at St Budeaux reduces journey times by sustainable transport compared to travelling via Plymouth Station.
Crownhill Road sustainable transport package – a new bus lane in each direction, with two lanes for general traffic. The bus lanes will be shared with cyclists, separating cyclists from general traffic. The scheme includes bus and cycle facilities at the Crownhill Road/ Budshead Road junction. The improvements will speed up bus journey times, reliability and reduce air pollution. Work places travel grants – the Council will work with employers to develop and deliver sustainable travel policies and infrastructure so that organisations encourage staff to travel more actively to enjoy health benefits as well as contribute to emissions reductions.
St Budeaux Station to Dockyard walking and cycling route – the A3064 Wolseley Road to Dockyard to have a new 3.2 kilometre cycling and walking path connecting Tamar Bridge to city centre.
6 August 2020
6 August 2020
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Could you change a child’s life by fostering? Could you help to change a child’s life through fostering?
That’s the question the City Council’s fostering team is asking as it looks for more carers as more children continue to need care during the coronavirus crisis, especially siblings and teenagers. There are currently more than 450 children and young people in care and there is an ongoing campaign to recruit more carers to provide a local foster home for Plymouth children. Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has caused additional strain on the lives of Plymouth families and children and we need your help to provide a safe and supportive environment during these uncertain times.” When a child cannot be cared for within their family, the Council’s first priority is for them to be looked after by a local authority foster carer, as they usually live in the area near to a child’s family and friends and therefore supports a continued connection. Fostering is a way to make a real positive difference to a child’s life, providing children and young people with a stable and loving home and the support and encouragement they need to flourish and achieve.
Fostering for Plymouth City Council also offers full training, support and the opportunity to learn new skills. Plymouth foster carers are financially supported with an allowance. The allowance is designed to cover the daily costs of looking after the child and varies according to the age and needs of the child. Foster carers receive lots of training to support them to understand the needs of the children they will be caring for. Tara has been fostering for just over a year. She said: “So far I am loving the challenge of helping to make a difference. We have laughed many times along our journey and I feel blessed to share those special moments with my foster child.” Councillor Laing added: “All the children in our care are different, and to meet their needs, we are looking for a wide variety of people. “Fostering is a challenging role to take on but it can make a real difference. If you feel that you are looking for a challenge then why not get in touch and make that first step that will change a child’s life?” Anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the Council’s fostering team on 01752 308762 or visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk
More carers are needed in Plymouth
Major works now under way on one of Plymouth’s biggest ever road projects One of Plymouth’s biggest ever road projects reached a major milestone when work started on a new 140-metre bridge for the Forder Valley Link Road scheme.
Significant earthworks had to be carried out to prepare for the construction of the supports at either end of the bridge. A 133-tonne piling rig has almost finished installing the concrete piles that will provide the foundation to the bridge supports. The bridge deck, which will carry the road, footway and cycleway, will be built in four sections. There will be no expansion joints or bearings between the sections, making this the largest ‘integral’ bridge in the UK. This means the bridge will need less maintenance, which means less disruption to motorists. As there are no joints the bridge will also provide a smoother ride. The bridge will run over the Bircham Valley and carry the Forder Valley Link Road, connecting William Prance Road in Derriford and the Forder Valley Road/
Novorossiysk Road junction. The scheme will create a much-needed alternative link between the A38 and the north of the city, avoiding the often heavily congested Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road. This will help reduce journey times to and from key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and the Plymouth Science Park and improve bus service reliability. The project also includes safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians and will be complemented by improvements to the Forder Valley (Leigham) roundabout. It forms part of a wider package of measures that are key to unlocking growth in the north of Plymouth, where over 4,000 new homes are planned over the next 15 years. Others include the Derriford Transport Scheme, Derriford Hospital Interchange and Marjon Link Road. For regular scheme updates email fvlrcomms@ balfourbeatty.com with your name and contact details.
Culvert is completed
Culvert completed Work to install the new 160-metre culvert that will carry the Bircham stream through the Forder Valley is now complete.
Giant piling rig at work on the site of the new Forder Valley Link Road
The new culvert, which will run below ground and lead to an ecology pond, is one of the environmental improvements as part of the link road scheme. A team of engineering experts and ecologists worked closely with the Environment Agency and Natural England to design the culvert so it would replicate a natural habitat for the wildlife to help their transit. It looks more like a natural water channel than the previous culvert and includes ledges to help otters and other wildlife travel to and from the Forder Valley Nature Reserve. Rocks are being placed in the bottom of the culvert to mimic a natural riverbed along with fish resting pools. The culvert will be covered over and the area landscaped as part of the works. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene said: “We promised we would do all we can to ensure any loss to the natural environment in building the new road is more than compensated for. This new culvert will be better for otters and other wildlife travelling along the valley and help us to create better landscaping.” A new area of recreational land will be provided as part of the scheme, along with an extension to the nearby local nature reserve and links from the new road to paths within the planned Derriford Community Park, connecting local residents and road users with the natural environment.
August 2020
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Plymouth NSPCC colleagues take on mammoth month-long walk to help fund work in the city Colleagues at the NSPCC in Plymouth are embarking on a huge fundraising challenge to help secure funds for their service centre and its work preventing child sexual abuse across the city.
for Childhood partnership programme in the city, which is being piloted in Ernesettle, that aims to prevent child sexual abuse from happening in the first place. Plymouth is one of four NSPCC Together for Childhood sites, and one of two focusing on the The team will be walking, jogging and running prevention of child sexual abuse. It is those sites almost 2,000 kilometres between them to cover in Stoke on Trent, Grimsby and Glasgow that the the distance it would take them to visit their team is hoping to reach virtually, before covering sister sites across the UK, including Glasgow. the distance of the return journey to Plymouth. Each member of the team has set themselves a Sarah Cox, children’s service practitioner for the personal goal, but together they hope to clock up NSPCC, who organised the fundraiser, said: “We the distance before the end of July. are all adapting to working differently during the From the NSPCC service centre in Plymouth, current pandemic and have moved to a virtual colleagues work with children and young people world. We are hoping we can invite families back whose lives have been affected by sexual abuse. in our centre soon but until then we know the They are also leading the way with the Together virtual support we are offering Sarah Cox, children’s service is vital in practitioner, who organised supporting the the campaign, is pictured here children, young with her dog Paws during one of people and their fund-raising walks families we work with. “We wanted to do something as a team to raise some money for our centre and the work we carry out, but also use it as a chance to do something together as a team because currently we are quite separate, working from
Shelley Shaw and her daughter Rocio are walking and running their way through the challenge
our homes and only seeing each other over our computer screens.” Some team members are planning to run 30km over the course of the month, whilst others are walking 150km during July or attempting 30km of walking in a single day. The team started their virtual challenge at their offices in Cattedown. Their first stop is 388km away in Stoke on Trent, with a further 213km to Grimsby. The last stretch is double that, a distance of 460km to get them to their furthest destination of Glasgow before attempting the 785km return journey to Plymouth. The charity relies on public donations for 90 per cent of its income, and like many other charities
Welcome back! We can’t wait to see you in Plymouth
Plymouth offers a fantastic shopping experience, with an amazing mix of top brand names and creative independents. As businesses continue to reopen, we’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Britain’s Ocean City. You’ll find there are lots of additional measures in place in the city centre and across the waterfront to help keep you safe. There are also steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the spread of coronavirus.
Plan your visit Check what’s open Not all businesses will be reopening at the same time, and some may have reduced opening hours, so check before you visit. You’ll probably need to book in advance for lots of places, including attractions and restaurants. You can find out what businesses are open by visiting Shop4Plymouth.co.uk, keeping an eye on our social media channels or by checking the individual businesses’ website and social media before you visit.
Your Safety We’re committed to keeping you safe when you shop, here’s what we’ve done: • New signs in place about social distancing • Enhanced cleaning for the public toilets • The street cleansing team will be paying particular attention to contact points like bins and seats • We’ve made our car parks cash free, so you can pay by card or by phone What you can do: • If you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus, please stay at home and self-isolate • Remember to follow the latest Gov.uk website guidance on social distancing • Wash your hands regularly, or use hand sanitiser when out and about • Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth in situations when it’s hard to stay two metres away from people, such as in shops or on public transport • Follow social distancing and queueing instructions set out by businesses, and be mindful that you may have to wait to be allowed in to some stores to allow for a safe shopping experience.
shop4plymouth.co.uk #shop4plymouth
have been hit hard during the pandemic with cancelled or postponed mass participation events. Caroline Morgan, supporter fundraising manager for the NSPCC in the South West said: “The team at NSPCC Plymouth are still here for children and have been during the lockdown and that’s been possible thanks to the public donations we so heavily rely on as a charity. “As well as working with children, young people and families during the week through the direct services the team are offering virtually at the moment, they are finding the time to walk, jog, and run almost 2,000km, finding new ways to raise money when they can’t be together. “They are an incredible team who want the best for children in this city, and all the money they raise will help protect children via the centre’s direct services and community based Together for Childhood activity.” To follow the progress made by the team throughout the month or to sponsor the fundraising challenge visit Sarah’s JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/ plymouthservicecentre The team has been inspired by the charity’s Run30 challenge, which encourages people to run, walk or jog 30k in 30 days to help raise vital funds to help the NSPCC still be here for children and young people. For more information on how to sign up for the Run30 challenge visit the NSPCC website at nspcc.org.uk Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.
8 August 2020
Consultation begins on new dog control measures
Residents and businesses are being asked for their say on the review of a Public Space Protection Order designed to reduce dog fouling.
Plymouth City Council is proposing some changes which include ensuring that dog owners have a means to pick up after their dog as well as extending the dogs on lead zone in Central Park. A change to dog controls on sports pitches is also in the plans. Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Customer Focus and Community Safety, said: “I’m a dog owner and people who do not control their dogs or pick up after them give the rest of us a bad name. “Residents are constantly telling us that we have to clamp down on dog fouling, and we think that by continuing to have these controls and by making these changes to our current PSPO, we will encourage behaviour change in the very small pocket of the community who let the rest down. “It is really important to note that none of this is set in stone. We’ve put these ideas, which we think will be to the benefit of everyone, together and it’s now up to residents who let us know if this is what they want..” Although the proposed new PSPO is largely the same as the original, there a few significant proposals being put before residents. The first would make it an offence to be out with a dog without means to pick up after it. This policy has been successfully adopted in a number of other areas across the country and will encourage the small minority of dog owners who flout the law to do the right thing. Another proposed alteration concerns where dogs should be on a lead in Central Park. Two sets of plans have been drawn up. The first would see the current zone, which covers the Meadow Cafe, Community Sports Hub and Play Space, extended to include Cottage Field, the adjacent grass outside of the Life Centre and also the Milehouse Park and Ride car park. The other proposal encompasses the area above and extends to the southern boundary of the park, excluding the Wooded Valley. The current PSPO says that dogs must be on a leads on marked playing pitches. This has led to confusion over the definition of ‘marked.’ The next change suggests removing this caveat, meaning that in all circumstances, dogs must be on leads on any kind of playing pitch. The consultation also seeks views on excluding dogs from playing pitches altogether. The final significant change will ensure that that dogs must be on leads at the site of the city’s new crematorium on Haye Road, next to Drake Memorial Park. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are the legal framework that forbid fouling, regulate where dogs should be on leads and where they are not allowed to go at all, and empowers the Council to issue fixed penalty notices to people who do not follow the rules. It will be an updated on the existing order, which was introduced in 2017 and by law, must be reviewed every three years. The consultation can be accessed here - www.plymouth.gov.uk/ dogcontrolconsultation It will close on Sunday August 2 . A published report will follow in September.
8 August 2020
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Making Plymouth safe and playful, while supporting the NHS charity A family fun ‘Safari’, a high street storytrail, is coming to Plymouth city centre to help spread joy, support the NHS and give families a safe reason to return to the high street.
Launched on July 18, families and households in Plymouth are invited to search the streets for 10 cute and colourful MonsterHeroes. Using only smartphones, the Safari allows you to learn each of the MonsterHeroes’ name, story, and superpowers. Once all 10 MonsterHeroes are found, a free e-book that tells the story of their first team-up will be unlocked. The Safari works by utilising contactless NFC technology and QR codes. Players don’t need to download or sign up to anything, they simply need to tap or scan to play. There is a nominal cost of £2 per family to play, with donations going to NHS Charities Together. Plymouth City Centre Company is running the Safari to help bring some sort of normality back to the high street, keeping shoppers entertained and encouraging more visitors to the city centre while keeping them safe. Over 100 BIDs and councils across the UK are
taking part in the MonsterHero Safari project, which has been sponsored by Wild in Art, with the aim of raising over £100k for NHS Charities Together. In times of great stress, this project aims to provide the local community with a memorable high street experience that will bring a smile to the local community. Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company said: “We are really excited about this trail. “Many of our city centre events have been cancelled because of COVID-19, so now that we have introduced safety measuresand the city centre has reopened, this is the perfect opportunity to attract people back in a safe and
Nuffield Health fitness centres set to reopen Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity, will welcome members back to its fitness and wellbeing centres in Plymouth on July 25.
Martin Friend, chief operating officer at Nuffield Health comments: “The health and safety of our members and employees is our first priority. With over 60 years’ experience in clinical care, we are implementing learnings from our To ensure the sites in the Barbican Leisure infection prevention team, alongside industry Park and at the Devonshire Health & Racquets and government recommendations to ensure Club in Derriford are safe for both members and our fitness and wellbeing clubs are prepared to employees, Nuffield Health have implemented a welcome back members in a safe and controlled number of changes, following guidance from UK way. Active, the UK government, Public Health England and the charity’s infection prevention team. “During this unprecedented time, we have To maintain the health and wellbeing of staff been supporting regional NHS trusts and local and members, Nuffield Health is drawing on over communities across the nation. We have made all 60 years of clinical care experience to influence its of our 31 hospitals available to the NHS to help approach to reopening. Applying learnings from increase capacity to support those NHS patients its hospital’s infection prevention team the gym affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus). will be taking members’ temperatures on arrival, “Our hospitals have also been used to facilitate reducing fitness class sizes and placing signs the continued delivery of critical NHS services, around the club to help maintain social distancing. such as cancer care, and to support NHS patients Classes will also be shorter than usual to allow with other health conditions. We are in a unique time to sanitise the space in between sessions. position Swimming to care for pools will repeople open for lane physically, swimming mentally and only, with clinically fewer people to help the able to use recovery of the pool at the nation.” any one time, Nuffield and members Health is also will be asked setting out to book their how members session before can play a role arriving. in ensuring Saunas, steam a safe, clean rooms and environment spa pools will Special measures will be introduced to protect staff and members for all. remain closed, Members will be asked to arrive dressed for while cafes will be offering a reduced service, with their workout to limit the use of changing rooms. some remaining closed for the time being. Members will also be asked to bring a full water To ensure cleanliness, Nuffield Health will be performing an enhanced two-stage cleaning bottle as water fountains will be out of use. Those process, using detergent and disinfectant, to using the gym will be asked to shower at home, so sanitise all gym equipment throughout the day shower facilities can be prioritised for those using and clean the entire club overnight. Nuffield the pool, as the number of shower facilities will Health will also be providing multiple hand be reduced. sanitising stations and supplying more hygiene Members will also be asked to book online for wipe dispensers throughout the club, so members classes and lane swimming, and to limit their visit can clean down equipment and mats before and to an hour, so that all members get the chance to after use. use the facilities.
fun way and raise money for a great cause at the same time.” Coordinating the national project is Martin Blackwell, former CEO of ATCM and the Charity Retail Association who said: “When I heard about the concept it just resonated with me and I knew I had to support it. “I loved the idea of heroes; the idea of a ‘safari on the high street!’ I just thought, if something fun like this can help make families feel good about going back out onto the high street and raise money for such a worthy cause then let’s go for it.” For more information, see visitplymouth. co.uk or to learn more about the story-trail please see www.monsterherosafari.com.
More litter ‘tossers’ fined by court
Twelve more litter louts have been fined after hearings at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
The court heard how the offenders were all given fixed penalty notices by the council’s environmental enforcement officers, who witnessed them dropping litter on the city’s streets. However, despite several reminders, the fixed penalty notices remained unpaid, resulting in a summons to court. The court found 11 of the defendants guilty in their absence and ordered them each to pay a fine of £220, legal costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £32. The other defendant submitted a guilty plea by post and was fined £100, ordered to pay £50 costs and a £32 victim surcharge. All the defendants will now carry a criminal record. The fines come in the same week that the council upped the ante on littering. A number of humorous posters and signs are appearing throughout the city that ask people not to toss their litter. Since pictures of the signs began to appear on social media, feedback has been really positive. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment, said: “We’re sick of being nice about it. Littering is disgusting and we’ve had enough. “We know it’s not a new idea but hopefully by using some more frank language, these signs will make people think twice about ‘tossing’ their litter away.
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NEW DIRECTOR FOR PLYMOUTH SAMARITANS
Plymouth Samaritans have appointed Norman Holmes as their new director.
The director is a three year appointment selected by consulting with all members of the branch to find out who they would like to lead them. Norman Holmes said: “I am grateful to the members of the branch for selecting me and I look forward to repaying their trust. The next three years will be an exciting and challenging time for us all. Our intention is to provide the best possible service for our callers and to make the branch truly sustainable. That will be my focus.” Outgoing director Jan Sherriff said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as branch director and I am pleased to be handing over to Norman. He is a terrific appointment who will lead the branch with energy and clarity of vision.” The Samaritans of Plymouth, East Cornwall and South West Devon are part of a network of Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland who provide a listening service to lonely and distressed people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Plymouth Branch is an independent charity in its own right. It is entirely run and staffed by volunteers. The Branch has been working on a five year strategy to secure its future. This includes plans to increase the number of volunteers, open a shop and improve its premises. Samaritans can be contacted by people in need at any time during the day or night by calling Freephone 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
British Art Show returns to Plymouth Britain’s biggest touring contemporary art exhibition - British Art Show 9 - is coming to Plymouth again in 2021.
Held every five years to showcase the work of British artists who have made a significant contribution to international contemporary art, the show will be in Plymouth - for the second time in its history – from November 6 2021 to March 13 2022. The exhibition will be displayed across four city venues - The Box, KARST, Plymouth University’s Levinsky Gallery and The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art. Works will include sculpture, film, installation, performance, painting and photography.
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10 August 2020
Ten Plymouth schools receive funding boost for improvements to facilities
10 August 2020
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Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Messenger is helping Plymouth City Council spread the message about wearing a mask or face covering in enclosed publc spaces, including shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, building societies and post offices Photo: Steve Haywood
Ten schools in Plymouth are among more than 20 in Devon which will benefit from funding to improve their facilities.
The schools have been allocated a share of the £434 million investment announced by the Government to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and improve the education of children across the whole country. The funding will ensure schools have well-maintained facilities to provide students with safe environments that support a high-quality education. It is part of the £1.4billion of capital funding for 2020-21 announced in April and is provided through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The Government has also announced a major 10-year school rebuilding programme. This will be kick-started with over £1 billion for the first 50 projects in 2020-21. The new investment will ensure schools and colleges can focus on teaching, with brand new buildings and better facilities so that every child gets the world-class education all children deserve. Schools across the country have played their part in responding to to the pandemic, ensuring their doors remained open for the children of essential workers – who have kept the NHS, public services and economy going throughout this crisis. The £1billion package is on top of the £14 billion three-year funding settlement announced last year – recognising the additional work schools will need to do to help students to catch up. The Plymouth schools which will receive funding are: Mayflower Academy: fire alarm replacement and emergency lighting repair works; Ernesettle Community School: drainage improvement works; Manadon Vale Primary School: essential heating/domestic water replacement; Leigham Primary School: essential heating/domestic water replacement; Weston Mill Community Primary Academy: fire safety and compliance; Eggbuckland Vale Primary School: essential fire safety works; Salisbury Road Primary School: dining hall fire improvement works; Mount Wise Community Primary School: curtain wall replacement; Mount Street Primary School: emergency lighting and fire alarm refurbishment; Elburton Primary School: drainage work.
Appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage Police have re-issued their appeal for witnesses of a collision in which a motorcyclist died.
The collision involved two vans and a motorcycle and occurred on Hillcrest Drive at the junction with Longwood Close, at 2.20pm on Friday July 3. Officers would particularly like to speak to people in the area prior to the collision who witnessed the driving of the vehicles involved. Dashcam or CCTV footage would be greatly appreciated. Anyone with any information which could assist police enquiries are asked to phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting log number 468, 3/7/20.
Theatre Royal Plymouth in appeal for public support to help secure its future Theatre Royal Plymouth is appealing for people to help secure its future by buying tickets for upcoming shows - even though there is uncertainty about when live performances will be resumed.
An emergency Arts Council grant of £806,000 for the Theatre Royal was announced in July as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion package to support culture. Adrian Vinken, chief executive officer at Theatre Royal Plymouth - which is a registered charity - said: “We warmly welcome the Government’s announcement to support culture and we are very grateful to receive an emergency grant from Arts Council England’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund. “We would like to thank all those who have so passionately and visibly supported the sector and TRP over recent weeks on the streets, on social networks, in the media and in writing. “It’s been heartening to hear and see first-hand the impact of the work we do and how close people hold arts, culture and TRP to their hearts. We look forward to understanding the details of the Government’s support package announced this week and how it will be invested across the sector, including to freelancers on whom the whole creative industries sector relies. “Crucially, we await a timetable that indicates when venues might be able to safely reopen again. Only then will we really be in a position to meaningfully plan a future for TRP.” In June staff at Theatre Royal Plymouth were informed that over 100 jobs were at risk because of the impact of the pandemic, which has reduced the venue’s income by more than 90 per cent. Redundancy consultations involving the trade union BECTU began on June 22 and could affect almost a third of the charity’s 340 staff. Adrian Vinken said: “With the Government’s furlough scheme finishing in October and no guarantee about when and how we can safely open our doors, our already depleted funds will be under increasing pressure in the coming months.
Adrian Vinken
“This is compounded by research predicting a reduction in audience numbers when we do reopen, meaning that we’ll have to weather a significant drop in revenue even then – a situation that could last for 12 months or more. Together these factors have led us to the very painful but unavoidable conclusion that we must reduce our workforce in order to try to protect TRP for the future.” BECTU Official Kevin Carson said “We have developed a positive working relationship with TRP in helping the company become a Real Living Wage employer last year. Although this announcement about potential redundancies is worrying news, we understand that TRP have similar concerns for their survival as do most other theatres across the country. We will work with TRP to ensure the long-term future for the organisation and our member’s jobs.” Adrian Vinken said: “We have done everything we could to protect the jobs and incomes of our loyal workforce for as long as possible. This includes continuing to pay our casual staff members when most companies terminated contracts back in March. “We have also honoured all contracts with
creative freelancers working on the shows that we were due to produce despite their cancellation.” No final decision on redundancies will be made until the consultation process is complete. Whilst the venue has been shut it has undertaken support efforts including staff fundraisers and the launch of an Emergency Appeal to which hundreds of local people have already contributed. Recently, TRP’s active staff members volunteered to reduce their salaries by 20 per cent in a bid to support the charity. Paying tribute to the staff, Adrian Vinken said: “The commitment of the whole organisation during this very challenging time has been exceptional particularly the moving gesture by those still working to volunteer a reduction in pay. “TRP’s excellent reputation in the industry and the fierce level of public support it enjoys has been built over many years and is a testament to the quality of our people. It’s heartbreaking that what was a thriving organisation worth over £40 million annually to the local economy just weeks ago has been forced to implement redundancies to safeguard the future. “It’s a terribly sad outcome for such loyal and capable staff –but a regrettable and inevitable result of the ongoing crisis.” Though an opening date for TRP has yet to be confirmed, productions in 2020 remain on sale including the Christmas pantomime, Aladdin. Adrian Vinken added: “The best way to support TRP is to continue donating, purchasing gift vouchers or booking tickets for the future as normal – safe in the knowledge that if we are able to open you’ll have a fantastic time and, if the show has to be cancelled, you’ll get a full refund.” For details of shows later in 2020 and into 2021 go to www.theatreroyal.com/whats-on To support TRP go to www.theatreroyal. com/emergencyappeal. A new website theatre royal.com/tr3 has been created to provide updates and information on the valuable community work they are continuing to do during these difficult times.
Diane is the new chief executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Business Improvement District (PWP BID) has appointed Diane Mansell as its new waterfront manager and chief executive.
Diane, who currently manages the Soho Road BID in Birmingham, has taken the position to help develop the role of PWP in Plymouth and is due to start in September. One of Diane’s main tasks will be to develop strategic links with major stakeholders in the city. This will include involving the BID in the city’s regeneration plans, such as Plymouth City Council’s economic recovery plan, Resurgam, Plymouth’s new Visitor Plan for 2020-30 and the emerging National Marine Park, as well as beginning to plan for the renewal of the Waterfront BID in 2022. Plymouth currently has two BIDs, Plymouth City Centre Company, which covers the retail heart of the city centre and PWP which covers four square miles of waterfront with its vibrant mix of hospitality, retail, leisure, office, accommodation and attractions. Together they represent more than 1,300 businesses in Plymouth
Diane Mansell
and help to promote and manage regeneration schemes, events and street trading generating millions of pounds of investment. Nick Buckland, Chair of PWP, said: “BIDs have already made a huge impact in Plymouth and there is great potential to expand their role and make a telling difference to the city’s future development, particularly to help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19. “Diane recognises the opportunities BIDs represent and I’m thrilled she is joining us. She has a very impressive track record in delivering BIDs, plus major regeneration and community projects in and around Birmingham.
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“This is a key appointment and Diane - who has recently won the Queens Award for voluntary service - will be a fantastic asset. I look forward to working with her over what will be an exciting year ahead of us, leading up to the ballot for PWP and setting out the strategic vision for BIDs for the next five years.” Diane’s appointment follows the departure of Sarah Gibson, the previous waterfront manager and CEO. Diane, who holds a BSc Combined Honours in Public Policy, Management and Business Administration, said: “It’s a terrific opportunity for me to move the Waterfront BID to the next level,
making a significant contribution to the city that I’ve fallen in love with. “I’ve hugely benefited from working in Birmingham and I look forward to meeting everyone involved with the Waterfront’s development at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. “I want to ensure the success the BIDs have enjoyed over the past few years is built upon and together with our key partners, such as at the LEP, Destination Plymouth and the City Council, that we harness the potential of the city’s private sector to continue to drive the Waterfront’s economy forward.” Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Diane to the role and to our incredible city. The waterfront is the jewel in Plymouth’s crown – we’re very proud of it and are committed to making it the best it can be for businesses, locals and visitors alike. “The BID’s role is especially important during this difficult time, so we look forward to working together to support waterfront businesses and drive economic recovery.” For more information about PWP visit www.waterfrontbid.co.uk
August 2020 11
Life Centre will be closed until April next year
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Plymouth’s Life Centre is to remain closed until April 2021, while urgent works are carried out inside the building. The facility has been hugely popular with people of all ages since it opened in 2012, providing a wide range of sports and leisure activities, from elite diving and swimming to a splash pool for children, as well as a bowls rink, climbing wall, sports hall and fitness suite. There have, however, been a number of issues requiring works over the last eight years, including ongoing water leaks in certain parts of the building. During the last few months further surveys and investigations by the Council and Balfour Beatty, who constructed the facility, have confirmed that major works are needed to rectify these issues. The works will involve stripping the pool surround and changing areas back to the base concrete before relaying them with new waterproof layers. Consequential damage to walls, ceilings, fixtures and fittings, metalwork, plant and electrics will also need to be repaired. The scale of these works means the centre will need to be temporarily closed until next April. Balfour Beatty have agreed that they will carry out these essential works at their own cost. Deputy Council Leader, Peter Smith, said: “We’re obviously very disappointed not to be able to reopen the Life Centre later this month. We know many people will have been looking forward to using the facilities again following lockdown restrictions. “While the centre has been closed we’ve been able to do some more detailed investigation and survey work and the fact is we are looking at some issues that need to be sorted out as soon as possible. “If we don’t carry out these essential repairs the issues will just get worse and ultimately put the long-term future of the building at risk. We have a duty to the people of Plymouth to give them the first-class facility they deserve and one they can continue to enjoy for many years to come. “We know the huge inconvenience this will cause, which is why we have explored all options to get the work done in the shortest possible timeframe. A partial closure – trying to keep restricted areas open around the works – would add significant time and cost to the programme and be an unpleasant, disruptive and noisy experience for centre users. “The closure will clearly impact on our aquatics programmes but both British Swimming and Swim England are supportive of the works, which will improve the facility for swimmers and divers and help to secure the future of these sports in Plymouth.” David Greenwood, regional contract manager at Everyone Active - who run the Life Centre – said: “While we are extremely disappointed about the closure of Plymouth Life Centre, we fully support the Council’s decision to carry out the essential remedial works so we can protect the long-term future of the centre. “Our number one priority is our customers and colleagues so we are in communications with them directly and will continue to update them during the closure.” Everyone Active opened Brickfields Sports Centre (gym only) and Plympton Swimming Pool (gym only) on July 25 while Plympton Swimming Pool, Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Swimming Pools (main pool only) are opening on August 1 The gym at Brickfields Sports Centre will be extended to accommodate more people, in line with social distancing, as well as increase the number of fitness stations for customers. The equipment is scheduled to be installed on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, therefore the gym will be closed during that period.
12 August 2020
12 August 2020
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September opening for Plymouth’s £42 million cultural attraction The Box - Plymouth’s £42 million cultural attraction - will open to the public in September.
The original opening date in May was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but The Box will now open on Friday September 25, 26 and 27 with a special preview weekend for Plymouth residents who took part in a ballot earlier this year. It will then be open to the public from Tuesday September 29. Opening hours will be 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday. The Box is the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space to open in the UK in 2020. As a key element of Plymouth’s ‘Resurgam’ programme, its launch now symbolises Plymouth’s recovery and sets the direction for positive change in the local economy and life of the city as it moves through the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally three separate buildings, The Box’s ground-breaking design has completely transformed, extended and combined Plymouth’s former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library building and St Luke’s Church to create a cutting-edge, interactive cultural centre with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive, learning and research facilities and a brand new public square. In preparation for opening, The Box has put a number of safety and social distancing measures in place to help visitors feel as comfortable as possible. These include: · Free admission by advance ticket only, with an easy to follow booking system at www. theboxplymouth.com (tickets can be booked from September 10) · Reduced capacity and clearly marked one way systems in key areas of circulation · Increased checks by staff and volunteers · Hand sanitising facilities and enhanced cleaning
The stunning collection of ships’ figureheads will be one of the big attractions at The Box
· A temporary reduction in on site events alongside an enhanced digital offer In line with government guidance, the wearing of face coverings will be encouraged for all visitors over 11 years old and mandatory in the retail area. Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is such an exciting moment for the city and it’s fantastic to finally be able to announce these dates. The Box is a vital part of our recovery programme and it feels like it’s been a long time coming now. Staff have worked so hard over the last few months to maintain momentum and keep the public engaged with the project. “They’ve also put in a huge effort to respond
to the current government guidelines to ensure that everyone who visits will have a safe and enjoyable experience. I hope everyone is as proud and excited as I am and can’t wait for the doors to open. In our post-lockdown world The Box is going to be a place where people can reconnect with each other, Plymouth’s history and its future.” The Box will open with three major exhibitions. Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy, the largest commemorative Mayflower exhibition in history, will include over 300 objects and has been cocurated with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee. Making It: An international contemporary art exhibition featuring newly commissioned works by Antony Gormley, Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes and Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha. Kehinde Wiley: Ship of Fools has been curated in partnership with The Arts Institute at the University of Plymouth and Royal Museums Greenwich, and will present a three-channel film work by American artist Kehinde Wiley in The Levinsky Gallery. Nine permanent galleries will also showcase The Box’s incredible collections and will include 14 monumental ships’ figureheads, thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size woolly mammoth replica, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and ceramics from the city’s art collections, objects, film and photography from its media collections and documents, maps and plans from its archives. Admission will be free to all exhibitions and galleries apart from the ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’ exhibition. This will be free for Plymouth residents and under 18s with a small £5 charge for non-Plymouth residents who are over 18. Find out more about The Box at www. theboxplymouth.com
Special events in Plymouth to mark 75th Anniversary of VJ Day The 75th anniversary of VJ Day - Victory over Japan - will be marked with special events in Plymouth in August.
VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan on August 15 1945, effectively ending the Second World War. The 75th anniversary will be marked in Plymouth with a memorial service for the people of Plymouth, followed by a celebration in The Guildhall with live entertainment. Lisa De-Lar, one of the organisers from an association called FEPOW - Far East Prisoners of War, said: “Everyone remembers and celebrates VE Day, thinking that this was the end of the Second World War, but of course that is not true. “The war ended with Japan surrendering on August 15 1945 and after this date and in many locations the act of surrender had to be signed. So August 15 was known as the end of the War.” Lisa said that many dignitaries will be attending on August 15, including the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Lord Lieutenant of Devon and the High Sheriff of Devon. The memorial service at the Minster Church of St Andrew’s is at 11am to be followed by the celebration in The Guildhall from 1.15pm to 9pm when people are encouraged to ‘put on those dancing shoes or sing along with great entertainers. Music from the 40s, 50s and 60s will be performed by a number of acts including Sandy Sparkle, Neil Kristopher, 2 Unique and Ocean City Sounds. Entry is by wrist band which cost £3. They can be purchased from the organisers at The Treasury between 11am and 2pm on July 25 and 29 and August 1. For more information visit www. vjday75plymouth.co.uk
Plymouth Art Weekender returns to city in September Proving that out of adversity comes creativity, the team behind the trailblazing Plymouth Art Weekender and Visual Arts Plymouth are pressing ahead with plans for the 2020 Visual Art Festival. Despite most events nationally and globally being postponed or cancelled, Plymouth Art Weekender will run from September 25 to 27. Venues of all shapes and sizes across the city will play host to socially distanced exhibitions, events
and community-based activity for all types of people. A lifeline emergency COVID-19 grant from Arts Council England ensured the survival of the event - along with the determination of the team behind Art weekender. The 2020 Art Weekender will see creatively COVID-adjacent commissions linked to exciting names springing up across the city although not all of the public art works will be linked to the pandemic.
It will be a particular cultural focal point this year, especially since much of the planned cultural activity around Mayflower 400 has had to be postponed with the Weekender fostering commissioning partnerships with Nudge Community Builders, Theatre Royal Plymouth and KARST for the Festival. Founded in 2015 by Visual Arts Plymouth CIC (VAP), after the British Art Show 7 in 2011 saw a growing appetite for ambitious artistic activity in the city, the Plymouth Art
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Weekender started off as a grassroots experiment to bring together emerging and existing artists in a ‘fringe-like’ fashion. Phil Gibby, area director for Arts Council England, said: “We are delighted to support the 2020 Plymouth Art Weekender (PAW) through our National Lottery Project Grants and COVID-19 Emergency Response Funding programmes, made possible thanks to investment from the National Lottery. “It’s encouraging to see how certain cultural activities are starting - where possible - to adapt their offer within social distancing guidelines. “We’re really pleased that this three-day celebration will give local creatives more artistic opportunities, give the people of Plymouth the chance to enjoy a remarkable range of fantastic cultural experiences this September, and help to kick start the local economy by attracting more visitors to the Ocean City because of its growing reputation as a Visual Arts destination.” For more information visit www.plymouthartweekender.com.
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New app offers self-guided walking trails featuring Plymouth’s past A brand new app featuring self-guided walking trails throughout Plymouth is now available to download, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to explore the city through new eyes and discover more about its complex history.
The interactive Plymouth Trails app, which is free to download, includes three new tailored trails: Mayflower Trail: Following a circular route around the Barbican, see the buildings and meet the people that shaped the city in 1620, when the Mayflower ship and its passengers set sail for America City Centre Trail: Discover a different side to the imposing post-war architecture in the city centre and learn more about how the city was rebuilt following the Blitz during World War II Plymouth Hoe Trail: Enjoy a walk along the coast as you delve into Plymouth’s maritime history, taking in key landmarks such as Tinside Lido and Smeaton’s Tower. By utilising new technologies, the app allows users to overlay video and images onto the landscape in front of them to experience a ‘then and now’ snapshot of the city. Accompanying children’s activity guides are also available to download to keep younger visitors engaged. From September, school activity packs will be available for teachers to use with groups of children too. The Mayflower Trail, created as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations which will now continue into 2021, also boasts a physical presence in the form of bronze monoliths along the route helping to guide visitors and providing more information. Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “We’re really proud of the trails and the app, which give people the chance to discover Plymouth’s fascinating
Bronze monolith at the Mayflower Steps
Following the Mayflower trail at the Mayflower Steps
history at their own pace, in their own time. “Although we’ve had to make changes to our Mayflower 400 commemorative programme, the free app offers everyone a chance to learn all about this significant story while exploring our beautiful city. And as we start to move out of lockdown, the trails offer the perfect opportunity to get out, try something new and enjoy some fresh air with the family.” Work is ongoing to make sure that the core trails are accessible for everyone, which has been assessed with the help of Plymouth Area Disability Action Network. A number of improvements have already been made, including adding dropped kerbs, seating and better facilities along the routes. The new trails were made possible thanks to financial support from Plymouth City Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Great Western Railway, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Mayflower 400 and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Chair of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership,
Nick Buckland, said: “We were delighted to contribute towards the app development as we really believe this will encourage more people to explore Plymouth’s incredible waterfront and the fantastic businesses that are based there.” The app also hosts partner trails that are free for people to follow. This includes the American Tree Trail from Plymouth Tree Partnership which runs from Drake’s reservoir through the city centre to the Barbican, stopping at trees and sites with an American association. App users can also follow the Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail, a loop around the historic Harbourside area, or the Waterfront Walkway, Plymouth’s section of the South West Coast Path that will take users on a nine mile walk from the Cremyll Ferry to Jennycliff. Other additional trails will be added to the app in the future. The app can be downloaded now on Android or iOS. The app and core trails are available in French, Spanish and German as well as English. For a preview of the Mayflower Trail, watch the latest video in the Mayflower Virtual Voyages series on the Mayflower400uk. org website, which also offers an insight into the events coming up around the commemoration. For more information, see visitplymouth. co.uk/trails.
Mad Dog Mcrea to play exclusive live streamed gig Plymouth’s Mad Dog Mcrea will be playing an exclusive live streamed gig in August.
It will be a full production show and is not to be missed by fans of their unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass and music. Tickets for this one-off event on August 14 are now available online from the band’s website. They are strictly limited and early booking is advised. The gig will not be available as a video after the event so make sure you are one of the lucky ones who can say ‘I was there!’ Tickets give access to an exclusive live stream from the venue with the show starting at 8pm and finishing at 9.45pm. Viewers can watch this from the comfort of your home or preferred place. The show will not be available to watch after August 14. Kev Davis from event promoters Fuelled
By Cider said: “Coronavirus has hit the live music scene very hard but we are determined not to let it stop us enjoying our favourite
best bands this summer. We’re thrilled to be involved in this exclusive show, and know that Mad Dog Mcrea will be as dynamic and fun in your front room as they would be if you were in the front row!” From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival around, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band. Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and ‘loyal-to-the-hilt’, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. For tickets go to www.maddogmcrea.co.uk
August 2020 13
Frankfort Gate gets flowered up with a funky new look Plymouth’s West End is going to getting a splash of colour and is set to become a place to stay and play as part of a package of improvement works.
Frankfort Gate will be transformed into a family friendly space, creating an attractive gateway into the West End and Plymouth Market and provide more space for events. Work will include: • Providing a colourful soft play surface for children • Refurbished and colourful seating • New planting within raised tree surrounds to give a splash of colour • New street lighting, new power points for events and feature ornamental lighting both within and around the new tree surrounds Planting and other environmental works will also take place in Market Avenue and Cornwall Street. The work is a joint project by Plymouth City Council and the City Centre Company and is designed to create a more vibrant feel to an area that is already seeing more people sit out and enjoy the cafes that are now open there. Last year the City Centre Company created the West End Plymouth brand to give the area its own identity. Benches and planters have already been given a bit of TLC with the bright branding and the location now has its own website www.westendplymouth.co.uk and social media channels to help businesses shout about what’s going on there and to encourage even more people to visit. Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “We started this project last year and the branding is now clearly visible across the West End and there is a real sense of togetherness from the businesses and the community. “This new work will be a huge boost for local businesses. It will create a space that people want to visit and spend time in and will give us the opportunity to put on more events.” City Centre champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “It’s going to be brighter, better and good for business and we are keen to support traders wherever possible. Having outside space is going to be crucial for cafés and making this space more welcoming is all going to help.”
Letter to the Editor
Stop these cruel dog breeders
First to say how much how much we usually enjoy your paper. However, I couldn’t leave a story you had in the July 2020 edition of the Plymouth Chronicle without writing to you.
The ‘It’s super news for Superdog!” article described the kindness and care given to a Shar-Peis dog by Gables Dogs Home and his adoptive owner. It went on to describe the vet visits, the two operations for his deformed eyelids that folded inwards, and the surgical operation to resection his ears and remove excess skin. And even after all that he will still need careful attention to avoid infections. Surely we are missing the point here? Breeds like this are doomed to a life of suffering from birth. The breeders who deliberately breed dogs with such abnormalities should be prosecuted. There is nothing good about breeding animals that have such severe skin, eye, ear and other problems that they need a series of surgical operations just to be able to live. Please, Plymouth Chronicle, add a plea to readers never to support this cruel practice. Buying breeds like the Shar-Peis simply encourages breeders and perpetuates this cruel business. Caroline Thomas
Care in the community by the community
What can we do for others? We, at POP+ have been delighted to witness the number of people; the amount of goodwill and the level of commitment that individuals across the city have shown to their neighbours whether they know them or not. Interest in the pioneering Neighbourhood Care Networks is growing as other community groups and city-wide organisations, including the City Council, Neighbourhood Watch and St Luke’s Hospice learn about the way they are supporting and enabling communities to better help themselves. There is also a determination from those involved, that as residents chose to participate, they will be encouraged and supported to take a greater role in shaping their own communities. Despite the easing of lockdown, the Neighbourhood Care Networks continue to receive requests for help particularly from people still shielding. In Stoke, a team of around 15-20 STARS volunteers who have been providing local support are now going one step further: after months of seclusion, residents who may be tentative about taking their first steps beyond their door, are being offered a steady hand from a STARS supporter ready to escort them as they do their errands and shopping. As the NCN’s develop so other agencies and organisations are recognising their value. As Karen Pilkington from STARS says, this means they can provide more support to more people; “We’ve had organisations such as Barnados, the Stoke GP Surgery and the Well Pharmacy giving our number to individuals they are working with, directing them to us for support. It has been great to see this collaboration, between statutory services and volunteers, with everyone working together to create communities where we can all help each other.” As we move out of lockdown Plymouth’s Neighbourhood Care Networks will become the meeting and connection spaces for businesses, community groups, networks and people to work together for the best of their neighbourhood. We have seen and experienced the power of empathy and compassion when we come together and support one another. Our Neighbourhood Care Networks will help us retain this amazing but fragile green shoot of regeneration. As we experience further disruption the social fabric which holds us together has never been more important. Only together can we hold and support one another through the turbulence to come.
How technology is enabling compassion.
Since the beginning of the pandemic and the launch of the lockdown, the internet and social media has enabled thousands of individuals to form support groups and to respond quickly to calls for help. That so much community action has taken place by so many has been both humbling and heartening but, at the same time, there is concern that it has left some individuals exposed and potentially vulnerable on ‘open’ platforms with little digital protection. The Neighbourhood Care Networks, employs three digital platforms that are individually - and in combination - appropriate, efficient and secure:
WhatsApp: Some Neighbourhood Care Networks are using WhatsApp, where appropriate, to organise support around an individual. In one example, a WhatsApp group has been set up to support a resident with dog-walking: none of the individual’s details has been shared with anyone outside the group or without her consent. There is oversight, transparency and a sense of community enabling the volunteers to work together. Many people are discovering how useful, important and enabling these technology platforms have proved to be. Working in combination, they have allowed POP+ to create an innovative digital infrastructure to care for people in a way that is safe and reliable; that makes rapid and appropriate connections and respects an individual’s privacy.
POP ideas helps channel a quarter of a million pounds of emergency funding into the city:
Twilio: POP+ is using Twilio to power phone lines that people, isolated at home, can text or call for support. When someone contacts the phone line, Twilio responds with a message which reassures them; lets them know their message has been received and informs them of the name of the person who will be returning their call. At the same time, their message is sent to the ‘on duty’ volunteer who, along with all other volunteers, has been recommended by someone already in the network. Slack: a digital tool designed to help teams communicate. Each NCN has a space on POP+’s account that allows members, receiving requests for support from individuals-in-need, to coordinate a response with each other. It also enables network members to communicate the opportunities and challenges they are facing. Furthermore, it allows people from different NCN’s to use Slack to interact with each other; access expertise; share information; discuss ideas and access useful resources.
Since the beginning of the lockdown POP ideas has been supporting more than eighty voluntary, community, social enterprise groups and organisations across the city with oneto-one advice on how they might survive the economic and social impact of the pandemic. The team of advisors has been supporting more than twice as many groups and organisations than usual and spending twice as much time with their clients in their one-to-one sessions (via Zoom). The expertise and input from the POP ideas team has helped to double the number of successful applications compared to this time last year and directly secure about £135,000 of funding since the 29th of March. At the same time, the team has been constantly promoting information from some of the country’s most significant funders, such as, the National Lottery, Sport England, the Arts Council and the RANK Foundation to its clients and flagging up opportunities for emergency funding. All this activity has helped to bring in about a quarter of a million pounds of funding to provide
Whitleigh Big Local. Help line: 01752 875916 Nudge Community Builders, Stonehouse. Help line: 07723 494413 STARS (Stoke Traders & Residents Association). Help line: 07380 319128 The Hoe Neighbourhood Forum. Help line: 077235 77305 Keyham Neighbourhood Watch. Help line: 01752 563095 or 07780 711894
Daisies on the railway bridge at Garfield Terrace painted by STARS volunteers Zoe and Eilish with ‘Mike V’
much-needed financial support across the city’s voluntary and community sector. More than half of this has come from the Devon Community Fund with £162,897 of emergency money being awarded to forty-four charities and community projects across the city. Imogen Potter, the Capacity Building Manager for POP ideas, says it has been troubling to hear how many of the city’s community projects are facing such uncertainty; without them, says Imogen, we all lose out: “So many of these organisations exist to help others, offering support, care and compassion to people most-in-need. It is imperative that we all - POP+, the City Council, the Government, local and national funding bodies - do as much as we all can to ensure they survive this time and are able to continue their work.” One of those organisations supported by POP ideas is Plymouth Hope, which recently received £9800 from Devon Community Fund to help fund their Covid 19 response work and adapt their ongoing programmes to provide support online.
Plymouth Hope activity packs Food vouchers, activity packs for children, electronic devices and an increase in internet accessibility are just some of the critical support that Plymouth Hope has been able to provide. It has also been able to continue its homeworksupport sessions for children, moving the service online, and lending devices to families where children are unable to participate for lack of equipment. The organisation has also set aside £2000 to support small groups that typically share a language (predominantly within the city’s communities of refugees and asylum seekers) that have been significantly affected by the lockdown. More than forty clients of POP ideas have succeeded in their bids for emergency funding from the Devon Community Fund, including: Routeways Centre Ltd - received £1500 to provide activities offering respite during lockdown to families of young people with additional needs. CHIL Plymouth (previously known as Community Health in Keyham) - been given £2000 to buy equipment and pay for staff & volunteers to support people facing mental health challenges. Tectona Trust Ltd - £850 to provide remote support to members recovering from mental health & substance misuse. Transforming Plymouth Together - £950 to share food, sports and experiences between communities in Plymouth as part of the Unifying Plymouth initiative.
August 2020 15
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Go the extra mile to support St Luke’s Following official safety advice relating to mass participation events during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the city’s best-loved charities has announced the cancellation of two of its flagship fundraising events for this year.
St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is not letting lockdown restrictions dampen the community spirit of its many ardent supporters though. Quite the reverse! Having made the difficult decision to cancel the popular Men’s Day Out and ladies’ Midnight Walk events, after previously hoping to just postpone - and recognising the disappointment this will bring to the thousands who had signed up to take part - it is inviting local men and women to create their own fundraising challenge instead. Sponsorship money raised by those who sign up for the charity’s Make your own Midnight Walk event this summer, in collaboration with Nash & Co Solicitors (July 24 – August 31), will help ensure the muchloved charity can continue to provide bespoke end of life care for terminally ill patients at home, in hospital and at its specialist unit at Turnchapel, and support them and their loved ones during these turbulent times. Whether participants choose to walk, jog or run, and whether they take on the challenge solo, with members of their household – children are welcome - or friends (including the four-legged variety!), their personalised event will be an opportunity to have fun – safely - in the great outdoors. For the many who look forward to taking part in Men’s Day Out and Midnight Walk as a tribute to their lost loves ones, it is also a chance to keep the memory of that special person alive and celebrate their life. Penny Hannah, head of fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “Over the years, Men’s Day Out and our ladies’ Midnight Walk have become legendary in our city with thousands taking part. They’ve done us proud, highlighting the need for local hospice care and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to ensure our vital service continues. “Cancelling both events for this year is disappointing for our supporters and us, but it’s the right thing to do to protect our community during the pandemic. It does mean though, that alternative ways of fundraising are key to our charity surviving in these uncertain times. “That’s why we’re calling on existing supporters and new to sign up to Make your own Midnight Walk. Not only is registering easy and completely free of charge, there’s the flexibility to do everything from a gentle walk or jog to a full-on marathon distance. Stay close to your own doorstep or head to a favourite destination, as long as it is safe to do so. “What counts is taking part because it’s the sponsorship raised by sharing your JustGiving page with family, friends and neighbours that will help keep St Luke’s doing what we do best, being the professional comfort blanket our patients and their families need now more than ever. “This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to have fun while doing good in their community, before we can all come together again for our mass participation events in safer times.” To sign up and to get more information to Make your own Midnight Walk, visit www. stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk Participants already signed up to Men’s Day Out or Midnight Walk have already been contacted by St Luke’s via email to explain the cancellation process. St Luke’s is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely. The charity will contact each person who registers an event to ensure they are aware of the latest official advice relating to social distancing before their event takes place.
The popular Men’s Day Out fundraiser has been cancelled this year because of COVID-19
Bridging the Tamar Visitor Centre now open Join us for a Talk and Tour Why not book now to see us on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays* for an outdoor talk and tour around the site followed by a short visit around the centre itself. You’ll find out about this special part of the Tamar river and hear stories of these two fantastic bridges. For more information and booking (essential), head to our website or Facebook page. *Tour dates and times are subject to review and availability as we work towards returning to normal opening
bridgingthetamar.org.uk 01752 361577 Bridging the Tamar
16 August 2020
September opening for Plymouth arts cinema Plymouth Arts Cinema will reopen in September, following months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While cinemas in England have been allowed to open since July 4, the majority of independent cinemas are planning a similar September opening. The summer months are traditionally quiet for independent cinema, and film availability has been impacted by the lockdown. The team at Plymouth Arts Cinema are working to create a safe pathway to reopening on September 26, and create audience confidence to return to the cinema. The cinema’s popular Open Air Cinema programme will not be taking place this year. The main venue, Plymouth’s iconic Tinside Lido, is not possible to use due to current restrictions but PAC look forward to bringing these successful events back in 2021. The weekend of September 26 and 27 will be part of the Plymouth Art Weekender and the cinema will be screening ‘This Is Us,’ a free programme of short films on a drop in basis. The films will be a manifesto of what the independent
16 August 2020 cinema can and should be. This will include films to reflect the diversity of what the cinema offers. In the absence of any income from ticket sales, months of successful fundraising from the PAC team during lockdown have taken the organisation much further towards safeguarding the cinema’s future sustainability. Andrew Brewerton, chair of the board of trustees, said: “Plymouth Arts Cinema has a really strong following. It is great to see the level of support that we have received from all quarters. This includes Plymouth City Council, the British Film Institute, Plymouth College of Art, our suppliers, our sponsors Chris Kallis Solicitors, and our audience and membership via Crowdfunder and other donations.” Plymouth Arts Cinema was awarded £15,000 emergency funding to help the organisation to survive the ongoing venue shutdown due to COVID-19, thanks to National Lottery funding. A recent Crowdfunder campaign raised £5,126. This was supported by Plymouth City Council and the City Change Fund, and included a Community Grant Funding Contribution of £200 on behalf of the St Peter & Waterfront Councillor Sue McDonald. A total of £3600 of the money raised will be used to invite 300 of Plymouth’s key workers to a complimentary trip to the cinema, to thank them for their hard work during the crisis. The remaining amount will be invested into the cinema, helping to ensure the future stability of Plymouth Arts Cinema, an independent and iconic local organisation since 1947, and the growth of culture in Plymouth.
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College Road Primary School chair of governors retires after 42 year term College Road Primary School in Keyham has said farewell to their chair of governors Jim Warwick.
Jim, 81, had served as a governor for 42 years. All three of his children attended the school, along with his wife Pauline who worked as a dinner lady at College Road. Jim and Pauline were the founding members of the Friends of College Road School, which is now the school’s hugely successful PTA of today. One of the first challenges Jim faced was the threat of closure for the school, as the school only had half the number of children that it now has. The governors and the Friends fought a spirited battle, and succeeded in keeping the school open. There have been many incredible changes in the school and education since those days. Jim has successfully appointed six headteachers in his time, celebrated the school’s centenary year in 2014, supported the building of an extension for the dining hall and the gallery in the art room. More recently he formed part of the team to raise funds and build an eco building on the edge of the schools grounds which was completed in 2017 and was named ‘The KEEP’ - Keyham Eco Education Place. Jim, who worked in the building industry as a surveyor and consultant said: “I became a school governor originally because my own children were
Jim Warwick
very happy at College Road, and I felt that I might contribute something in gratitude. “Since then I have become enthused by the staff and children and I realise how important it is for children to be given the best possible start in life, not only academically but also in personal development and I wanted it to be so exciting and such fun that children would be happy at school and achieve their full potential. Headteacher Carina Francis said: “Mr
Warwick is a local hero; his dedication to College Road is truly inspirational and generations of children have benefited from his hard work and enthusiasm. He will be missed enormously, but after 42 years of service, we think he definitely deserves a rest!” The school hosted Mr Warwick’s final ‘socially distanced’ governing body meeting in the school hall, and marked the occasion with a cake produced by Ann-Marie at CaterED.
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August 2020 17
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UK tour of GREASE to open in Plymouth GREASE, the iconic musical, is coming to Plymouth next year.
The show was due to tour the UK and Ireland this year but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. The 2021 tour will begin at Theatre Royal Plymouth, running from January 22 to 30 and will then visit Cardiff, Bristol, Edinburgh, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Dublin, Bradford, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bromley, Stoke-on-Trent, Southampton, Belfast, Nottingham, Northampton, Manchester, Dartford, Canterbury, Carlisle and Birmingham. Following his success starring in the UK and Ireland tour in 2019, Peter Andre will star in the 2021 tour at certain venues. As well as reprising the role of Teen Angel, Andre will also play Vince Fontaine. Further casting to be announced, including who will be playing the role of Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine when Peter Andre is not performing. Peter Andre is currently scheduled to perform at certain performances in Plymouth, Cardiff, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Dublin, Liverpool, Bromley, Southampton, Nottingham, Manchester, Dartford, Canterbury and Birmingham. Customers are advised to check their local websites for specific dates. Peter Andre said: “I was so thrilled to have been returning to Grease this year as I had the most wonderful time last year working with our incredible cast and creative team. Sadly, this year’s tour had to be postponed due to COVID-19 but I’m overjoyed that we can return in 2021. Grease
is joyous and will truly allow you to escape to a different time, with show-stopping dance routines and some of the most iconic songs of all time. It’s a show about solidarity and it celebrates friendship. As the song goes, We Go Together!” GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run, at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highestgrossing live action musical of all time and celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want. GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and 2021 tour casting by Kay Magson CDG, with original tour casting by David Grindrod CDG. This new production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Hunter Arnold, Araca and Curve. Website: greasethemusicalontour.com. Tickets will be on sale soon from www.theatreroyal.com or by calling 01752 267222
Peter Andre will appear in certain performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth
Sailing charity Horizons Plymouth is all set to get back on the water
Search is on for Plymouth’s greatest dancer
The charity, which supports disadvantaged and disabled children from the inner city communities of Plymouth to experience sailing first hand, has undertaken an extensive COVID-19 action plan to minimise the risk of infection whilst allowing a limited return to sailing within the government guidelines. Andrew Eccleston Chair of Trustees at Horizons Plymouth said: “it has been extremely disheartening for our young cadets not to able to get on the water in the early part of this season. Many of the children who participate at the club hugely benefit from regular contact with the team and from the life skills and confidence they build through sailing. “Horizons Plymouth is committed to returning to sailing whilst minimising the risk of infection from COVID-19. Our board of trustees and professional staff have worked together to devise a programme which will ensure that our suitably qualified cadets can safely enjoy recreational single-handed Pico sailing under the supervision of our Senior Instructors, with on shore support provided by our team of volunteers. ” Safety measures at the sailing club will include initially restricting activity to two pre-arranged bubbles in one day. Each of the sailing team bubbles will be made up of one staff member, up to four cadets and one volunteer for shore side support. The cadets won’t be receiving formal tuition during these sessions and face coverings and gloves will be provided for instructors and assistants in case they need to get closer than 2m to a sailor. The club’s equipment, kit and boats will also be sanitised before and after use. Simon Mace, Horizons operations manager said: “We will be debriefing with our team after
The college’s dance department is calling on young, aspiring dancers to be in with the chance of winning £150 by recording a video of themselves performing an original piece of choreography to the song Survivor, by 2WEI. The competition is open to those aged 14 to 20 living in Devon or Cornwall, and performances need to be between one and two minutes in length. Lecturer Jo Ramsden said: “We are very excited by this new competition. We are hoping to see a range of styles: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, urban, street - whichever you feel most confident performing. “You do not need to have had any formal dance training to enter. We know there are a lot of very talented dancers who have never set foot in a dance studio before. This competition is a great opportunity to not only win a nice sum of money, but to also get yourself noticed.” Videos need to be received by 5pm on August 14. To enter, visit www.cityplym. ac.uk/plymouthsgreatestdancer
Inner city children’s sailing charity ‘Horizons Plymouth’ is to reopen its doors to local sailing cadets on July 27 now that the COVID-19 restrictions around recreational sailing have been eased.
each session and the situation will be monitored continuously with any necessary alterations implemented as appropriate. Safety is at the forefront of our minds as we get back out on the water.” Horizons Plymouth is a year round club and even when sailing is not practical the team provide land based excursions and team building adventures for their cadets, who form great
bonds with their fellow members and volunteer instructors. During the recent socially distant time the charities team of volunteers have jumped up to the mark and have been doing virtual catch ups with the children instead. The children have been given a different task relating to sailing - such as learning different knots. There have also been some fun picture quizzes featuring local Plymouth landmarks and trying to recognise Horizons volunteers from photos taken when they were very young. Andrew said: “The ongoing virtual gatherings have been really important to keep the children and volunteers engaged and we really hoped it wouldn’t be too long before we could safely return
to our much loved and needed sailing club. Horizons Plymouth was formed as a charity in April 1991 and provides learning and educational opportunities that increase self-confidence and improve social and practical skills, through waterbased activities. The charity, which is based at Mayflower Marina, relies on both charitable donations and the dedication of their 60-strong team of volunteers to maintain the 3,000 sailing sessions involving hundreds of young people aged from eight to 19 which take place annually. The charity runs weekly sailing clubs and also hosts a number of sessions for disabled children and vulnerable adults from across the city and beyond. Charles Bush, managing director of Mayflower Marina said: “We are delighted to learn that Horizons will be getting back on the water very soon. Over the years we have seen first-hand the good work they do and the fun their cadet sailors have afloat. The life skills and confidence the cadets gain whilst participating in Horizons activities, is all part of the process and adds significantly to outcomes off the water. We are proud to support Horizons and look forward to welcoming the Horizons team and their cadets back to the marina at the month end.” Andrew added: “Many of the young people sailing with us learn new things about themselves and we’ve seen this have a hugely positive effect on their wider lives. At Horizons Plymouth our members have an opportunity to form lifelong friendships, develop their social and mental wellbeing, learn about the environment and heritage as well as gain new skills and qualifications. “The support we received from charitable donations and our volunteers, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, has been crucial in helping us continue with this amazing project and to invest in the future.”
City College Plymouth is on the hunt for the next Darcey Bussell or Ashley Banjo as it prepares to launch its new competition, Plymouth’s Greatest Dancer.
COMMUNITY
JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop
Local businesses, voluntary groups, organisations, groups and individuals are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is first Monday of the month prior. Please note that these vacancies were all posted prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone interested in one of the vacancies is advised to contact the organistion concerned and check to see if the post is still available. GARDENING AT YMCA PLYMOUTH Volunteers wanted to help at our community garden at Honicknowle. All produce from the garden is destined for an emergency food provision charity. Can you help us please. A few hours here and there would be great. Contact, Vic Hibbert, YMCA Plymouth on 01752 761004 or vic.h@ymcaplymouth.org.uk
18 August 2020
@PlymChronicle
All aboard the Plymouth Princess to Cawsand Plymouth Boat Trips has introduced a new, modern vessel to service the popular Cawsand Ferry route.
queues and provide additional space on board for social distancing.
The Plymouth Princess will carry passengers between Plymouth and the scenic Cornish beaches and villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Loyal fans of the Weston Maid will be reassured to know that the Red Pig, as she’s affectionately known to locals, will continue to run alongside the Plymouth Princess. During the Coronavirus pandemic, Plymouth Boat Trips introduced a range of measures to ensure safe travel on board, and increased fleet capacity comes as part of that effort. Running at peak times, the addition of a second boat will help prevent
Designed and built in Cornwall, for the Kingsbridge to Salcombe ferry operation, the Plymouth Princess will offer a smoother, faster journey and more space and comfort, with a seated top deck area, bar and toilet facilities on board. Owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, Ben Squire said: “We’re very excited to launch this cracking new boat onto the Cawsand run. “The voyage itself is a wonderful day out and the Plymouth Princess will add another level of comfort and reassurance for customers, as we operate in the new normal.” For more information, including timetables, visit www.plymouthboattrips. co.uk
Soapbox Theatre bounces back
HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 01752 563492 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/ HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Age UK Plymouth are recruiting Help at Home Community Support Assistants for domestic tasks/ shopping for clients. This is a zero hour contract at national minimum wage, mileage is paid. Please visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk for full details and to complete an application form. Alternatively call on 01752 256020 for further details. VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk
Photos: Guy N Harris
Stiltskin’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre based in Devonport Park, has reopened its doors after being closed for four months.
The theatre, like many across the UK had lost the majority of its income after shutting, due to Government Guidelines towards COVID-19 and theatres, in March. All box office takings stopped as the theatre ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE postponed its shows and events for the Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley foreseeable future. ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If Married couple, Jacqueline and Iain Slade you are interested in the service and can spare the founders of Stiltskin and The Soapbox, - began to time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information. rehearse their newly written show Troublesome Tikes, in the hope that they could re-open for outdoor shows early in July. VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Stiltskin have received emergency funding Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs. from the Arts Council and other funders, which Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers has allowed them to adapt their way of working, to have a doggy home board with them while their including online sessions for children, to making owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed outdoor shows in the park. and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest dogs come with everything they need and only at Iain Slade said: “We had everything in place to times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired open safely from thorough risk assessments to the people, work at home and stay at home parents with design of a great amphitheatre for our audiences. school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You However, there were no guidelines coming through must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or from the government. We had postponed Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453. Troublesome Tikes three times already. But our audience were holding on to their DISTRIBUTORS tickets, supporting us every step of the Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth way.” Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help The couple were almost ready to cancel deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area. the show, when the news eventually came Transport an advantage, own phone number essential. through that theatres could open for We are particularly looking for people to help cover outdoor performances. Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, Jacqueline Slade said: “It was such a although other areas may be available. Please email relief. As a family team, we could start chris.etherington@cornerstonevision.com or call rehearsing early, then as restrictions 01752 225623.
were lifted we were able to work with our stage manager Amy and musician Lizi. “We hoped that when the pubs could open that outdoor theatre would be given the go ahead, but it didn’t happen, we were so frustrated. “For us it’s about connecting with our family audiences. With sell out shows, we are proving how important theatre is for people, and how they want to come and enjoy live performance.” It is fortunate that the Soapbox is based in the park where the team are able to put on open-air theatre, especially at a time when many theatres across the UK are in jeopardy with closure and job losses. The company have planning permission to build an amphitheatre adjacent to the Soapbox, so this also seemed like a natural thing to do. The Front of House team, including young people volunteers, start early in the morning to construct a village of small tepees for family bubbles to sit in. Due to the success of the tepee village, Stiltskin are also supporting theatre companies, from across the South West, with a new show programmed in every weekend throughout
August. Troublesome Tikes also runs from now until August 2. Parent, Rachel Nicholson said: “Our three and a half year old adored the performance, she said she wanted to go every day. It was a brilliant show and an enormous amount of effort was put in to make it safe.” This year the couple were meant to be celebrating 20 years of their theatre company Stiltskin and five years of the Soapbox Theatre being founded. In 2019, the Soapbox, which was formerly built as a Mustard Gas Decontamination Unit in WW2, underwent the first phase of development by making it accessible to users with toilets, running water, an accessible ramp and front door. Although the theatre is bijou the company welcome up to 10,000 people a year from babies for their speciality pre-school shows, children and their families, school visits and teenagers who are part of the young people’s board. Stiltskin also work with the local universities, Plymouth College of Art and further education colleges from across the city. Although theatres are able to open in August, it may be some time before they can do so to their full capacity, making it difficult for theatres to survive. With an 80-seat auditorium Stiltskin will need to consider more ingenious ways to bring in their audiences safely for the foreseeable future, due to not being able to run at full capacity. However, the Soapbox Team are up for meeting the challenge of creating exciting and innovative theatre in and around the building. For details visit www.stiltskin.org.uk Soapbox Theatre’s tepee village
August 2020 19
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In June Lawsons - one of Plymouth’s best-known family businesses – announced the closure of its city centre shop after 116 years of trading. Here managing director Liz Lawson talks about the decision and the problems of high street retailing and the COVID pandemic
It survived the Blitz, recessions, fire damage and the internet - but COVID finally brought an end to the Lawsons shop in Plymouth
After trading in Plymouth for 116 years it was with great sadness that I had to take the difficult decision to close our store in Cornwall Street.
Plymouth is part of our DNA and it always will be. To thrive in retail today it is important that we listen to you, our customers, and we are responding to the ways in which increasing numbers of you want to shop. Unfortunately, our city centre shop has suffered due to lack of footfall, and since its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no longer viable. As a company, we have been trading for well over 100 years and have seen the likes of war, recessions, and the introduction of the internet. We have proudly bounced back from many obstacles thrown in our way. In 1941, our Frankfort Street shop was bombed during the Blitz and my great grandfather set up shop just two weeks later to serve our communities with home essentials. We changed premises twice in the city centre to cater for our growing needs and diversified our product ranges greatly. While in Plymouth we have experienced a fire, pedestrianisation, as well as expansion into new areas. 2020 has presented us with a new obstacle that we overcame by ramping
RSPCA braces for summer surge in abandoned pets The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals and fears the fallout from the COVID-19 crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.
Liz Lawson
up our online operations and continuing to trade in our stores in Tavistock, Ivybridge, and Totnes. In Plymouth, we have built up generations of loyal friends who shopped in the store regularly and we will miss you dearly and hope that you come and visit us in our other community stores or become part of our growing online community via our website. Receiving your kind messages, emails and even flowers has put huge smiles on our faces here at Lawsons to know how much we mean to you. We hope that we can continue to serve each and every one of you. The advent of online shopping has meant many specialist shops have moved online and Lawsons is no different. Last year in partnership with Vertical+ we launched www. cake-stands.co.uk and the latest version of www.lawsonshop.co.uk which we will continue to build. During the lockdown many of you have ordered online or over the phone and we have been happy to deliver to your homes: this will continue. You will still be able to get great service and a product range you have enjoyed from
Lawsons at our other branches in Tavistock, Totnes or Ivybridge, over the telephone 01752 897384 or online www.lawsonshop.co.uk The most painful aspect of this is losing some of our close colleagues who have worked with us for many years – who many readers of the Chronicle will know. We are pleased that some of the team are able to relocate to our other stores and help expand our internet department. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the company. We are so lucky to have such hardworking committed staff who have been the backbone of Lawsons throughout the years. Life in 2020 is very different as we are finding out on a daily basis and we need to adapt and evolve to thrive in this environment. Our stores in Ivybridge, Totnes, and Tavistock are now open with social distancing protocols in place. Although the shopping experience has changed, our customer service and love of what we do has not changed! The Lawsons team and I look forward to welcoming you to one of our shops soon.
Remote control for hearing aids during lockdown People wearing hearing aids can now have their devices adjusted remotely, thanks to new technology rolled out by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
Over 190 adults have signed up to this service since infection control measures were implemented at Derriford during lockdown. Using an app linked to the hearing aid, the audiology department is able to adjust hearing aid settings for people who are in the comfort of their own homes. Adam Beckman, head of Audiology Services, said: “We were concerned about our patients, having suspended all but emergency appointments, so we started setting up hearing aids remotely and posting them out to patients. “This isn’t the normal way we work, but having remote access has meant we can fine tune the sound quality of the device after it has been tried out in the real world. “This new technology has meant we can continue to help people whilst still maintaining social distancing, reducing traffic to the hospital and even give access to those people who are shielding at home. “It’s a really positive outcome for patients, and as this new approach grows it will become much easier for people in even the most remote parts of the UK to get the same quality of service. “It will be a long time before everyone can be offered the latest technology, but this is a small step towards a future that will be easier for everyone.”The new Danalogic hearing aids link to an app on a smartphone or tablet which is accessed via the cloud in the audiology department. One patient using the app is 82-year-old Edward Gigg from Plymstock who is shielding. He said: “I’ve found the app very simple to use and didn’t have a problem downloading it. “It’s definitely better than going out during lockdown and I hope that it will carry on after this period to save making journeys back and forth to the hospital. “I do find an equal benefit is that I am able to alter the programmes
Edward GIgg from Plymstock...’simple to use’
via the app on my phone rather than pushing buttons on the actual device.” Plymouth is one of the first parts of the country to use this technology, and other services have been following its lead. There are an estimated 100,000 adult hearing aid users in the South West peninsula. Approximately 2000 patients are fitted with a hearing aid each year at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. For more information about Audiology Services visit www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/audiology
Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months. Between June and August 2019, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA which accounts for 30% of all animals reported abandoned that year. During the summer months the charity received 282 reports about dumped animals in Devon. This included a poorly rabbit who was abandoned on a roadside last summer. Found in July (2019) the male rabbit (pictured) was missing all his fur on the underside of his body and legs, with sores and wounds. RSPCA inspector Claire Ryder remembers: “This poor rabbit was in a very sorry state, it was unthinkable that someone chose to abandon him when he so clearly needed treatment. “It was clear he had been allowed to suffer for some time, by the state he was in. All the fur on the underside of his body was missing because of the awful conditions he’d lived in.” The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic, and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital rescue work. During the three months since lockdown began, the RSPCA has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals* - about 40 calls a day - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets. Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals. Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments. Dermot added: “Sadly summer tends to bring with it a surge in abandoned animals. We don’t know why but it may be a combination of the warmer weather making people feel less guilty about dumping a pet to fend for themselves and people doing away on holiday abandoning pets instead of arranging care for them.” RSPCA rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown after being classified as essential key workers. The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600 during the pandemic Dermot continued: “This is the toughest year yet for the RSPCA despite the huge challenges, our amazing teams have been continuing to rescue animals throughout this crisis. “I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help. Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.” What people can do if they’re struggling to care for their pets: • Ask friends and family for help • Contact your vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for neutering or any other treatment needed • Get in touch with local rehoming charities for advice • Visit the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals that have been abandoned this summer, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/abandonments
20 August 2020
20 August 2020
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Selfless kindness and compassion... THE
By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity
Experience It’s July 5 and I am writing this after Super Saturday or whatever phrase we use for acknowledging this day of independence from fifteen weeks of lockdown whilst recognising that COVID-19 has not yet been defeated. So, is there any positive news about these unprecedented times? I believe there is, because life tends to challenge us on this adventurous journey of existence, from birth to death. With both some negative and positive experiences, whether we like it or not, we all must navigate the choices we are called to make in life. So, after that existential preamble are you a glass half full or glass half empty type of person? Relevant with the pubs re-opening! A very interesting comment was made today on the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme by Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS. He said that at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, the NHS was concerned and preparing for around two million people requiring hospital treatment with perhaps a third of these patients possibly ending up in Intensive Care. In absolute sensitivity to the families who have lost loved ones through this invisible
enemy, we can at least be grateful that it has not been worse in terms of the number of deaths. Now the government has the painful task of addressing the economic fallout which Chris Cole we are now realising that it is going to be extremely challenging. Certain sectors of the business community have been supported through the furlough scheme which is currently scheduled to finish at the end of October. Of course, we live in the region where the hospitality sector has been decimated and so with care, we need to support our leisure industry whilst staying alert. I would suggest though that this COVID-19 disease is particularly a challenge for the older generation and would encourage younger members of the community to be sensitive to older family members and friends. The one constant thing that has been obvious through these last weeks is the self-sacrifice of the NHS staff and many who
have volunteered with support and acts of kindness towards their fellow man. Prince Charles’ statement about the NHS ‘remarkable selflessness’ on the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the NHS expressed what many of us felt. What motivates this kind of selfless kindness? The parable of the Good Samaritan is told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. It is about a Jewish traveller who is stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half dead alongside the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveller. At this time in history, Samaritans and Jews despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured man. Jesus is described as telling the parable in response to the question from a lawyer, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ In response, Jesus tells the parable, the conclusion of which is that the neighbour figure in the parable is the man who shows
mercy to the injured man—that is, the Samaritan. He then takes the injured soul to a local inn and tells the innkeeper to take care of the man and pays for the care of the injured traveller. The story of the ‘Good Samaritan’ is often interpreted as the world and all its’ troubles being represented by the traveller who is beset on his or her journey by robbers, killers and thieves. Jesus Himself is the Good Samaritan who tends the beaten up and robbed traveller with His care and healing and says to us all who can ‘open up with the spiritual or material resource gained through your own experience and influence’ to take care of this vulnerable person. Jesus then tells us in the parable that he will support us as we take care of the traveller in our own ‘Inns of Care’. This is the fulfilment of the first and second commandment to ‘Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the second is like it to love your neighbour as yourself.’ Well done to all who have shown the courage of true love in these challenging times.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
£40,000 grant for Improving Lives in Plymouth Improving Lives, the Plymouth-based charity, has been awarded a £40,000 grant by the Government.
Listen on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
The funding will allow the Improving Lives Veteran and Family Hub to provide ongoing support to veterans and their families through telephone and internet contact, including emerging additional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving Lives is one 100 charities which will benefit from over £5.5 million of extra funding to support serving personnel, veterans and their families. Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer said: “We mark and give thanks to our veterans for the outstanding service which they have given to this country. “To show our appreciation we’re advancing veterans issues across government, through the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. I’m delighted as well to confirm extra funding for service charities to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “If it wasn’t for the brave servicemen and women who serve and protect our country, we would not have a United Kingdom to call our home. “That’s why we must continue to do everything we can to support our veterans through these challenging times.” General Sir John McColl, Chairman of the Confederation of Service Charities, said: “This emergency funding is a very welcome step towards sustaining life-saving support for those in need across the Armed Forces Community. The Service Charity Sector has once again demonstrated great imagination and determination in adapting its delivery methods during this crisis.”
Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services
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22 August 2020
Citizens Advice Plymouth issue warning over big rise in scams
Citizens Advice Plymouth are warning that over a third of British adults (36%) have been the target of a scam since lockdown began.
Polling conducted on behalf of Citizens Advice also showed that certain groups were at an increased risk of being contacted by a scammer, often those who could least afford it: - Of those with a disability or long-term illness, 45% said they had been targeted - Half (50%) of those at an increased risk of coronavirus or shielding had been contacted - Over half (54%) of those who have lost personal income due to the virus have also been contacted. Jaroslava Hurtikova, research and campaigns Manager at Citizens Advice Plymouth said “Being at home doesn’t protect us from being targeted by scammers. We can all take steps to look out for ourselves and anyone who might be at risk of falling victim to a scam.” If you’re worried you or someone you know is being scammed, here are some useful tips: • Look into installing a call blocker to help combat telephone scams • Talk to your or their bank immediately if there is any suspicious activity or transactions from their account or credit cards • Report the scam to Citizens Advice who will give you advice on what to do next and report the scam to Trading Standards • Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 • If you or someone you know is struggling to pay bills or outstanding debts Citizens Advice may be able to help Jaroslava said: “We see scams of all sorts and types, and no one group of people is immune from falling foul of the scammers. We all have a role to play in being scam aware and helping each other from not falling victim to this“ Take the following steps to safeguard yourself and others from scams: • Be suspicious if you’re contacted out of the blue, even if it’s from a name you recognise • If it sounds too good to be true it probably is • Never send money to someone you’ve never met • Never give out your bank details unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you • Don’t be rushed – you never need to make a decision straight away and if you feel pressured say ‘no’ • Suspect a scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call • Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams Citizens Advice Plymouth is urging anyone who thinks they may have been targeted by or has seen an online scam to report it to its Scams Action service, either online or on 0808 250 5050. For in-person, mail and telephone scams, concerned consumers can report issues to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. Citizens Advice will give advice on what to do next and report the scam to Trading Standards.
Your guide to community events in your area
In view of the current coronavirus lockdown measures we have held over the usual Community Directory listings as most if not all the events/meetings will not be taking place Your guide to community events in your area
22 August 2020
@PlymChronicle
Movie and theatre star Douglas Hodge does a lockdown video interview with Plymouth school! Plymouth-born international star of the stage and screen, Douglas Hodge, has done a Google Meet interview from New York with students at Stoke Damerel Community College.
The amazing opportunity came about after the actor, director and writer retweeted the college’s post on Twitter about their Audio Book of the Week, which featured Douglas reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A bit of detective work from the college discovered that Douglas was from Plymouth, so they tweeted him to ask if he would be willing to do an interview - and he said ‘yes’. Douglas is best known for his roles in movies such as Joker and TV series’ including The Night Manager, Middlemarch and, most recently, The Great. He is also an award-winning stage actor, winning an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Albin in the West End production of La Cage aux Folles. He later won a Tony award for this role on Broadway. He also played Willy Wonka in the enormously successful West End run of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Douglas is in lockdown in New York, unable to return to the UK. Putting the questions to Douglas in the one-hour video link were college sixth formers Asha and Felix, as Asha has an interest in the performing arts and Felix is considering journalism as a possible future career. College Principal Anita Frier said: “This was a great opportunity for our students to find out about a career working in the arts from such a recognised and talented actor. Douglas was so generous with his time, sharing some amazing stories and experiences.” During the interview, Douglas revealed that although he left Plymouth as a young boy, he still regards the city as the family’s home-town - and is proud of his roots: “My father worked at Plymouth Dockyard, but he was promoted to Chatham Dockyard, so my brother, my mother and me all upped and left with him and went to Chatham,” he said. “But most of my relatives in my extended family stayed in Plymouth and are still there.” From Plymouth to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) was a huge jump - and it realised a dream for Douglas, who had always wanted to be an actor ever since he was 12: “The year that I went to RADA, it was a rather brilliant term of people who have all turned out to be pretty staggering - Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, Kathryn Hunter - there were only 23 in the term at RADA so we were put into a small group. “But I wasn’t like a lot of the people at RADA. Where I had come from, from Plymouth, was very different to how the RADA people were at that
Douglas Hodge Photo: Eyevine
point, so I always felt that I was barging my way into their world. You have to have a deep-seated secret confidence the whole time.” Douglas gave the students several top tips for succeeding in the arts, which hold true in other careers, too: Be sure this is what you really want to do; prepare as much as you possibly can for every role, train at drama school if you can, and hold on to your self-confidence at times when you suffer rejection and are turned down for roles: “You have to have strength and a belief in yourself. There
“I haven’t earned a single penny for four months because there is no way I can work, so it’s very dangerous and I have some friends who are really in trouble financially.” will be immense rejection - it doesn’t matter who you are.” Despite all the inevitable rejections and often the repetition involved in acting, Douglas says it is a rewarding career: “I’ve had all sorts of lovely moments. I just did the movie, Joker, which I thought was a fantastic film. They just offered me this part, I didn’t know who else was in it, and I turned up and there’s Joaquin Phoenix in character, and you think, ‘gosh, this is really memorable, not many people get to do this’. There are moments like that where you think ‘wow, this is extraordinary’. And I have got to work with incredible actors. Probably the loveliest thing about being an actor is that you do put yourself into someone else’s shoes every single day. It’s
a lovely way to live your life. Whoever you are playing, you try and see the world through their eyes, even if they are a killer or a murderer, an unhappy person, someone who’s gay or is straight or whatever they are, you are living as that person and seeing it through their eyes. I think that is a very lovely thing to do to yourself. It does help you broaden your own tolerance and understanding of people. You have to be constantly empathetic. Certainly, in La Cage aux Folles [where Douglas played somebody who felt that they should be a woman and was born a man], that really meant that I had to do that, and I thought that it really did have an impact on people’s lives.” This summer, Douglas should have been at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London with the new musical of 101 Dalmatians, for which he has written all the songs - words and music. That had to be postponed because of the pandemic, and it has been rescheduled for next summer. The interview with Stoke Damerel Community College was just after Theatre Royal Plymouth announced redundancy plans and just before the Government unveiled a £1.57 billion rescue package for the arts. TRP is also to receive an £800,000 emergency bailout from the Arts Council. Douglas himself has not been able to work since the pandemic struck: “I’m terribly worried, really. On television and film, it’s a complete shut-down. I was going to shoot a movie with Katie Holmes in New York right now, of course that’s completely shut down. “In TV, The Great, with Elle Fanning - it’s a brilliant, funny series, it’s a bit like Blackaddder or Monty Python and it’s about Catherine The Great, it’s going to be on Channel 4 from January - I shot 10 episodes of that last year and in September we were due to shoot the next 10 episodes for Series 2. But that is completely up in the air. I think the ways of trying to get business back at the moment are almost impossible. “I haven’t earned a single penny for four months because there is no way I can work, so it’s very dangerous and I have some friends who are really in trouble financially. “But I’m extremely relieved about the package that the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has put forward to rescue theatre,” he added. “It was more than hoped for and does offer some light at the end of the tunnel.” Douglas harbours a hope of one day getting the chance to tread the boards in Plymouth: “I’ve never performed in Plymouth before, but I have directed there, a farce called See How They Run and I watched it every single night with a different relative. I was very proud, taking them in! It would be nice to do something with Theatre Royal Plymouth now, to try and raise some money for them - if I can ever get out of New York!”
Mums in Singathon raise over £1000 for MIND Local community interest company, Soul Singers CIC has joined together with its community of mums to take part in a 12 hour Singathon, raising £1085 for Devon Mind.
As a result of lockdown many more people are suffering with mental health conditions and postnatal depression has increased by at least a third. The group, who meet regularly to sing for fun and to improve mental wellbeing, decided they wanted to do something to help others. Sam, one of the group members said: “My mental health has continued to improve with Soul Singers help which has been a lifeline for me during a very hard time and I hate to think of anyone going through such difficulties alone, particularly mums. “As a group of mums, we felt passionately about this and wanted to take action. Doing a Singathon made perfect sense! Singing is one of the things that unites these mums together and given that singing has so many health benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and reducing signs and symptoms of postnatal depression it seemed like the
right challenge for them to raise money for MIND.” There was a special guest appearance on their Facebook page from Plymouth born tenor, David Webb who commented: “I’m so proud of what Soul Singers are doing to raise money for MIND. I’ve very publicly acknowledged my own journey with depression, suicide and mental health as well as my personal link with MIND, so to be involved, albeit in a very small way, is a real honour for me. MJ Saunders, Soul Singers CIC director, explaining the thinking behind the event said: “The voice is really important. If you are battling a mental illness sometimes you feel like you’ve lost your voice or that you aren’t heard. By doing the Singathon our voices were heard and someone was always listening,” Soul Singers CIC moved their singing sessions online at the start of lockdown and also introduced a coffee and chat for a mums and toddler sing along. All of these are funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and Devon Community Fund and are free to attend. For details visit the Facebook page: Soul Singers CIC
August 2020
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City College Plymouth set up their own foodbank before Christmas
Community spirit shines bright at City College City College Plymouth is calling on the generosity of students, staff and the wider community to support local foodbanks. The college has joined the national FE Foodbank Friday campaign, which has seen further education organisations around the country raising money for community foodbanks that have struggled due to the decline in donations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The college’s own foodbank, which was set up before Christmas, is still supporting students facing financial hardship. However, with the college still closed to a majority of students and staff, it has struggled
to maintain its supplies. Through this fundraising campaign, the college hopes to be able to replenish its own foodbank and support others in the area. Bob Hunter, director of student journey, said: “Our college foodbank, set up by our kind and community-minded student body, has been a lifeline for those students and their families who have needed that extra support during the coronavirus pandemic. “I am proud to be part of this caring college community and I am delighted that City College Plymouth is joining the FE Foodbank Friday campaign so our students can continue making a positive difference to
our local community. I know times are tough for many people right now, but whatever you can spare will go a long way to supporting a family or individual facing hardship.” Nearly 20 other further education colleges throughout the country are also involved in the campaign.City College has set an initial fundraising goal of £1,500. For further details about the campaign or to make a donation, visit the JustGiving page using the link www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/citycollegeplymouth-foodbank. Students wishing to enquire about the college foodbank can do so by sending an e-mail to studentliaison@cityplym.ac.uk.
Let’s go fishing again! Plymouth Boat Trips has reopened its river cruises, fishing trips and remaining ferry services.
Passengers will be able to travel, by water, to the beaches of Cawsand and Kingsand, cruise the River Tamar and take the popular, connecting Barbican, Royal William Yard, Mount Edgcumbe ferry, as lockdown measures are further eased by government. Among the new rules of travel, face coverings are mandatory on board, and a one-way system will operate throughout all vessels. Additional boats will be in service to allow adequate social distancing, without reducing timetables, and contactless payment will be encouraged to reduce contact between staff and passengers. All Plymouth Boat Trips services were suspended in March, when the Prime
Lions support for Foodbank
The Lions Club of Plymouth have donated £200 to the Oasis Project Foodbank.
The club decided that as charities in general are finding funds are scarce in the present climate, the donation was intended to help support the supply and distribution of food to the homeless and needy of Plymouth. President George Poad presented the cheque to Andrew Denham of the Oasis Project Foodbank.
Minister announced strict lock down measures across the UK. Party cruises and private charters remain on hold for now and, as with the recently reopened Cremyll Ferry service, there will be reduced passenger capacity. Additional safety measures include table service on all cruise boats, the availability of hand sanitizer for passengers on boarding and regular cleaning between trips. Social distancing signage will be displayed, and queues managed, to ensure boarding and alighting passengers do not interact. Owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, Ben Squire said: “We’re excited to be restarting operations, offering people the chance to get out on the wonderful waters of Plymouth again, and we’ve put all the necessary measures in place, to ensure that staff and passengers remain safe on board.” www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk
Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 0300 111 0101 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980
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Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114
Leisure Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433
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Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.
24 August 2020
24 August 2020
@PlymChronicle
‘Resurgam’ programme rises to challenge of reviving economy Keeping the pounds in Plymouth, skills development and a pipeline of construction that will keep people in work during a critical time for the city’s economy - those are the first projects under the spotlight as part of Resurgam - the city’s economic response to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
The Council’s Cabinet has been given its first update of Resurgam - a plan to reduce the impact of Covid-19 and to deliver a more equal, sustainable and prosperous city. Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We need to do all we can to look after our own businesses and to support them in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This programme is about seeing what we as a council can do to protect jobs in our city and helping our residents. “These are practical measures that could make a difference to thousands of families. “We’ve set a target of increasing by 10 per cent any spend on Plymouth goods or services. “In the next few weeks we will launch our Skills Launchpad, so that those who find themselves out of work can get all the advice the city and its partners offer in one place and we will start or restart our big building projects, which will safeguard thousands of jobs. This is just the start.” The council has reviewed its procurement process to maximise opportunities for local businesses and has set a target to increase spending with local suppliers by 10 per cent. Over two years this will secure 280 jobs and keep an extra £8.2 million GVA in the local economy. It has jump-started a building programme which will provide a critical and steady supply of jobs, contracts and opportunities for local companies and contractors. The programme will see major road improvements on key routes to major employment areas as well as new homes and new business space. It is working with the Department of Work and Pensions and the business sector to create an online one stop shop for people facing redundancy as well as more targeted support for young people through a new youth hub. This will provide information, advice, real-time labour market intelligence, and match real opportunities to pathways into employment, apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience, training, education, volunteering and selfemployment. The Resurgam programme was announced in May in response to the lockdown and its economic impact. Since then teams have been ‘on it’, providing extra support to businesses in the short term, as well as looking at where they could make a real
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Council leader Tudor Evans: ‘We need to do all we can to look after our own businesses and support them in the aftermath of the pandemic’
difference in the longer term. As emergency economic responder, the council has already given direct, practical help to Plymouth businesses through administering business grant support - that’s 4,043 businesses helped, £46.9 million paid out in grants and 3,400 helpline calls taken.
Resurgam is Latin for ‘I shall rise again’ and the word became part of Plymouth’s history when it appeared on a wooden sign over the bombed out St Andrew’s Church during the Blitz That’s just the start. Six key delivery pillars have been identified through the Resurgam progamme. They are: Sector action plans: individual action plans to support recovery and growth for each of the city’s 13 key economic sectors: retail, defence, health tech, health and care, marine, manufacturing, digital, creative industries, tourism and hospitality, arts entertainment and recreation, construction and built environment, transport and distribution and fishing. Build 4 Plymouth: Planned and new council
projects which are designed to stimulate growth for the city and its economy. As well as creating hundreds of construction jobs, the projects aim to create opportunity. The projects cover transport, infrastructure, commercial property, housing and regeneration and as well as looking to speed up delivery, the council will lobby Government for funding Spend 4 Plymouth: Improving procurement processes to make sure the council spends as much as it can on Plymouth goods and services so that the city gets the most out of council contracts. The aim is to increase current local spend by 10 per cent, maximising opportunities for the local supply chain, delivering social value through supporting local jobs and skills, looking after the environment and supporting communities. Skills Launchpad Plymouth: An emergency taskforce to support Plymouth people facing redundancy. This includes targeted support for young people and school leavers whose plans and opportunities have been affected by Covid-19. We will plan and prepare for future skills demands to identify the skills needed and to equip local people into employment. City centre renaissance: Support for businesses to reopen and driving footfall through marketing campaigns. Making vacant units available for use, to improve public realm and encourage regeneration of our city centre. Recovery Beacons: Three core areas have been identified as beacons for recovery; Marine, Green and Culture. This is an opportunity to kick-start our Green economy, a focus on new jobs, skills and future talent, and support our ambitions for a greener city. We will also use our marine credentials and strengths at Oceansgate, the dockyard and our incredible marine learning and research facilities to harness growth opportunities and create jobs for our blue economy. And we will also use The Box and the Mayflower programme as a springboard for cultural, leisure and tourism industries. CEO of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Stuart Elford said: “We fully support the Resurgam plan for Plymouth and are pleased to have worked alongside the City Council to develop it, ensuring that it is supportive of and relevant to our businesses that will lead the economic recovery. “The council has worked tirelessly to deliver immediate and extensive support to businesses in the area and this plan sets out the next phase as we not just survive but thrive as we come out of the COVID crisis. “We will continue to work with the council in this powerful public and private partnership to ensure its successful delivery.”
The Waterside and West Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Stonehouse, Mount Wise, Devonport, Stoke, Keyham, Millbridge, Milehouse, Beacon Park, Pennycross, Ford, North Prospect, Ham, Weston Mill, Barne Barton and St Budeaux. The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Waterside and West will be published on August 28, with a copy deadline
It’s easy now to see your GP: Six things you need to know More and more people in Plymouth are seeing their GPs as services continue to adapt to keep people safe from coronavirus.
Services like routine vaccinations and smear tests are now being offered, in addition to usual weekday GP appointments which can be held by phone, online or face-to-face. Many people are surprised to know that GP services are fully available. Here’s how it works: 1. If you need to see a GP, contact them online via their website, or by phone 2. You will be offered a telephone, online or video consultation 3. Your GP may suggest you have a face-to-face appointment in the practice 4. If you do need to visit for an appointment, your practice will tell you everything you need to know when you come and what measures are in place to keep you safe 5. If your GP thinks you need to be referred to hospital for review or treatment, they will arrange this 6. If you are given an appointment, it’s really important to attend The NHS in Plymouth and the rest of Devon has pioneered essential new ways of working that have kept key services operating and, thanks to the efforts of staff, volunteers and the local community, kept the number of COVID-19 cases among the lowest in the country. Many innovations have brought improvements that are here to stay – such as easy online appointments with GPs and hospital teams – nearly 45,000 consultations have already taken place this way and brought positive feedback from patients. Now there are new challenges to ensure that Devon stays vigilant and ready for any future outbreaks. Some services are being run from different locations so patients may be asked to attend at new venues – it is very important to keep these appointments which are designed to ensure the best possible care and treatment in the right place. Anyone already on a waiting list will be contacted about what happens next and the likely timeline in which to be seen. Patients may be offered a video consultation for either a first or follow-up appointment. Services are working hard to provide more appointments for those facing longer waits and those at higher risk, particularly in mental health, where demands are increasing. Those with symptoms that could be due to cancer will continue to be referred for an urgent assessment with the aim to be seen within two weeks. It may be necessary to travel to a different location than usual. Hospitals and GP practices across the county have put in place special measures to protect patients and staff from COVID-19, whether they are treating a patient with symptoms of the virus, or for other illnesses. In many cases those affected by the virus are being seen in separate areas. Patients needing urgent or emergency treatment throughout the COVID-19 outbreak have continued to receive it and other services are resuming, including diagnostics and surgery, so people are being urged to keep all appointments, wherever they are asked to attend.
of August 17. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city. We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).
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Chronicle Plymouth
August 2020
A new app has been launch ed featuring self-guided history trails around the city See page 13
COVID UP DATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Counc il Pages 2 to 6
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St Luke’s Hospic e are appeal ing supporters for to the extra mile’ ‘go to raise funds for its vital work See page 17
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Plymouth’s popular Soapb is back in ox Children’s business Theatre in after being attraction Devonport closed for is Park four month Troublesomepresenting outdo or perfor s. The popula mances of restrictions Tikes after the govern its new produ r for outdo ction or theatres ment announced a relaxing of the • See story on page 18
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