Chronicle Plymouth
See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3
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Derriford & North
April 2021
COVID UPDATE
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Derriford clinical nurse specialist is raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice by doing a sky dive See page 17
95-year-old Charlie Trevethan from Southway has been sharing his memories of the Plymouth Blitz See page 24
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Save Our Sanctuary!
An equine sanctuary on the outskirts of Plymouth which has rescued scores of horses and ponies over the last 20 years has launched a ‘Save Our Sanctuary’ appeal after being told it has to quit the land it rents - see story on page 10
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2 April 2021
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Rules have changed – but still a long way to go The Government’s roadmap heralds a clear turning point in the fight against COVID-19 and I would like to take this opportunity to again thank everyone across the city who has played their part to help get the virus under control. However, we must not allow ourselves to become complacent. We have all seen how quickly rates can rise when we let down our guard. Our hospitals are still under huge pressure. I would urge everyone to continue to follow the latest restrictions, get tested if they are feeling unwell and concerned about their health and take up the offer of the vaccine when it’s their turn. Only by doing so will we see restrictions being lifted to the point that we can get back to doing all the things we love and have missed. Cases in Plymouth have remained
relatively low compared to elsewhere in the country and we do not want to see them rising again. From Monday 29 March, the ‘Stay at Home’ ended. However, many restrictions will remain in place. Outdoor gatherings are allowed. That means that groups of up to six people or two households can meet outside, socially distanced. This includes in private gardens. Also, outdoor sports facilities have started to change. We are all advised to stay local and not travel too far from home or work. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and on the busiest routes. While all of us are looking forward to a relaxation of the national regulations, it’s vital that we continue to exercise caution. COVID-19 is an extremely infectious virus and
is still very much present in the community. We must remain absolutely resolute in sticking to the national public health measures: keeping our social distance, wearing face coverings whenever indoors in a public place and regularly washing our hands.
By Dr Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth
HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE
You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19. There are also daily updates on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Vaccine rollout continues across the city By Sue Wilkins Director of Vaccination and Testing for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Across Plymouth, people have been making such huge sacrifices to keep each other safe and we’re so grateful to everyone for their incredible efforts, supporting us at the NHS.
Moving forward, vaccination is the best way we currently have to protect yourself and the people you love from COVID-19 and the more people take up the vaccine the sooner we will hopefully see life becoming more normal again. Our vaccination rollout across Plymouth has been moving at a blistering speed. Over 593,500 people in Devon received their first vaccine dose between 8 December and 25 March, meaning more
than half of people aged 16 and over in Devon have had a first dose of the vaccine. Having had the vaccination myself, as well as overseeing services where tens of thousands of people have been vaccinated, I can reassure people that it is easy to arrange, safe and quick. And whilst a small number of people do have a few side effects, these usually don’t last long. We know there is still some way to go before everyone is protected. There has been a lot of national coverage about vaccine shortages over the next few weeks but those in Plymouth who are currently eligible for a COVID vaccine should not delay. They should come forward to book an appointment as soon as possible, particularly while there are still thousands of spaces available (especially at Home Park). As a reminder, everyone aged 50 and above, people with underlying health conditions and health and care workers are among those now
eligible for a vaccination. So before we see the supply constraints in April please come forward. Making an appointment is simple: • Use the national booking service via the website or by calling 119. The national booking service offers appointments at large vaccination centres or the selected community pharmacies that are offering the jab (including Home Park and Plymouth Cricket Ground, Devonport, run by Devonport Pharmacy) • Or, if you’ve been invited by your GP, please respond to book up and attend this week while there are still plenty of spaces available. Please share this information so we can vaccinate those who are eligible as quickly as possible. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for a vaccine, go here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ who-can-get-the-vaccine/
April 2021
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Ensuring voting is safe this May With Plymouth City Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections due to take place on Thursday 6 May, the Council is reminding residents who are not already on the electoral register that they must register by midnight on Monday 19 April. Arrangements for voters are going to be different this year, as the Council looks to ensure that the election process is as safe as possible during the pandemic. Some residents may prefer to vote by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf (this is known as a proxy vote). You need to be registered to vote before you can apply for a postal or proxy vote. If you want to apply for a postal (or postal
proxy) vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April. Postal and proxy votes can be temporary and used for these elections only. The Council is putting in place sensible safety measures at all polling stations for 6 May, including cleaning, socially distanced queuing systems, face coverings being worn and hand sanitiser on site. Polling booths will be cleaned very regularly throughout the day. Voters are encouraged to take their own pencil or pen but pencils provided will be sanitised between uses. Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ localelections2021electorinformation
Your COVID-19 questions answered A panel of health and care experts from across Plymouth are set to chair an online question and answer session to help provide reassurance and the facts around the Coronavirus vaccine to local people. Hosted by Tony Gravett MBE from the local Healthwatch, the event will take place virtually between 6.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday 13 April. Answering questions will be Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care for Devon, Sue Wilkins, Associate Chief Nurse and Director of Mass Vaccination and Dr Ruth Harrell, the Director of Public Health at Plymouth City Council. The event will enable those with concerns about the Coronavirus vaccine to put their questions direct to local health and care experts. Dr Harrell said: “Over the past 12 months, we have all been working hard to keep Coronavirus OUT of Plymouth. Whilst
the rollout of the vaccine is obviously welcomed, with over 97,000 local people already being vaccinated, it isn’t a quick fix and the journey will be complicated. The aim of this event is to listen to concerns, provide genuine up-to-date information and dispel any rumours that may be causing anyone to think twice about having the vaccine.” For more information or to register visit https://plymouthcovid-19qanda.eventbrite. co.uk/
Accessing symptom-free testing If you are an essential worker, member of a household with children, in a childcare bubble or in a support bubble for a member of school staff or a pupil, you can get a twice-weekly ‘symptom free’ COVID-19 test.
This new test is specifically for those people who are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms and provides rapid results within 30 minutes. It does not require a laboratory. You can access these tests through: • Your employer if they offer testing to employees
• At a local community test site (see the Council website) • By collecting a home test kit from a test site (go to https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites. maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk) • By ordering a home test kit online at www.gov. uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests Remember, if anyone tests positive, self-isolate immediately. For more information, go to: www.plymouth.gov. uk/coronaviruscovid19information
NOTE: The information on these pages was correct at time of going to press on March 31. Please visit plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 for latest updates or sign up for email updates with the latest news and information at bit.ly/plymouthemailalerts
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4 April 2021
4 April 2021
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New bungalows for specialist respite care to be built in Efford People with more complex needs may be able to access specialist respite care in two properties due to be built this year.
Memorial to the victims of slavery is unveiled
The go-ahead has been given for the project to build two bungalows in the grounds of Douglass House in Efford - subject to planning permission being granted. Plymouth City Council has been allocated a £530,000 grant from NHS England to improve registered respite facilities in the city for people with learning disabilities and autism. The new build properties will mean that they can enjoy discreet, specialist support in a safe environment. Both bungalows will
incorporate a range of adaptations as part of their construction and design to make sure that the needs of people will be safely met. The decision being signed allocates the Transforming Care Capital NHSE grant into the capital programme and also authorises £47,000 to come from the Disabled Facilities Grant to help cover the cost of specialist equipment. Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult and Social Care said: “I’m really proud of the work we have been doing to help some of our most vulnerable people. “This decision signals the start of a project that
Plymouth marked the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade with a new memorial. Earlier this year, the council committed to commemorating the victims of slavery and the memorial has been unveiled to pay tribute to all of those who suffered and died as a result of historical slavery and also as a result of modern forms of slavery. The memorial features former Plymouth MP and artist William Elford along with the countless other individuals and organisations who worked tirelessly to ensure the abolition of the slave trade. It is mounted on a limestone plinth and features a plaque with an image of the British slave ship Brookes, designed by William Elford. This image was first published in a pamphlet by the Plymouth chapter of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade and became one of the most important symbols of the national abolitionist campaign. The memorial sits within the Plymouth Hoe Peace Garden, a space for contemplation and reflection.
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will help them - and their families - when they most need it. “These properties will be designed to take into account very specific needs and we simply do not have anything available in Plymouth to support people when they get into difficulties.” The project team is hoping to apply for planning permission very shortly, and if all goes to plan, the build could start this year, with the intention that the bungalows will be available next year. It is expected the bungalows will operate as a CQC registered respite centre.
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Plymouth to enjoy massive investment in digital infrastructure Plymouth will see tens of millions pounds investment in expanding its digital infrastructure over the next three years as part of an ambition to become one of the best-connected cities in the UK for residents, businesses and visitors.
Plymouth City Council recognises that investment in digital technology will be vitally important as the city’s economy looks to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. Easily available, low-cost high speed digital connections will boost business productivity, innovation, create thousands of jobs and deliver hundreds of millions of pounds in economic benefits for the city. The council also aims to tackle the issue of the digital divide in the city with an estimated eight per cent of Plymouth residents (around 20,000 people) digitally excluded and lacking the skills, equipment or motivation to take up online services Investment in digital infrastructure already underway across Plymouth includes: • Working with CityFibre, the UK’s third largest national infrastructure platform, on a £52m project which will see gigabit full fibre connectivity delivered to nearly every property across the city. The project will create a competitive alternative to existing copper cables with a full fibre network transforming the digital connectivity of the city. CityFibre estimates the project will boost Plymouth’s overall economy by around £600m in the next 15 years. • By this summer, BT, working with engineers from Openreach, will have delivered 131 full fibre connections to public sector properties across Plymouth and surrounding area. The Local Fast Fibre Network project, which has been given £2.3m funding by the Government, means key public services such as hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, schools, youth centres, libraries and council buildings will benefit from ultrafast fibre broadband with download speeds of up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second). • Openreach has also already started work to extend its existing superfast fibre network at two of the seven local exchanges in the city, increasing speeds available from up to 80Mbps available today to full fibre 1Gbps. • Across the city this year, VirginMedia, will be upgrading its network of coaxial cable to 1 Gbps speeds. • Widespread availability of fibre broadband will enable provision of the next generation of mobile services using 5G, which is already live in the city with more coverage being rolled out over the next three years. • Smart Sound Connect is an extension to the established Smart Sound Plymouth marine innovation testing and proving ground administered by our European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supported marine innovation service, the Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC). Providing the world’s first ocean-based 5G testbed, Smart Sound Connect allows marine businesses to utilise high speed data networks to accelerate the development of marine autonomy, clean propulsion, environmental monitoring and modelling and cyber security solutions.
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6 April 2021
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New blue plaques celebrate famous Plymouth women Two important women in the city’s history have been honoured with blue plaques which were unveiled on International Women’s Day. The first is dedicated to
philanthropist and Royal Sailors Rests founder Agnes ‘Aggie’ Weston (1840-1918). Located by the entrance to Endurance Court in Devonport’s Oceansgate development, the plaque has been positioned opposite the site where the Royal Sailors Rests buildings originally stood before they were destroyed in the Blitz in 1941. London-born Weston spent more than two decades living and working among the sailors of the Royal Navy. As well as co-founding two Royal Sailors Rests in Plymouth with fellow philanthropist Sophia Wintz (1847-1929), they also set one up in Portsmouth. Weston campaigned tirelessly to improve the lot of her beloved
Pictured at the unveiling of the Blue Plaques for Aggie Weston are (from left) Councillors Sally Haydon, Sue Dann and Jemima Laing
‘bluejackets’ and even published a book in 1909 about her work with them. Her other accomplishments include the establishment of a monthly magazine called ‘Ashore and Afloat’ as well as many temperance societies on naval ships. She was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1918 in recognition of her achievements. When she passed away later that year she became the first
woman to be granted full naval honours at her funeral. The second plaque has been installed on a private residence in Alfred Street near the Hoe in memory of the much-loved Plymouth artist Beryl Cook (1926-2008). Born in Surrey in 1926, Cook moved to Plymouth in 1968 and held her first exhibition at Plymouth Arts Centre in 1975. Her paintings, many of which feature locations and scenes of Plymouth, are hugely popular and can be found in private and public collections around the world. Alfred Street was her final home. Between 1968 and
1998 she also lived nearby, in Athenaeum Street. Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “Aggie Weston and Beryl Cook both left their mark on Plymouth and helped put the city on the map in their own distinctive ways. I’m thrilled to see these added to our growing number of historical plaques, all of which highlight the stories of famous and lesser-known Plymouth people who achieved great things during their lifetimes.” Find out more about many of Plymouth’s historical plaques at www. web.plymouth.gov.uk/ plymouthplaques.
LiveWest steps up to help Plymouth schools LiveWest, the largest housing association in the South West, supported schools in Plymouth by donating refurbished laptops and over £1,500 in digital grant funding.
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The laptops are being used by pupils who may need to continue their studies from home as schools in the city returned. Three schools in North Prospect, Plymouth Mayflower Academy Primary School, Pennycross Primary School and Montpelier Primary School have all benefitted from the donation of laptops and a £500 grant each towards IT equipment from LiveWest who have moved to bridge a social divide exposed by the pandemic. Michael Howells, development manager at LiveWest, organised the support for the schools in his hometown of Plymouth after experiencing first-hand the difficulties faced by schools at having the right technology available for pupils. Michael said: “As a leading housing association, LiveWest can make a real difference to families and the community with these gestures. It’s important that everyone has the right access to technology at home.” Part of LiveWest’s recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been to donate up to 150 refurbished laptops to schools throughout the South West alongside emergency grant funding.
Mayflower Academy laptop handover: Sarah Sandey, head of school and Michael Howells, development manager at LiveWest
Sarah Sandey, Head of School at Mayflower Academy added: “Thank you so much for putting us forward for the LiveWest grant and the laptops. This contribution can have a real impact on the pupils and their digital learning. Thank you so much again, your generosity and kindness really demonstrates the #Togetherwecan team spirit.” Helen Thomas grants officer from LiveWest added: “COVID-19 means many more of our customers are really struggling as a result of changes to their income, employment or as a result of increased living costs. “Through a combined approach, including our Tenancy Sustainment team, working with community organisations
and other partners and agencies, we are able to help customers ensure they are accessing longer term support.” With lockdown putting a strain on people’s finances LiveWest is set to allocate over half a million pounds in grants funding to its customers and communities by the end of 2021. As part of the grants drive during the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 LiveWest have invested over £300k in crisis and hardship grants for its customers and over £112k in community grants for community spaces and digital inclusion throughout the South West. For more information on grants contact: www.livewest.co.uk/mycommunity/grants
April 2021
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7
Home improvement boom drives big sales growth for Plymouth business A Plymouth building and DIY products e-commerce specialist has once again posted successive year-on-year growth, largely driven by a surge in home improvement projects throughout 2020.
Honicknowle-based CMOStores.com’s latest results, to December 31 2020, show market share gains driving impressive sales figures across its divisions. In a strong sign of the construction retailer’s resilience against what was a challenging backdrop in 2020, CMO’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) has grown by 300 per cent. Overall, the company experienced organic growth of 17 per cent, with this expected to be further bolstered in the coming months by the recent acquisition of Total Tiles, which itself is seeing impressive rates of growth. Once again, the company’s Doors Superstore performed exceptionally well, increasing sales by 45 per cent, while the Roofing Superstore saw sales growth of 25 per cent. Commenting on the annual results, chief financial officer Jonathan Lamb said: “Last year was a uniquely challenging time for many companies, however, our agility as an e-commerce building products retailer allowed us to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the shift in homeowner purchasing habits as we
Plymouth’s historic Guildhall is in line for a serious makeover to attract more people into the city centre.
continue to disrupt the market. “This was hinted at in our half year results, which saw CMO post sales in excess of £23 million across our superstores, and has been confirmed by our annual results and in particular the EBITDA growth.” At a time when UK homeowners were undertaking large-scale home improvement projects, CMO was well-placed to capitalise on this trend with key investment in customer services ensuring that they were able to present at every step of the customer journey. And with the trend for homeowners upgrading their properties likely set to continue post-pandemic, CMO has sighted
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further opportunities for future growth and expansion as well. CMOStores.com managing director, Sue Packer, added: “Our investment in our e-commerce experience as well as in our people meant that our customer service capability also increased, giving us scope to position ourselves as the preferred partner for larger home improvement schemes. Our goal is to support customer projects from start to finish – we want customers to understand that good builds start here.” For more information visit www.cmostores. com. They can also be followed on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information.
It is one of two buildings being lined up for restoration, reinvention and reactivation as part of the city’s Future High Streets fund programme. Improvements to the Grade II listed Guildhall are expected to include a significant upgrade of facilities such as new toilets, an updated sound and lighting system, improved Wifi and the conference rooms will be refurbished to modern standards - although as the building is listed, the refurbishment will be sympathetic to the building’s history. A commercial kitchen is also on the cards, ramps installed and the lifts refurbished so that the building is more accessible. The Guildhall, including Great Hall, Assize Courts and former City Treasury was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz. They survived - by one single Council vote in 1951 - the threat of demolition and became a focus of Plymouth’s rebuilding and the most significant survival from the bombed city centre. It was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt, with the restoration continuing through most of the 1950s. It involved the stabilisation of what remained of the original building and the construction of new roofs, entrances and interior. Cabinet member for Finance and city centre champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “This building has had an incredible past and deserves an incredible future. It is right at the heart of the city and outside of the pandemic - was at the heart of some great music and community events - choirs, orchestras and wonderful tea dancing all take place in the Great Hall.” The other building being brought back to life is the Civic Centre. The council earlier this year heard that the project had been offered an in-principle grant of £12,046,873 by the Future High Streets Fund. Now Plymouth’s Cabinet is being asked to set aside £2.45 million funding previously allocated to the Civic project to pay for improvements to the Guildhall. The Civic and Guildhall projects involve Urban Splash, Plymouth City Council and the University of Plymouth and are part of the city’s Resurgam recovery project to rebuild confidence and create a buzz that will bring more people in, for more reasons and for much longer. Between them, the two buildings will provide a new physical and virtual conference and events hub that will connect the city globally and could bring 46,000 plus new visitors to the city. It could also create an additional 25,000 hotel room nights a year and create 317 new full time jobs and 280 jobs in construction.
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8 April 2021
Short term care centre to be set up in Mount Gould Plymouth is to get its first ‘short term care centre’ in the city to help people to recover from illness and to stay well.
A decision has been signed giving the go-ahead to create the centre as part of a new partnership between Plymouth City Council and Age UK Plymouth. The centre will be based in the William and Patricia Venton Centre which is owned by Age UK Plymouth. The building, near to the Mount Gould hospital, used to be a residential care home, and has 24 en-suite bedrooms on the upper two floors, space for lounges and offices and also Age UK Plymouth’s day centre for adults on the ground floor. Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “This builds on the amazing work that has taken place over the last year with our temporary care hotels. “City organisations and their staff pulled out all the stops to create an alternative to long hospital stays. “Age UK Plymouth worked closely with us during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer support to some of our most vulnerable citizens, and this feels like the next step for us to help people to recover when they have been ill. “Like the care hotels, this will provide intensive support for those people who are well enough to leave hospital but not well enough to go straight home.” Age UK Plymouth chair Liz EdwardsSmith said: “We are very pleased to continue our work with partners to develop a short term care centre for our city. “The centre will not only support people with their physical health needs but will also provide opportunities to connect and socialise with others and to engage in meaningful activities. “We know that maintaining independence and increasing confidence in this way is vital to staying well in later life.” The short term care centre will provide somewhere to stay for up to six weeks, with support from therapists and assistive technology and opportunities to engage in social activities in the rest of the building. The aim is that when people leave the centre they are feeling much better, and ready to go home and live as independently as possible. The centre will help with making sure people don’t stay in hospital any longer than they need to and will also be accessible to wheelchair users. The care centre will also offer support to older people who would otherwise be at risk of being admitted to hospital. This will also support the wider Plymouth health and social care system to reduce pressures on Derriford Hospital, particularly during the winter months. The council is investing £823,410 capital funding into the refurbishment and will lease part of the building from Age UK Plymouth. The refurbishment could start in the next few months and a provider sourced to recruit care staff. The centre could be up and running by the autumn.
8 April 2021
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Plymouth charity backs call for action plan for young carers A Plymouth charity says that more needs to be done to help young carers realise their full potential at school and in their future careers.
not been available through lockdown and no alternative support has been provided: “There has been no escape socially for young carers for 12 months,” said Theresa. “The boys have been at home with no respite at school and no outlet, such as the activities they do with Friends and Families. “I just don’t think the government has thought about this. Everyone’s physical health has been placed above mental health. Some conditions have been forgotten about. But this isn’t unique - there is this same lack of understanding within education. Some schools are very good and recognise young carers have responsibilities outside of school. They still have to do the work, but these schools realise that it can be difficult within the schedule. Other schools aren’t so good - and this is having an impact on young carers’ futures. This really needs to be addressed, we need national standards.”
Friends and Families of Special Children has warned that the lockdown has exacerbated the issues faced by young carers, some of whom are as young as primary school age. The charity is backing an urgent call by the national charity, Carers Trust, for an Action Plan for Young Carers. The call coincided with Young Carers Action Day in March, which this year had the theme, ‘Protect Young Carers’ Futures’. Long-term research shows that young people who have caring responsibilities at home are disadvantaged at school, with The Children’s Society reporting that young carers achieve significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level than their peers. This is despite young carers often having wider skills than their classmates because of their added responsibilities. There is concern that lockdown might have made matters even worse. A Carers Trust survey in July 2020 flagged up a steep decline in the mental health of young carers across the UK. In the survey into the impact of COVID-19, 40% of young carers aged 12 to 17 said their mental health was worse and 67% are more worried about their futures as a result of the pandemic. Two-thirds also report feeling more stressed. Plympton mum Theresa Hardy feels the needs of young carers have been ignored during the pandemic, and that this Theresa and Leigh with Taylor, Danny, Sonny and Jack reflects a wider problem. Theresa and husband Leigh Taylor was recently in the news for cycling the have four young sons - Danny, 13, and Sonny, who 603 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a is nine, have disabilities, and Taylor, 12, and Jack, static bike to raise over £4,000 for Friends and aged eight both help to care for their brothers. Families of Special Children. The family uses the services of Friends and As well as caring for Danny and Sonny, Taylor Families of Special Children - but these have also helps his mum and dad with chores: “Taylor
has developed a high level of independence, responsibility, and resilience, through necessity. Sonny has a rare muscle condition which means he is often in a lot of pain with his legs and Taylor is brilliant with him. “When he takes Sonny out in his wheelchair, or if he goes to the park with Danny, he will use forward planning to assess what is needed. He is an organiser and a problem solver, and he has a huge amount of care and empathy. He will always think of others first. He is also very driven, which is why he is already well ahead for his age. “These are valuable skills that should be recognised and rewarded, not under-valued and ignored.” Friends and Families of Special Children was established in 2002. It supports families with disabled children in the Plymouth and surrounding area. Services include a Fun and Freedom Club for young carers and an Adventure Club which offers activities for disabled children. Its city centre building also has a sensory room for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Founder and Chair of Trustees, Kay O’Shaughnessy said decision-makers must consider the unique needs of young carers as the country exits lockdown: “Young carer services need sustainable funding and prioritisation for the safe re-opening of face-to-face support, and we need to be able to plan what support this could offer after lockdown, to help deal with the increasing isolation felt by many young carers. “The wellbeing and mental health of young carers have deteriorated, with the respite of schools being taken away for so long. It’s vital to find ways of creating the space for them to get a break, to get the time that they need to be themselves and to actually be children at this really difficult time.” For details visit www.friendsandfamilies.org.uk
Crew clears over three tonnes of waste from A38 A Plymouth City Council cleansing crew worked consecutive nights to collect litter and debris from a large part of the Plymouth stretch of the A38.
The clean-up helps keep the route safe and clear of any potential hazards to road users. They will be back out again soon, but crew have so far removed over three tonnes of material that had accumulated along the roadside, including everything from car tyres, wing mirrors and bumpers to food and drink containers, nappies, plastic sheeting, timber and even a dolls house. But it’s no child’s play! Clearing the full stretch of the A38 and the central reservation is a challenging task, this is done at night to reduce disruption to road users, with one lane of the high-speed trunk road remaining open to vehicles whilst ensuring the safety of staff on the ground. The specialist team made full use of the reduced night traffic and head torches when working across the eight-mile stretch of the A38 between the Tamar Bridge and Plympton Hill. This is the stretch that the Council is responsible for and includes eighteen slip roads and six laybys. Any suitable waste collected will enter the Energy from Waste process and generate heat and
electricity to be used to supply the surrounding area and power the national grid. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene said: “Our dedicated crews work really hard to keep our highways clean and safe, whilst reducing inconvenience to drivers as much possible. “A disappointing amount of rubbish finds its way to the verges from deliberate littering and flytipping as well as window blown litter and vehicle debris. Every time our team has to clear
the A38, those staff and costs are diverted from other cleansing works. “It is a crime to dump rubbish. If you see it happening anywhere in the city, you can report the details to us including personal CCTV or dash-cam footage, so that we can investigate.” Fly tipping can be reported online at www. plymouth.gov.uk/streetcareandcleaning/ reportflytipping. Drivers caught dropping litter can be fined up to £2,500 and find themselves in court. There is no limit for the level of fine that can be given to fly-tippers, including a prison sentence.
April 2021
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The Box is to open again on May 18 The Box, Plymouth’s new museum, art gallery and cultural centre is to open again in May.
Plans are in place for the doors to be opened to the public again on Tuesday May 18. The Box first opened on September 29 and in the ensuing nine weeks it attracted 30,000 visitors. There than followed a five-month closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. Exciting plans are in place for a host of special events during the summer and autumn. When it re-opens on May 18, The Box’s programme will include a brand new exhibition called ‘Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America’. The exhibition centres on a wampum belt created by 100 members of the Wampanoag of Massachusetts. It will be displayed alongside seven historic wampum belts on loan from the British Museum and Saffron Walden Museum. The Box’s Mayflower 400 commemorations also continue with its flagship exhibition ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’. The exhibition has been extended until January 2022 and returns with new objects on display including the Second Peirce Patent, on loan from Pilgrim Hall Museum. This significant item is the oldest existing state document of New England. Signed in 1621, it gave the Mayflower passengers English permission to settle in America. 2021 marks the first time in 400 years that it will travel to England. Later in the summer, The Box will display a selection of paintings from its rarely seen Port Eliot collection. The collection includes works by leading 18th century portrait painters such as Plympton-born Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Romney and Thomas Lawrence, and represents an unusually good group of family portraits, commissioned by the Eliot family of the Port Eliot Estate in St Germans between 1740 and 1780. Contemporary art is at the heart of The Box’s offer and a major international art exhibition which will open on September 25. Details will be revealed in June, four months ahead of its opening date. There will be nothing like it happening anywhere in the UK in 2021 and visitors are expected to travel from across the country to catch this blockbuster show. Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is such an exciting moment for the city and it’s fantastic to finally be able to announce these dates .I hope everyone is as proud and excited as I am and can’t wait for the doors to reopen. In our post-lockdown world, The Box is a place where people can reconnect with each other, as well as Plymouth’s history and its bright future.” For more information visit www. theboxplymouth.com
Mayflower 400 Legend & Legacy will be a popular attraction at The Box
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New plan sets out bright future for tourism in Plymouth Plymouth’s new ten-year Visitor Plan sets out ambitious targets for the local visitor economy to achieve by 2030 and will play an important role in helping the industry to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitor Plan the following year. Now, in our tenth anniversary year, it is time to update and share our vision for Plymouth’s visitor economy up to 2030. “The plan was developed and consulted on before March 2020 and the global pandemic. Obviously, since then, the world has changed significantly and we need to adapt to the new landscape and explore the opportunities it offers. Nevertheless, our vision and long-term trajectory remain unchanged and, although the visitor economy has been particularly hard hit in 2020-21, we remain confident that the solid groundwork done to date will allow the sector to bounce back to even greater success in the years ahead.” In the past 12 months, tourism has been hit very hard by COVID-19 and it is estimated that from the start of the pandemic to January 2021, up to 64
per cent of spend in the city will have been lost, equating to around £203 million. Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans, said: “It has been an incredibly difficult year for businesses and the Council has worked hard to support as much as we can by The plan, created by Destination Plymouth and administering business grants, promoting our key partners, lays out the city’s strategic goals to ‘shop local’ campaign and implementing our help drive visitor numbers and increase visitor economic recovery plan, Resurgam. spend. “Destination Plymouth has achieved a huge This includes nine ‘star projects’, such as amount during the last ten years and, together developing the Plymouth Sound National Marine with the council and key city partners, has grown Park, growing Plymouth’s night time economy and the visitor economy to make Plymouth one of the improving transport infrastructure. top destinations within the South West. Tourism, hospitality and the wider visitor “It’s vital that this work continues so that our economy has been a great success story for businesses are able to bounce back post-Covid, Plymouth over the last 10 years. The sector and the new Visitor Plan will play a crucial role in employs nearly 8,000 people locally and pulls in supporting them.” over 5.2 million visitors annually, who spend more During the pandemic, Destination Plymouth has than £337 million with our local hotels, continued to work with international restaurants, pubs, attractions, museums, and cruise travel agents and tour KEY TARGETS OF THE PLAN theatres and activity providers. operators, as well as conference and The sector also supports an extensive - Grow visitor spend by 30 per cent from £347 million to £450 million in a decade meeting organisers, to develop a Increase the total visitor numbers by 15 per cent from 5.4 million to 6.2 million supply chain of local producers by 2030 pipeline of potential visitors for late including dairy and meat farmers, fruit Make international tourism worth £60 million as year spend in the city a 65 per 2021 and 2022. There are already 10 and vegetable growers and the local cent increase cruise ships booked to visit Plymouth fishing community. - Grow UK staying visits by 25 per cent to achieve £150 million spend, focusing on this year, as well as a further 10 in 2022. Chair of Destination Plymouth, Adrian short leisure breaks For more information go to the Vinken, said: “Destination Plymouth - Make conference and business tourism worth £25 million a year in spend, a 55 Destination Plymouth website at www. was formally incorporated in 2010 per cent increase in a decade visitplymouth.co.uk and launched the city’s first strategic
10 April 2021
10 April 2021
SAVE OUR SANCTUARY: CHARITY IS ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE An equine sanctuary which has rescued over 200 horses and ponies has launched a desperate appeal for help.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary was formed 21 years ago by Sharon Vieira and for nearly 10 years has been based at Lower Collard Farm at Wotter on the outskirts of Plymouth. At a time where many charities are struggling, and fundraising events have been at a standstill for 12 months or more, Hoofbeats Sanctuary have been told they must find a new home as their landlord takes back their rented land. The charity has rescued and rehomed over 200 horses and ponies since they were first launched in 2000. The sanctuary offers a safe haven for horses of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds and has seen troubled residents go on to find forever loving homes thanks to the hard work and dedication of Team Hoofbeats - the charity’s completely volunteer based team. Having turned so many horses and ponies’ fortunes around from their quiet and unassuming fields on the edge of Plymouth, Hoofbeats are now hoping their fortune can be turned around by the generosity of members of the public, without which, the future for Hoofbeats and the horses that call it home is uncertain. The charity’s ‘Save our Sanctuary’ appeal has been launched as an emergency response to the ‘devastating’ news that their landlord wishes to take back the land they
Hoofbeats founder Sharon Vieira with some of the ponies the charity has rescued
rent for his own business venture. Sharon Vieira said: “As a team, we find ourselves in a heart-breaking situation, this is very raw for us and we are desperately
Key opening dates for Plymouth Life Centre facilities announced
Parts of Plymouth Life Centre will be opening again in April in line with the national reopening of the leisure sector.
The gym and new changing rooms will be available from April 12, with the 50 metre pool and leisure pool opening at the end of April. Other facilities and activities will also begin to reopen in accordance with the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. Contractors Balfour Beatty, Arcadis and operators Everyone Active are working flat out to finish the work programme which started last August and the finishing line is in sight. When Plymouth Life Centre reopens, the vast majority of ‘dry’ facilities will be available. Work on the diving pool is expected to be complete by early June. The work follows more investigations and a complete re-render and re-tile of the pool walls was instigated to prevent further works being required further down the line. These additional works have affected the timescales for the dive pool reopening but significantly, swimming and other aquatic activities will available from end of April. Other leisure facilities will be open in line with Government announcements of the sector, including the Brickfields Athletics Track and All Weather Pitch from March 29 and indoor facilities at Brickfields and Plympton Swimming Pool from April 12. The council has also given the go-ahead for the Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Swimming Pools to open on May 1, a month earlier than usual. On reopening, Plymouth Life Centre will reflect
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the latest standards in the ever-evolving fitness sector with increased COVID-19 safety, new carbon reduction measures and an overall improved customer experience. The key enhancement elements remain on track and are progressing well ahead of the reopening, these include: • Refitting male and female gym change areas with new lockers, cubicles, LED lighting and fixtures and fittings • A new fitness studio, to be used for yoga, Pilates and other group classes • Replacing carpet and floor coverings in many areas of the building: viewing galleries, bowls hall and circulation spaces • Upgrades to heating and ventilation systems throughout the building, which improve air quality and mitigate the risk from air borne viruses and contagions, such as COVID-19 Deputy Leader, Pete Smith said: “The contractors onsite at Plymouth Life Centre have done an excellent job progressing works in what has been a particularly challenging period with rising coronavirus infections over the past few months. “We are on track to reopen a significant number of activities at the Plymouth Life Centre in line with the earliest national timescales, followed shortly afterwards by the 50m and leisure pool, but we are aware this is subject to the overall control of coronavirus in England. “We know people are keen to get back in the water as soon as possible which is why we plan to open the outdoor pools earlier to give our swimmers choice.
trying to find a way forward. “At a time that all charities are struggling to keep their head above water and with us being unable to do any fundraising events
this could not have come at a worse time.” Having made Lower Collard Farm their home over the past ten years, the volunteers at Hoofbeats have put in ‘an unimaginable amount of hard work, money, effort and time’ to make it the safe haven the horses and ponies so deserve. Sharon added: “Hoofbeats is so much more than just a horse welfare charity: our horses have helped people along the way too. “I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support received in just a few days that tell stories of our work, and the horses, having such a positive effect on many of our supporters and volunteers’ mental health. “This news is such a blow for the charity, the horses, and for us all as a team personally too. “As a charity we cannot face this sort of turmoil again, which is why this urgent appeal, at what is already a difficult time, is asking for anyone who supports our mission to give generously if they can to help us purchase a permanent residence for the sanctuary.” Hoofbeats have set up a crowd funding campaign to help raise the money to do this so that the future of its work, and its horses and ponies, is never at risk again. To pledge your donation to the charity’s emergency appeal, please visit: www. crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-sanctuary
Councillor Tudor Evans and Councillor Pete Smith during their visit to the Life Centre
Council leader, Councillor Tudor Evans and deputy leader, Councillor Pete Smith visited Plymouth Life Centre for a final tour of the works as the planned reopening gets ever-closer. Since Plymouth Life Centre opened in 2012, it has continued to be a leading training facility for athletes who have medalled at major international events, in their respective sports. The ‘Train to Fame’ installation celebrates the achievements of those athletes who are part of the centre’s history – and we look forward to welcoming them back along with the rest of the public. Council Leader, Tudor Evans, said: “I am really impressed by the new facilities and improvements at Plymouth Life Centre. Contractors have worked through some of the most challenging months in memory to deliver a facility to be enjoyed for many more years to come. “On the back of the repeated lockdowns since last August, I’m glad we seized the opportunity to undertake this works programme, allowing the work to get done, whilst reducing inconvenience to members and sports groups. “I thank these members and sports groups for their continued support and patience during the
works, in what has been a tremendous team effort.” Deputy leader, Pete Smith said; “The progress on-site is there to be seen, it doesn’t feel that long ago when tonnes of concrete where being removed in preparation for the improvements. “Knowing that we are getting near reopening is really satisfying, this comes just at the right time when we are getting set to move out of lockdown over the coming months. The contractors are not letting up, and are working very hard to remain on schedule in getting this iconic regional and national venue delivered back to the people of Plymouth.” In accordance with the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions, the gym and new changing rooms at Plymouth Life Centre will be available from April 12, with the 50 metre pool and leisure pool opening at the end of April. Work on the diving pool is expected to be complete by early June. The work follows more investigations when a complete re-render and re-tile of the pool walls was instigated to prevent further works being required further down the line. These additional works have affected the timescales for the dive pool reopening but significantly, swimming and other aquatic activities will available from the end of April.
April 2021
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11
Businesses urged to sign Resurgam Charter and help Plymouth build back better Plymouth City Council has launched the Resurgam Charter, a commitment from Plymouth’s businesses to create a fairer and greener city as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.
With a growing population of 263,000 people in the city, and a pre-COVID economic output of £5.2 billion, Plymouth is the most significant urban area on the South West peninsula. As part of the council’s economic recovery plan the city has set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent and maximise local spending to create a lasting legacy for Plymouth and its community. The Resurgam Charter, which is free for businesses to sign up to, focuses on five key challenge areas to ask businesses to commit to: Spend Locally, Employ Locally, Benefit employees, Benefit the community and Benefit the environment. Over 150 businesses attended the virtual launch event for the charter on March 23, hosted by Richard Stevens, chair of Plymouth Growth Board. Businesses which sign up to the charter will receive guidance and information on how they can address each of the five charter challenges within their organisations in areas such as paying living wage, reducing carbon footprint and
“As businesses look to the future, and plan for post-Covid recovery, signing up to this scheme shows a positive commitment to being a part of Plymouth’s aim to create a fairer and greener city, that all of us should be a part of.” Richard Stevens, Chair of Plymouth Growth Board
increasing local spend. Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council said: “I’m delighted to welcome the launch of the Resurgam Charter. Our Resurgam plan for recovery focuses on protecting jobs and addressing both the immediate threat to lives and livelihoods and resetting the local economy to address structural inequalities in our city. “This is an important step within our recovery plan, asking businesses to support
Lynn – why did you set up Home Instead? My decision to start Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley was influenced by my own personal experiences of the care sector. My involvement with care came about when my fiercely independent mum started to struggle with everyday tasks. Like many people, I didn’t know where to turn. I personally experienced how difficult it was to find high quality, consistent care. As mum’s health declined and seeing me so worried, mum asked to go into a care home. However, mum would have dearly loved to stay at home……I came across Home Instead after a period of reflection after mum passed away and was impressed to see the ways it differs from other traditional care companies. You are a natural leader within the industry - tell us more. We were overjoyed to be rated Outstanding
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our aim in making Plymouth a fairer and greener city, giving clear challenges for employers and employees to follow. This charter provides easy to follow steps for businesses to commit to spending locally, employing locally and providing a better community and environment for the people of Plymouth.” The charter has been developed by the Inclusive Growth Group, a flagship of the Plymouth Growth Board, comprising of representatives from Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, Real Ideas Organisation, CETEC, University of Plymouth, Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Octopus Project.
by the Care Quality Commission, a rating achieved by only 3% of care providers. It would have been impossible to get to this point without our incredible team. We pride ourselves on our CAREGivers, their punctuality, consistency, and the exceptional quality of care they provide. They are the bedrock of our success. A highly energised team in the office have proved more flexible and resilient than a yoga instructor! What changes have you made during this difficult time? Despite all the coronavirus uncertainty around us, our core operation remains the same. Additionally, our office has become a PPE distribution hub and HQ for Covid testing kits! But with less contact between teams and our rolling testing programme we can better ensure the safety of both our CAREGivers and clients, meaning our service has been completely un-affected.
The challenges within the charter have been created following collaboration with the wider business community to enable as many organisations as possible to see how they can commit. Richard Stevens, Chair of Plymouth Growth Board said: “It’s fitting to have launched this charter one year since the lockdown began. As businesses look to the future, and plan for post-Covid recovery, signing up to this scheme shows a positive commitment to being a part of Plymouth’s aim to create a fairer and greener city, that all of us should be a part of. “I’m delighted to have been involved in the launch to share how easy it is for Plymouth businesses to sign up and be a part of this scheme and hope to see many people joining us in marking this important commitment.” The Resurgam Charter is part of Resurgam: Plymouth’s Covid-19 Recovery plan, which addresses both the immediate threat to lives and livelihoods presented by the pandemic, and a plan to reset the local economy to address structural inequalities in the city and place a fairer and greener future at the heart of the recovery. Find out more about the Resurgam Charter at www.resurgam.uk/resurgam-charter
We are all looking forward to our second vaccine. How do you look after your Clients and carers? The best way to look after our clients is through first class CAREGivers. By recruiting well and providing excellent training we know we have a team who are compassionate, experienced and highly capable. We actively embrace the transferable skills our people bring from a range of other sectors. How do you see the future of Home Instead? Our ethos is to change the face of ageing
and it is with passion and commitment that we are here in your local community. Naturally we miss being out and about more generally and we can’t wait to get back to supporting our community groups.
Lynn Roddy Director of Home Instead Tavistock & Tamar Valley
www.homeinstead.co.uk/tavistock-tamar-valley
12 April 2021
Freeport could unlock major funding and create up to 9,000 new jobs
12 April 2021
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Working together for Plymouth’s Waterfront
Plymouth is to become a Freeport, unlocking million pounds of funding for the area - both with within the city’s boundaries and across wider South Devon area.
Plymouth City Council led a partnership with Devon County and South Hams District Council as well as the Heart of the South West LEP on a bid to become a freezone which would include sites at Devonport South Yard, Langage Energy Zone and Sherford Business Park. The Plymouth and South Devon freezone would aim to create space for businesses to import goods and materials, add value to them (by manufacture), and export them and leverage Plymouth’s marine innovation strengths to attract big marine sector tech companies. Industry giants Babcock and Princess Yachts have already backed the bid. A key factor in the bid is the city’s commitment to high tech marine innovation with a focus on carbon zero technology. Up to 1,000 new jobs could be created in the first two years and up to 9,000 over the next 10 years and 50 new apprenticeships and 10 internships every year by 2027. More than 70 local businesses are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is forecast to bring in over £100m investment in the next six years. Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a big deal with big numbers. While we are waiting for the detail I am beyond chuffed that our thriving marine sector has been recognised as a strength and something to build on. “It also shows that working with our neighbouring colleagues pays off. Bottom line this means jobs, job security, opportunities and significant investment. “We are calling our Freeport a freezone because it is about much more than a port. This will benefit a lot of people across this area. This is also much needed recognition that levelling up is as important for us in Plymouth in the far the South West as it is to the North of England.” The bid was based on three strategic pillars - marine and defence innovation, manufacturing and light processing, warehousing and staged imports. Under the new Freeport status the proposed sites would enjoy specific tax and relief benefits with companies based there able to access special allowances encouraging firms to invest. The aim would be to increase export trade and direct foreign investment. Another goal would be to not only increase the number of jobs, but the calibre of jobs and encourage higher income jobs into the area through research and innovation opportunities The knock-on effect locally will enable Devon County Council to bring forward works at the Deep Lane junction on the A38, unlocking housing at Sherford. Once the councils have more details from the Government about their model, they will be working up a more detailed business case. If all goes to plan, the Freezone could be up and running by summer of next year.
Plymouth City Council has confirmed its support for the city’s Waterfront businesses through the renewal of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Business Improvement District (PWP BID), after discussing the new draft business plan, Waterfront BID3.
PWP BID currently encompasses over 900 hundred businesses located around Plymouth’s Waterfront, from Royal William Yard and Millbay to the Hoe, Barbican, Mount Batten and everything in-between. The BID is currently delivering Waterfront BID2, a plan from 2017 to 31 March 2022. Waterfront BID3 sets out a new ambitious vision for the Waterfront area and the BID’s plan for driving growth and supporting the development of the Waterfront over the following five years. Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re proud to have worked closely with PWP since 2010. The new business plan could play a very important role in helping us to deliver our strategic visitor objectives set out in the Plymouth Visitor Plan for 2020 – 2030. The Waterfront is the jewel in Plymouth’s crown and with our ambitions to be the first National Marine Park in the UK, working with PWP is key to further developing and improving our Waterfront area.” The council has also committed financial
support and agreed baseline services to PWP. Any business contributions made by BID levy payers (circa £1.8 million) will deliver additional investment over and above the support made by the council, which totals more than £6.2 million. This is in addition to other targeted grant and match funding of £5 million, bringing the total projected value of Waterfront BID3 to more than £13 million over five years. Chair of PWP, Nick Buckland, said: “Our overall aim for the BID is to promote, guide and support the development of Plymouth’s Waterfront while giving our business members a collective voice and supporting their growth. “Waterfront BID3 will see us develop stronger working relationships with our strategic partners and member businesses, with the common goal of securing economic prosperity, improving our environment, attracting more visitors and increasing consumer spend, for the benefit of everyone.” The BID will continue to focus on business priorities of increasing visitor numbers, customer spend and commercial success. This will be done through: Leadership: Providing a strong business voice to lobby and influence for future investment and public realm improvements for the Waterfront. Marketing: Supporting key events and regional and national marketing campaigns
New loos with views – work starts to modernise Hoe Promenade toilets Visitors to the Hoe Promenade will soon be flushed with success if they are caught short after Plymouth City Council announced a £600,000 refurbishment of public toilets on the famous city landmark. Work on the brand new facilities started in March, when the existing toilets were demolished to be replaced with new facilities constructed to look the same by replicating the original features of the building. The refurbishment will be completed in the summer and will see six new unisex public
toilets being built, with one additional accessible toilet and Changing Places room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities. A Changing Places room offers the space and equipment to ensure they can be used by people with profound learning difficulties or other disabilities that limit mobility, as well as accommodating carers. As part of the refit a new water bottle filler will also be installed at the entrance of the path to the toilets on the Promenade.
and improving visitor signage and information. Operational management: Holding service providers to account to ensure standards of cleaning, maintenance and other services are maintained. Finance: Attracting significant match funding, in addition to contributions from businesses, to spend on Waterfront improvements. There are four key, inter-related themes at the heart of the BID3 Business Plan. These themes align with wider city plans, including the development of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the new Plymouth Cultural Strategy: • Creating the Waterfront of Tomorrow, Today • Vibrant Tourist Destination • Environmental Excellence • Business Voice Businesses in the Waterfront BID area will be asked to vote on the BID renewal in November. The business plan is still in developmental phase and businesses were asked to input and feedback on the plans proposed during the stage 2 consultation, which was completed on March 5 2021. The draft version of the PWP Waterfront BID3 Business Plan themes (2022 to 2027) are available to view at: www.waterfrontbid.co.uk
Work has started on refurbishing the Hoe Promenade loos
Cllr Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Finance said: “The waterfront is massively important to our residents, as well as visitors to the city, and we all need to spend a penny from time to time. “I’m particularly glad to
see the Changing Places room as part of the plans. It will make life that bit easier for families and carers looking after people with disabilities, so they can enjoy our waterfront without having to worry about how far the nearest suitable toilet is.”
April 2021
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13
LOOK II: Council set the record straight
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LOOK II, the sculpture designed by world famous artist Sir Antony Gormley, has created plenty of debate since its installation on West Hoe Pier in September last year. Now, in the wake of some false information about the sculpture, Plymouth City Council has published an extensive fact file in the form of a Q&A which can be found at www. plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/plymouthnews/ findoutfactsaroundlookii The story behind LOOK II began in 2017 when the Council’s Cabinet agreed to support a number of major projects as part of the Mayflower 400 programme. This had cross-party support and included a ‘world class artwork’ to be unveiled in 2020, along with the opening of The Box. Plymothians have given the sculpture the nickname of Rusty Reg, reflecting its rusty look. Made from 22 blocks in one cast iron form and weighing three tonnes, the engineers and
designers have calculated it will still be sturdy after 100 years as long as it is looked after. The council have denied claims that the sculpture cost £750,000 pointing out that this figure included a number of projects in the area, including essential strengthening works to protect West Hoe Pier against damage from the sea. LOOK II was funded through the council’s capital budget and part of the Mayflower 400 programme for the city, where the council’s contribution of £5 million was matched by another £4.5 million from other organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council. The council point out that because LOOK II was part of the capital programme, the money could not have been spent on core services such as road repairs or helping the homeless - which are paid for through the revenue budget which is funded from Council Tax. In response to suggestions that LOOK II should not have gone ahead during the pandemic the
council point out that decisions about funding a monument were made in 2017, while the decision to install LOOK II and all the planning work involved took place before the pandemic. The council highlight the benefits of LOOK II by pointing out: “Antony Gormley is famous around the world. It’s a real coup to have one of his artworks here in our city. “We hope that the sculpture will act as an attraction for visitors to the city from around the region and the rest of the country. “They will come to Plymouth, they’ll eat, they’ll probably shop, they might even stay over, which puts more money into the Plymouth economy and in the long term, helps residents and businesses to prosper. “We’ve had feedback from people who love Look II and people who hate it. But it has caused a discussion, and has definitely taken its place amongst the sights that our fantastic city is known for.”
Urgent work to repair waterfront storm damage Work will begin shortly to repair storm damaged steps on the Hoe Foreshore as part of the council’s commitment to one of the city’s most loved locations. An urgent decision has authorised work to repair the semi-circular steps to the east of Tinside as well as a section of granite to the west on a seawall next to the steps. The area is used daily by wild swimmers to get into the sea but big chunks of concrete have been washed away and a Damaged on the Hoe foreshore caused by storms is to be repaired
void has formed beneath the steps. Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for finance said: “We know how important the waterfront is to all our residents - the swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders as well as people who just want to pop up for an ice cream and take in the views. “It’s been massively important to people over the last year, playing a huge part in stressbusting and keeping people healthy. “We are constantly investing in the waterfront and as a city with National Marine Park status will continue to - there’s a lot more to come!” A sum of £612,000 is going into the council’s capital programme to enable a more substantial repair to take place. It will include drilling in stainless steel tie anchors and having the void filled in. Sections of the steps have failed and the plan is to remove the failed steps and build a concrete support wall behind it in stages. Marine grade concrete for the repair will need to be pumped from the road above. Councillor Lowry added: “Like
any repairs that take place by the sea, it is not a simple job. We have to take into account time, tide, weather and not to mention the fact that much of the kit to do the job will need to sit on a barge to enable the work to take place.” The work is the latest in a long list of projects designed to make the most of the waterfront and keep up the battle against time tide and salty sea air. Over the last few years the following locations have had some serious repair work: • The Mayflower Steps and portico have been sensitively restored as well as the West Pier, with cobbles re-layed and new seating added - £370,000 • Phoenix Wharf - the historic pier was completely refurbished and the former Mayflower sailing club transformed into a swish waterfront eatery - £658,000 • West Hoe cliffs have been stabilised - £284,000 • New toilets haveopened at West Hoe – £450,000 and work on the new loos on the Hoe promenade is just about to start • Mount Wise sea wall repaired - £120,000 • Tinside Pool repairs after winter storm damage - £52,000 • Foreshore repairs - £1.118m • Mount Batten pontoon £437,000 • Road and footpath near Jennicliff £287,000
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14 April 2021
FLAVOUR FEST CANCELLED FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
One of the South West’s biggest food and drink festivals has been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.
Flavour Fest, Plymouth’s flagship three-day food and drink festival which attracts up to 100,000 visitors, was due to take place at the end of May 2021. But with coronavirus restrictions still in place until at least June 21, organisers have decided not to go ahead this year. Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “We are really sad to have to cancel Flavour Fest for the second year running but it’s just not the right time to stage an event of this scale that attracts so many people. We hope that we will be back with a bang in 2022.” Plymouth City Centre Company and partners are now working on plans for other city centre events throughout summer and into the autumn, with the aim of attracting more visitors and boosting trade for city centre businesses. There are plans for the return of a summer ‘Pub on the Piazza’, along with food and street market stalls, live entertainment, street theatre, dance and art. This will be combined with free permits for tables and chairs, encouraging businesses to offer outdoor dining. Mr Hughes added: “We hope there will be no more lockdowns and we will be doing all we can to attract visitors back safely and make sure our businesses bounce back and have a great summer.” Non-essential shops are due to reopen on April 12 which is also when cafes, bars and restaurants can open outdoors with social distancing measures in place.
Appeal for the relatives of Ernest Southern
The late Ernest Southern
A Devon woman is trying to trace the descendants of the late Ernest John Southern so that she can pass on precious family documents in her possession.
Ernest was born on October 2 1901 and passed away on February 25 1978. He served in the Royal Navy and before retirement worked at the Devonport Dockyard. Ernest was the stepfather of Pamela Zelley’s late husband Norman and she wants to track down any of Ernest’s relatives who may still be living in Plymouth. Pamela, who lives in Exeter, said: “An address I have when he lived in Plymouth is 3 Hobart Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth. I know a lot of his family lived in Plymouth and it would be wonderful if any of them came forward. “I have a small suitcase containing many photos, wedding invitations and momentos that were obviously precious to him and I would rather pass them on to any descendants than dispose of them.” “Ernest married my mother in law Thirza and my husband was Norman Zelley the youngest of Thirza’s four children,” she added. If any of Ernest’s descendants would like to make contact with Pamela, please e-mail info@ cornerstonevision.com and the contact details will be forwarded to her.
14 April 2021
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Spectacular three day music event for August Bank Holiday weekend Plymouth has been chosen to host a major music event on The Hoe over the August Bank Holiday weekend. After a UK-wide city and venue search, 1 Big Summer will bring three days of entertainment offering a wide range of musical tastes, genres and audiences, ensuring there is something for everyone. On Friday August 27 Ibiza Classics 2021 will be the main event, featuring a full live 26-piece orchestra playing three decades of iconic classics. The orchestra night will also feature a headline DJ set and several support acts direct from the shores of Ibiza. Saturday August 28 features the ‘1 Big Summer’ day festival with a line-up of UK chart topping acts and entertainment throughout the day. The weekend’s entertainment concludes on Sunday August 29 with an event for the whole family: ‘The Great British Sausage and Cider Festival.’ This will feature an array of craft cider, sausage flavours, street food and entertainment, including stage games and competitions throughout the day.
There will also be special guests on the day in the shape of some of the UK’s best known arena and festival bands, alongside a line up of local talent. Councillor Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re delighted that the 1 Big Summer team have chosen Plymouth Hoe as their venue for what will be an amazing three days of live music and entertainment. “It’ll be an important part of our post-COVID bounce back, bringing great economic benefit
to the city by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses. We all need a party after the past year, and this is just the ticket!” With demand across all three days expected to be high, organisers are keen to ensure the people of Plymouth are prioritised. There is currently a sign-up period to prioritise Plymouth residents when tickets go on sale. To manage demand, tickets will be limited to four per person. To sign up go to the website at www.1bigsummer.com
and deputy chief executive of St Luke’s, said: “We work with our community, in partnership with others, to achieve dignity, comfort and choice for people affected by life-limiting illnesses. “The service we provide is about so much more than hands-on medical care – it is about getting to know our patients so that we can focus on what matters most to them, helping them make the most of their time with loved ones. “We know that people respond best when they feel listened to and understood, and we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure this. The Armed Forces Covenant grant will help us meet the specific needs of terminally ill military staff and veterans, and their families. “We will also share our learning with other organisations throughout the communities we serve across Plymouth and surrounding areas so that these patients feel better supported by all in the last months, weeks
and days of their lives.” Plymouth’s Mark Ormrod, the former Royal Marine Commando who sustained life-changing injuries while serving in Afghanistan and is now an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, performance coach and award-winning author, is a patron of St Luke’s. Championing the charity’s End of Life Military Compassion project, Mark said: “I have such respect for the team at St Luke’s, who always give their care with such kindness and sensitivity. “Knowing that they are going the extra mile for forces families by developing their service in a way that is bespoke for them is fantastic. Not only will this help ensure terminally ill military men and women feel recognised for their service and die with dignity, but that their loved ones are better supported, too.” For further information, please contact St Luke’s on 01752 964250 or email education@ stlukes-hospice.org.uk.
Enhancing end of life care for armed forces men and women A much-loved local charity dedicated to looking after terminally ill people of all backgrounds is piloting a scheme to enhance its end of life care for patients who have given service to their country in the armed forces.
The End of Life Military Compassion project recently launched by St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth will help ensure the community is a kinder place for both current military personnel and veterans whose time is running short, and for their families, too. With grant funding from the Armed Forces Covenant, the initiative has evolved from St Luke’s collaboration with Plymouth City Council and other local organisations which established Plymouth as England’s first Compassionate City for people at end of life and those who care for them. Recognising that patients from military backgrounds tend to feel better understood, and more at ease, when the care and support they receive acknowledges the service they have given their country, and the language and routines with which they are familiar, the charity is dedicating some of its own resources to help better identify those patients who would benefit. Understanding, too, that receiving a terminal diagnosis can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, St Luke’s is using the grant to recruit volunteers from military backgrounds, providing them with bespoke training so that they are equipped to give befriending support to terminally ill current and former servicemen and women and their families. Many of St Luke’s own highly skilled staff come from military families or have themselves served in the armed forces. As well as harnessing their knowledge and experience to develop the pilot project, St Luke’s has drawn on the expertise of charities dedicated to supporting current and former forces personnel, including the Plymouth Veterans and Families Hub, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and Help for Heroes, all of whom welcome the initiative. George Lillie, director of clinical services
Community Money Matters Citizens Advice Plymouth has embarked on a pioneering project working with the Neighbourhood Care Networks to support the growing number of people in the city facing financial crisis. With news from the debt charity, Stepchange, that there are now 1.2million people across the UK in severe debt and household borrowing due to the coronavirus at £10.3bn, so CAP has increased its commitment to helping those in Plymouth in financial difficulties.
Ageing well:
living better POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ to try and find out what helps or hinders people to remain independent as they get older. The work which is being carried out with the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network as part of the Devon-based social investment project, SIMPL, will see hundreds of people in Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay take part in the hope that their experiences of ageing can help to improve it for others. The conversations, which will be carried out by a team of community researchers over the next six months, will help POP to understand how individuals can be better supported as they get older. The CEO of POP, Matt Bell, believes the key is in trying to understand what makes each person’s experience unique: “We hope to find out what factors might enable someone to be – or not to be ‘independent’, for example, the existence of family; friendships; their own approach to getting older; financial circumstances and whether or not they feel part of a ‘community’. We will be talking with individuals (and recording their conversation) about their experiences and circumstances along with their concerns, and any fears they might have, about their future. Through talking and listening, we hope to learn how society can make ‘getting older’ a more-positive experience for people and, for some, a lessfrightening one.”
POP is hoping to speak with people from as many different backgrounds as possible: men, women, LGBTQ+ people; people from all ethnic groups and people with disabilities, furthermore, we want to hear from anyone that is experiencing life through more than one of these lenses. We are looking for people to be trained as ‘community researchers’ and for older people to participate in the project:
We are looking for people to ask the questions; hold the conversation and capture the information.
g You will take part in two trainin and tion ple com r afte , sessions and will be committing to the project, you ing lud paid reasonable expenses (inc the and g nin for your time) for the trai interviews. h to Age is not a barrier (!): we wis g the din hol ple peo ng see some you e abl valu ng vidi pro and interviews outh. research on communities in Plym
Across the city, Neighbourhood Care Networks continue to support individuals in their communities. If you or your organisations would like to volunteer, text 07411 949 742. NCN’s Helpline Numbers:
Efford Community Network
Efford Community Network
Efford 07380 309 586
Efford 07380 309 586
We are looking for individuals to share their experiences and help us to establish what can help or hinder someone to be independent as they age.
The conversations will last about half an hour and will be recorded. YOU are more important than the research, so, rest assured, you do not have to talk about anything you do not want to. POP supports nearly 400 members from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the city, a significant number of which are already working to support older people and help reduce loneliness and social isolation. As Matt says; “We wish to help our members find new ways of supporting people and of benefitting from the financial opportunities that will come through the need for greater social investment around ‘ageing’. Ultimately, we want to make growing older better for everyone.” If you would like to be involved, please contact info@plymouthoctopus.org
The initiative – The Plymouth Community Debt Project – is the first of its kind in the country and will see volunteers working as community debt advisors in the heart of their communities. Selection has begun to identify the first wave of (appropriate) volunteers with training due to start immediately. As, Tracy Ondrak, who is in charge of the project for the Citizen’s Advice Plymouth says, it’s about going to the people; “We are working with all the Neighbourhood Care Networks in Plymouth to train ten individuals - already trusted within their communities - so that they can support people straightaway, give them advice and, most importantly, help them make an immediate change to their circumstances.” What’s crucial about these ‘community debt advice volunteers’ says Tracy is that they are already part of their communities; “We know that CAP can be seen as a bit ‘faceless’, while people in the hubs are already often known to people. They may be more likely to be able to get someone to do something about their financial circumstances if they can establish a rapport with them.” The Stepchange report, Tackling the Coronavirus Personal Debt Crisis, also found that more than seven million people have borrowed money or fallen behind on utility or council tax payments with each person averaging arrears of £1,365 and debts of £1,577. Tracy believes there is worse to come: “As we come out of lockdown, people are going to be left with the financial impact of all this and many are just going to bury their heads in the sand which will just cause more complications. But, by putting advisors in the community, we can help people sooner rather than later.” If you – or anyone you know – is worried about money, please contact CAP on the debt advice line: 07377 262979
16 April 2021
Fishing industry ‘let down’ over EU trade deal call for action Following a passionate plea from the local fishing community, Plymouth City Council is calling on the Government to recognise that the new fisheries and trade deal with the EU fails to deliver on the promises that were made to the fishing industry.
Last month the local fishing community were invited to come forward and give their thoughts on the impact of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. At a special Scrutiny Committee, local fishermen said that they felt disappointed and that the Government had promised them a better deal. Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We have heard from the local fishing community that the Government’s fisheries trade deal is woeful at best. They had their expectations raised throughout the Brexit process. “Promises of full and absolute control of our waters and better fishing opportunities. However, it seems that these original promises were nothing more than ‘hot air.’ Our fishing community are extremely disappointed.” At a Cabinet meeting in early March, council members considered the feedback from the committee and are now calling on the Government to deliver on their original promises, addressing issues such as: • Ensuring a fairer share of the total allowable catch • Extending the scope and duration of the compensation scheme to fully cover the costs of the additional burdens placed on the industry • Ensuring the voice of coastal communities is heard by giving local authorities a statutory role in developing fisheries management plans • Working with the Marine Stewardship Council to investigate options for potential fisheries improvement schemes and certification of local important stocks • Continuing to work with the industry locally, to improve the facilities at Sutton Harbour including a wet fish sales outlet, and to promote marine safety • Investing in the workforce of the future by establishing suitable apprenticeship schemes • The integration and digitalisation of data systems to support exports and reduce paper admin. Councillor Evans, added: “Our fishing community have been misled, left with lots more red tape, bureaucracy and paperwork. They feel abandoned. Instead of selling out the fishing industry, we need the Government to sit up, listen and take action.”
16 April 2021
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Nursery group plans to recruit 50 apprentices A leading day nursery group which has two settings in Plymouth has announced 50 new apprenticeship positions across its locations in the South West. Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-School group which has nurseries in Pennycross and Crownhill has launched the new apprenticeship programme, with an industryleading starting pay rate, as a way to encourage people to consider a career in the early years industry. Hoping to attract those studying childcare as well as anyone with an interest in childcare previously in other professions, such as retail and hospitality, Mama Bears hopes the competitive pay, attractive company benefits and commitment to career progression will interest a number of candidates. The nursery group’s new managing director, Chris Marston, says the recruitment of quality staff as well as the wellbeing of current staff is one of his main priorities. Chris said: “Apprenticeships have always been a fantastic way for us to find and develop talent at our nurseries so we have decided to offer a further 50 positions across the group. “Our new apprenticeship pay rate of £7.50 per hour is considerably higher than competitors in the industry which is around the £4-£4.50 per hour mark. Introducing this level of pay is a revolutionary step in how we are doing things and this paired with our reputation for being a caring employer offering good job security and prospects, makes this programme an attractive opportunity for anyone looking for a head start in their career, or perhaps a new one altogether.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, proven extremely difficult for many with redundancies, extended furlough and uncertainty around job security. We’re hoping to provide those in less stable industries who have always had an interest or passion for childcare, with the tools and training to become early years practitioners. “Many of our previous apprentices have moved on to qualified roles in the business including team leaders and nursery managers. We want to attract the next generation of talent within the organisation.” Mama Bear’s provides apprentices with individual training programmes and the opportunity to explore any areas of specialist childcare which interest them. It’s bespoke apprenticeship training scheme includes ongoing learning support,
with daily hands-on experience in addition to a mixed programme of mandatory and voluntary training sessions, held twiceweekly. The apprentices also contribute to the monthly theme planning and day-to-day activity planning of the nursery where they are based, and are involved in regular staff meetings. Chris continued: “Apprenticeships are no longer solely for school and college-leavers, they provide a vital stepping-stone for anyone looking for a stable and rewarding career.” Anyone aged over 17, not in full-time education or other funded training, and interested in learning more about Mama Bear’s apprenticeship scheme can email recruitment@mamabear.co.uk or visit the website at www.mamabear.co.uk
services are put in place. The council-owned company will be not for profit and will mean that high quality care services can continue to be provided at short notice. Under the Care Act of 2014, local authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure the needs of people are met, even if their care provider is unable to provide services due to business failure. Office of National Statistics figures show that the over 65 age group will continue to grow and is likely to grow to 22.7 per cent of Plymouth’s population by 2034. There are also 31,164 people in the city that have a long-term health issue or disability. This suggests that demand for care and support services is likely to continue to increase in the future. Cllr Kate Taylor, Plymouth City Council
Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “When the market fails for whatever reason, time is of the essence to ensure care continues to be provided to those who need it. “We’ve had some really concerning cases where vulnerable people have had their care service stop at short notice and it can be really stressful for them, their families and the staff involved while alternatives are worked out. “Having our own company gives us the option to move swiftly to step in and ensure everyone continues to enjoy high quality care and be looked after in the manner they deserve.” The business case for the new LATC has been signed off with the aim of having the company set up by June 2021.
Council to set up its own care company Plymouth City Council is to set up its own care company so that it can step in and ensure the City’s most vulnerable continue to be looked if their care provision is stopped at short notice.
The council has approved setting up a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) which can ensure adult social care remains in place if a care company is not able to continue providing its services for whatever reason. Over the past two years there have been a number of times when care service providers have told the council at very short notice that they can’t continue to provide care. This has often affected some of the most vulnerable people in Plymouth and their families, leaving them facing a period of worrying uncertainty while alternative
Improving Lives Plymouth name new chief executive Improving Lives Plymouth has appointed Rob Smith as its new chief executive who will take over when George Plenderleith retires at the end of March.
Given the importance of this role for the city, the Trustee Board decided to look nationally for someone with a business head and a charity heart and received a wide range of applications. The recruitment process had to address the challenges of the COVID restrictions, and it was successfully completed with online
solutions. Rob Smith is an experienced chief executive within the charity sector and lives in Plymouth. Rob will take over from George Plenderleith, who is retiring after 37 years with Improving Lives Plymouth, formally known as Plymouth Guild. Jeremy Prichard, chair of Improving Lives Trustee Board said: “George’s achievements as chief executive are numerous, no more so than during the last 12 months of his tenure during the pandemic.
“A testament to George and his leadership of Improving Lives Plymouth, is the way that he has led the team at ILP through what is surely one of the most challenging years in the charity’s history. “The Trustee Board and the staff are immensely grateful to George for his leadership and dedication throughout his time with the Guild and Improving Lives Plymouth and wish him a long and happy retirement.”
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Nurse’s sky high compassion for people who need hospice care A local nurse is taking his compassion for terminally ill patients to new heights, leaping from a plane to raise funds for the specialist care that ensures they live well to the end of their lives.
On Sunday April 25, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth clinical nurse specialist James Mills, part of the charity’s team based at Derriford Hospital, is taking part in an exhilarating sponsored tandem skydive from 15,000ft. Recognising the impact of the pandemic on the vital income St Luke’s would normally have generated through its charity shops and mass fundraising events, such as Men’s Day Out and Tour de Moor, James – who lives in Tavistock - has been motivated to strap on a parachute and make the giant jump to help make a difference beyond the hospital walls. The money he raises will support St Luke’s service for patients throughout the communities of Plymouth and surrounding areas, including Tavistock, where he lives with his family. Working across the wards of Derriford Hospital, James and the rest of the St Luke’s team based there provide specialist advice and support for patients with progressive life-limiting illnesses. They are there to give emotional support and practical advice to these patients and to their families and carers, too, as well as delivering education in specialist end of life care to doctors and nurses across the hospital. For many months of the COVID-19 crisis, James and his St Luke’s teammates at the hospital worked tirelessly alongside their NHS colleagues on the frontline so that patients dying from
Clinical nurse specialist James Mills - sky-diving to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice
complications of the virus got the high-calibre compassionate end of life care they needed. Watching James from the ground and cheering him on when he makes his fundraising freefall will be his partner Katherine and two children, tenyear-old Tom and Grace, aged six. James said: “St Luke’s touches the lives of many local families, but what some people might not realise is that as an independent charity we rely heavily on the support we receive from our community. It makes a crucial difference because without it we couldn’t do as much for patients and their loved ones who rely on our service when
they’re going through the toughest of times. “Doing a skydive has long been on my bucket list and I’m really proud to be doing it for such a fantastic cause.” Anyone wanting to donate can do so via James’s JustGiving fundraising page. Those who, like James, want to experience the unforgettable thrill of a tandem skydive in aid of St Luke’s, are invited to sign up for the challenge on June 19 or September 12. You can do the jump for free when you raise sponsorship of £395 or more. Sign up at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/skydive
April 2021
Healthcare agency relocates to the Science Park
17
Fast-growing recruitment specialists Acorn Healthcare are moving to Plymouth Science Park in Derriford to support their growing client base in Plymouth, North Devon and East Cornwall.
Acorn Healthcare specialise in providing tailored recruitment solutions for a range of healthcare clients in the private and public sectors, including care homes, nurseries, charities and community support organisations. Having been established only two months ago in early 2021, Acorn Healthcare has become a regular recruiter with up to 40 healthcare professionals on its books at a time. Ian Booy, founder of Acorn Healthcare, said: “We are hugely excited about relocating our operations to Plymouth Science Park and continuing our expansion from there. “The Park is an incredible environment to work in, with a strong ecosystem of health and science companies already based there. The facilities are excellent and we have a large, modern office space that is all set up to accommodate a dynamic, rapidly expanding team. We look forward to bringing specialist recruitment solutions to healthcare organisations in the area and supporting local health workers to find roles that truly make a difference.” The healthcare sector is one of the region’s fastest-growing employers, accounting for around 17,000 jobs in the city – equivalent to around 16% of all jobs - and is worth £582m to the local economy. The arrival of Acorn Healthcare at Plymouth Science Park, and the organisation’s prospects for growth, bode well for the regional economy and the post-COVID bounceback.
ELECTIONS 2021 ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? On Thursday 6 May, have your say on who represents you in the local elections. A number of measures will be put in place to help you stay safe when voting in person at polling stations.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? In order to vote, you must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. If you have received the recent household notification letter then you don’t need to re-register.
YOU CAN VOTE BY POST! If already on the register, then you may wish to vote by post. The deadline for registering to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.
CAN I NOMINATE SOMEONE TO VOTE FOR ME? Yes, this is called a vote by proxy, the deadline to register is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April. But remember, you and your proxy voter must both be registered to vote. For information on registering to vote and how you can vote, visit
www.plymouth.gov.uk/votingandelections
Are You Ready 261X174.indd 2
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18 April 2021
PROMOTING HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAYS IN PLYMOUTH More Plymouth children are set to get ‘Fit and Fed’ during the school holidays thanks to £1,042,910 from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity and Food Fund.
Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit will be working in close partnership with various organisations, including Plymouth’s school meals provider CATERed, to provide holiday activity and food programmes to disadvantaged children during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “We know that school holidays can be difficult for some families, with children at risk of missing out on healthy meals, activities and learning opportunities. Programmes like Fit and Fed are a direct response to this issue and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and their families.” The 2021 programme gets underway over the Easter holidays, with 40 holiday clubs across the city providing 1,445 places for children who receive benefit-related free school meals to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday. All clubs will be delivered in a COVIDsafe environment and in line with current government guidance.In response to reduced inactivity levels caused by the COVID pandemic, 1,000 Fit and Fed holiday packs – with a food parcel and physical activity bag – will also be given away this Easter to children on benefit-related free school meals attending primary schools in the city’s most deprived areas. The food parcels are being provided by CATERed and will contain a range of nutritious food to make five healthy twocourse lunches with additional snacks. The parcels will also contain a recipe booklet to help plan some exciting meals. Louise Kelley, the council’s sports development manager, said: “These physical activity bags are specially designed to encourage children to keep physically active in a fun way. Each bag contains a variety of items, including a large foam dice, bean bags, skipping rope, spot markers and bats and balls. Using the dice and the activity cards provided, children will be able to enjoy a number of fun activities that will help to keep them active every day.” “The funding will also support the Fit and Fed programme taking place during the summer holidays, when it is hoped an even greater number of holiday clubs and park activities will be available.Councillor Smith added: “This will be a huge benefit to so many of our children and I’d like to thank everybody involved. We know that being active is a benefit to not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. Sport and physical activity are so important and these specially designed packs will help children have fun and stay active.” Anyone interested in providing opportunities for disadvantaged children as part of this programme should contact the Sports Development Unit – email sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk.
Super summer in the city! 18 April 2021
Plymouth will once again be home to an impressive programme of events this summer. The line-up includes everything from Mayflower commemorations and thrilling sailing races to live music events, as well as the return of the much-loved British Firework Championships.
Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “As we look forward to the easing of restrictions this summer, we’re delighted to be able to share the fantastic lineup of events and exhibitions taking place in Plymouth. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and we’re looking forward to seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying the brilliant range of events. We’ll be sharing more information about the programme over the coming weeks and months, so look out for further details.” The 2021 event programme highlights include: Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony (July 11) The Four Nations Ceremony is the UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event, marking the closure of the international Mayflower 400 commemorations. This impressive theatrical production with live music, song, drama and film will tell the Mayflower story from all angles, including direct from the Native American Wampanoag tribe. At the heart of the event will be a gigantic choir of 1,000 voices accompanied by the full concert orchestra of HM Royal Marines Band, Plymouth. SailGP (July 17 and 18) One of the world’s most impressive sail racing events, SailGP, will stop in Plymouth in 2021, following the season opening events in Bermuda and Taranto, Italy. Plymouth has been selected to host the Great Britain Grand Prix, the third event of SailGP Season 2. SailGP features eight national teams made up of the sport’s top athletes including Britain’s own Sir Ben Ainslie, the world’s most successful Olympic sailor leading the Great Britain SailGP Team.The high-speed, adrenalinefilled racing will take place on Plymouth Sound each day, alongside onshore activity throughout the afternoon in the race village where you can watch the action ‘close- up’ on big screens whilst looking out over the racecourse from Plymouth’s famous Hoe. The Hatchling (August 14 and 15) This August, theatre-makers Trigger will stage The Hatchling, an extraordinary outdoor performance bringing a worldwide myth to life. A giant puppet
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The British Firework Championships return to Plymouth in August
in the form of a dragon will appear in Plymouth and roam through the city, exploring its new surroundings and interacting with the public. The Hatchling, which stands at over 6.5m tall, is the largest ever puppet to be solely humanoperated. It is constructed from super lightweight carbon fibre weighing less than a piece of hand luggage, allowing it to be operated by a team of 36 puppeteers working in rotation in groups of 15. Upon hatching the dragon will explore her environment, stopping traffic as her curiosity takes her through the city and she meets members of the public. The dragon was designed by a palaeontologist and is based on the pterosaur, a prehistoric reptile that was one of the largest flying animals ever to have lived. At sunset on Sunday August 15, she will undertake a miraculous metamorphosis into a kite, unfolding her wings spanning over 20m. Flying from a clifftop, she will soar into the sky and across the sea in a once-ina-lifetime spectacle for a live audience. For more information visit www.thehatchling.co.uk British Firework Championships (August 18 and 19) The world-famous British Firework Championships is set to return to Plymouth’s waterfront in August, this popular annual event attracts approximately 100,000 people over two nights. Under the sparkling night sky, viewers will enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics that will illuminate Plymouth Sound, as six top firework companies battle it out over two nights, each putting on an
awe-inspiring ten-minute display in an attempt to be crowned the winner. 1 Big Summer (August 27 to 29) 1 Big Summer, a three-day music event will take place on Plymouth Hoe on the August bank holiday weekend. See story on page 14. The Box Officially opened last September, amidst the pandemic, summer 2021 will be the first opportunity for many to experience one of the UK’s most impressive new cultural venues. It’s highly recommended that visitors try to catch a glimpse of the Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy exhibition, which sheds new light on a story which has endured for more than four centuries. From May 18 to July 11, the Box will also host its first touring exhibition - Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America. Like ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’, the exhibition is an important part of Plymouth’s ongoing Mayflower 400 commemorations. Created in partnership with the Wampanoag people, who have lived in NorthEastern America for 12,000 years, this exhibition centres on a newly created wampum belt – a symbolic and sacred object for the Wampanoag. Tickets for The Box will be available to book from mid-April. For ticket information visit www. theboxplymouth.com. For more information about all the events taking place in Plymouth this year, please visit visitplymouth.co.uk.
Art college student’s film success A talented student at Plymouth College of Art has had her short film selected for a prestigious international programme.
Yergalem Carimini, a BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts student, made the film, entitled ’La Volpe’ - which means ‘The Fox’ - under lockdown conditions in her home country of Italy. The work was filmed in a set built in her family’s home and featured a cast of her family members. The four-minute film shows a character in a world where people work in a single job for the rest of their lives, following a narrative loosely based on the tragic events linked to the Taiwanese electrical company Foxconn. Yergalem said: “During my first year I was told about Foxconn, a company that made electronic parts for iPhones, and how in the early 2000s, there were some concerns about the working environment there. “There were incidents of employee suicides and their solution was to install nets to protect the buildings and the lives of those who fell. It really struck me. I originally wanted my idea to be in the form of an art installation, playing with ideas of being confined to a room and exploring the exploitation aspect. “Obviously, COVID happened so I ended up flying home to Italy. It was my tutors who suggested that I turn my idea into a film, but I really didn’t know how I was going to do it. I knew I had to create a narrative instead.
Yergalem Carimini
“I presented the script to my friends, and it turned out they loved it and wanted to help, which made me so happy! I realised I didn’t need much to actually film it. The exterior shots were just down the road from my house. I told my Dad he was going to act in it, he didn’t think he could do it at first, but three days later and he’s saying he’s the next big thing! It was all done on a very low budget.” Her film has been selected as part of the National Association for Higher Education in Moving Image (NAHEMI) programme, with her work being shown at the Encounters Film Festival 2020.
NAHEMI acts as a forum for debate on all matters regarding the teaching of practice in the Moving Image in Higher Education, including the theory and history underpinning these practices. Every year, the association showcases a selection of students’ productions at national festivals such as Aesthetica Short Film Festival and Encounters Film Festival. Yergalem’s film joined other student short films from universities and educational institutions across the UK at the Encounters Film Festival, which was delivered digitally in September and October 2020. Yergalim, who lives in Efford, said: “I’m really enjoying the Film & Screen Arts course at Plymouth College of Art. It’s great for people like me, who want to learn about the practical aspects of filming. “It sounds childish but it was so pleasing to have the opportunity to play! Some universities I looked at, it felt like they assumed students would know how to use the equipment, but I wanted to learn it all! Every year, we get to do lots of collaborative projects, with the freedom to work with people from other courses. It’s such a great way to challenge yourself. “The course doesn’t just teach us how to make film, but allows us to explore what we enjoy, so we can set ourselves up for our future careers in the film industry. I had to choose Plymouth College of Art because of that.”
April 2021
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Plymouth Science Park supports the expansion of Peninsula Medical School Plymouth Science Park at Derriford is providing a high tech training facility for students studying medicine and other health related degrees at Plymouth University’s Peninsula Medical School.
The medical school, which is committed to outstanding clinical education, strong social engagement and world-class research, has significantly expanded its student numbers. Just three years ago, the school had 86 students and this year, there are 206 students in the first year of the programme. In response to this increase in student numbers and to accommodate COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the medical school has found it necessary to expand its learning environment. The newly acquired space at the Plymouth Science Park will provide a multi-purpose learning environment for training future healthcare professionals, as well as enabling new models of healthcare delivery through ground-breaking technological innovations. Professor Hisham Khalil, head of Peninsula Medical School, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth Science Park, which shares our vision for world-class medical teaching. Together we look forward to developing a hub of excellence for healthcare teaching and learning. “Over the past year strict infection control has
restricted students gaining vital clinical placement experience. Our partnership with the Plymouth Science Park has provided us with the space to provide socially distanced clinical teaching and to facilitate interprofessional clinical education.” The introduction of Microsoft Hololens technology enables medical students to access essential clinical learning experiences including ward rounds, clinics and surgery from the secure Plymouth Science Park environment. The Park has already been used to provide valuable additional clinical skills teaching for Peninsula Medical School students, led by Dr Jamie Read, lead for Clinical Skills. The use of technology at Plymouth Science Park supports a new approach to learning human structure and pathology and the School’s ambition to use technology to enhance learning. The Peninsula Medical School already boasts three human Anatomage tables, which allow for virtual learning of human structure and pathology for students at Plymouth Science Park with other teaching taking place in Portland Square on the University campus. An ‘Ultrasound Trainer’ and ‘BodyWorks simulator’ will also be used at the Park to facilitate hard-tolearn basic and advanced ultrasound scanning skills, allowing medical, radiography and physician associates students to learn in their own time and at their own pace in a low pressure, non-clinical environment.”
Former boxer Jack is making a difference in the community A Derriford businessman has been winning friends all over the city thanks to not only the quality of his company’s work, but also his passion for helping others.
Jack Bellingham, who runs Gasjack Plumbing and Heating, hit the headlines earlier this year when he donated and installed a boiler free of charge to an NHS nurse who had no boiler or heating for her family. And at the end of last year he put a personal plea on social media to help a local charity called Led By Dreams CIC, which helps victims of domestic abuse. Through his efforts more than 30 families received heating, clothing and presents for Christmas. He also managed to raise several hundred pounds to assist with accommodation for some of the families over the Christmas period. All of this was achieved while running his business and spending time with his wife Chloe and sons Harvey and Romeo. Jack, who is 30, trained and qualified as a gas engineer at Saltash College where he gained top marks in all of his diplomas. He founded Gasjack Plumbing and Heating in 2014 when he was in his early 20s. Through his hard work, dedication and commitment to the best quality service for
customers Jack has built the business up and now has five employees, along with a high quality group of specialist contractors he can call on if needed. Jack has worked tirelessly through last year’s pandemic serving his local community, on call 24/7 and never saying no, no matter what time of day or night it is. Much of Jack’s dedication derives from his passion for boxing, which he took up at the age of 13. He needed a focus to keep him disciplined with his life goals. He won titles as an amateur and with relentless training and dedication Jack Bellingham he turned professional in 2016 - but then his business started taking off. He found he was spending more and more time away from his young family due to his boxing commitments and decided to retire from competitive boxing after 17 years with an unblemished record. Jack maintains that the discipline that boxing has taught him has helped him to get where he is today. Jack will always strive for perfection and believes that good things come to those who work, persist and believe in themselves. He is forever grateful for the guidance and support he has received on his continuing journey and is very proud of the city he lives in.
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20 April 2021
20 April 2021
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The one hope that is everlasting... THE
By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity
Experience I recently went for my usual exercise walk where we live and I experienced a beautiful feeling of profound gratitude as I observed the beauty of the countryside and the privilege of living in the South West. I am ‘not the sharpest tool in the box’ when it comes to appreciating the beauty of creation and so it was unusual that my thinking went to the thoughts of the emergence of many creatures coming out of hibernation at the beginning of Spring. I felt it was like how many of us are probably currently feeling, especially with the increased confidence provided by the vaccine, as we inwardly ‘cry freedom’ for the emergence from lockdown. This appreciation of coming into Spring is also the hope of the Easter Celebrations of life coming out of death. Like the seasons it is the rhythms and cycles of life and celebration in the Christian calendar. A journey through the good and challenging times is part of our collective human experience. The birth
of Christ at Christmas and His death and resurrection at Easter. At the time of writing, we will have all endured almost a year of one of the most difficult times since the second world war. Chris Cole However, we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel with the provision of the vaccine, which hopefully will not be the light of another train coming down the tracks. Loss of life and economic uncertainty have been and still are the consequences of this pandemic which we still have to navigate through. I have had my first jab, but still feel very conscious that we are not through this yet and I do not want to succumb to ‘well it’s OK for me now’ because we can still transmit the virus according to some health officials even after the jab. It is important to be
wise and prudent for the sake of others. The evidence is still being gathered about passing on the virus after being vaccinated. However, things are looking very positive, and it is hope which is such a powerful concept during challenging times. The hope which I believe in is important and is not just the hope of going on holiday or getting a haircut. Those are good and totally understandable, but they are not the hope that undergirds us when life really gets tough. Health and economic security are still the real issues we all wrestle with as human beings. I am increasingly mindful of the millions of Christians around the world who do not have much hope other than their faith in God. This is the hope that provides the
foundation within the Christian community, especially across the world, where Christians are severely persecuted for their faith especially in Iran, North Korea and China. This hope understands what Jesus told Martha at the death of her brother Lazarus. Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11 v 24 – 27. The hope in the eternal gives us hope in the day to day.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Plymouth sight loss group supporting locals in need Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group is continuing to help local people affected by sight loss during the pandemic. Vispring’s Plymouth factory employs 200 people
Competition for students to design a bed for Vispring
Plymouth based luxury bed maker, Vispring, has launched a competition in partnership with Plymouth College of Art, giving interior design and styling students the opportunity to design a limited-edition bed. The winning design will be marketed and sold in the European and Asian markets in 2022. Founded in London in 1910, Vispring is synonymous with comfort and opulence, furnishing the suites of high-end hotels, including London’s Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and the bedrooms of the finest homes around the world. In 1971 the factory relocated from London to Plymouth, where the beds are still made by hand, by its 200 skilled craftsmen and women. Head of communications at Vispring, Victoria Soares said: “With our workshop based in Plymouth, it was important to Vispring that we support the progression of local design talent and we are very excited to see what the Plymouth College of Art students create. “Vispring is looking for a stand-out piece, that showcases our brand’s beautifully handmade beds, with style and imagination, while also considering the practicalities of production viability.” Three finalists will be chosen and reviewed by Vispring and fellow Plymouth company, Lang and Potter, which creates Vispring headboards. The winner will then be selected by a panel of expert judges, including Vispring’s senior team, alongside designer and stylist, Despina Curtis and founder and director of London based PR agency, Tomorrow PR, Neil Byrne. Cathryn Bishop, senior lecturer and subject leader at Plymouth College of Art said: “We’re delighted to partner with Vispring on this amazing opportunity for our Interior Design and Styling students.” “Working with real briefs from industry leaders like Vispring is what our programmes are all about at Plymouth College of Art, we want to give our students an experience, as close to being in a real design studio as possible.” The winning designer will also be invited to attend and assist the official photography shoot and experience a tour of the Vispring workshop.
It will be holding its 50th consecutive group call on March 24 at 11.30am. The group, one of more than 400 organised by leading sight loss charity the Macular Society, is open to anyone affected by macular disease, the biggest cause of sight loss in the U.K., which currently affects around 1.5 million people. When the pandemic first hit last year, the Society introduced a range of telephone and online support services for anyone affected by sight loss. The Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group, which is run by local volunteers and led by Brian Heather, hold their calls at 11.30 every Wednesday morning, and family members and friends of those affected are also welcome to attend. Brian, 85, who took on the group leader role two years ago said: “The key word for our group, and all the charity’s groups, is support. Not only do we frequently have expert guest speakers who provide the latest advice and information but we also encourage and help each other come to terms with macular disease. We share lighter moments too with talks of local interest, quizzes and marking people’s birthdays. He added: “We have a hard core of about 15 people who regularly dial in, and who frequently say that the calls are the highlight of their week. In fact, one member has told her family not to disturb her on a Wednesday morning! Joking aside, moving to weekly calls has enabled us to build a lovely online friendship, and provides a great base for us to grow from when we are able to meet again face to face.” Judy Pride, Macular Society senior regional manager, said: “Brian is a really enthusiastic, committed and effective group leader. He does a fantastic job of keeping
the group going, and staying in contact with those members who are unable to dial in.” “As the pandemic continues to have an impact, the health and wellbeing of everyone remains our priority. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it. Although our faceto-face services were suspended last year, we are still on the end of the phone for anyone affected by sight loss, including their family and friends.” Judy added “Our telephone support groups enable people to better understand macular disease and to help them come to terms with sight loss; exactly the way our face-toface support groups used to do. The sessions also help to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.” Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50. If you would like to join the Plymouth group call, or for more information about additional support services available locally, please contact Judy on 01264 560 229/0794 737 3244 or email judy.pride@macularsociety.org For information on other services currently available from the Macular Society, please call the charity’s Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111 or email help@ macularsociety.org
Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services
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UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd We won’t be beaten on price or choice! Comprehensive Range of Styles & Fabric Free Measuring, Quotation & Fitting Discounts for Multiple Blinds 01752 300923 | 07765 033470 www.ukblindsplymouth.co.uk
BUILDERS 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
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PLASTERING
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22 April 2021
22 April 2021
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COVID-19 testing for those with NO symptoms rolled out for essential workers across city Many essential workers or those providing vital care and support for the most vulnerable people in Plymouth now have access to a rapid COVID-19 testing programme. Up to one in three people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but that does not mean they are not infectious. Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are one of the tools being used to help us to detect and fight COVID-19. These tests can allow individuals with no symptoms to check if they have the virus, when they otherwise wouldn’t know. Anyone who has a positive result should self-isolate, to make sure that they are not putting others at risk. The rapid turnaround lateral flow tests can give results in under an hour, without the need for laboratory processing. Over the past few weeks, Plymouth City Council has been piloting the testing programme with its own frontline staff. Now, the council has expanded its offer with a mobile unit, travelling around the city to key locations where essential workers or volunteers are based. This includes the City Business Park, Four Greens Wellbeing Hub and the Age UK Centre. The new service aims to complement the Government’s Rapid Workplace Testing programme. It is hoped that over the weeks and months ahead even more lateral flow
testing will be available across the city. The lateral flow testing is in addition to
the symptomatic testing - sometimes called PCR Testing - that is already available for
those displaying COVID-19 symptoms at three venues across the city. Ruth Harrell, director of Public Health for Plymouth City Council, said: “Roughly one in three people who have the virus do not have symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. “Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, enable people to take immediate action and self-isolate and ultimately break chains of transmission. “We will be expanding up our testing over the weeks ahead as more and more people will want to access the service when lockdown restrictions begin to ease.” If you have COVID-19 symptoms and need a test Currently anyone who does have one of the main symptoms of a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell must selfisolate immediately and book a test. Testing is available by appointment at the drive-in test site at the former Seaton Barracks site off William Prance Road or either of the walk-through test sites at Marjon and the Guildhall, or via a home test kit. All the testing sites in Plymouth are operating seven days a week 8am to 8pm, so anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should book a test by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS website atwww.gov.uk/getcoronavirus-test
National broadcasting award for Hospital Radio Plymouth Volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) have once again been successful in this year’s Hospital Broadcasting Awards.
HRP were awarded Bronze for Best Station Promotion, for their programme Requestline with Steve Glanville and Jill Bright. Judges commented: “They loved the simple and clear message about the radio station, with a couple of jokes that were so bad – they were good.” The station, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, was also shortlisted for Best Male Presenter (Andrew Hill), and Station of the Year, a category in which HRP has been shortlisted every year since 2008, and been awarded bronze, silver or gold eight times. This year’s awards ceremony was held online, with hospital radio stations from across the UK coming together to celebrate the work done by volunteers to provide entertainment and interesting programmes for those in hospital. Station manager Keith Jolley said: “This past year has shown the importance of hospital radio
Hospital Radio Plymouth volunteers pictured pre-lockdown
in lifting the spirits of those in hospital and the wider community, and our volunteers have done an incredible job – lots of our presenters have set up home studios so they can keep producing shows, and we’re finding alternative ways of gathering requests too.” Presenter Steve Glanville said: “I take the judges comments about the jokes as a compliment! Although Jill and I present the show, it’s a team effort, with others collecting requests and doing the technical bits. It’s a testament to all HRP members who have worked so hard for the past year – presenting
from home is very different and we’re looking forward to getting back in the studios and on the wards.” Fellow presenter Jill Bright said: “We’re already planning our next entry, even though we’ve been in lockdown. Steve and I are both Tony Hancock fans, so we’ve got a shared sense of humour and we’re glad that comes across to listeners. And Steve says he’s not in it for the awards, so the trophy can go in my cabinet, alongside the one we won in 2019!” The multi-award winning station has a team of volunteers
who collect requests, put together programmes and make sure there is a friendly voice at the patient’s bedside 24/7. Anyone wishing to make a request or dedication can contact Hospital Radio Plymouth through their website, www. hospitalradioplymouth. org.uk, by phone on 01752 784300 or through their social media pages. Jill Bright and Steve Glanville, presenters of Requestline
Winter grant scheme extended to help families over Easter Plymouth City Council has been awarded nearly £322,000 as part of the Government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme. The money means the council will once again be able to provide families entitled to Free School Meals with vouchers to cover the two week Easter break. The council will begin sending batches of unique food e-voucher codes to city schools and Early Years settings from March 22 for them to distribute to all families on their
free school meals registers. Each code can be used once to redeem vouchers to the value of £30 per child - £15 per week for the two weeks of school holidays - at various supermarkets. Councillor Chris Penberthy Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development said: “I’m really pleased that we have received these much needed extra funds from the Government to be able to provide support for families over the two week Easter
break. We understand just how difficult the last 12 months have been for low income families, so being able to ensure children who are entitled to free school meals will not miss out over the break is great news. People eligible to claim free school meals who haven’t registered should apply via www. plymouth.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals Councillor Penberthy added: “Despite this being good news we do know this money can’t reach everyone who is struggling and
I would like to remind residents that if you, or someone you know is struggling to access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food, help is out there. “The Plymouth Online Directory has a list of all the organisations and schemes in the city that are providing support.” To find out more information visit www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ covid19/caringforplymouth/foodshopping/ foodbanks
April 2021
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New Plymouth homes will be self-built by military veterans Military veterans will have the opportunity to help build their own home as part of a new affordable housing development in Plymouth.
The Stirling Project in Honicknowle will include 25 self-contained affordable homes to rent – up to 12 of which will be self-built by former service personnel in need of housing. Leading housing association LiveWest has acquired the land from Plymouth City Council and teamed up with charity Alabare Christian Care & Support, who will identify the veterans to work on the scheme. Taking inspiration from the award-winning Nelson Project in Plymouth - a development born from a vision to deliver a flagship housing scheme to help veterans learn construction skills in addition to having somewhere to live - the new development will start in May and take around 18 months to complete. During the course of the build, the veterans will earn valuable experience in construction that will help them develop the skills needed to engage with the project and gain valuable job-based skills. Totnes-based, Coyde Construction, has been contracted to build the scheme which has been designed by architects Form Design. Anthony Eke, new business manager for LiveWest, said: “It is an important regeneration project located in a prominent location and, as such, good design has been a very important consideration from the outset. While the scheme is to be delivered as socially rented affordable housing, we have been working with Alabare Self Build for Veterans in allocating up to 12 properties within the scheme to let to military veterans. “They will have the opportunity to participate in the actual build of the scheme, overseen by the contractor, to gain experience and potentially work their way towards a qualification. It is great to be able to deliver more affordable homes in the city.”
Big success of milestone conference
Artist’s impression of the Stirling House development
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Stirling House was a former residential care home, owned by the council which stood empty for several years. It was demolished in October 2018. The project will also use the land created by the demolition of the nearby disused Honicknowle health clinic, which was formerly owned by the NHS and acquired by the council for the project. Of the 25 homes, 19 will be one and twobedroom flats together with two, three and fourbedroom housing. Once complete, all of the homes will be let by LiveWest at a subsidised social rent, in order to provide support for households in high need. The large four-bedroom house has also been designed as a wheelchair adapted property, helping to address the significant shortage of such properties across the city. The project will benefit from grant-funding from government housing agency Homes England. Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing Cooperative Development, said: “I am so excited that we’ve reached yet another significant milestone in this incredible project. “This scheme, like the Nelson Project before it, will literally change lives and I’m so proud that this Council has backed it since the beginning by
contributing £600,000 to get to the stage we’re at today. I cannot wait to see work begin.” Maj (Rtd) Ken Hames, chief operating officer of Alabare Self Build for Veterans, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces again with Plymouth City Council and LiveWest to deliver this exciting housing development in Honicknowle. “We have completed eight veteran’s self-builds to date and rehoused over 160 veterans and their dependents, where the majority are now in full time employment and in many cases, reconnected with their families. “Schemes like this offer exciting opportunities to veterans and communities alike, where regeneration and better housing provision are witnessed first-hand. “Up to 14 veterans will benefit from 18 months of ‘on and off’ site training, in both practical and life skills, to prepare them for full time employment and independent living. Our veterans are really looking forward to making a full contribution to the overall plan for the build and meeting the local community to tell them all about it.” Alabare still has a few vacancies for individuals and families. Contact Karl Arrowsmith from Alabare on 07850 175291.
The community of Ernesettle is leading the NSPCC’s flagship Together for Childhood programme with organisations across Plymouth working with local residents to develop and test ways to best protect children. The Together for Childhood team provide the latest monthly update on its work to keep children safe from sexual abuse.
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 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980
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This month was a tremendous success for our Together for Childhood work as we hosted our first Preventing Sexual Harm Conference, supported by Safer Plymouth.
The conference provided a call to action for people to be proactive in preventing abusive sexual behaviour, sexual offending and harmful sexual behaviour. This focus has been identified as a real step change for the Together for Childhood project and will enable real energy to be focused on protecting children. The event took place virtually and started on March 22, with different national and international speakers each day, across the week. During the course of the week, 1000 professionals attended the conference from a variety of partners including education, social care, police and community and voluntary organisations. Participants listened to talks from Professor Kieran McCarten, Dr Bartosz Zaniewski, Maree Crabbe, Donald Findlater and Zoe Lodrick. In addition, workshops were held to help professionals better understand the services available to help people who may have concerning thoughts about harming children, including Circles South West, Make Amends and Devon and Cornwall Police. Development and impact manager for Together for Childhood, Shelley Shaw said: “I’m
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overwhelmed by the support for the conference. I also want to say a huge thank you to the staff who helped pull the event together and the guest speakers who took the time to share their expertise. “I’m really proud that we have been involved in delivering work which could leave a lasting impression on Plymouth as a community.” At the very heart of our work, Together for Childhood is an innovative, evidence-informed approach that brings local partners and families together to make communities safer for children. This week-long event provided an energised launch to fill gaps in professional knowledge about how they can play a key part in preventing child sexual abuse. In addition to reaching out to professionals, reaching out to the community is equally important if it means we are to be successful. As part of this, it is crucial for us to make sure
people are clear where they can receive support if they are having inappropriate thoughts about children or have other areas of concern please visit the Stop It Now helpline via www.stopitnow. org.uk or call them on 0808 1000 900. Together for Childhood will continue to progress this focused work and will be working alongside community leaders and members to develop opportunities and activities. If you want to find out more about Together for Childhood contact the NSPCC in Plymouth at Plymouth.Servicecentre@nspcc.org.uk or 01752 422577 or visit the NSPCC website. Follow us on Twitter @TFCPlymouth or via the Together for Childhood Plymouth Facebook page. Adults with a concern about the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC’s Helpline for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc. org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year.
Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433
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24 April 2021
24 April 2021
@PlymChronicle
Memories of the Plymouth Blitz come flooding back for Charlie
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News of plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz in 2021 with a series of special events led 95-year-old Charlie Trevethan to contact the Chronicle about his wartime memories.
homes in Derriford and North edition
Depending on the situation regarding the coronavirus, the May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on April 30 with a copy deadline of April 19. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.
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Chronicle Plymouth
April 2021
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Derriford & North
95-year-old Charlie Trevethan from Southway has been sharing his memories of the Plymouth Blitz See page 24
See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3
Derriford clinical nurse specialist is raising funds by for St Luke’s Hospice by doing a sky dive See page 19
ALSO INSIDE:
• Dial the Experts • Local news and views
• Cross Rhythms Experience • Useful numbers
Save Our Sanctuary!
An equine sanctuary on the outskirts of Plymouth which has rescued scores of horses and ponies over the last 20 years has launched a ‘Save Our Sanctuary’ appeal after being told it has to quit the land it rents - see story on page 10
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for four years, ending up in India fighting the Japanese. Returning to Plymouth he met his wife Violet when they were both working at a local laundry company. “It was love at first sight,” said Charlie. They married in 1950 and eventually settled in Southway, where Charlie has lived for the past 63 years. They had a daughter Jill, who became a teacher, but sadly lost a son at 10 weeks with cystic fibrosis. He is extremely proud of his daughter and his grandchildren, Amy and Miles. Amy, who studied at the University of Oxford, was elected as a councillor in Barnet when she was just 21 and at 22 stood as a Labour candidate in the 2015 General Election, increasing the party’s vote from 12,000 to 18,000 in the Tory
The Derriford and North Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle, Austin Farm, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.
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He remembers visiting the city centre and seeing the devastation caused during the dozens of bombing raids which left over 1,100 civilians dead and nearly 4,500 injured. He recalls the deadly attack which led to a direct hit on a communal air raid shelter in Portland Square killing 76 people. “It was a horrifying time, but as youngsters we just got used to all the bombings. I would often go out with my friends the day after a raid and collect shrapnel from the streets,” he added. Charlie attended North Prospect School and having passed his 11 plus went to Devonport High School for Boys - but his education was curtailed by the war. In June 1944 he was called up and served in the Devonshires
stronghold of Chipping Barnet. Miles studied at Cambridge University. Charlie is looking forward to seeing them all again when lockdown restrictions are lifted completely. Sadly, Charlie’s wife passed away in 2019 after a long illness. They were together for over 70 years and married for 68 years. Like Charlie she had also grown up in North Prospect. Charlie spent 35 years working for Farley’s Rusks, taking early reitrement at 60. A keen sportsman he played cricket for Farley’s as a fast bowler - right up to the age of 60. The other love of Charlie’s life is Plymouth Argyle. He attended his first match at Home Park in 1931 - and has followed the club for 90 years. It may make him Argyle’s longest-serving supporter - unless someone else knows differently! He remembers seeing the legendary Jack Leslie play as well as larger than life figures Jumbo Chisholm and Harry Cann. “We were allowed to sit on the grass at the side of the Milehouse goal (now Devonport End) and I can remember Harry Cann so vividly,” said Charlie. Charlie was also one of 43,596 fans who saw the Second Division match against Aston Villa in 1936. It was Argyle’s biggest-ever crowd. Plymouth Argyle marked his loyal support on his 95th birthday presenting him with his own personalised shirt and a birthday card signed by all the first team squad. Charlie’s story was featured in The Pilgrim - Argyle’s match day programme - as part of the Argyle Community Trust’s Tackling Loneliness Together initiative. A member of the Argyle Community Trust team visits Charlie on a regular basis to check that he is well and presented him with a hamper at Christmas. Charlie said: “I’m so lucky...I live in my own home and have wonderful neighbours who can’t do enough for me.”
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Charlie, who was born in December 1925, lived with his parents, brother and two sisters in Rosedown Avenue, North Prospect when the Second World War broke out. He has vivid memories of the bombing raids which wreaked death and destruction across the city in March and April 1941. “During one of the raids me, my mum, and my brother and sisters were in our Anderson shelter in our garden when a bomb was dropped in one of our neighbour’s front garden. Debris from the bomb blast and parts of the shelter fell on to the roof of our shelter and I remember putting my hands up to stop our shelter from collapsing. “Sadly another bomb landed a few doors away from us - killing everyone, including a friend of mine.” Charlie said that his father, also called Charles, signed up as a Special Constable during the war and would be called out to attend the sites of bombings. “That night he had gone to the workhouse in Wolseley Road where the police were stationed. He was one of only two constables on duty along with the sergeant. The sergeant had been told that a bomb had hit a house in Rosedown Avenue - and he knew that was where we lived. “He told the other constable to attend - but my dad overheard the sergeant and said ‘My family is up there. I’m going up there.’ “By the time he got to Rosedown the raid was over, but on the way he heard someone say that all the Trevethans had been killed. I don’t know what he must have thought at the time but luckily it wasn’t us.” Charlie and the rest of the family had to be rehoused in nearby Laurel Road, North Prospect - only for a land mine to be dropped close by, which meant they all had to move again, this time to Dingle Road.
Charlie Trevethan with his Argyle shirt and birthday card
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