Ernesettle Community School raises over £3,000 for Children in Need
Staff and children at Ernesettle Community School came together to support BBC Children in Need, with a Gladiator TV show-themed fundraising event that brought fun, challenges and a renewed sense of community spirit.
The children and staff were asked to dress as gladiators and participate in a range of exciting Gladiator-style challenges throughout the day. There were obstacle courses, inflatable gladiator arenas and tug of war to name a few.
The highlight of the event was the commitment shown by the staff, who took part in a 24-hour pedalthon alongside the other activities. The bikes were donated by Thirst Fitness, the Plympton based bootcamp and gym.
The pedalthon started at 2pm on Thursday and finished at 2pm on Friday. Staff took turns cycling non-stop, with some staying through the night to keep up the morale!
To mark the finale, acting headteacher Olivia Bartlett and Aaron Meredith, chief executive of Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West) joined forces to pedal through the final 90 minutes during a lively Gladiatorthemed assembly.
Olivia said: “The whole school celebrated the milestone, cheering as we reached the full 24 hours of continuous cycling.
Gladiator-style challenges were a feature of the fund-raising efforts
My legs were like jelly! Our children also featured on Blue Peter before the event started due to our challenge linking to Paddy McGuinness’ extreme cycle fundraiser too.
“We were so overwhelmed by the support from our local community, particularly from families in the northwest area of the city. Many of them face their own challenges, yet they came together to donate or offer their encouragement and drop off donuts and sweet treats to keep us going!
“Having all now had the chance to reflect, whilst the event was all about Children in Need, we’ve all said how it was such a powerful reminder of the importance of community and togetherness.”
The school’s efforts have already raised over £3,000 with donations still coming in – a remarkable achievement.
A Plymouth couple are celebrating on reaching the remarkable milestone of 70 years of marriage.
David and Valerie Anderson, who live in St Budeaux, will be holding their Platinum Wedding Anniversary celebration at the Parkway Sports Club in Ernesettle on Friday November 22.
They were due to be joined by friends and family, including their three children Joy, Steven and Sarah along with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren who will be travelling from as far away as Spain, Scotland, Nottinghamshire, Kent, Cornwall and Torbay.
The couple met when they were both at school and married in November 1954. They have spent most of the married lives in St Budeaux, apart from a brief spell in Retford to be near Steven. However, they missed Plymouth so much that they returned to the city a few years ago.
David is the younger brother of the late Peter Anderson, the much loved Argyle player who spent nine years at the club, making 259 appearances for the club and scoring 46 goals for the Pilgrims. He was regarded as one of the club’s best home grown talents and sadly passed away in 2019, aged 86.
David was a talented footballer in his own right, playing for Plymouth Schoolboys, Devon Schoolboys and Launceston and was a Plymouth Argyle apprentice before being called up for National Service in 1956.
He played throughout National Service and his later 12 year RAF career often being selected for
70th wedding anniversary celebratins for David and Val
postings so that he would be available to turn out for a particular RAF station. The family travelled as far as Penang, Lossiemouth and St Mawgan in Cornwall as well as many places in between.
When he left the RAF the family settled again in Plymouth and David continued playing in the Plymouth and District leagues until he retired from football in his 40s.
He also worked on nuclear submarines in the dockyard after leaving the RAF and for a while the couple ran a shop in Clifton Place, near Freedom Fields, selling almost everything from shoe laces to flowers and sweets.
David’s wife Valerie is well-known in crafting circles in the South West, travelling between Penzance and Honiton to either run or take part in craft groups and workshops.
For many years she attended the Tor Lace group with her sister Cynthia, and ran workshops and groups on the Barbican and in her own home in St Budeaux. She also had a series of articles published in a popular crafting magazine.
Unfortunately, all of her groups broke up as a result of the Covid pandemic, much to Val’s disappointment.
Time for a cuppa during the pedalthon
Cann Bridge School triumphs in national enterprise competition
Staff and students at the school are celebrating an historic achievement after being crowned the overall national winners of the Tycoon 1k Key Stage 3 and 4 category of the Tycoon Enterprise Competition 2024.
The competition, which challenges learners aged six to 18-years-old to launch their own businesses, saw the school’s innovative venture Sensory Explorers stand out in a remarkable way, surpassing expectations and taking home the top prize in a highly competitive field.
Although Cann Bridge entered the Special Educational Needs (SEN) category, the judges were so impressed by the quality and scope of the learners’ business plan that they moved them into the mainstream Key Stage 3 & 4 category, where they emerged victorious over more than 200 entries.
The remarkable achievement highlights the school’s commitment to providing its learners with opportunities to develop vital enterprise and life skills. At the awards ceremony held in London the learners had the opportunity to showcase their business to an audience of over 250 special guests including entrepreneur Peter Jones.
The Sensory Explorers team, made up of learners from Key Stage 4 at Cann Bridge, designed and sold sensory products in response to market research identifying the needs of parents, carers, businesses, and schools.
The learners not only developed a range of sensory products but also used order forms, pop-up stalls and events to sell their creations, applying practical skills in areas such as English, Maths, IT, and Design Technology, while also enhancing
their teamwork, entrepreneurship, and employability skills.
Lee Fisher, class teacher at Cann Bridge School and project lead for Sensory Explorers, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what our learners have achieved. Their hard work, creativity, and determination really shone through. Winning this national award is an outstanding accomplishment, but equally important is the opportunity our learners had to apply real-world skills, from business planning to presenting to an audience.”
Cann Bridge School has long been dedicated to providing applied enterprise learning opportunities, with a well-embedded curriculum that includes an internal café run by learners for the school community, as well as work-related learning in the wider community.
The focus on practical learning is key to the school’s vision of preparing learners for future independence and success.
The Sensory Explorers venture was also a financial success, generating over £2,000 in profit, which the learners themselves chose to reinvest into creating sensory outdoor learning spaces for each classroom at Cann Bridge. This initiative will further enhance the school’s commitment to providing an enriching learning environment for all learners.
This year marks the fourth time that a team from Cann Bridge School has made it to the national finals of the Tycoon Enterprise Competition. In previous years, the school.s teams have consistently performed well, with a post-16 team finishing as runners-up in 2014, another group of 14 to 16-year-olds reaching a second place spot in 2016, and a team emerging as winners of their age category in 2018.
AgeUK Plymouth launches Christmas campaign to bring joy to the lonely
Age UK Plymouth has launched its 2024 Christmas Campaign ‘It won’t be lonely this Christmas,’ which is their biggest fundraiser of the year.
The local charity is calling on the generous support of our Plymouth community to help provide hot Christmas meals, some festive companionship and joyful Christmas parties for over 50s, those living with dementia and their carers in Plymouth.
This year, their campaign is all about making sure that no one in Plymouth spends the festive season alone. Christmas is a time of love, warmth and celebration, but for many, it is a time of loneliness and isolation. By donating to their campaign, you’re directly supporting your community this Christmas, as all money raised, stays in Plymouth to support those who need it most.
£10 will pay for a friendly face to deliver a hot Christmas meal to someone isolated at home, along with a food parcel while £20 will pay for someone to enjoy a Christmas meal and attend a Christmas party.
Margaret’s Story
For many years, Margaret, 82 spent Christmas surrounded by the love of her family, filled with laughter and warmth. But as time passed, with her family moving away and the sudden loss of her husband, the festive season for Margaret grew much quieter.
Last Christmas, Margaret found herself alone, only with her memories of what Christmas once
was to keep her company, and experiencing the emptiness of her house made the day feel longer and colder. What should have been a joyful time, was instead a reminder of how lonely she feels. Margaret’s story is sadly not unique. Many older people in Plymouth face the Christmas period alone, with no one to share a meal or a conversation. That is why Age UK Plymouth has launched their biggest fundraising campaign of the year as your donations will help provide hot Christmas meals, companionship and throw joyful Christmas parties for people like Margaret.
This Christmas, Age UK Plymouth will be
delivering hot, festive meals directly to older people across Plymouth who are facing the season by themselves. In addition to the meal deliveries, the charity will host a special Christmas party at their Mount Gould Centre, where older people can come together for an afternoon of celebration, delicious food and companionship.
All donations will directly support these efforts, helping Age UK Plymouth reach as many people as possible and ensuring that no one has to feel alone this Christmas.
For more information or to make a donation visit www.ageuk.org.uk/plymouth/
Staff and students from Cann Bridge School pictured with Peter Jones at the awards ceremony
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.
Plymouth Christmas Market
Nov 28 to Dec 15
All the festive sites, smells and atmosphere are brought to the city centre, with the wonderful festive log cabins, festooned with Christmas lights, selling a wide range of unique gifts, crafts, clothing and festive treats including delicious food and live music
Autumn Concert
Nov 30
Plymouth Philharmonic Choir present a concert featuring works by composer geniuses, Haydn and Mozart at 7.30pm in The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. The programme, Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass and Small Organ Mass and Mozart’s Vespers is packed full of beautiful music, with fugues, arias, elaborate bel canto lines and dramatic contrasts. The choir will be welcoming four first class soloists: soprano Catherine Hamilton, mezzo-soprano Judith Le Breuilly, tenor Matthew Minter and baritone James Cleverton. Tickets £20 in advance, £22 on the door, £5 students/U16s. Tickets available from choir members, the choir ticket manager 07949 311030 and wegottickets.com/event/634425. For more information please visit plymouthphilchoir.org
Dick Whittington
Nov 30 and Dec 1
Sounds Musical Theatre Company present a proper Plymouth pantomime for the whole family, a bespoke version as he follows his fortune to Plymouth. Performances at 1pm and 6pm, on November 30 and December 1 at 1pm at the newly reburbished community hub Oreston Methodist Church Hall. Tickets £13 adults, £10 children. £42 family ticket. Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds
Just Christmas Fair
Nov 30
A ‘fair’ and charitable event with locally and ethically produced goods for sale at Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Corner from 10am to 3pm. Free entry. Refreshments include hot pasties and home made cakes. All welcome.
Christmas Fayre
Nov 30
St Budeaux Methodist Church from 10am to 1pm. Various stalls including a raffle, tombola and cakes. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bacon or sausage baps will be available.
Festive Good Food and Craft Market
Dec 1, 4, 8, 11, 15 and 18
Royal William Yard’s festive market is back on Sundays and Wednesdays in December. Full details at www. royalwilliamyard.com
Sleeping Beauty
Dec 3 to Dec 7
Presented by the Wranglers Theatre Company at the Muse Theatre, Lipson Community Academy. Directed by Wendy Holmes and featuring a script by Geoff Coventy, this spellbinding panto promises to delight audiences of all ages. Adults £15, family £48. Tickets at www.thewranglers.co.uk/store/c3/Box-Office
Annual Meeting
Dec 4
The Royal British Legion Plympton & District Club will hold their annual meeting at 41 Market Road, Plympton at 7pm. Members to take membership card.
Sing We Now of Christmas
Dec 6
Levowan Chamber Choir will present an evening of festive choral music at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. Featuring A Ceremony of Carols
Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond
Plymouth’s popular Christmas Market returns from November 28 to December 15. Photo Scott
Plymouth
Christmas Concert
Dec 6
With Plymouth City Academy Brass at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. Tickets from www. plymouthcitybrass.co.uk Limited tickets £10 on the door.
Christmas Fayre
Dec 7
St Boniface Church, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. Various stalls, cakes, gifts, tombolas, refreshments and grand draw. Something for everyone.
Christmas Fair
Dec 7
St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Various stalls, tombola, gifts, nearly new, Pig racing and refreshments. All welcome.
Coffee Morning
Dec 7
Crownhill Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of Little Bridge House. All welcome.
Christmas Tree Festival and Other Services
Dec 7
St Michael’s Albert Road, Stoke in aid of Jeremiah’s Journey from 10am to 4pm. Carol Service at 5pm on December 15, Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve at 11pm and Christmas Day Holy Communion at 9am.
Christmas Coffee Morning
Dec 7
St Gabriel’s Church, Peverell Terrace from 10am to 12 noon. Home made cakes on sale, plus a selection of small Christmas items. There will be a real Christmassy raffle and at the end of the morning a grand Christmas draw will take place. It promises to be a very enjoyable morning and everyone is welcome.
Christmas Grotto and Craft Fair
Dec 7
Keyham Green Places from 1pm to 4pm. Family friendly, budget-friendly festive event with a Christmas cafe with hot and cold drinks, mince pies and more. Children can meet Santa in his Grotto and get a present and parents can take a picture. There will also be crafters and other amazing stalls to help with holiday shopping.
Christmas Tree Festival
Dec 7
Presented by Sir Joshua Reynolds
at St
Plympton. Admission free. Donations for church funds welcome.
Christmas Choral Concert
Dec 8
All the Stars Looked Down performed by Plymouth’s Phoenix Chorale at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square Plymouth at 7.30pm. An evening of choral music with a blend of contemporary festive songs and carols old and new, including pieces by John Rutter, Peter Warlock, Jack Schrader, Michael Head and Dan Forrest. Mulled wine and mince pies available as well as our annual raffle. Tickets £12 from www. ticketsource.co.uk or £14 on the door, under 18s free.
Santa Fun Run
Dec 8
Organised by Saltram Rotary Club with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. Event covers 5km around the Barbican and Waterfront with proceeds going to Shekinah and Jeremiah’s Journey. Register at www. plymouthsantafunnrun.co.uk
Candlelit Concert
Dec 8
St Andrew’s Church at 6.30pm. The Community Choir will perform alongside a funky contemporary band, with singalong carols as well as a testimony and interview with someone who has had a transformed life through faith.
Christmas Concert
Dec 10
Plymouth Rock Choir present their festive concert at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall from 7.30pm. Doors open at 6.45pm. In aid of Moorvision. Tickets £5 from 07967 979314 or 07951 861233.
Community Carol Service and Other Services
Dec 11
St Aubyn’s, Chapel Street, Devonport at 6pm. Christingle Service on Christmas Eve at 4pm and Christmas Day Holy Communion at 10am.
Tamar Concert Choir
Dec 12
Christmas Concert at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. Free concert for the Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health. Tickets from chestnut.appeal@nhs.net or by calling 01752 430840.
It Was on A Starry Night
Dec 12
Join Brent Singers at St Petroc’s Church, South Brent for an evening of seasonal music, contemporary carols and popular favourites for choir and audience starting at 7.30pm. Free entry with retiring collection.
After the Fire Open Day
Dec 14
St Francis Church, Honicknowle Open Day 11am to 2pm. Go along and see the church restored after the
2023 fire. Exhibition of photos on view. Bouncy castle and activities for children in the hall. Cups of tea/ coffee. No charge, go along and help celebrate using the church building once more.
Christmas Concert
Dec 14
Plymouth University Choral Society with local soprano soloist Milly Atkinson will be performing John Rutter’s Magnificat and Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night, and other carols including I Saw Three Ships (arr. David Willcocks) St Andrew’s Minster Church 7.30pm. Tickets available from Choral Society members or on the door £16 adults, £6 students
Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir
Dec 14
Annual fundraiser concert at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door, including mince pies and mulled wine.
Milton Jones
Dec 14
Fans favourite Milton Jones brings his Ha!Milton tour to the Main Hall at Plymouth University at 7.30pm. Tickets available at www.comicalentertainment.com
Southway Christmas Table Top Sale
Dec 14
Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Lots of goodies available plus children’s crafts, raffle and refreshments. For details or to book a table for £5 contact Veronica on 07855 256383.
Hotsy Totsy
Dec 15
Plymouth Jazz Club invite fans to get in the party mood with this popular band. Venue: Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Tickets £15 on the door (£12/7 members/students)
Community Carol Service
Dec 15
Crownhill Methodist Church at 4pm. All welcome. Other services: Christingle round the crib 4pm on December 24; Midnight Communion at 11.30pm; Christmas Day Service at 10.30am.
St Luke’s Light Up A Life
Dec 17
St Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade at 3.30pm featuring the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir. Admission free. Donations to St Luke’s Hospice welcome.
Farewell Concert
Dec 18
After 52 years of singing and raising around £500,000 for local charities the Plymouth Area Police Choir will be holding its final concert at Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth. They will be supported by the very talented young people of The Legacy Choir. Concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets can be obtained from Andrew at weymo@btinternet.com. A last chance to hear the much acclaimed Plymouth Area Police Choir.
Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir
Dec 19
Crownhill Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 in aid of church funds.
Harbottle and Jonas
Dec 21
Devon-based folk duo at St Petroc’s Church, South Brent at 7pm. Tickets from eventbrite
Coffee Morning
Jan 4
Crownhill Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of Devon Blood Bikes. All welcome.
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.
by Benjamin Britten and a seasonal mix of warming winter songs by Will Todd, Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg, Morten Lauridsen and more. Wine and mince pies will be available. Free entry with retiring collection. Reserve a seat at www.levowan.com
Choir
Maurice Church,
Grenney One
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” Nelson Mandela
Beryl bikes clock
up huge
267,000 miles in Plymouth
Plymouth’s e-bike share scheme has clocked up more mileage than ten trips around the world during its first year and a half of operation.
Operated by Beryl as part of Plymouth City Council’s Connect Plymouth scheme, the bikes have just surpassed 267,000 miles since launching in March 2023, more than the distance between Earth and the Moon.
The scheme has generated more than 175,000 sustainable journeys and, according to industry calculations, prevented more than 12 tonnes of carbon emissions - a significant impact on traffic congestion and air quality.
It is also responsible for more than 45,000 hours of physical activity and exercise, which is scientifically proven to boost mental and physical health.
Beryl chief executive and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “These milestones reaffirm just how successful our electric bikes have been in Plymouth over the past eighteen months.
“We know, from speaking to them directly, that our riders in the city really value the convenience and speed of bike share when compared to other forms of transport.
“We also know the e-bikes have had a positive long term effect on many, with well over a third of our Plymouth riders telling us that they’ve used cars less often since taking their first ride.
“We will continue to work alongside our council partners and listen to feedback from our riders to ensure our scheme remains as convenient, safe and user friendly as possible.”
Councillor Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet member for Transport said: “That’s a lot of miles and more importantly, a lot of carbon emissions that have not gone into the atmosphere.
“We have been working to change the way people move around the city. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to choose sustainable transport options – especially on shorter trips around the city and these figures prove that people are taking to Beryl bikes in droves.”
Beryl’s latest annual Rider Report - a survey of thousands of Beryl riders across multiple scheme areas, showed that the e-bikes have had a positive impact on riders in Plymouth. Of the riders asked in the city, 55% said they had ridden more often or much more often since first using Beryl, while 37% said that they had used cars less or had completely stopped since first using Beryl.
Beryl e-bikes can easily be hired via the Beryl app, which is available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users.
In March
Target of 50,000 tins for 2024 Four Greens Community Trust campaign
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s winter campaign, Four Greens Community Trust in Whitleigh is launching its 2024 Winter Appeal to collect 50,000 tins of food, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of the local community.
The appeal will run until January 10 2025, with a goal to match or surpass last year’s record of 51,340 tins.
Building on the success of last year’s drive, which was made possible through the generous donations of over 100 local businesses and countless individuals, this year’s effort will help to support many people in food poverty this winter.
The ambitious goal of 50,000 tins presents a significant challenge, but Four Greens Community Trust is confident that with the continued support of the local community and businesses this goal can be met.
Mark Rowles, chief executive of Four Greens Community Trust said: “We were absolutely blown away by the generosity of the people and businesses who supported last year’s campaign. Thanks to their donations, we were able to make a real difference to the lives of many individuals and families. This year, we’re aiming to do it all over again, and we’re asking the community to come together once more to help us reach our goal.”
The donated tins will directly support those who need them most, helping to provide meals,
emergency food packages, and support for individuals and families facing financial hardship. The Trust is encouraging businesses and organisations be willing to become a collection point as well as welcoming monetary donations. For more information on how to donate or get involved in the 50,000 Tins 2024 Winter Appeal, visit www. fourgreenscommunitytrust.fgct.co.uk, email nicola.white@ fgct.o.uk or call 01752 875916.
Some of the first donations for the appeal came from members of the Community Photographic Studios CIC Over 50s and Veterans group which met at Four Greens and made the 50,000 Tin Appeal their subject matter for the day - with the tins donated afterwards (see photo below)
Rotarians all set for Christmas collections
Plymouth Roborough Rotary are in the final stages of preparations for their annual Christmas Collections which will again see them at several of the local supermarkets as well as a umber of areas in the north of the city.
The collections, which will again be raising funds predominantly for children and youth charities and goond causes will see them in Tamerton Foliot on Sunday December 1 for the Christmas Tree light switch on – once again the tree being set up by local residents Glenn and Viv who do this for the community each year.
Then the mobile collections start on Monday December 2 in Manadon Park, December 3 in Widewell, December 4 in Eggbuckland and December 6 in the Powisland Drive area of Derriford.
Plymouth Roborough Rotary will be once again be joined by a number of local groups – some who have helped in the past as well as some new groups. Club President Darren Hands said that the club members can’t wait to get started on the collections this year and bring some Christmas cheer to the public. For more details on the collections follow the Plymouth Roborough Rotary Facebook page which will be updated with the collection dates.
Departing Mon 12 May ‘25
The beautiful county of Norfolk is characterised by charming seaside towns, and unspoilt coastline.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Waverley Hotel, Great Yarmouth (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings (at the Nelson & Waverley Hotels only)
Heritage train journeys on the North Norfolk Railway & Bure Valley Railway
Mississippi Paddle Steamer cruise on the Norfolk Broads
Excursion to Cromer & Sheringham
Optional excursion to Norwich (£15pp)
Departing Mon 2 Jun ‘25
On this fantastic break we enjoy the island’s natural beauty as well as a nostalgic journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and a visit to fascinating Osborne House.
Your break includes
Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Shanklin Beach Hotel, Shanklin (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (Shanklin Beach Hotel only)
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Excursions to Osborne House, Cowes & Ryde
Optional Island Highlights Tour (£15pp)
Departing Mon 17 Mar ‘25
This great-value break is a fantastic way to see a trio of England’s most iconic hotspots! As well as a fabulous bar offer at our hotel, we include excursions to vibrant Manchester, Liverpool and Chester, where there’s plenty on offer.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Plymouth
4 nights at a selected hotel in the North West area (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
Excursions to Manchester, Chester & Liverpool
• Single rooms with en-suite facilities
• Respite short term care available - Including trial stays and carer
• A choice of varied nutritious home-prepared
• 24-hour personalised care and support from our experienced staff team run by a dedicated care home manager
• A calendar of varied social activities
• Informal visits welcome anytime
Contact the Care Manager on 01752 510810 or Email: tamar.manager@theabbeyfield.co.uk or tamar.admin@theabbeyfield.co.uk
See us on www.abbeyfieldtamarhouse.co.uk
City Councillors to decide if Uber will operate in Plymouth
Uber could be coming to Plymouth – but it will be up to Plymouth City Council’s taxi licensing committee to decide if they will or not.
The company has applied to the council to operate services in the city together with Smartzi – another app based ride service.
Uber Britannia Limited has applied for a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years, with the intention of having 160 vehicles licenced per year.
A taxi licensing committee was due to meet as the Chronicle went to press to decide whether to issue a private hire vehicle operator licences to both operators. The decision will have to made based on the council’s taxi licensing policy and if they meet it.
Papers have been published which set out what the committee is being asked to consider and that is whether the directors of both companies are considered fit and proper persons to be granted a private hire vehicle operator licence and
• if the licence is granted, the appropriate length of time the licence should be granted for, up to five years and
• whether any conditions should be imposed on the licence.
With Uber, passengers use an app to connect to a driver who uses their own vehicle. They can pick up passengers for a journey which is prepaid through the app. Uber has operated across most major towns and cities in the UK for several years. The app tracks trips, has driver ratings and emergency support.
The report says: “Officers recognise that if this application is granted it will potentially affect other private hire operators in the city – the committee is reminded that this is not a factor to be considered when deciding the application.”
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “We all know that people who enjoy our great night life here in Plymouth repeatedly struggle to get home and this has been going on for the last few years. Something has to change if our clubs, bars and venues are to survive in the long term.
“We are also acutely aware that a decision to grant a private hire licence to these companies could have consequences for our existing trade, but the committee has to take a decision based on very clear legal guidelines. This will be a very interesting debate.”
The private hire vehicle operator licence holder is a contracting party with customers to supply a private hire vehicle and driver for a trip that must be pre-booked with that operator. The operator is responsible for keeping accurate records of bookings, drivers and vehicles used and ensuring that all conditions attached to the licence are complied with.
Various legislation and policies govern how taxis operate in the city and the report notes that both applicants comply with conditions.
GREATER SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CARERS IN PLYMOUTH
A commitment has been made to foster carers in Plymouth that they will receive the financial, practical and emotional support they need.
Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet has endorsed the new support and retention offer for foster carers from Foster for Plymouth. This builds on the enhanced financial offer which was introduced in April 2024.
The offer has been developed in partnership with foster carers who shared their experiences and feedback in a summit earlier this year alongside councillors, council staff and members of the fostering panel.
As a result, a new commitment has been made to ensure that foster carers receive more training, advice, access to free or reduced events and activities, and practical and emotional support.
The offer includes bespoke training for any carers who have identified areas where they need extra support or knowledge. Attending training can sometimes be difficult for foster carers due to the children in their care, so a new peer network will help to identify other carers who can provide day care for children when needed.
The council has also made a commitment to training staff to ensure that foster carers and the children they look after receive high-quality, consistent support. This will include better inductions for new staff members and changes to the way that social workers interact with foster families.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our foster carers are so important and do such an incredible job, so I’m really pleased to be able to endorse this new support offer which has been developed and shaped by listening to what our foster carers have told us directly.
“There are hundreds of children currently within the care of the local authority, and it’s vital that we are able to look after them in a loving family home within Plymouth. This means that recruitment of new carers and giving our brilliant existing carers the support they need to continue in the role is an absolute priority, and we really hope the new offer will help with this.”
The support and retention offer will be reviewed on an annual basis through a yearly foster care summit. An annual survey will also be held to enable all foster carers the opportunity to give feedback and input. The views of children and young people will also inform the annual review of the offer.
For more information about fostering in Plymouth, visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk
Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That’s the message of a powerful new fostering film from over 100 councils – including Plymouth.
‘Everything’ is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex.
Big day for Derriford as new M&S store opens to join Aldi, Costa and Oggy Oggy
The long-awaited opening of the new M&S Foodhall at Derriford District Centre took place as the Chronicle went to press.
The 14,000 sq ft M&S Food store will stock the retailer’s entire food catalogue and is twice the size of the previous foodhall located on the opposite side of Tavistock Road.
Colleagues from the old store have moved across to the new building with the opening creating more than 40 new jobs.
Sean Pearce, store manager at M&S Plymouth Derriford, said: “We are so excited to welcome customers and colleagues to the new store.
“It’s going to be fantastic to offer more products and more of that M&S magic – in time for the all-important festive season! As a business, we have a long history in Plymouth and it’s great to be investing in the city to create a new store we can all be proud of.”
The M&S store opening is the latest milestone for the Derriford District Centre. The brand new Aldi store opened in October as well as Costa Coffee and an Oggy Oggy pasty shop. PureGym, the UK’s largest gym operator will open its 10,500 square foot facility on December 13 and will offer members 24/7 access to a wide range of fitness facilities.
The new Aldi store was officially opened in October by GB Gold Medal Para Olympian Reece Dunn.
The opening of the new £19 million Derriford District Centre is the culmination of 15 years of planning and development. Plans for a district centre at Derriford were first unveiled in 2009 as part of Local Development Framework.
Seaton Barracks was designated as the preferred site for the district centre in 2019 with
ADC Kimberley selected as the council’s preferred developer following a competitive bidding process. By 2021 it had been confirmed that big name brands such as M&S, Aldi and Costa had decided to locate at the new centre.
Planning approval for the new district centre on former Seaton Barracks Parade Ground site was granted in 2022. The following year Plymouth City Council agreed a £1 million investment deal to close a funding gap as the project was hit by rising construction costs.
Construction work on the site started in 2023 and culminated in the first unit opening in October 2024. Earlier that month the first units at the new centre were handed over from the developer ADC Kimberley to the landlord, Plymouth City Council.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is a massive deal for the north of the
Aldi Derriford Plymouth manager Ian Ramirez and Para Olympian Reece Dunn at the opening of the new Aldi store
city and for the council. We’ve been keen to see more facilities for people in the north of the city for a long time. This ambition has been part of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan to make this happen in a measured and thoughtful way.
“Not only is this good news for people living nearby, but it is great news for the people who will be employed here and the centre will bring a longer-term rental income into the council.”
There are 12 electric vehicle charging points installed by Gridserve and sustainable transport links to and from the centre are being created to help reduce car use, with cycle lanes and easy pedestrian access to bus stops.
Jonathan Banham of ADC Kimberley said: “This is a project that will provide much needed new facilities for the growing population in the north of Plymouth.
“As well as bringing essential new facilities to the people who live and work in this area, the project has given a significant boost to the construction industry locally and regenerated a brownfield site that had sat unused for over quarter of a century.”
The Derriford District Centre builds on previous investments at Derriford made by Plymouth City Council which has resulted in the Range Head Office being built, new housing and NHS facilities developed on council owned land, including the new Royal Eye Infirmary on William Prance Road. It is near some of Plymouth’s biggest employers, including Derriford Hospital and the Land Registry.
Funding to help grow childcare places in Plymouth
New grant funding is available to help childcare providers expand their offering to more children, giving vital support to Plymouth parents and carers.
Following the Government’s expansion of free childcare hours, the city needs to significantly increase the current available number of childcare places.
The council has received £434,000 in capital grant funding from the Government to help childcare providers, including schools, nurseries and childminders to increase their places.
The grants will be used to increase early years places for under two-year-olds, or to increase wraparound care for primary-school aged children, which means before and afterschool provision.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships said:
“Increasing the number of childcare places available is absolutely crucial to supporting our families and our local economy. Parents need to be able to access childcare in order to be able to work or study, so it’s important that we help put the infrastructure in place so that our childcare providers can meet the demand. It is so important to offer high quality early years provision.
“This grant scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for schools, nurseries and childminders to expand their provision.”
Capital grants of up to £20,000 can be used to make adaptations to buildings in order to accommodate more children, or the purchasing of new equipment in order to
provide childcare to children of different ages. There are also revenue grants of us to £20,000 available to businesses planning to expand or create wraparound care for primary-school aged children. There’s a total of £446,000 available to be distributed to Plymouth businesses which could contribute to start-up costs, or support with running costs including training.
Childcare provision funded from this grant must meet the definition of wraparound childcare, such as needing to be available directly before and after the school day, from 8am to 6pm and be registered with Ofsted. Any organisations or businesses interested in applying for a grant can find more information at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ childcare-expansion-grants
Countdown to Christmas as Plymouth sparkles Festive
The countdown to another spectacular Christmas in Plymouth is well under way.
Thousands of people celebrated the start of the Christmas season in style at Plymouth’s City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday November 14, followed by the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On on Saturday November 16.
Streets in the historic Barbican and Waterfront were filled with throngs of families who enjoyed the festive fun and the arrival of Santa.
Meanwhile the festive magic at Plymouth Christmas Market, makes its grand return to the city centre on Thursday November 28. Wander through stalls filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and mouth-watering food. Enjoy live music and sip on mulled wine as the market brings Christmas cheer until Friday December 15.
Also in December there is the chance for young and old alike to lace up their running shoes and join the Santa Fun Run this Christmas!
Support local charities Shekinah and Jeremiah’s Journey by participating in the fun run through the Barbican on Sunday December 8 at 11am. All runners will receive a free Santa costume and a medal at the finish line, with cheers from supporters lining the route. Sign up to the event at www.plymouthsantafunrun. co.uk
Central Park transforms into a winter paradise from Friday November 15, as Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland returns. Featuring an ice rink, festive grottos, rides, an après ski bar and more, it’s a wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday magic. Open until January 1, it’s a must-visit during the festive season.
Explore Mount Edgcumbe for a festive weekend filled with holiday cheer on December 14 and 15. Featuring more than 50 quality artisan food and gift exhibitors, unique and quirky gifts plus live carol singing and an array of festive entertainment, it’s a great place to revel in the Christmas spirit.
Meanwhile discover a winter wonderland of shopping and food, conveniently under one roof at Plymouth Market in the West End this Christmas. Head to the Market during the festive season to enjoy Christmas treats, competitions including chances to win tickets to the Theatre Royal Plymouth, and free activities including meeting Santa and festive face painting.
Businesses, clubs and organisations in Plymouth are being invited to sponsor the NSPCC’s Festival of Trees this Christmas.
The annual fundraising event will this year see Christmas trees displayed in three venues across the city – the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Pavilions and Ocean Studios.
This year the NSPCC has teamed up with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership to organise the event which has become a festive favourite in the city. Last year the event raised more than £12,000 for the children’s charity.
Sponsors of the Christmas trees will be able to go along to the venues and decorate their trees to make sure they are glittering in time for the festive season. The trees will then be judged and prizes awarded to the best decorated.
The city centre Christmas Lights Switch On attracted thousands of people
Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth
The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On always attracts big crowds
Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth
Saltram set to thrill families again this year
Saltram is always a magnet for families at Christmas and this year is no exception.
The festive fun starts on November 22 with the launch of the popular Christmas family trail when visitors can explore enchanting rooms and discover hidden surprises along the way.
Also launched on November 22 is ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ as it’s brought to life within Saltram’s magical interiors.
Father Christmas will be in his Grotto every Saturday and Sunday from December 1 to December 22 welcoming families to share their festive wishes, and each child will receive a Christmas gift. These sessions are perfect for families with young children who want a small, intimate grotto experience.
There will also be the chance to share Songs and Stories with Father Christmas on weekends during December with a lively musical story session where singing loudly is highly encouraged.
For exact times, prices and other details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
Winter Wonderland returns to Central Park bigger and better
Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland has returned for a second year, bigger and brighter than ever.
Following the resounding success of last year’s event, the winter festival will be at Central Park until January 1, 2025.
Organised by local entrepreneurs Jack Fry and Dave Monk this year’s Winter Wonderland promises to be even more enchanting, with a host of festive delights for all ages.
Jack, who owns a number of businesses in Plymouth and surrounding area, including The Odd Wheel at Wembury said: “After the resounding success of last year’s Winter Wonderland, we’re delighted to be back
in Central Park with an even bigger and brighter event.
“We wanted to do something that was a little bit different and fun for all the family to enjoy – we know it’s been a tough year for many so we’re keen to create something special for friends and families to enjoy which is great value for money.
“This event is a huge addition to the already brilliant Christmas events that are happening around the city and we hope it becomes a regular on the Plymouth Christmas calendar for years to come.”
This year’s Winter Wonderland includes:
Ice rink – hourly skating sessions (bookable in advance), complete with festive music, twinkling lights, and a daily Christmas disco! For the little ones, skating aids will be available to ensure a fun and safe experience.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest Grotto – a magical journey through the enchanted forest to meet Santa and his elves. Each visit includes a special gift to make the experience even more memorable. No need to pre-book, just show up on the day.
Live music under the Big Top – festive vibes under the glow of Christmas lights at the Big Top, a German-style music arena with a capacity of 1500.
Entertainment with a variety of local musicians performing live on stage to get the festive spirit going.
Festive food stalls - a variety of festive treats from local vendors, including German grills, giant pigs in blankets, warming Yorkshire pudding wraps and crispy roasties.
Apres Ski Bar – festive tipples at the Christmas Bar in the Big Top, offering a variety of seasonal drinks and hot beverages.
Rides and attractions – a selection of family favourite rides will be available at a small additional charge.
Entry to this year’s Winter Wonderland experience is £1 per
person; additional charges apply for the ice rink and some of the rides and attractions.
On Sunday December 15, for the first time in Central Park there will be a Reindeer Run in association with Taurus Events.
Participants will dash and prance their way around Central Park, with their very own reindeer ears, as part of the entry fee, and after completing the fun run will receive complimentary and exclusive early access to the Winter Wonderland too.
For more information visit www. plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk
Credit: National Trust Images Photo John Millar
The Ice Rink at Winter Wonderland is a big hit with families Photo: One Plymouth
Festive celebrations at the Royal William Yard
Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard transforms into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with festive markets, places to shop and socialise, and illuminations twinkling throughout the historic site.
With Christmas menus on offer and plenty planned over the special season, there will be many opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry.
Head to the Festive Good Food & Craft Market, taking place on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday daytimes for a leisurely weekend wander. Over 70 stalls will showcase the South West’s best artisans and makers. Taking place inside the Grade I Melville building and outside in its courtyard, sip a mulled wine, buy a real Christmas tree, and stock up on gifts. A free shuttle bus will run during each market, making it even easier to enjoy your visit.
Gifts galore Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including handmade chocolates from Domea Favour; clothes, accessories and homewares from boutique, Identity Fashion; stylish haircare sets from YOKE the Salon; and a range of hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble. Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness has recently become an exclusive a spa partner for Evolve
Organic Beauty, an award-winning organic British skincare brand, and there are gift sets and vouchers on offer for Christmas.
Food & drink
Festive menus are available at many of the Yard’s eateries, catering for any occasion from a cosy dinner with friends to a lively Christmas knees-up. The Hook & Line has a mouthwatering three-course Christmas menu, with everything from a classic roast to a Devon spiced rum and plum crumble. Wildwood is offering an Italian inspired festive feast, with three courses, Prosecco and Christmas crackers. Don’t fancy cooking on the big day? Bistrot Pierre is taking bookings for Christmas Day, with bespoke menus for adults and children.
Entertainment
host of Christmas classics.
Its Throwback films on Sundays and Tuesdays also come with a complimentary drink and popcorn.
Seize the opportunity to get out and about for a refreshing winter walk along the South West Coast Path and stop for a tipple or tasty treat. Feeling brave? Boxing Day and New Year’s sea swims have become a tradition for many, and at Royal William Yard there’s no better place to take the plunge. Join the sea swimmers at Firestone Bay and then warm up in Halogi mobile sauna!
Diary dates
Festive Good Food & Craft Market
December 1 (10am-3pm)
December 4 (5-9pm)
December 8 (10am-3pm)
Get into the Christmas spirit at Everyman cinema. The luxury cinema – with its velvet sofas and treats served to your seat – will show a whole
December 11 (5-9pm)
December 15 (10am-3pm)
December 18 (5-9pm)
Location: Melville building and courtyard
A huge array of stalls offering festive wares and unique gifts. With Christmas lights, hot food and mulled wine adding to the atmosphere – this is the place to visit. Get there for free on the shuttle bus service from the city centre, Native Makers Festive markets
November 30 and December 1 (10am-4pm)
December 14 and 15 (10am-4pm)
Location: Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage Run by Real Ideas, these makers markets will be full of festive wares to inspire and explore, spread over three rooms and two floors. Supporting local and regional makers, this celebrates small independent businesses through originality, diversity, sustainability and design.
Festive Family Day
December 14
Children’s Christmas crafts (10am-2pm)
Barbershop Choir (12pm and 2pm)
A day of Christmas merriment with free festive crafting for children, to create some suitably seasonal works of art and mementos to take home. Enjoy carols and Christmas tunes from a Barbershop Choir, whose performances throughout the afternoon will delight and deliver plenty of cheer.
For details visit www.royalwilliamyard.com
Join us to eat, drink and be merry.
Get into the spirit of the season at Royal William Yard with festive markets, great places to shop and socialise, and much to do and discover this winter.
Make the festive season magical with a trip to the Theatre Royal
Whether you want to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas preparing for his busiest day of the year, enjoy a sensory Christmas delight for little ones aged from birth to three years old, or experience the fairest pantomime of them all with a family trip to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — there’s something magical for everyone!
Discover What’s On this Festive Season!
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas: November 28 to December 28
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. Co-produced with the Olivier Award-nominated Pins & Needles Productions.
The Star Who Danced: December 4 to December 28
A sensory delight for 0-three year olds, this non-verbal show will engage young audiences
through beautiful dance, live music and light. The performance will end with space for further exploration, play and festive photos.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: December 13 to January 11
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all!
Don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises a magical adventure packed with comedy, sensational songs, dazzling costumes, and amazing special effects!
Join Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph as The Wicked Queen, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder as The Man in the Mirror, comedian Andy Ford as Muddles, and West End stars Samuel Holmes and Scott Maurice as The Governess and The Prince. Plus, The Artist’s Briana Craig will join the cast as Snow White!
With stunning sets and beautiful costumes from The London Palladium, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will take the whole family on a magical panto adventure like never before!
A t S h e k i n a h , w e p r o v i d e a r a n g e o f s e r v i c e s t o s u p p o r t p e o p l e e x p e r i e n c i n g h o m e l e s s n e s s , p o v e r t y , a n d o t h e r
s o c i a l b a r r i e r s . O u r a i m i s t o o f f e r p r a c t i c a l h e l p , e m o t i o n a l a n d m e d i c a l s u p p o r t , a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r c h a n g e .
O u r S e r v i c e s I n c l u d e :
D r o p - I n C e n t r e f o r t h e s t r e e t h o m e l
H e l p t o f i n d a c c o m m o d a t i o n
M e n t a l H e a l t h & W e l l b e i n g S u p p o r t
T r a i n i n g & E m p l o y m e n t O p p o r t
S u b s t a n c e M i s u s e S e r v i c e s
H o w Y o u C a n H e l p :
D o n a t e : Y o u r c o n t r i b u t i o n s h e l p f u n d o u r s e r v i c e s
V o l u n t e e r : J o i n u s a n d m a k e a d i r e c t i m p a c t
F u n d r a i s e : O r g a n i s e a c o m m u n i t y e v e n t o r
f u n d r a i s e r i n s u p p o r t o f o u r w o r k
Celebrating 30 years of The King’s Trust at City College Plymouth
City College Plymouth has hosted a celebration event to commemorate 30 years of collaboration with The King’s Trust.
The evening honoured the dedication of current and former staff who have empowered over 3,500 young people through the King’s Trust Team programme. Together, these students have contributed over 14,000 voluntary hours, creating a lasting impact within the local community.
The King’s Trust programme, established at the college in 1994, has become a cornerstone for young people seeking personal and professional growth. With support from the college’s Skills Development team, the programme focuses on essential life and employability skills, such as resilience, leadership and adaptability, equipping students for a wide range of career pathways.
This life-changing initiative has enabled many students to transform their lives, build friendships and succeed in their careers.
City College Plymouth’s chief xxecutive, Jackie Grubb, said, “Since 1994, our partnership with The King’s Trust has empowered young people to grow personally and professionally, while giving back to our community. The impact of these past 30 years is visible across Plymouth, with former participants achieving career success, some even within our college.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team and the support of our partners. We look forward to continuing this important work and embracing an exciting future with the King’s Trust.”
Steve Murphy, curriculum lead and development officer for Pre-employment and Skills Development, said, “The ethos of the programme has always been about bringing individuals together to form a supportive, effective unit that
can face personal challenges and contribute to the local community.
“Our long-standing partnership with The King’s Trust has helped countless young people find confidence and direction. We’re so proud of our staff, partners and employers who make this journey possible by providing placements, guidance and encouragement to these students as they grow into the best versions of themselves.”
The event also featured personal stories from current and former staff members and alumni, offering insight into the programme’s enduring impact.
Woodland Fort team raise £4,000 for Motor Neurone Disease
Over £4,000 was raised and a presentation evening was
By Andy Lugger Southway city councillor and leader of the Conservative Group on Plymouth City Council
The good old Plymouth pubuse it or lose it!
Despite its antiquity, the British pub as an institution is on the decline.
Compounded by the latest change to smoking laws, 18 pubs close every week across the UK and this figure is rising. Sadly, most of the Plymouth pubs that have closed in the last 20 years did so after hundreds of years of trading. I always champion the licensed trade and have launched a campaign to save the Plymouth pub from extinction. In the 18th and 19th centuries, before the establishment of the police courts, the pub was central to local justice, accommodating the petty sessions (the forerunner of the magistrates’ courts) and public auctions were commonly held in your local boozer together with coroners’ inquests and other meetings.
In addition to selling your favourite tipple, the trusty old ‘local’ has been the traditional focus of community life in villages, towns and cities for centuries. The proposed changes to the smoking laws in beer gardens could be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for the Plymouth pub trade. I cannot allow this great trade (a sector I was brought up in) to wither and die.
I want to encourage publicans to think outside the box and offer community based activities within the pub and diversify like other industries have in recent years. Pubs are underused during the day; they could provide drop in centres to serve a hot meal (paid for by local or central government) for those needing company or unable to heat their own homes because of the latest government cut to Winter Fuel Allowance.
I also represent the Plymouth Licensed Victuallers and encourage those involved in the licensed trade to join this ancient institution as it now nearly defunct. The roots of the Licensed Victuallers go back over 200 years with the group was established to care for licensees in need and their families.
In 1833, the National Licensed Victuallers Association was formed. Smaller regional LVAs (like the Plymouth one today) were established under its umbrella with the aim of protecting the business interests of those running public houses and to act as lobbying bodies on their behalf.
Despite being a vital part of the pub trade, LVA membership is falling away dramatically every year. The Plymouth LVA was once a big organisation but has been mothballed for a number of years. It is now re-established, and are actively recruiting new members.
Many pubs are closing and LVA events are poorly attended. It is, therefore, important that the LVA continues to support Plymouth’s licensed trade - fighting battles with brewers with a united voice and forming an effective pressure group.
The
also featured a mocktail bar, raffle, sponsored head shave and leg waxing, a skittles evening with the Palmerston Fort Society, and an auction of two sport tops. A group of members also slept on top of the Fort to raise funds.
Tamsin was overwhelmed with support of prizes, volunteers, and not forgetting the people who sponsored all of the events. The money raised will help sufferers and their families affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
The men and women of Plymouth’s licensed trade will continue to fight to preserve the British pub as a worthwhile institution, but need all the help they can get. There are no grants or funding available to keep the doors open, so we are looking for public support. My message is ‘use it or lose it’.
Young people aged between 16 and 25 who are looking to build confidence, gain new skills, and make lasting connections can call The King’s Trust team on 01752 856827 or text 07967 772651.
Pictured above at The King’s Trust Celebration from left: Ben Manning, head of curriculum, quality & student Experience at City College Plymouth; Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth; Steve Murphy, curriculum lead and development officer for Pre-employment & Skills Development; Chris Snow, Vice LordLieutenant of Devon; Louise Spencer, director of delivery (UK) at The King’s Trust
Over £4,000 has been raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association - thanks to the efforts of Tamsin Brook and other members of Woodland Fort Community Centre in Honickknowle.
Tamsin was joined by members other the Trust when they held a charity day to raise funds for the charity. The event included a 24 hour
darts marathon, live singers throughout the day including Milly Badcock, Alan Pritchard, Roger Box, and Nikki Street.
event
held to present a cheque to the charity.
More electric vehicle chargers to be installed in Plymouth
Plymouth will be trialling new ways to support residents who cannot charge their electric vehicles at home as they don’t have access to off street parking.
Currently around 37 per cent of households in Plymouth do not have off street parking and have to travel to charge their car if they own an EV.
As part of its electric vehicle strategy, Plymouth City Council is allocating £2.415 million of funding obtained from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to install:
• 100 pavement channels to enable residents to run a cable from an electricity supply in their house. This is new for Plymouth and would initially be done on a trial basis.
• 600 pedestal and/or flush fitting 7kW chargers (servicing 1,200 charging bays). These will be publicly available chargers installed on streets and in car parks in areas where residents do not have access to off-street parking.
Many of the existing public EV charge points in Plymouth, are super-fast chargers aimed at those who need to charge their cars quickly. There is however a lack of chargers in residential areas, where residents often wish to charge their cars more cheaply overnight.
More drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles, with electric vehicles accounting for over 16 per cent of the new UK car market in 2023, according to industry statistics. However, electric vehicle uptake in Plymouth has been slower than the UK average, with only 1.5 per cent of 134,000 registered cars and vans as of mid 2024 compared to over 4.6 per cent across the UK.
Affordability and insufficient financial incentives, along with perceived range anxiety have been some of the key barriers to EV uptake in Plymouth.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Electric vehicles are a key component for how we get out and about in the future and it’s great to see that the city is starting to adapt and put this into practice.
“We already have over 300 parking bays for electric vehicle charging across the city, but we need to make it easier for residents to charge electric vehicles close to home.”
The council will review requests from the public for proposals for pavement channels, charge point companies will install charge points across the city. We have divided the city up into 164 areas and all will have charge points.
Find out more and how to apply for the EV charging trial at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ plymouth-ev-charging-trial
Plymouth MP Fred Thomas welcomes new £4.5 million boost for city’s bus services
Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas has welcomed the announcement that Plymouth City Council will receive £4.5 million of funding for the improvement of local bus services.
It is part of a wider £1 billion funding package for councils across the country to invest in their local bus services and is designed to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising, and commuting.
Fred Thomas said: “This news is incredibly welcome in Plymouth. There are many folks here who rely on our buses but under the previous government, and recent local Conservative administrations, we have suffered cuts to our services.
“This new funding will allow the council to invest in our buses and deliver better services for people in Plymouth.
“During the general election we promised that we would deliver better buses for every community, and this news just shows that we are already delivering on that promise.”
“He said that the Labour administration in Plymouth had managed to restore some of the routes that were cut in 2022 when the Conservatives
Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council”s
Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is a very welcome announcement and shows how seriously this Labour government takes investment in our bus network. I look forward to announcing in due course what specific improvements to our city’s bus services in 2025/6 this funding will enable.”
...and joins calls for support for South West Water customers
Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas has joined forces with other MPs across the South West to call on the government to provide support for vulnerable people, and those on lower incomes, following the recent decision to end the £50 government contribution for South West Water customers.
In November it was announced that the annual subsidy, introduced in 2013, was to be removed from April next year. The subsidy was originally introduced when water bills in the South West were much higher than the average bill elsewhere in the country.
While understanding why the subsidy has been removed, Labour MPs in the region are calling on the government to protect vulnerable people and those on lower
incomes from the impacts that the removal of this subsidy may have.
They have written to Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, to ask the government to introduce a single social tariff to support those who may now struggle to pay their water bills.
Fred Thomas MP said: “I completely understand why the government have taken the decision to remove this subsidy, it makes sense. However, there are some people in Plymouth, those on lower incomes and the vulnerable, who will need to be protected from the impact of this decision.
“A single social tariff to support those who need it would create a fairer system and help support those in financial hardship, and so we are calling on the government to implement one and would welcome a meeting with the minister.”
Mystery of big cats uncovered at Moors Edge u3a meeting
A man who has claimed to have seen big cats on Dartmoor was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of Moors Edge u3a.
Alex Bowler gave fascinating talk on his big cat sightings in the south west sharing his experience of seeing pumas and leopards in various locations from Dartmoor to Exmoor and various woods in the countryside. He showed photos of sightings and paw prints that were found confirming their existence.
Moors Edge u3a meet on the second Friday of the month at the Woolwell Centre starting at 2.30pm. Anyone who is retired or semi retired is welcome to attend.
They can attend twice as a visitor before deciding to join.
There are volunteers on hand to welcome visitors, explain how the club functions and answer any queries.
Once a member there are various groups that can be joined including tai chi, scrabble, short and long walks, canasta, wine tasting and many more.
Fifteen members recently enjoyed a visit and tour of Elliot House on the Hoe, former home of Lady Astor who was the first female to take a seat in Parliament.
The house is no longer lived in but
maintained by Plymouth City Council which organises group tours with a cream tea which was enjoyed by all.
Diary dates:
December 13: Christmas party with quiz and raffle
January 10: Guest speaker Christopher Turner who returns to present part two of his virtual tour of the Barbican.
February 14: Guest speaker Debbie Lumsdon on the charitable work carried out by the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust. For further details visit www.moorsedge. u3asite.uk
New approach to tackling health inequalities in Plymouth
A new approach to tackling health inequalities will build on a decade of work that has been carried out by organisations across Plymouth.
The Thrive Plymouth plan was first created in 2014 to help improve health outcomes for local residents, in response to statistics which showed that more than half of all deaths in Plymouth could be attributed to four lifestyle behaviours.
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and excess alcohol consumption contributed to four diseases – coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease – that were responsible for 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth.
A number of health outcomes have improved since 2014 as a result of the work that has been done. This includes a reduction in the number of deaths from the four diseases, from 57.4 per 10,000 deaths in 2011-13 to 49.2 in 2020-22.
Healthy life expectancy – the age to which people live with good health – has also increased for both men and women in Plymouth. The average healthy life expectancy for men has increased from 59.2 years to 64.3 years, and from 58.7 years to 59.3 years for women.
However, the healthy life expectancy for women
remains below the national average of 63.9 years, which demonstrates that there is still work to be done.
There are also still stark geographical differences in Plymouth, with a gap of 8.2 years in the life expectancy from the most to the least deprived areas.
While some health behaviours have improved, such as a reduction in the number of people who smoke, mental health indicators have worsened over time and there are still high levels of physical inactivity and obesity.
Over the last ten years, Thrive Plymouth has brought together a collaborative network of around 100 different organisations from health, wellbeing and the voluntary and community sectors.
Plymouth City Council’s Public Health team has now set out a new plan and approach for the next decade which will ensure the continuation of the network of partners and has a focus on four key themes: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places, Healthy Communities.
This goes beyond the original Thrive plan, which focused primarily on four health-related behaviours, to better reflect the core factors that impact people’s physical and mental health, such
as where they live and their social connections.
Dr Ruth Harrell, Plymouth’s director for Public Health said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work that’s been done in Plymouth over the last ten years, but it’s clear there is still more to be done. Many things have changed in that time and there have been huge events that have impacted us all, including the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“We have taken time to reflect on the work done, but also to learn from new methods and research, which has informed our plan for the next ten years.
“This is a long-term, partnership approach to tackling inequalities to ensure that we can affect meaningful change that results in a healthier, happier life for Plymouth residents.”
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “We’re committed to making Plymouth a great place to live where everyone enjoys a high quality of life. Despite a decade of hard work, there are still stark inequalities across the city. We don’t want your life choices to be limited by your postcode, and the work being done by partner organisations and by the council will mean improved outcomes for everyone.”
Fred Thomas MP
The psychology of thankfulness Experience
In the October editions of the Plymouth Chronicle I hinted about an upcoming change to these articles. Well, I imagine you probably noticed it in the November editions!
In case you missed it, we’re rolling out the Lifelines page every other month in the Plymouth Chronicle. This is a page dedicated to the stories of ordinary people and how their lives have been transformed by their faith.
All these stories, including Tom who featured last month, are in full radio interview form on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth website and YouTube channel should you want to watch them.
The website is crossrhythms.co.uk/ plymouth and simply search ‘Cross Rhythms Plymouth’ on YouTube to find our page there.
The reason for posting these stories is to inspire you that if they can experience real change in their lives then so can you. It doesn’t matter what background you have come from or what experiences you have gone through or are facing at present, the invitation of Jesus is for anyone.
Given that we’ll have the Lifelines page in the Plymouth Chronicle every other month, we’ll have the usual Cross Rhythms Experience article back in the intervening editions.
In this article I wanted to reflect on a fascinating article I read a little while ago. The piece was stating that gratitude has been scientifically proven to relieve anxiety.
In a world where mental health problems are rife I found this fascinating. According to a piece in Psychology Today gratitude also helps to strengthen relationships, improve mental health and minimise stress.
Anxiety is triggered by all manner of factors and it is different for each person. Challenging circumstances in life or a particular stressful situation leads many people to what psychologists call repetitive negative thinking (RNT) which is understandably linked to anxiety. Gratitude has been found to break the chain of this RNT and thus minimise the chances of high level anxiety occurring in the first place as well as minimising the effects
By Dave Simpson, Station Manager
Cross Rhythms Plymouth
of anxiety.
This research struck me for two main reasons. Firstly it is so highly accessible to all. With the rise of mental health problems in our society also comes the rise in medication to treat it. I don’t have a problem with medication for mental health in and of itself.
For many it’s incredibly helpful and a critical part of recovery and managing day to day life. That being said, no medication is without its side effects so to know that being thankful and developing gratitude can significantly help anxiety is a win win!
Practically you could take a moment in your day to list a number of things you are thankful for. You may not find this easy straight away but it doesn’t have to be
Get 2025 off to the best start with Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s New Year events
The end of one year and the start of another offers a time for reflection, with many people setting work-related resolutions.
For local people, the Skills Launchpad Plymouth team is offering support to make those resolutions a reality with their New Year events.
These small and informal events aim to connect job seekers, career changers, or those looking to upskill, with the city’s latest opportunities for skills, training, education, careers, and jobs, whatever stage of their professional journey they may be at.
Skills Launchpad Plymouth works in city-wide partnership with local employers, training providers and support organisations, to help people unlock their potential. This is achieved through personalised one-to-one support, free helpyourself digital resources at www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk,
to anyone aged 16 and over and are taking place at Skills Launchpad Plymouth on Friday January 10 between 10am and 2pm, and on Saturday January 11 between 10am and 12 noon.
Supporting the event will be representatives from Plymouth’s sector skills partnerships for construction and the built environment (Building Plymouth), health and social care (Caring Plymouth) and the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors (Welcoming Plymouth) as well as variety of different employers and support agencies including the National Careers Service, to help those attending plan their next steps.
Those interested in accessing a free one-to-one appointment outside of these events can also do so by visiting www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk and completing the sign-up form. Also keep up to date with all the latest opportunities by following Skills Launchpad Plymouth on social media.
anything major. Starting by being thankful for the day, thankful for a walk around the park, thankful for a meal you’re about to eat can all help you get started with your list and they all start to help your mindset.
I also found this research fascinating because it reminded me of something my Grandma used to say, to ‘count your blessings.’ A principle which was rooted in her Christian faith and passed down through the generations now being found to have scientific basis for improving mental health.
For my Grandma, her gratitude was rooted in her faith. Thankfulness directed to the God she knew loved her and provided for her.
This provided her not only with a better attitude each day but also a trust that, whatever challenges may lie ahead, God would be with her and there would be many things to be grateful for in her future.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth online at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth or now on DAB, find ‘CR Plymouth’ on your DAB radio
Science Park appoints interim chief executive
Plymouth Science Park has announced the appointment of Dave Hockton as its new interim chief executive.
Dave joins the Park with extensive experience in managing and developing technology parks, having previously led MIRA Technology Park in Leicestershire as a high-performing, awardwinning site and top UK Enterprise Zone. As an accomplished leader with a background in science and technology parks, he has successfully driven growth and innovation across major facilities, attracting high-profile tenants and enhancing site infrastructure.
He took up the post in November, bringing expertise in strategic management, commercial development, and tenant engagement, which will be invaluable in furthering Plymouth Science Park’s mission to drive innovation in the South West.
Dave said: “I am excited to join Plymouth Science Park and collaborate with the exceptional team and tenants here. The Park is a thriving hub of innovation, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth and impact within Plymouth, across the South West and beyond.”
Chris Richards, chair of Plymouth Science Park, said: “Dave’s proven track record in leading technology parks and fostering innovation makes him an excellent fit for Plymouth Science Park. We’re confident his leadership will provide strong guidance during this transition as we continue our search for a permanent CEO.”
With a background in senior estates management, Dave’s previous roles and posts include director of the UK Science Park Association.
Dave Simpson
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Police crackdown on business thefts
An intensified week of action to safeguard local businesses in Plymouth has seen a number of prolific offenders arrested, stolen items recovered and important crime prevention messages shared.
Led by Devon & Cornwall Police in Plymouth, the activity set out to tackle business crime in the community.
Neighbourhood police officers carried out a warrant at a residential address which led to the seizure of stolen items including aftershaves, deodorant and razors. Work is ongoing to return these items to the rightful premises.
Three prolific offenders were also located, arrested and charged with shoplifting offences.
High visibility patrols took place across the city centre and surrounding towns, along with the support of local police cadets. Officers called into shops to speak with employees, giving out important advice to help businesses take steps to further protect their businesses from being a targeted by criminals.
Information was also gathered about suspects. The CCTV van was also deployed across busy shopping areas in Plymouth, acting as a visible deterrent to opportunist shoplifters.
Acting Chief Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up neighbourhood police teams across Plymouth, said: “Our main goal is to
really embed our officers within the business community. Every crime against a business affects its livelihood and the wellbeing of employees.
“Creating a safer business environment
involves a collaborative approach. We want to show retailers that we’re here to work alongside them to keep their business and employees safe; our officers will take action against prolific offenders, we do take reports
seriously and we will continue to work closely with them to gather information about crimes and suspects. And in turn, it’s important businesses continue to follow crime prevention advice and come forward to tell us what’s going on.
“By building this trust and working together, we can take a tough stand against business crime in our community. I hope this shows that police are committed to protecting local retailers to help create a thriving, safe community for everyone.”
For further help and advice on business safety go to www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ cp/crime-prevention/keeping-business-safefrom-crime/
Practical help and support to victims of crime is available from the Devon and Cornwall Victim Care Unit and Victim Support. For more information visit www.victimcare-dc. org/
Police would also like to encourage businesses to complete the Virtual Environmental Visual Audit (VEVA) survey. It is designed to offer businesses an opportunity to identify antisocial behaviour concerns and report any physical environmental attributes which they believe may increase the fear of crime. Businesses can also sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert two way messaging system to receive emails or text messages relevant to your local area by visiting www.alerts. dc.police.uk/
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CQC calls for urgent improvements at Derriford A&E
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken action to protect people using urgent and emergency services at Derriford Hospital following an inspection in March.
An unannounced inspection was carried out in urgent and emergency services at Derriford Hospital, run by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, following information of concern highlighted to the commission regarding access to the emergency department.
Following the inspection, the trust was issued with a warning notice to make rapid and widespread improvements to keep people safe and improve access and overcrowding in the emergency department.
Urgent and emergency care at Derriford Hospital has been rated as requires improvement overall as have the ratings for safe, effective, responsive and well-led. The area of caring was not examined as part of this inspection.
The overall rating for the trust and the hospital remain as requires improvement.
Catherine Campbell, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, said: “On previous inspections we had highlighted the pressures at Derriford Hospital being mainly due to limited availability of social care beds and community care, which impacted on the number of medically fit people able to be discharged. That hindered flow throughout the hospital, causing people to experience long delays.
“During this inspection we found people were still experiencing long waits in ambulances and the emergency department waiting room was still overcrowded. This included people experiencing long waits to be triaged, treated or discharged. One person’s relative was told there may be a 48 hour wait for their loved one to be admitted to hospital.
“However, some told us they had been assessed and treated relatively quickly. People gave positive feedback about staff, describing them as brilliant and lovely. This doesn’t alter the
fact that in October 2021, we highlighted the same problems to the trust’s leadership and local stakeholders.
“There is a new leadership team in place at the trust and we are aware that emergency department delays in treatment is one of the areas that has been prioritised to improve care.
“But, continued focus is required on what the trust can do to improve the safety, quality and experience of care for people through the emergency department, by making the improvements required in the warning notice will focus attention on the areas we want to see significant and widespread improvement particularly regarding overcrowding in the emergency department.
“This includes focusing attention on the areas we want to see significant and widespread improvement particularly regarding overcrowding in the emergency department.
“The new leadership team were building relationships internally and externally with local stakeholders, ambulance
services and GPs. Weekly meetings with the ambulance service had helped to jointly manage the high numbers of people arriving by ambulance.
“We will continue to monitor the trust, including through future inspections, to ensure the necessary improvements are made so people can receive safe and appropriate care.”
At Derriford Hospital’s urgent and emergency services, inspectors found:
• Not all staff received feedback from leaders when incidents had been raised. This led to a culture of staff being less inclined to report incidents.
• The layout of the waiting room made it difficult for staff to safely observe or hear people call out for assistance.
• The waiting room was not large enough to safely accommodate the high volume of people in the area. We saw all areas of the department were very busy and the waiting room was crowded with people in very close proximity to each other with some areas being standing room only.
• The pathway for people with mental health needs had improved. There was a dedicated nurse currently in place to support people through the pathway.
• There was better support and focus across the trust which meant that departments were able to work together more effectively.
The full report can be found at www.cqc.org.uk/location/ RK950
Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “This report highlights why I am campaigning so hard for a new A&E department at Derriford. We need it.
“Staff and patients were promised funding by Boris Johnson when he was Prime Minister. It’s clear now this was a misrepresentation. The CQC report shows the cost of these broken promises. I will continue working with staff at Derriford to campaign for a new A&E.”
JARVIS
D. TAYLOR
Council appeals to city businesses to consider giving job opportunities to young care leavers
Plymouth City Council is appealing to local businesses to consider offering a job opportunity to young people leaving care.
Compared with other young people locally, care leavers are around nine times more likely to not be in education, training or employment when they enter adulthood.
Councillor Jemima Laing, deputy leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said; “Care leavers are our city’s young people, and we need to work together as a city to ensure they have a successful future.
“Care leavers face significant challenges over and above those normally experienced by our children and young people, but with the right support they can succeed in managing the move to independent living and a career. Supportive employers can play a vital part in ensuring they have the same opportunities in life as other young people.
“Over the last five years, on average we have 180 young people leaving care in Plymouth every year.
“We are very keen to hear from local employers who are willing to give our care leavers a chance, who can offer an apprenticeship, or a work placement for a vulnerable child trying to navigate the difficult path of leaving care and moving to independent living.
“We are asking for your help to ensure that our care leavers get the same opportunities in life as other young people.
“Offering a care leaver a job opportunity will give businesses a chance to invest in young people who have bright ideas and shows that they are a supportive organisation willing to give young people a chance at starting a career.”
For any business thinking of offering an apprenticeship, the government offers a bursary which is paid to the apprenticed care leaver after they have maintained their apprenticeship for 60 days. The bursary aims to support care leavers as they move from care into independent living and work.
The council has developed a free pastoral leadership programme through On Course South West, for managers and employers that employ care experienced young people. These programmes can be personalised for any business with flexible delivery options.
The flexible programme includes short courses on safeguarding, trauma informed practice and mental health awareness, visit www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
As an approved apprenticeship training provider, the council can offer support to businesses to develop an apprenticeship or supported apprenticeship programme, contact apprenticeships@plymouth.gov.uk for more information.
For more information, visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/care-leavers
Plymouth RNLI host first-ever event for women search and rescue volunteers
The first South West Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) event has been held at Plymouth Lifeboat Station with around 30 women in different roles within the RNLI gathering for a full day of operational exercises and information sharing.
The day provided the opportunity to build friendships, networks and learn from each other’s experiences.
The event was organised by Plymouth RNLI volunteer Beth Barratt who was inspired after attending the inaugural Women in SAR conference at the RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole in March.
Beth said: “I wanted to bring the incredible experience we had at the college in March, down here to the south west and open up the opportunity for all women, whatever their role within the organisation, to gather together to practice skills and learn from each other.
“It was great to be able to host the event in Plymouth, with our male crew also taking a big role in organising the day and delivering the exercises. It was fantastic to have support from key leaders within our station, who have been championing inclusivity for females at our station and within the whole organisation.
“The feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive and everyone found it extremely useful. I believe we all returned to our stations full of enthusiasm, ideas, and a renewed sense of determination to encourage other women to join the charity.”
The event included operational shore-based exercises including casualty care, navigation and
on the Inshore Lifeboat. This was the first time an operational shout in the south west has been conducted by an all-female crew in the charity’s history.
Halfway through the event, the station was tasked by the Coastguard to respond to a motor vessel with engine issues, so an all-female crew made up of qualified volunteers from Plymouth, Weymouth, Teignmouth and Lyme Regis responded
The day ended with an opportunity for reflection and the sharing of experiences in all environments within the RNLI, including the operational environments, and how the inclusivity for women working within search and rescue can be improved.
Valuable careers advice for Tor Bridge High students
Tor Bridge High, part of the Ted Wragg Trust family of schools, has welcomed representatives from the Babcock International Group to the school to meet with their Business Studies students as part of a round table event on careers.
Babcock is a leading provider of critical, complex engineering services which support national defence, save lives and protect communities. They are an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa.
The Tor Bridge students got to meet with apprentices from a range of departments within the organisation who spoke with them about Babcock roles, application and recruitment processes, and interview techniques.
At Tor Bridge High staff believe that good quality careers education and guidance helps raise aspirations and student outcomes. Careers guidance is designed to inspire students and help them navigate
A member of the Babcock team giving careers advice at the round table event
their way through the many possibilities which are available to them, and feel confident in their decisions about their future career paths.
Tracy Stephenson, headteacher
at Tor Bridge High said: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along from Babcock to speak to our students. This careers round table was great preparation for when the Business Studies students complete their unit on recruitment and has given them a valuable insight into a wide range of different business opportunities.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “We believe that lives are transformed through learning and that schools should work closely with their local communities to achieve this. It’s great to hear that staff from Babcock took the time to come and speak with Tor Bridge students about potential career paths.
“As a significant employer in the South West, it’s so beneficial for Plymouth’s young people to hear directly from them.”
City will see warm and welcoming spaces open soon
Venues across Plymouth are opening their doors again this winter to offer people a safe, warm space, as part of the city’s cost of living support for residents.
Household Support Funds have been distributed to the council by the Government to help those who are struggling to afford energy, water, food and other essentials because of the rise in cost of living, as part of this funding, businesses have the opportunity to apply to become a Welcoming Space this winter.
The warm, welcome spaces were a success last year, many locations stayed open all year round, running regular community cafes or events to help bring people together and support them.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “The Welcoming
Spaces are not just a place to keep warm but somewhere for people to come together as a community during the winter months.
“The aim of the Welcoming Spaces is to help build individual and community resilience which could include signposting or providing some information and advice, encouraging the development of mutual aid and connecting people, and sharing and increasing skills and knowledge.
“We understand the rise in the cost of living, and I am really pleased to see that more places will be opening their doors to support residents this winter.”
For more information about Welcoming Spaces, visit: www.plymouth. gov.uk/welcoming-spaces
chart work, extraction of a casualty in dive gear from the water and the use of salvage pumps. There was also time afloat on the station’s all weather Severn class lifeboat and inshore Atlantic class lifeboat.
Visitor numbers to The Box recently passed 900,000 – and that can only mean one thing: the city’s awardwinning venue is now on a journey to reach one million!
Plymouth’s flagship award-winning museum, art gallery and archive opened in late September 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, with a range of galleries that highlight the permanent collections, plus a hugely ambitious programme of changing exhibitions.
Visitors can experience a flotilla of giant Royal Naval ship’s figureheads that sail above your head when you first arrive, learn about our planet in a natural history gallery packed with insects, skeletons, pickled marine specimens and visitor favourite Mildred the Mammoth, discover more about Plymouth’s enduring relationship with the sea in the Port of Plymouth gallery, and find out more about the technological developments and people that have shaped the city’s film and photographic heritage in the Media Lab.
There’s plenty to see and enjoy all year round. Visitors can call in to look around the onsite shop which stocks a range of locally sourced products, enjoy something to eat and drink in The Box Kitchen & Bar or see one of the exhibitions that bring the best of history and contemporary art to the South West
There are also a range of events on offer, including free activities for families, gallery talks, behind the scenes tours, special seasonal events – even regular Silent Discos!
Could you or someone you know be the millionth person to visit? There’s only one way to find out! If you, your family or friends haven’t yet visited, went a while ago and have been meaning to return, or you’re a regular attendee and love spending time there, why not head to The Box again?
Enjoy everything that’s on offer this autumn and help it reach its ‘mammoth’ milestone.
For more information visit www.the boxplymouth.com Join The Box on its ‘Journey to a Million’
Christmas boxes for children in Ukraine
A nine-strong team of Plymouth Soroptimists has filled 50 Christmas boxes for children in Ukraine. Many other members also contributed to the initiative by wrapping the shoe boxes in festive paper and donating items.
The boxes contained a Christmas card, woollen hats, scarves, gloves, toiletries along with small toys and sweets. The boxes were taken to a central pick up point for PUMA (Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid) who will deliver the boxes before Christmas.
Lorraine Gillings co-ordinated the shoe box initiative for the Plymouth Soroptimist club. She said: “It was a great team effort and we all enjoyed the morning packing the boxes. It was wonderful to think that we will give some pleasure to children who are suffering in this war torn country.”
Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal will help struggling Plymouth families
The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Plymouth to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to support families who will struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.
Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families cannot put food on the table, heat their homes or pay their bills.
Last year, the three Plymouth Salvation Army churches distributed more than 1800 gift parcels and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.
Salvation Army church leader Ruth Hammond said: “The Salvation Army’s present appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little. We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most.
“Christmas is a time when financial worries are brought into sharp focus as the cost-of-living crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families who can’t afford to heat their homes or put a nutritious meal on the table.
“Helping parents provide a gift for their child not only eases financial pressures but helps bring the
joy of Christmas into their homes.”
The three churches on Lancaster Gardens in Whitleigh, Balfour Terrace in Morice Town and Hoegate Street in the Barbican will be collecting donations of brand new, unwrapped toys until Sunday December 8. Toys and gifts for children of all ages from birth to 17 years of age are needed.
The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services.
Gifts can include anything from educational toys, puzzles, bath toys, books, to dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, games, art and craft sets, stationery, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, hair accessories.
People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal. Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit a store or shop online at TheToyShop.com.
For each toy donated, The Entertainer will also add a toy, doubling the number for children who might go without.
Each Entertainer store is connected with a local Salvation Army church or centre who will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.
For more information about the appeal and ideas about gifts, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ christmas-present-appeal
Abi’s youth ambassador role
A Plymouth teenager with autism wants to show that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is for everyone, after being selected as a UK Youth Ambassador for the charity.
Abi Daly, 19, joins a cohort of just 35 DofE Award holders aged between 16 and 24 from all over the UK, who will advocate for young people by sharing their expertise on key issues impacting them.
Together, they will make young people’s voices heard by speaking at events, meeting key decision-makers in Parliament and beyond, and feeding into decisions to shape the direction of the DofE charity’s work.
Abi wants to encourage other young people with disabilities to achieve their DofE. She recently won the Student of the Year Award at City College Plymouth for her work around raising awareness of autism, and as a Youth Ambassador, she wants to ensure that the DofE is accessible for everyone.
Abi said: “As a Youth Ambassador, I want to show other people what it’s like to live with autism, and spread awareness about disability. I want to share the message that we can achieve the same things as everyone else; we may just need a bit of additional support to show what we are capable of.”
Abi tried lots of new activities
throughout her DofE journey, ranging from fencing and taekwondo to knitting and charity fundraising. However, Abi’s real passion is swimming, which she did for her Gold Physical section, training six times a week and achieving a place on the Swim England Para-Swimming Talent programme.
She even took part in an international swimming training camp in Dubai for her Residential section. Abi hopes to compete at the Paralympics in the future.
Abi also attended the Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace earlier this year where she personally met DofE Patron, the Duke of Edinburgh himself.
Abi added: “It was amazing to
Across: 8
11
12
15
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meet The Duke of Edinburgh and share my DofE story with him, as well as getting to meet the other celebrities who attended the Gold Awards, like some of the Strictly Come Dancing stars!”
Funded by The Gosling Foundation, the Youth Ambassador programme puts young people front and centre as future leaders, involving them in shaping the DofE’s work to benefit other young people. DofE Youth Ambassadors have met Ministers and MPs, spoken at high-profile events such as party conferences and DofE Gold Award celebrations in Buckingham Palace Gardens, represented the DofE at international forums and played a pivotal role feeding into key
decisions across the charity.
Ashley Williams, UK youth engagement manager at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Abi is one of many young people who have achieved incredible things through their DofE.
“As a charity, we’re determined to put young people at the heart of everything we do and to give them as many opportunities as we can to make a positive impact on the issues they care about – I am excited to see the positive impact our new cohort of Youth Ambassadors make this year.
“It’s not an easy time to be a young person, with the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis to contend with. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that all young people can access opportunities like the DofE, which let them have fun, grow their resilience and self-belief, and develop vital skills they can’t always get in the classroom.”
To do their DofE, young people aged between 14 and 24 choose activities in four sections: improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition. Along the way they have fun, grow in resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and learn practical skills to help them in future – while working towards a highly respected Award.
over 22,500 homes in Derriford and North edition
18 Feminist, 21
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.
The January edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on December 20 with a copy deadline of December 11. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.
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Ukraine, 9 Tiara, 10 Uncle,
Unaware,
Bass drum,
John,
Atop,
Bottles, 23 Knife, 25 Sight, 26 Benefit. Down: 1 Suburb, 2 Croc, 3 Limeade, 4 Menu, 5 Steam, 6 Macaroni, 7 Cave in,
Shortage, 14 Use, 16 Sinking, 17 Ambush, 19 Treaty, 20 Slate, 22 Sobs, 24 Info.
Last month’s answers
Abi pictured chatting with the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace