Plymouth Chronicle August North 2023

Photo:

Warrior women wanted!

Plymouth women’s charity Trevi, is once again calling all courageous and strong women to take up their 10 kilometre Warrior Women Walk this October.

Trevi is urging local women to come together and step out to support those affected by domestic violence and abuse and show that they can take on the world!

Trevi launched it’s very first Warrior Women Walk last year, and over 250 women came together to walk 10k and raise over £20,000 for the charity. They hope to encourage 500 women to participate this year and double their fundraising target.

Hayley Dann, Trevi fundraising and marketing lead, said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we had for the walk last year. We can’t thank those enough who took part, donated, and supported our walkers on our very first event.

“Seeing so many women joining the fun with their friends and having such an amazing time was awesome and very emotional! We had so many lovely comments about the event, so we are so excited to be able to bring it back this year. We celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, so now is the perfect time to come and join us in our celebrations.”

The Warrior Women Walk on Sunday October 15 invites women to tackle the 10k walk, starting and finishing at Burrator Reservoir Discovery Centre, and raise vital support for women affected by trauma and abuse. The Warrior Women Walk takes in some of Devon’s most stunning scenery.

The walk allows women to connect with friends and other amazing women. Trevi hope the 10k challenge will bring together women who have been affected by trauma and abuse, whether personally or a loved one; women who want to see a future without violence against women and girls and women looking to have fun with their girlfriends and raise money for charity; Trevi invites you to take on their warrior challenge!

Last year 1.7 million women were victims of domestic abuse in the UK, with a domestic abuserelated call being made to the police every 30 seconds.

Whilst domestic abuserelated crimes in Plymouth decreased in 2021/22 by 1.5%, domestic abuserelated non-crime incidents

REFURBISHED TENNIS COURTS ARE OPENED ACROSS PLYMOUTH

Tennis lovers are being served up a treat this summer with the reopening of improved facilities in different corners of the city.

The courts at Devonport Park, Hartley Park and Tothill Park have been refurbished with brand new, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) approved surfaces as well as new nets and posts.

The courts are now run in a similar way to the Central Park and West Hoe courts using the Clubspark online booking system, on a pay to play basis.

A family Park Tennis annual membership for all of our courts at Central Park, West Hoe, Devonport Park, Hartley Park and Tothill Park will cost £40 (£30 for concessions) and individual pay to play sessions will cost £6.

A family membership is available for entire households of up to ten people and entitles holders to book eight, one-hour slots every week. The income generated will

support the costs of maintenance ensuring a high-quality offer across the city for residents to enjoy for the long-term.

The improvements have been funded from a £95,000 grant from the LTA as part of its UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation funded Park Project, which will impact over 3000 existing park tennis courts across Britain. The council also contributed £48,000 from section 106 funding.

The council will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the sites including weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided.

All courts and sessions at all sites are available to book online via the Plymouth Parks Tennis booking platform - www.plymouth. gov.uk/park-tennis-plymouth - or via the LTA Court Booking Portal - www.lta.org.uk/play/book-atennis-court

increased by 9.5%. Domestic violence accounts for 31.5% of all crime in Plymouth compared to the national figure of 17%.

Trevi supports more than 1000 women who have been affected by domestic violence or abuse annually.

80% of the women they support through their Jasmine Mother’s Recovery residential rehab centre and 67% of women accessing their Sunflower Women’s Centre have or are experiencing domestic abuse.

Michelle was supported by Trevi and said: “I came to Trevi when I was eight months pregnant. Social services were planning to remove my daughter from me at birth as I was addicted to drugs and in an abusive relationship.

“The staff at Trevi were beyond amazing. I felt totally supported by all of them and never felt judged for my past mistakes. They were always there to listen if I was struggling with anything. They believed in me, which gave me the strength to keep going.”

All of Trevi’s services are delivered by a dedicated and trauma-informed team of women-only support workers, therapists, teachers, and specialist practitioners who work with every woman to address the trauma in her life and help her understand how it manifests so that she can begin to heal, grow, and move forward.

This year’s event issponsored by Plymouth Citybus, a long time supporter of Trevi. Jess Bolt, marketing manager said: “Inspiring strength, empowering unity, and celebrating resilience. We proudly stand as sponsors of the Warrior Women’s Walk, and are honoured to be able to support the amazing work that Trevi does for the women of Plymouth.’

Trevi hopes that the Warrior Women Walk will be as successful as it was in 2022. As an incentive, they are offering an early bird discount to all women walkers – use code WW20.

Women can walk as individuals, in teams, business groups and organisations. All are encouraged to get involved and register for an official place in the Warrior Women Walk 2023.

To register, visit https://register. enthuse.com/ps/event/ TheWarriorWomenWalk2023

To donate to Trevi or learn more about their important work, visit  trevi.org.uk.

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

Victorian Symbolism

Until Aug 26

Ford Park Cemetery’s Visitor Centre hosts the latest exhibition featuring Victorian symbolism. As opening times vary, details can be obtained by phoning 01752 665442.

Otherworlds

Until Aug 26

Featuring the works of artists Sang-Mi Rha and Marianne Walker at Then Levinsky Gallery, University of Plymouth. Open weekdays 10am to 5pm, Saturday 12 noon to 5pm. Free admission.

Summer of Play

Until Sept 3

Buckland Abbey near Yelverton is hosting a Tudor themed summer of play. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Tudor and nature themed activities across the gardens and inside the Great Barn and Abbey. Designed to give everyone a chance to access the past there will be Tudor sports, an opportunity to act and dance Elizabethan style on the mini stage and be inspired by Tudor cooking in the sand kitchen on the Abbey lawn. Things kick off with an Elizabethan Weekend on July 22 and 23 which will host Tudor games, falconry displays and demonstrations of Tudor life including cooking. Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members For details visit www.nationaltrustorg. uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey

Sparky’s Woodland Adventure

Until Sept 3

Grab your little adventurers and head for Dartmoor Zoo! Sparky the dragon has lost his belongings and he needs help to find them and save his summer travels! Follow Sparky’s trail around our Zoo, mark off where you’ve found his items and find Sparky at the end of your trail to enjoy your yummy gold coin wages! For details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk

Inflatable Mondays

Aug 7, 21 and 28

China Fleet Country Club and High Five join forces to provide fun for families this summer. Sessions from 9am to 10.30am for five to seven year olds, 11am to 12.30pm for eight to 12 year olds and family session from 1pm to 2.30pm. Details from www.china-fleet. co.uk/events/event-calendar

Plymouth Arts Club Exhibition

Aug 1 to Aug 6

In aid of the Tower Repair Fund at the Church of the Ascension Church Hall, The Lawns, Crownhill from 10am to 4pm. Details at www.plymouthartsclub.co.uk

Nerf War Wednesdays

Aug 9, 23 and 30

China Fleet Country Club and High Five join forces to provide adrenaline-pumping action-packed Nerf battles. Sessions from 9am to 10.30am for five to seven year olds, 11am to 12.30pm for eight to 12 year olds and family session from 1pm to 2.30pm. Details from www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar

Down Thomas Singers’ Summer Concerts

Aug 4 and 5

The charity concerts in aid of Asthma and Lung UK take place at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 and include refreshments plus there is a raffle with good prizes. Parking is free. The concert of popular light music is called Sounds Familiar. Tickets from the 01752 299204.

Love Summer Festival

Aug 4 to Aug 6

Now in its 12th year the Love Summer Festival returns to Newnham Park in Plympton. The family friendly

festival offers three stages featuring cutting edge music, children’s area, clamping and great food. Caravan and camper friendly. For details visit www. lovesummerfestival.com/festival-2023/

Ballroom Dancing

Aug 5, Aug 19

Join Jeannie and Henry at the Elm Community Centre, Ley Park Walk, Estover from 7.45pm to 10.30pm. Bring your own drink and snacks. Price £6. For more details and more dates visit www.dancingduo.co.uk or call 01803 325905.

Coffee Morning

Aug 5

In aid of St Luke’s Hospice at Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Books, cakes, raffle etc.

Mount Edgcumbe Classic Car Shows and Summer

Fayre

Aug 6

Attracting over 900 cars of all marques, this is an event not to be missed for the budding petrolhead! But that’s not all – there is something for everybody during the day: over 100 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, clothes and much more, food a nd drink outlets including a licensed bar, bouncy castles, fairground rides and family friendly entertainment from jazz music to magicians.

Big Tribute Festival

Aug 11 to Aug 13

After the huge success of 2022, the BIG Tribute Festival 2023 is back bringing more of the BEST UK Tribute acts over three days at Central Park under the 4,500 capacity tent and larger site location for 2023. Friday is family-friendly focused with fairground rides and bouncy castles. Tickets and information at www. bigtribfest.co.uk

Annual Exhibition and Sale

Aug 11 to 13

Derriford Art Club is holding its annual exhibition and sale of members work at Clearbrook Village Hall. Opens 12 noon to 4pm Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission free, tea and coffee available.

Big Tribute Festival

Aug 11 to Aug 13

After the huge success of 2022, the BIG Tribute Festival 2023 is back bringing more of the BEST UK Tribute acts over three days at Central Park under the 4,500 capacity tent and larger site location for 2023. Friday is family-friendly focused with fairground rides and bouncy castles. Tickets and information at www. bigtribfest.co.uk

Southway Community Table Top Sale

Aug 12

Variety of stalls and children’s crafts at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Free entry. Tea and coffee available. To book a table contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Jumble Sale

Aug 12

Popular jumble sale returns to St Francis Church, Honicknowle from 11am to 1pm. Bargains and refreshments on sale.

Derriford Street Party

Aug 12

Derriford United Reformed Church in Powisland Drive is hosting a big street part between 12.30pm and 4pm. Lots of free fun for all the family.

British Firework Championships

Aug 16 and 17

The beloved British Firework Championships return to The Hoe providing one of the best free events in the South West. Tens of thousands of people will flock to the waterfront to watch three companies compete for the title on each night.

Summer Exhibition

Aug 16 to Aug 20

Plymouth Arts Club exhibition at The Lead Works, Rendle Street, Plymouth from 10am to 4pm. Details at www.plymouthartsclub.co.uk

Plymouth Jazz Club

Aug 20

Featuring the Jake Leg Jug Band at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill starting at 7.30pm. Authentic sounds of the 20s and 30s America. Admission £15. Tickets on the door only. Details at www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Seth Lakeman

Aug 26

Devon’s own popular singer songwriter is accompanied by Benji Kirkpatrick and Alex Hart at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Concert starts at 8pm. Tickets fromwww.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sethlakeman-tickets-598514873097

West End Carnival

Aug 26

Plymouth City Centre Company is hosting the Carnival with a full day of carnival fun for all the family. There will be a parade at 11am and lots of music and entertainment throughout the day.

Classic Car Show

Sept 3

Organised by Saltram Rotary in aid of Devon Air Ambulance at Lyneham Estate near Yealmpton from

11am to 4pm. Many classic cars plus food and craft stalls, jazz band, bar and bouncy castle.

Circus Berlin

Sept 6 to Sept 23

From the producers of Circus Extreme comes the incredible and jaw dropping Continental Circus Berlin in Central Park. With an array of brilliant circus acts, music and real youthful energy, enjoy an international production packed full of comedy, daredevils, dancing and aerial acts. Housed in one of the UK’s largest circus big tops this show will delight young and old alike and promises to be a family treat. For details visit www.circusberlin.co.uk

Seafest Plymouth

Sept 16 and 17

Seafest Plymouth - formerly Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival - is a must for seafood enthusiasts. The festival will include lots of trader stalls, tasty treats, and demonstrations from the cookery theatre. Children can take part in the free activities including a find the fish trail. The popular cardboard boat race will also be taking place on Saturday. The free Seafest Plymouth is organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, and takes place on The Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront.

In Conversation with Judith Weir

Sept 18

Opening event for the new Musica Viva season at the Levinsky Hall, Plymouth University. Featuring composer Judith Weir, Master of the Kings Music, for a public evening of conversation with Robert Taub about her music, inspirations for her creativity and her current projects. Judith’s recent orchestral overture Brighter Visions Shine Afar was performed at the Coronation of King Charles III. This special evening will include an opportunity for members of the audience to pose questions to Judith Weir. For further info and tickets visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/ arts-institute

Motown Tribute Night

Sept 29

China Fleet Country Club celebrates Motown’s golden era starring Ruby Washington and Bruce Parker, the California Soul Man. For bookings visit www.chinafleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/motown-tributenight

Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

The ever-popular British Fireworks Championships are back in August

Crownhill Podiatry

Plymouth gets funding

01752 642445

Plymouth City Council has been awarded £1.24 million by Active Travel England to deliver an exciting programme to enable more people to take up walking and cycling for their health and well-being.

The funding is being used to deliver a programme of ‘socially prescribed’ walking and cycling, where health providers, link workers and service providers work together to help people meet their personal activity needs and goals.

As part of the project link workers within GP practices and health and wellbeing hubs will be able to direct people to a range of exciting walking and cycling activities, with the aim being to get more people walking and cycling – and enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits they bring.

Plymouth is one of only 11 locations across the country selected to take part in the Active Travel England social prescribing pilot.

The programme will run until autumn 2025 and will help more people to access support such as adult cycle training, led rides, led walks and complementary programmes like bike maintenance courses and workshops.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Through the project we will be providing an exciting high quality package of walking and cycling initiatives delivered through community engagement which will allow active travel to be part of people’s everyday lives directly improving the health and well-being of residents in Plymouth.”

The project is being delivered by the council’s Plymotion and Public Health teams and Plymotion travel advisors will once more be out and about this month providing information and incentives to help encourage more trips to be on foot, by bike and by bus.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care added: “Plymouth has a strong background in social prescribing and community-based active travel projects and this project is a great way to bring the two together to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents through active travel.

“While the project is focussed on social prescribing, everyone can sign up to the activities being delivered. It is designed to have something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced cyclist who wants help maintaining your bike or someone who doesn’t usually walk or cycle but want to give it a go and we’d encourage everyone to take part.”

Plymouth families can’t get enough of Pennywell Farm!

Plymouth families have enjoyed visiting Pennywell Farm for decades and the attraction remains just as popular today.

Award-winning Pennywell Farm offers a full day of family fun creating memories for families that last a lifetime.

Situated near Buckfastleigh around 20 miles from Plymouth, Pennywell offers something for everyone, from pig racing to tractor rides. Home to over 150 animals there’s no time to waste. Visitors can get up close and personal with all the friendly animals and can experience handfeeding the goats, cuddling miniature pigs or wandering in the miniature pony and donkey paddocks.

Pennywell is the biggest activity farm in the the South West offering a different activity every 30 minutes - including pig racing, deer feeding, goat walking, ferret racing and pig feeding. For further information and to book tickets visit www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

There’s an exclusive Pennywell Farm offer for Chronicle readers - see page 9 for details.

W E ARE RE C

RUITIN G

Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1 1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people

Whether you are beginning your career or looking to take the next step, your skills to the highest level.

We currently have vacancies for a variety of rewarding positions at all levels, including Carpentry, Engineering, Welding, Fabricating and more

Benefits include

• Competitive pay

• Pension contributions

• Employee discounts platform

• 4 and 3 day working week

• Training

• Occupational health

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible shift patterns and more

Discover our range of career opportunities and apply at www.princessyachts com/careers or scan the QR code below

New Forder Valley road needs votes to win top civil engineering award

Plymouth’s Platinum Parkway has been shortlisted for the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023 with the public encouraged to get involved by voting for their favourite project.

The Forder Valley Link Road, which includes one of the UK’s largest integral bridges over the Bircham Valley, provides an alternative route between the A38 and the north of the city. The highly complex project for Plymouth City Council, undertaken by main contractor, Balfour Beatty, saw the 140 metre integral bridge constructed over the valley with a 10 per cent gradient to overcome, utilising 35 metre long precast concrete beams.

Fourteen projects from across the South West were shortlisted by a panel of civil engineers to reflect outstanding engineering achievement, innovation, and ingenuity. All the shortlisted schemes must show how they positively improve life for people in the region, whether through growth and economic development, climate resilience and carbon reduction or enriching communities and delivering social value.   The public is in control of choosing the People’s

Delivered on

and

Link Road project includes one kilometre of road and a larger, relocated, signalised junction

Choice Award winner through a free online vote at  ice.org.uk/sw/awards closing at 5pm on August 29.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West regional director, said: “The People’s Choice Award is a great opportunity to promote civil engineering to the public and celebrate the hard work that civil engineers engage in to benefit the region’s

communities. I’d encourage everyone to find out more about the outstanding projects on the shortlist and cast a vote for the scheme they think has had the greatest positive impact for their area or the region as a whole.”

The result will be revealed at a gala event in Bristol in November.

Drake Circus unveils ocean-themed summer installation

Drake Circus’s summer installation has once again transformed the centre’s atrium and Old Town Street into a vibrant underwater spectacle.

Following the popularity of previous installations, this year’s multicoloured display includes eight jellyfish and 11 wrasse fish sculptures in the atrium, with a brand-new marine-themed canopy of seagrass and marine creatures plus a giant jellyfish vinyl across the Cornwall Street entrance providing the perfect photo opportunity for visitors.

The curated ocean display, chosen to celebrate Plymouth Sound becoming the UK’s first National Marine Park, has been created with all materials made from either biodegradable, recyclable or sustainable sources, keeping the importance of conserving the oceans front of mind.

And to entertain visitors throughout the school holidays, the centre is also installing a community event space, providing a platform for local performers, artists, and businesses.

Until early September, the space will enable local community organisations, including We Do Football, Plymouth Library and Surfers Against Sewage, to host a range of interactive workshops and activities for visitors to take part in.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “We’re incredibly excited to reveal our latest summer installation, with last year’s ocean theme proving so popular we wanted to bring it back, but make it even bigger!

“It’s great that we can continue to showcase our city’s maritime

heritage and culture through this fun and bright spectacle, all whilst knowing the display has been curated sustainably. I’m looking forward to welcoming customers to see the installation and take part in the activities in our event space throughout the summer months.”

For further information visit www.drakecircus.com

LEARNHAPPY LEARNHAPPY

Proposals to close rail ticket offices across the country - including Plymouth railway station – have brought a storm of protest

Now Plymouth MP Luke Pollard is calling on rail passengers in Plymouth to resist the Government’s plans and to take part in the official consultation which is only open until July 26.

In the meantime he has urged the Government to save Plymouth train station ticket office from closure, claiming that Great Western Railway plans to cut over 40 per cent of staff at Plymouth Station by closing the ticket office.

The Department for Transport has ordered all train companies across the country to consult on the closure of all ticket offices, including in the far South West. Travel watchdog Transport Focus is running the consultation in the South West.

The closure of nearly 1000 rail ticket offices across Britain could be rubber stamped within two weeks, after the rail industry today launched a 21-day public consultation on their future. Luke warned that the closure would hit disabled, elderly and vulnerable passengers, many of whom rely on ticket office staff as a ‘lifeline’ to book tickets and use the railways.

He also called on the government to be open and honest, emphasising that passengers and station staff deserve better than hearing about the plans in the media.

Luke has written to the managing director of Great Western Rail, Mark Hopwood, to seek assurances about the future of Plymouth ticket office and the job security of rail staff.

Luke said: “The ticket office at Plymouth railway station is a lifeline for so many passengers, including lots of disabled, elderly and vulnerable travellers. I will be fighting tooth and nail to save it from closure.

“When the Conservatives talk about modernising the railways, what they really mean is hitting working people with cuts like this while hiking fares again and again. Labour will end the managed decline of our railways by bringing services back into public ownership.”

Luke has campaigned for the government to improve rail services in the South West since he was elected in 2017.

He also successfully campaigned with Plymouth Youth Music Service for funding from Great Western Rail to install a ‘people’s piano’ in Plymouth train station, installed in November last year.

time

under budget, the Forder Valley

Green light for 50 new homes in north of Plymouth

A leading local housebuilder has secured planning permission to construct 50 brand new quality homes in Plymouth.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon will build on land adjacent to its existing Palmerston Heights site in the north of the city.

As part of the plans – which includes over £500,000 worth of Section 106 obligations – the homes will be equipped with air source heat pumps to limit carbon emissions and cycle storage to encourage active travel. The vast majority of the homes will also have electric vehicle charging points.

The delegated decision came from Plymouth City Council and the scheme includes a mix of properties, from one to four-bed homes, which will help to meet local housing needs and open the door to home-ownership to more local families.

As part of the scheme, Persimmon will also transfer 15 homes to a local social housing provider to help reduce the numbers on the local housing list (standing at over 10,000 in August last year). In addition, the two blocks of apartments (one block of six on the open market, one block of six social/affordable apartments) will each have its own amenity space.

The Section 106 obligations include:

• £207,698 for road schemes on Plymouth’s northern corridor;

• Over £100,000 for delivery and improvements to foot and cycle path connections into and through Derriford Community Park;

• £85,991 for delivery and monitoring of improvements at North of Frogmore Green Play Park and North of Bearsdown Close to ensure the scheme meets 10% biodiversity net gain;

• £35,760 for the provision and/or maintenance of playing pitch facilities at Tor Bridge High, Marjon or Central Park;

•  £16,012 for provision and/or maintenance of tennis court facilities at Devonport Hartley or Tothill; and

• £24,621 for co-location of Church View and Dean Cross surgeries.

Adam Church, managing director of Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon said: “It’s fantastic that we have secured permission to build on this site, ensuring we can add to the vision we already have in the area nearby.

“These high-quality homes will cater for a range of households from first-time buyers to families looking for a bigger property, while also being future-proof and environmentally friendly, evident in the delivery of air source heat pump technology and electric vehicle charging points.

“We are proud this scheme will deliver significant community benefit with over £500,000 invested locally in transport infrastructure, active travel, sports facilities and GP surgeries.  We will also transfer 15 new homes to a local social housing provider to help reduce demand on Plymouth’s local housing list.

“Persimmon will continue to put place and quality at the heart of its work in Plymouth, and we look forward to meeting the customers who will be making these houses their homes.”

New supported homes for young people who have been in care

Young people who have been in care in Plymouth will benefit from a new accommodation facility which gives them taste of adulthood and independence while ensuring there’s support on hand.

Plymouth City Council has transformed a disused building into self-contained flats for young people who are ready to live more independently, with a mix of four ‘training flats’ for 16 and 17 year olds, and eight flats for young people aged 18 and over.

The accommodation will have a 24-hour staff presence to offer support and guidance to the young people living there, enabling those who are leaving care to still be supported but to manage their own homes.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, visited the new flats as they undergo the finishing touches and said: “These new flats are absolutely fantastic, offering a brilliant new accommodation option for care experienced young people in Plymouth as they begin their journey to independence.”

Each flat is comprised of a bedroom, kitchen diner and bathroom and will be fullyfurnished. There’s also parking on-site as well as landscaped communal garden.

Councillor Laing continued: “We take our responsibility to our young people very seriously and as councillors we are ‘corporate parents’ to those children who are, or have experienced being, in care. As every parent knows, that support does not end the moment they turn 18 and support and guidance is still required to help navigate early adulthood.

“As a council, we also consider that being care experienced is a protected characteristic so this is another step on the road to ensuring that these young people get the support they need. By providing this new

accommodation offer, we’re giving them the freedom to manage and enjoy their own space and privacy, with all the benefits of ongoing support and security.”

With limited accommodation offers currently available in the city, young people often have to spend longer than they need to in residential care or with foster parents when they’re ready to move on. The new flats

will help to bridge the gap between being in care and living independently as an adult. The council is working with Pivotal Housing Association and Parallel Independence to deliver the scheme and ensure young people have the support they need. The first young people to benefit from the facility will be moving into their homes later this summer.

LEADING ESTOVER MARINE COMPANY TO EXPAND WITH NEW FREEPORT OPERATION

International innovator in marine autonomy and defence contractor, M Subs, which operates from its Estover facility and also Texas in the USA, has signed a lease agreement to expand business operations into the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

M Subs design, build and operate crewed and un-crewed underwater vehicles and autonomous ships, including the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS). Late last year the company successfully secured a multimillion-pound contract with the Royal Navy to construct the service’s first crewless submarine under the project name CETUS.

Investing in a new build facility within the Freeport’s South Yard site at Devonport will enable M Subs to expand its business with new job creation and to better fulfil their obligations in their current stable of international defence market contracts including Project CETUS by being close to the water - the business has satisfied the stringent displacement and gateway policy which applies to all businesses considering operating within the Freeport.

Richard May, chief executive of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: “It is a

pleasure to welcome M Subs to the Freeport and we look forward to working with Brett Phaneuf and his team to support them with their ambitious plans for the future. The investment and innovation that M Subs bring to the Freeport, and local area, is a prime example of the opportunities that the Freeport can afford new and expanding businesses.

“We have a growing number of enquiries from business investors, particularly in the blue/green tech industries, who understand the value and potential of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and the local capability and ecosystem. We are seen by government as successful at bringing innovation to the forefront of the Freeport policy and announcements such as this only amplify our standing as a hotbed of innovation in our key sectors of marine, defence and the emerging space sector in the South West.”

One of the key objectives of the Freeport is job creation and upskilling for the local workforce. Creating a minimum of twenty new full-time jobs at the facility within the next three years, expansion into the Freeport supports M Subs’ 80 current employees and many hundreds of local jobs indirectly

through additional supply chain opportunities and collaborations.

Brett Phaneuf, managing director, M Subs Ltd said: “M Subs continues to expand our global reach operating from our expanding base in Plymouth; our new facilities in the Freeport will allow us to accelerate growth in the market by creating a new operations and maintenance centre for our state-of-the-art uncrewed marine vehicles, coupled with our AI and Autonomy R&D Centre in Turnchapel Wharf. M Subs is deeply committed to educating, training and maintaining the future talent in the city and the Freeport facilities will provide the necessary job growth to make that happen, and to keep Plymouth the centre of marine autonomy and engineering, in the UK.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans said: “This is exactly the sort of company we want to see in the Freeport. Clean, green and at the cutting edge of marine technology. This is a company making extraordinary advances under the ocean and want to expand. This news means more skilled jobs for local people, it means more investment in other businesses through their supply chain it’s great news for Plymouth.”

Visiting the new flats (from left) Council Leader Tudor Evans, Councillor Jemima Laing; Mark Cooper, Ecosafe, John Wilkinson, Parallel Independence, Emma Crowther, interim head of commissioning at Plymouth City Council and Lisa Purchase, head of operations at Pivotal Housing

City bartender’s winning cocktail

A talented bartender from Plymouth is mixing it with the best in the business after winning a national competition to create a signature cocktail.

Leon White, has been crowned Grosvenor Casinos Bartender of the Year after wowing the judges’ taste buds with his own mixology creation. Leon’s cocktail was called Saint and Sinner and focused on the duality of the flavour profiles of two of the main ingredients – the citrus of the Cointreau and smokiness of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Leon, a bartender from Grosvenor Casino Plymouth, impressed the judges with his concoction noting that all the details were so well thought through, from the glassware to the flavour combination and scent of the garnish. Made up of Cointreau, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Johnnie Walker Black Label and finished with an orange garnish, Saint and Sinner was a real crowd pleaser at the competition and managed to shake off talent from 51 other Grosvenor Casino venues.

Leon is so passionate about bartending and cocktail-making and loves to make creations for friends and watch cocktail chemistry on YouTube. Being able to do this for a living, and winning titles like Bartender of the Year, is a dream come true for the 24-year-old.

Leon said about his win: “To be recognised as Grosvenor Casinos Bartender of the Year is simply amazing. The competition itself was so inspiring and we ended up rooting for everyone, so the fact that I have won is so shocking to me!

“I am so proud to have my name and casino on the map. Creating cocktails is my passion – I love thinking through everything that goes into making the perfect cocktail, from selecting the right glassware, the chemistry of mixing each flavour to the scent of the garnish!”

George Robertson, National Food & Beverages operations manager at Grosvenor Casinos, said:

“Leon really impressed the judges with his Saint and Sinner cocktail – it was the perfect mix of sour and smoke and the smell of the citrus was the finishing touch.

“At Grosvenor Casinos, we love supporting people’s passions, and it’s clear that Leon is able to showcase his passion for cocktail making every day at work.

“We hope that Leon’s win will inspire future mixologists to give bartending a go and consider a rewarding career in hospitality.”

Cost of living boost for hundreds of families

More than 700 Plymouth families will be getting a helping hand with the cost of living thanks to huge improvements to energy efficiency.

Properties will benefit from a range of measures including external wall insulation, cavity insulation and double glazing. Selected properties will also see solar panels and air source heat pumps fitted.

In all, 725 homes across the city will benefit from more than £7 million of investment from the latest wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) which the Council officially received from the government and democratically processed today.

The funding, which was announced earlier this year, will be administered by the Council and delivered by partners Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) and LiveWest

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I’m delighted to have completed the democratic process of accepting this grant which will mean so much to so many Plymouth households.

“These improvements will go a long way to towards reducing energy costs for residents while helping the city along on its journey to net zero by 2030.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing, added: “Much of Plymouth’s housing stock dates back a few decades so to see so many homes brought up to modern energy spec is very pleasing.

“I’d like to thank our partners at both PCH and

LiveWest for their investment of both time and money. It’s yet another testament of what can be achieved when partners work together.”

Now that the funds have been received, they will be distributed to PCH and LiveWest who will be responsible for delivery of the work to the homes they own and manage in the city and will match-fund the grants from their own funds.

PCH is the largest social housing association in Plymouth with 16,000 homes, and will receive £5.6 million in grant funding and contribute a further £8.6 million to ensure 600 of its homes across Plymouth benefit from energy upgrades over the next two years.

John Clark, chief executive of Plymouth Community Homes, said: “It’s fantastic news we will be receiving £5.6m of funding in the second wave of funding which we will match-fund ourselves.

“This will help us to make 600 of our social homes in Plymouth more energy efficient, which will in turn help our tenants to reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warm, dry and comfortable, as well as reducing carbon emissions.

“We are grateful for the support of the council in co-ordinating and securing this funding to enable these vital works to go ahead.”

LiveWest meanwhile, will retrofit 125 homes, receive £1.5m and contribute a further £1.8 million from their own funds.

It means that between Government funding and the money contributed from PCH and LiveWest, over £17.4 million will be committed to the project.

Bartender Leon White

On your bike for a thrilling hospice care challenge!

The boldest charity cycling challenge in the South West is back for 2023. St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is inviting bike enthusiasts to get into gear and sign up for the perennially popular Tour de Moor to support compassionate end of life care in the local community.

Whizzing into action on Sunday October 8, the event promises a thrilling two-wheel experience on beautiful, rugged Dartmoor for cyclists of all ages and abilities. This year’s theme is ‘We ride as one for hospice care’ and there’s an exciting option for every rider, whether they are a seasoned competitive cyclist looking for the ultimate adrenaline charge or one who would prefer the buzz of a shorter scenic spin the whole family can join in.

Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, the challenge offers three distinct routes – a fierce hill-filled 52km for aged 12 and up, a brand new intermediate 33km based on Dartmoor National Park’s Granite and Gears Cycle Trail for ages nine and over, and a gentler 11km along the tarmac Drake’s Trail. There’s also a new challenge for school groups.

Registration fees - £35 for the 52km and 33km, and £15 for the 11km - cover the running costs of the event. It’s entrants’ sponsorship and donations that really make the difference for St Luke’s, supporting the critical service it runs 365 days a year, covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

Penny Hannah, head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “The Tour de Moor challenge offers a terrific combination of fitness, fun and phenomenal

surroundings, and we’re so excited to be ringing the changes this year with a brand new 33km route, as well as an opportunity for school teams to get involved.

“It’s a really inclusive event that adults and children can join in, choosing the route which suits them, all riding together with the same great aim in mind – helping St Luke’s provide the very best support at home, in hospital and in our specialist unit, for local people with terminal illnesses and their families.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our Sponsor Print Copy Scan and everyone who takes part. Whether you are cycling in memory of a loved one who was looked after by our teams, or you’re there to push for your personal best performance, it’s your

Top award for Derriford’s cost of living support for NHS staff

Work with NHS staff in Plymouth to support them with cost-of-living rises has scooped a national CIPR Award for Excellence in the Employee Engagement Campaign category.

The team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust recognised that cost-of-living pressures could significantly impact its 10,000 staff.

sponsorship and generous donations that make an enormous difference.”

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said: “So many families rely on the superb care and support provided free of charge by St Luke’s at the toughest time of their lives. As a community we must never take what the charity provides for granted.

“We’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again, knowing that all the money raised by those taking part goes directly to bespoke care for terminally ill people living in the local area.”

The Tour de Moor challenge will depart at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes at the same location. To sign up visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/tourdemoor.

Plymouth divers clinch top trophy

Plymouth Diving Club has been awarded the Dawdon Shield Trophy for top club at the Swim England Diving National Age Group Championships 2023.

As the competition reached the later stages at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, it looked to be between Plymouth and home club, City of Sheffield.

But with a total of 17 medals won overall across the four days, it was Plymouth who got their hands on the trophy. They took over from Southampton Diving Academy, who were crowned the top club at the 2022 championships.

Plymouth (249) and City of Sheffield (217) were the only clubs to break the 200 point mark – and Southend Diving were the third placed club with 162.

On winning the trophy, Plymouth coach Fito Gutierrez, said: “It’s pretty good. It gives us incentive to keep doing what we’re doing. I think since surviving the pandemic as a club, I’m so glad that all those kids were able to come here and compete. We kept them going for so long and it was so difficult, so I’m very pleased.

As a club, it’s like the cherry on the top, it’s fantastic!

“To see the athletes on the podium is great, but to see them doing their best is what counts and that’s what we’re trying to do – to push them to that level that they might get on the podium or in the top six. That was our target and we achieved that.”

Fito was also awarded the Margaret Davies Trophy as the top coach of the competition.

On winning the award, he added: “You don’t expect it, it’s just something that when it happens, it happens. I’m very pleased and happy that it was me for this competition.”

Plymouth got off to a bright start on the opening day of the competition, winning

three medals – two silver and one bronze.

Youngsters Isla Applin and Harry Westbury were the first to represent Plymouth on the podium in the 3m events.

Applin scored 154.85 points in the Girls Group D 3m to win silver, and Westbury secured bronze in the Boys Group D 3m.

Rounding off the first day was Will Heath and Oscar Westbury who teamed up to earn silver medals in the Boys Group C/D 1m Synchro.

Day two saw heroics from Plymouth’s Noah Underwood, who produced a stunning final dive to clinch the gold medal in the Boys Group B 3m.

In the Girls Group A 1m, Ellie Pearce steamed ahead of her rivals to claim gold and Lexi Davies finished in the bronze medal position in the Girls Group B Platform.

Inspired by the acheivements of their teammates earlier in the day, the afternoon of day two saw Plymouth continue to add to their medal tally.

Ben Hall posted 239.80 to finish third in the Boys Group A 1m to win bronze, Will Heath won another bronze in the Boys Group C 3m and Underwood was back on top of the podium, this time alongside teammate Alex Whittaker, to win the Boys Group A/B 3m Synchro title.

Familiar faces were on the podium during day three, as Lexi Davies added to her personal medal collection with a gold in a close battle for the Girls Group B 1m crown, before joining Erin Healey to claim the Girls Group A/B 3m Synchro bronze.

There was another strong win for Ellie Pearce in the Girls Group A 3m, while Noah Underwood added to his day two success with silver in the Boys Group B Platform, and Plymouth’s Will Heath and Oscar Westbury clinched silver and bronze respectively in the Boys Group C 1m.

The final day of action saw Lexi Davies complete a full collection, adding her first silver to her gold and bronze medals.

They also recognised that employee engagement and communication was critical to understand how staff would be affected and where and how they most needed support.

Head of communications Amanda Nash explained; “The chief executive asked for a recommendation to assist staff with cost of living rises in September 2022. We put forward a proposal to ensure colleagues’ needs and views drove the shape and implementation of any investment in support.

“We created a multi-disciplinary working group drawing together colleagues from estates, finance, HR, wellbeing and unions and drafted a project plan. Rather than assume knowledge of what would help, we undertook a big conversation exercise to fully understand our colleagues’ diverse needs.”

The campaign engaged with 3,180 staff and ensured colleagues’ views were heard and acted upon to ensure maximum impact from a £1m investment in cost of living support measures by the board of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Staff said key areas they wanted help with included subsidised travel and parking, subsidised food, hardship and equity and signposting to financial advice.

Measures to support these areas were introduced in November 2022 and the opportunities for savings widely shared with staff. By the end of January 2023 thousands of staff had benefited from the support with the following breakdown:

• 8,200 discounted 28-day travel cards issued

• 17,850 free park and rise journeys

• 88,000 discounted car parking transactions

• 5,000 discounted meals provided per week at Derriford Hospital for staff

Director of finance Sarah Brampton said:

“This was an important investment at a particularly difficult time for people and we worked really hard to make sure that we engaged with staff, listened to what they wanted and acted on that.

“This fits with our wider approach where we always try our best to engage with our colleagues and key stakeholders. Being up against such strong competition in this national award and winning it means so much to us – it shows the value of working in the right way to do the right thing and we’re delighted our efforts have been recognised.”

Photo credit – Paul Slater

Plymouth Diving Club members with the Dawdon Shield Trophy Photo: Swim England/Morgan Harlow Photography

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Spanish galleon sets its sights on Plymouth!

A full size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon will visit Plymouth this summer and be open to locals and visitors to the city to step onboard.

El Galeón will be moored within the Cattewater with visitors being able to explore this ‘living museum’ during her stay.

The impressive tall ship is nearly 50 metres in length and will be impossible to miss when she arrives in Plymouth at the start of August. As a floating museum, members of the public will be able to go onboard and explore the ship’s six decks which offer a fascinating range of features, exhibits and displays.

El Galeón’s live-in crew will also be on hand to talk to visitors and explain more about the ship and the history behind the Spanish galleon fleet which were used predominantly between the 16th and 18th centuries and took the lead role in many of the world’s trade and cultural routes that were the longest in length and duration than any other in the history of maritime navigation. And, while these were the ships that comprised the Spanish Armada which in 1588 attempted, unsuccessfully, to defeat an English fleet led by Sir Francis Drake it was the galleons that brought the “two halves of the Earth” together, exchanging goods, people, cultures, ideas and aesthetics from several continents.

Captain Richard Allan, chief executive and Harbour Master at Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to secure a visit from El Galeón as part of her summer programme and to be one of the very few UK ports that she will be visiting as part of her wider European schedule.

“It will be quite a spectacle to have her moored in the Cattewater - vessels such as El Galeón were

the forerunners for the modern day cargo vessels that we have entering the port on a daily basis.”

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure & HR, Plymouth City Council said: “A Spanish galleon in Plymouth? I think we can safely say we’ve all moved on from the days when this would be feared. In fact, it is wonderful to be able to welcome this ship into the Sound and for people to climb aboard and learn about life on board.

“It’s also a good reminder that ships were more than about skirmishes, but about forging trade and culture links between nations.”

Built by the Nao Victoria Foundation at the Punta Umbria shipyard at Huelva in Spain, El Galeón was launched 2009 and has since covered more than 70,000 nautical miles around the world’s oceans, visited ports in four continents, participated in many cultural projects, and has been visited by thousands of visitors at over a hundred ports all over the world.

El Galeón will be in port for five days at the start of August and online booking for tickets will be going on sale shortly. Access to the galleon, which will be moored in the Cattewater, will be via a dedicated tender operating regular crossings from the Barbican Landing Stage each day.

Major investment and jobs boost announced for Freeport

Plymouth City Council is planning new multi-million pound investments

in the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

Plans are being developed for £15.6 million of new investment across two Freeport sites in the council’s ownership. The first is a £6.5 million investment in a further phase of the Oceansgate development in Devonport which will deliver 1,772 square metres of high quality lettable space for manufacturing and synthetic testing, creating 49 jobs.

The second is a £9.1 million investment in industrial units at Langage Business Park in Plympton which will deliver 5,615 square metres of flexible, high quality, sustainable workspace, split across four different units at Beaumont Way and create 138 jobs.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “One of our key priorities is driving green investment, jobs and skills. The Freeport does exactly that.

“This is an historic opportunity for Plymouth to fully orientate our economy into delivering more skilled jobs and become a core

Gold for council’s support for Armed Forces community

Plymouth City Council has been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community. The council have been working hard to keep Armed Forces at the heart of Plymouth, its history and culture. This work includes leading a citywide Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) interest business group whose focus is to increase businesses community engagement;increase the number of businesses signed up to the AFC Employee Recognition award and work with businesses and partners to secure employment for veterans and those about to leave service (Skills Launchpad).

Oceansgate...£6.5m investment announced

international trading location. It is my priority now to make sure it delivers, driving forward our plans to create at least 3,500 jobs across the city.

“We want the Freeport to not only be an economic boost for the city, but also be a hotbed of innovation. Whilst these plans are still in their infancy, it is clear that we are ambitious and driven to move forward at pace.

“The end result will be that we not only attract investment, and stimulate growth in green technologies to help our economy, but we put Plymouth on the map as a city where it make’s financial sense to do business.”

The Freeport in Plymouth and South Devon is a zone designated by the Government with certain allowances to boost the economy, such as lower taxes and customs e.g. VAT or duties.

The Freeport aims to unlock millions of pounds worth of funding for the region, encouraging a resurgence of economic activity with businesses more inclined to open in the area. In turn, this will create thousands more jobs and bring vast investment into the local community.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure, Human Resources and Organisational Development, said: “The Armed Forces are part of Plymouth’s DNA – they are at the heart of Plymouth and central to our history, our present and our future.  As a council, we are immensely proud of our Armed Forces community and the value it adds to our city.

“As one of the city’s largest employers, we develop our internal people policies and procedures to support the Armed Forces as well influence other organisations in the city. This work includes leading a citywide Armed Forces Covenant interest business group and working with businesses and partners to secure employment for veterans and those about to leave service.

“And as part of our Skills 4 Plymouth plan we help connect veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces and their families with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs. As an employer of more than 20 veterans, we also offer a guaranteed interview scheme for service leavers.

“We are very proud to achieve this Gold award and it is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces.”

Councillor Pauline Murphy, Armed Forces Champion, said: “It is fantastic that the Council have been recognised for the brilliant work that is done throughout the city to support our strong Armed Forces community.

“As President of the Federation of ExServices, and the Royal British Legion Crownhill Branch, I am really passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community in the city, this is so important to me.”

Free fun for families in Plymouth this summer

To help residents struggling during the cost of living crisis, Plymouth City Council is sharing details of all the free activities, events and things to do in the city. This is a key element of the council’s new cost of living action plan, which is set to be launched in August.

There’s a huge range of free things for everyone to enjoy in Plymouth during the summer holidays, meaning families can have fun and make memories without worrying about the impact on their budgets and the rising cost of living. Here’s just a selection of what’s on offer:

The Box: The museum is free to visit and this summer will be celebrating light and colour with family activities inspired by their ‘Reframing Reynolds’ and ‘Dappled Light’ exhibitions. Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the school holidays

enjoy children’s yoga and mindfulness sessions, science activities and creative sessions at no extra cost.

Plymouth libraries: The Summer Reading Challenge for children aged four to 11 is a fun way to get kids reading during the holidays. Children aged four to 11 who read six or more library books, including eBooks and audiobooks, during the summer holidays will receive a medal and certificate. Kids can sign up for free at any Plymouth library and will be given a pack to help track their progress, as well as an online profile to play games and earn badges as they discover new books. Libraries across Plymouth will also be hosting lots of free events throughout August, including craft activities, board game sessions and Lego clubs.

Fit and Fed: There are free community events taking place at parks and green spaces across the city on Tuesdays during August, where children can enjoy free games, activities and lunch:

• Tuesday August 1 at Central Park

• Tuesday August 8 at Ernesettle Green

• Tuesday August 15 at Tothill Park

• Tuesday August 22 at Victoria Park Mount Wise Swimming Pools: There are three amazing pools at Mount Wise, open to everyone for free, including a 25 metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, and a small shallower pool for young children to paddle in. The pools are open until September 17 and sessions can be booked online.

Family workshops: On Course South West is running fun workshops for children aged 6+ to enjoy with their parents or carers with topics like mask making, theatre play, song writing, woodwork and crafting to try. Book online at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk.

Plymouth Trails App: Explore and learn about the fascinating history of Britain’s Ocean City with the Plymouth Trails app. The free-to-download app is available on smartphones and offers in-depth, themed guides which spread across the city.

Plymouth Pride: Celebrate Pride on Saturday August 5 in Central Park, with a huge range of entertainment including live performances from artists, bands, drag acts and more.

British Firework Championships: The hugely popular pyrotechnics competition returns to Plymouth Sound on Wednesday and Thursday August 16 and 17. Head to Plymouth Hoe for the best view and extra entertainment including live music and commentary.

West End Carnival: This popular free day out returns to the streets around Plymouth Market in the city centre on Saturday August 26. Enjoy live music, watch street performers including magicians, jugglers and contortionists, follow a fun family trail and join in the parade.

To see more free things to do and lots of information about the cost of living support available locally, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ costofliving.

Mount Wise Swimming Pools - three pools with free admission

Free fun and entertainment at the West End Carnival

City’s young people invited to join political summer school

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard is offering young people in Plymouth the opportunity to attend a free two-day political summer school running at the end of July.

After a successful inaugural year, the nonpartisan summer school is being hosted by Luke at the University of Plymouth over two days on July 27 and 28.

The summer school will feature speakers from all the main parties locally, as well as inspirational community leaders from across the city.

Luke said he hopes the summer school will ’break down barriers to politics and help give students the skills and confidence to make a difference in their community.’

Pupils who live in or attend a school in the Plymouth Sutton and Devonport constituency and completed Year 10 to 13 before the summer are invited to apply for one of the spaces, which are capped at 40 on a first-come first-served basis. Sessions in this year’s summer school include speech writing, how to use social media to make a difference and engaging with local political leaders.

Free Dayrider tickets have also been made available to students attending the summer school from Citybus so that travel costs are not a barrier to participation.

Luke said: “Plymouth is full of talented and hardworking young people, but they don’t always have their voices heard. I’m bringing together inspirational community leaders and politicians over a two-day summer school to break down barriers to politics and help give students the skills and confidence to make a difference locally and nationally.

“If you have a son, daughter, niece, nephew, neighbour, or anyone else who would like to take part, please do encourage them to get involved.”

To express an interest or request further information, send an email with name, school year, school and why you are interested in attending to luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk.

Council pay tribute to Alderman Bob Bishop

Plymouth councillors are to pay tribute to Alderman Bob Bishop after the sad news that he passed away on July 2.

Bob Bishop was elected to the City Council as a Labour member for the St Budeaux ward in 1972 and served continuously as a councillor until his retirement in 1987 – a total of 15 years. He served on many council committees but had a particular interest in leisure and finance and served as shadow chairman on these committees for 10 and 11 years respectively. He was also shadow chairman of the Personnel Sub-Committee.  He was instrumental in leading an Anti Vandalism Campaign in the city.

He was Deputy Lord Mayor in 1982/83 and was conferred as an Alderman in September 2000.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer, said: “It is with great sadness that we heard the news about Alderman Bishop and our thoughts are with his family at this time. We will be paying our respects as a Council at the next meeting of the Full Council.”

Alderman Bishop’s funeral will take place at St Boniface Church, St Budeaux on Monday July 24 at 12 noon.

Staff from leading law firm hit the heights to raise funds for Derriford’s children’s wards

Thirty members of staff from leading Devon law firm Kitsons took to the hills recently and successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

Their reward for completing what is regarded as one of the toughest challenges in the UK, was raising over £4,454 for Derriford Hospital Children’s Wards.

Four teams of walkers and one group of runners from Kitsons’ three offices in Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter took on the charity trek covering 26 miles of steep climbs and descents across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. These peaks form part of the Pennine range and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Rhodri Davey, managing partner at Kitsons said: “I had the privilege of going with a group of my colleagues to Yorkshire to undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. It was in Yorkshire, there were three peaks, and it was indeed a challenge. The weather was fantastic but not conducive to walking. The route was long and arduous. Everyone that took part was brilliant; some ran it, others walked quickly, and a few went for almost 15 hours! I am immensely proud of everyone that took part, the sense of teamwork and mutual support was a joy to see.”

Marjorie Creek, partner and head of private client said: “At Kitsons, we have a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and we’re proud to be able to support the causes that our people care passionately about.

“We decided that completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge was just such an opportunity to raise money for charity and given how brilliant the team are in the Children’s Wards at Derriford, and that

families of our staff members have benefitted from that specialist care, it was an easy decision to dedicate our fundraising to them. We are so thankful to everyone that supported us and donated this lovely sum to such a worthwhile cause.”

Plymouth Hospitals Charity is the official NHS charity for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and the surrounding area. Their mission is to support the work of NHS staff

and help raise standards over and above the level that NHS funding alone allows.

Jamie Lee, engagement and fundraising manager at Plymouth Hospitals Charity said: “We’ve been absolutely blown away by what the fantastic team at Kitsons Solicitors have been able to achieve. The money they’ve raised for the Children’s Wards at Derriford Hospital will make a huge difference to the children and families we care for.

AQUARIUM CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium celebrated its 25th birthday in July having welcomed seven million visitors during that time.

Since it was established in 1998, the Aquarium has been at the forefront of the UK’s marine conservation industry, fostering wonder and promoting environmental stewardship. In that time it has entertained and informed millions of visitors including more than 600,000 schoolchildren. They have visited as part of either a school trip or educational visit, cementing the Aquarium’s place as a leader in marine education.

To mark the institution’s remarkable journey, a brand new permanent exhibit has been developed and installed overlooking the Aquarium’s iconic Eddystone Reef tank. Not only does this tank have the largest single viewing panel in the UK, it’s also home to a stunning array of local sharks, rays and many more ocean species.

The new exhibit is a fully immersive timeline display, which encapsulates the educational centre of excellence’s 25-year history and draws focus to the future with a dedicated section showcasing the work of the charity which run the National Marine Aquarium - the Ocean Conservation Trust.

Adjacent to the Eddystone Reef, visitors will also find a new-for-25-years temporary exhibit, telling the compelling stories of numerous individuals associated with the Ocean Conservation Trust and the National Marine Aquarium, offering a unique perspective on the human history behind the organisation over its time in existence.

Roger Maslin, chief executive of the National Marine Aquarium and Ocean Conservation Trust said: “The Aquarium was an ambitious project from its inception 25 years ago and remains an incredible facility to this day. The Aquarium is hugely important to the community and we are so fortunate that we get the opportunity to introduce hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to the importance of the ocean and its inhabitants.

“For 25 years we have been driving Ocean conservation through a joyful mix of education and entertainment and long may that continue. Making this landmark is a huge achievement and we are enormously grateful to everyone who has been involved in our journey.”

2023 will also see the Ocean Conservation Trust launch its ‘A Dip in the Sea’ campaign, an initiative to provide essential swimwear and accessories to those who need them most, enabling local communities to fully enjoy the oceans.

The scheme calls on residents to donate swimwear they no longer use so that it reaches those who need it. Items such as swimming costumes and trunks, swimming caps, beach shoes, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, swim shoes, towels, new sun cream, goggles, buckets and spades and more are welcome.

This summer also features a series of celebratory events, including Sleeping with Sharks, the chance to snorkel at the Aquarium and with the Ocean Conservation Trust in the UK’s first National Marine Park.

Marjorie Creek, Tony Hunt and Katie Rohleder from Kitsons handing over a ‘big’ cheque to the nurses at Derriford Hospital Children’s Wards

Saltram and The Box exchange works for Sir Joshua Reynolds exhibition

The National Trust at Saltram have partnered with The Box to exchange works from their collections to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of one of England’s greatest artists Sir Joshua Reynolds.

To Tell Them Where It’s Got To a small painting by artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye loaned by The Box, is now hanging in the Red Room at Saltram in place of Reynolds’ portrait of Francesco Bartolozzi (1773), encouraging a comparison of different approaches to portraiture.

In return, two paintings from Saltram are shown at The Box in Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration. These are Reynolds’ portrait of Florentine engraver Bartolozzi and one of the artist’s great works, the newly cleaned portrait of Theresa Parker which was completed in 1773.

In contrast to the surrounding historic painting collection at Saltram, depicting known people in public displays of status, Yiadom-Boakye is inspired to create paintings of invented people created from found images, and her imagination.

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye initially learned to paint by working from life but changed her approach whilst studying at Falmouth School of Art. She realised she was less interested in making portraits and more in the act of painting itself. The painting displayed was shown in 2022 at Tate Britain in the arist’s solo international touring exhibition and can be seen hung at Saltram until the end of October.

It is the first time in 250 years that Reynolds’ full-length

portrait of his patron and friend Theresa Parker has been displayed outside of Saltram’s Saloon – the place for which it was commissioned – since its completion and display at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1733.

The painting recently underwent cleaning at the Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio and will return to Saltram for visitors to view again from 2024. In the interim a print of the painting by Thomas Watson is displayed at Saltram in its place. Theresa Parker commissioned the print in part because her brother in Spain was desperate to see the painting.

Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “Staging a major exhibition like ‘Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration’ would not be possible without the support of a range of partners, so we’re delighted to have collaborated with the National Trust to help tell the story of Reynolds’ life and career, and to have loaned a work to them as well.

Saltram’s grand portrait of Theresa Parker is the first painting visitors see when they arrive in the exhibition and it looks stunning post-conservation. In return, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye has received great acclaim for her paintings in recent years, and we hope audiences to Saltram House will enjoy making the connections between her work and the other historic paintings it’s displayed alongside.”

Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration is at The Box until October 29.

Above: Reynolds’ full length portrait of Theresa Parker which will be displayed outside Saltram for the first time in 250 years Below: Reynolds’ portrait of Francesco Bartolozzi

Dental task force aims to get to the root of the problem

The first city-wide task force, set-up to tackle the city’s growing dental crisis, has hit-the ground running with organisations committing to working together to improve NHS capacity in Plymouth.

There are currently over 21,000 people in Plymouth waiting for an NHS dentist. This is an increase of nearly 120 per cent over the past five years.

One of the priorities of the new administration was to set-up a cross-party Dental Task Force, bringing together key stakeholders, local MPs and NHS leaders from across the city to discuss what can be done to improve dental provision in Plymouth.

The task force met for the first time on July 7, with senior representatives from the council, cross-party Councillors, NHS Devon and the two largest providers of NHS dental care in the city – Livewell Southwest and the Peninsula Dental School.

Chair of the task force, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “Our poor dental provision is impacting the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable residents. This can’t go on.

“This first task force meeting was set-up as a proactive step to see how we can all work smarter together – to improve local services and importantly make a difference to people’s lives.”

At the meeting, NHS Devon committed to working with the main providers of NHS dental care in Plymouth, to look at whether local underspends in other areas of NHS dental provision could be re-prioritised. Currently, some high street providers are not able to provide NHS appointments. This means that the funding that is available for NHS dental treatment is not being used and subsequently returned.

In addition, as plans

progress for the Peninsula Dental School’s new high-street practice in the city centre, NHS Devon has agreed to work with them to help make their ambition a reality. At the same time, Livewell South West and the Dental School will also start working more closely together to move capacity between their organisations, hopefully freeing up more appointments.

And finally, as plans to open a city centre health-hub at Colin Campbell Court are not possible, funding for the five dental chairs at the proposed hub still exists. Plymouth City Council will work with the NHS to establish other opportunities in the city to locate the service.

Councillor Aspinall, added: “This was a really successful first meeting. It is clear that there is still a lot of work to do, but we have made a positive first step in trying to ensure that more people have access to an NHS dentist in Plymouth.

“It is shocking that there are no dentists taking new NHS patients in Plymouth. There are thousands of people who are not able to get an appointment.

“But, if we are able to work together, reprioritise resource and funding, I am confident that we will be able to free up more capacity.

“One thing is clear – this is not something that we can do alone. The national approach to dentistry is intrinsically flawed. Our MPs have therefore committed to working together to lobby the Government for a fairer approach for Plymouth.

“I have said before that the time for posturing is over. We need action. We need to increase access to urgent and emergency dental care, we need to improve access to services for the most vulnerable children and adults and those with complex needs. We can do our bit – but that will only go so far. We now need the Government to step-up and play their part.”

Armada Way tree felling rowindependent review announced

An independent review into the handling of the Armada Way redevelopment has been announced by the Leader of Plymouth City Council.

At the full Council meeting in March, members agreed a recommendation to ask the Cabinet to set up an independent review into the handling of the Armada Way redevelopment, leading up to the decision to fell the trees.

At the Cabinet meeting on July 10, Councillor Tudor Evans announced that a review would be commissioned that will:

• Be truly independent, with an independent and senior chair

• Look in detail at the decision making process that took place, both in terms of legality and good governance

• Examine how well the Council engaged with stakeholders throughout the process and the extent to which feedback was incorporated into the plans

• Examine the impact of the project on the local environment

• Set out the financial implications of what has happened, including the costs directly to the council

Councillor Evans, said: “Whilst it was not my administration that was responsible for the taking the decision to fell the trees on Armada Way, it has been my number one priority since taking control of the council to overturn the March decision, clean-up the mess, rebuild our reputation and move forward with a positive plan that will bring life back into the city centre.

“Our new Corporate Plan sets out our ambition to take responsibility for our decisions and the impact of our actions. Therefore, we need to understand what happened and learn from any lessons.

“Whilst the detail is still being worked up, the review will be thorough, independent and the findings will be shared publicly.

“As soon as we have consulted on a new scheme and finished the clean-up of the current mess on Armada Way, I want this review to move forward.”

Council staff are currently working on terms of reference for the review, which will take place before the end of the year, and will be presented to full council for consideration when it is completed.

Butterfly Memorial Wall unveiled at Hearts Together Hospital Hotel

Local Plymouth charity Hearts

Together have unveiled a Butterfly Memorial Wall at the Hearts Together Hospital Hotel, conveniently located close to Derriford Hospital.

Opened by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Mark Shayer, the event was attended by guests, supporters, and families of loved ones for whom a butterfly has been placed in memory. This moving occasion served as a heartfelt tribute of remembrance, celebrating the lives of beloved family members and friends, and honouring the lasting impact they continue to make for so many individuals and families supported by Hearts Together, through their legacies.

Hearts Together charity offers accommodation and tailored support services for a wide range of individuals with health-related needs, including patients receiving treatment at Plymouth’s local healthcare centres, and also for their carers and relatives.

Recognising the challenges faced by those having to travel long distances across Devon and Cornwall and from even further afield to receive medical care or support a loved one in the hospital, the charity provides a comfortable and welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and supported and are able to find solace during difficult times.

The Butterfly Memorial Wall within Hearts Together Hospital Hotel serves as a sanctuary of remembrance; a space to reflect on those who are no longer with us but who have provided key support in the charity’s story.

Among the butterflies, the charity remembers those who have left legacy gifts in their wills and gifts in memory of a loved one, as

well as those who helped establish and build the charity, with a plaque dedicated to its founder Monica Pearce who first opened the doors to the Hospital Hotel in 2001 having successfully and tirelessly campaigned for cardiac services to be brought to Plymouth.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Mrs Samantha Shayer attended the event, speaking to family members, staff team and supporters of the charity. The Mayor spoke about the difference that Hearts Together has and continues to make for many people across Devon and Cornwall but also within the local community, highlighting the significance and importance of the services and facilities provided by Hearts Together Hospital Hotel.

It was a deeply personal and moving experience for all who attended, whilst being very much a

Community event set to celebrate work keeping city children safe

A free event will be held in Ernesettle in to celebrate work designed to protect and keep children safe in the community.

The Together for Childhood Learning and Celebration event will take place at The Parkway Sports Club on Thursday August 3.

Together For Childhood is a project designed to prevent child sexual abuse and it is run in Ernesettle. It brings together children’s charity the NSPCC, Plymouth City Council, and Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership along with other safeguarding agencies including the police, schools, health organisations, community groups, charities and the voluntary sector.

celebration of the lives of loved ones, sharing memories of happy times, in a bright and comforting setting giving the Charity team opportunity to personally thank so many family members for their continued and collective support.

The Lord Mayor said: “I was never aware of all the work done here, and it is far far more than just a room. It wasn’t until I took the time to read the impact statement and read through all the things you do and thought about the wider implication of it”

Liz Harding chief executive of Hearts Together said: “As a team, we feel honoured to be here with you today and share in remembering the people who are so close to your heart, many of whom we have had the privilege to know, often just for a short time, yet they made a lasting impression.”

Derriford gets its own Post Office counter

A new Post Office counter has opened at the WHSmith outlet in Derriford Hospital. The new Post Office counter is open seven days a week with opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday: 10am to 3pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm. This makes it very convenient for patients, visitors and staff to access essential Post Office services.

Members of the local community are advised to use existing Post Office services at Glenholt, Estover, and Crownhill and not to make special journeys into the hospital to use the new facility.

Services available at Derriford Hospital Post Office for patients, their visitors and staff include bill payments, cash withdrawals, foreign currency requests, postage, as well as home shopping collections and returns.

Sarah Widnell, senior strategic planner, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said: “We are very pleased to welcome the Post Office to Derriford Hospital and offer its services to our patients, their visitors and staff.

“It will offer ease and convenience to

many, which is appreciated.”

David Roberts, head of business development, WHSmith Travel, said: “We’re always exploring new opportunities to make a real difference for our customers with the products and services we offer. We’re delighted to be opening a new Post Office service in our store in Derriford Hospital, which we hope will make life a little easier for our customers in the hospital to be able to access essential Post Office services seven days a week.”

Ian Johnson, Post Office partner account manager, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for patients, visitors and staff at Derriford Hospital to pay their bills, withdraw cash from their bank accounts, and send and collect their mail at a time and place that suits them best.

“We know how important our services are and that people who are in hospitals for work or for treatment may not always find it easy to get to a Post Office during the day, so we hope this will be a convenient and welcome addition at Derriford.”

FAMILY FUN AT DERRIFORD STREET PARTY

Residents in the Derriford area can enjoy a free fun-packed event in August.

Derriford United Reformed Church in Powisland Drive is hosting a big street party between 12.30pm and 4pm on Saturday August 12.

The afternoon’s events will include races for all the family, bouncy castle, bungee run, fancy dress competition, face painting, crafting and lots more. There will also be a choir performing, along with karaoke and lots of stalls.

The team at Together for Childhood is hosting the event on August 3 to celebrate the work which has been completed as part of the project and want to share what has been learned from the community.

All the achievements have only been possible thanks to a number of volunteers from the local community and the event will recognise their contribution as well as try to recruit more people to the project. There will be an opportunity for anyone interested to speak to members of the team and learn more about how they can get involved.

There will be entertainment in the form of music and dance from a group of young people and there will also be films showing which have been made by children and young people in the local area to take people on a journey to understand how to make our communities a safer place.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshments and a cream tea and the whole event will be rounded off with a singalong presented by the Theatre Royal.

Jacky Wood, NSPCC Community Lead in Plymouth, said: “This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate all that has been achieved by Together for Childhood in Plymouth. We want people to come along and find out what we have been doing and how we are working to prevent child sexual abuse and keep children safe.

“It also gives us a chance to thank our fantastic volunteers who have been working with us in the local community to make the project happen. Hopefully more people will come along and sign up to volunteer with us so that we can continue this important work.”

The Together for Childhood Learning and Celebration event will be held at The Parkway Sports Club in Ernesettle Lane, Plymouth, on Thursday August 3 from 10am to 12.30pm.

ANNIVERSARY FUN FOR ERNESETTLE’S BIG FUN DAY

Residents and families in Ernesettle have lots to look forward to when the 10th Ernesettle Fun Day takes place on Saturday August 5.

Organised by the Ernesettle Community Forum Fund, the popular event takes place on Ernesettle Green from 12 noon to 5pm.

There will be lots of fun activities for all ages with an afternoon of fun for all the family. Attractions include a variety of stalls, dog show, bouncy fun, games sweet treats, cream teas and more.

For further details or to book a stall or volunteer contact natcoffin@outlook.com

The Lord and Lady Mayoress pictured with Hearts Together chief exeuctive Liz Harding at the unveiling of the Butterfly Memorial Wall

Plymouth volunteers rewarded for their service to military charity

Plymouth volunteers were recently recognised in SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity’s annual award nominations.

The charity’s Sir James Gildea Awards were created to recognise volunteers and employees for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF MINDFUL ART CLUB

People who attend community art groups enjoy significant social benefits and improved mental health, according to a new research study.

The research has been led by Dr Helen Lloyd, associate professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with two researchers Abbie Scott BSc, and Rachel Mullee BSc. The research project was co-designed by a committee which included the art club participants, art club volunteers, and the Mindful Art Club directors Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson.

Peggy and Emma met when they were working in Broadreach, an addiction treatment centre in Plymouth that closed down in 2019. Peggy said: “When we were made redundant we wanted to carry on offering mental health support in the community, without finances or waiting lists being a barrier to access help.”

Emma said, “I’m trained in mindfulness and have a teaching qualification; Peggy is a qualified counsellor, and we offer free, weekly support groups in and around Plymouth.”

The research study was funded by the university’s Get Involved Awards, and the findings concluded that creative activities provide a distraction from negative thoughts and social anxiety. Art encourages ‘flow’– a relaxing empowering experience, and attending Mindful Art Club can boost confidence and

self-esteem while reducing social isolation.

The research also found that participants made statistically significant improvements in their mood from attending the art sessions. Attendance at Mindful Art club also improved participants’ level of social connect, facilitated emotional regulation strategies and supported positive mental wellbeing.

Mindful Art Club offers a number of free weekly drop-in groups in Plympton and Plymouth. They also deliver one-off staff wellbeing sessions, and six-week courses for local wellbeing organisations such as Devon Mind and The Sunflower Women’s Centre.

Art club participant, Kerry Evans, said: “I come to Mindful Art Club on a Friday afternoon at Moments Café. The art club help so many people through tough times, they help with isolation issues, mental health of all kinds and loneliness, They have personally helped me through all of these challenges and more. I feel passionate about making sure Mindful Art continues on a regular basis, and I would feel lost, lonely and depressed again without it in my life.”

Mindful Art Club have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise funds to carry on their weekly support group at Moments Café, in Plymouth’s city centre. There are rewards on offer in return for donations. Visit: www. mindfulartclub.co.uk/donate/

Calling former Boys’ Brigade members

Former members of the Boys’ Brigade may be interested to know there is a Stedfast Association for old boys, retired officers and those who have an interest in the Boys’ Brigade.

This year the Boys’ Brigade celebrates 140 years since it was founded in Glasgow in 1883 and there will be an opportunity to mark that event later on in the year.

The Plymouth Stedfast Association meets almost every month of the year for a social gathering with coffee, quizzes and games together with an annual outing, Thanksgiving Service and Founder’s Day Dinner.

The Plymouth organisation was started in 2004 by men who in 1954 were 16 to 18 years of age and went to an international camp on the playing fields of Eton. So it means that many members are now in their 80s. Their aim is to try and attract younger former Boys’ Brigade members, retired officers and helpers and those with an interest in Boys’ Brigade.

If you feel that you would like to rekindle old memories, please come along and join us. Contact Alan Keast on 07535028130 or email at plystedfast@gmail.com

Colin Stockman, chair of Plymouth SSAFA was presented with the prestigious Prince Michael of Kent Award for his services to the charity. Colin was particularly commended at SSAFA’s annual meeting in London, for his excellent leadership during the Covid years, ensuring that support for veterans and their families in the region continued throughout this very difficult period.

Colin has done much to modernise the branch and selflessly devotes an enormous amount of time to looking after his team and ensuring that need in the community is met.

Mike Vine, SSAFA Plymouth’s treasurer, was not only awarded a 10 year long service award, but also a Gildea Award for the dedicated and assiduous care and management he has exercised over the branch finances for the last ten years.

Nancy Hill received a 20 year long service award, and has been a stalwart fundraiser for her local branch over the past two decades.

Kathy Howard has been a steadfast SSAFA supporter, as volunteer and employee, for 35 years, earning herself another long service award. She started volunteering whilst still serving

in the Army and continued after leaving the service. For the past 20 years she has been Plymouth Branch Secretary.

Kathy said: “SSAFA Plymouth has always invested heavily in its volunteer staff. That’s why I, at 35 years’ service, am not the longest serving member of our volunteer staff. That investment also pays great dividends to SSAFA clients in Plymouth.”

SSAFA always welcomes new volunteers, who do not need to have any military background. www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer

Bridget takes over as President

Bridget Hayman is the new President of Roborough Inner Wheel Club.

Last year’s President Jacqueline Lee-Hansen handed over the chain of office to Bridget at the recent annual meeting held at Yelverton Golf Club.

Inner Wheel is an international organisation for women of all ages, which aims to provide true friendship, encourage personal service and foster international understanding.

Next year will be the 100th anniversary of Inner Wheel, and the 48th anniversary of the Roborough club, so it promises to be an exciting year for existing and members. Ladies interested in finding out more can email WRoborough@gmail.com

The club meets at the Woolwell Centre at 7pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is a welcoming and inclusive group, and look forward to meeting new members.

Eggbuckland Vale’s inclusive approach

Eggbuckland Vale is one of just nine primary schools across the city to have signed up to Plymouth City Council’s Inclusion Charter.

To be awarded the Inclusion Charter Mark, schools have to review everything they do to make sure that it is fully inclusive, and that everyone is safe, valued and respected.

Eggbuckland Vale has already won a national award this year for its excellent approach to the early years foundation stage, but staff across all year groups regularly go the extra mile to ensure that all children are fully included in school life.

Staff provide tailored support for children within the Deaf

Education Centre as well as for children with a range of more complex needs and service families and children, where a parent is often away on a tour of duty.

A new relationship policy sets out how kindness should underpin people’s interactions in all aspects of school life and staff work with children to break down any barriers that exist to inclusion.

There are a wealth of inclusive sporting clubs, such as Boccia, that provide the children with different opportunities to build their confidence and staff work hard to create adaptations to the curriculum, and for events such as sports day, so that everyone can join in.

Pictured at the Get Involved Awards (from left) Peggy Melmoth, Kerry Evans, Emma Sprawson, Helen Lloyd and Abbie Scott

Colin Stockman, SSAFA Plymouth Chair, receiving his award from Lady Dannatt

Experience

This week, Kerry and I watched an old film produced in 1942 starring Noel Coward called ‘In Which We Serve’.

It was a film created to inspire the audience to endure what at that time required great courage and service from all who found themselves facing the existential threat from Nazi Germany. The end of the film focusses on the Navy’s role at Dunkirk, which was at first a great defeat, but eventually regarded as a great miracle with the saving of almost 330,000 army personnel from the beaches of France.

Also, the great bombing and loss of life in Plymouth is also creatively documented. They don’t make films like this anymore!

As I grow older, I am often conscious of my mortality and relationship with God and the natural thought processes that go along with what some folk of my age experience, by on occasion being labelled as a ‘grumpy old person’ especially in making sense of a changing landscape in society for good or ill.

In talking with my wife about these philosophical questions, I don’t think I’m any grumpier than many people my age. Growing older isn’t always fun and what is there to look forward to? Yet there is much from the

Growing old can be fun too!

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms charity

Bible that can really help in this process of ageing. I think, like a lot of people who have been around a long time, you can mature in terms of simple common sense and wisdom. You’ve survived this long –right? In many cultures, the elders of the family are honoured for precisely that – growing old. Precisely because they are still around, and their life experiences can be regarded as wisdom and worth drawing on by younger members of the family.

Isaiah 46:4 – ‘And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn grey, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety’. My moustache is grey, but my hair is holding out pretty good. I have spent many years in media youth ministry surrounded by great music and the exuberance which comes

PLYMOUTH LAW FIRM WINS COVETED REGIONAL AWARD

Local firm Howard & Over have lifted a prestigious Law Firm of the Year Award.

The company, which has offices in Marsh Mills, Plymouth and Ivybridge, won the under £3 million category at this year’s Devon and Somerset Legal Awards, beating fierce competition from some of the region’s best legal names and becoming the first Plymouth firm to win the award.

Howard and Over are a local law firm with a 100-year legacy delivering quality legal services to Plymouth and the surrounding areas. The team were shortlisted for no less than four awards including Employer of the Year, Rising Star, Team of the Year and Law Firm of the Year.

To the team at Howard and Over’s delight they were announced as the winners of the Law Firm of the Year, their first award and recognition for their long heritage as a leading light supporting

Plymouth’s legal needs.

Donna Baker one of the three Partners at the firm commented: “We are beyond elated by this fantastic accolade. There is something so special about being a small firm with big ambitions and we can’t thank our amazing team and clients enough for being our cheerleaders every step of the way.

“As a team we love what we do, we love helping our clients to get the best outcomes and to get recognised for it, is just a huge bonus that we are so grateful for.”

Tony Steiner, chief executive of Devon and Somerset Law Society said: “Although it was a close call for the judges with some impressive competition in the category, it was Howard & Over’s change management story and transformation from decline into impressive growth that really won the judges over.”

with youth. I’m aware that many young people, including my children and grandchildren, will have to face issues that my generation didn’t.

I am also aware that many of our forbears endured deprivation and difficulties that saved our nation from annihilation as they navigated through World War Two. We’re all on a journey.

What inspired me to write this article were the circumstances of watching the 1942 film and reading an obituary written by Mark Greene of the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) in 2022 of the late Queen. He started the article by asking God in 2015 for an example of a whole-life disciple of Jesus Christ and felt the Lord bring his focus on Queen Elizabeth II. It is a great article and worth reading. It has nothing to do

with being a royalist or not, but a focus on a person who lived their faith as best they could in alignment to Him and shared every Christmas about how this personal faith in Jesus Christ encouraged her in life.

The Queen knew the scriptures about God putting the broken into families and the realities that families are made up of broken people. Her family life was on show for all the world to see.

For better or worse she endeavoured with her great wisdom to be a source of reconciliation, love and care for all. We all, whether young or old, have the opportunity to leave the planet a little better than we found it by the wise choices we make in the good and bad times.

The obituary written by Mark Greene is worth a read again. This is where social media can be such a blessing. Have a great summer.

www.licc.org.uk/resources/obituaryqueen-elizabeth-ii-beacon-of-grace/

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

Apprenticeships accolade for Tops Day Nurseries

Tops Day Nurseries, a leading provider of high-quality childcare and early education, has been listed 12th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, by the Department of Education.

This recognition highlights Tops Day Nurseries’ commitment to nurturing talent, fostering professional growth, and providing exceptional apprenticeship opportunities. Their training provider, Aspire Training Team, couldn’t be prouder of Tops Day Nurseries, it is through Aspire’s hard work and training that Tops is able to hire apprentices, so this achievement is a testament of all the great work Aspire do.

The Department of Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers initiative celebrates organisations that go above and beyond in their dedication to apprenticeship programs. Tops Day Nurseries’ exceptional placement at 12th reflects its consistent efforts to develop a supportive and engaging environment for apprentices, offering them the chance to gain valuable skills and kickstart their careers in the childcare and education sector.

With five nurseries in PlymouthBretonside, Devonport, Efford, Prince Rock and Stonehouse – among 30 across the South and Southwest, Tops Day Nurseries is renowned for its outstanding provision of early years education, prioritising the well-being and development of children in their care. By extending their commitment to excellence, Tops Day Nurseries has successfully created a thriving learning environment for its apprentices, enabling them to acquire hands-on experience and receive comprehensive training from industry professionals.

Cheryl Hadland, founder and chairwoman at Tops Day Nurseries and Aspire Training Team said: “It brought tears to my eyes to hear the stories from our apprentices and our new CEO’s inspiring words. I’m very proud to be chair of Tops and Aspire and look forward to even more success with our apprenticeships in the future as we learn more about the needs and aspirations of each new colleague and try to reduce or remove any blocks to each individual person’s success and inclusion in our organisation”.

Tops Day Nurseries’ apprenticeship programmes offer a structured pathway for individuals seeking to enter the childcare and education sector and the recognition as as being one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer by the Department of Education underlines Tops Day Nurseries’ position as a leading provider of quality apprenticeships.

For more information about Tops Day Nurseries, visit their website at www. topsdaynurseries.co.uk or to find out more about Aspire Training Team, visit www. aspiretrainingteam.co.uk

Chris Cole

The Howard & Over team are presented with their Law Firm of the Year Award

Dial the Experts

Architecture

The Door Doctor - 24 hr Locksmith

• Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting

• Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs

• Replacement Glass • Free Quotes

30 PERCY TERRACE, PLYMOUTH, PL4 7HG

Tel 01752 516877 Mob 07989 599969

Blinds & Curtains

UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd

R.C. Electrical - Ryan Cross

Fully qualified ‘Approved Electrician’ NIC EIC Registered

Carpenters

ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS

Trading Standards approved company

Bespoke joinery • doors • staircases • bars

Box frame windows • counters • PCstations.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms.

All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling

Tel 07704448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk

01752348648 allwoodinstallations@icloud.com

MALCOLM WILLS CARPENTRY

All aspects of carpentry. Home Improvements, Alterations, Flooring and Doors, Small jobs undertaken. Senior Citizens Rates. Call for an estimate: 07599 888841 or 01752 255154

STEVE ELECTRICAL

Fully qualified and insured electrician • all electrical work considered • Over 25 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business

• NICEIC cert • Rewires

• Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work. Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

Garden

Ofsted inspectors ‘Good’ rating for pre-degree and sixth form campus at Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree and Sixth Form campus has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted, maintaining the rating that was also given in inspections in 2007, 2013 and 2017.

An overall rating of ‘Good’ was given for every category of the 2023 inspection, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, and provision for learners with high needs.

Arts University Plymouth offers a dedicated Pre-Degree and Sixth Form campus where young people can develop their unique perspective, meet like-minded people and gain the sought-after skills and UCAS points necessary to progress onto university study or roles within international creative industries.

Palace Court and Palace Studios campus, situated between Plymouth Barbican and seafront and the Barcode, are home to nearly 400 students specialising in A-Level-equivalent UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas across a range of pathways and the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.

Ofsted inspectors praised Arts University Plymouth for the way that ‘Students enjoy their courses. They are supported well by staff who help them to build their confidence and resilience.’

The benefits of joining a sixth-form campus attached to the city’s arts university were highlighted in the Ofsted report, which noted: ‘Teachers give students opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge by accessing the university’s higher education art and design resources. For example, students strengthen their model-making skills by using three-dimensional printing technologies and more advanced computer-aided design software.’

Inclusivity and acceptance levels at Arts University Plymouth were singled out by inspectors, who stated that ‘Students’ behaviour is excellent. They are respectful towards staff and each other. Students feel safe at Arts University Plymouth. They value the calm and friendly community that staff have created.’

It was also noted in the report that: ‘Leaders ensure a safe environment where students are supported to explore their identities as part of the respectful and kind university community. Students are positive about the inclusive community of the university. They value how staff and other students celebrate differences and individuality… students comment positively about how the university takes diversity seriously.’

Achievement levels for Pre-Degree & Sixth Form students

at Arts University Plymouth are high, with inspectors noting that: ‘Leaders ensure that well-planned curriculums result in the large majority of students achieving their qualifications. Nearly all of those who apply to higher education achieve their first-choice destination.’

Last year 36 per cent of Arts University Plymouth UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma students obtained a Distinction, which is equivalent to 3 A*s at A-level or 168 UCAS points. This is significantly higher than the national benchmark of 16 per cent.

The inspection team paid particular attention to the achievements of students with high needs stating: ‘Teachers ensure that curriculums are planned well for those students with high needs. They collaborate effectively with special educational needs staff to agree on adjustments to, and strategies for, their teaching. Consequently, students with high needs reach their potential.’

Steven Forsyth, head of Pre-Degree at Arts University Plymouth, said: “I’m proud of the hard work, commitment and dedication of all of our staff and students in helping us to achieve this outcome.

“Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree & Sixth Form campus is unique within the region and a rare example of dedicated creative sixth form attached to an arts university in the UK.

“Given the differences between us and the majority of sixth forms that Ofsted visit, I’m thrilled that the inspectors were so clearly able to see what’s special about the way that we teach, the value for sixth students of working closely with a university, and the extra effort that we’ve put in since the pandemic to ensure that students feel safe, welcome and able to achieve their goals.”

to Plymouth trades & services

MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

All general plumbing & heating work undertaken

• Boiler servicing and repair specialist • No job too small • VAILLANT approved installer

• Gas safe registered • Natural gas and LPG Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

LES PIKE

tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings

All building & construction work undertaken. 45 Years experience in the building industry. Tel: 01752 787708 Mob: 07977949898

T.CLARKE BUILDING & ROOFING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

All jobs done whether big or small Trading standards approved and Buy With Confidence Member Tel: 01752 267507 - Mob: 07967150441 tclarkebuilders@outlook.com

A.

B

Our qualified engineers can supply, service and repair all makes of mobility scooters, stairlifts, and home lifts. Please call Best Mobility for a sensible quote.

Free holiday clubs helping families this summer

The popular Fit and Fed programme is returning to Plymouth this summer, supporting families by providing funded holiday club places for eligible children.

There are more than 80 different holiday clubs taking place during the summer holidays for children aged four to 16 years old.

Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), the clubs are designed to support families with children that receive benefits-related free school meals.

The aim is to provide children and young people with the chance to get active and try new activities, as well as to provide them with a healthy nutritious meal.

There’s a huge range of activities on offer at the holiday clubs, including dance, football, scuba diving, forest schools, water sports and snow sports as well as creative activities, videography, musical theatre and even tabletop gaming.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “We know that families are really feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living and this is something we’re working to tackle by developing a new Cost of Living action plan that will support Plymouth residents.

“The fantastic Fit and Fed holiday club programme will provide vital support to local families over the six-week summer holidays. Not only will the young people taking part

receive a tasty, filling and healthy meal each day, they’ll also have the chance to create amazing memories and try out some fantastic new activities.

At a time when food costs are at a record high and holidays and days out are sadly becoming unaffordable for many, this is needed now more than ever. I’m really pleased that this year our Fit and Fed offering is bigger, better and more inclusive than before so that more families can benefit, with

new day sessions for teenagers and more support for children with additional needs too.”

New for this year are Teen Taster sessions, which offer a flexible way for teenagers (12 to 16 years old) to try activities without having to commit to attending every day. The activities on offer include trampolining, go karting, football, ten pin bowling, sailing and laser tag. Food will be provided after each session.

There are also more specialist holiday programmes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this year, provided by local special schools and organisations.

While the clubs are primarily for children who receive benefits-related school meals, funded places are also available for: young carers, looked-after children, children with Education, Health and Care Plans, children of recognised refugees, asylum seeking and Ukrainian families, children under Child Protection Plans and those who are home educated but would be eligible for Free School Meals if they were in school.

Bookings for Fit and Fed holiday clubs are now open. Parents and carers need to confirm their child’s eligibility before booking and will then receive a code which enables them to book directly with club providers. Each child can attend a total of 16 days across the summer.

Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/fit-and-fed

Burts extends its support of RNLI

Award-winning Roborough-based snack maker Burts has announced it is renewing its commitment to charity partner, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by extending its initial twoyear contract to June 2024.

Burts has also announced it will be doubling its on-pack fundraising targets to £40,000, and is in discussions with the charity about how to support its bicentenary campaign in 2024.

The partnership demonstrates the vital role the sea plays in the lives of the community and the important, life-saving work that the RNLI carry out, not only for local people but also the thousands of visitors to the county each year. To date, the campaign has had a reach of more than 618 million, based on packs sold, press coverage, influencer mentions and social media reach via Burts’ proprietary channels. This has not only bolstered brand awareness, but all-importantly spread the RNLI’s vital ‘Float To Live’ messaging.

With its West Country roots at the heart of the brand, Dave McNulty, chief executive of Burts Snacks said: “We’re so proud of our partnership with the RNLI. It’s long been a charity close to our hearts and also the local community’s heart and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how well received the collaboration has been, the money raised, and the awareness gained. Looking ahead, we’re keen to further strengthen our relationship with the RNLI. We’re exploring another limited-edition activation, how best to support the RNLI’s 200-year celebrations and looking to involve wider partners of Burts, such as customers and suppliers.”

In 2021, the RNLI saved 408 lives – a ‘save’ constituting the prevention of a certain drowning – while also answering tens of thousands more callouts or ‘shouts.’

Steve Hulbert, commercial partnerships manager at RNLI said: “Working with Burts to deliver the RNLI’s vital water safety messaging is an invaluable way of reaching more people with lifesaving campaigns. Burts’ marketing creativity brings our core message to life for a different audience sector, and we’re grateful for their continuing support of our cause.”

Repairs on the way for five Plymouth schools

Plymouth City Council is investing more than £200,000 to support vital building work and repairs on five city schools.

The repairs have been identified by the council’s education team as the most urgent to complete this summer. The council is responsible for major maintenance works to local-authority-maintained schools and receives a limited capital grant from the Government to carry out major works.

The schools which will undergo major repair work are:

• Cann Bridge School: Repair of the hydrotherapy pool, which supports students with sensory needs and physiotherapy

• Longcause Community Special School: Repair of the lift

• Laira Green Primary School: New flooring in the kitchen and Foundation class room

• Mary Dean’s CE Primary School: Repairs to the school roof

• Yealmpston Farm Primary School: Two new boilers and control equipment, and repairs to the school roof

The council will be developing similar programmes of investment next year, with more details to be published in 2024.

Ambitious plans for activities in, on, under and around the Sound

More amazing activities to get people in, on, under and around Plymouth Sound are in the pipeline as the team behind the National Marine Park outlines an epic programme of events they want to roll out next year.

Plymouth City Council’s Growth and Infrastructure Scrutiny Committee will get an update on what’s been happening as well as a taster for what’s to come subject to a successful bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The programme of work included the activity plan, major improvements to historic features, nature restoration, a digital park and interpretation to enable the new sustainable relationship with the sea. There will be a focus on working alongside communities that currently have little or no engagement with the NMP.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE said: “Festivals, mass participation events, major opportunities for our young people – we have spent time talking and listening to what people want to see and now we are getting ready for action.

“The Sound is a truly stunning asset to this city and the whole aim of the park is to make it accessible to everyone. It should not just be about people who can afford the kit, who can afford to dive, or sail. These programmes will open up opportunities on a scale we have not seen before. I can’t wait.”

The activity plan took into account all the conversations and learning during last year’s test and trial stage. The resulting programme aims to engage and inspire; provide opportunities for learning and discovery and enable connection and positive action to support the long term care of the NMP.

It includes four interconnected programmes of work:

• Reconnecting Citizens to the Sea – activities designed to inspire and engage including Activate, community archaeology, NMP Festival, mini –splashes, NMP Swim Safe, NMP Pathways, coastal cleans and art engagement

• Marine Learning and Futures – activities designed to enable learning and discovery including a five year schools programme with 30 schools, teach the teacher programme, digital curriculum platform, Blue pathways, FE/HE student programme and social enterprise support.

• Creating Marine Ambassadors – activities to enable people to connect with the Park and support action to enable positive action including

a significant volunteer programme, volunteer pathways to enable growth and progression, internships skills development and work experience.

• Activating Communities – place based activities to continue work with Ernesettle and Firestone, plus support for three new communities to develop what they want from connection with the NMP. This programme includes a small scale community grants scheme.

As well as activities there are significant investments in some of the Sound’s key assets.

• Tinside Lido – a planning application has been submitted for a new look for the terrace at the top of the lido. The first floor of the main building will be restored and repurposed as a multi-purpose space and café/bar, for the community, particularly to enable youth progression activities. Building B’, between the Lido pool and Tinside Cove, will be refurbished for use as a youth outreach/ watersports hub, enabling youth workers to support young people to build confidence, develop skills marine-related training and learn about blue sector career opportunities in Plymouth.

• Mount Batten Peninsula – work to enhance and bring to life the heritage of the historic peninsula.

The Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre is in line for a new more accessible pontoon, changing room facilities that cater for all and significantly enhanced public spaces to ensure more people can experience its spectacular location. There will be sensitive works to the Mount Batten Tower plateau, to improve access and interpretation of one of the best views of the NMP.

• Mount Edgcumbe – refurbishment and opening up the listed Garden Battery will provide better access and enjoyment of this undiscovered coastal fort defence. The work will mean people will be able to experience the extraordinary interior and

to better understand this important part of the Sound’s maritime heritage.

• Ernesettle Creek – the community have codesigned the sensitive interventions enabling better access, improvements to the natural environment and interpretation.

• Firestone Bay – also co-designed with the community, including interventions to support access to and activities in the water.

• Digital Park – an essential part of bringing the wonders of the NMP to life and enable everyone to experience the treasures below the waves. It will blend personal engagement opportunities with the creation of a digital community. Every hub will be linked digitally to the park but also a point where people can connect with the digital park community. Inspirational digital experiences are also in the plan using the latest technology to bring what’s hidden beneath the waves to the shore for more to see.

The plan also includes a nature boost programme with four elements:

• Habitat boost – supporting the restoration of key habitats across the Sound including reefs

• Species boost – supporting the enhancement of species of the Sound

• Community Nature Boost – Enabling communities to lead their own projects to enhance the wildlife of the NMP

• Nature Credit Boost – Building on our Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund project we will continue work to develop a verifiable carbon and nature credit to enable greater levels for funding to be secured for seagrass meadows restoration.

The bid submission in September would result in a decision from the Heritage Fund by the end of 2023. If approved the programme would start next Spring and run for five years.

“The Sound is a truly stunning asset to this city and the whole aim of the park is to make it accessible to everyone. It should not just be about people who can afford the kit, who can afford to dive, or sail. These programmes will open up opportunities on a scale we have not seen before. I can’t wait.”

COUNCILLOR TUDOR EVANS, LEADER OF PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Photo: Visit Plymouth

‘All you need is art’ exhibition

The Plymouth Colour Collective group of artists have taken inspiration from the Beatles’ connection to the city for their 2023 exhibition, which they’ve called All You Need Is Art.

The artists – Brian Pollard, Laura Edmunds from Serendipity Sea Crafts, Arth Lawr, Henry Sells and Lou C Fused Glass – all share the theme of bright colours in their work. The exhibition is at the Kaya Gallery in Southside Street on the Barbican from August 12 to 29.

Founding member Arth said: “We’ve done a tongue-in-cheek play on words with All You Need Is Love to say All You Need Is Art to bring some colour and fun into your life, which is what we are all about.”

Arth, Brian, and Henry are all painters but with different styles; beach clean artist Laura creates collages from cleaned-up discovered items she has collected on local beaches; and Lou C Fused Glass makes highly visual glass wall art for the home. All five share a love of Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall and much of their work celebrates the area’s most iconic landmarks and seascapes.

Arth said: “By a happy accident, some of us have created the same scenes, so looking at the different ways we’ve done that will be interesting for people to see.”

Arth will be exhibiting his latest pieces in which he uses natural and chalk-based paints, and some of his ceramic work: “I find I get more solid colours from chalk-based paints, and I’m intrigued by the environmental side of using them,” he explained.

For her new work, Lou C has ventured onto the water to capture the places which hold happy memories for her, such as Dartmouth, Salcombe, Slapton and the Plymouth waterfront: “I like to add a bit of history and my own personal take, drawing on my memories of these places,” said Lou.

“Because some of them have been done from a boat on the water, you can see these scenes from a different angle.  And I think places look more colourful from the river or the sea, looking up at all the colours on the land. Plymouth is a great example, with Tinside Lido and Smeaton’s Tower.”

Like Lou, Henry is also presenting his unique perspective on places that having meaning for him. Among his major pieces of work are a 1-metre painting of the Barbican’s legendary pub, The Dolphin, and a related series of paintings of the Tamar River at Halton Quay: “My mother’s house

was near there, and we used to sail from that spot a lot, so it’s a special place for my family. And I love The Dolphin. Beryl Cook painted it, and Brian painted it, so I thought I’d be in good company. The cobble stones outside the Dolphin look fantastic and I’ve done a scene on a rainy day, so it has captured the reflection of The Dolphin in the cobbles. And Beryl was right, you can see all of Plymouth there.”

This year, Laura’s beach find collages are bigger, brighter, and more colourful than ever before, making use of found ceramics, sea glass and bits of plastic for her artwork: “I’m also using more artistic licence so that although the places I recreate are still recognisable, they’re more technicolour than

kayak, so the views I create reflect that. We’re so lucky to have all these inspiring places on our doorstep,” she added.

Brian is exhibiting 14 new paintings, including some of places he’s never painted before, such as the Royal William Yard and Plymouth restaurant Cosmic Kitchen, named by Tripadvisor as the best vegan restaurant in the UK and the third best in the world.

When Brian co-founded the collective, one of the aims was to bring together artists from different artforms, and he takes great delight in seeing the other artists develop: “When people come to our exhibition, they’ll see a fantastic contrast in how we present our work, and totally different interpretations – for example in the way that Laura and Lou use their techniques.

“And I’ve been trying to persuade Henry to paint the Dolphin for years, so it’s great to see how he’s done it. It’s a wonderful painting. Together with Arth’s own unique style of painting, the exhibition offers lots of perspective which I think people will enjoy, particularly children.”

The Plymouth Colour Collective exhibition can be viewed during the Kaya Gallery’s

Helplines

Artists Arth Lawr, Brian Pollard, Lou C, Henry Sells and Laura Edmunds of the Plymouth Colour Collective replicate the iconic photo of The Beatles on The Hoe (below) to promote their exhibition

Student successes celebrated

City College Plymouth celebrated its students and apprentices at their annual Student Awards at the end of June.

Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the award ceremony is the college’s celebration of the successes and hard work students and apprentices have achieved over the past academic year.

Award winners, their families, college staff and esteemed employer guests were treated to a performance from the college’s dance students as well as an entertaining and engaging address from special guest speaker, Baroness Floella Benjamin. The pioneering actor, writer and campaigner, praised those students and apprentices who had overcome challenges and adversity to earn their well-deserved awards.

She also highlighted the college’s commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity, issues which Baroness Benjamin has campaigned on for over 25 years.

Students receiving recognition in each of the college’s 36 curriculum areas, spanned a crosssection of abilities and backgrounds representative of Plymouth’s vibrant population. The ages of the award recipients crossed generations, from Tourism Student of the Year, Ryan Collins, 16, who is also taking his maths and English GCSEs at the college, to self-proclaimed ‘positive pensioner,’ Anthony Miller. The 71-year-old had double the reasons to celebrate, as he had recently secured his place at university following successful completion of his Access to Higher Education in Humanities course at City College.

Eight of the curriculum award winners were also specially selected to receive additional merits by the college’s employer partners. These top Plymouth employers work closely with the college to create real-life learning experiences,

develop training and curriculum programmes, and contribute to the college’s state-of-the-art facilities.

This year’s recipients of the employer sponsored awards were: Lewis Bonner, Digital Innovation Award sponsored by C-learning; Isabelle Rickett, Employability Award sponsored by Portcullis Legals; Emilia Dawes, Leadership Award sponsored by Plymouth Argyle Football Club; Liam Harvey, Peer Support Award sponsored by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Miles Roser, Perseverance Award sponsored by Bailey Partnership; Kai Aye, Student Voice Award sponsored by Babcock; Cameron Harris, Sustainability Award sponsored by YGS Landscapes and  Ellis Falconer, Volunteering Award sponsored by Redrok Events.

Awards were also presented to Cameron Harris by the Students’ Union and Gbenga Omole-Great by the Board of Governors in recognition of their

Advertise to over

22,500 homes in Derriford and North edition

The Derriford and North Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.

positive contributions to college life.

The final award of the evening went to Rose Hamlett who received the Chief Executive’s Award. Rose was recognised as an advocate for her fellow students on the Student Council and for her commitment to promoting sustainability. Passionate about environmentalism, she delivered training sessions for the college’s staff and Executive Leadership Team on the issue earlier this year.

“I was immensely proud to celebrate our exceptional students and apprentices at this year’s awards,” said City College’s chief executive, Jackie Grubb. “Their stories of success, personal growth and exceptional accomplishments make what we do as both educators and employers worthwhile. I hope that all of our students and apprentices, not just tonight’s award winners, can take this feeling of pride in their achievements with them as they take their first steps towards their future careers.”

The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on August 31 with a copy deadline of August 21. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Community Active Summer Giveaway

Baroness Floella Benjamin and City College chief executive Jackie Grubb (front centre) pictured with the award winners