Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North

Chronicle Plymouth

August 2021

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Page 2

Plymouth City Council leader Nick Kelly leads the celebrations after it was announced that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing £9.5m to bring the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park a step closer.

• See story on page 13

www.plymouthchronicle.co.uk Nine-year-old Alyssa Nguyen from Mannamead has won gold medals at a national table tennis tournament See Page 8

Plymouth landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6

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£9.5m boost for National Marine Park plan

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2 August 2021

2 August 2021

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Think about what you should do, not what you can Thankfully over the past few days our COVID-19 rates have started to drop. It has been a worrying few weeks as they had risen to the highest ever levels.

This just shows us how quickly and easily the Delta variant can spread after even minimal contact. We must remain vigilant.

It is clear that with rates still high we cannot afford to relax our guards. While the Government has now lifted the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions, it has stressed that the risks from the pandemic are by no means over and people need to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves.

This means that while measures such as wearing face coverings are no longer required by law, people are strongly encouraged to do so, particularly in busy indoor spaces and when using public transport.

With so many people in Plymouth contracting COVID-19, I urge everyone to think not about what they can do, but rather what they should do in order to stay safe. We’ll only be able to reduce the rates in Plymouth if everyone does their bit, looks out for each other and continues to follow the

measures such as wearing face coverings.

Please support the many venues and employers in Plymouth that are continuing to ask customers and visitors to take these precautions. For example, the Council is maintaining safety measures at its buildings, such as libraries, and is asking everyone to wear a mask.

Basic COVID-19 safety can remain part of our daily lives without significantly disrupting how we live. These include: • Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces • Getting tested • Staying outside where possible • Getting your vaccinations I know many people question why ongoing measures are necessary when so many people have now been vaccinated and when so many cases are in the under-25s age group.

The vaccine is very good and it is preventing many people from getting seriously ill. Thankfully, it has minimised the numbers dying from the virus and hospital admissions are much lower than they were last year.

However, the vaccine does not stop transmission

or illness completely. Most people will only suffer mild symptoms but unfortunately people of any age can still get ill and need hospital treatment.

Some will also suffer lasting effects of long Covid.

High COVID-19 rates are already putting pressure on health services, not only through the number of patients being admitted to hospital, but also through pressure on staffing and the impact on the whole health system. This is before we have to deal with the extra pressures that come each winter.

We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the virus now. It is a highly infectious disease and we know that the more contacts people have, the more likely they are to get the virus and spread it.

Around 30 per cent of new cases have caught COVID-19 from a household member, another 10 per cent in other settings that can be identified, but the majority – around 60 per cent – do not know where it has come from.

So please consider this when planning to meet people and take lateral flow tests regularly to ensure you aren’t going to give the virus to others

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth and that you haven’t come home with it.

We are likely to have a few weeks with high rates, and now is another time when we have to pull together to keep Plymouth safe.

Get your COVID-19 test this week!

The Council is continuing to take its mobile testing site on a mini road trip to hand out free COVID-19 testing kits, for people without symptoms.

The team will again be visiting busy parts of the city to make it as easy as possible to pick up a kit and to get a test.

The upcoming dates and locations are: • Sunday 1 August: Barbican Leisure Park

COVID PASSPORTS - SCAM WARNING!

Across the country, there are reports of people receiving scam text messages inviting them to apply for COVID-19 passports.

​​​​​​​​​​​The NHS vaccine pass can be used to prove you’re vaccinated against coronavirus before attending events or when travelling abroad.

It appears scammers are already trying to use this scheme as part of a bid to trick people out of cash. Fake emails on the COVID-19 vaccine passport have also been reported in other parts of the country.

Please do not click the link. Vaccination status is obtained for free through the NHS app, website or by calling the NHS on 119. There is no admin fee, so if anybody asks you to pay a sum of money then it is a scam.

The scam works by getting people to click the link to take them to a fake site, designed to look like an NHS one. Find out more about the real COVID-pass at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/.

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.

NOTE: The information on this page was correct at the time of going to press on July 29.

• Monday 2 August: Aldi Greenbank • Tuesday 3 August: Crownhill Village • Thursday 5 August: Frankfort Gate • Friday 6 August: Mudge Way You can also pick up home testing kits from libraries, but tests themselves will not take place at these locations.

The mobile locations are in addition to the site at Place de Brest in the city centre, which is open Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing and handing out home testing kits.

All of the city’s pharmacies also stock the testing kits or you can order them online or through 119, to be delivered to your home.

For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/gettested.

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

Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival Aug 6 to 8 The smooth sounds of summer will fill the Barbican during this popular free festival. The main stage on the Parade will host some of the region’s best musicians, performing a range of musical styles including acoustic, jazz, blues, rock n roll and soul. Relax with a drink and a bite to eat from one of the many nearby bars and pubs, or put on your dancing shoes and party the night away.

Gary Delaney Sept 3 Star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is appearing at Marjon’s Quad Theatre. Details www.comicalentertainment.com/ Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Sept 5 Originally scheduled to take place in May, the Festival was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thousands of runners are now expected to take part in the Half Marathon, 5k and 10k races which take place simultaneously.

For more details visit www.runplymouth.co.uk

Big Shop Small - Pop-Up Market Aug 7 Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard from 10am to 3pm. Real Ideas offer a continuing platform for small businesses to showcase their products.

Stallholders include Robyn Daisy Design, Such Clay Design, Flotsam Prints, Memori Prints and Bakeaway. Entry free. Future pop-up dates are September 4, October 2 and November 6.

Plymouth Pride Aug 7 The colourful loud and proud Plymouth Pride Festival returns to The Hoe promoting and supporting the diversity that exists in Plymouth communities from 12 noon to 6pm. Details www. prideinplymouth.org.uk The Hatchling August 14 and 15 Plymouth hosts the world premiere of The Hatchling, a ground-breaking theatrical performance over two days which will see a spectacular dragon hatch in the city centre and grow to the size of a double decker bus before attempt to take to the skies on The Hoe. Created by a leading design team specialising in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre. Details at www.thehatchling.co.uk.

British Fireworks Championships Aug 18 and 19 Tens of thousands of people will flock to The Hoe for the return of the pyrotechnic spectacular as six companies battle for the title of British Fireworks Champions.

ROOTS UP! Aug 19 Street Factory’s hip hop festival and dance challenge from 6.15pm to 9.15pm at The Hoe on the final night of the British Firework Championships. Event will feature multiple elements of Hip Hop including breaking or b-boying, MCing, DJ-ing, graffiti, rapping, poetry and spoken word, plus a bonus touch of R&B. Midnight Walk Returns Aug 20 St Luke’s popular Midnight Walk is back! It’s an

Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival returns on September 18 and 19 Photo: visitplymouth.co.uk opportunity for women and girls of all ages to come together as one to pay tribute to relatives and friends who are gone but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets of Plymouth for either a five, 10 or 15 mile sponsored walk. Sponsored by GA Solicitors, this year’s event kicks off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium and is set to be a night to remember. Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ midnight-walk/ The Great British Summer Garden Fete Aug 22 Turn back the clock and enjoy English tradition at its best at the summer fete, being held in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. The familyfriendly day out is presented by Miss Ivy Events and will provide a whole host of fun and entertainment for young and not so young alike.

The children will have a wonderful time with the bouncy castle, circus workshops, Punch & Judy Show, bubble football, traditional games and lots more! Events is from 10.30am to 4pm. Entry £5 per adult, under 16s free. Tickets must be pre-booked at www.missivyevents.co.uk 1 Big Summer August 27 to 29 Spectacular three day music event featuring Ibiza Classics on Friday featuring a full 26 piece live orchestra as well as including a DJ set

by Chase & Status and Rage, top names such as Deadmau5 and Raye on Saturday and the Great British Sausage and Cider Festival on Sunday. One for the whole family with games, competitions and food and entertainment all day. For tickets and information visit www.1bigsummer.com

West End Carnival Aug 28 Live entertainment and free fun for all the family hosted by Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Market in the market and around the West End of the city centre. (See story p14).

Lazy Sunday Market Aug 29 Spend a Sunday savouring quality time with friends and family at the new Lazy Sunday’ Market at Plymouth Albion from 10.30am to 4pm. There will be an array of local businesses with unique gifts and food, perfect for browsing and the opportunity to support local businesses. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy delicious Street Food while listening to some chilled Sunday music, lawn games, performances by Aerial Allsorts and a charity dog show in aid of Refuge4Pets. Dogs are welcome and there is lots of free parking on site. Free entry.

An Evening of Tina Turner Aug 29 Fresh from a successful summer schedule of live music and big-screen action, Home Park Stadium will play host to An Evening of Tina Turner. With a string of fabulous hits, a reputation for electric stage performances and a voice unmatched in the world of rock and roll, Tina Turner has been wowing audiences for over six decades. Now, with a cast of some of the West End’s most incredible talent and a phenomenal eight-piece band comes a spectacular one-night concert of her amazing music Tickets are available from £20, available through www.argyletickets.com, or by calling on 01752 907700.

The Box shortlisted for four awards The Box is on the shortlist for no less than four prestigious awards and it needs the public’s help to win one of them.

The city’s major new museum, art gallery and archive is in the running for the ‘People’s Choice’ category of this year’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards.

The finalists cover a diverse range of civil engineering schemes that are having a positive impact on people’s lives, including coastal and flood defences, a new helicopter base and highways improvements.

The award judges selected The Box after hearing how it’s created the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space in the South West, with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive and a new public square.

They were impressed by The Box’s ambition to transform three buildings of historic and cultural importance to create a world-class venue for Plymouth and the wider region.

Now, The Box needs the public to help it win and people can cast their votes via www.ice.org.uk/sw/awards by 5pm on July 30.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “Everyone in Plymouth should be proud of The Box and I really hope as many people as possible vote for it before the end of July.

“Completing a project of this scale in the middle of a global pandemic is no mean feat, and the visitor feedback it’s received since it opened last year shows just what a difference it’s already making.”

The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on September 30.

The Box has also been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friend Museum Award. It will be visited by undercover family judges during the summer and the winner announced in October.

Before that, The Box will also be hoping to celebrate success at this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards where it’s been shortlisted in the ‘UK Exhibition of the Year’ category for its permanent galleries and for the ‘Shop of the Year’.

The Museums + Heritage Awards celebrate all things great in museums and heritage across the globe and the results will be announced in July.

Classic Car Show Sept 5 Organised by Saltram Rotary Club at the beautiful setting of the Lyneham Estate near Yealmpton from 11am to 4pm. Proceeds in aid of Devon Air Ambulance.

Park Fest Sept 11 Skymind Studios bring live music to Devonport Park with two stages and plenty of fun for all the family. Bands taking part include Rock Fit, MC Harmony, Gozer Goodspeed, Ukeabillies, Fire Bird and Aftershock. 10am to 9pm. More details www.skymindstudios.com Tom Jones in Central Park Sept 18 One of Britain’s best-loved entertainers Sir Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records in a career spanning more then five decades.

With over thirty-five Top 40 hits in the UK, including ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Sexbomb’ and ‘Delilah’, don’t miss this chance to see Tom Jones performing live in Plymouth. Details www.beeyay.com Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival Sept 18 and 19 Seafood lovers are in for a treat as Plymouth Seafood Festival returns to The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. Organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, this free festival is a vibrant celebration of the incredible sustainably caught fresh fish and seafood on offer in Britain’s Ocean City. There will be plenty of fun activities for children to get involved with too, throughout the two days, there’s something for everyone. Stalls will line Quay Square and The Parade, selling delicious fresh dishes to enjoy on the day, as well as some special treats to take away. Soak up the festival atmosphere with some refreshments and live music, with sea-shanty bands who will be entertaining the crowds during the weekend.

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4 August 2021

4 August 2021

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Riverside pupils brighten up the community Children from Riverside Community Primary School in Barne Barton are the latest in Plymouth to take part in Devon & Cornwall Police’s Mini Police in the Community project.

The youngsters from Year 4 spent six weeks learning about policing and issues such as internet safety, antisocial behaviour, environmental issues and developing community messages which are tailored to their local areas.

The scheme aims to increase trust, confidence and provide safety messages and preventative education that will stay with them for life.

Devon and Cornwall Police piloted the scheme in early 2020 but it was put on hold due to the pandemic. But it was so successful it was decided to roll it out in 2021 and the force has now invested in six youth engagement officers who will be delivering mini-police in primary schools across the two counties.

The project in Barne Barton was overseen

by PC Deborah Hart the Youth Engagement Officer with Devon and Cornwall Police.

She said: “This programme gives children an opportunity to understand what’s involved in modern policing and to work with officers on a project that gives something back to their community. Each lesson is designed to increase their confidence and

understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

“There are instances where unfortunately children meet the police in a difficult situation that might involve their family members. The aim of the mini police programme is to show those children that being involved with the police is not always a negative experience and that they can work with us to improve education and issues that are impacting on their community.”

As part of the scheme the children undertook a social action project in the community on July 7.

They planted up six tractor tyres which were dug into the grass bank outside the Tamar View Complex and were helped by personnel from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The species of plants will attract pollinators and will provide a pleasant view

when parents are dropping off and picking up children at the school.

PC Hart said:”The children wanted to do something for their community and Pat Patel of Tamar View Complex offered to donate the unused tractor tyres to be used as planters.

Prior to that Oakley Builders prepared the ground, Otter Nurseries donated tools and plants and Cameron Davies provided all the compost.”

Councillor Pat Patel who gave permission for the land to be used said: “It is great to see children contributing to making Barne Barton a better place.”

On July 17 the children who took part in the project gave a presentation of the work they had done and were presented with their certificates before being treated to a special demonstration by Police Dog Freddie from the Alliance Dog Display team.

Tamar House Residential Home 11 Brest Road, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5XN Our Care Home is just that - a caring, inviting environment designed to offer comfort, security, friendship and companionship.

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See the spectacular live performance of Trigger’s The Hatchling in Plymouth this summer A giant dragon will hatch in the city, roam the streets and then take to the sky from The Hoe. Join us on 14th & 15th August for this highlight event in the Mayflower 400 programme – an adventure never to be forgotten.

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August 2021

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Family fun as Fit and Fed hits the road An exciting programme of free fun family activities and a healthy nutritious lunch is being delivered across Plymouth during the summer holidays.

Plymouth City Council is taking the Fit and Fed Programme on tour by holding ten free community events at a number of different parks and green open spaces across the city thanks to funding from the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Fund.

The events, which are being coordinated by the council’s Sports Development Unit will take place every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer holidays between 10am to 2pm.

There will be a range of fun family activities including: inflatables, mini-golf, football darts, archery, slime and bubble creating, rocket making and much more.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said “I’m delighted that we have been able to expand our Fit and Fed programme this year and hope that lots of people will come along and enjoy the free activities on offer.

After the challenging year we have all had, it will be good to come together and enjoy the city’s amazing green spaces.”

In addition to all the fun activities taking place, families will also be able to get advice and information on local services such as housing, jobs and employment, health and wellbeing, food and nutrition.

The Fit and Fed On Tour programme is also being supported by several local organisations including: • Plymouth’s school meals provider CATERed who will be providing a selection of hot and cold healthy lunches • Food Plymouth will be offering food related advice, money-saving tips and ways to be sugar smart • The council’s Natural Infrastructure Team will be providing wildlife walks and nature themed activities • Plymouth Scrapstore will be providing junk modelling, badge making and creative play opportunities Fit and Fed On Tour will visit the following locations. All activities are free and and CATERed will be providing lunch between 12 and 1pm.

July 27 Devonport Park; July 29 Ernesettle Green; August 3 Tothill Park; August 5 Peacock Meadow; August 10 Victoria Park; August 12 Moonies Park Field; August 17 Bernice Terrace Field; August 19 King George V Playing Fields; August 24 Central Park; August 26 Knowle Battery Playing Pitches.

Spaces are still available for eligible parents and carers to book onto the Fit and Fed holiday club activities which are being delivered by providers such as; Argyle Community Trust, Fit for Sport, Hamoaze House, the Mount Batten Centre and the National Marine Aquarium amongst others.

Fit and Fed aims to support families with children aged five to 16 years old that currently receive benefits-related free school meals. As well as providing children with a healthy nutritious lunch, the holiday clubs also include a wide range of different activities including; sport, music, dance, drama, art, cooking and science.

Parents and carers of children aged five to 16 years old whot receive benefits-related free school meals and who would like to know more about the Fit and Fed programme, should visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/fitandfed.

6 August 2021

6 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Enjoying Plymouth’s local nature reserves is local artist’s remedy for lockdown fatigue A Plymouth artist found the perfect remedy to overcome lockdown lethargy after discovering Plymouth’s nature reserves.

Naula Taylor was inspired by stories on Plymouth City Council’s website earlier this year about the 13 nature reserves in the city - all of which are open to the public free of charge.

Most people in the city know all about Plymouth’s many parks and open spaces, but Nuala is convinced that many of them have never visited one of the nature reserves.

Having been impressed by the stories on the website she decided to explore them for herself - and as a landscape artist she just had to respond.

The result was ‘Lockdown Landscapes: Plymouth’s Hidden Gems’ - a series of five landscape paintings reflecting the Hawthorns at Plym Bridge by Naula Taylor diversity of landscape and habitats the benefits of the natural environment.” that the reserves have to offer, from With Love Parks Week taking place the glistening winter mud banks of between July 23 and August 1, Nuala is estuary creeks to the cool, still pool at encouraging local residents to make the Efford Marshes and the bluebells and most of the nature reserves and other hawthorns of Plymouth Woods and green spaces.

Newnham Nature Reserve.

She said: “Landscape painting is what Nuala said: “I have lived in Plymouth I most enjoy, so I feel blessed to live in for 60 years and just did not know what such a beautiful area. From my home the city has to offer with the nature reserves - neither did many of the people in Plympton, it’s only a 20 minute drive to the beach in one direction, and 20 I have spoken to. minutes to the moors in the other!

“Given the current concerns about the “But discovering the local nature effect of the lockdowns on health and reserves has been an eye-opener. So wellbeing, it is more important than ever many of them, such as Newnham, right on that people get out and about and enjoy

my doorstep, I had never heard of before - despite having lived in Plymouth for so many years. They are all so different too including estuaries, woodland and meadows.

“One of my favourites has got to be Ernesettle Creek, with its tidal mudflats, views across the Tamar to Cornwall, and an abundance of wild birds, including the oyster catchers with their bright orange legs and beaks. Plymouth City Council has done a great job of maintaining the paths, so the walk to the end fo the estuary is very accessible, and it’s right on a bus route!

“For me, these reserves are the perfect lock down antidote. After being cooped up for so long, to be able to get out into the landscape, to get that sense of light and space, of being able to stretch my eyes, is a real tonic.

“I set myself a challenge. I decided to paint the reserves, and use the paintings to help promote them so that others get out and enjoy them too. I’m not finished yet, but I’m getting there. And then, of course, I can visit them all over again, in different seasons, weather conditions, states of the tide. I could be busy for quite some time yet!”

Visit Nuala’s Instagram page at www. instagram.com/taylornuala to see more of her work.

For more information about the local nature reserves visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ localnature reserves

Landscape artist Nuala Taylor...inspired by city’s nature reserves Photo: Hannah Smallpage

High praise for careers provision at City College

Seven year old Faye raises over £1000 for Derriford’s school and play team

City College Plymouth is celebrating after receiving the highest of praise for its careers provision.

“A special mention must go to Sarah Sinclair who has been instrumental in delivering a comprehensive careers strategy, which sets out the blueprint for how this whole college approach Following a rigorous assessment, the college can be built upon going forward. I look forward to has achieved 100% in all of the eight areas that seeing how this develops over the next academic are assessed against the Gatsby Benchmarks of year. Great job!”

Good Career Guidance. These eight benchmarks City College Plymouth careers co-ordinator, have been adopted by the Government as a Sarah Sinclair, said: “It was incredible to hear we framework for providing high-quality careers had achieved 100% in all eight benchmarks: this is provision. testament to the team we have here, who go above The areas covered by the Gatsby benchmarks and beyond for include Gatsby celebration (from left) Nicky Henderson, senior our students to addressing enterprise co-ordinator at Heart of the South West Careers ensure they are the needs of Hub, careers coordinator, Sarah Sinclair and principal and on path to their individual chief executive, Jackie Grubb perfect career. students, “The team encounters works very hard with industry to treat every speakers, student we see exposure to as an individual, opportunities but we are also available through fortunate that additional the college further education enjoys a crossor universitycollege approach level study, and to careers a curriculum that provision: is carefully linked something that to careers. truly benefits Nicky Henderson, senior enterprise co-ordinator our students and their futures.” at Heart of the South West Careers Hub, who Such an achievement is pleasing for the college, carried out the assessment of the college’s careers as a successful careers provision is part of its provision, said: “City College Plymouth has worked strategic action that focuses on developing a highreally hard over the past two years to embed quality, careers-led curriculum that ultimately careers across all areas of the College. builds better futures for all.

“It is obvious that the drive to ensure that every In addition to being one of a handful of colleges student is able to identify their best next step is to receive 100% in all eight areas, the college’s now a focus that is fully supported by the Senior Careers service was also awarded Matrix Standard Leadership Team - Gatsby can only be achieved accreditation in 2020. when this is the case.

A seven year old girl has raised over £1000 for the school and play specialists at Derriford Hospital.

Faye has had to spend much time in hospital and wanted to raise money to say thank you for the help and support she received. As well as the excellent care from the hospital staff, Faye really enjoyed the classroom activities.

The school and play facilities are provided by ACE Schools, part of Transforming Futures Trust.

Now she has handed over £1150 to thank Derriford for all they have done for her.

It all started when she wanted to provide some good glue sticks for the children to use on the ward after the one she had used hadn’t stuck very well! This soon grew into providing enough funds to purchase lots of resources and equipment for both the play team and Ace team who provide the education in the hospital.

Kate Rundle is the hospital education facilitator, a trained teacher who provides educational activities for all children who find themselves in Derriford. She said: “We know that children and young people like having a routine, and don’t want to get behind with their

school work, so we have a specially equipped classroom and I try to make sure all ages are catered for.”

“Faye’s family and friends asked how they could help and decided to raise money for the school and the play specialists. I spent our share of the money on books that the children had requested, some educational games, science equipment and lots of arts and crafts materials.”

Faye’s mum, Christina said: “Faye said she wanted to raise money for the school because she enjoys playing games with you and wanted to do something nice to help the school. I also think school budgets are so tight that money has a long way to go in buying resources. And as a hospital school you enrich so many young lives whilst they go through illnesses that we wanted to help in some way.”

Gavin Gracie, chief executive of Transforming Futures Trust said: “Kate does an excellent job helping children who attend the school provision at Derriford. For Faye and her family to make this fantastic generous gesture really means a lot.”

@PlymChronicle

Top award for Marjon’s Flying Start nursery Parents have rated the nursery at Marjon as one of the top 20 out of more than 2,000 early year settings in the South West.

Flying Start@Marjon have received the award from the day nurseries review site daynurseries. co.uk, based on reviews from the children’s families and carers. The nursery was rated on a wide range of criteria including overall standard, facilities and outside space, learning, resources and equipment, care, cleanliness, safeguarding and value for money.

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of daynurseries.co.uk, said: “We would like to congratulate Flying Start @ Marjon on being rated by parents as a top nursery in South West England “Being chosen as one of the best nurseries in the UK by family and carers of children that attend the setting is a massive achievement.

“The past year has been a huge challenge for nurseries, many of whom were offering childcare to vulnerable and keyworker children during the various lockdowns and giving children that all important ‘normality’.

“We hope these awards will boost the spirits of nursery staff who have been through such a lot and give parents vital guidance in choosing the right nursery for their child. Reviews of our Top 20 nurseries show these settings stimulate and nurture children, improving their social and emotional wellbeing and enhancing their learning.”

A spokesperson for Flying Start@ Marjon said: “This is our third Top 20 award we have received in as many years, and we are SO grateful to all our wonderful staff and parents who continue to create such a beautiful environment that allows us to give the children in our care a ‘Flying Start.’”

Youngsters at Flying Start celebrate the award

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An academic from the University of Plymouth has been named as one of the UK’s female engineering heroes.

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Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School Group which has nurseries in Crownhill and Pennycross has also been named as one of the top nursery groups in the South West.

Mama Bear’s which runs more than 20 settings in Devon, Somerset and other parts of the region was also in the daynurseries.co.uk top 20.

Mama Bear’s managing director Chris Marston, said: “To say we are proud is an understatement.

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Reaching the top 20 list of nursery groups in the UK, on a prestigious and trusted nursery guide, is incredible and a testament to our staff and ethos.

“This award means even more taking into account the challenges the past 16 months has given us. We are so pleased that we were able to provide a childcare service to families in our communities, and to win an award on top of that is fantastic.”

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Alison Raby, Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Head of the COAST Engineering Research Group, has been named by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) as a recipient of its Top 50 Women in Engineering: Engineering Heroes awards.

Now in their sixth year, the 2021 WE50 awards celebrate women who have made a significant contribution to helping their organisation, community or indeed the world during the last year.

Professor Raby is one of the world’s leading experts on how extreme waves and coastal flooding impact coastal structures.

She led the national STORMLAMP project, which examined the resilience of lighthouses and how they might be affected in future years as a result of the rise in extreme winter storms.

She has also led international initiatives such as investigating how coastal communities in Sri Lanka can be warned about the combined threats of severe rainfall and cyclones.

And she has played a vital role in a number of collaborative initiatives with the UK Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team, aimed at uncovering the precise reasons for the severity of destruction.

Professor Raby said: “It is a real honour to be named by the Women’s Engineering Society as one of their Engineering Heroes.

This award reflects the many exciting opportunities – both from an academic and personal perspective – that have come my way as a civil engineering academic.

The ongoing support and affirmation given by colleagues at the University of Plymouth and elsewhere is also hugely valued and appreciated.”

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8 August 2021

Partnership plan to improve city’s bus services

Plymouth’s bus services are set to be redesigned following the creation of a partnership between the Plymouth City Council and bus operators intended to make buses a natural choice for everyone.

An executive decision has been taken by Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, to allow Plymouth City Council to start the process of forming an ‘Enhanced Partnership’.

This decision comes after positive, informal, discussions with the bus companies, about the benefits to Plymouth of the partnership.

Earlier this year, the Government published the National Bus Strategy for England ‘Bus Back Better’. The strategy is intended to deliver cheaper, more frequent and more reliable bus services for passengers.

As part of the strategy there is an expectation that Plymouth City Council, in partnership with local bus operators, forms a statutory Enhanced Partnership, where both the council and bus operators work together to improve local bus services.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport said: “We need to rebuild confidence in our public transport system and to help it and the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a great opportunity to work together on a plan that will get more of us out of our cars and onto the buses.

“If we are serious about reducing our carbon footprint and delivering on our Climate Emergency actions, making it easier and more attractive for people to use buses has got to be the way forward. There’s a lot to think about, but this is exciting stuff.”

All bus companies operating registered services within the city boundary have been notified of the council’s intent to form an enhanced partnership and the notice can be found at www.plymouth. gov.uk/parkingandtravel/publictransport/ nationalbusstrategy The next stage in the process is the development of a Bus Service Improvement Plan, by October 31. The plan will set out the vision, and action plan, for delivering the improvements to public transport that is required by the National Bus Strategy, ahead of the start of the Enhanced Partnership.

Call for keyworkers to be awarded Freedom of City of Plymouth Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has called for the city’s COVID-19 key workers to be recognised for their service by being awarded the Freedom of the City of Plymouth.

In a letter to Lord Mayor, Councillor Terri Beer and City Council leader Nick Kelly, Mr Pollard stated that those who served in frontline roles during the pandemic, including NHS staff and retail workers, deserve to be bestowed with the city’s highest honour.

The Freedom of the City of Plymouth has previously been awarded to ship’s companies, military units and Royal Navy personnel. Now Mr Pollard believes that this distinguished honour should now be used to acknowledge and value the outstanding contribution made

by Plymouth’s key workers since last March.

The Freedom of the City of Plymouth is a historic title which would traditionally afford the recipient a number of special privileges.

However, Mr Pollard went on to say that this need not be the case if the honour were to be awarded to such a large number of people, but instead ‘represent the city’s thanks and recognition.’

8 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Barefoot stepping up in St Budeaux!

Plymouth youth charity Barefoot is working hard to engage young people in an area of the city that has been experiencing anti-social behaviour.

Barefoot is building a youth provision in St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton that aims to give young people aged between 10 and 19 opportunities and support that will divert them from ASB. Barefoot’s director Richard Marsh said: “We started building our youth provision in the area in mid 2019, but the pandemic and lockdowns blew a big hole in the middle of it. However, since autumn 2020 we’ve been able to offer a continuous weekly presence and have now established two groups – one younger, one older – with outdoor activities and an indoor drop-in as well as trips and support services.’

The outdoor activities include weekly sessions run by Plymouth Parkour CIC in Kit Hill Park thanks to a successful application

by Barefoot to Babcocks, a Proceeds of Crime award secured by PC Helen Blackler and support from Plymouth City Council Youth Service.

Film maker Dominic Finnan is also videoing the regular Tuesday sessions for Barefoot so the public and partners will be able to see for themselves how activity can change young people’s outlook.

Barefoot’s lead youth worker Jon Dingle said: “The police and City Youth Service, who we work closely with in this area, both recommended Plymouth Parkour, and Maciej and Karel have really drawn in large numbers of young people. This has enabled us to get to know them and start building the relationships and trust that are central to youth work.

“Thanks to St Budeaux Community Centre we are also able to provide indoor open access sessions on the same night where young people can chill, socialise and share any issues or worries with our youth work team.”

Barefoot has also been instrumental in bringing Plymouth Argyle’s Premier League Kicks project into St Budeaux, giving young people another outdoor activity for the summer months, that, like Parkour, can

Parkour sessions are proving popular with youngsters Photo Dominic Finnan

continue well into the Autumn. The first Friday session in July attracted over 45 young people. The charity has also been busy organising trips to get young people out of the area, with them always making the decision on where they go.

Carly Brown-Martin, Barefoot’s senior youth support worker said: “Our younger group wanted to visit Crealy Adventure Park and had a great trip in June and I’m currently organising our first paintballing activity.

Taking young people away from their area really helps us to build relationships and is also beneficial for their mental health after all the lockdowns and Covid restrictions.”

Leading up to being able to offer activities and indoor sessions Barefoot continued with its detached work on the streets on Fridays, which was all the team were allowed to do during the most recent lockdowns.

Like all Barefoot’s work, this is open access, so young people decide if they want to engage with the workers and for how long.

Knowing the youth team will be there next week and the week after and has no agenda except to help is crucially important and helps builds that all important trust.

Jon Dingle added: “In both Ernesettle and Whitleigh, where we also work, Barefoot started providing youth provision when levels

of anti-social behaviour was very high and young people’s trust in adults was very low.

Now our young people in Ernesettle organise community events and play an active part in improving where they live.

In Whitleigh members of the youth group are currently running their own multigenerational diversity project, taking local adults to London next weekend to meet young people from a very diverse youth group in Ealing.”

“Don’t get the idea youth work is easy. It takes skill, patience and passion. One vital aspect of Barefoot’s work in St Budeaux and elsewhere is supporting young people through a whole range of issues and crises, including sexual health and bereavement and educating them about the pitfalls of alcohol and substance abuse.”

Richard Marsh added: “Our youth workers, Jon, Carly, Becky and Kalum and our volunteers just want to do their best for the young people in this area. Despite the problems at the moment, and we don’t want to minimise the impact of ASB on local residents and traders, young people aren’t a problem, they are young people, who are learning to navigate their way into adulthood.

Just like everybody else, sometimes they need and deserve a helping hand.”

Double gold for nine-year old Alyssa A nine-year-old girl from Mannamead is storming the table tennis world - winning double gold at the recent Under 10 to Under 13 national championships.

Alyssa Nguyen who is a member of the Joola Plymouth club based at Eggbuckland Community College, won gold in both the Under 10 and Under 11 singles at the Marc Bates National Championships organised by Table Tennis England at Warwick University.

There was more family success with her 11-year-old brother Hugo bagging a silver medal

Alyssa in action and (left) with one of her trophies

in the under-12 boy’s singles. Hugo’s twin brother Leo narrowly failed to make it a family triple on the podium as he was narrowly defeated in the quarter-finals.

Both twins went out in the last 16 of the under-13 singles, Leo losing 12-10 to Harry Randall in a deciding fifth set and Hugo 3-0 at the hands of second seed Isaac Kingham.

Alyssa, who attends St Matthew’s Primary School in Compton, won the under-11 title first defeating Hannah Saunders in the final 3-0.

She had earlier defeated fourth seed Jemima Choudhury 3-0 in the semi-finals and second seed Zara Brooks 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

In the under-10 event, Alyssa beat Choudhury, who was the top seed, in the group stage and got through to the final to face Amber Lemmon, and Nguyen secured her second title with a 3-1 victory.

Alyssa went out in the group stage of the under12s, but battled through to the knockout rounds in the under-13s, losing to third seed Naomi Coker in the last 16.

August 2021

@PlymChronicle

COVID vaccine hub closes

The COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing closed its doors on July 16.

The Hub was phenomenally successful in delivering the national vaccination programme at a local level; vaccinating both hospital staff, other health and social care workers and the public.

The Hub opened in December and by midJuly nearly 100,000 vaccinations had been administered. The achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the vaccinators and volunteers and the behind the scenes support provided by a wide range of specialist teams from across University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Livewell Southwest.

Some of the staff working at the centre have been reflecting on their experience: “Not one of us could deliver such a valuable service without the support of one another,” said nurse associate educator, Dan Fowell.

“I feel privileged to be in a position to offer my services to help protect the general public and colleagues that I have worked with. This will remain one of the greatest experiences of my career for the rest of my life.”

Specialist occupational therapist, Judi Armstrong said: “Working at the Derriford Vaccination Hub in the global pandemic has been an honour. Every day I have worked at the hub I have observed empathy, respect and sensitivity to those that have come to us for their vaccines.”

COVID-19 vaccinator, Janet Benjafield said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside all these amazing professionals and volunteers who hit the ground running to undertake this mammoth task.

“The public have been absolutely fantastic; I don’t think I’ll ever be thanked as much

Two new operating theatres at Derriford to reduce backlog

COVID-19 vaccinator, Janet Benjafield: ‘It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside all these amazing professionals and volunteers’

ever again as I have in any of my shifts here.

Everyone has been so grateful for what we have been doing, showing basic human nature at its best, with adverse circumstances bringing out the best in people. It’s been an absolute privilege.”

All activity has transferred to the Home Park Mass Vaccination site. There will be no reduction in the capability and capacity for the population of Plymouth and the surrounding area in terms of the vaccinations being offered. Currently these are Pfizer BionTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The vaccination calendars for opening hours will accommodate delivery of the three vaccines in line with the national programme and safe systems of working methods.

Derriford Hospital has secured major investment to expand its operating capacity, with work set to begin on two new operating theatres.

Trustees wanted A Plymouth-based charity is looking for new Trustees.

The Candle Trust is a non profit organisation that provides support for autistic adults who have associated learning difficulties.

More details of its work can be found at www. facebook.com/thecandletrustplymouth Trustees are voluntary positions, but out of pocket expenses are covered.

If you feel you can help guide The Candle Trust through the next chapter in it’s story and positively impact the Trust, please contact John for more info and a chat on 01752 562026.

The development has secured funding from the national NHS Elective Recovery Fund to address the major impact of COVID on hospital waiting times, as part of the Accelerator Programme.

The move will see the existing Ophthalmology Theatres relocate from Level 7 of Derriford Hospital, to new purpose-built theatres based within the disabled car park.

This move will vacate two existing theatres within the main building, creating capacity for additional theatre lists in other specialties to treat the most complex, longest waiting or highest clinical priority cases.

When asked about the importance of this development, chief operating officer, Jo Beer said: “Securing this investment is a very important step in our elective recovery. Introducing two additional theatres will allow us to treat around 200 additional patients each month and tackle waiting lists following the pandemic.”

The Trust will be redistributing 25 dedicated spaces into adjacent car parks to accommodate the new build. This will ensure the current level of disabled car parking capacity is maintained, whilst spreading accessible spaces to entrances across the site.

These spaces will continue to be serviced by the Trust’s access buggy to transfer visitors to the main entrance.

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10 August 2021

10 August 2021

Thought For The Day

“You Are Never Too Old To Set Another Goal Or To Dream A New Dream.”

C.S. Lewis

PRIDE & JOY

@PlymChronicle

Big splash for Plymouth youth charity fundraiser!

Brave volunteers who took part in the Sunrise Swim fundraiser

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Plymouth youth charity Barefoot has raised nearly £4,000 – and still counting – from its first major fund-raising event: a Summer Solstice Sunrise Swim at 5am!

Swimmers in the local area, but also as far afield as Bournemouth and Gothenburg, Sweden, took to the water in aid of Barefoot’s SpaceShot youth provision. Groups braved the chilly waters at Devil’s Point, Tinside and Wembury, with the Devil’s Point contingent including experienced wild swimmers and newcomers, as well as Barefoot youth workers and board members.

Barefoot board members Claire Best and Stewart Loze braved the sea temperatures and drizzly rain.

Claire said” “I was a bit apprehensive swimming this early but it was great experience.”

Barefoot planned the Sunrise Swim to spearhead its new fund-raising strategy, aimed at making the charity, which provides activities and support for young people aged between 10 and 19 in disadvantaged communities in the north west of Plymouth, less reliant on the uncertainty of grants.

The charity, which was founded in 1996 has, since 2013, provided youth activities and support for disadvantaged youngsters in Ernesettle, Whitleigh, St Budeaux and King’s Tamerton. The SpaceShot HQ is in Ernesettle.

Barefoot director Richard Marsh said:”We were very lucky to be awarded a grant from the Lottery Community Fund for our work in Ernesettle in early 2020 and that included a pot of money to develop the whole charity, including our fund-raising. The outcome is a plan to seek more donations in novel ways and our first toe in the water (pun intended) was the Sunrise Swim.’

Advised by expert fund-raiser Paul Read from Drift, the planning of the Sunrise Swim had to take account of COVID, so is was a ‘virtual’ event, meaning the participants took part individually and at their own risk, but with Barefoot providing a wide range of safety advice and a social media link up before and during the event.

As it was such a success, the

Sunrise Swim will become an annual fund raiser and, if COVID allows, can hopefully be more communal.

SpaceShot’s professional lead youth worker Jon Dingle explained that the need is great: “We’ve been working with young people right through all the lockdowns, mainly through street activity and have been shocked by the impact on their mental health. Young people have borne the brunt of restrictions, lack of opportunities and social isolation and we aim to provide the support and experiences they need to overcome this and make the most of their futures.”

Swimmer sponsorship and other donations can be made through the Barefoot website at www.barefoot. org.uk

Taking the plunge to raise funds

Bright Future for city’s youngsters A new five year plan to ensure Plymouth’s children and young people have the best possible start to life has been agreed by the City Council’s Cabinet.

The Bright Future Plan sets out the citywide vision to ensure all Plymouth children and young people are able to be healthy, happy and safe as well as having opportunities to aspire and achieve.

A wide range of partner organisations across the city including; the City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Barnardo’s, the NSPCC, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, Livewell Southwest and the Plymouth Octopus Project have collaborated on the plan to ensure the right advice, services and provision is in place so children stand the best possible chance of growing into resilient adults.

This means making sure the entire

system from antenatal and early years services, continuing through all school ages and stages and into young adulthood are able to work seamlessly together to spot difficulties early, respond quickly and effectively and make sure that help is there for as long as it is needed.

Bright Future recognises that some children face much greater challenges in their childhoods and into their adult lives and aims to address this together One of the key elements of the plan is ensuring the voice of children and young people is regularly heard and considered as part of planning and decision making.

The Council has a young Safeguarding group of young people aged between 14 and 19 who support the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership to make sure that the voices of children and young people are heard and that things

like the information they read and the policies and procedures that affect their lives are fair and understandable.

One of the members of the group said: “Please do not underestimate the impact that 2020/21 has had on our mental health. A greater number of young people are now feeling isolated and a lot more vulnerable. These mental health challenges result in the need for young people to feel valued, listened to and respected by professionals.”

Another one added: “We want professionals to ask us what we need and not to assume. If we are supported to explore our own ideas, we are more likely to follow them and make changes within our lives.”

The next steps for the plan are for it to be proposed to Full Council in September to be formally adopted as the children and young people’s plan for the city.

August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Breeze celebrates a decade of getting thousands more women into cycling A decade on from its creation, British Cycling are toasting 10 years of the ground-breaking Breeze programme, which has provided over 320,000 women with a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to get on their bikes.

Breeze, so named to capture the fun and freedom of cycling, was set up in 2011 alongside Sport England and with the support of National Lottery funding to inspire women to discover or rediscover, the joy of riding bikes.

The programme offers women of all ages and abilities the chance to cycle via fun, free female-led rides.

It has helped thousands of women experience the benefits of cycling since launching in Plymouth in 2012 and despite the last year, the Plymouth Breeze Champions are back - putting on free rides for local women.

Celebrating their own milestones are Plymouth-based Breeze Champions Sue Jennings and Ceri

Carter, who this year, have clocked up an impressive 400 rides each – and counting!

Ceri Carter, a ride leader since 2016, said: “No sooner than my sis and I could walk, our dad had us on two wheels. He was passionate about anything with two wheels, with or without an engine, I suppose it rubbed off a little.

“I reached a certain age and all too suddenly, eating all you want and keeping a figure is not happening anymore, so a new plan was needed!

“By the power of Facebook and a few posts in cycling groups, I was steered towards Breeze. A group run by women volunteers, passionate about cycling, although I was so nervous about going to my first session.

“I was on my own and just did what I’d always done and went for it, thankfully, others there were just like me and didn’t make you do anything you didn’t feel comfortable doing, which was really encouraging and helpful.

Life’s a breeze... pictured (from left): Jackie Venning, Caroline Lethbridge, Debbie McCall, Valerie Jordan, Sue Jennings, Ceri Carter, Allison Quigley, Chris Fisher, Allison Gliddon and Yiffi

“The short version is, I had a lovely time and went again and again and then I trained to be a Breeze Champion. I then started running the beginner rides and qualified as an instructor, because I wanted to teach people to cycle safely with the same passion I have.

“So here I am, over 400 rides later, maybe a bit fitter, lots of new friends, some amazing memories, planning lots more rides over the moors, looking for the least hilly routes, that’s difficult in Devon, with the best coffee and cake stops, the journey goes on.”

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Breeze. Help them celebrate their tenth birthday by joining them on a ride near you.

Visit www.letsride.co.uk to find out more.

For more information please contact Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit on sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307008.

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For all the latest information and updates on events in Plymouth this summer please go to visitplymouth.co.uk

12 August 2021

SailGP poster immortalised in stunning glass artwork Artist Ian Nicholls with the glass wall panel

Local artist and owner of Plymouth Glass Gallery, Ian Nicholls, has recreated SailGP’s promotional poster for Plymouth as a stunning glass wall panel.

The artwork was presented to the Great Britain SailGP team as a gift to commemorate the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, which took place in Plymouth on July 17 and 18.

SailGP is one of the world’s most impressive sailing events and the Plymouth event was the third in the global league’s second season.

Ian Nicholls said: “SailGP was a hugely exciting event and brilliant for Plymouth. As one of the many proud independent businesses based on the waterfront, we wanted to create something that showcased our support and welcomed the team and the event to the city and came up with the idea of producing the promotional poster in glass.”

The promotional poster is an illustration of the F50 catamaran’s sailing in Plymouth Sound against a backdrop of Plymouth Hoe including Smeaton’s Tower, which has been cleverly recreated as a glass wall panel.

Ian continued: “The biggest challenge was creating a 3D effect, as I wanted the catamaran to feel like it’s coming out of the panel at you, which I think I’ve achieved here. Glass is such a beautiful medium and often seems alive thanks to the way the light reflects on it and appears to change the colours or depth. I hope this creation shows our appreciation Paul Goodison with the panel for this fantastic event.”

Great Britain SailGP Team interim driver and Olympic Gold medalist Paul Goodison added: “The local support has always been fantastic, so it’s great to see that local enthusiasm come to life in this brilliant piece of art by Ian. He’s really captured the essence of SailGP in this piece.”

Plymouth Glass Gallery is based on Southside Street on the Barbican and sells a range of contemporary glass from a number of leading artists as well as artwork created by Ian in his on-site gallery.

He can also create bespoke commissions to fit different size and colour requirements. Find out more at plymouthglassgallery.com.

12 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Community groups prepare to welcome The Hatchling Community groups and creative organisations from across Plymouth are preparing to welcome The Hatchling, a monumental dragon puppet created by outdoor arts producers Trigger.

Over the weekend of August 14 and 15, The Hatchling will roam through the city encountering locals, and their offerings, on her journey, creating a duet between the two characters of the performance: the dragon and the city.

The public are being invited to take part in the show across the weekend. Theatre Royal Plymouth are looking for people to join their regular groups to create a fitting welcome for the dragon. No performance experience is required, but people are being asked to register their interest and availability for rehearsals at www.theatreroyal. com/thehatchlingbepartofit.

Meanwhile Trigger are searching for local buskers to perform along the route - interested musicians should contact becca.gill@triggerstuff.co.uk.

A number of groups are already preparing to take part in the two-day event including Barbican Theatre, who are creating new work especially for The Hatchling. On Saturday August 14, 30 singers from The Lost Sound choir will perform a lullaby to send The Hatchling to sleep after a day of exploration.

The following day, performers from Plymouth Roller Derby will encounter The Hatchling on the Hoe before she undergoes a miraculous transformation, unfurling her wings and flying off

the coast in a world-first attempt.

The epic finale will take place to the melodies of Mayflower A Capella group who will perform a musical soundscape with a blend of 26 voices harmonising together.

In advance of The Hatchling’s visit, designers and makers in Plymouth are creating their offerings. Plymouth College of Art students have joined Trigger’s costume department to make outfits for performers, and Mother’s Who Make are producing individual textile works that will be stitched together during the weekend to form a huge quilt for the sleeping dragon. Elder Tree will be participating in knitting and crochet work on Saturday before hosting a mass Tai Chi Class on the Sunday.

Plymouth communities are also getting involved through the Real Ideas Organisation who are working with families to create windsocks which will fly on the Hoe on Sunday Members of Plymouth Roller Derby will encounter The Hatchling evening.

The Conscious Sisters are working with local groups around the city to make lanterns which will be shown in a parade with the help of Nudge Community Builders.

Sandra Smith from The Lost Sound said: “Coming out of lockdown has been hard for our communities; we haven’t been together at large events for a long time and we’ve missed that buzz!

But wait till you see this amazing outdoor show - The Hatchling will burst out onto our Plymouth streets and allow our minds and imagination to soar again – to dream big! We can’t wait to be part of it, it’s time to fly again!”

Harriet Bolwell, senior producer at Trigger said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with so many participants and partner organisations from across Plymouth to create The Hatchling.

The event is a true celebration of the city and the creative people who live here, and we can’t wait to come together after a year of isolation.”

After Plymouth, The Hatchling will continue her journey to London to head a procession of more than 5,000 performers at Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, taking place on Sunday June 5 2022.

University scientists help to unlock hidden secrets of rare UK meteorite Scientists from the University of Plymouth are helping to uncover the secrets of a rare meteorite which could possibly reveal the origins of the oceans and life on Earth.

Research carried out on the Winchcombe meteorite, which fell in and around the Gloucestershire town earlier this year, estimates the space rock dates back to the beginning of the solar system, 4.5 billion years ago.

The meteorite was tracked using video footage from the UK’s meteor camera networks, including the UK Fireball Network, and fragments were then quickly located and recovered.

Since the discovery, UK planetary scientists – including Dr Natasha Stephen and colleagues in the University’s Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) – have been trying to determine its mineralogy and chemistry to better understand how the solar system formed.

They have found the meteorite is a carbonaceous chondrite – a stony material, rich in water and organic matter, which has retained its chemistry from the formation of the solar system.

Funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the research work in Plymouth has include analysing small samples of Winchcombe to determine both the fine and coarse-grained mineralogy of the meteorite.

Preliminary results of chemical and micro-

structural analyses of the different textures in Winchcombe have shown in-tact chondrules, metals, and mineral fragments, all held within the fine-grained matrix, which represent some of the earliest materials to form in the Solar System.

The work has been carried out by Dr Natasha Stephen, lecturer in Advanced Analysis (Earth & Planetary Sciences), and PEMC technicians Dr Jennifer Mitchell and Lorelei Robertson.

They have also been supported by planetary science postgraduate student Francesca Willcocks, and they are all using the cutting edge electron microscopes within PEMC to conduct the investigation.

Dr Stephen, director of the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, has spent more than a decade analysing Martian meteorites and has been on meteorite hunting expeditions all over the world.

She added: “Collecting meteorites in the field is always special, but doing it in your home country is even more so. Now we have a piece of Winchcombe to analyse right here in Plymouth. It’s the first time we’ve had a British meteorite in the lab, so everyone is incredibly excited and keen to be a part of the initial analyses.

“The small planetary geology group we have here are all helping, thanks to STFC funding, so it’s been a fantastic catalyst for a new study bringing together academics, technicians and students.”

The Plymouth University Winchcombe team Dr Natasha Stephen (front), postgraduate student Francesca Willcocks (middle), and new technical specialist Dr Jennifer Mitchell (back)

August 2021

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up to

‘The Park in the Sea’ moves a huge step closer after National Lottery Heritage Fund award Plymouth Sound, the home of UK’s first National Marine Park has been awarded £9.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make its vision of a park in the sea a reality.

People across the city and surrounding the Sound are celebrating after learning the bid for the Heritage Horizon Awards has been successful.

Leader of Plymouth City Council Nick Kelly said: “This is truly a game changer for Plymouth. For too long Plymouth hasn’t fully embraced the sea and its waterfront - this funding means we can now put the Sound right at the heart of our plans for Plymouth.

“We are in a unique position, within a unique landscape – fantastic wildlife, an historic waterfront, rich maritime heritage and cutting edge marine research, but we need to look after this special place. We need people from all walks of life to get in it, on it, talk about it and as a city cherish the Sound for future generations.”

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will reconnect an entire city to the sea, the marine environment and its history. The bid is based on three key elements: Physical infrastructure – creating gateways to the park with improved facilities at Tinside cove and pool, Mount Batten Peninsula and watersports centre, the National Marine Aquarium, Mount Edgcumbe as well as enhancing community access points though out the park Social infrastructure - a city wide community engagement programme designed to get all Plymothians out in, on, under and next to the water and develop new ‘green’ marine employment opportunities Digital park - using the latest tech to create new ways of engaging people with the park and learning about its hidden treasures without getting wet.

Councillor Kelly said: “The scale of what we want to achieve is vast. We have a two year development period where we will be talking to everyone and anyone, shaping and testing ideas before the five year delivery plan gets into full swing.

“This administration is committed to listening to what people want and this project has enormous potential to unite and inspire people, enabling everyone to feel healthier and happier as well as tackle some of the big issues that are threatening the Sound and our environment. It’s exciting stuff.”

The bid has cross party support. Leader of the Opposition Councillor Tudor Evans added: “This is just epic news. The Park in the Sea really

Plymouth Sound Fact File

It’s home to over 1,000 different species of marine life Over 6,400 hectares is designated a Special Area of Conservation; it also has a Special Protection Area, a Marine Conservation Zones plus numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It’s home to HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe Brittany Ferries operate out of Millbay Port and across the Sound at Cattedown there are commercial wharves as well as an international fish market.

Plymouth is home to an internationally important marine research cluster - including Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth is a people’s park and over the next two years residents and businesses across the city and in surrounding communities - not just those living close to the waterfront – will be encouraged to explore what the Sound has to offer and then shape the project.”

The project outlines five ‘gateways’ to the park each with a particular focus that will inspire more people to explore, connect and enjoy the sea in all sorts of different ways.

• Tinside - for health and wellbeing activities • National Marine Aquarium - a hub for nature and the environment • Mountbatten - active recreation • Mount Edgcumbe - heritage - learning about the Sound’s epic history including over 600 wrecks that lie beneath the waves • Smart Sound - digital harnessing the power of the latest digital technology The park aims to change how a landscape and its people can work together. The ‘Park in the Sea’ will transform lives, employment, education, volunteering and environment, re-establishing the bond between people and place. It is estimated the grant will support the development of 20 new ‘blue’ enterprises and create 464 jobs.

Professor Richard Thompson, director of the Marine Institute at the University, said: “For well over a century, the remarkable natural resource of Plymouth Sound has attracted marine scientists from all over the world. What is particularly exciting about this funding is that it will allow us to work together across the city to develop projects that connect the land and sea as a

system, and convey that sense of wonder to a wider audience, particularly those who live in the city. There are amazing opportunities through science, health and the arts – literally, an ocean of potential.”

Roger Maslin, Ocean Conservation Trust and National Marine Aquarium chief executive said: “We are delighted to hear the news that Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has received National Lottery Heritage Fund support. Our conservation work is centred around people taking positive action, so we look forward to helping as many people as possible experience and connect with the Ocean here in Plymouth.

“As an Ocean Conservation Charity, we are delighted to continue our conservation, education and engagement programmes here in the Southwest and will continue supporting the fantastic team at Plymouth City Council to ensure that both locals and visitors connect with the National Marine Park in new and exciting ways.”

Bob Baggott, chair of Mountbatten Watersports Centre added: “This a brilliant result for Plymouth and the Southwest, we are proud to be part of the fantastic team led by Plymouth City Council that has secured this Heritage Horizon Award. Working in partnership with the other key stakeholders we will be able to expand our reach and work with more individuals and communities to help them explore a range of on, under and next to the water experiences that reconnects them to the ocean.

From the lone angler to fishing crews, from swimmers to those who earn a living from the sea, the park is not just about encouraging people to get closer to the ocean but protecting it and piloting projects that could help tackle our greatest challenges such as climate change in a way that actually improves lives.

Ideas on the horizon to encourage people to explore include innovation labs, a marine observation post, a hidden treasures of the sound project as well as developing digital park apps.

There’s also plans for National Martine Park Festival for anyone to try swimming, sailing or paddleboarding as well Give it a Go events.

Plans also include neighbourhood history projects and activities that enable everyone to experience what the Sound has to offer. The whole city will encouraged to join in.

The project is not just about leisure activities, it will include piloting sustainable fisheries initiatives as well as working closely with schools on STEM activities, careers in ocean-related fields and ocean citizenship. A ranger programme is also on the cards to help look after the Sound and run activities that allow people to learn and connect with the Sound.

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14 August 2021

Enjoy an evening swim at Tinside on three nights Tinside Lido is now open until 7.30pm on Mondays and Fridays, in addition to the Wednesday evening swim.

With Mount Wise pools open late on a Tuesday and Thursday, Plymouth will have outdoor pools open every week night through the summer.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Leisure, Culture and Sport said: ”As more and more people holiday right here in the UK, or use their time off to enjoy where they live, it’s key that our leisure offer is excellent.

“We promised to make Tinside Lido a ‘must visit’ venue in the city, and I think evening swims in the Lido will be a fantastic addition to waterfront entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

“Our waterfront is very special, and it’s great that now even more of us have the opportunity to enjoy it.

Julian Egan, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer evening sessions three times a week and hope the new offering encourages both locals and visitors to enjoy an outdoor swim this summer and make the most of what Tinside Lido has to offer!”

The sessions will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and will continue until September 10. The café will reopen for the session. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment, and can be made on the Everyone Active app or online at www. everyoneactive.com.

14 August 2021

Science Park firm expands to support growth in business One of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, Step Teachers, is expanding into larger offices at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford to support their growth.

Since its launch in 2000, Step Teachers has placed some of the best teaching and support staff into nurseries, primary, secondary, and special needs schools across southern England. The agency’s expert teams deliver compliant and ethical recruitment services that have established them as one of the UK’s premier teaching agencies.

Step Teachers’ Plymouth branch has been based in the Science Park for over 10 years. The move into larger offices means that they can continue to develop their business and increase staffing levels. The team has grown during the pandemic and is looking to increase as the year progresses.

Rachel Tobin, South West Branch manager at Step Teachers, said: “I am incredibly proud to announce that in spite of the pandemic and the terrible impact it had on people

@PlymChronicle Step Teachers Plymouth team (from left): Brett Spearing, primary consultant, Rachel Tobin, branch manager and Ollie Briddock, resource consultant

and the economy as a whole, Step Teachers is expanding its operations in Plymouth. The move cements our intent to continue to grow our business in the South West. ‘“It demonstrates our plans to invest in the local area, hiring local people and giving them the skills and training to achieve in life. We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life and that means access to the best possible teachers.

We’ll continue to play our role, now more than ever.”

Construction consultancy moves in After a successful year of business growth, Bates Development Services Ltd (BDS) is the latest firm to join the thriving business community at Plymouth Science Park at Derriford.

Bates Development Services was founded in 2018 by experienced quantity surveyor and project manager, Tom Bates and specialises in bespoke construction consultancy within the health, education,

commercial and residential sectors.

BDS played an important role in Plymouth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and supported the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Derriford Hospital during periods of extreme pressure by refurbishing wards to enable extra capacity for critical care and acute dependency patients.

The move to the Science Park provides BDS with a decisive step forward with an increased regional presence to promote further growth

within a community of similar businesses and support services already based at the Park.

Tom Bates said: “I am delighted to have joined the network of businesses at Plymouth Science Park and to become a part of their supportive and thriving community. The whole team at the Park have been so welcoming, and the environment at the Park is truly geared towards realising our business goals.”

Spectacular entertainment from Barbican Theatre for August’s West End Carnival Barbican Theatre is bringing a number of amazing performances to unique locations across the city this summer.

Barbican Theatre’s Beryl Tebug Photo Brett Lockwood

Petrol Headz On Tour will feature more than 100 artists, athletes and experts from the Plymouth and South West modified car, parkour, street dance, DJ and skateboard scenes.

The first event took place the City Centre Piazza on July 24 and will be followed on August 28 when Barbican Theatre will headline at the West End Carnival. The carnival, organised by the Plymouth City Centre Company will feature live entertainment and free fun for all the family.

Barbican Theatre will be providing exciting live entertainment at Frankfurt Gate during the day.

Following the day time events spectators will be led to the Piazza to experience a larger version of the first Petrol Headz On The Piazza performance in July, celebrating the unique voices and talents in Plymouth.

Performances are scheduled for 4pm and 6pm and will last around 45 minutes.

A bank holiday weekend spectacular showcasing the modified car scene and the surrounding street culture, Petrol Headz On The Piazza will be a show like no other with roaring sound systems, modified cars for skateboard tricks and parkour stunts, street dancers, DJs and MC battles and much more!

Barbican Thratre ReBels entertain Plymouth shoppers Photo Gemma Ward

Lieutenant Le Huray receives his award from Captain Andy Ingham

Devonport air traffic controller receives prestigious award

A Royal Navy Air Traffic Controller working in Devonport has received a prestigious award.

This event will bring together a number of talented communities of enthusiasts, athletes and performers and holds a space for them to showcase themselves to the public. These communities include a range of ages from young children and their parents, to young athletes, Barbican Theatre Rebels and local professionals in their field.

Suzie West, Barbican Theatre’s ReBels co-Lead and show producer, said: “This show is not about conformity.

It’s about Plymouth, being Plymouth. We’re really excited about this show and think it’s the perfect way to conclude the West End Carnival.”

Lieutenant Jason Le Huray, who works with the HMNB Devonport’s Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST) organisation, has been awarded the Fleet Air Arm’s Air Traffic Management Fulmar Award, for his role as an air traffic control officer on HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The award was presented by FOST Captain (Ships) Andy Ingham.

Lieutenant Le Huray was recognised for his significant and active role whilst serving onboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. He consistently delivered to a high standard on a daily basis and been noted for taking the initiative on a number of safety and carrier procedures that have supported the UK’s carrier strike capability.

Part of the Citation for the prestigious award read: “A second

tourist controller on his first sea tour, he has personally committed to the carrier strike endeavour by playing a key role in ensuring both F-35 and Merlin are successfully and safely integrated into air traffic management procedures. As a fully endorsed air traffic controller he has been embarked throughout for all phases of the ship’s activity, taking her from a trials ship to one providing safe and efficient air traffic control to the largest air wing embarked in a British carrier since before he was born, skillfully coordinating jets and helicopters in both the tower and radar environments.

“Le Huray’s hard work, dedication and effort have made the most valuable contribution to the development and delivery of ATC operations, at the forefront of Defence aviation and the renaissance of British carrier strike.”

August 2021 15

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Family quartet set to go the distance in memory of much-loved Mary

Treasured memories of a big-hearted mum and grandmother are inspiring four females from the same Plymouth family to step out together in support of the local charity that gave her such compassionate care at the end of her life.

Louise Pudner and her daughters Chloe, 25, Megan, 22, and Laura, 16, have all signed up to take part in this summer’s Midnight Walk, the annual mass-participation event raising vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth Louise’s mum Mary Mannell with her husband Les

and the specialist service it provides for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at its specialist unit at Turnchapel.

With the ladies’ walk making its comeback on Friday August 20 after it had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic, the foursome is taking up the opportunity to stride the streets, paying tribute to Louise’s mother Mary Mannell, who was looked after at Turnchapel as she neared the end of her life.

Sadly, Mary died in 2011 but memories of the special person she was, and the huge love and affection she gave her four children, plus the 15 grandchildren born while she was alive, are cherished by her family.

Louise, who lives in Southway, said: “Mum was such a caring person and is sorely missed by us all. Growing up, she was always there for us and when her grandchildren came along she devoted herself to them, too.

“When she was ill it was a very difficult time, and our whole family is so grateful to St Luke’s for being there for her and us as well. It wasn’t just the excellent medical care they gave mum that made a difference, but the way they always accommodated our visits - day or night - making all of us, including the children, feel

Louise Pudner with her daughters Chloe, Megan and Laura...walking in memory of Mary Mannell

welcome and at ease.

“I’ll always remember spending precious time with mum in the gardens at Turnchapel, taking in the beautiful views over the water.

That meant a lot to her because she and dad always loved the sea.”

Sponsored by GA Solicitors, Midnight Walk will see hundreds of women coming together to support St Luke’s. Just like Louise and her daughters, many will be going the distance in memory of lost loved ones, celebrating their lives while making new memories.

All are welcome, regardless of whether St Luke’s was involved in the care of their relative or friend. The event starts and finishes at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium, with ladies completing a 5, 10 or 15mile route across the city.

Louise, who along with Chloe, Megan and

Laura is taking on the 15-mile route, said: “Walking together is something we are really looking forward to. We’ll be remembering both mum and my dad, who sadly also died from cancer.

“It’s our way of saying thank you to St Luke’s, not only for care given in the past but right now, too, looking after people who are special to our family. It’s a charity that touches so many lives and we must never take it for granted.”

Registration for Midnight Walk costs £22, which includes the cost of your tee-shirt as well as a medal and goodie bag for all completers. Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk for more information and to sign up. If you would like to sponsor the Pudner ladies, please visit their Just Giving page at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-pudner

16 August 2021

16 August 2021

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Helen’s 1,000 mile marathon cycling challenge for charity

Plymouth businesswoman Helen West is getting on her bike to cycle nearly 1,000 miles to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Thelma and Louise will be screened at Tinside Lido

Plymouth Arts Cinema unveils details of open air screenings Plymouth Arts Cinema has unveiled details of all its open air cinema events in the summer.

There will be a weekend of museum treats at Tavistock Place outside The Box and two weekends at Plymouth’s beautiful Tinside Lido featuring Hollywood classics, cult favourites, screen treasures new and old.

There will be archive films and short films, films from the South West and further afield.

Tickets for all the events go on sale to the public from the Box Office and via the website from July 13 and advance booking is strongly recommended as these events sell out.

Seating will be sociallydistanced, staff will be wearing face coverings, and hand sanitiser will

be available at all screenings.

If an event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19, all tickets will be refunded in full. The screenings will go ahead in all but the most severe weather conditions - no refunds will be given in these circumstances.

For full details visit the event pages at website: www. plymouthartscinema.org The Box - Tavistock Place

All screenings open from 6pm, programme starts 7pm, film starts 7.30pm. July 30 and 31: Ammonite; Aug 1: Bringing Up Baby Tinside Lido All screenings open from 8pm, programme starts 9pm, film starts 9.15pm. Aug 20: Jaws; Aug 21: The Life Aquatic; August 22: Bait; Sept 2: Some Like It Hot; Sept 3: Yesterday; Sept 4: Thelma and Louise

Plymouth Pavilions ice rink to reopen in August

Skaters from Ivy Dean Residential Home enjoying the ice rink

The ice rink at Plymouth Pavilions is to open again on August 27 and it will be a double celebration as September marks the venue’s 30th anniversary. The rink has been closed since March 2020.

Between December and May part of the Rink’s concourse was used for the Pavilions Vaccination Centre and there was a huge feeling of being a meaningful part of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out to the local community.

Duty manager Shelby Natkaniec has been with the rink for 11 years, said: “I love the ice rink, we’re so grateful for the hard work that has

gone into maintaining the business over the last year and thrilled to be getting back to work, implementing everything that needs to happen before we open the doors to our wonderful skaters and busy planning an exciting new timetable.”

Eager fans will be able to follow the team’s progress behind the scenes setting up the rink after the longest closure in it’s history on their new Instagram account launched in celebration of the reopening at www.instagram.com/ ppicerink/ For the latest news and updates about the rink visit www. plymouthice.co.uk or follow them on social media

Helen, who is 61, has visited many places and countries around the world but this year she has decided to visit Scotland and on August 1 will start her epic challenge of cycling for 14 days from Land’s End to John O’Groats - a total of 993 miles.

The costs involved in organising the marathon ride have been provided by West Financial Management, which is based in Peverell.

Helen hopes to raise £5,000 for YMCA Plymouth and SAHODAR UK, which supports projects in Nepal. The charity is closely connected with Mutley Baptist Church and has achieved a huge amount for the community in the village of Garambesie in Nepal.

This has included medical provision for those who would have to walk great distances or for whom it would be unaffordable; dental treatment; health and dental education and the provision of clean drinking water.

The charity has also provided villagers with the opportunity to to develop skills to generate an income as well as creating improvements to the elementary level of education in the schools.

It is hoped to see the opening of a new hospital in the village this year and the use of the church and community centre.

Helen has visited the existing small village hospital in Nepal twice and helped out whilst she was there.

She said: “It has been such a joy to see the new hospital build almost reach completion. But, unfortunately, there has been a delay in receiving funds from the Nepali local government office, so this has impacted the opening date for the new hospital.

“While the structure of the hospital is virtually complete, now comes the task of turning it into a fully functioning hospital, particularly with the financing and purchase of 50 beds and all the medical equipment required.

YMCA Plymouth is an independent non-profit organisation, founded in 1848. It serves the needs of local

Helen West in training for her 1,000 mile marathon

people through a variety of education, health, and family services. Their work focuses particularly on young people and the disadvantaged by providing affordable, topquality facilities and services.

All support for Helen by sponsoring her, either giving to one charity or splitting the donation between the two worthy causes, would be greatly appreciated. Helen is ready to turn the pedals for approximately 70 miles each day, eat, drink, sleep and also enjoy the views.

Donations can be made at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ HelenWest18 or at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ helen-meneilly

Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth benefit from NHS-backed employment support

Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth who are being treated for mental and physical health conditions can now get help moving back into employment through an NHSbacked pilot project.

Health professionals can refer veterans for free support from The Poppy Factory’s employment consultant, Neal Crump, who is embedded within Plymouth’s Waterside Primary Care Network. He will work with closely with local NHS staff and surgeries to reach more exForces patients.

Stable employment is an important factor in good mental health. The pilot project, one of three in England, seeks to improve outcomes for veterans by bringing together care and employment plans. In some cases, veterans may be referred for employment support through social prescribing.

With one-to-one guidance offered throughout their journey to employment, veterans will be supported to overcome barriers and work towards positive life changes.

Deirdre Mills, chief executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “The veterans we help often have complex conditions.

Dedicated employment support can make all the difference, helping these men and women transform their lives, resulting in increased stability, greater financial security and better health and wellbeing. We

Employment consultant Neal Crump of The Poppy Factory

are excited to be working with NHS partners to create stronger local support networks for those who need it most.”

Jo Lloyd-Davies, practice manager for West Hoe Surgery in Plymouth, said: “West Hoe Surgery are delighted to welcome The Poppy Factory to the practice.

“Through their work in supporting veterans with health conditions

who are wanting help with finding employment, we can offer a muchneeded additional service to our patients.”

Anyone who is unemployed, served in the Armed Forces for one day or more, and has a physical or mental health condition can register for employment support.

To register online visit poppyfactory.org/register

August 2021

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The £7.6m transformation of Market Hall in Devonport is ‘gamechanger’ for Plymouth

A £7.6 million transformation of the Market Hall in Devonport is set to put Plymouth on the global map as a leader in immersive technology.

Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England admiring the immersive technology

Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, joined creative leaders from across the country to formally open the Grade II listed building following its extensive regeneration.

The brainchild of the Real Ideas Organisation, the Market Hall is now home to a spectacular immersive dome which is the first of its type in Europe. The only other one like it in the world is in Montreal, Canada.

Tickets for the opening weekend on July 17 and 18 sold out within 24 hours of being available to the public, demonstrating the keen local interest in the cutting-edge experience.

Tickets for the dome’s first show have gone live and are expected to be snapped up. The immersive family-friendly film ‘Sea Monsters: A Preshistoric Adventure’ will allow dome-goers to meet the dinosaurs which lived in the depths of the oceans.

The Market Hall will also offer creative and collaborative workspace, learning, workshops, meeting rooms, event spaces, a production suite and a café.

Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, joined Real Ideas chief executive Lindsey Hall, the Earl and Countess of Devon, and Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative England, to enjoy the first formal viewing within the spectacular building and immersive dome.

Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the immersive dome, the state-of-the-art technology creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience without the need for a headset.

The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels of audio, encases the dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport visitors anywhere in

Top sculptor selected to create the statue of Argyle legend Jack Leslie Exactly one year after the launch of the Jack Leslie Statue Crowdfunder, it has been announced that renowned sculptor Andy Edwards has been commissioned as the sculptor of the statue of Argyle icon Jack Leslie at Home Park.

Andy boasts a wealth of experience in delivering iconic sporting statues.

Examples of his work include the acclaimed Clough/Taylor statue at Derby County’s Pride Park and the highly regarded Stanley Matthews sculpture at Stoke City. Andy was selected with careful consideration, which included thorough interviews of four shortlisted candidates.

Andy’s work also includes statues of The Beatles, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and civil rights campaigner and slavery abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Andy has his principal foundry in Liverpool, but he has pledged to use web-cams and social media to document his progress. This means that supporters of the Crowdfunded statue can watch its progress, wherever they are in the world. Andy will be visiting Plymouth shortly to look at the location, meet the campaign committee and, of course, to take in an Argyle match.

Andy’s tender for the Jack Leslie statue project was made in partnership with Monumental Icons, but this is very much a personal

Sculptor Andy Edwards with an impression of what the statue will look like

project for Andy and one that inspires him greatly.

On hearing the news of his selection, Andy said: “ I am eternally grateful and very excited to have been chosen to work with the devoted members of the Jack Leslie statue group, the proud fans of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, and the wider football community in furthering all of our appreciation of a real legend of the game, and a man whose story can still affect change nearly 100 years on.

“I hope to create a statue of peerless quality celebrating excellence, that will also represent

respect, dignity, devotion and invigorate the quest for equal rights for all. To everyone who has given their support and backing to this initiative, I will not let you down.”

Campaign co-founder Greg Foxsmith said: “We are delighted to give Andy this commission, but we would also like to thank all of the shortlisted artists who spent so much time and energy on creating such brilliant proposals. It made it really difficult for us to make the final decision” Jack’s granddaughter Lesley said: “We love the range of ideas, and we look forward to working with Andy to see a statue that is an accurate portrayal of grandad.”

Jack signed for Argyle from Barking in 1921 and scored 137 goals in his 13 years with the Pilgrims. The pinnacle of his career should have been in 1925 when Jack was selected to represent England in a game versus Ireland, but his name was removed from the team sheet when officials discovered that he was black.

The club honoured Jack’s pioneering status in football by naming the boardroom in our redeveloped Mayflower Grandstand in his honour.

For more information on the great work of the Jack Leslie Campaign, visit the website www.jackleslie.co.uk

the universe, real or imagined!

Sir Nicholas Serota said: “At the Arts Council, we are thrilled that the eagerly anticipated innovation space, the Market Hall, and the state-of-the-art immersive dome is now open.

“Since its inception the project has excited us with its digital ambitions and impressive regeneration of a disused historic building in Devonport. The Market Hall will use cutting edge technology to create unique artistic experiences and opportunities for the community, placing Plymouth and the south west even more firmly on the cultural and technological map.

“We applaud Real Ideas’ partnership working, approach to inclusivity, and their bold vision. This world-class space will play host to creative enterprises, educational institutes, and local businesses. Local people will be at its heart – encouraging creativity in the region, helping to support the local economy, and contributing to a sense of pride in Plymouth.

“Arts Council are pleased to have been part of this journey, thanks to funding from the Government, and we are proud to have backed this innovative vision and digital leadership from the team at Real Ideas. We look forward to seeing the ripples spread far and wide from the Market Hall.”

Lindsey Hall, chief executive of Real Ideas said: “The Market Hall really is a gamechanger, putting Plymouth and the South West of England on the map internationally as a place with an epic emerging tech cluster around immersive and creative digital.

“It is without a doubt our most audacious project to date.

It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development, and secondary economic benefits too. It’s also incredibly good fun!”

For more information visit www.realideas.org/our-spaces/ market-hall/

Changes to penalties for unauthorised term time holiday absence A change has been made to Plymouth’s policy on school absence to support both schools and families when they want to take a holiday in term-time.

The changes to the Code of Conduct mean that no penalty notice will be issued for holiday absence which is equivalent to 10 sessions or less (five days) in a rolling 12 month period. For holiday related absences exceeding 10 sessions, a penalty notice may be issued. For all other types of unauthorised absence, the threshold will remain at eight sessions (four days within a rolling 12 month period).

The changes, which come into force in September, will provide an opportunity for families to take a week of holiday during term-time every 12 months, while enabling schools to continue to tackle excessive holiday absences and other types of unauthorised absence of children and young people at an early stage.

Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “We know that family time is

important and that fining parents for taking their children on a short holiday during term-time can hurt families on a budget. But our schools have made it very clear that the rise in unauthorised holiday absence is having a detrimental impact on children’s outcomes.

“We hope the changes that have been made to the code of conduct will support our families and also allow us to continue to work with schools and governing bodies to reduce persistent absence by building on the success that schools and our education colleagues have already achieved in supporting attainment and ensuring all our young people fulfil their full potential.”

For families who have booked their holiday during term-time before the changes come into force in September, or who had their holidays rescheduled due to COVID-19 no fine will be issued as long as families are able to provide evidence.

All Plymouth schools will be sending a letter to parents to explain the changes to the Code of Conduct.

18 August 2021

18 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Mill Ford School is first to get better connected with ultrafast broadband Staff and pupils at Mill Ford School in Ernesettle are enjoying ultrafast broadband thanks to a new scheme designed to put Plymouth in the fast lane when it comes to download speeds.

The school is the first in the city to be able to access downloads speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second

provided by the new Plymouth and SW Devon Local Fast Fibre Network (LFFN) scheme.

This is double the broadband speeds the school could access before. Mill Ford School, a special school for children with complex needs, is the first of 29 Plymouth schools that will be receiving a free ultrafast fibre optic connection via

the LFFN project.

Last year, Plymouth City Council together with NHS Devon Care Commissioning Group, the University Hospitals NHS Trust, West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council and Delt Shared Services Ltd secured a £2.23 million grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for the project.

Mill Ford celebration. From left :Council leader Nick Kelly, Bethany, a pupil at Mill Ford, Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet member for Education and Skills and Children and Young People and headteacher Claire Wills

VJ Day Memorial Service at St Andrew’s A memorial service to mark VJ Day is taking place in Plymouth on Sunday August 15.

It was 76 years ago on August 14 1945 that Japan surrendered after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The next day was celebrated at VJ Day and the Second Word War was officially over.

Although VE Day had been celebrated on May 8, thousands of British and Allied Forces, civilian men, women and children were still fighting or imprisoned in the Far East. Many died on ‘hell ships’ locked below deck to suffer in appalling conditions.

The sacrifice of those who suffered and died for the Allied cause in Asia, remains today one of the most honoured memories of the British Armed Forces.

The largest British Empire and Commonwealth military ever assembled, numbering over half a million.

The memorial service will take place at the Minster Church of St Andrew, with guests to be seated by 2.15pm. A celebration will take place in the Guildhall after the service with a purchased wristband costing £3. There is no entry without a wrist band.

Tickets for the celebration are on sale in advance at The Treasury Bar and Restaurant on Wednesday August 4 and Saturday August 7 between 2pm and 4pm.

Overall, the project will provide a free fibre optic connection for 130 public buildings in Plymouth and South West Devon, meaning key public services such as hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, schools, youth centres, libraries and council buildings will be better connected.

Full fibre networks have connections offering download speeds of up to a gigabit per second.

Since October 2020, BT and its contractor have been busy installing ultrafast fibre to these buildings, with all sites due to be connected by the end of July 2021.

Councillor Nick Kelly, the Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “Having a better connected city will be vital for economy of Plymouth and surrounding areas as we recover from the pandemic, and will help digital and creative industries in the area to thrive. It also means our public services can be a little faster and more efficient and it is great to see everyone at Mill Ford School able to enjoy faster broadband and all of the educational benefits that brings.”

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “Mill Ford is the first to benefit from our £2.2 million investment to futureproof Plymouth’s primary schools and other public buildings with lightning fast gigabit broadband.

Whole classes will be able to get connected for online learning with no interruptions and it means the school is now well-prepared to take full advantage of new advances in technology.”

Claire Wills, Headteacher at Mill Ford School said: “As a special school for children with very complex needs we have been delighted to be one of the first school to receive ultra-fast broadband. It has really supported our children who can find it difficult to wait for downloads and it has also had a real positive impact on the pace of their learning.”

Samantha Toombs, BT’s director of public sector and corporate in the South West, said: “It’s clear that having fast reliable connectivity in our public services is not only helping people do their jobs, it can improve the experience and outcomes for citizens like the children at Mill Ford School. The pandemic has shown the vital role that digital technology and fast internet connectivity now plays in all our lives. Using the latest fibre and mobile technologies will help public services run more efficiently and offer new, innovative solutions.”

As well as helping public sector organisations improve their connectivity and online services, the project aims to build the foundation for the introduction of wider ultrafast connectivity in the area, and the Plymouth scheme has done exactly that.

Since the partnership was successful in attracting LFFN funding to the area, several major telecoms companies have announced major investment in the city over the next few years aimed at providing residents and businesses with upgraded ultrafast connectivity via fibre and 5G wireless services.

Royal Marine James Legg...155 mile slog

Plymouth Royal Marine takes on South American mega-challenge Royal Marine James Legg aims to complete one of the toughest races on the planet this autumn to help fellow commandos.

The Plymouth-based green beret faces a 250-kilometre (155-mile) slog across one of the driest regions on the planet… as well as other major natural barriers. He’s one of 136 ultra-runners committed to the seven-day Atacama Crossing through the namesake Chilean desert.

Over the week, competitors must overcome salt flats, enormous sand dunes, icy cold slot canyons, river crossings, living ‘under the stars’ in the foothills of the Andes as they complete the course.

Competitors must carry the food, water, clothing and safety equipment needed – between 10kg and 20kg on a rucksack throughout.

James, who joined the Royal Marines in 2017 and is serving with 30 Commando IX Group at Stonehouse, wanted to mark the 75th anniversary of the Royal Marines Charity with a personal challenge which would also boost their coffers.

The 36-year-old Londoner is already an experienced ultra-long-distance runner, having completed the Sahara race in Jordan back in 2014 – the same format over 250 kilometres of desert.

He’s drawing on that experience to prepare for the South American race, which takes place at the end of September, helping him to cope with cramped muscles, improving his diet, and above all, knowing when to push himself to the limit and when to move at a steadier pace.

“I’ve always been driven and intrigued by something that takes you out of your comfort zone,” he said.

“It’s a good way of character building and pushing your limitations and ultimately I love it when everything hurts and you’ve given your all – only then am I content knowing that I’ve done my best.”

Donations for James’ challenge can be made at gofund.me/2f764e22. He’s already more than three-quarters of the way towards his £2,000 fundraising target.

Sparks to Jump Start the High Street The Plymouth Charity Furnishing a Future The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project has been helping some of the most vulnerable people in Plymouth since 2011.

Its remit is to provide good quality furniture and appliances at affordable prices but as Alison Turner who runs the project says, working with more than 300 charities and organisations across the region, they are frequently called upon to help those in crisis, and supply furniture and white goods free-of-charge.

“A lot of people don’t realise we’re here and what we do,” says Alison. “Last year Plymouth Social Services asked us to help an 82-year-old man in Plymouth who had been befriended and then scammed by his neighbours. Things were so bad that he had to be moved out quickly, his house cleared, and his new flat kitted out with furniture and appliances. After it was all done, I popped in to see him, and he couldn’t stop crying: he couldn’t believe that we would do all of that for nothing.”

Alison making up the welcome boxes

The Civic Square, designed for “dignity and frivolity,” was integral to the lauded “A Plan for Plymouth” (1943) which created “the country’s finest and boldest post-war city centre”. Today, the Portland Stone doesn’t shine quite so bright and the waters of the modernist civic pool may appear less than inviting yet, the Civic Square, retains its unique mid-century charm. Now, there is a significant pot of money to encourage and inspire communities of all shapes and sizes across the city to find their own distinctive ways to celebrate its heritage and attract people back to the future.

And that’s not all. Alison and her colleagues have helped to write CVs; to complete job application forms and apply for bus passes.

“We are so much more than just free furniture,” says Alison. “We help build relationships with people.”

Regrettably business is booming. In February the city council donated £10,000 to set up the “Warmer Home 4U” initiative and enable the charity to purchase thousands of pounds worth of white goods and appliances.

Since its launch it has provided more than a hundred individuals and families with all they might need to set up home. Crucially, this has left the recipients free of the financial burden and enabled them to get on with ‘living’.

More recently, a second grant of £3,000 was received to help people in Cornwall, but that money, says Alison, was gone within a fortnight; “We spent £3000 on white goods to help people in Cornwall; it went within two weeks and every single person was a victim of domestic violence.”

Five years ago, the charity was helping about twenty people a month now it has more than doubled and nearly fifty individuals and families each month are being supported by the charity. Furthermore, says Alison, there has been a significant increase in referrals from mental health and domestic abuse charities. Realising there was more they could do to help, Alison and her volunteer colleague Chloe, set up a second initiative in February, the Welcome Home Box;

A new fund - High Street Sparks – has been launched by POP, Plymouth City Council and The Box to award money to communities to get the city centre buzzing again. Plymouth is one of sixty high streets across the UK to have a share of £95 million set up by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to create more attractive places for people to live, work and spend time. As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, High Street Sparks is concentrating, primarily, on Royal Parade and the Civic Square within which sits the Grade II Listed, Civic Centre.

“We knew they’d be popular and they’d be needed but we had no idea how much.”

With the help from local stores Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda, as well as Lush in the shopping mall, each Welcome Box contains about £100 worth of bedding, toiletries and small appliances. And Alison and Chloe say they always find time to put in a personal little note and extra ‘gifts’ for the children; “We had a mum in Saltash fleeing from domestic violence. She had moved with her children into this house and it was just awful.

But when she and her children opened the boxes, she said, the look on the kids’ faces was amazing.”

The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project continues to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities; from refugees to victims of domestic violence; older people without any support and sixteen- year-olds leaving care: these are the individuals that Alison and her colleagues, the volunteers and the trustees of the charity, are committed to helping.

It’s not furniture; it’s a future.

If you would like to support the charity please contact Alison on Plymouth 600277 or email plymouthfurniturereuseproject@ yahoo.co.uk and help to furnish a future.

BACK TOGETHER Our first face-to-face POP event will take place on Tuesday 20th July in Efford. Pop along and find out about the many ways we can help you and your project.

For more information: bit.ly/popbites2021

Neighbourhood Networks continue to support individuals in their communities.

If you or your organisation would like to volunteer text 07411 949 742

Courtesy of Chris Robinson

High Street Sparks has £2,500 to fund ten projects a year for the next three years (and for exceptional plans up to £5,000).

So, if you have an idea to regenerate outside spaces, empty shops or underused buildings visit www.plymouthoctopus.org/ high-street-heritage-action-zone

Helpline Numbers:

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125

COMMUNITY RESEARCHERS NEEDED: POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ and we are looking for people to be trained as community researchers. We would particularly like to invite younger people to participate.

For more information contact: info@plymouthoctopus.org

20 August 2021

20 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

Feeling weary? Try tuning in to radio!

THE

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience This is my first article in this section for a little while. I looked back and my last one was in 2019. It’s been quite a time since then!

I don’t know about you but I have found myself feeling a little weary recently. COVID and all its challenges do take their toll and I know I’m not alone in feeling a little drained.

It’s been great to see the many ways people have risen to the challenges in these days. There have been many stories in the Plymouth Chronicle of local companies and organisations diversifying and figuring out the best ways to adapt to lockdowns and the various COVID protocols.

As people we are very adaptable but that doesn’t mean we don’t get worn out.

At Cross Rhythms Plymouth we recently received a very encouraging call from a listener.

In amongst the conversation he

mentioned to me that he often struggles to sleep but he had found Cross Rhythms Plymouth on his radio, started listening during the night and he had found it really helped him to rest.

It’s not the first time we’ve had people share their stories of the way in which the radio content has encouraged them and helped them in their lives.

We love to broadcast music with a very real message of hope. It is at times like these that hope can be in short supply so the music seems to be impacting now more than ever.

Resting is so important and an often

undervalued part of our lives. Many find it hard to really rest and switch off from their troubles.

I’ve heard it said that the problem with going on holiday is that you take yourself with you.

Really resting isn’t only about the circumstances you find yourself in.

Being really busy all the time isn’t helpful and taking time out does often give a greater opportunity to find rest. However unless something changes inside then you can come back from a holiday and very quickly feel exactly Dave Simpson the same as you did before!

It may be that COVID has brought up a lot of fear or possibly

even the memory of past trauma. Finding ourselves so out of control is scary. These feelings will inevitably end up making you feel weary and worn down.

What encouraged me so much about that listener’s feedback was that they had clearly heard something on the station that countered whatever was previously stealing their rest and robbing them of good sleep.

If you find yourself feeling weary at the moment, try tuning in to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth. You never know you may just find the real rest you need too.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

POP rewarded for ‘disruptive’ funding Radical efforts to encourage partnership working among community projects in Plymouth have paid off creating a host of new relationships and an injection of tens of thousands of pounds of additional funding to the city.

Plymouth Octopus Project - also known as POP - which supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across the city, has been pioneering collaboration rather than competition. As a result, Plymouth now benefits from several unique partnerships supporting a wider variety of people in a wider variety of ways.

Additionally, in recognition of POP’s unconventional approach, nearly £80,000 of new money is being invested in the city.

POP’s chief executive, Matt Bell says collaboration pays off. He added: “POP ditched the competitive approach which sees individual projects competing for the same pot of money and instead created the Collectives Fund where organisations can learn from working together. It’s more rewarding for everyone.”

So far 12 different projects involving more than 30 organisations have been awarded a total of £27,000 from the Collectives Fund. They include The Bis Sis Girl Empowerment Collective which will equip ‘tweens’ to better understand their bodies and emotions; Digital Inclusion from Borrow Don’t Buy (the library of things) and Timebank to refurbish and hand-out repurposed digital devices and Celebrating STEAM in the South West.

“These collaborations being instigated by POP are

immensely beneficial to our small organisations. Where there could have been competition for funding we are now in a much stronger position, working as a team on a joint project, helping each other; learning together and reaching a wider audience,” added Matt Bell.

Significantly, POP’s efforts are attracting interest beyond Plymouth: three national charities have committed money to the city, two for the first time. The Alex Ferry Foundation which supports engineering, manufacturing and shipbuilding

communities has pledged £10,000 which will be spent in Devonport while the Blagrave Foundation, which works with young people, wants to invest £20,000 in POP’s unconventional approach.

Tess Hibbert, Blagrave’s regional partnerships manager said: “We believe the current funding system is broken and we need to think differently. We wanted to come on board with POP as it is modelling a system of funding based on collaboration which puts diversity and inclusion at its heart.

We’re really looking forward to learning alongside you!”

The third fund, Power to Change, which has been funding projects in the city for five years is investing a further £48,000 to support POP’s work. As Bonnie Hewson, it’s Place Based investment manager says, they want to see more community businesses and projects that provide people who are ‘ageing’ with greater support: “POP is always open to new ways of doing things and we hope that together we can continue to build power and innovation in the community and social enterprise sector. If you are interested in starting an initiative or business that will benefit the community and improve the health and wellbeing of local people, then POP is there to support you.”

The POP Collectives Fund has recently increased the maximum amount of funding for projects to £5,000. For more information contact POP at info@ plymouthoctopus.org or call 01752 395131.

Plymouth charity plans big fundraising events A Plymouth charity which has been helping orphans and families in Romania for 30 years is organising big fund raising events in August and September.

The Rainbow Project Plymouth is a small local charity which was started in 1991 by local Plymothians Jenny and Keith Scott after seeing the plight of the orphans in Romania. The charity has continued to support a children’s home in Ilisua in the north of Romania and many other projects around the poor country, including a village called Vulcan and its surrounding areas in the South of Romania.

They do this by collecting and sending out much needed items such as children’s clothing and shoes and school supplies but also by raising funds that can be used to buy other

supplies available there and to help with bigger projects.

The fundraising event during August will be something a little different as we will be holding a Pop-up Charity Shop at Plymstock Chapel, in Church Road, from Wednesday August 11 to Saturday August 14, from 10am to 4pm and on with late-night shopping on Thursday August 12 through to 7pm. Clothes, bric-a-brac, jewellery, bags and shoes, books, toys, greeting cards, jigsaws and linen will be on sale with lots of bargains for everyone. There will be homemade cakes with tea and coffee as well as light lunches.

To round off the event on the Saturday August 14 at 2pm the charity will be holding an Anniversary Presentation to celebrate 30 years

of the Rainbow Project, Plymouth followed by a cup of tea and a slice of anniversary Cake. For anyone who has been a supporter for many years this will be something of a trip down memory lane, for others it will be a real insight into the charity and its objectives.

In September they will be repeating the Popup Charity Shop this time at Sherwell United Church in North Hill on Friday September 3 and Saturday September 4 from 10am to 4pm on Friday and until 2pm on Saturday. There will be lots of bargains for everyone as well as refreshments and a raffle.

The charity needs help with transporting the sale goods to the both the August and September venues and volunteers should call Bee on 01752 401260, Heather on 07730 445922

or Hazel on 01752 863376.

The Rainbow Project Plymouth is currently fundraising to help two families in Tauhan, Romania and have recently sent out a total of £4,000 to be shared equally between them.

Marianna, her husband, and family of seven children have been self-building a home of four rooms after one of the two rooms they were living in collapsed.

Meralina, who was previously living in two old touring caravans with her family of grandchildren now has a brick built single room to live in, but they would like to help pay for a separate kitchen to be added.

For more information visit www. rainbowprojectplymouth.org/

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22 August 2021

Ground-breaking partnership will provide integrated health and social care for vulnerable A ground-breaking partnership has been launched between Livewell Southwest and University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust to provide integrated health and social care for people who are vulnerable or who have complex health needs.

Plymouth’s Integrated Care Partnership means people across Plymouth and beyond will benefit from more joinedup health and social care. They will be responsible for the delivery of community health, adult social care, mental and learning disability services for adults and older people in Plymouth and the western locality of Devon.

The aim of the partnership is to bring health and social care providers together to create a place-based model of care for Plymouth and the local area and build on the work that has already taken place to integrate health and social care.

Health and care providers will work to understand and meet the health and care needs of the local population and then design care so the individual is at the centre of a personalised approach.

By working together, University Hospital Plymouth Trust (UHP), Livewell South West (LSW) and others, including GPs and the voluntary sector, can build care around the person, supporting them to receive appropriate treatment in the setting that best suits them. This is frequently as close to home as possible.

Integrated care will support those who require care from multiple organisations, whether that is the hospital, community services or a GP. It will also ensure those who are frail, vulnerable or have complex health needs have their care managed more seamlessly. The Partnership will help reduce health inequalities and ensure fair and equitable access and outcomes by supporting preventative health.

The Integrated Care Partnership is part of a longer journey towards integrated care for local people, which began in 2014 with a vision set out by the Plymouth Health and Wellbeing Board. It also builds on the way local partners have come together to respond to the COVID pandemic.

For example, the large vaccination centres at Home Park and Derriford Hospital’s Centre for Wellbeing have been jointly run. Staff from UHP, LSW, NHS Devon, Plymouth City Council and the voluntary sector have worked together to engage with local people to encourage them to take up the COVID-19 vaccine. This is just one of many examples of closer working.

The Partnership will continue to work collaboratively with primary care, the voluntary sector and local communities and patients and carers to develop and improve services.

Commissioners identified UHP as the preferred provider, with LSW as a subcontractor, for the 10-year contract for integrated care services in June 2021.

The contract began on July 1. The start of July will also see the direct management of some community hospital services - community rehabilitation and stroke inpatient beds at Mount Gould Hospital, Tavistock Hospital and South Hams Hospital – transfer from LSW to UHP.

22 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

New development manager appointed to help grow cruise business in Plymouth

Destination Plymouth has announced the appointment of a new cruise business development manager, for the city and the port, Glen Gardner.

The aim of the role is to deliver business development and marketing services to support the growth of cruise visits to Plymouth.

Glen brings a wealth of experience with him, having more than 20 years’ experience in the cruise industry including five years working on board. After deciding to work ashore, Glen worked for the worlds’ biggest cruise operator Carnival in Southampton, initially in customer services and later cruise operations.

Since then, Glen has worked with a number of organisations including Associated British Ports (ABP) Port of Southampton, where he was appointed Key Account Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, and managed the largest most technologically advanced cruise terminal in the UK. Glen also has worked in Cruise Manager and Guest Port Services Manager roles throughout his career.

He said: “I was born and raised in Devon and am delighted to be returning to the area after 20 years away. I’m passionate about the region as well as the cruise industry and look forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map.

“Having gained extensive experience in the industry, I’ve identified opportunities for Plymouth to expand its cruise business and can’t wait to work with Destination Plymouth and our partners to see this come to fruition.”

Working with key city partners AB Ports, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, which run the city’s Business Improvement Districts, Destination Plymouth has successfully grown the cruise business in the city from zero visits in 2017 to a planned 10 visits in 2021

Glen Gardner ‘looking forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map’

(pre-COVID), bringing over 10,000 passengers to the city spending in excess of £1 million annually.

There are ambitious plans for growth, working with key port and wider city partners.

Adrian Vinken, chairman of Destination

COVID support grant extended to help Plymouth families over the summer holidays

Plymouth City Council will once again be able to help families entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), and those in hardship, with vouchers to cover the summer holidays.

The council will receive over £871,500 in Government funding to support vulnerable families affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of a national £160 million COVID Local Support Grant (CLSG), a continuation of the COVID Winter Grant Scheme, announced by the Department of Works and Pensions.

In order to ensure the same level of financial support is available for the summer holiday that has been offered in previous schemes, the council has made a decision to top up this grant by a further £130,000.

The council will begin sending batches of unique food e-voucher codes to city schools from July 16 for them to distribute to all families on their FSM registers and others in hardship. Each code can be used once to redeem vouchers to the value of £90 per child (£15 per week for the six weeks of school holidays) at various supermarkets.

Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young

People said: “The fact the Government has provided us with more funding to deliver additional support to vulnerable households over the long Summer holidays is fantastic news.

“The last 12 months have been really challenging for low income families, so I’m delighted that we are able to take some of the worry away for them by being able to provide vouchers to help cover cost of feeding their children.

“While this is fantastic news for vulnerable families in hardship, we understand that the school holidays can be difficult for families on lower incomes. So I would remind those families who are eligible for Universal Credit that they may be able to claim back up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs.”

To find out if you are eligible visit the Government website www.gov.uk/help-withchildcare-costs/universal-credit The Plymouth Online Directory has a list of all the organisations and schemes in the city that are providing support for families struggling to access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food. www. plymouthonlinedirectory.com/covid19/ caringforplymouth/foodshopping/foodbanks

Plymouth said: “Developing Plymouth’s cruise offering is one of the star projects in our Visitor Plan for 2020-2030 and our ambitions include increasing the volume of cruise visits and creating a better welcome for passengers. We’re delighted to be working with Glen to help make this a reality.”

TLC for The Hoe

Improvements to Plymouth Hoe are well underway, with fresh paint, flowers and signs all in time for big events this summer.

The Clock Garden which sits next to Valenti’s on the Hoe Promenade, is the latest part of the waterfront getting some TLC. The formal garden has been landscaped as part of the Mayflower Commemorations, with Old and New World planting to make a more sustainable garden with flowers and foliage blooming all year round.

Other improvements to the Hoe have included maintenance to the railings and memorial benches with Shekinah Mission. Over 800 metres of railings will have been repainted by the end of the summer, and so far eight memorial benches have been stripped, painted and varnished.

West Hoe Park has also been improved by removing lots of vegetation and replanting the beds at the rear of the park making it much more open and vibrant. Wooden play equipment was installed on the grassed area of the park for children to enjoy.

The works have been funded by Mayflower 400.

August 2021 23

@PlymChronicle 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.

Picture posed by models. Photography by Tom Hull.

Emergency Numbers

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

Helping to support dads in their child’s early years Pre-birth and the early years are an important time to create new experiences and bonds with your child.

We often rely on networks and resources around us to help with this, however many families have suffered from the impact of the closure of baby groups and soft play centres during lockdowns.

During a virtual focus group run by the NSPCC with parents and early years practitioners, parents shared the challenges of caring for a baby born during the pandemic and the additional strains placed on new families.

With play spaces and groups now re-opening TFC are keen to promote the work of partners and support you to attend.

As part of Together for Childhood we want to ensure we are inclusive and are therefore actively wanting to hear from dads/male carers about their parenting experiences and how our work can help you feel more confident. We know we need

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to do more to make sure we talk with dads and involve them in our activity. Dads have a vital role in parenting and for our work to be successful we need to make sure all parents feel well supported to best safeguard their children.

Katie Barron from Barnardo’s, who are a key TFC partner, said: “Becoming a parent for the first time is really exciting, but it can feel scary too. Dads can often feel left out during the pregnancy and new baby stages as the focus tends to be on the mother. They have just as many questions and concerns but don’t always have opportunities to raise them. That’s why we’re keen to hear from Dads about what their worries and concerns and questions were and how they’d like to have had support.”

Our team will be at the Barnardo’s play day on 4 August, 10-11.30am on Ernesettle Green (by St Aidans Church) and would love you to pop by and say hi. We are really friendly and are genuinely

interested in your views.

All Children’s Centres across Plymouth and the public health nursing teams are part of our project so anything you tell us can help shape what they provide in Ernesettle. By helping us to understand what you need, we can work with our partners to meet these to help you be the parent you want to be.

Follow us on Twitter @TFCPlymouth or on Facebook via Together for Childhood Plymouth (Ernesettle).

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.

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.

Former Plymouth College of Art student Charlotte is a first-glass success A former student from Plymouth College of Art is creating a first-glass career after being taken on by Teign Valley Glass, the renowned Devon-based business.

Charlotte Sturlock from Saltash originally completed an extended diploma in art and design at the college, but then decided to take some time out and study holistic therapies.

But she then decided to continue her creative studies and went on to graduate from the BA (Cons) craft and material practices degree course.

Charlotte said: “I knew I was ready to challenge myself by studying at degree level and made a last-minute decision to attend an open day. Having studied at the college before, I was familiar with the staff, but the craft, material and fabrication labs were definitely new to me!

“The facilities are fantastic and were probably the primary reason for choosing Plymouth College of Art, as well as the opportunity to develop specialist skills. Everything that I wanted was right there, so I went for it!

“Having tutors and technicians who are also makers really makes a difference. The live brief opportunities we were given

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for projects were so beneficial to my creative practice. They really prepared me for industry or setting up my own business.

The support and guidance of the tutors and technicians has been invaluable. The course was a mix of practical and written modules, incorporating research into both.

“All of these aspects have left me with the required knowledge to set up my own business in the future and apply for grants and loans, which are often needed when working in the creative industry as a self-employed maker.”

She went on to develop her hand-blown glass skills in her own studio in Saltash and her talents were soon recognised

by Teign Valley Glass, which is based in Bovey Tracey. The company supplies galleries in the UK as well as American companies and sells studio glasswork and giftware at the studio.

She added: “My role is split between glassworks assistant and retail assistant; this means some days I’m in the shop and some days I’m making in the studio.

“As a glass making assistant, I help to make the glass for trade and the shop, gathering glass,

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

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

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

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

Leisure

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

it’s so fast. There’s always something to do!”

Charlotte working in the Charlotte at work in the Teign Valley Glass studios. Image Credit:

applying colour and assisting the other makers. Some days I make my own pieces for the shops and others I work as a part of a team.

“Being in the hot shop is fast paced and challenging, as we can make four or five

different product lines in a day.

As a production glass studio, we have large orders, which means meeting a high volume of demand. Timing and clear communication is critical when in production glass making as

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

24 August 2021

24 August 2021

@PlymChronicle

The Box to host European premiere of Advertise to over award-winning Australian exhibition 22,500 The Box has announced that it will host the European premiere of the National Museum of Australia’s award-winning exhibition ‘Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters’ from October 21 this year to February 27 2022.

Featuring over 300 paintings and objects by more than 100 artists, this is the first time the exhibition has been seen outside Australia. It has attracted over 400,000 visitors to date while in Canberra and Perth.

Entirely conceived and curated by a team of First Australians, led by Margo Neale, senior indigenous curator at the National Museum of Australia and custodial elders from across the Central and Western Deserts of Australia, it expertly combines state-of-the art exhibition and display technologies with art, song and dance in order to share ancient stories from the world’s oldest continuing culture.

Plymouth’s close ties with Australia go back centuries as a point of departure and mass migration from the UK. Songlines’ timely arrival at The Box comes as societies in the UK, Australia and across the world grasp the urgent need to reflect and embrace cultural diversity and re-evaluate the relationship with each other, the environment, and the planet as a whole.

Songlines takes visitors on an epic journey that traverses three states, three deserts and some 500,000 square kilometres. The highly immersive exhibition travels from west to east using the power of contemporary art, performance and song to re-animate traditional stories, photography, multimedia and the world’s highest-resolution seven-metre-wide travelling dome.

homes in Derriford and North edition

The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines

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.

The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on August 27 with a copy deadline of August 16.

The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines, including the remote Cave Hill site in South Australia – home to the only known Seven Sisters rock art in the world – as well as showing animated artworks and their relationship to the stars and constellations.

Nigel Hurst, contemporary arts consultant at The Box, said: “With ceramics, paintings, sculpture, installation and film by Aboriginal people, this award-winning, immersive exhibition from the National Museum of Australia will provide a

unique platform for us to celebrate the arts and cultural life of First Australians, with points of connection linked to Australia’s and the UK’s shared successes and challenges over the last 250 years.

“Songlines will provide a wonderful and timely opportunity to bring the rich culture of First Australians to life for UK and Plymouth audiences, and acknowledge both our historic debt and the rich, complex societies that have emerged in the UK and Australia as a result of migration.”

For more details visit www.thepboxplymouth.com

Eye-catching sculpture for Tavistock Place

A colourful and eye-catching sculpture created by an internationally renowned artist has been commissioned by The Box as one of the highlights of its summer programme.

The sculpture by London-based Camille Walala will be on public display outside The Box in Tavistock Place until September 5.

The installation entitled ‘Putting Things in Perspective’ is 20 feet in Artist Camille length, around seven feet high and Walala pictured eight feet wide. The commission, which is curated by Alter-Projects, is at the unveiling of her eyepart of The Box’s inaugural ‘Making catching It’ exhibition which explores the sculpture labour-intensive process of creating Photo: Dom new works of art from raw materials. Moore Made from marine plywood, the piece is an energetic blend of contrasting forms, vivid colours, soft lines and organic patterns.

Judith Robinson, arts programmes manager at The Box said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Alter-Projects and Camille Walala on this exciting addition to ‘Making It’ and our summer programme.

“Postponing our launch from

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

May to September 2020 due to COVID-19 meant we missed the opportunity to create a programme for Tavistock Place last year, so we really want to make the most of 2021.

“Camille’s bold and distinctive style will have real impact in the space and will provide visitors to The Box and everyone who passes through the square with a striking and uplifting work of art to engage with and enjoy.”

Artist Camille Walala said: “Being commissioned for The Box to create a public artwork was an incredible opportunity to push my work in a new direction. After the intensity of the last year, I find myself more attracted to softer lines, drawn by hand. I want them to be slightly imperfect.

“This year has been a good lesson of letting go. In the last few months I have really enjoyed spending time painting and experimenting with colours. Taking the time to find the right tone of each colour was really joyful and satisfying.”

For details about other summer activities visit www. theboxplymouth.com

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August 2021

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COVID UPDATE

Nine-year-old Alyssa Nguyen from Mannamead has won gold medals at a national table tennis tournament See Page 8

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Plymouth landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6

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