The Plymouth Chronicle Waterside & West March 2020

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Waterside & West

March 2020

Two former rehab workers have set up a new therapeutic art club in the city See page 15

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

See page 22 for more details.

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

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

It’s a grand day out!

Children of Babcock employees were recently given the opportunity to visit Devonport Dockyard, during the annual Bring Your Child to Work Day. The special event was organised by the Babcock Women’s Network.

Photo: Matt Gilley Photography • Story and more pictures on page 14

ROALD DAHL CHILDRENS FRAMES IN STORE NOW! 109 Victoria Rd, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1RX 01752 366022 www.nigelgainey.co.uk

World Book Day 5th March

Nigel Gainey. Your local optician.

2 March 2020

2 March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Box - key

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The three major exhibitions in the opening programme are:

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

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

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

• Kehinde Wiley: A three-channel film work

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

For more information visit www. theboxplymouth.com

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

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

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

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

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

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Praise for Bull Point House team Staff at Bull Point House have been praised by the Care Quality Commission for providing an outstanding level of care to its residents.

Bull Point in Barne Barton is a specialist provider of residential services for people with an autistic spectrum disorder. Its principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence.

The service has been rated overall as ‘good’ in the CQC’s latest report, with the care provision, described as exceptional receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating.

A CQC report judges a care facility on its levels of care, responsiveness, safety, effectiveness, and leadership and includes comments from social workers, healthcare professionals, staff and relatives.

Bull Point, which currently has five residents, was inspected for

Sharon Field, registered manager at Bull Point, with residents Harvey Masding (left) and Simeon Hardman (right)

the report in December. The report highlighted the ways in which staff at Bull Point routinely ‘go the extra mile’ for residents. Examples mentioned include: arranging special visits to places of specific interest

to individuals, such as the Harry Potter Studios; commissioning a bespoke car so a resident can travel in comfort and safety; hiring a Morris Minor and dressing in vintage clothing for a resident with an

interest in antique motorcars.

Sharon Field, registered manager at Bull Point, said: “We are delighted to have received an overall ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission, and especially the ‘outstanding’ for our amazingly committed team – the truth is we love our residents just like a big family!

“Although this is a fantastic result for us, we will not be complacent, and will continue to develop our services in all areas, ensuring that our next inspection delivers an ‘outstanding’ overall rating.”

Bull Point is part of Salutem Healthcare, whose chief exectutive, John Godden said: “I am thrilled with this fantastic CQC report. It is testament to the commitment of the team at Bull Point in providing the highest standards of care.

“Our teams always strive to go the extra mile to enrich the lives of our service users and their families.”

Top award for Plymouth Music Zone Plymouth Music Zone has won a top national award.

The charity, which is based in Raglan Road, Devonport, won the ‘Best Arts Initiative’ in the Hearts for the Arts Award.

Plymouth Music Zone uses the power of music to help transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable children, young people and adults.

The judges described it as ‘a powerful example of arts, social care, health and enterprise working together to make a meaningful difference to lives.’

Plymouth City Council works closely with the charity and has invested in projects such as a stunning multi-sensory room and commissions them for music-making workshops for children with complex disabilities, and special educational needs and their families.

A panel of high-profile figures in the arts and sciences judged the awards which aims to recognise the country’s unsung heroes of local authorities who champion the arts, often within a climate of severe financial challenges.

Gary Kemp, actor, musician and founder of Spandau Ballet and singer said: “PMZ has a very focused determination to help disadvantaged children, young people and vulnerable adults in the community of Plymouth through music.”

PMZ chief executive Debbie Geraghty (centre)

Julie Hesmondhalgh - better known as Hayley from Coronation Street – said: “What a wonderful enterprise. The impact on PMZ’s users is plain to see from the figures and the testimonials, and the Beyond Words evaluation truly groundbreaking and innovative. Long may this fantastic organisation grow and thrive.”Actor Sam West, who described the project as hugely impressive and added it ‘answers a local and a human need – to emerge into and engage with the world - through the universal power of music!”

Plymouth Music Zone’s chief executive, Debbie

Geraghty added: “Huge thanks to the Hearts For The Arts judges for such amazing comments recognising the true impact of this work in Plymouth.

“It’s worth showing some love to Plymouth City Council and all those funders and supporters who really understand the key importance of investing in local community music projects like this.

“We’re so passionate about using music as a powerful way of bringing people together to create something that feels genuinely kind and inspiring – and to find a sense of community where people genuinely care about everyone else.

“I love the fact this award has so much ‘heart’.

Plymouth proves music can play a vital part in the bigger picture of a city in very wholehearted and meaningful ways. In ways that create that all important sense of belonging we all need and deserve. Thank you for showing such strong support for that.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Councillor Jon Taylor said: “We are beyond happy. This is an incredibly special project that brings pure simple joy and to have it nationally recognised is just brilliant news for Plymouth Music Zone, brilliant for the Council and for all the families who use this incredible project.”

Waterfront boss moves to university role After ten years in the role, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s chief executive is stepping down.

Sarah Gibson

Sarah Gibson has worked with Plymouth’s Waterfront Business Improvement District (BID) since 2010 and overseen delivery of more than 70 projects that helped to transform the city’s waterfront areas.

The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership is a not for profit organisation set up to administer the Waterfront BID and currently represents more than 900 businesses including the Barbican, Hoe, Royal William Yard and Mount Batten.

Mrs Gibson is leaving to take on a new challenge as chief executive of the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU), a £5m turnover charity and an Investors in People Gold standard organisation supporting 18,000 students across Devon and Cornwall.

Sarah said: “I believe in Plymouth and am deeply passionate about its success. After leading the Waterfront BID for a decade I’m very proud of the work we’ve achieved which has begun to transform our city’s fantastic waterfront.

“We’ve delivered two business plans totalling more than 70 projects and targeted £16m of investment, setting the foundations for a brighter future for our waterfront and its businesses. Winning a national Special Recognition award last year from British BIDs and seeing all the Council’s preparations for

Mayflower 400 come to fruition this year, it seems the right time to hand over to someone else to take the Waterfront BID forward into the future.

“I’m very excited about my new role with the UPSU and am looking forward to working with their energetic team to support the goals of their enthusiastic and highly talented students to build on their national successes. Centred in Plymouth with campuses across Devon and Cornwall, there is fantastic opportunity for the Student Union and the university and I’m very much looking forward to taking up the challenge.”

Nick Buckland, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership chairman said: “We appreciate all the hard work Sarah has done for us and are very disappointed to be losing her from the waterfront but of course we are delighted for the student union and wish them and Sarah every success.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council added: “Working with the council, the Waterfront BID has achieved a great deal over the past ten years and has been a brilliant champion for the businesses it represents.

We wish Sarah all the best and are pleased that she’ll still be working as part of the Plymouth family with the University Student Union.”

Mrs Gibson will remain with the Waterfront BID until mid-April when she takes up the role with the University of Plymouth Students’ Union.

March 2020

3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 March 2020

4 March 2020

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

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

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

Mar 2: A Swiss Railway Evening with John Fissler. John explains the NRLA (New Rail Links through the Alps) strategy and operation which includes the Lötschberg, Gotthard and Ceneri base tunnels on SBB/ BLS routes, and follows this with a look at the new Rhatische Bahn infrastructure construction, including the Albula tunnel and second Hinterrhein bridge.

Part 2, by popular request, is a second screening of John’s Rhätische Bahn video showing steam and historical traction including the steam-driven rotary snow blower on the Bernina Bahn. John’s work as professional engineer for BR and successor companies, as well as roles of Area and Divisional S&T engineering, helps him to deliver a detailed commentary. Mar 16: John Truscott and Bernard Mills present ‘Images and sounds of West Country Steam in the early Sixties.’

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

Plympton Flower Arrangement Club Mar 3 and Apr 7 Harewood House, Plympton at 7.20pm. Demonstrator Lisa Davies, whose theme will be ‘Early Spring’ and and on April with demonstrator Sue Neale, whose theme will be Around the World in two hours. The April meeting will also include an Easter hamper raffle, a chance to win a hamper. Items for inclusion in the Easter hamper can be brought to the March meeting and are very much appreciated. Visitors always welcome, charge £4.

Simon Evans Mar 5 Simon, one of the stars of Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week brings his new show to the Red House Theatre, Millbay. Doors open 7pm, show at 8pm. Details and tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com Women’s World Day of Prayer Mar 6 Mount Gould Methodist Church, doors open 10am, service starts at 10.30am and finishes 12 noon. The service this year is set by the women of Zimbabwe with the message “Rise!Take up your mat and walk.“ Plymouth Flower Club Mar 6 Trinity Church Hall, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth starting at 1.45pm. Tracy Johnson, who is an area demonstrator, will be giving a demonstration entitled Wild About Flowers. Guests are welcome at a charge of £7 per person. Further details can be obtained from Sue on 01752 265242.

Wipeout World Mar 7 Plymouth Life Centre. Dash through the 50ft obstacle course, tumble from the big red balls and be swept off your feet by all the Spinning Wipeout Beams!! And that’s not all... There’s a total of nine activities for you and your friends to enjoy! Get unlimited use of all nine activities for 1 hour and 15 minutes for just £9.99. Book tickets at the Life Centre. Why not compete against the kids? Parents are also welcome to take on the course!

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

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

Appealing to all ages with its catchy tunes, charming

Not to be missed

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

Plymouth Bike Night Photo courtesy of Jeremiah’s Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living Sustainably in a Modern World Mar 14 Emmanuel Church, Mannamead 11am to 5pm. A day of talks, workshops and stalls to discuss and debate how we can live sustainably in a modern world. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Mar 18 Chris Stanbury, will play a wide variety of music from Big Band, songs from the Shows, 60s & 70s and much more at Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock 7.15pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samaritans Annual Literary Event Mar 19 Kitley House Hotel from 9am to 6pm. .Motivational literary event at which five different speakers and authors talk about their books and their journey through their challenges. Raising funds for the local Samaritans branch. Tickets from www.helmtickets.com/ events/5214 Plymouth Area Police Choir Mar 20 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 7.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Designers Makers Spring Market Apr 4 and 5 With Easter just around the corner, Ocean Spring

VE Day 75 May 8 Join in the VE Day 75 celebrations, on Plymouth Hoe, from 11am to 5pm to celebrate and remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad. In association with the Royal British Legion, Plymouth will be providing an opportunity for the local community and visitors to pay tribute to those millions who gave so much, with a day of celebrations and commemoration to enjoy and take part in. Featuring Veterans Village, military bands, a range of preserved military vehicles and exciting displays and re-enactments by Hidden Heritage, and interactive displays. Follow in Plymouth’s historic tradition, with the iconic Tea Dance from 3.05pm, on the Promenade where dances took place, during World War II. Market at Royal William Yard heralds the beginning of a new creative season. Offering hand-made craft, intriguing art and sublime design along with seasonal delights and creative workshops, what better way to enjoy the spring holidays than a trip to Ocean Artists Designers Makers Market. Free entry from 9am to 4pm.

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

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

All are welcome to the coffee morning where they will find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and admission is free. Entrance to church hall is from Crownhill Road or the car park behind Crownhill shops.

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

Tickets from Buckfast Abbey www.buckfast.org.uk/ onlineshop/tickets and www.brentsingers.org.uk Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Apr 15 Guest artiste Elizabeth Harrison with a delightful concert of music for all tastes at Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock starting at 7.15pm. Admission £5 including tea/coffee. Free parking. 01752 706712.

Spring Fair Jun 20 St Edward’s Church, Eggbuckland from 2pm to 4pm.

Stalls, brass band, Morris Dancers, food and drink and much more.

March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

mayflower400uk.org

5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY

6 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

JOB SHOP Plymouth’s key role in €14m Advertise your vacancy FREE in project to prevent plastic Job Shop pollution in the English Channel

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

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

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

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

VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information.

VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs.

Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers to have a doggy home board with them while their owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest dogs come with everything they need and only at times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired people , work at home and stay at home parents with school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453.

DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email chris.etherington @cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623.

Aerial view of the Tamar Estuary. Photo courtesy of University of Plymouth

Organisations across the South West - including Plymouth City Council and Plymouth University - are joining forces as part of an international project to remove and prevent plastic pollution in the English Channel.

Preventing Plastic Pollution (PPP) will develop a model to gather data on the amount and likely sources of plastic pollution at seven pilot sites, including the River Tamar catchment.

The €14m project was approved by the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme, which has committed €9.9m in funding through the European Regional Development Fund.

It is made up of 18 partners across the UK and France, and they will work together to generate greater understanding of the origins of plastic pollution in the marine environment in order to effectively target its sources.

The Plymouth area is already renowned for its pioneering and world-leading research and action on plastics, and the local partners

include the University of Plymouth, the Westcountry Rivers Trust, Plymouth City Council and the Environment Agency.

They will carry out an assessment of plastic pollution entering the River Tamar catchment, which will then be quantified based on standardised approaches that will be then evaluated.

This conceptual model will also be applied to the six other pilot sites and used to identify pollution hotspots and where interventions would be most effective.

The PPP partners – led by Queen Mary University of London – will also engage with communities, agriculture, fishing and maritime industries to help reduce their plastic footprints and steer them to more sustainable behaviours.

Professor Richard Thompson, head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, said: “There are many sources of plastic pollution to the marine environment and the world’s freshwater systems would feature high on that list. Appreciating the relative importance

of these sources is key if we are to fully address this issue and this is an exciting project when it comes to developing a greater understanding of that.

“I am delighted to be working with our regional partners on this initiative, connecting work in the UK with colleagues across the channel in France. The challenge of plastic pollution is one we can solve but only by working together, and I believe the research and collaborative opportunities offered by this project can help reduce plastic pollution.”

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment at Plymouth City Council, said: “As custodians of Britain’s Ocean City, it is entirely right and proper for the Council to be at the forefront of this important project.

“As part of our work to open the UK’s first National Marine Park we must ensure that we are winning the fight against plastic pollution in our waters. I’m really looking forward to working with partners both in the UK and in France to achieve our goals.”

Bravery of young sailor remembered in new book The tragic loss of a young Plymouth sailor over 100 years ago is remembered in a new book.

Author and naval historian Steve Dunn’s new book, Battle in the Baltic, turns the spotlight on those who lost their lives at sea while protecting the fragile independence of Estonia and Latvia at the end of the First World War. At the time, neither the British Government nor the public had any real appetite for the campaign but Secretary of State for War Winston Churchill was determined to stop Bolshevik Russia retaking the new Baltic countries.

And so the Royal Navy despatched a sizeable operation to the Baltic, including 19-year-old Thomas John Bowerman, who was an engine room artificer – a skilled mechanic.

So instead of celebrating the Allied victory at his home in Beaumont Road, St Judes, he found himself fighting communist sea forces and delivering vital support to independent fighters.

But finally on December 28, 1919, he was heading back to his family on the drifter Catspaw, which was bound for Copenhagen and then Britain.

But on the night of December 30 during dreadful weather the Catspaw disappeared and all 14 men on board were lost to sea. The Swedes found their bodies washed ashore and gave them

Author and historian Steve Dunn

a decent burial at Kviberg Cemetery, Gothenburg, where they still lie.

For his mum Elizabeth, who had already lost her husband, the news was particularly painful as the conflict was effectively over and her son was returning to the home he desperately wanted to see.

“This was a story I wanted to tell not just because few people know about it but because it reminds us all how we need to stand up for democracy, “said Steve. “Thanks to men like John Bowerman these fledgling democracies were protected.”

Battle in the Baltic has already come to the attention of the Latvian Embassy. Steve has been invited to address the Latvian Ambbassador, Her Excellency Ms Baiba Braze and her VIP guests as part of the official launch in March.

“It’s a real honour for me to have been asked to give a talk at the embassy and have the opportunity to discuss my book. I hope I have done justice to what is such a critical time in Latvia’s history.

Battle in the Baltic is Steve’s eighth book. Two of his previous publications were shortlisted for the prestigious Mountbatten Maritime Award, which is presented annually to an author who has made a significant contribution to the UK’s maritime history.

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March 2020 7 @PlymChronicle

Ford Park Cemetery Trust celebrates 20th anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

The following weekend sees the annual Spring Fayre on Saturday March 21 with various stalls including bric-a-brac,jewellery and homemade cakes.

The fair opens to the public from 11am to 2.30pm. Entry is free.

Happy Holidays on the menu

Children in Plymouth can look forward to ‘Happy Holiday’ fun and a healthy meal this Easter break thanks to funding for a community interest group.

Gateway to Services Connecting with Communities Age UK Plymouth have been awarded funding from the Big Lottery Community Fund for a new community outreach service in Plymouth aimed at enabling older people who may be lonely or isolated to access social engagement opportunities and activities in their own community.

This exciting new project will allow people who want to engage with others to access support to find out what’s available in their local area and also to provide voluntary help to enable them to meet socially with other people for company and activities.

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ProActive is raising funds to provide an affordable holiday programme to be based at the Mayflower Academy in North Prospect and the project has just been selected to receive £600 from Persimmon Homes Cornwall’s Community Champions scheme.

Barry Mounstevens, who runs ProActive and applied for the funding explained: “ProActive has raised circa £1,200 towards running a Happy Holiday affordable activity programme during the Easter holiday. This programme will be based at Mayflower Academy in North Prospect and cater for students primarily on free school meals from the local area.

“North Prospect is ranked 6th (out of 39) most deprived neighbourhoods in Plymouth, and with the loss of free school meals given out during term time, in addition to the extra childcare costs around the holidays, families already struggling with low budgets find it difficult to feed their children.

“ProActive aims to make holiday times fun and enjoyable, offering each child who attends the opportunity to take part in sports, arts and crafts, drama and fun, educational workshops, while also receiving a healthy meal.”

Jane Cartwright, sales director for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to support ProActive with our Community Champions funds and hope the children will benefit from an enjoyable holiday experience.”

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UN oceans advocate Lewis Pugh inspires Plymouth students Nine students from Stoke Damerel Community College and Scott College have spent a day in London, after being invited to meet endurance swimmer and the UN’s Patron of the Oceans, Lewis Pugh.

Sharing the love at Cabin Nurseries Children at the Cabin Nurseries in Barne Barton have been celebrating their love for each other and their environment.

They created beautiful self portraits to display in order to enhance their understanding of how they are unique and also how they are different.

Following on from this, Valentine’s Day was the perfect opportunity to share friendships and kindness among each other. They were provided with the natural resources needed for making perfumes and potions as gifts to each other. A fun time was had recycling and using litter pickers to show how they can care for where they live and play. The Cabin ethos is to : C - Care; A - Achieve; B - Be an Individual; I - Inclusive Child Care; N Nurturing Environment The Cabin encourage this within all their activities and curriculum.

Information can be found on the website www.thecabinchidcarecentre. co.uk

College’s careers fair - for parents Stoke Damerel Community College is holding a careers fair with a difference in March.

The event on March 3 is aimed at parents who may be returning to the workplace having spent time looking after their children, or parents who are looking to move jobs. It is open to parents and carers of students at Stoke Damerel Community College and to the Multi Academy Trust’s other two schools, Scott College and Montpelier Primary.

Several local companies and recruitment agencies will be at the careers fair to advertise their current vacancies - Babcock will have entry level and graduate level opportunities. The Army will also be attending, to talk about joining the reservists, while City College Plymouth will be advertising their courses for those looking to acquire new skills and vocational qualifications.

Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to have a free CV written by the National Careers Service or a free career guidance session with one of their qualified Level 6 advisers. Staff from Job Centre Plus will also be on hand, offering the chance to talk in an environment away from the office.

Careers and employability manager at Stoke Damerel Community College, Sarah Trezona, said: “This is the first time we have held a careers fair for our parents and carers, and we are delighted

that so many organisations and employers will be coming to the event.

“It is important to us that we are as supportive as possible for the whole family unit of our students.

We hope this event proves successful - we are expecting the evening to be quite busy.”

Anita Frier

Principal Anita Frier added: “We felt: why not give our parents and carers in our community an opportunity to consider other career choices for themselves and get advice from local businesses?

After all, people no longer have to remain in one career for life, and there are so many choices and career routes available.”

The careers fair is part of a programme of events at the college during National Careers Week from March 2 and 6. Parents and carers are welcome to turn up on the day between 4.30 and 6.30pm, but one-to-one appointments for career guidance and CV writing should be booked in advance.

Plymouth-born Lewis took a number of questions from the students, following his remarkable swim underneath the ice shelf in East Antarctica - making him the first person to ever swim in a supraglacial lake, a lake on top of a glacier.

He undertook the dangerous challenge in January in order to demonstrate the rapid changes that are happening in Antarctica and to highlight the need for the urgent establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Antarctica.

Lewis wrote in his blog: “I swam for 10 minutes and 17 seconds. It felt like 10 days before the team finally pulled me out. The water temperature was just above 0°C, the air temperature well below that, and I was frozen to my core.

“East Antarctica is the coldest place on earth. Even so, everywhere I looked there was water rushing off the ice-sheet, carving long ravines deep into the ice sheet, or pooling into supra-glacial lakes.

Antarctica is melting.”

He did the swim in nothing more than his swimming trunks, cap and goggles!

The two neighbouring schools - part of the same Multi Academy Trust - had been following Lewis’ Antarctica 2020 Project after his team offered them the opportunity to ask him questions about it as part of students’ geography and biology studies. Three Year 7 and two Year 12 geography students from Stoke Damerel were joined by four Year 12s from Scott College, accompanied by teachers Steve Campion and Fiona Avis.

The day was made possible with the help of GWR, who at short notice provided all the rail tickets for free.

Before meeting Lewis, the group visited Somerset House, where they were met

by Clare Brook, chief executive of the Blue Marine Foundation, and its senior overseas project manager, Rory Moore.

The students were given a brief history of Somerset House and gained an insight into the ongoing development of the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth.

The group then met Lewis in the boardroom of the Devonport-built ship, HQS Wellington, which is permanently moored on the River Thames in London.

Also there to meet them was the schools’ constituency Labour MP Luke Pollard, Shadow Environment Minister.

The students asked Lewis questions about the global consequences of not protecting Antarctica, the barriers

UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh pictured with the students (above) and the group at Somerset House (below)

that prevent new Marine Protected Areas being created in Antarctica and the details of the swim, including the physical impact on his body.

Lewis outlined the serious impact sea level rise would have on many cities and nations across the world. He also explained that most people agree Antarctica should be protected, but that the final 2% of detail is often the biggest barrier.

He talked about his role as a UN Patron of the Oceans and how his love of the oceans started when he lived in Plymouth - and he suggested that passionate individuals have a voice and can help enhance the protection of Antarctica.

Stoke Damerel teacher Steve Campion said: “Lewis also shared amazing detail of the beauty and challenge of the swim, from spectacular colours under the ice sheet to the risk of frostbite.

The students clearly understood the extreme lengths Lewis went to, to get his

message across. Lewis shared with the students how he trained on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, but also how his heart for seeing change in the protection of Antarctica was what helped him complete the swim.

“He was so engaging; the students were mesmerized by his experiences.

They have come back passionate about Plymouth’s National Marine Park and about protecting our oceans. Huge thanks to Lewis, the Blue Marine Foundation and GWR for making this day possible.”

Scott College teacher Fiona Avis added: “Both Lewis and Luke Pollard, who is also passionate about conserving our oceans, talked about what we in Plymouth can do to help preserve our marine environment.

We all had a very inspiring and thoughtprovoking day.”

Since the swim, Lewis has met political leaders in Russia, the UK and the EU to call for action on climate change and more protection for Antarctica - he travelled to Brussels straight after meeting the Plymouth students.

Antarctica 2020 is the latest of Lewis’ high-profile endurance swims - he is the only person to have completed a longdistance swim in every ocean of the world.

To find out more about his achievements and his Antarctica blog at www.lewispugh.com The Plymouth party arrive in London courtesy of GWR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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12 March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir: 5 April Plymouth Guildhall

Mayflower 400 Community Sparks: Throughout 2020 across the city

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

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

This Land: 16 – 20 June Theatre Royal Plymouth

For the full Plymouth programme visit mayflower400uk.org/events

Vicky Brotherton pictured with Luke Pollard MP outside No 10

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

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

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

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

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

March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Former rehab staff launching new therapeutic art club in Plymouth Two former Broadreach staff, made redundant by the closure of the Plymouth treatment centre, are starting a mindful art club at Jack n Mols, in Plymouth city centre.

Artists Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson were part of the support team at Broadreach House Addiction Treatment Centre, offering a number of activities to the resident clients, including arts and craft workshops.

When Broadreach House closed, due to a lack of funding, in July 2019, Emma and Peggy decided to bring their combined skills into the community to offer mindful art as a way to manage anxiety and stress.

Peggy and Emma have been running weekly mindful art classes at The Brook Inn, Plympton, on Wednesdays, since September.

People have been enjoying the mindful meditation, easy art projects and relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

So, in response to demand they have now launched a class in central Plymouth, upstairs at The Pig, in Armada Way, on Monday mornings. All materials are supplied and each drop-in session costs £5.

Their project has recently received a boost with a grant of £1000 from the National Lottery.

Peggy said: “Do you know when you enjoyed art as a kid, without judging your ability or results? We get together for 10 minutes of mindful meditation, then we have a coffee and a chat, and do some art, just for fun.”

Emma commented: “At Broadreach I used to run mindfulness sessions and art workshops for the clients. Then we had the idea of combining both things at once.”

Emma is trained in mindfulness, acupuncture and Indian head massage, and is a practicing artist offering multi-media artworks and personalised commissions.

Peggy is qualified in clinical hypnotherapy and is also a practicing artist offering watercolour paintings, and personalised cartoon portraits. She is currently studying for a counselling qualification.

Mindful Art Club founders Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson

Mindful Art Club is every Wednesday at 10am at The Brook Inn, 33 Longbrook Street, Plympton St Maurice, PL7 1NJ. The new class is every Monday at 10am, upstairs at Jack n Mols, 133 Armada Way PL1 1HX

Oarsome challenge for former Royal Marines Rowing the Atlantic is one of the toughest challenges that anyone can undertake. It’s not simply the physical challenge of rowing 3000 miles in a 28 feet ocean-rowing boat.

The rowers also have to cope with limited space, rationed supplies and sleep deprivation caused by rowing two hours on, two hours off for weeks on end.

Team Commando Spirit are preparing to face all of those challenges while raising funds to support the Royal Marine Charity and Rock 2 Recovery.

Made up of four friends who met playing rugby while serving Royal Marines, the team are fully aware of the scale of the challenge.

“It’s a tough row. It all depends on the weather, but it usually takes about 30 to 40 days to reach Antigua from La Gomera,” said Simon ‘Jan’ Hicklin, founding member of Team Commando Spirit.

“We’re in this to make a difference and to get maximum coverage for our charities and for our sponsors.”

Rock 2 Recovery was set up by former Royal Marines Jamie Sanderson and Jason Fox to fight against stress in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Retired Plymouth Royal Marine Tristan Lark said: “So many of us struggle with mental health.

Rock 2 Recovery provides swift and practical interventions using an amazing team of change management coaches across the UK. The focus is on moving towards a positive future, helping each individual find their ‘rock’ that will motivate, inspire and encourage them through the bad times

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

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

They are also starting a class at The Harbour Centre for people in recovery from substance misuse. Details of all classes are on their website www.mindfulartclub.co.uk The aim of Mindful Art Club is ‘to help you to relax, unwind and socialise, even if you’re anxious. We’re offering coffee, creativity and company! You don’t need any talent or art experience, as the idea is just to have fun.’

The Plympton class has been described as relaxing, therapeutic, ‘me-time’, inspiring, colourful, energising, rejuvenating and, ‘a good form of self-care.’

More information about the club can be found at www.mindfulartclub.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team Commando Spirit (from left) Calum Macrae, Tristan Lark, Gareth Evans and Simon ‘Jan’ Hicklin. Photo credit Will Scammell

and into a better life.

“I left the Royal Marines on a medical discharge and it’s tough making that transition into civilian life. We have all experienced or seen the negative impact of active service on our comrades and we want to help.’

The team have strong links with Plymouth and Plymouth Albion. Three of the team served in Plymouth and Jan Hicklin is a born and bred Plymothian.

Jan said: “We’re hoping that the city will help us to raise the money we need to get to the start line

in December 2020. We are looking for corporate sponsorship and for donations to our charities.

We have a Go Fund Me page and potential sponsors can talk to our support team made of Christine Madden and Lesley Anderson. We’d love some Devon sponsors to work with us!’

To support the team, follow them on Facebook and Twitter. To donate, please visit uk.gofundme. com/f/team-commando-spirit-2020-atlanticrow or to find out more about the Challenge or sponsorship, go visit the website at www.teamcommandospirit.com.

13

14 March 2020

14 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Children enjoy a great day at the Dockyard

Children of Babcock employees were recently given the opportunity to visit Devonport Dockyard, during the annual Bring Your Child to Work Day. The event, organised by the Babcock Women’s Network (BWN), invited a total of 40 children, aged between eight and 12, to take part in a full day of activities aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

The group visited the Devonport based Southern Diving Unit 1, where they operated robots and tried on protective clothing that the Royal Navy’s bomb disposal unit use.

Following this, they met Royal Marines from 47 Commando Raiding Group, and learnt about their role before stepping on-board one of their landing craft.

The children then enjoyed a talk from Katherine Terris, Babcock employee and author of ‘Porty’s Whizzing Recovery’, a themed picture book that highlights some of the work that takes place at the Devonport site, before being introduced to two St Luke’s Hospice Elmer sculptures by volunteers who have been leading Elmer’s journey around Devonport.

The day concluded with parents being able to take their children to their workplace, giving them the opportunity to see where they work and what they do every day.

Cheryl Ellis, BWN Devonport chair, said: “Studies show that experiences children encounter between the ages of eight and 12 are fundamental to their development and can influence future career choices. At Babcock we want to inspire the future generation of engineers, and particularly to try and get more girls and women interested in the engineering sector.”

Ten-year old Jack said: “I liked the marines most because we got to explore the boats and even sit on the driver’s seat. It was also good to see where my mum worked.”

Eight-year old Lilly said: “I loved seeing where my mummy works and playing noughts and crosses with the divers - and I won!”

Mike Homer, managing director of Devonport Royal said: “The dockyard is a really exciting place to work and to it’s been fantastic to give these children the chance to visit and see where their parents work every day.”

Photos by Matt Gilley Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During this year’s summer programme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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March 2020

@PlymChronicle

17

Oxfam stages College bosses go ‘back to the floor’ fashion show to work alongside the apprentices fundraiser

Oxfam in Mutley Plain is presenting a fund-raising fashion show on March 17 at Plymouth Gin Distillery in The Barbican.

Showcasing the very best in vintage, second hand and up-cycling fashion the team at Oxfam, Mutley Plain bring a catwalk show with 12 themed collections.

Volunteer models, dressers and runners have all contributed their time to this fundraising event. Outfits and designs will be on sale at the event, offering a chance to pick up a unique fashion item.

Oxfam, Mutley Plain shop manager, Kay Challen said: “We want to highlight how Oxfam is part of the solution to fast fashion by giving clothes a second chance to be sold and preventing them ending up in landfill.

All pieces on show have been kindly donated by the public to Oxfam, Mutley Plain and illustrate the quality and range of fashion that we have in store and online at Oxfam.

“Everyone has worked so hard to make this a really fun event – we hope audiences from Plymouth we come and enjoy the show whilst raising money for Oxfam’s poverty fighting campaigns.”

Tickets are on sale from the Oxfam shop, 44 Mutley Plain, Plymouth. The event is support

by Plymouth Gin Distillery and entry includes a free gin and tonic or soft drink.

College principal and chief executive Jackie Grubb helped out on reception

City College Plymouth’s most senior members of staff gained insight into the responsibilities of some of the college’s apprentices as it marked National Apprenticeship Week.

As part of the college’s commitment to the wellbeing of students and staff, members of the senior leadership team were keen to familiarise themselves with the day-to-day experiences of those who work and study here and came up with the idea to spend some time with some of the apprentices.

Jackie Grubb, principal and chief executive, and Ben Manning, deputy principal, went ‘back to the floor’ when Ben visited the college’s training kitchens at PL1, while Jackie worked alongside the reception staff.

Deputy principal Ben Manning was kept busy in the PL1 training kitchen

Ben, whose role as deputy principal involves making key decisions about curriculum and operational planning processes, helped the catering apprentices with their preparations for a business event later that day.

Ben said: “It was an eye-opening experience to see for myself the training our apprentices undertake and to experience it from their perspective. The levels of professionalism and the skills on show at PL1 are exceptional.

“It has been a while since I have been in a teaching role and it was refreshing to be among the students again. I have always known how skilled our catering apprentices are, but spending time with them today has really highlighted the levels of concentration

and attention to detail that is expected of them.”

Jackie Grubb stepped into the role of a business and administration apprentice, and worked alongside the college’s busy reception team, where she answered the phones and helped with visitors’ enquiries.

Jackie said: “It is a very demanding role and requires a lot of multi-tasking and an array of skills to deliver such high-level customer service.

“City College Plymouth is very proud of what its apprentices are achieving: the college has the highest apprenticeship achievement score of the region and second in the country. Only by working in such close partnership with employers are we able to deliver such great results.”

Men on the move in memory of much-loved colleague Ahead of the South West’s biggest men-only annual charity event, a local man has shared the moving reasons behind his motivation for taking part for the sixth consecutive year.

As is his annual tradition, 50-year-old Martyn Hamley, a carpenter and joiner at Princess Yachts, will be joining workmates Paul Blake, Neil Bailey and Paul Parrish to participate in Men’s Day Out in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

The day of banter and rugby includes a 12km sponsored walk that starts at Plymouth Albion RFC and finishes there with a pasty, pint and not-tobe-missed match, after taking in iconic locations in Plymouth, including the Hoe and the Barbican.

As they enjoy the camaraderie of the popular event and stride the streets raising much-needed funds for the charity, Martyn and his colleagues will be remembering their good friend and fellow Princess Yachts employee John Helmore, an exceptional craftsman and talented athlete, who excelled in competitive cycling.

Martyn Hamley in ‘dog costume’ fancy dress from a previous Men’s Day Out

Sadly, John died of cancer in 2015 - aged just 44 - having been looked after by St Luke’s at its specialist unit in Turnchapel, where the expertise and compassion of the team help people live well to the end of their lives.

Taking part in Men’s Day Out on Saturday March 28, which is sponsored by IU Energy, is the foursome’s way of paying tribute to John and thanking the charity for the dedication with which they cared for him.

John is also remembered by Princess Yachts, where the annual John Helmore Prize for Excellence is awarded to an outstanding member of the team.

Martyn said: “John is greatly missed. My friendship with him went way back to 1986, when we were fresh faced from school and starting our apprenticeships. He stood out from day one because he always gave a hundred per cent to whatever he did, from his work to the sports he loved.

Martyn Hamley (left) with friends and colleagues on John’s memorial bench

“John was the last person you’d imagine receiving a diagnosis of cancer because he was known for his healthy lifestyle. It just goes to show that none of us know when it might be us in that situation and needing the expert care of St Luke’s.

That’s why Men’s Day Out is so important - it’s an opportunity to have a great day with your mates while fundraising for such a fantastic local cause.

Everyone is made welcome and there’s a really great atmosphere.”

As in previous years of doing the charity walk, Martyn and his colleagues will take a short detour to sit on John’s memorial bench in Beaumont Park, remember their friend and see how much the silver mountain ash planted in tribute to him has grown since the previous year.

Since 2015, Martyn has raised over £2,500 for John Helmore..greatly missed St Luke’s to help its service continue making a difference.

Registration for Men’s Day Out is £32, which match. Sign up at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ includes a t-shirt, pasty, pint and entry to the rugby mensdayout.

18 March 2020

18 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Dealing with the pressures of life THE

By Ian Pilkington Presenter on Cross Rhythms Plymouth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

need to do something ourselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM, online at bit.ly/crplymradio or on app: bit.ly/CRPlymAndroid or bit.ly/ CRPlymiOS

Fiver Fest in the West End

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

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

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

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

D HEWLETT GENERAL BUILDERS • All general household maintenance work undertaken • • No job too small • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Plastering • • Carpentry & joinery • Guttering • Windows • Bricklaying • • Bedrooms • Facias • Driveways • Patios • Decking • Call Derek on 07967 233257 or 01752 777578

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

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms.

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

MALCOLM WILLS CARPENTRY

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

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

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

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ELECTRICAL GIFFORD ENERGY & ELECTRICAL LTD

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

OVEN CLEANING SERVICES

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

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

ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

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

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

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

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GUTTERING

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

LOCKFIT PLYMOUTH

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

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

Mob 07887587957 Office 01752212136

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STEVE BENNETT PLASTERING

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• Internal & External • Reliable • Clean • High quality service at affordable prices Mat Bradley - Time served Tradesman Tel: 07716 728258 mjb-plastering@hotmail.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk PINK PLUMBERS Fast, Friendly, Reliable and tidy service by your local FEMALE plumber.

Specialist in small to medium jobs (NO VAT) 01752 412070 07540 956436

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

ROOFING

DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

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

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

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

PAUL JOHNSON ROOFING & BUILDING

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LES PIKE • Emergency roof repair specialist • Concrete tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings All building & construction work undertaken.

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WASTE REMOVAL

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KSR Licensed Disposal REMOVAL OF WASTE Cheap rates for OAPs, For a FREE Estimate, CALL Kevin: 07810 450940

T.R.B Heating - Trevor Bryant

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

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20 March 2020

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

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Devonport Library RIT for Beginners Mondays, 2pm - 3pm Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to ‘Learn My Way’. Staff will be on hand to help.

Lions support tapestry project

Hello World - Coding and Making Mondays, 4pm - 5pm Coding and digital making for children aged 8 to 13. Including: Scratch, CodeCombat, MakeyMakey, Micro:bit and more. No booking required.

Rhymetime Wednesdays, 10.30am - 11am Saturdays, 11am -11.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers. Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Writers Group 3rd Saturday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm.

Devonport Libraries writers group - for anyone with an interest in writing stories, poems or plays.

North Prospect Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 2.15pm - 2.45pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Hello World - Coding and Making Thursdays, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Coding and digital making for children aged 8 to 13. Including; Scratch, CodeCombat, MakeyMakey, Micro:bit and more. No booking required.

Book Group Monthly, last Saturday of the month, 10.30am 11.30am Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading.

Each month, there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Work Clu Mondays 10am-12. Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Chatterbooks Every other Tuesday 3.30pm-4.30pm. Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

St Budeaux Library Skills for Tomorrow Mondays 10am-11am A weekly session where you can learn essential digital skills like how to use email, the internet, being safe online or using social media.

Lego Club Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Do you have a big imagination and like making things? Why not join our Lego group?

Rhymetime Wednesdays 9.15am-9.45am Saturdays 10am-10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular storytimes for the under 5s.

Homework Club Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm.

Come to the library to do your homework! Use our computers to do your homework online or use our study space. Library staff will be on hand to help you find out information.

Craft Group Thursdays 1pm to 3pm.

Starting February 27. Craft group for adults. Bring your own project, share skills or learn something new in a friendly setting.

Film Show First Thursday of month 2pm-4pm Aimed at adults. Please speak to library staff for more details.

Memory Cafe Fridays 10am-12noon

Barne Barton Coffee Morning Wednesdays (term time) For parents of children going through the process or already diagnosed with special needs or disabilities.

If interested ring 01752 365658.

St Michael’s Open Church Project Every Tuesday St Michael’s Church, Albert Road from 10.30am to 3.30pm. First and third Tuesdays craft day; bring something to do and some lunch to share. Second Tuesday coffee and cake in aid of charity. Fourth Tuesday lunch club: make a donation towards costs.

Fifth Tuesday Drop in: the kettle will be on! Everyone welcome. For details contact Revd Tim Buckley on 01752 666544.

Work Club Wednesdays, 9am - 1pm Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Lego Club Thursdays 3.30pm-4.30pm. We supply the Lego, you supply the imagination and building skills.

information about William Sutton Memorial Hall facilities contact 01752 211247, 07890257621 or Email: communitycentres@colebrooksw.org

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

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

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

Drop in for reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Hello World - Coding and Making Fridays 3.30pm-5pm After school club for anyone interested in coding and digital making. For 8 to 13 year olds.

Games Morning Saturdays 11am-12.30pm Join us for our weekly games morning! Play board games or bring your own!

Family Film Show First Saturday of the month 2pm-4pm Free family film show. Speak to Library staff for more details.

Lego Club Tuesdays in term time New club for children aged seven and upwards at St Budeaux Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 5pm. Cost 50p per child or £1 for a family. Lots of Lego, snacks, on screen Lego stories and building challenges.

Regular Events at St Budeaux Community Centre Monday Zumba 7pm to 8pm; Wednesday St Budeaux Water Colour Group 10am to 12 noon; Weekly Lunch Club 12 noon to 1.30pm; Bingo 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Thursday DC Disco for disabled 6.30pm to 9.30pm; ; Bingo 6.30pm to 9.30pm St Budeaux Square Club Activities Monthly lunch club second Thursday each month 11.30am to 2.30pm to various destinations; last Wednesday of month A Gathering 11am to 4pm speakers, entertainment three course freshly cooked meal £6. Starting April monthly coach trips to varying destinations; Knitting & Crochet class first Tuesday of month 2pm to 4pm; Astorians Dance Band last Wednesday of month 7pm to 10.30pm; Curling Club for men third Thursday of each month 10am to 11.30am.

Youth Club Wednesdays during term time For youngsters aged 7 to 16 meeting at St Budeaux Methodist Church. Details Plymouth 511857.

St Budeaux Latch-on Group Wednesdays Tamar Folk, The Barn, Barne Barton 11am to 12 noon. Offers breastfeeding support to parents both

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

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

Plymstock Library have agreed to permanently locate the tapestry in the building and it is hoped that before long they will be able to display the finished project to the public. ante-natally and post-natally. Trained professionals and peer supporters are on hand to help mothers overcome any feeding difficulties or to offer support in continued breastfeeding. Contact your midwife, health visitor or check out the website for more information www.plymouth-latchon.org.uk Blaze Family Fun Morning Second Saturday of the month St Budeaux Baptist Church, Fletemoor Road from 10.30am to 12.30pm Regular events at Weston Mill Oak Villa, Ferndale Road Monday Line Dancing from 7pm; Karate from 7pm; Tuesday Companion club for 45 years and over 1pm - 4pm; Junior Kickboxing 6pm -7pm; Wednesday Salsa from 7pm Thursday Junior Kickboxing 6pm-7pm; Sunday Music quiz with raffle from 9pm. Further details Tel 01752 363352 St Budeaux Tennis Club The Club has vacancies for new members, both senior and junior. Come along for free visits and see the facilities. Three all weather courts (two floodlit). All standards of play from beginners to league level.

Cost only £95 a year for adults and £15 for juniors.

Coaching available. For details call 01752 365526 or e-mail dwilliams66@toucansurf.com Regular Events at William Sutton Memorial Hall, St Budeaux Mondays: Stumblers and tumblers, parent and toddler group 10am to 12 noon See Facebook Stumblers and Tumblers and PM for more details.

Wednesday Dance Exercise (ElderTree) 10.30am to 12.30pm; Better Together Friendship Group (ElderTree) 12.30pm to 1.45pm Thursday Billy’s Community Café 10am to 1pm; William Sutton Walkers Walking Group 10am 12 noon; Computer Club 10am to 12noon; Plymouth (St Budeaux) History Group 10am to 12pm; Monday to Fridays Academy of Dance Freestyle Dance School 3.45pm to 9pm Academy of Dance, is a freestyle dance school based in Plymouth. We take part in national competitions, boys and girls welcome. See Facebook and PM for details!

Adult Exercise/Fitness Sessions at the William Sutton Memorial Hall Wednesdays Circuits 6pm Thursdays Muay Thai (Thai style Kickboxing) 7.15pm; Fridays Kettlebells 6pm. See Facebook Bodhi Fitness and Wellbeing and PM or via text 07912628812 or email: info@bodhiltd.org for more details. For

Little Fish Toddler Group Wednesdays Organised by Devonport Baptist Church at the Devonport Live Cafe from 10.30am to 12 noon during term time. Open to all with no charge (refreshments are available from the café), all our staff and volunteers are fully DBS checked.

Knitting Group Wednesdays The Real Friends knitting and crochet group meets every Wednesday in the function room in Devonport Park 2pm-4pm. It’s free. If you like knitting or you just want to make new friends do come and join us.

Councillor Advice Surgeries Saturdays Meet your local St Budeaux Councillors Bowie, Winter and Wheeler. Every Saturday 10.30am to 12 at the St Budeaux Library St Budeaux Square. If you have a problem with Council Services or wish to discuss a matter in your area please drop in for advice.

St Budeaux Writers’ Group Fortnightly on Thursdays Meetings are held every fortnight at St Budeaux Library on Thursday evenings 5.30 to 6.30pm. For more details, email sallytenbury@yahoo.com.

There are writing themes each meeting, but if there is anything that writers would like to bring to the meeting, then they can do so.

Stoke Christian Centre events Memory Cafe second and fourth Mondays of month from 2pm. If you have a relative or friend, with memory loss or dementia, then we would love you to come & join us. The café is very informal and includes music, art and other activities. Contact: Rev Alison Richardson on 01752 562982. Contemporary Worship for everyone with the Worship Band at 6.30pm on every fourth Sunday of each month.

Sure Footing - Strength & Balance Exercise class Thursdays 10.30am-11.30am. Multi Purpose Room, Brickfields, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4N. Cost £4.50 per class. Sure Footing classes offer chair based, chair supported and standing exercises with a focus on strength & balance. The Otago Exercise Programme is used for the prevention of falls. The class is suitable for people with reduced mobility, at risk of falling and those that have fallen and rehabilitating. To book a place and for more details call Rosie 07581 510498 or email activeartsforlife@gmail.com Fun Fitness Sessions Various dates In the gym and in the park for children, teenagers, families and pram fitness. Call Fizz for more details 07976568477 Fizz Fitness Gym 180 Albert Rd, Plymouth Community Cafe Every Thursday in term time Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road between 10.30am and 2pm Community cafe run by learning support students of City College Plymouth, serving tea, coffee and cakes baked and prepared by the students.

Baby and Toddler Group Friday mornings in term time St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross.

The group runs from 10.00 until 11.30am every Friday during term-time in the church lounge. There is a

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

large selection of toys, a craft table and the session concludes with nursery rhymes and action songs.

A charge of £1.50 for one adult and accompanying child/children and £1 for extra adults covers all refreshments and craft materials. We hold occasional Tabletop Sales in the church hall to support the Children’s Hospice Southwest.

Nifty Needles Quilting Group We are a small friendly quilting group who meet every Monday morning 9.45am - 12.30pm (Bank holidays and August excluded ) at St Budeaux Church community hall, The Green, Higher St Budeaux. Beginners and more experienced quilters welcomed. For details please contact Mary 01752 702247.

St Pancras Playtime Thursdays St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross.

10am to 11.30am term time only. An activity morning for pre-school children and their carers. Lots of fun, craft, messy play, singing and dancing. £1.50 per session which includes a healthy snack for the children and tea/coffee for adults.

Regular events at St Budeaux Baptist Church Tuesday 1pm to 3pm Senior Friendly Club 5pm to 6.15pm Noughts & Crosses primary age children’s club; Wednesday 7pm to 9pm craft group; Thursday 11am to 1pm lunch club once a month afterwards fellowship time; Fridays 9.30am to 11.30am Jelly Tots toddler and parent group. Sundays 10.30am Service & Explorers for children monthly family service.

Red Velvet Cinema Every other Wednesday.

Come along and watch a Classic film, such as Casablanca or Some Like it Hot, then share your memories of the film and where you saw it over tea and cake. We aim to take you on a trip down memory lane through conversation & companionship. If this sounds just the ticket then join us every other Wednesday at 10.30am at the Mayor’s Parlour in Devonport Guildhall. For more information 941342.

Lunch Club Tuesdays and Fridays An invitation to lunch at Welcome Hall Centre, Fore Street, Devonport. 12.30pm Tuesdays, 1pm Fridays.

Friendly company. For details or to make a lunch appointment call 606317.

Country Music Venue First Friday every other month (not December) At the Aggie ‘Opry’. Agaton Club, St Budeaux. Top country acts being booked. Details 01752 362240.

Monthly Soup lunch for all the community Last Wednesday of the month Lovely homemade soup, cake, tea & coffee all for £3 at the St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road, Higher St Budeaux. from 12.15 - 2 p.m.

A warm welcome awaits all those who come. Have a go at the quiz if you want, browse the jigsaw library or just enjoy the company.

Community Activities Various dates Evening events at Keyham Community Sports Hall, Drake Primary School, Saltash Road. Monday: Karate classes suitable for children/families and adults. 5pm to 8pm; Tuesday: Keep fit classes. Making exercise fun and easy to do. 6.15pm to 7.15pm; Wednesday: Yoga classes. Beginners/intermediate - first tester session free. 7pm to 8.30pm. The Community Sports Hall has spaces available for hire, for further information contact Roy Burt Sports Development Coordinator at the school on 01752 567649.

Whist Drive Wednesdays Kings Tamerton Community Centre want adults of all ages to come and join us in a game of whist.

Wednesday afternoons at 1.30pm start, also The first Sunday in every month at 2pm start. Entrance is £1.50,which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. We are a friendly crowd and would like to see some new faces.

City Bus No 16 stops right out side the community centre. Call Brenda on 350145 for more details.

Rainbows Fridays 1st Devonport Rainbows, Salvation Army, Haddington Road, Stoke Every Friday 6- 7pm Call 01752 405027 for details.

Playtots Baby & Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays in term time St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. Plenty of space for children to pay and parents, grandparents and carers to meet and make friends. Good variety of toys, crafts, snack, story and rhyme time all included in these fun sessions. From 9.30am to 11.30am. Just come along or contact Lyn on 01752 706728 for more details.

March 2020

New Street Pastors are commissioned

21

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

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

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

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

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

“In addition, more than 75,000 bottles have been removed to prevent them being

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

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

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

During the service, Roy said how proud

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

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

For more information on Plymouth Street Pastors visit www.plymouth.streetpastors. org.uk

Jelly Tots Baby & Toddler Group Fridays 9.30am to 11 am at St Budeaux Baptist Church (during Term Time). £1.50 per Family www.stbudeauxbaptist. org.uk

figures and then doing some ‘wondering’ about the story. Children can choose which artwork they would like to do and each session is always followed by a feast! All children welcome to this free club. email lyn. crews@talktalk.net to book your child’s place.

to March, so if interested in birds please have a look at our website for programme details. Google RSPB Plymouth. New members always welcome.

Devonport Park Community Choir Mondays A friendly mixed group of singers meets at St Aubyn’s Church, Chapel Street, Devonport, PL1 4GJ, Monday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm. Cost is £3 per session. No previous experience necessary. New members please call Kate on 01752 564286 to check venue and holidays.

Fishing Club Local club have salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing memberships available on Rivers Plym and Tavy. Contact 07866 315195 or see website searching for Plymouth and District Freshwater Angling Association.

Carers Support Group Last Monday of the month Are you a carer? Would you like somewhere to go for advice & info, to relax & unwind with other Carers?

Come to our drop in session at St Budeaux Community Centre 10am- 12 noon on last Monday of the month.

Beit Ezra Saturdays A Messianic Fellowship, meets on a Saturday (Shabbat) at Engage, St Levan Road, Milehouse, Plymouth PL2 3BG from 4pm to 6pm. Contact: 01752 922014 Friendship Club Alternate Wednesdays For the over 55s at King’s Tamerton Community Centre. Meet new friends, bingo, raffle, tea and biscuits, and every month from May until September a trip to the coast. For details ring Ida 01752 368841.

Coffee Morning First Saturday of each month at St Budeaux Methodist Church Hall, offering free coffee, cake and chat. Also the chance to play board games such as Scrabble, Triominoes, Rummikub etc and even a game of table tennis. Join us each month from 10am-12 noon.

Devonport Folk Music Session Stoke Inn Third Sunday of month Stoke Inn [opp Co-op] 2pm-5pm. Parking at the pub or free public car park in Church Street. Bring your voice, your instruments, your friends. Singers and listeners all welcome.Food menu available. Details stokeinnplymouth.co.uk 01752 515749 Buses 34, 70 - nearest stops on Devonport Road. TrainDevonport Station See www.flaxey-green.co.uk for details Playtots Baby & Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays in term time St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. Plenty of space for children to pay and parents, grandparents and carers to meet and make friends. Good variety of toys, crafts, snack, story and rhyme time all included in these fun sessions. From 9.30am to 11.30am. Just come along or contact Lyn on 01752 706728 for more details.

Godly Play Club Tuesdays St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. From 4pm to 5pm for 4 to 11 year olds. An imaginative approach to storytelling using 3D

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

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

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

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

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

RSPB Plymouth Local Group We hold regular walks and coach trips throughout the year and talks on birds/wildlife from September

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

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

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

Your guide to community events in your area

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

22 March 2020

22 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Devonport sailors and Royal Marines in £6m drugs bust Sailors and Royal Marines bagged more than a tonne of cannabis when they intercepted drug smugglers on the infamous Hashish Highway.

The team from Devonport-based HMS Montrose recovered bales of hash from the waters of the Gulf of Oman – then found a secret narcotics cache hidden aboard a dhow during a two-day operation which resulted in a haul worth more than £6m on the streets of the UK being seized by the Royal Navy frigate.

It’s the second haul of hashish seized by the Royal Navy in three weeks; HMS Defender captured two and a half tonnes of the drug. And it’s the second success for HMS Montrose, which intercepted a cargo of crystal meth and heroin in October worth around £1m.

“This seizure is another impressive demonstration of the Royal Navy’s vital work around the world,” said Armed Forces Minister James Heappey.

“Our servicemen and women, once again, have proved that their skill and professionalism can disrupt major criminal organisations and continue to keep our citizens safe.”

The success began when the frigate’s Wildcat helicopter – capable of tracking more than 200 vessels simultaneously – came across a dhow

moving through waters known to be used by traffickers.

By sunrise the next day, the warship had arrived close to the dhow’s location, ready to pounce.

“As the sun rose over the Arabian Sea, several packages could be seen floating in the water near the dhow,” said Lieutenant Commander Charli Martin, Montrose’s Weapon Engineer Officer.

“The packages were recovered and determined to be hashish. Royal Marine Commandos then boarded the dhow, securing it for search by a Royal Navy boarding team.”

The master of the dhow admitted that the packages in the water came from his vessel, and after a thorough search of the dhow, the team found another cache of hashish.

Combined with the drugs recovered from the sea, Montrose total seizure of hashish was 1,045kg – worth an estimated regional wholesale value of US $538,860, or £6m if distributed in Britain.

Commander Charles Collins, Montrose’s Commanding Officer, said: “I am very proud of the crew of HMS Montrose – last week we were 800 miles away providing maritime security for merchant shipping in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, and this week disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics through the seizure of Hashish worth around £6 million on the UK market.”

“It was a proper team effort and just shows how HMS Montrose is like a Swiss Army knife of capability, able to react at a moment’s notice to anything we are tasked to do.”

Montrose, which is based long-term in Bahrain as part of the Royal Navy’s Forward Presence

The crew of HMS Montrose with the haul of drugs

vision to deploy warships around the globe for several years at a time, is currently working for an Australian-led international task group, focused on maritime security operations in Middle Eastern waters.

Navy teams battle it out in Master Chef style Students working A team representing the Devonport Flotilla were the joint runners-up in the Royal Navy’s version of Master Chef held at HMS Raleigh.

Three teams from Faslane, Devonport and Portsmouth Flotillas took part in the Inter-Flotilla cook and serve competition, sponsored by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Using the facilities at HMS Raleigh, each team of two chefs and one front-of-house steward had 75 minutes to cook and serve a three-course meal for three diners, plus an additional plate for the judges.

The submariners from Faslane took the top prize.

Devonport was represented by a team from HMS Montrose.

Their mouth-watering creation comprised a pan fried lemon and saffron hake starter, a main course of pistachio crusted venison and a port poached pear for dessert.

The aptly named Leading Chef Tallan Cooke led the Devonport team. He said: “I thought the competition went very well for us.

“This was my first competition in six and half years in the Royal Navy and as we were told at the start, the more you do of these things, the further you will progress. I really enjoyed today.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener and took me back to some of the things I did in training, bringing back some basic skills and refining them.”

Each flotilla held its own competition with the winning team going through to the final.

Among the judges this time was Scottish chef

together to tackle loneliness

Higher education students at City College Plymouth have hosted an event which aimed to find ways to tackle intergenerational loneliness.

The Devonport team from HMS Montrose with Capt Fi Shepherd, who presented the prizes, and judge Gary Maclean Gary Maclean, who was crowned the winner of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016.

Gary is also the executive chef at the City of Glasgow College and Scotland’s National Chef. He said: “For me I just love competitions. I think it’s a really good way of bringing on young chefs.

“I also think it shows another side to the Armed Services, they can come in and cook as well as chefs in civvy street. The standard was really high,

one of the teams was doing something I would be doing in competition; a lot of local produce and another with really classic skills. Each dish was really different, but really good.”

Gary was joined by Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Si Geldart, captain of the Naval Services Culinary Arts team and Petty Officer Stevie Stokoe, an instructor at the Defence Maritime Logistics School.

Pavilions boost for youth music charity Plymouth Pavilions has raised £1000 to support Livewire Youth Music, the long-standing youth charity based in Saltash.

Livewire offers support to young people through music and traditional youth work, helping steer them through the trials and tribulations of growing up.

From collections, fundraising and onsite awareness to showcasing the talent of those involved, the Pavilions successfully raised the four-figure sum for the charity.

Andy Rance, youth work co-ordinator at Livewire, said: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to raise funds at Plymouth Pavilions and have over the past year raised funds which will go towards keeping the project going.”

Simon Gollop, technical coordinator at Plymouth Pavilions, said: “We are always pleased to be able to provide support for local charities. Livewire plays such a key role in developing young people’s musical talents, as well as providing much needed youth counselling and advice.

“We hope that we have provided opportunities to inspire young people to get involved. We look forward to continuing our work with Livewire and offering the opportunity for young talent to be involved with our Pavilions Introduces nights.”

To find out more about Livewire visit www.livewireyouth.com

Livewire crew at the Plymouth Pavilions

Students from the Community and Public Services Management Foundation Degree have been learning about how loneliness can affect different groups in Plymouth and how damaging it can be for people’s health. Supported by Next Steps South West, the students partnered with Plymouth City Council to hold an event for pupils studying at Scott Medical College.

A total of 35 students from Scott College and 15 City College Plymouth students attended the forum-style event held at Devonport Guildhall, where they were joined by representatives from the Elder Tree Befriending Service, Plymouth Raiders, Livewell Southwest, Exim Dance and the Real Ideas Organisation.

After hearing a series of talks, the students discussed initiatives that could improve the lives of people experiencing loneliness. Their ideas included setting up skills events, working with local animal rehoming charities, and viral campaigns that encourage people to interact with those at risk of being lonely.

Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP, Luke Pollard, joined the event to listen to some of the students’ ideas. In an address to the students, he said: “You have identified that there is a problem and you have realised that you have the power to change things.”

After the event, Luke added: “Addressing the issue of loneliness is often seen as a job for those who feel lonely, but these students have refused to believe that and have been working to build bridges across all age ranges that will benefit our community. I have been very impressed with their ideas and the enthusiasm shown for the project.”

Mary Coles, outreach worker for Next Steps South West, said: “Not only does this event aim to tackle a very serious problem, it encourages the students to develop different skills, such as collaboration and teamwork, which is one of the key aims of higher education.”

Charlotte True, manager of Next Steps South West, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this unique community event to explore ways in which the intergenerational loneliness issue can be addressed.

“Together with City College Plymouth, we have collaborated with our Outreach Hub partner Plymouth City Council to give students a real opportunity to discover more about how higher education can lead to local employment opportunities in the public and third sector.”

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

@PlymChronicle

23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The programme is about taking a new

Helplines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In taking a trauma informed

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

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

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

for them if they are exploring new social media platforms.

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

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

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

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

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

Children pictured are models. Credit Tom Hull

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

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

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

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

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

24 March 2020

24 March 2020

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth University’s Royal accolade for its pioneering work on plastic pollution Plymouth University has been presented with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the oceans and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour.

and globally renowned marine and maritime research, which, through a wide range of disciplines, addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues.”

It was in 2004 that the university first described the presence of microplastics in the marine environment, when in a seminal paper published in the journal Science, Professor Richard The honour, the highest that can be bestowed upon a higher Thompson and his team showed that there had been rising education institution, recognises nearly two decades of worldlevels of microscopic plastic debris evident in the plankton leading enquiry by Plymouth researchers, led by Professor record since the 1960s.

Richard Thompson, which has resulted in repeated scientific The paper, Lost at Sea: Where is all the Plastic? was the first breakthroughs and influenced to answer the question as to why national and international despite exponential increases legislation. in the quantity of plastic waste Professor Judith Petts, Vicegenerated, monitoring data from Chancellor, received the prize the environment did not show a from the Prince of Wales and clear increase in plastic debris.

The Duchess of Cornwall at the The paper attracted global ceremony in Buckingham Palace media coverage, and inspired a accompanied by Professor new field of scientific enquiry, Thompson. This was followed by with Professor Thompson and his a special reception at which the team at the very forefront as they university was represented by followed up with a remarkable a wider delegation of staff and series of fundamental research students as well as the University’s papers.

Chancellor, Lord Jonathan These included: being the first Kestenbaum. to show the global distribution It is the third time that the of microplastics, including in the university has been honoured Arctic and the deep ocean; their with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize, ingestion by fish and other marine which celebrate excellence, life; the role that textiles and innovation and public benefit. The wastewater play in their source last occasion was in 2012 when and transmission – with a single the university was recognised for wash of clothing releasing more the breadth and excellence of its marine and maritime research, than 700,000 microfibers; and how teaching and training. some facial scrubs could contain Professor Petts said: “Receiving up to 2.8 million microbeads. the Queen’s Anniversary Prize Professor Thompson said: “The Professor Judith Petts, Vice-Chancellor, receives the prize on behalf of the university was a work we have done at the from the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall huge honour and recognises the university has played a major role pioneering role that our institution at the ceremony in Buckingham Palace accompanied by in raising awareness of the topic, Professor Thompson has played in not only defining a acting as a tipping point for the global environmental academic community, issue, but working to as well as for The ceremony at Buckingham Palace find solutions to it. industry, policy and “Challenges on the general public. this scale require a “Many people, coordinated response past and present at a societal level, at the university, and what really sets nationally and the institution apart internationally, have is its willingness made an invaluable to engage with all contribution to parties in a bid to the work we have stimulate change. done over nearly Richard Thompson 20 years, and the and his team’s work Queen’s Anniversary in microplastics, Prize is reward for indeed defining our endeavours, the very problem achievements and itself, is part of the commitment.” university’s wider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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