Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North February 2019

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Derriford & North

February 2019

Win yourself an annual pass for your whole family at Woodlands See page 22 for details

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

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New year, new you new skills - thanks to City College Plymouth Page 32

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

Triumph for trainees

The first group of trainee nursing associates from University Hospitals Plymouth and Livewell Southwest are celebrating after successfully completing their training.

• Full story on page 19

2 February 2019

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New powers to protect sites from traveller encampments Four patches of land in Plymouth are set to be the first to benefit from the Plymouth City Council's new policy for dealing with unauthorised traveller encampments.

The new policy has been agreed by the Council's Cabinet and looks at the way that Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) can be used as part of the deterrent to unauthorised encampments.

These PSPOs, coupled with the development of temporary stopping spaces, will allow the council to move unauthorised encampments much faster than is currently possible by pursuing eviction notices through the County Courts.

While explaining the terms of the new policy to Cabinet colleagues, Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing and Cooperative Development, announced that Central Park's Love Field, Prince Rock playing fields and land at William Prance Road and Towerfield Drive will be the first sites earmarked for protection.

Chris said: "I’m really pleased that we can immediately act on this policy and start making a difference to residents who live near sites that are regularly occupied by unauthorised encampments.

“The way we have worked thus far has not been effective for anyone and has not protected local residents who face repeated unauthorised encampments. I look forward to consulting local residents on these PSPOs and taking that result to approval.”

The four sites have been chosen because they have been occupied three or more times in the past 18 months.

PSPOs can only be issued by local authorities and replace the Designated Public Place Order and Gating Orders.

They give the police and Local Authority additional powers to clamp down on certain anti-social behaviours.

Subject to the consultation responses, the terms of these PSPOs are likely to prohibit: • Occupying any vehicle, caravan, tent or other structure • Driving any vehicle on grass without lawful authority • Littering or fly tipping • Lighting and maintaining a fire • Defecating or urinating Failure to comply with these measures, or move to a temporary stopping space with 12 hours, will result in fixed penalty notices being issued. The nature of the penalty notices will also be part of the PSPO consultation.

A six week consultation will now be arranged for each proposed site with residents encouraged to give their feedback.

Whilst the consultation is on-going, the council will work to provide the temporary stopping spaces needed to make the PSPOs a success. A list of the proposed sites will be announced later this year and will each be subject to securing planning permission.

£25 million Range store is opened in Derriford The new £25 million Range Superstore in Derriford opened on February 8 creating over 80 new full and parttime jobs.

The newest branch of The Range has been built on the former Seaton Hill Barracks site in Derriford and was opened by owner and founder Chris Dawson who was joined at the ceremony by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Chris Mavin.

The new store boasts 70,000 square foot of retail space spread over two floors and includes a Dee Dee’s Family Café and large outdoor garden centre.

The Derriford branch will also have a large furniture department as well as the complete Iceland Foods offering, including fresh food, bakery, store cupboard and alcohol.

This alliance with Iceland will add to the already vast selection of home, leisure and gardens products in-store and will allow the retailer to deliver over 80,000 products all under one roof.

The opening weekend will feature a range of supplier demonstrations and activities, as well offering customers the chance to win great prizes.

The Range will also be opening its brand new international headquarters on the site later in

the year, with its head office staff relocating all its existing head office in Estover.

The move will enable the company to provide a training centre for the whole business.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Range and there will be some extra special activities planned for the Derriford opening as part of this celebration.

The Range founder Chris Dawson commented on the new Derriford store: “This store is a very important one for the company given it is opening in our hometown during our 30th anniversary year. It holds a special place in my heart and will be named after my later Mother, Elsie Margaret House, to become the beating heart of The Range.

He added: “It has been really exciting to see the building work on the new store and headquarters progressing so well. I’d like to thank Plymouth City

Council for being so supportive in helping create new jobs and keeping the business prospects in the northern part of the city alive.

The team have been working very hard to get the store ready for the official opening and we look forward to welcoming customers, old and new, to celebrate the opening with us”.

The Range was founded by Plymouth-based Chris Dawson, who started life as a market trader across the South West of England. He opened his first store in 1989 under the name CDS (Chris Dawson Superstores) before later changing the name to The Range. Since then, the company has grown at an impressive rate and now has over 160 stores across the UK and Ireland.

The Derriford store will be the third in Plymouth and joins the Plymstock (Billacombe Road) and Peverell (Montpelier Road) branches in the city.

Council backs bungalow scheme A new City Council initiative will see the first bungalows built in Plymouth for a number of years.

Five new bungalows will be built on the site of the former Sure Start Centre on Ham Green Lane, as part of the council’s commitment to improve housing across the city.

In partnership with Westward, this 100 per cent affordable housing scheme will see four onebedroom and one two-bedroom bungalows built on the site, which will go some way to addressing the shortfall of low-cost, accessible housing for Plymouth residents.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development said: “We promised to not only increase affordable homes in the city, but also promised more housing for our older residents. These five accessible bungalows are a big step towards those goals.

“I am delighted that this disused site will be

transformed into a fantastic community of social rented housing in Ham. “My thanks to the team at Westward Housing who are helping to make this possible and I look forward to further bungalow developments in the New Year.”

Jill Gregg, executive director for Westward, said: “We have worked in partnership with Plymouth City Council for a number of years now and Westward is very pleased to be able to provide more affordable homes in the city for local people.”

The Sure Start Centre has been vacant since May 2015 and when the old buildings were deemed surplus to requirements, the site was identified as the perfect place for new homes.

Negotiations to transfer ownership of the land to Westward for a token fee are now underway.

Planning permission will be sought in early 2019 with building hoped to begin before the autumn.

From left to right: Westward development manager Chris Duggan and assistant director of development Neil Edwards join Councillor Chris Penberthy at the site on Ham Green Lane

February 2019 3

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Manadon sports hub nearing completion

Mayflower 400: Legends and Legacy exhibition curator Jo Loosemore

Outline of Mayflower 400 exhibition revealed

Work to create a brand new football, cricket and outdoor sports centre for the Manadon and Honicknowle communities is nearing completion.

A Football Association-standard all-weather 3G pitch opened in May 2018 and construction of the pavilion, which started in July 2018, is now in the final stages.

When it opens in the spring the building will offer a permanent office for the Trust, four changing rooms, an education and training room as well as a multi-purpose space for meetings and social functions.

“We are excited to be making such good progress with the build and are eager to welcome people into the space when it opens this spring,” said Mark Lovell, chief executive of Argyle Community Trust.

“This space is more than just a place where people play sport but it will be a place that the community can use at its centre for education and social events.”

The all-weather pitch has already

proved popular with players of all ages and abilities, both through Trust-related programmes and general community use.

It has welcomed over 30,000 visitors since it opened and hosts 49 groups per week that includes schools, small sided football leagues, football development, health and wellbeing activities as well as disability teams, Frisbee clubs and community sessions.

As construction finishes on the pavilion, work to create two junior grass football pitches, an artificial cricket wicket and eight grass wickets on the main field by the building continues.

The Manadon Sports and Community Hub is being delivered

by Argyle Community Trust and Plymouth City Council and will be one of the best sports facilities in the city. The hub will see the return of many cricket teams being based and able to play within the city boundary after many dedicated spaces disappeared for the sport in Plymouth.

Deputy Council Leader Pete Smith said: “It’s really exciting to see the project progressing so well, with the 3G pitch already a great success and work pressing ahead to create a new pavilion for the community and highly anticipated

cricket facilities for the city.

“Every day we’re getting another step closer to creating Plymouth’s first cricket and football development hub, as well as a muchneeded indoor space for community meetings and social activities.”

Funded by the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board, supported by contributions from the Council and the Trust, the Manadon Sports and Community Hub will inspire people from across Plymouth and beyond and is expected to increase the number

of people taking part in physical activity at the site from 17,500 a year to 30,000.

The facility will be transferred to the Trust as a community asset to ensure local people have a say in its running, making sporting opportunities and services of support and social interaction more accessible to the wider community.

The project will also create employment, apprenticeship and volunteering opportunities as well as access to training, development and life skills courses for young people.

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Abbeyfield Tamar Extra Care Society Ltd - A Charity and a Registered Society under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 Society Number 22650R

The Friends of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery (FPCMAG), were treated to a fascinating, illustrated talk about putting together the opening exhibition at The Box for the spring of 2020. The talk was at the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club, overlooking the stretch of water that was the first step of the Mayflower voyage in 1620.

Jo Loosemore, curator of the Mayflower 400: Legends and Legacy exhibition, explained some of the challenges that she encountered in both designing the exhibition and acquiring objects, which will adequately demonstrate the story of the Mayflower voyagers and the people they met on the other side of the Atlantic.

Finding objects which belonged to the passengers of the Mayflower that genuinely sailed to America in 1620 presents some challenges. Many objects believed to have been on board are in America for the most part, and some have stories, which sadly can’t be proved.

However, there are objects in museums, libraries and archives across the UK, America and the Netherlands, which will enable The Box to tell this enduring story. These include Pieter Bast’s 1600 map of Leiden, where the Separatists planned their Atlantic journey. 17th century publications of the previous journeys which inspired them will also be on show thanks to the support of Lambeth Palace Library and the British Library. These will be on loan to Plymouth on a temporary basis, some only for six months.

This means the exhibition will change over its 18 months’ duration as exhibits are changed as new loans come in to the city.

The context of the story will include the conflict and colonies in the ‘New World’.

Guidance has been sought from the Wampanoag Advisory Council in both the selection and verification of text and objects relating to the American First Nation people that the English colonists encountered.

The hopes, vision and plans of the passengers will be shown in relation to the times in which they lived as well as who they were. The perilous journey must not be over-looked and it is hoped to show how confined the quarters were. How the sailing of the Mayflower has become romanticised will be another aspect; the difference between fact and fiction.

For more information see www.fpcmag.org.uk

4 February 2019

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

Plympton Fuchsia and Geranium Group Feb 12 Harewood House, Plympton 7.30pm. Interactive evening hosted by four of the group’s most experienced and successful members. Following a break for refreshments there will be a practical session - so why not come along and get your hands dirty! Guests are always made most welcome and there is also a raffle.

Story Stomp Feb 15 The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park.

Come for an adventure in the park, and then it’s back to The Soapbox for a craft session with the nature that you collected. This will be followed by an original storytelling performed by our resident story teller.

Contact 07754 177678 for details.

Soup and Sweet Lunch Feb 16 Ford Park Cemetery An opportunity to meet the FPC volunteers, get an insight into what they are all about, while enjoying a warming soup and sweet of your choice - at the same time raising funds for the upkeep of the beautiful Victorian cemetery.

Plymouth Railway Circle Feb 18 St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell.

7.30pm. Members £1, visitors £2. Annual Photographic Competition. There’s something for everyone in which to participate, both as contributors and as judges. Vote for the best photograph in each category, as shown on the big screen, the results compiled and the winners announced on the evening.

The Crucible Feb 19 to 23 The Tamaritans are staging Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as their winter production. One of the greatest plays ever written, The Crucible will be performed at The Red House at Plymouth School of Creative Arts from February 19 to 23. Set in the round, the play directed by Richard Haighton - will bring the action, and Miller’s astonishing dialogue, even closer to the audience. Tickets available at 01752 291309 or at www. wegottickets.com and search for Tamaritans.

Wild About Plymouth: The History of Water Feb 20 National Marine Aquarium What makes water and why is it so important for life on Earth? Join in the fun at the National Marine Aquarium to find out the answer. Discover more about the planet’s most important substance. After the event explore the NMA and view the 400 species it looks after. Meet outside the Aquairium. Tickets £7 per person. Booking essential at www.plymhearts.org Art Exhibition Feb 21 to 23 Trinity United Reformed Church Now in its 30th year with works by artists from all over Plymouth and beyond. Thursday and Friday 10am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm. Entrance is 50p and refreshments are available throughout the day with hot lunches from 12 noon to 2pm. All artists are welcome, and an exhibit form and details can be found at www.trinityurcplymouth.org.uk. Further information from Jill 01752 249337 or Bernie 01752 297482. In aid of church funds.

Half Term Stay and Play Feb 22 Plymouth Life Centre There will be six amazing attractions on site including a huge jungle play centre, jungle run assault course and total wipeout! The event is perfect for ages 2-12 and the cost is £6 per child, £1 per adult. Session times are 9.30am-11am, 11.30am-1pm and 1.30pm to 3pm.

Tickets can only be purchased from Fun-Tasia and not at the Life Centre. Prebook tickets or find out more on the event itself by Fun-Tasia’s Facebook page, text or call 07817 903652.

Table Top Sale Feb 23, Mar 30 Saltash Wesley Methodist Church in the sports hall 9am to 11.30am. Tables cost £4. Contact Bob Cartwright

Not to be missed Polar Bear Explorer Until March 3 Polar Bears need our help and they’re bringing an important message to Plymouth this winter.

From now until March 3, a total of 20 Polar Bear cubs will be let loose across Plymouth’s Waterfront.

The cubs will be hiding in Sutton Harbour, The Barbican, Hoe, Millbay and Royal William Yard. Each cub will have a Bear Fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the oceans, how plastic is affecting their home and how we can all help. Your task is to become a Polar Bear Explorer and find each of the Polar Bear cubs with their Bear Facts. For more information and to download the Polar Bear Explorer brochure and map go to www. visitplymouth.co.uk

The acclaimed BBC Singers are appearing at the Plymouth Contemporary Music Festival in February

Plymouth Contemporary Music Festival Feb 22 to 24 A Shakespearean prequel opera with a Game of Thrones twist will be among the highlights of the Contemporary Music Festival 2019 at the University of Plymouth.

Quantum physics, seagull song and a gala concert featuring the acclaimed BBC Singers will also be part of the 14th annual event, which once again promises an exploration of the boundary between science and creativity. Running over the weekend of February 22 to February 24, the festival is organised by the University’s Arts Institute in partnership with its Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR). With a theme of Multiverse, the 2019 edition aims to help us understand how the mysteries of quantum science relate to daily reality, through musical interpretations of the quantum world. For details visit cmr.soc.plymouth.ac.uk/ event.htm. With the exception of the gala concert, all events are free but booking is required.

Mark Steel - Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright Feb 24 The Red House Theatre, Plymouth School of Creative Arts 8pm. Comedian broadcaster, newspaper columnist and author brings his one-man show to Plymouth. Details at www.laughablecomedy.com 01752842069 to book a table. There is a coffee morning in the church at the same time.

Coffee Morning Mar 2 Crownhill Methodist Church in the church hall 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls including cakes and savouries,gifts, toys, jewellery, books, and a raffle.

All monies raised will be used to support the Dalit women of north India. Numbered in many millions, they are regarded as untouchable and are victims of many crimes including sexual assaults which often go unpunished. Yet these women are fighting back against oppression and social inequality by means of a national movement which gives some hope for the future. All are welcome to the coffee morning where they will find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and admission is free. Entrance to the church hall is from Crownhill Road or the car park behind Crownhill shops, with free parking.

The Mermaid’s Magical Purse Mar 14 to Apr 6 Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park A magical adventure of storytelling theatre with amazing puppets, delights and surprises along the way. For information www.soapboxtheatre.org.uk

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Mar 23 Red House Theatre, Millbay Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed new show begins its second leg of touring. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in the UK. Tickets from www.laughablecomedy.com Tamar Bridge 10k Mar 24 A new running event staged by the organisers of Britain’s Ocean City 10k and Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon. A chance to make history by taking part in the first 10k challenge across the Tamar Bridge. The race starts at 8.30am at Kings Tamerton Community Centre and the route takes runners across the bridge and along a circular route around St Budeaux before finishing at Kings A Christian View on Climate Change Mar 15 Organised by Christians in Science and featuring Dr Anthony Hereward at the Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University 7.30pm. Free entry and all welcome. For more information visit www.cissouthwest.co.uk Plymouth Area Police Choir Mar 15 Elburton Methodist Church, Elburton at 7.30pm. In aid of church funds. Contact Jenny Weymouth on 01752 404407.

Table Top Sale Mar 17 Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth 10am to 12 noon. To book a table (which will be provided) call Jill on 01752 249337.

Spring Fayre Mar 23 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall,The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3 pm. There will be several tables selling goods, including children’s toys, gifts, jewellery and beads, bric-a-brac, etc.

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

Tamerton Community Centre. Registration is now open at www.runplymouth.co.uk Retro Rum and Gin Festival Apr 6 Plymouth Guildhall Miss Ivy Events is pleased to bring the first Gin and Rum festival to Plymouth. On offer will be a bar with 40 different gins and rums, plus a cocktail bar serving an array of different cocktails to suit all taste buds! On arrival, you will receive a welcome drink of either rum and coke or gin and tonic. Get your dancing shoes on as there will be live 70s and 80s music throughout the day from local artists including the ever popular Little Miss Mojo. Feel free to dress up in retro era costume and have your photos taken in the photo booth! Prize for the best dressed couple!

Men’s Day Out Mar 30 Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back!

Join hundreds of men on the move to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice. It’s a great opportunity to gather your mates and walk the 12km route (with one or two watering holes on the way) and enjoy a past and pint while watching a cracking rugby match at the end.

Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, the walk kicks off at 10am and follows a planned route past some of Plymouth’s most famous sights. For information or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice. org.uk Shopaholic Fashion Show Mar 30 Back by popular demand at Trinity United Reformed ChurchTorr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth. In aid of the Big Build Project. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Clothes are from high street and online retailers such as M&S, Next, Monsoon, White Stuff, Joe Browns, Jaeger, Phase Eight and many more. Admission £5 to include a welcome drink. Ideal Mother’s Day gift! Please text Fiona 07554 446 875 to book tickets before they sell out!

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February 2019 5 @PlymChronicle

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COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

All local businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals organisations and groups are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature.

This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is the 10th of the month prior.

BOOK TROLLEY ROUNDS Royal Voluntary Library Service Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information.

SUPPORT WORKER The Candle Trust are looking for a support worker who understands the needs of people with autism, works in a person centred manner, can engage positively with service users, can undertake personal care, can be flexible with their shifts and has got at least a NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. For more details, please ring Linda on 01752 212168 BODY REPAIR/PANEL BEATER/SPRAYER Westover Bodyworks is looking for someone to help part time with accident repair, dents, scratch removal and bodywork repair. Based in a busy workshop environment, you will be required to be adaptable to all accident and vehicle repairs; car and light commercial. Experience in car repair is preferable.

Email westoverbodyworks@talk21.com ENGAGEMENT VOLUNTEER Healthwatch Plymouth is a local service to give the people of Plymouth a voice with regard to their experiences of health and social care services. We are looking for people to talk to other people about their experiences. We operate from various locations across the city. We provide training, expenses (out of pocket and travel), transport and you will be with a positive and supportive team. No experience necessary just the ability to listen to people and hear what they are saying. You will meet new people, have fun, build your confidence, build on your CV and gain new skills. Contact details are volunteering@ healthwatchplymouth.co.uk or 08009230039 for further information VOLUNTEER RECEPTIONIST Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road PL2 3PY, Looking for a part time receptionist at the centre. Experience not necessary as training will be given. For more information please phone Robert Parkins (Chairman) on 07980 581177. Charity no 288813 VOLUNTEERS WANTED The Primrose Foundation, Plymouth’s only breast care charity supports those going through the breast care pathway, and are looking for enthusiastic volunteers. You’ll be helping at coffee mornings and spending time with patients and their families - so you’ll need to be comfortable chatting and listening.

Please contact Madeleine Matthews on 01752 975217 or email madeleine@primrosefoundation.org for more information.

VOLUNTEER SCHOOL GOVERNORS WANTED Do you value the benefit of education? Could you support a local school by being a school governor?

School governors work as a team and play an important part in being a critical friend. Governors also engage with the community. Full training and support is given and the commitment is approx 4 hours a month. Do make contact to find out more information. Karen Powell 07415 665841 DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

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

6 February 2019

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Campaign to save Glenholt Post Office A high-profile campaign to re-open Glenholt Post Office has brought widespread support from local residents, city councillors and politicians alike.

The Premier Store which housed the Post Office closed suddenly at the beginning of January - bringing an outcry from the local community. The nearest Post Office currently available is in Woolwell, although this is due to close in April.

This would leave Glenholt residents facing a trek to Southway - a challenge for many elderly people.

In the wake of the shock closure a public meeting organised by local resident Denise Mills in St Anne's Church attracted around 200 people.

Local MP Johnny Mercer announced recently that he had been in discussion with the Royal Mail nationally and the landlord of the shop and confirmed that a Post Office could still be operated on the site, provided a Postmaster could be found.

He added: "The landlord has also had many expressions of interest in running the shop and I very much expect one of these will be suitable."

Charlotte Holloway, Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Moor View, who attended the public meeting said: "I really want to hear from Glenholt people about their ideas, to make sure we continue to have a shop and Post Office here for the long term.

"Some people have been talking about a

community-owned business, for instance, or making sure that whoever might take over the shop knows what Glenholt would like from it.

"The shop and Post Office are absolutely vital. I’ll be working with local councillors to see what we can do to help Glenholt keep its shop and Post Office open."

Father Simon Rundell of Roboorough Team Ministry, who has been active in supporting the campaign said: "There are two strands to this issue: the re-establishment of a permanent Post Office, which requires the appointment of a subpostmaster and a host of other things to come together, in a viable shop. There are traders interested in that, but this will take time, and I do

not think can be sorted out this side of Easter.

"The other issue is a short-term provision. I offered St. Anne’s as a venue where a portable Post Office could be brought for a couple of afternoons a week.

We are committed to support this and ready to roll.

This sort of thing already happens up at the Methodist Church in Wotter.

"Everybody is keen to get this short-term provision running - but I have heard nothing from the Royal Mail.

We are ready to provide this and the Post Office have not even had the courtesy to ask when they might want to come. There is a need. There is a demand but nothing."

Fresh hope for future of Barden factory in Estover Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer has revealed 'a glimmer of hope' that the Barden factory in Estover may be saved from closure.

Barden's German parent company, the Schaeffler Group, announced in November last year plans to shut the factory as part of a reorganisation of its UK business.

The company said at the time that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit was one factor among many others in the analysis of the UK market.

However, a company statement issued at the end of January said: "As part of the reorganisation we recommended, based on a global footprint analysis, that the plant be closed and its production transferred to other locations outside the UK. "Immediately after this announcement we initiated

a 45-day consultation with representatives of the employees affected. During this period new alternative options for the Plymouth location have arisen which, in our view, warrant close examination.

"We have therefore decided to extend the consultation process. At this stage, it would be premature to speculate on the outcomes of this process. We are therefore unable to communicate further details at this time."

Johnny Mercer commented: “In one of my regular telephone calls with the Barden managing director Jon Everett, he confirmed to me that the period of consultation for losing the factory had been extended and that the parent company were exploring new alternative options which have come to light”.

“I am delighted that the work that so many have

done in asking Schaeffler to look again at the closure has given us a glimmer of hope. I will continue to work with colleagues across the city to see if we can see this through, and save the jobs up at Barden which has been a source of pride in our city for over 50 years."

In December Mr Mercer joined forces with Luke Pollard MP, Gary Streeter MP and the leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans and Opposition leader Coun Ian Bowyer and they vowed to do all in their power to keep the factory open.

The Barden factory in Estover employs 400 staff and is a world leader in the design and manufacture of super precision ball bearings for a range of applications, particularly in the aerospace, food processing and medical sectors.

Fairtrade Festival at The Clipper A group of dedicated Fairtrade supporters are arranging a Fairtrade Festival in The Clipper during Fairtrade Fortnight this year.

The event will run at the Union Street premises from February 28 to March 2.

Mary Elphinstone, who is organising the event, became a re-seller of Fairtrade goods with a monthly stall at her church in 2006. She was well versed in the products as she had been buying Fairtrade stuff for about twenty five or so years, on and off.

She has put her stall on the road since 2014 attending venues and using her home as a preChristmas fair.

This year she is planning the three day event at The Clipper, Plymouth’s newest and most accessible venue for people interested in doing things differently.

The Clipper is the brain child of Nudge Community Builders, a community benefit society run by Wendy Hart and Hannah Sloggett, aiming to transform disused urban spaces to lead to lasting positive change and community led regeneration.

Situated at 96 Union Street, in a former well known public house, it is the ideal venue to bring together like minded people who want to

change the world one small step at a time. And the Fairtrade movement is certainly doing just that.

Traidcraft was one of the first organisations to start selling Fairtrade widely in the UK. It is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a Fairtrade company, working with producers, importing goods in the UK and supporting both retailers (especially those with small ‘fairtrade’ shops) and Traidcraft Fairtraders, of whom Mary is one.

Traidcraft was a founding member of the Fairtrade Foundation (fairtrade.org.uk) and was involved with creating the Fairtrade Mark which is so familiar. It was also influential in the creation of two well known fairtrade businesses, Divine Chocolate and CaféDirect.

They have been influential internationally and are a member of WFTO (World Fairtrade Organisation), (wfto. com). ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ (FTF) is a British tradition

created by the Fairtrade Foundation to increase awareness of Fairtrade. Each year they have a theme and this year it is chocolate!

Plymouth is a Fairtrade City (an award of the Fairtrade Foundation) and was one of the first cities to get the award) The status has to be renewed every two years now and is due for renewal this year. It has support from many different city wide organisations including Food Plymouth. Zoe Nile, Food Plymouth coordinator said: “Food Plymouth is delighted to support Fairtrade Plymouth’s great work around sustainability and social justice. Fairtrade fits happily into the Catering and Procurement theme of our Sustainable Food Cities (SFC) work.”

Mary is hoping to have a lively event with lots of great products on sale. She is also organising speakers, producers and consumers, and the Co-op will be on hand promoting their own Fairtrade products, and explaining about their ethical guidelines for suppliers to ensure that all the raw ingredients for goods are all produced under fair treatment of workers.

For more details please contact Mary on mge6015@gmail.com or pop in to The Clipper to find out more.

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February 2019 7 @PlymChronicle

The Box needs your recipes

Do you have any old recipes or special food-related memories you’d like to share? If so, you could be helping a new outreach project between The Box, CaterED, Plymouth Community Homes and Age UK Plymouth.

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‘Your Recipes, Your Heritage’ is a twoyear project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project aims to delve into Plymouth’s recipe books to help create a series of heritage-themed menus for the local meals on wheels service run by CaterED. The menus will be specifically developed for older people, particularly those who live on their own and who may be feeling lonely or experiencing some form of social isolation.

Longer-term, the project also hopes to deliver some new educational resources based on The Box’s historic collections, designed for older people to use in their own homes.

Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Smith said: “There are thousands of people aged over 65 in Plymouth who live alone and many of them have little or no contact with family, friends or neighbours.

“This fantastic outreach project will provide a lifeline for some of them by developing menus that remind them of happy times. It will also create valuable opportunities for people of all ages to share their memories and explore the history and changing fashions of our eating habits over the last few decades.”

If you have a recipe you’d like to share, either sweet or savoury, you can submit it online via www.theboxplymouth.com/ yourrecipes.

It may be something scribbled down on a piece of paper and kept for years, a family favourite that’s been passed down through generations, or simply a much-loved meal that’s gone out of fashion. The project is also collecting information about what people consider to be ‘local’ foods. Hogs Pudding is one example but there may be many more.

You can submit images via the web page too and pictures of handwritten recipes are especially welcome.

You can also use the web page to share any significant memories you have of food or eating out in Plymouth and stay up to date with any further project announcements or events.

Playwriters offer free play acting workshops

'Write a mini-play, in only half-a-day' and 'PlayActing' are two new events being offered free-ofcharge to anyone interested by The Playwriters Organisation.

Thanks to a small grant from the National Lottery, The Playwriters will come to any organisation, care home, family, community centre, event, and stage either the Mini Play or Play Acting workshop.

"All ages can do either activity, and no previous experience is necessary", said Mike Ford of The Playwriters. "We will travel to you. All you need to do is provide the venue, help with publicity and recruit participants."

Ideal as something new for birthdays, or for thereapeutic pruposes, all events have to be pre-booked and are tailor-made to each booker's requirements. To find out more or to book your own event, contact The Playwriters on 01752 786777 or visit the Facebook page The Playwriters.

8 February 2019

Funny Girl is coming to Plymouth

Sounds Musical Theatre Company will perform the Broadway award winning musical show Funny Girl in March.

Sounds Muscial is the first musical amateur dramatic company to bring this show to Plymouth and it will be performed at the iconic Devonport Playhouse from March 13 to 16.

The Company is based in Plymstock but draws cast members and audiences from a wide area from Plymouth, Cornwall and surrounding areas, helping to keep local theatre a key feature of live entertainment in the region.

Funny Girl is a musical classic, set against the backdrop of the Ziegfeld Follies and is the semi biographical story of Fanny Brice whose vocal and comedy talent sees her rise from the obscurity of New York’s Brooklyn music hall to the glittering Broadway stage.

However, her tempestuous relationship with Nick Arnstein, suave gambler, unscrupulous entrepreneur and cad threatens to seriously undermine her bittersweet quest to find her place in society.

Kate Stables and Kristian Lopez (pictured) play the roles of Fanny Brice and Nick Arnstein supported by Malcom Rowe as Ernie Ryan, Fanny’s confidante and friend. Emma Jane Wooding as Fanny’s aspirational and pushy mother Mrs Brice vies with her critical friend Mrs Strakosh played by Debbie Jarman to provide snappy banter and brazen humour.

The production once more sees the winning partnership of musical director Marcus Alleyne and producer Amanda Paddison.

Tickets are available from Box Office 01752 343472 and more details can be found on Facebook, Sounds Musical Theatre Company and website, www. soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk

@PlymChronicle

Together for Children update

The community of Ernesettle is leading the NSPCC’s flagship Together for Childhood programme with organisations across Plymouth working with local residents to develop and test ways to best protect children. The Together for Childhood team provide the latest monthly update on its work to keep children safe from sexual abuse.

Conversations around bullying, sexual abuse and sexting should all feed into healthy relationships education young people receive, as well as consent, pornography and domestic abuse.

It’s essential that young people have access to information, education and support on these topics, which may affect their lives and the lives of those close to them.

Empower Plymouth is a project commissioned by Plymouth City Council in 2017, and co-delivered by the NSPCC and Barnardos. Its long-term aspiration is to ensure healthy relationships education is reaching all ages and settings, and that this information is age-appropriate and of consistent high quality. The work will now continue as a fundamental activity of Together for Childhood.

The voice of children and young people across Plymouth is central to the project.

They’ve been involved in all aspects of the development and delivery, firstly creating the name and logo for Empower, which stemmed from them feeling empowered; they are empowering teachers and future students.

To them, the image represents a depiction of a healthy relationship that does not focus on age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity, which is reflected in the definition they devised of what the term ‘healthy relationship’ means to them.

“A healthy relationship is a relationship with friends, family or loved ones that is built on a solid foundation of respect, honesty, communication and trust”.

The group has been asking for schools, children and young people across the city to share their experience of sex

and relationships education with a view to schools developing a ‘whole school approach’ to the subject, rather than limiting discussions to SRE/PSHE lessons.

With Government plans for sex and relationships education to become

“A healthy relationship is a relationship with friends, family or loved ones that is built on a solid foundation of respect, honesty, communication and trust” compulsory across primary and secondary schools, this project provides an opportunity for Plymouth schools to lead the way, making sure professionals are comfortable discussing the topic.

The Empower project has been collating, reviewing and road testing resources and lesson plans which could be used by schools

in their delivery as prompts for having open and honest conversations around the subject. They’ve been giving a “young person stamp of excellence” to the resources.

The NSPCC and Barnardos piloted delivery of lessons covering the topics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, pornography, ‘sexting’, resilience and body image, to two Plymouth secondary schools.

Feedback was positive, and one school has already replicated these lessons.

This month Empower will host a series of workshops for secondary schools, that will be co-facilitated by young people. They’ll share with teachers some of the available resources, and offer some top tips on delivery from a young person’s perspective.

Confidence in delivery, up-to-date content, relevance, and practical advice and information about support young people can access locally and nationally are all key points; ultimately, lessons that are interesting and interactive.

If you want to find out more about Together for Childhood contact the NSPCC in Plymouth at Plymouth.Servicecentre@nspcc. org.uk or 01752 422577 or visit the NSPCC website.

Adults with a concern about the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC’s helpline for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year.

Plymouth’s bronze sculpture ‘Messenger’ nears completion

The UK’s largest bronze sculpture, ‘Messenger’, is just weeks away from completion.

All the main components have been cast and the final stages of brazing are well underway.

The potential dates for her installation outside the Theatre Royal Plymouth are set to be unveiled next month.

The seven-metre (23ft) tall and nine metre (30ft) wide figure is the largest lost wax bronze sculpture ever to be made in the UK. Craftsmen at the Welsh foundry where she is being created will spend the next few

Photo credit: Stewart Writtle

weeks attaching her head and right arm before finishing the final patina colouring.

Chris Butler, managing director of Castle Fine Art Foundry, said: “We are nearly there.

There is still a lot to do but all the individual sections are cast and the internal structure is complete apart from the torso.

“There are so many different elements that need to be dealt with so it has been a pretty unusual project – aside from the overall scale of the piece itself. It’s the sheer complexity of getting the facets to marry together and get the general form right, as well as the logistics of moving huge lumps of bronze around.

“But all the elements are now constructed and the internal stainless steel super structure, which essentially holds her together, is now inside the legs, arms and hips.”

Once completed, a dry run will be carried out to test the technicalities of lifting and manoeuvring her in preparation for final installation.

Then she will be broken down into four sections (torso and head, her two legs and the long arm) for the 270-mile journey to Plymouth from the foundry in

Messenger - with artist Joseph Hillier Photo credit: Stewart Writtle Llanrhaeadr-Ym-Mochnant.

A team of five workers from Castle Fine Art Foundry will spend up to two weeks reassembling her in Plymouth.

Final installation outside the Theatre is then likely to take a number of days.

Messenger’s creator, Cornish-born sculptor Joseph Hillier, was back at the foundry this

week to get an update on the progress.

He said: “We are getting very close now and in February I think we will be ready to announce her likely installation dates.

“It really is fantastic to see and within the next couple of months she’ll finally be in her new home outside the Theatre Royal Plymouth.”

February 2019 9

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Surprise gifts for Children's Ward Managers from the Craft Union Pub Company surprised the Children’s Ward at Derriford Hospital with a New Year present, by handdelivering every item from the ward’s online wishlist.

The decision to secretly purchase the items was thought up during the pub company’s monthly manager’s meeting, in which employees are empowered to support local community initiatives. In total 14 presents were delivered, including play station controllers, early learning musical instruments and a musical cot mobile.

Sean Clarke, the Craft Union Pub Company’s area manager for Plymouth, was responsible for spearheading the charitable deed.

Sean has risen through the ranks at the company, spending over a year working at local pubs, The Kings Head and The Cherry Tree, before taking over his current role.

Sean said: “Giving something back to the local community is something all of the managers at Craft Union are passionate about, so it was absolutely fantastic to see the faces of the staff when we delivered the surprise gifts.

Measures to improve safety in West Down Road Traffic calming measures have been introduced in West Down Road to tackle problems with speeding and ‘rat running’.

The Council has installed speed humps and is painting ‘slow’ markings to help improve safety and ensure drivers comply with the 20mph speed limit in this residential road.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “We’ve made it a priority to improve road safety and local quality of life by continuing to roll out 20mph zones and tackling speeding and other issues around our schools and residential areas.

“In approaching this we look at the three ‘Es’ – engineering, education and enforcement.

“We hope the new speed humps and markings will help enforce the speed limit along West Down Road and deter drivers from using it as a short cut to main routes.

“We will shortly be introducing a new 20mph speed limit and speed cushions on North Prospect Road and consulting on more 20mph zones for the next financial year.

“We will also be working closely with schools to identify further potential sites for 20mph speed limits and other traffic calming features to help keep pedestrians – especially young children – safe on their journeys.”

Civil enforcement teams are also focusing efforts outside schools with recurring parking issues, reminding drivers about restrictions in place and the importance of keeping these areas safer for all road users, particularly children.

“Pubs are much more than just a place people go to eat and drink, they’re the beating heart and social hub for communities and we’re determined to do our bit and seek out those who need help most in the community and give something back.

“I’ve worked my way up through the ranks in the industry, since joining as a bartender when I was 19. It’s a truly fantastic industry that is centred around people and being actively encouraged and supported by Craft Union to go out and help local causes gives me a real sense of pride for where I work.”

The news comes after a year when the Craft Union Pub Company invested £650,000 to breathe new life into four pubs in the Plymouth area: The Cherry Tree, Pennycross; Kings Head, Plymouth; Newmarket Inn, Plymouth and the Post Office, Plympton.

The most recent donation is by no means a one off, with the Craft Union pubs in Plymouth also sponsoring the local disabled children’s football team after overhearing one of the players father’s talking about their struggle for funding in The Cherry Tree.

Sean Clarke, the Craft Union Pub Company’s area manager for Plymouth, middle, with two ward staff

10 February 2019

@PlymChronicle

Tree planting on a massive scale gets underway Councillors Sue Dann and Mark Coker have planted the first of 14,500 trees destined for the Forder Valley as part of the programme of work to build the long-awaited link road.

An oak sapling and 20 other trees including aspen, hawthorn, blackthorn and black poplar have been planted today as part of a wider landscaping scheme outside the construction area.

All the tree species are native to this valley and are being planted as part of a careful programme of work to counter loss of habitat and bolster the trees that are vital for protected species such as bats.

Transport planners working on the Forder Valley Link Road say the landscape of the valley will change dramatically over the next few months but care for the environment is at the heart of the ambitious road scheme.

The new link road, connecting William Prance Road in Derriford with the junction of Forder Valley Road and Novorossiysk Road, will provide a new route for traffic as the city expands.

It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects the Council has ever embarked on, providing an alternative route to avoid the congested Manadon Roundabout and A386 Tavistock Road.

This major engineering project will see a road bridge span across the valley connecting key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and Plymouth Science Park to the A38.

As part of the initial work, around 400 to 450 trees within the valley near the road will be removed but straight away planting will begin on thousands of trees, to mitigate for those being lost as part of the scheme.

Ensuring any loss of the natural environment is more than compensated for has been an important part of the design from the start of this long-term ambitious plan.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and the Environment said: “No one wants to see trees go and we have done our utmost to keep loss to a minimum, but the initial work will see some pretty major changes to the landscape.

“Over the two-year scheme we will be planting more than 30 times the amount of trees taken out to offset this loss and this will ensure the landscape is restored as quickly as possible.”

The project has been designed to achieve a ‘positive gain for biodiversity’ by the end of the scheme, which means better spaces for wildlife to thrive.

Councillors Sue Dann and Mark Coker planting trees on the Forder Valley site, with Natural Infrastructure Officer Chris Avent and Strategic Transport Programme Co-ordinator Steve Flaxton Around 5,000 new trees and shrubs have already been planted at the Derriford Community Park, which sits next to the road and is being created to better connect residents with the local natural environment.

As part of the project, £1.3 million has been set aside for off-site works to improve sites for wildlife. This will be used to deliver new hedgerows, improve the quality of grasslands and plant trees, helping to increase the quality of the city’s wildlife habitats.

Importantly, part of this funding will be used for ongoing monitoring and care over a 20year period to ensure these sites become well-established and flourish.

Sue added: “When we first started to look at this scheme, we were adamant that we would look after and improve the incredible

nature and environment we have on our doorsteps. The first few months are going to be tough as there will be trees going, but the long term picture is pretty exciting.”

The road scheme, which is due to complete in 2021, has been designed alongside the Derriford Community Park. A key part of the park is Poole Farm, which has already encouraged new users, and thousands of volunteer hours have been chalked up planting over 1,200 metres of hedgerow as well as the city’s largest orchard and wild flower meadow. A new visitor and education centre is also being planned.

Footpaths and cycle routes are also being created to open it up and create new access points for local communities.

Argyle's new superstore opens Plymouth Argyle's new retail superstore has officially opened for business.

The purpose-built shop and ticketing facility sit behind the club's famous 1930 art deco facade, which has also been given a facelift as part of the development project.

The superstore and ticket office opening represents the first tangible change on the Home Park site as part of the wider multi-million pound Mayflower Grandstand refurbishment.

Argyle defender Ryan Edwards enjoying the occasion

Rachel Fry, head of retail at Plymouth Argyle, cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new superstore

A VIP Reception to mark the important milestone was held at the store on the evening before the official opening to the public.

Argyle manager Derek Adams and several players - including top scorer Freddie Ladapo, club captain Gary Sawyer, defender Ryan Edwards and midfield star Ruben Lameiras - attended the event.

Club chief executive Michael Durnford praised the efforts of everyone involved in the development of the new facility, in particular the retail team led by Rachel Fry. Rachel, a long-serving member of the club's staff, was invited to cut a ribbon to officially open the store.

12 February 2019

Agency is back at the races!

A Plymouth estate agent has agreed a major new sponsorship deal with the Britain’s Ocean City Running Series - announcing a brand new race prize too.

Lawson Estate Agents has renewed its partnership with the organisers of the 5k, 10k and Half Marathon road races in Plymouth.

The agency will be main sponsors for the Plymouth 5K event on October 6 2019 - and to mark the agency’s new direction as a family estate agent, there will be a special ‘fastest family’ category.

Entrants must be at least 11 years of age and a minimum of three family members must enter. The team can consist of parents and siblings, or grandparent, sibling and grandchildren.

It is the first community sponsorship deal the agency has agreed since it changed its name from Mansbridge Balment Plymouth, marking a new era for

the business.

Managing director Darren Lawson said that support for community events will be a key part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to giving back to a city that it has always been proud to serve.

“The Lawson estate agent brand reflects our incredibly strong connection to Plymouth. We are as much a family as we are a business, which is why effective community engagement has always been so important to us,” said Darren.

“We wanted to reinforce this family message as part of our sponsorship of the Ocean City 5K, so to offer a special prize for the fastest family to cross the finishing line seemed the perfect way to do that.”

Darren stressed that the agency has always enjoyed a strong relationship with the organisers of Plymouth’s main running events.

Details at www.runplymouth. co.uk

Cross Rhythms Plymouth’s

2019 Gala Dinner

Join us for a 2 course meal & fundraising evening. Raising money for Plymouth’s community radio station.

13th March at 7pm £40 entry which includes meal & donation

For more information email dave@crplymouth.co.uk or call 01752 225623

@PlymChronicle Children from St Andrew’s Primary School with members of the Plymotion team promoting the Classroom to Moon Challenge

City wide walking competition sends Plymouth pupils over the moon!

The winners of Plymouth’s first ever Classroom To Moon Challenge have been announced.

Prizes included a visit from mobile planetarium Space Odyssey for winning schools or new scooter storage from Scooterpods, providing a real incentive for clocking up those space-minutes. Small prizes of waterbottles, pens or reflective keyrings along the way rewarded ‘Walker of the Week’ in assemblies across Plymouth as well.

Compton Church of England Primary School have won a visit from Space Odyssey’s Voyager dome in their school hall in January 2019, Plympton Academy who will welcome the Galileo Dome in March, while Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Pennycross Primary School have won Scooterpods.

The challenge took place in October and November in Plymouth and was part of Plymouth City Council’s Plymotion scheme which aims to encourage more people to walk, cycle or travel by bus.

Pupils carried ‘Astro Mo’ from more than 60 of Plymouth’s schools in a walking relay that covered 80 miles and pupils were asked to record how many minutes they walked to and from school – the minutes were then converted to miles to give a grand total of 225638 miles, which is more than the distance to the moon when it is closest to the earth.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “Congratulations to the winners of the Classroom To Moon Challenge and to all the pupils, parents and staff who were involved in making this a great success. We need to do all we can do to encourage more people to walk to

Plaistow Hill Primary also took part in the Challenge

school and this was a great scheme.”

Tessa Price, Plymouth City Council’s school travel engagement officer said: “We hoped we would reach our collective target of Astro Mo reaching the moon with all the minutes the children walked but we never expected the journey to be so much fun! Many schools really embraced the idea that walking to their next nearest school and offering a Friendship Flag to them could kickstart a new bond between them. We were delighted when students were raring to meet us at their school gates, even in the rain. I am confident many schoolchildren convinced their parents to leave their cars at home a few more times than usual during October and I hope that this healthy habit continues.”

Jake Daykin, head teacher of Hooe Primary Academy said: “Thanks for organising the Classroom To

Moon Challenge. Our children really enjoyed getting involved and we had a great time on the relay walk.

The project gave our children the chance to do a lot of maths work and to learn about science and the importance of healthy lifestyles. It also resulted in a lot more of our children (and their parents) walking to and from school, which is always a good thing. We would definitely like to be involved if you run a similar project in the future.”

The Plymotion team is now looking at this year’s challenge for Walk To School Month in October 2019, but they also provide advice and support to schools all year round to encourage people to use more sustainable routes to school, such as walking, cycling or travelling by bus. If you think your school could do more on this email plymotion@ plymouth.gov.uk

14 February 2019

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Vanessa and Caroline are making it in management thanks to apprenticeships Two recently promoted retail workers have described how apprenticeships have given them the crucial skills they need to succeed as managers.

Vanessa Hawken from Mutley and Caroline Mayne, who lives in Devonport, had both been appointed assistant Managers at kitchen and homeware chain Lawsons - and knew the value training would bring to making them a success in their new roles.

Mastering management requires a fresh set of skills, so the Lawsons team contacted City College Plymouth to invest in their development and the future of the business with two Apprenticeship courses.

Caroline has worked in retail for 35 years, six of which at Lawsons as a part-time sales assistant. She began her Level 3 management apprenticeship when she was promoted to assistant manager last year.

“My employer chose City College Plymouth to deliver the apprenticeship, however I cannot recommend the college enough, it would be my

first choice,” she said.

“The support I have received from my family and assessor at the college have made returning to education possible. They have motivated me and reassured me the hard work is all worthwhile.

“Lawsons has helped me to further my career by giving me the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship. With the knowledge I have gained from the qualification I can continue to climb the career ladder and flourish in my new role. My ultimate goal is to run my own shop one day.

“To any adults thinking

about an apprenticeship, I can’t recommend the college enough! It has boosted my confidence and taught me skills which I will use now and in my future career. Although it is tough, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”

In 2017/18, 38% of people undertaking an apprenticeship were aged 25 or over in England compared to 31% under 19, busting the myth that Apprenticeships are largely for school leavers.

Vanessa has worked at Lawsons for 14 years and her hard work was recently rewarded with a promotion

to assistant manager.

Keen to improve her knowledge, Vanessa also started an apprenticeship in management with City College Plymouth.

“The qualification has taught me the key responsibilities, skills and behaviours of an assistant manager," she said.

“Many of my colleagues had successfully completed courses at City College Plymouth and had good things to say, so I had no doubts that studying my apprenticeship would be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

“I really enjoy being customer-facing and working with different people so taking on a managerial role was the next logical step in my career.

“The management apprenticeship has taught me everything I need to know to become an efficient manager. I received fantastic support from the assessors at the college and my family were there every step of the way.”

To discover how the college can help support you or your organisation’s training needs, please contact the college’s Business Engagement Team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@ cityplym.ac.uk.

Siobhan’s loving her new role in estate agency Siobhan Grayson started 2018 in a bit of a rut. After years of ups and downs and in and out of jobs that she was unhappy in, she finally decided to make a change and find a career which offered her more from life.

Siobhan knew that business was the route she wanted to take: “I knew if I gained qualifications in this area, it would give me a broad range of opportunities to explore. That’s when I got the job at Lang Town & Country and discovered the world of estate agency!”

Apprentice Siobhan is now studying a Level 3 in Business Administration, through the Skills Group.

She said: “I didn’t expect to love my job as much as I do, but working with Lang Town & Country has shown me that sometimes being brave and making a

Siobhan Grayson

change, can open up a career path which I never thought I would ever take.

“After my apprenticeship, I would like to develop within estate agency. I’d like to progress to a managerial role and study further to become a fully qualified estate agent.”

Marc Rees, director at Lang Town & Country spoke highly of Siobhan. “Seeing how she has grown in confidence and

professionalism is incredible. She wants to do things right and always asks questions to improve herself. She is sensible, motivated, driven and a great team player - these are all traits we look for in someone who could really go far within this industry.

“Since Siobhan started with us, she has already had a pay rise and added benefits due to her high performance and contribution to work.”

Siobhan added: “I have been through a lot in the past, but I feel working here has made me stronger - I have gained so much confidence, I can now see where I want to go in life and what my longterm career path looks like. It’s great to be able to have goals in place and know what my next moves are so I can constantly challenge and develop myself.

It”s a great feeling when you succeed.”

February 2019 15

@PlymChronicle

Growing number of female engineering apprentices An engineering skills centre in Estover is attracting a growing number of female apprentices.

The Cornwall College Group invested £200,000 in the skills centre at Sisna Park in 2014 creating a new practical and classroom facility.

Business development manager at Cornwall College, Jane Wickett, said: “Since then female recruitment has continued to grow year on year with our highest ever intake of female engineers in September 2018.

“The first female apprentices at Sisna Park started in September 2015 with the MOD and Mars Wrigley Confectionery.

Cornwall College now works in partnership with a number of local businesses, including Advanced Medical Solutions, BD Plymouth, Interlube, Kawasaki, MARS Wrigley Confectionery, MOD, NHS, Wales & West and Yeo Valley with the majority of these employing female apprentices.

“All of our apprentices are STEM ambassadors and attend school career fairs to promote apprenticeships as an option to young people, representing their individual organisations and the Engineering Careers Centre,” added Jane.

Engineering apprentice at BD Plymouth, Sharlene Pascoe, said she is ‘really enjoying the apprenticeship’.

“I’m pleased to see an increase of female apprentices, it makes it less daunting. I feel proud to be helping raising awareness of opportunities for females in this industry,” she added. “The facilities at Sisna Park are fantastic.”

Abbie West, also an engineering apprentice at BD Plymouth, agreed that the apprenticeship is really good fun.

“I wanted to do something a bit different, I quite like being a female in a male environment. I hope in five years there will be as many women as there are men in the industry,” she said.

To find out more about engineering apprenticeships at Cornwall College contact CCB Training’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Team on 0330 123 4785.

To find out more...

In 2017/18 there were just under 370,000 apprenticeship starts in England, including 43,000 in the South West. For more information on apprenticeship opportunities, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

A group of female engineering apprentices at the Sisna Park skills centre

16 February 2019

@PlymChronicle

Charities and council join forces to help vulnerable people Charities in Plymouth are to work with Plymouth City Council in a more joined up way to help vulnerable people such as the homeless, those with mental illness and other complex needs.

Plymouth City Council will be awarding a £7 million contract to an alliance of local charities to provide services to people with complex needs - including homelessness, drug or alcohol misuse, mental illness and offending.

The contract is a new way of bringing together services and commissioners in a partnership where power and responsibility are shared collectively for the common good of people with complex needs.

The services already do this but the continued reduction in local authority funding available from central government means there is a need to futureproof services.

Councillor Ian Tuffin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: "It is hoped that by existing service providers working more closely Ian Tuffin together it will provide resilience across the system when there is less funding available for council services, as well as reducing duplication."

Charities including Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (who run the George Hostel and other temporary accommodation for homeless people), Harbour, Shekinah, the Zone, Plymouth Access To Housing (PATH), Livewest (formerly Devon and Cornwall Housing), Livewell Southwest and Hamoaze, have formed the alliance and have been working cooperatively with the council’s commissioning and public health teams over the past four years towards this project.

Councillor Tuffin added: “These are extremely difficult times financially – we are getting less and less money from central government despite continued demand for these services – so we have to think creatively. The alliance approach encourages cooperation and partnership, innovation, creativity and acting in the best interests across the whole system.”

The contract, which will run for five years initially with the potential to extend to ten years, will enable the council and other commissioners to build long term sustainable relationships with local charities and other service providers to plan for the future.

GOD TV pulls out of Millennium Centre plan Christian broadcaster GOD TV has announced that it is not proceeding with plans to develop the former Millennium night club as a prayer centre.

The charity took out a lease on the building in 2013 with a view to developing it into a major centre. It had already spent large sums of money on refurbishing the interior of the building and estimated that it would require a further £5 million to complete the project.

The 25-year lease on the building had an annual rent of £40,000, set to rise to £50,000, but it has now reached a settlement with the landlord and returned the building.

Ward Simpson, who took over as GOD TV's chief executive officer in 2016 said: "It was a massive ongoing financial commitment. Every single pound raised for the Plymouth centre had already been spent on that project. And with each passing month, we were paying more on rent, insurance and other costs.

"As a team we went through a very long investigation and sought advice.

After a great deal of soul-searching the new Board of directors had to acknowledge that GOD TV is a Christian television network rather than a property developer.

"We’re also called to be accountable – not least to those who have faithfully supported us. How could we justify raising and spending another £5 million? And would those costs have continued to rise? In all conscience, we concluded it would be poor stewardship to spend millions more on this building.

"We had over-reached and needed to get back on track. For the past two years we have attempted to find a partner ministry who could come alongside us to help pay for, manage and use the building. We also tried putting the building on the market to see if we could find another buyer. Neither of these options produced any fruit. Each potential

Ward Simpson, CEO of God TV

party decided against it."

He apologised to the people of Plymouth on behalf of GOD TV for the charity's inability to complete the project.

"We had hoped to do something that would rejuvenate a marvellous old building in an historic district and be a boost to the city’s prosperity.

"You can set out a journey in good faith, but if circumstances and priorities change, then your course has to change too. We simply could not justify spending more, or asking our supporters for more money.

"We have learnt many lessons and made many changes at GOD TV. We’ve changed the way we work. We have a new Board and a new leadership team to give us wise counsel.

We have taken stock of the way we work, reduced our expenses substantially and yet still increased our output.

"We truly love Plymouth and again apologise for our inability to complete this project. In the meantime, however, Plymouth continues to be the base for our UK office

where many of our global functions are managed and GOD TV continues to be one of the largest broadcasters of Christian content in the world, reaching over 300 million homes across the globe.

"We thank the people of Plymouth for your support and gracious understanding, and we thank God for you. This city will always have a special place in our hearts. It is a joy to be able to invest directly into the local economy through our operations as well as through our 50 plus local employees.

"In our plans for the Millennium Centre we set out to do something good that we hoped would benefit Plymouth. Today we are delighted to see the exciting redevelopment plans taking shape for Union Street and hope the Millennium building might one day be a part of that.

"We look forward to continuing to work with local churches and ministries here in Plymouth as well as promoting this wonderful city to our friends around the world."

February 2019

@PlymChronicle

17

Start date for Charles Cross works Works on the Charles Cross Transport Improvement Scheme began on February 4.

Charles Cross roundabout, with Charles Church at its centre, is one of the key junctions on Plymouth’s transport network and accommodates the majority of the city’s bus routes as well as high volumes of traffic.

It is also well-used by pedestrians.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce delays and improve traffic flow by creating more room for all vehicles whilst making crossings friendlier for pedestrians and cyclists.

Infrastructure specialists Balfour Beatty have been appointed to carry out the works and will be working 12 hour days, six days a week, to reduce the overall time spent on the project.

Lane restrictions will be removed during peak traffic flows where possible and night working will be carried out when necessary with consideration given to neighbouring residents.

Works are expected to be finished by winter 2019.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Infrastructure, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Balfour Beatty on board. They come with a reputation of professionalism and we look forward to working with them.

“We know that there is never a good time to carry out a major road scheme, especially one as central as this. That’s why appointing a contractor with a proven track record of getting things done fits the bill.”

James Wells, Balfour Beatty Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Plymouth City Council, building on our expertise in successfully delivering transportation schemes across the UK. “We look forward to working closely with Plymouth City Council over the coming months to deliver significant benefits to the local community and the travelling public.”

So what’s actually happening at Charles Cross?

Planned improvements include an extra lane for traffic heading southbound on to the roundabout from Charles Street and a new layout for traffic and pedestrians designed to ease queuing on Exeter Street. This will include removing the existing separate bus priority signals from Exeter Street onto the roundabout, improving the flow for all traffic, but with additional bus priority on the roundabout itself.

The road layout northbound on Charles Street will see the removal of the traffic island between the roundabout and the entrance to Drake Circus car park, to improve the flow for all traffic.

The pedestrian crossings at the Drake Circus car park entrance are to be widened and straightened to provide a more direct link for people walking to The Box when it opens in 2020.

Improvements to Hampton Street and the Ebrington Street junction will see the ageing subway filled in to make more space for the new lane from Charles Street, while improvements will be made to the existing surface level crossing on Hampton Street to compensate.

Charles Church, in the centre of the roundabout, will remain unaffected; respected as a monument to citizens of Plymouth who lost their lives during the Second World War.

What does this mean for journeys?

Initial works will involve setting up the site compound. This will be on Hampton Street, outside of University of Plymouth’s Cookworthy Building, and will mean that Hampton Street will only be open northbound for the entirety of the works.

Setup is expected to take around a week, after which there will be an off-peak lane closure on the south-bound side of Charles Street along with a suspension of the bus lane that leads from Exeter Street onto the roundabout.

The council will be giving residents constant updates on the rest of the traffic management plans as the scheme progresses through social media, through the dedicated Charles Cross webpage and also through the press.

What is being done to avoid delays?

The council will do all it can, but in reality the project is going to cause delays at some point during its construction.

As the project goes on, the council will be reviewing traffic management daily to ensure that we’re not creating any more problems than is strictly necessary. The safety of the workforce, road users and pedestrians will be the driving decision maker.

The council has been working with partners and people who use the roundabout daily, as Richard Stevens, managing director of CityBus explained: “We have been working with the council on this project right from the start and have had an input into how the scheme will be constructed to ensure that our services run as smoothly as they can.

“Are roadworks ideal for us? No, of course not. But we accept that this will be shortterm pain for long-term gain and that the finished scheme will make the roundabout far easier to navigate for all of our vehicles.”

Coun Coker added: “The council’s message at this stage is simple. Plan your journey.

Think about how you get to the city centre.

Could you car share? Park and ride? Use the bus? Maybe even take up cycling? Even if you can’t do any of those things, just slightly changing the times at which you travel could make a big difference to you.

“The fact is that this project is essential, not only to effectively deal with the current amount of vehicles that use it, but also for the future growth of Plymouth. If it wasn’t worth doing, then we wouldn’t do it.”

More information on the scheme and on different ways to get around can be found here – www.plymouth.gov.uk/charlescross

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18 February 2019

City reaps benefits from a vintage year at POP+ Vulnerable families, lonely older people and bored teenagers are among the many people in Plymouth whose lives have been transformed because of the Plymouth Octopus Project or POP+ as it is known.

Last year the organisation which supports the voluntary and community sector in Plymouth, helped to bring in nearly £1.5m of external funding to help pay for projects across the city and, in doing so, improve the health of the city for everyone.

Thanks to POP+, up to a hundred teenagers turn up at the Methodist Central Hall youth club every Friday night.

Funding from POP+ enabled the club to create a DJ area with industry-standard mixing desks and sound-system equipment.

The hugely-popular initiative has been congratulated by the police and recognised for helping to create a safer environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, Moments, the well-known city centre café and support centre for people - and their families - with dementia, has been able to provide more support to those in need and in crisis while the popular Plymouth Ukulele Group has found funding for the first time thanks to POP+.

POP+ has been helping charities, community groups and social enterprises since 2013. As well as providing training, networking opportunities and business

advice free-of-charge to its 1,600 members, the organisation also helps projects identify and apply for funding which will grow their organisations and better support people.

Last year £1,415,550 of external funding was awarded to Plymouth-based projects enabling them to support local people. Imogen Potter, capacity building manager for POP+, said its impact is considerable.

"We are part of Plymouth’s ecosystem and without POP+, and the work it does, there would be more pressure on statutory services, like, the police; doctors' surgeries and the mental health teams.

Without POP+ many of these voluntary and community organisations, which are vital to the city, wouldn’t get support; wouldn’t get funding and some of them wouldn’t even exist."

In 2018 POP+ gave free business and funding advice to more than two hundred community groups and organisations, which, in turn, support more than 1000 volunteers and activists. It also provided more than 20 training workshops and organised a monthly networking event to give organisations from the voluntary and community sector the chance to meet, share and collaborate.

POP+ is free to join and offers training, funding and business advice to its members.

Networking meetings, open to all, are held every month.

@PlymChronicle

helm of POP+ The enthusiasm, determination and power of people living in Plymouth will drive real social change and help transform the city in 2019 - that's the view of the new chief executive of POP+, the organisation which supports the city’s voluntary and community sector.

Matt Bell has taken over the position of chief executive from Jackie Clift who retired in 2018 and helped to bring 1,600 very different organisations under the umbrella that is POP+ and was formerly known as the Plymouth Octopus Project.

Last year POP+ helped to bring in nearly £1.5m of external funding to enable either existing projects to carry on their work or to get new ones off-the-ground - projects which support all sorts of people across the city, such as young mums, older people in need of companionship and people with mental health problems.

POP+ was also instrumental in the decision last year by one of the

£1,000 donation for Multiple Sclerosis Society Experience THE

Plymstock Broadway shopping centre and Property Maintenance South West (PMSW) have presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society).

The generous donation was raised through support from local market stall holders who were trading on the day of the annual Christmas Lights Switch On as well as from sponsorship of The Broadway Christmas Tree from local businesses, which was organised by Paul Sheldon from PMSW. Paul said: “I’m delighted that we have raised this amount for such a good charity.”

Broadway centre manager Mark Berry said, “We are delighted to be able to donate this cheque as a result of the tremendous effort with the local market stalls all donating on the night and Paul arranging sponsorship from local businesses to be placed around the Christmas Tree.”

Helen Cherry, MS Society group co-ordinator for the Plymouth and Tamar Valley area added: “The generous donation from The Broadway and Property Maintenance South West will make a massive difference to local people living with MS. As a Society we arrange a number of monthly socials and events which are either free or subsidised to enable individuals living with MS and their families to enjoy throughout the year. It is because of the support of businesses like Paul’s and The Broadway that we can continue to reach more people in our area.”

New man at

Matt Bell

I recently watched a documentary about the life of world champion surfer Andy Irons. The documentary, called ‘Kissed By God’, was a shockingly honest look at the troubled life and subsequent untimely death of one of the best surfers in history.

largest independent grant-making foundations in the UK, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, to invest a further £1.3m in the voluntary and community sector.

As the new chief executive, Matt Bell said all this proves that Plymouth can work differently, and better, than other cities and because of that, he believes, there will be more opportunities ahead.

“We’ve witnessed a genuine shift in some of the conversations taking place in Plymouth over the last couple of years about how business should be done,” said Matt.

“And what we have experienced is a desire to put ‘people’ at the heart of these conversations instead of the organisation. We’re now seeing individuals and the organisations they represent collaborating for the good of the city and that’s good for all of us.”

Matt Bell has been working in the voluntary and community sector in the south west for the last 15 years. As someone who has had

the responsibility of running both charities and social enterprises, Matt brings practical experience, working knowledge and academic analysis to the role.

Plymouth City Council’s senior policy advisor, Darin Halifax, who has known Matt for many years, is looking forward to working with him.

“This is great news for Plymouth,” said Darin.

“Not only is it really clear how passionate Matt is about the city but his appointment as chief executive of POP+ comes at a time when Plymouth is getting national recognition for its partnershipworking which is making Plymouth a fairer and more caring city for everyone.”

POP+ is free to join and offers training, funding and business advice to its members. Networking meetings, open to all, are held every month. The first meeting of 2019 will take place on January 31 from 10am until 4pm in the Lower Guildhall.

No pain, no gain!

By Dave Simpson Station Manager Cross Rhythms, Plymouth

What struck me most powerfully in the film was how Kelly Slater described what it was like to lose year after year to his foe. As you might expect he told of the pain he felt having his title taken from him and, despite giving it his all, not being able to win it back for three years.

One particularly key aspect He said something of his life was his fierce which has stayed with me, rivalry with fellow world ‘winning is great but it is champion Kelly Slater. when you are losing that At the time of Andy Iron’s the good stuff inside really rise to the top, Kelly had won happens’. multiple world titles and was I can’t help but feel being touted as the greatest there is much wisdom in surfer of all time. Needless this statement. At times to say he wasn’t used to in life when things are losing. However in 2002, 2003 going wrong, we are facing and 2004 he would have to difficulties and it feels Dave Simpson taste defeat every single year like we’re losing, we often as Andy went on to become a consider things more 3 x world champion. deeply and learn the most about who we In a separate film, ‘A fly in the champagne’ really are inside. filmed in 2009, these two arch enemies When things don’t work out in the timing talked openly about their rivalry and shared we want we can learn patience. When we about the joys of beating the other as well as experience financial hardship we can learn the pain of defeat. to value the things that we have and when

we face the death of a loved one it can help us to treasure the moments we spend with those we’re closest to.

You often hear stories of people being made redundant but coming out the other side doing something completely different but much more fulfilling.

To highlight the point, Kelly Slater himself went on from those tough times of losing year on year to find great success once more and win the world title a further five times!

There is a passage in the good book that says: ‘Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.’

Considering tough times a gift might be a step too far for you at the moment but difficulties really do have the capacity to transform us in a profound way. Not only that but it is my firm belief through personal experience that God wants to be with us in every season of life and is able to work all things out for good.

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Age UK Plymouth wants to hear your views on services and support for older people in your area

Everyone Welcome Saturday 16th March 2019, 10am - 4pm

The Church of the Holy Spirit, Clittaford Road, Southway PL6 6DJ Free craft workshops running throughout the day Join us for tea and biscuits and tell us about what activities, support and services you feel are needed for older people in the area You will also be able to talk to our team about what Age UK Plymouth can do to help everyone enjoy a good quality of Later Life

Age UK Plymouth

(01752) 256020

www.ageukplymouth.org.uk enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk

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Ian & Marj Rossol Saturday 2nd March

The King’s, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ at 7:30pm

Sunday 3rd March

The King’s, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ at 10:30am The Worship Centre, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7LF at 7:30pm Find more about Ian Rossol on the Father’s House website

Listen to Ian Rossol on Art of Living programme on 6th and 11th February @ 10am, and 23rd February @ 5pm and 25th February and 1st March @ 10am bit.ly/crplymradio

Visit our website to find out more: Podcasts • Newsletter • Event details For more information info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

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February 2019 19 @PlymChronicle

New nursing associates complete training

University Hospitals Plymouth and Livewell Southwest are celebrating as the first group of trainee nursing associates from both organisations registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

A celebration event was held in the Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing which saw the nursing associates from University Hospitals Plymouth and Livewell presented with their certificates as they joined the NMC register.

The event was opened by Jackie Williams, matron for Resuscitation & Clinical Education at University Hospitals Plymouth and Gill Miller, director of People and Professionalism at Livewell Southwest.

Following two years of training, nursing associates will work with health care assistants and registered nurses to deliver care to patients. The role is intended to address a skills gap between health care assistants and registered nurses, opening a new entry point into a fully registered nursing career. Nursing associates are trained to work with people of all ages in a variety of settings in health and social care.

The newly qualified nursing associates were presented with their certificates by chief nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth, Greg Dix, and deputy chief executive at Livewell Southwest, Dan O’Toole.

“You’ve all done amazingly,” said Greg. “You’ve all worked so hard to get here today and I’m so proud of each and every one of you.”

Dan O’Toole, said: “Today’s event celebrated the achievement of a group of people who can truly be described as at the forefront of improving patient care.

“Through their dedication and hard work, Livewell Southwest are proud to be one of the first organisations in England who will benefit from the skills and experience that the Nursing Associate programme has enabled. I think they should be proud of themselves and I am excited and looking forward to the working with them in the future.”

Dawn Slater, director of Clinical Practice and Development, Livewell Southwest said: “The trainee nursing associate pilot has been an exciting and innovative introduction to a new nursing role within Livewell Southwest.

“It’s been amazing to see our trainees develop and flourish, and they have seized the opportunity with determination and real commitment. They’ve been incredible advocates for the role and we’re hugely proud of them.

“Our trainee nursing associates have developed their knowledge and skills and this coupled with their compassion have produced a professional and dynamic addition to our nursing workforce.”

Moor’s Edge U3A

Family history will be the subject of guest speaker Graham Naylor at the monthly meeting of the Moor’s Edge U3A. The meeting takes place on February 14 at 2.30pm at the Woolwell Centre and new members are always welcome. Monthly meetings are held at the same venue on the second Thursday of the month.

The March meeting will include a guest speaker from local charity Jeremiah’s Journey, as well as the group’s annual meeting.

If you are retired or semi-retired Moor View U3A welcome visitors to visit monthly meetings twice before deciding if they want to join. When people have joined they can then participate in a variety of interest groups.

Interest groups range from Jazz and Music to Science and Technology - and everything in between.

Full details of all the groups available can be found at http://u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/home while the Moor’s Edge Facebook page includes photos and video clips of activities during the last year.

20 February 2019

Boost for community facilities in Tamerton Foliot with £315,000 injection Taylor Wimpey will put over £315,000 towards improving facilities for Tamerton Foliot residents as part of the planning agreements for its new Coplestone Heights development.

Over £168,000 will go towards the provision of additional classrooms at Mary Dean’s Primary School, as well as over £95,000 towards the improvement of football pitches at Aylesbury Crescent and the Roborough Sports Ground. A £51,000 contribution will be made towards the refurbishment of play areas at Fraser Place and Bampflyde Way and Taylor Wimpey has also pledged £2,200 towards the preservation of the Tamar Estuary.

Work on the development, off Allern Lane, has already begun. Of the 64 homes, 32 will be affordable with an equal split between rented and shared ownership dwellings.

Richard Harrison, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey Exeter, said: “We are committed to building highquality new homes and making sure that our developments are sustainable and positively contribute to local communities.

Affordable housing, sustainable transport, local schools and social infrastructure are all among the areas that benefit from planning contributions, and we are proud to be providing these facilities as part of our Coplestone Heights development.”

Coplestone Heights can be found off Allern Lane, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4PP. To register your interest in a new home, please call 01392 442601 or visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.

@PlymChronicle

Evening and weekend GP appointments now available Busy people in Plymouth who struggle to get to the doctor in working hours can now see a GP during evenings and weekends.

The aim of the GP improved access service is to make it easier for people to get an appointment at a time that suits them.

The new scheme is an extension of the usual GP practice services that patients across Devon will be used to – it is not a walk-in service. Patients will still need to contact their GP practices directly to make an appointment if they want to see a GP between the longer opening hours during weekday evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

When using the improved-hours service, patients might not be able to see their usual doctor. However, the GP they see can also prescribe medication or refer the patient for further treatment if necessary.

Dr Dafydd Jones, a GP in Plympton, said: “Good access to GP services is very important and our aim is to increase the number of appointments available and extend opening times.

“We know people lead busy lives so we want to make it easier for patients to get an appointment and by making appointments available in the evenings and at weekends,

we can ensure patients can see a doctor or a nurse at a time that is more convenient for them.

“If the need isn’t urgent and the patient would prefer to see their usual GP or practice nurse, they should book an appointment with their usual practice during normal opening hours.”

Patients are advised to contact their own GP practice for more information about the improved access service and how they can make appointments.

Improved access to GP appointments is just one of the ways the NHS is helping you to stay well this winter.

Other winter advice from the NHS includes: •

•

Think MIU! If you or a loved one have an injury or minor illness this winter, remember your local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). Highly qualified staff are at Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Cumberland MIUs 365 days a year.

For more information, click on www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/miu NHS 111 is now available online (111. nhs.uk) as well as by phone (dial 111) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The online service uses the same clinical algorithms as the phone service,

taking you through questions about your symptoms to receive tailored advice on what to do next and where to go, and if needed, you will be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist or GP. •

Try your pharmacy first if you have a minor illness and are not sure whether to visit your doctor. GP practices and hospital emergency departments are often under even more pressure at this time of year and pharmacies can provide a fast route to medication for minor ailments like aches and pains, sore throat, coughs, colds, flu-like symptoms, runny noses, earache and skin rashes.

•

It’s not too late to get your flu jab.

Older people, very young people, pregnant women and those with underlying disease, particularly chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, or those who are immunosuppressed, are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch flu. People in at-risk groups qualify for a free vaccine – talk to your GP practice or local pharmacy for details.

Remembering RAF Harrowbeer’s role in Second World War

The Plymouth and District Ex Service Association has much admired the work carried out in maintaining the museum and original ‘Watch Office’ at Knightstone House on the site of RAF Harrowbeer in Yelverton. Knightstone House is nowadays run all year-round as a popular tea room , complete with a dog friendly area.

RAF Harrowbeer Archives

A wealth of archive material and WWII memorabilia is held at Knightstone/RAF Harrowbeer Archives, in Crapstone Road,

Yelverton. There are copies of the Station Operation Record Book (diary) and also many of the Squadron's operation record books relevant to the time that they were operating from RAF Harrowbeer. There is a large collection of documentation, photographs and other related material regarding Harrowbeer's personnel and RAF Fighter Command. A small museum is on site with artefacts from WWII.

The archives and museum are available for viewing on request, by calling 01822 853679.

Archivist Michael Hayes is always willing to talk to anybody who wants to know more about Harrowbeer or has a story to tell regarding the airfield and surrounding area.

February 2019 21

@PlymChronicle

Babcock’s class of 2019 Broadening Bath Street for Boulevard Moves to make Bath Street wider is now under way as part of the council’s regeneration plans to make Millbay happen.

Babcock International has welcomed 106 new starters at Devonport Dockyard.

The 60 apprentices and 46 graduates secured their places on Babcock’s 2018 programmes after several rounds of demanding assessment centres, tests and interviews.

During their time with Babcock, apprentices have the opportunity to experience a range of roles from mechanical and electrical fitters to support engineers, fabricators and welders.

Similarly, the graduates have joined as design engineers and project managers to support one of Babcock’s many teams.

The apprentices who study at Plymouth City College, have already attended a team building week on Dartmoor and worked on a number of exciting projects including building a model to support the Mayflower 2020 celebrations.

The graduates joined a rotation of placements

across the Dockyard to experience as many different aspects of their working environment as possible. This includes warships, submarines, innovative technology projects and initiatives, as well as corporate functions like HR, IT, estates and business development.

The 2018 cohort have brought a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to Babcock with some straight from school or college, whilst others have joined after further study or from industry.

Rebecca Page, electrical engineering apprentice, said: “I spent some time at university studying psychology but I knew in my heart that it wasn’t what I wanted to do because a more hands on, practical based career had always appealed to me.

“I’m really enjoying the team work and the mathematical aspects of the job and I’m excited about building my career with Babcock. I’m so glad I made the change.”

Will Erith, MD Surface Ships, based at Devonport, welcomed the group and commented: “It is fantastic that we can welcome, invest in and support so many new starters during the UK’s Year of Engineering. Our highly sought after apprenticeships and graduate programmes attract a growing number of high calibre applicants every year.

“We are keen to harness their skills, capture their talent and build on their enthusiasm by offering a range of diverse, exciting and fulfilling careers with numerous developmental opportunities. A very warm welcome to everyone who has joined us.”

Babcock is proud to support the development of future talent through its apprentice and graduate programmes. Similarly, it supports the UK’s Year of Engineering, a government campaign to promote engineering to the next generation.

Boost for children’s health services Livewell Southwest has unveiled an innovative approach to providing physical and mental healthcare for children, young people and families after being awarded the contract to deliver services in Plymouth for seven years, from April.

This good news for local communities comes after NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, which plans and pays for local health services, and Plymouth City Council, agreed to award the contract for community children’s services to the current provider Livewell Southwest. The contract value is £12.5 million a year, and the initial seven-year term could be extended for a further three years.

Livewell Southwest, (LSW) the social enterprise which delivers health services and adult social care in and around Plymouth, is now putting its plans into practice to deliver the integrated service it designed in response to the commissioners’ brief.

A new service has been created – the Children, Young People and Families Service (CYPFS) – bringing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Health Visiting, School Nursing, Family Nurse Partnership and Children’s Speech and Language Therapy together into one structure for the first time, under a dedicated management team.

Every element will be designed with prevention and health promotion as the focus, providing early help and support to children, young people and families close to home to tackle problems before they become more serious and the individuals need more complex help.

Parents, children and young people helped to shape the new service, and they

“Having a single, dedicated team means managers and staff across our services can work more closely together around the needs of the children and families we support.”

- Tracy Clasby, senior manager at Livewell South West

will continue to be included, influencing the decision-making process through attending meetings and engagement events.

Tracy Clasby, a registered nurse and a senior manager with LSW, will head the new service. She has had responsibility for CAMHS since 2013, and worked closely on the organisation’s bid to win the contract.

She said: “We’re delighted our bid was successful and that our ambition to create a new service, which will make a real difference to communities, will now become a reality.

“Having a single, dedicated team means managers and staff across our services can work more closely together around the needs of the children and families we support.

It will allow us to provide a more holistic service, identifying potential issues early on, calling in relevant colleagues and providing the right levels of support for young people so they can get help early, close to where they live, preventing their problems getting worse and needing more serious intervention.

“Our health visitors and CAMHS colleagues will work more closely with our speech and language service, for example, making it easier for them to make those links to get early help when they identify a need.

“We’ll be building on existing good practice and working closely with colleagues at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council and in the charity and voluntary sectors, like Barnardos, utilising their expertise to design and deliver a single pathway through treatment and support for those needing it, regardless of which organisation providers the service. People won’t need to keep repeating their stories, and they will get the right level of help as their needs change.

“We’ll also be working in Health and Wellbeing Hubs, Children’s Centres and schools. We already have mental health practitioners working in every secondary school in Plymouth, tailoring support to the schools’ needs, whether that’s training teachers, offering advice and signposting to pupils or organising group work. It’s about us going out to the community, rather than waiting for people to come to us.”

Dr Shelagh McCormick, chair of the Western Locality of NEW Devon CCG said: “The contracts will deliver a system of advice, support and services that will support children, young people and their families, at every step of their pathway; from their birth through to adulthood.”

The dedicated senior team includes experienced nurses, health visitors and a contracting manager, bringing all the necessary skills into one place with a single focus.

A service ramp on the Pavilions site is to be ‘shaved off’ as part of a complex demolition programme that will enable the boulevard between the city centre and the sea to be built.

It is the next phase of development plans for Millbay and the West End and follows on from the successful demolition of the Two Trees pub and the old footbridge across Union Street, which was taken down last month.

The southern part of the boulevard has already been laid out and named Brunel Way as part of the mixed use development being delivered by English Cities Fund at Millbay.

Now work will start on the northern section along Bath Street.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Assets and city centre champion said: “There is a real sense of pace. We are on a mission to make Millbay happen and have been working behind the scenes to make sure each piece of the jigsaw works.

“This is all about widening Bath Street, to create a broader boulevard that will, in time, become an attractive and safe walking and cycling route linking the waterfront and the city centre. We are slicing off part of the Pavilions site to give us the space we need.”

The route will eventually be lined with 300 new homes to the west and a new hotel development on the east, along with shops and offices on the front of the boulevard.

The whole feel of the boulevard is designed to be in keeping with its waterfront location.

The next phase of demolition – which is expected to take 16 weeks – will involve demolishing the service ramp to the rear of the Pavilions site, which is no longer used. Its removal is part of an eight metre tract of land being sliced from the site.

Pavilions facilities director Richard Findlay added: ‘’We’ve been working closely with Plymouth City Council on this project for many months and have welcomed the opportunity to be involved and contribute towards the delivery of the boulevard.

“M&E plant located under part of the service ramp has been relocated and provision is being made for alternative storage which will free up the ramp for demolition.

A new wall is being built inside the space under the ramp that will become the external wall when the demolition of the ramp is complete. It’s a complex project but the careful planning in the early stages has paid off and we are on track for completion in the spring of 2019.”

22 February 2019

@PlymChronicle

Four year delay for veterans coming forward for mental health support A new survey, commissioned by Help for Heroes, released on ‘Blue Monday’ - the ‘most depressing’ day of the year - reveals that Armed Forces veterans are delaying asking for help with their mental health, including PTSD, for almost four years, partly due to believing civilian services will not understand or support them (28%) and a fear of being treated differently by friends (25%) and family (19%).

Help for Heroes launched its ‘Cut The Clock’ campaign on January 21 which aims to end the stigma around mental health issues, encourage more people to come forward for help and cut the time they struggle in silence.

Former Royal Navy sailor and full-time Territorial Army reservist Paul Stocker, from Plymouth, finally received help four years ago, more than twenty years after suffering trauma in the first Gulf War. As well as having PTSD from his time in the first Gulf War, he was physically injured during a training exercise when he fell awkwardly out of a helicopter, eventually losing most of his right arm.

Medically discharged from the Armed Forces and unable to find work because of his disability, he self-medicated, turning to alcohol to escape his mental health issues. He regularly drank a crate of cider and bottle of gin a day.

“I was drinking myself to death. I didn’t care you know. All I was worried about was where my next drink was coming from. I thought I’m useless.

I can’t do nothing now I’ve got no forearm, I can’t do anything. Feeling sorry for myself basically. But those days are all behind me now.”

He says he had issues with anger management and while he wasn’t physically violent, he regularly smashed mirrors, not recognising the man he saw reflected in them: “It cost me a fortune in mirrors back then. I was a young man when I signed up and I just saw this old bloke who I didn’t know.”

Finally, after more than twenty years of suffering in silence, Paul reached out for help: “My youngest daughter turned around and said to me, Dad, you’re killing yourself. That was what pushed me - the fact my daughter was concerned about my drinking, about my anger.”

“To admit you’ve got a mental health problem is hard. But obviously the message has to go out.

If you’d seen me four years ago, a big fat blob that wouldn’t do anything – with a beer, you’d never thought of me running around a gym and coaching wheelchair rugby, doing my archery.”

Since getting help from Help for Heroes and Combat Stress, Paul has turned his life around. As well as coaching wheelchair rugby, he has taken up rock climbing and is hoping to compete in archery in the next Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

He’s also got into acting, appearing with other veterans in Boots at the Door at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Unspoken for the Royal British Legion, working with disabled-led Graeae theatre company as well as extra work in film and TV. He’s currently filming for a role in a major TV soap due

Paul Stocker

to be screened later in the summer.

“I do more now than I ever did when I was ablebodied and I appreciate things more now I can talk to other veterans. I can say thank you to Help for Heroes for that. Because they gave me that push.

I think it’s important that anyone who is suffering with mental health problems should get help and not feel bad about asking for that help.

I’ve recently got a mate to get help for his issues.

I hope this campaign by Help for Heroes is supported by the public and will get more people like me to come forward and change their lives for the better.”

Karen Mead, Head of Psychological Wellbeing at Help for Heroes said: “Paul’s story is the reality for thousands of military personnel. Veterans are not accessing mental health support when they need it and we believe this needs to change. Our campaign is asking the nation to call time on stigma and to let those who have served their country know it’s ok to ask for help. We need the communities support to help us fund vital

programmes to ensure we can continue to be there and respond quickly when veterans do take that big step and ask for support.”

At 6pm on the launch day a ‘Stigma Clock’ was projected onto the Tower of London in support of Paul and his fellow veterans. The clock was switched on by England Rugby World Cup winner and TV star, Matt Dawson, who has dealt with various difficult injuries during and after his sporting career. A live stream of the switch-on was screened at CutTheClock.com With every pound donated, every retweet, like or share on social media the public can help lessen the stigma and actively cut the time veterans are taking to seek help for psychological wounds. Help end mental health stigma at CutTheClock.com.

Help for Heroes offers support throughout the year from its Recovery Centre in Plymouth and community locations across the South West.

To get or give support visit www.helpforheroes. org.uk.

TWO CHANCES TO WIN ANNUAL PASSES FOR A FAMILY OF 4 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR! We have the perfect day out for you this winter at Woodlands Family Theme Park.

Visit our Family Theme Park this winter with one of the largest Indoor Play Areas in the UK. For just £7.50 per person you can take your whole family for an action packed day of Winter fun.

Explore the Empire of the Sea Dragon with over 125,000sq.ft of indoor adventures. Have fun with an amazing variety of challenges over five floors. With the highest and longest slides, the Trauma Tower ride

and it’s breath taking 50 ft drop, the Submarine ride is spinning fun and the Mini Ferris Wheel is perfect for watching the high powered action and hidden adventures in the sky high nets and Towers. Down stairs the Ice Palace is the perfect fantasy play centre for little ones.

The whole family can be entertained in the Circus Drome and Master Blaster. Discover indoor junior action on the bouncy castle and Acrobats Challenge play centre, then ride the Circus Train, while the Big Top Soft Play centre entertains the smallest members of the family. Get ready to blast balls from cannons in the two Alien Arenas in the Master Blaster and explode balls into space.

✁

ENTRY COUPON

There is still plenty of fun outdoors with the sky high Swing Ship, reach new heights on Vertigo. Visit the Meerkat family and other fun loving animals at the Zoo Farm. It’s warm in the Reptile house, cosy in the Nocturnal House and have fun driving round Pedal Town or ride the lifesized tractors. Don’t forget the fascinating Falconry Centre with its majestic Birds of Prey, although they don’t fly in the winter the Falconers are full of fascinating facts and stories about the owls and birds of prey in their care.

Please send your completed entry coupon to Woodlands Leisure Park, Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4PY by the closing date of 28th February 2019.

Please answer the question and enter your name and contact details below. By entering your data, you agree with Cornerstone Vision holding and using your data for the purpose of running this competition, and for the duration necessary to complete this competition, but not longer than 6 months.

Question: How much is it to visit Woodlands during the Winter Fun season?

Answer:

Name: Address: Postcode: Email:

Tel:

Or enter online at: competitions.cornerstonevision.com I confirm I am 13 or over:

February 2019 23

@PlymChronicle

Your country linedance club needs YOU! Tamar Valley Westerners Country Club will hold its last night on January.

It has been running for 36 years giving great evenings of entertainment, but don't despair. There will be a new club starting called the Tamar Valley Country Linedancing club. There will be a lot of the same acts as well as some new ones. Linedancers are very welcome to join the club as well as partner dancers and other types of dancing.

The new club will be starting on the January 27th and thereafter, on the last Sunday in the month so make sure you don’t miss the next classes on February 24th and March 31st. It’s hoped that with new members the club can increase to fortnightly in the

near future. The club runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

For the first night, a very talented and great entertainer on the country and linedance scene; Chris Kenward will be joining in the fun. If you have seen him before I'm sure you will agree, he will give you a great evening of music so there will be lots of dancing.

This is a really friendly club with a great atmosphere, not to mention a lovely wood floor which makes dancing lots of fun. The room is a good size with seating at the back and down the sides, with an ample stage for the acts. There will also be well known country artists every month to give you great evenings of entertainment to dance to, or if

you prefer, just sit and relax and enjoy the fantastic music.

The aim of the club is to make linedancers welcome alongside live acts; something the social club boasts as the only one in the area to do so.

Linedancing often gets overlooked as a good social event. Not only is it a fantastic way to meet people and keep fit, the dances have also changed over the year, now involving all sorts of dances ranging from the waltz to the tango to the cha cha cha.

Linedancing is a simple style, one that doesn’t require a partner, and allows you to dance to a much wider variety of music. If you’ve never danced before, feel free to come

along, enjoy the music and throw yourself into the pleasure of dancing. There is also a local teacher of line dancing should you want to improve your skills.

Dressing up for the occasion is optional; come in whatever feels comfortable to you to dance in.

Our monthly club nights are held at Hyde Park Social Club in Hyde Park behind the Main Street on the lower floor, there is a stair entrance or a back entrance which is flat. Entrance is £7 for a brilliant evening of entertainment, with drinks available to be purchased at the bar as well as a raffle on the night. For more details contact Yvonne 07885254042

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24 February 2019

@PlymChronicle

£3.5 million Mayflower funding boost An ambitious project to build Plymouth’s creative industries and nurture creative people power for Mayflower 400 and beyond has been awarded a massive £3.5 million from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

will benefit from support to develop new products, services, content and jobs over the next financial year, providing skills development for people from a range of communities, ages and backgrounds.

The Mayflower 400 Culture and Heritage Programme is already shaping up to be a game changer for Plymouth with art, music, theatre, exhibitions, storytelling, digital An additional £750,000 has been awarded innovation, literature, crafts, festivals, to Mayflower 400 and £2.75 million for debates and more. Every aspect of the exciting new creative sector initiatives Mayflower story is being explored together that could see over 4,000 people offered with its relevance to life today. training, business support and professional iMayflower will help Plymouth shout about development opportunities as part of the its culture and creativity offer, develop a long iMayflower project. It aims term, sustainable legacy to support the makers, the and provide skills and doers, artists, the digital learning opportunities pioneers and the wider through events and Plymouth population by community engagement. giving them the know-how It will also look to to make things happen. support creative sector Plymouth City Council, businesses to become Destination Plymouth, more visible on an Mayflower 400, Plymouth international stage.

College of Art, Real It involves work with Ideas Organisation partners across the city and the University of who are developing Plymouth have teamed digital technology, such up to address the growing as 3-D printing, virtual reality or ‘immersive demand for the city’s creative sector to realise technology’ to help the city expand its its potential, offering new opportunities, expertise in advanced manufacturing, creative spaces and skills.

Over 200 businesses and social enterprises robotics and digital making.

“iMayflower will support new ideas, businesses, jobs and opportunities for young people – we are delighted to be part of it and looking forward to getting going!”

- Lindsey Hall, founder and CEO of Real Ideas Organisation

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “I’m really pleased about this news for the Mayflower programme as it very well reflects the national importance of the project.

“This announcement for funding to develop creative industries is extremely exciting.

Plymouth has built a creative industry sector from scratch in a short number of years and this funding means we can harness the talent we have now and develop it for the future.”

The programme will tap into and build on the huge array of initiatives already being worked on for Mayflower 400 and will give them the extra edge, which will add a wow factor for audiences. Plymouth’s Illuminate event is an example of how a light show can grow to become a multi-media event that captivated thousands of visitors on cold November nights.

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Another key aim of iMayflower is to help companies and organisations access finance through a partnership with Crowdfunder and Creative England.

Professor Andrew Brewerton, principal and chief Executive officer for Plymouth College of Art said: “This project represents a real step change for the city and for Plymouth College of Art, as we build a creative ecology that nurtures talent and empowers our citizens as makers, artists and designers. “iMayflower gives us a real platform to deliver a programme of activity that places creative education and social justice at the heart of an ambitious project that will further increase the profile of Plymouth as a great place to live, work and one that invests in its creative communities and all important maker culture. We can’t wait to get started!”

Chris Bennewith, Head of the School of Art Design & Architecture at the University of Plymouth said: “The Cultural Development Fund will allow the dynamic fusion of the region’s creative talent and excellent digital resources, with existing strengths in sectors such as healthcare, marine and tourism.

"This will provide Plymouth with exciting and innovative means of creating new products, services and experiences vital for refreshing and adapting the local economy and continuing to improve the liveability of our city. This is Open Innovation so we will be inviting as many people as possible to be involved with the myriad of activities proposed in the project. The University of Plymouth is extremely pleased to be part of the partnership delivering iMayflower.”

Lindsey Hall, founder and CEO of Real Ideas Organisation added: “iMayflower is all about investment in our excellent creative talent; our burgeoning immersive and digital technologies; our extensive skills as makers and the enterprising, inclusive, creative ecology we are building. iMayflower will support new ideas, businesses, jobs and opportunities for young people – we are delighted to be part of it and looking forward to getting going!”

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “Creativity, arts and heritage make our towns and cities unique and our communities better places to live. The Cultural Development Fund will support tailored local plans that use culture to create jobs, boost tourism and ultimately regenerate communities.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Plymouth to capitalise on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower. It will help engage the local community in their shared heritage and promote the city to the world through digital technologies, making this a truly 21st century project.”

Appeal for witnesses after woman is attacked in Keyham Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault in Keyham.

The incident happened between 2am and 2.10am on Monday January 7 in North Down Park, Keyham.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, was walking her dogs in the field when she was reportedly grabbed at the neck and pushed to the floor by an unknown man. Her top was ripped during the incident and she sustained a minor neck injury.

The offender is described as a male, who wore a hoody. He is also thought to have an ‘unusual’ accent.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/003112/19.

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26 February 2019

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

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Your guide to community events in your area Crownhill Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 2.15pm - 2.45pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for under 5s.

Chatterbooks Tuesdays, 4pm - 4.45pm Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

Pebble Art Thursdays, 3.30pm - 5pm Join in the fun during this pebble art activity session.

Book Group Second Thursday of the month, 2.15pm - 3.15pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Estover Library Grandparents Session Fridays, 2pm - 3pm Join in on the weekly drop in session for grandparents and carers of the under 5s with stories for the little ones.

Craft Group Second and last Monday of the month, 10.30am 11.30am For anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet or any other crafts. Bring along what you’re working on or drop in for a chat.

Southway Library Work Club Mondays, 9.30am - 11.30am Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Feel Better with a Book Tuesdays, 10am - 11.30am Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small, friendly group.

Book Group First Tuesday of the month, 2pm - 3pm First Wednesday of the month, 4.45pm - 5.45pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Rhymetime Wednesdays, 10am - 10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Memory Café Thursdays, 10am - 12pm Drop in for a reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Lego Club Thursdays, 4pm - 5pm The Lego is supplied, you supply the imagination and building skills.

Writers Group On the second and last Thursday of the month, 6pm - 7.30pm For anyone with an interest in writing stories or plays.

Drop in.

Family History Group Fridays, 2pm - 4pm Get help and advice on tracing your family history.

West Park Library IT for Beginners Tuesdays, 3pm - 4pm Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to ‘Learn My Way’. Or bring along your own device, staff will be on hand to help.

Lego Club Wednesdays, 3.30pm - 4.30pm The Lego is supplied, you supply the imagination and building skills.

Book Group Second Thursday of the month, 2pm - 3pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each

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

Events at Mainstone Community Centre Beginners line dance class 6.15 pm -7.15 pm Thursday evening. Cost £4; Bingo every Wednesday night,cost £6; healthy activities hour, Monday 11 am to 12 noon.

Free to all ages, all abilities.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays Youth music group for nine to 18 year olds. Meet at Courtlands School Eggbuckland (term time).

Staffed by volunteers who teach guitars, keyboards, drums, singing and flutes and clarinets. We support local events and twice a year hold concerts in the Devonport Playhouse. The children are only charged £1 per week. www.plymouthmac.co.uk Dancing Duo Fortnightly Saturdays With Henry and Jeannie at Elm Community Centre in Estover (near Asda) for ballroom, Latin and sequence, old time and more. Time 7.45pm to 10.45pm free parking. Entry £6. Bring your own drinks and and snacks.

Coffee Morning and Book Stall Thursdays Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10am to 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and a chat. All welcome.

Plymouth Dog Training Club Meets at St Edward’s Church Hall, Eggbuckland on Wednesday evenings. For details call 01752 350788.

Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening. Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For details visit www.pmhc.co.uk Parents, Babies and Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays Come and join us, meet new friends during term time at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall, 10am-11.30am.

Booking recommended as places are limited. Call Anne 07791332503.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Twice weekly Meet at Widewell School, Lulworth Drive, Widewell (behind The George at Roborough). Mondays and Thursdays 6.30pm. Over 16 years and all abilities welcome. For info contact widewellstriders@yahoo. com or check out our website www.widewellstriders. co.uk Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Coffee Afternoon Thursdays Mainstone Community Centre hold a weekly coffee afternoon every Thursday at 2pm Lets Work It Out! Mondays Weekly drop-in at the Efford Youth and Community Centre (Blandford Road PL3 6HU). Friendly help and support for all ages and abilities in a relaxed environment Mondays 2-5pm. Basic computer skills, job searching and CV/application writing, voluntary/ work placements and training courses, benefits advice and free tea and coffee! Starting March 14.

To find out more call Becky on 07933916513 or email letsworkitout@mail.com Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-tobe. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parentsto-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT

Barbican Theatre’s FUSE Diverse Dance team will bring their first full length dance theatre production to the Plymouth Athenaeum on February 15 and 16.

‘Put On Your Red Shoes’ is an invitation to attend the biggest, most eclectic, slightly topsy turvy, celebration of dance in Plymouth.

FUSE Diverse Dance lead practitioner Suzie West said: “Our performance interweaves four worlds, many stories and a whole host of dancers from across the city. All styles, all cultures, all together. It’s been amazing working with the FUSE team and other incredible dancers and artists from the city to put this production together.

The performance is split into two acts: Act One is a promenade performance where audiences will be guided around by characters, opening Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 The Filling Station, Yelverton Every fourth Friday Top up spiritually: we are not a church but an informal way of expressing the Christian faith at monthly meetings. Everybody is welcome. Meet at Yelverton Golf Club Golf Links Rd, Yelverton at 7.30pm. For details visit www.thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Les and Di Wood 01822 854877.

Singing 4 Fun Thursdays We welcome new members. St Pauls Church, Torridge Way, Efford from 2pm to 3.30pm. For details call Janette 07854 850830.

Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events. Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start.

Socially, we will be enjoying ‘High Tea’ at Yelverton Golf Club and our date for Xmas Lunch has been set for December 15. Details of our Groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

Bingo Night Wednesdays Mainstone Community Centre with eyes down at 7.30pm. Eight page book plus one flyer costs only £6.

Raffle every week and tea or coffee, or if you prefer something stronger there is a bar.

Whitleigh: Tea, Toast and Timebanking Wednesdays 10-12.

Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Share a cuppa and a chat with local people. Everyone welcome. 01752 875916 Whitleigh: Mini Allotment Group.

Alternate Wednesdays 12-1pm. Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Come

doors to their worlds and memories. In Act Two, they’ll take their seats in the auditorium to see these stories unfold and characters meet.

When booking their tickets audiences are asked to choose which audience group they’d like to be part of: Red Carnations, Red Stilettos or Red Threads. Each group will take a diverse adventure around the building and be immersed in different worlds, from swinging 30s, Latino lounges and modern day world fusions. But don’t worry - no adhoc audience participation required!

Put On Your Red Shoes performances take place at the Plymouth Athenaeum on February 15 and February 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost just £8 full or £6 concessions (inclusive of all booking fees and charges). Book at barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131. and potter in our little garden. No experience necessary. 01752 875916 Regular Events at Leigham Community Hall Tuesday Pilates 9.45am to 10.45am Wednesday night bingo eyes down 7pm; Thursday night Clubbercise: an exercise class like no other 6pm to 7pm; Friday morning breakfasts 9am to 12 noon; Friday Night Youth Club for children up to seven years old.

Barnardo’s Children’s Centre, Whitleigh Monday: Parenting Groups. Call 875933 for more information; Garden Time - come and play outside 11.30am to 12.30pm Tuesday: Sensational Babies - sensory experience for pre-walkers 9.30am to 10.45am; Bump Buddies - for pregnant ladies and partners 1pm to 2.30pm. Booking essential.

Wednesday: Garden Time - come and play outside 11am to 12 noon; Thursday: Midwife clinic appointments only 9.30am 4pm; Latch-On group 10am to 11.30am; Step by Step for children with additional needs 1pm to 2.15pm; Friday: Community cafe 9.30am to 11am.

For more information call 01752 875933 Regular Events at William Sutton Village Hall, Crownhill Mondays: New Age Kurling for over 50s 12.30pm to 2pm; ACT Community Theatre group 7pm to 9pm; Tuesdays: Knit & Natter 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Wednesdays: Lace making 7pm to 9pm (except summer holidays); Fridays: Yoga 10am to 12pm (except school holidays); Saturdays: Bingo 2pm to 4pm; Katie Su School of Dance Mondays 10am to 11am and 4pm to 6.30pm; Wednesdays 4pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Every second Sunday 11am to 1pm Plymouth O Gauge model railway group.

Derriford Townswomen’s Guild Second Tuesday of the month at 2pm (except August) We meet at Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive Drive, Derriford, Plymouth. Visitors are very welcome to come to our meeting to see if they are interested in joining our Guild. We usually have a speaker and if you decide to join our guild we also have a gardening club, craft group and social studies group. A coffee morning is held each month and there is also a

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

scrabble group and bridge club. For further information you can contact our Secretary Jenny Homeyard on 01752 781291.

Sensational Babies Tuesdays and Wednesdays A baby group with some sensory experiences for prewalkers. Tuesdays at Whitleigh Children’s Centre 9am to 10.45am; Wednesdays at Southernway Children’s Centre 9.30am to 10.45am.

Flamenco Beginners Lessons Thursdays Friendly and social group with a passion for Flamenco and Spanish culture. Lessons are for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome as we use a range of levels where students can develop their technique through hand and arm movements and foot tapping. Flamenco is a fun way to exercise whilst learning this fiery and emotional dance. Meet at Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Sevillanas Rumbas & Castanets 7-8pm Compas of 12 & Rumbas. For details call Mercedes on 07848836630 or FB Mercedes Romero Flamenco Salsa & More

Popular comedian Nish Kumar at Theatre Royal

RASC/RCT/RLC Association (Plymouth Branch) Branch meetings are now held on a Tuesday evening at 8pm in order that we may be able to meet up with the Army Reservists after their drill session. The branch meetings will be held as usual at the Army Reserve Centre Brest Road Derriford and the dates for 2019 are as follows: March 12, May 14, July 9, Sept 10, Nov 12. The AGM will be on Tuesday Jan 14, 2020 at 8pm. Please attend as many meetings as you can to give support to your committee, in order to keep the branch alive. If any member need support please contact the branch secretary or welfare officer. The Corps Annual Dinner will be held mid January 2020.

Aden Veterans Calling all Aden Veterans. Did you know that the Aden Veterans Plymouth Branch meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at the RAOB Club in North Hill at 7.30pm. Why not go along and meet like-minded people.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Meetings Tuesdays 6pm – 7.15pm. St Barnabas Church, The Lounge (enter by separate entrance to left of surgery), St Barnabas Terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth PL1 5NN. Visit the website at www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk.

National Phone 01590 610 936.

Badminton Club Fridays Non league club meets on Friday evenings at

Devon Army Cadet Force Voluntary uniformed youth organisation which allows young people aged from 12 to 18 to gain a wide variety of skills and experiences. There is no commitment to join the military, you don’t even need an interest in the military. Parade two nights a week at eight different locations in the Plymouth and surrounding areas. For details of local detachment and further information please call 01752261525. The telephone line is not manned 24 hours so please feel free to leave a message.

Families Need Fathers (FNF) Second Wednesday of every month Monthly support meeting 7.30pm to 10pm at the RAOB Club, 41 North Hill, Plymouth, PL4 8EZ. If you are separating or divorcing and are worried about not seeing your children, please come to our monthly meeting for support, information and advice. Talk to people in a similar situation or who have been through similar experiences and understand the family court process. FNF is a registered charity founded in 1974 that helps thousands of parents every year. We believe that each parent has a unique contribution to make to their children’s development and that children have a right to enjoy a loving relationship with both parents after separation.

Meetings are open to mothers and fathers and to family members and friends who would like to attend with or on behalf of a parent. For more information, please call Andrew Bull (general secretary) on 01752 793 325, e-mail us at info@plymouth.fnf.org.uk, or visit the website at plymouth.fnf.org.uk

Godly Play Club Tuesdays St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. From 4pm to 5pm for 4 to 11 year olds. An imaginative approach to storytelling using 3D figures and then doing some ‘wondering’ about the story. Children can choose which artwork they would like to do and each session is always followed by a feast! All children welcome to this free club. Em

RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) Dates of branch meetings for 2019 are as follows: Feb 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, Aug 28, Sept 25, Oct 23 and Nov 27.

Meetings will start at 10.30am, followed by a coffee break around 11am, all held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth. The Branch AGM, will be on March 6 at 12 noon, followed by a lunch break again at Raffles break. We look forward to meeting members old and new. Please try to come along to these meetings and show support to your Branch and the committee and also help to keep the association alive.

weather permitting. Call 07873 483001 for details or Google Dartmoor Flying.

Eddystone Model Flying Club Provide help and free instruction for flying radio control fixed wing. Members fly 24/7 weather permitting. New members are welcome as well as experienced fliers. For details visit www.eddystonemfc. net or phone Dave on 07941 040633 or Mike on 01752 403124.

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

Flamenco Beginners Lessons Thursdays Friendly and social group with a passion for Flamenco and Spanish culture. Lessons are for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome as we use a range of levels where students can develop their technique through hand and arm movements and foot tapping. Flamenco is a fun way to exercise whilst learning this fiery and emotional dance. Meet at Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Sevillanas Rumbas & Castanets 7-8pm Compas of 12 & Rumbas. For details call Mercedes on 07848836630 or FB Mercedes Romero Flamenco Salsa and more.

February 2019 27

Popular comedian Nish Kumar is coming to Plymouth. Host of the popular Mash Report on BBC2, he is appearing at the Theatre Royal on March 30. Having sold out the first leg of his brand new tour, he is extending the nationwide programme with a series of additional dates.

Nish has achieved huge success on the stand-up circuit with five rave reviewed solo stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, two of which had been nominated for the prestigious Comedy Award for Best Show in both 2015 and 2016.

His new show will feature jokes about politics, mankind’s capacity for self-destruction and if this will lead to the end of days.

For tickets and information visit www.theatreroyal.com

Whiteford Road, Plymouth to play casual badminton.

All adults welcome including over fifties. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com

previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Jacqui on 07814 355844.

Book Stall, Social Call Second Saturday of month Join in the games and fun at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. Books, tea, coffee and cake for sale. 2pm to 4pm. Proceeds to support the local Samaritans and the Smile train, an overseasd medical charity, repairing hair lips and cleft palates.

Club Focus Camera Club Mondays Meets at the Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth. Meets first and third Monday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For details see www. clubfocusplymouth.co.uk

Breathe Easy Plymouth First Tuesday of the month Breathe Easy Plymouth, a local support group for anyone with a lung condition, their carers or anyone interested in supporting the group, meets regularly at Tothill Community Centre at 1.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Entry is free and there is tea and coffee with biscuits, then usually a speaker. All are welcome. For more details phone Anne on 01752 402310 or Christine on 01752 220919 Buddhist meditation classes Weekday lunchtime meditations 12.15pm - 12.45pm, Wednesday evenings - Introduction to meditation class - 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday evenings - 7.30pm - 9.30pm Meditation - The Art Of Positive Thinking, Sunday mornings 11.30am - 12.30pm Find Inner Peace, Sunday mornings - Children’s classes - 10.30am 11.15am. Held at Ashoka Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 33 Sutherland Road, Plymouth. Tel 01752 224137 www.meditationinplymouth.org Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No

Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary.

Free. Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk

GraceNotes Acapella Group Mondays, Burraton Community Centre, Saltash.

7.30pm to 10pm. GraceNotes Acapella is a ladies close harmony acapella chorus who sing a wide and varied repertoire from traditional barbershop songs, through to modern Disney classics! Competing both locally and nationally, as well as performing at many singouts throughout the year, new members are always welcome! Rock up to a rehearsal and see what we do!

Email gracenotessaltash@gmail.com or find them on social media for more information.

Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly.

11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn. mckenzie1@nhs.net Kreative Kidz Tuesdays Crafts, Science and cookery- age 6 months - preschool 12.30pm to 2pm. £5 or £4 if booked in four week blocks. To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from ages 5 to 16. Cooker, crafts and STEM activities. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm.To book email: info@wkuk. org. Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

CSPA Second Tuesday of the month The Civil Service Pensioners Alliance meet at the Raffles Club, 5 Ermington Terrace, Mutley from 10.30am to 12 noon. All members of the Plymouth and District branch are welcome to attend. For more information call 01752 946896.

Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops - activities range from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10 per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info@wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Dancing Duo Fortnightly on Saturdays The Elm Community Centre, Estover PL6 8EU 7.45pm to 10.45pm with Henry and Jeannie. Ballroom, Latin, Sequence, Old Time and more. Free parking. Entry £6. Bring your own soft drinks and snacks. For more information call Jeannie on 01803 325905 or visit www.dancingduo.co.uk

Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport. We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions. Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800.

Dartmoor Gliding Friendly Flying on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,

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28 February 2019

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

• continued from page 23 Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events.

Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start. Details of groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

National Trust Plymouth Centre (NTPC) The group helps members to make even more of their NT membership and meet like minded people.

Meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4PG. Entrance is £3 for members and £4 non-members which includes light refreshments. Any queries regarding membership please contact Judy Unitt on 01752 290437 or email: judy.ntt@gmail.com.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Phobias Support Group Meets on Mondays at the Estover Elm Centre at 6.30pm. For details contact Daniel on 07500 837703 Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group If you are more than fifty years old and live in the Plymouth area we invite you to come to our regular meetings and meet some new friends. On the second Friday of each month we have free meetings and invite MPs, local councillors, local businesses, anyone able to speak on issues that affect older people, to come and talk to us. These meetings are held in the Wolseley Trust Community Building (next to Sheila’s Café in Wolseley Road), behind the Co-op just down from Milehouse traffic lights going towards St Budeaux. These meetings start 10.30am and end at 1pm, many buses stop outside the Co-op and if you come by car parking is usually available. We also have regular social meetings and would like to advise everyone that these will now be held at the Oak Villa Sports & Social Club in Ferndale Road, Plymouth (PL2 2EL) just down the road from Weston Mill Cemetery.

The No 13 Target Travel bus stops quite near it, and there is a large car park virtually next door to the hall.

These meetings are from 2pm to 4pm and we supply a very good buffet and as with all of our meetings we do have a raffle. Members of our group have free access but non-members will be asked to pay £2.

Anyone intending to come regularly to these meetings would find it more economical to pay the £12 single £20 double annual membership fee, and would also be eligible to take advantage of our subsidised taxi scheme (£2 each way). Members are also able to enjoy our regular meetings when we have short mat bowls, darts and other activities, and come to the two meals out every year. So anyone looking for good company and interesting meetings and would like more information please contact the Secretary Mrs Margaret Williams 01752 350498 or email tomag42@ hotmail.co.uk Performance Training (5-25s) Barbican Theatre’s dance and theatre workshops enable young people to build their confidence and learn new skills and techniques alongside professionals. Visit www.barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131.

Play-writing, Performing, & Creative Writing The Playwriters Organisation meets on Monday nights (6-8pm) for Creative Writing & Acting, Wednesday nights(6-8pm) for Acting & Theatre Production, Friday (10.15am-12.30pm) for Play-writing & Creative Writing.

All sessions are at the Playwriters mini-theatre above The Noah’s Ark, Courtney St (behind WHSmith).

Contact on 01752786777 for more details or go to www.playwriters.org.

Plymouth Archers Tuesday and Friday Archers who are registered with Archery GB are very welcome to come along. We run taster and beginner’s sessions throughout the year and have very good indoor and outdoor facilities at Stoke Damerel Community College. For more information visit www.plymoutharchers.co.uk or contact the chairman on 01752 784051 mobile 07443432375. The club is open to anyone over the age of 10 and the school has very good disability access. We also arrange social activities throughout the year. Sessions take place between 7pm and 9pm.

Plymouth Petanque Club A friendly club and a great way to be active for people of any age and ability. We meet for social games every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons throughout the year. Average attendance is about 25 -30 players.

These sessions are suitable for new players as we play to basic rules with the emphasis on fun, and we always stop halfway through for tea and biscuits

Leading law firm appoints Katy as marketing director Multi-million pound Plymouth law firm, GA Solicitors, has promoted Katy McKenna, a marketing professional with nearly 15 years of experience, to marketing and communications director.

Having previously undertaken a number of inhouse and agency roles, Katy has worked with a wide range of regional, national and international brands securing press coverage in the US and China, as well as in numerous national magazines and newspapers.

She joined GA Solicitors in 2012 as marketing executive and was quickly promoted to marketing manager after significantly raising the firm’s profile and spearheading the firm’s rebrand from Gill Akaster Solicitors to GA Solicitors.

The start of 2019 sees her role expand to also focus on client service, including management of the firm’s reception team, as well as to facilitate and identify business development opportunities for the firm.

Stephen Ramsden, managing partner of GA Solicitors commented: “Katy has brought a fresh approach to the marketing of the firm and the

(or cake for celebrations!) and a chat. We play at Brickfields Sports Centre and further information can be found on our newly updated website. www. plymouthpetanque.org.uk Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed

by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are DBS checked, and teach Shotokan karate. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards. For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@ plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Plymouth Handball Club Thursdays Between 6pm and 7pm at Plymouth Life Centre.

Come and play an Olympic sport. A fun/recreational session for adults 18+. All levels and abilities welcome. Session is £3 (1st session free) Contact Dave 07983605639, Facebook Plymouth Handball Club, email plymouthhandballclub@hotmail.com Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse, Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more. If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www.plymouthmac.co.uk Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This

scope of her role has changed significantly since she joined in 2012. Starting in a relatively junior position she demonstrated the impact that strategic marketing can have in regards to staff engagement and the bottom line, expanding both the role and her position in a short space of time.

“This latest promotion is testament to the skills and commitment she has demonstrated over the last six years. Client service has remained a focal point for the firm and Katy is well placed to manage this process, from a client’s first contact through to matter conclusion.”

Speaking of her promotion, Katy McKenna added: “Before starting at GA I was unsure what to expect.

When I joined I found a modern and innovative law firm which was keen to hear my thoughts, accepted my recommendations and engaged with all aspects of the marketing strategy.

“This level of support ensured I was able to secure results and, best of all, that every day I have been able to enjoy my work – not something everyone can say!” can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings.

Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group Second Thursday of the month The Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group aims to offer friendship and support to anyone who is affected

by Lymphoma (Hodgkins or Non Hodgkins Disease), whether patient (past or present), carer, family member or friend, and meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Derriford Health and Wellbeing Centre from 3pm to 4.30 pm. For information, please call Pam on 01752 785094 or Scott on 01752 661035 Plymouth Play Association For hire of resources for play, recycling scrapstore and arts and crafts. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10am-2pm, Thursday 10am-7pm.

Details 01752 256633.

Plymouth Proprietary Library Weekdays except Friday The Library has moved into new premises in the former doctor’s surgery in St Barnabas Terrace in Stoke. The library is now open and continuing to run its usual activities which range from reading and poetry groups to monthly lunchtime talks and coffee mornings. Suggestions as to new groups and ways which the library can reach out to the wider community are always welcome. Open every week day except Friday from 11am-3pm. So why not take advantage of the free parking and call in for a coffee and a look round?

Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764.

Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available.

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Plymouth Visually Impaired Bowls Club We play in the Plymouth Life Centre at the bowls hall on Tuesday morning from 10.30am to 1.30 pm and Friday morning from 12 noon to 2 30pm. In the summer we play on Tuesdays and Fridays on The Hoe from 10 30am to 1.30pm .If you require any more information please contact Colin Harris on 01752 222184.

Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford. The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926 Plymouth Bridge Club We meet for sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7pm, or Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1pm. It is thought that learning a foreign language or playing bridge is conducive to maintaining a healthy brain. The former is difficult whilst the latter is much easier. We also offer teaching for beginners and intermediates either Monday mornings at 10.15am or Thursday evenings at 7pm. Why don’t you call Steven Lacey on 07990 521570 or email admin@plymouthbridge.co.uk and come along and join our friendly and conveniently situated members owned club, just off Mutley Plain.

Plymouth Magic Circle Every second Thursday We meet the second Thursday of every month at The Walrus, Athenaeum Street, from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to join us, come along to a meeting. A list of current events is at www.plymouthmagiccircle.co.uk Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to 18. Try your hand at performing, set design and construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. St Bartholomew’s Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop.co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact David on 01752 402981.

Plymouth Radio Club Second Tuesday of every month.

The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth.

Commencing 7.30 pm. For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail. co.uk or telephone 07815542477.

Plymouth West Country Embroiderers Various dates Started in 1972. A friendly group of enthusiastic needleworkers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Trainees (age 8-15) meet first Saturday each month from 11am to 3pm. Adults meet on second Thursday and fourth Saturday each month from 10.30am. We welcome experts and beginners of all ages. Contact Mary 01752 200047 for details.

Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night.

Plymouth Meet Up Group First Tuesday of the month A social group for people with disabilities. Meets at Igrow Workspace 25 Phoenix Street from 4pm to 7pm for a chat and games and a short walk to the nearby Mount Pleasant pub for a meal. £2 for members and £3 for non-members. For more information call David on 017523 268777.

Plymouth U3A Second Monday of the month If you are retired, no longer in full time employment looking for new interests and to make new friends, then come along to the next monthly meeting of the Plymouth U3A and listen to our speaker. We meet at The Crowne Plaza from 10am to 12pm. Coffee available on arrival. U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is organised and run by volunteers, there are over 70 groups to find out about and maybe join, creating opportunities for continuation of learning. A non member can attend as a visitor, further information can be obtained via the welcome and promotions desk on the day, or in advance by telephoning 01752 563551, joining on the day is also an option. We look forward to meeting you.

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Plymouth Fishkeepers Society First and Second Wednesday of the Month. 8pm at the Hyde Park Social Club. If you are interested in the hobby of keeping tropical fish and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. Interests among members are diverse, and there is without doubt someone in the society who can answer questions covering most aspects of the hobby. The society caters for newcomers to people who have been in the hobby for a long time. Just bought your first fish tank? Then Plymouth Fishkeepers Society is the place for you.

Service and veterans children quiz local MPs

Plymouth & District Egyptology Society First Saturday of the month We are a society of some 50 members whose passion is all things related to Ancient Egypt. Between the months of September of one year to May of the next, we meet on the first Saturday of each of those months, including Day Schools, and long weekend visits to UK and European cities to view Museum Egyptology Exhibitions, enjoying the local sights etc. The Society meets at the The Quaker House on Mutley Plain. Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture. Contact Details: janis. naylor@aol.co.uk Pray Plymouth Every Wednesday morning Organised by Churches Together in Plymouth from 7am to 8am at Open Doors Language School, 14-15, Woodland Terrace Lane, Greenbank, Plymouth.

Breakfast from 8am to 9am. Details 01752 249187.

Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader.

Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc. No previous experience is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition. Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@ gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Plymouth Cycling Touring Club Meet Sundays for a leisure cycle ride. For our latest rides list and meet time/place see www.plymouthctc. co.uk or contact Graham Black 01752 606650 or Andy Prideaux 01752 345170 for more information.

Plymouth Die-Cast Model Collectors Club First Wednesday of the month A club for anyone interested in or a collector of old toys, Dinky, Corgi, Tinplate etc. Meetings are quite informal, any club business is discussed along with a good gossip over a cup of tea or coffee. The meetings are held at the Jan Cutting Centre, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 7pm - 9pm. New members are always made very welcome with no charge for a first visit.

For further details or information please contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250, or check out the Club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com.

Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome.

For more details of club activities please visit www. plymouthanddistrictkoikeeperssociety.org or ring Sandra Crocker on 01752 210118.

Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club for all Disabilities Sundays 11.15am to 1.15pm at Plymouth Life Centre.

Adults £2.50 per session, children £2 per session.

Under 5s free. Annual membership £5.

Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well estab lished walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth. The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on 344048 or the chairman on 405132. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 4” the fourth book in a popular series of local walks.

Plymouth Inter Varsity Club We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run

February 2019 29

70yrs. Fees with concessions; excellent value. Quality equipment including clothing available for purchase at non-profit prices. Checkout www.plymouthaikido. co.uk or Facebook Page. Contact Tre or David Worsley 403325, or Phil Smith 219355 for more information.

Port of Plymouth Canoe Association Mondays , Thursdays and Saturdays May until September. Offering various introductory, taster and child ( 8-11 ) sessions throughout the spring and summer. For more information please contact Tracy Jones 01752 510653 email intro@ppca-club.org.uk or visit www.ppca-canoe-club.org.uk Road to Recovery Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting every Friday at St Matthias Church Hall, North Hill. Doors open 6.30pm. Meeting 7pm- 9pm. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Family, friends, health professionals etc also welcome. Contact: Matt 07766 006 153 or Jo 07918 141715. AA Helpline: 0800 9177 650.

A group of Plymouth children got the chance to put their MPs in the hot seat.

The special event at the Council House saw more than 100 children and young people from the Military Kids Club (MKC) Heroes asking Plymouth’s three MPs Sir Gary Streeter, Luke Pollard and Johnny Mercer questions linked to their military family lives.

Topics discussed included the impact of Brexit on the Armed Forces, military children having to change schools and the quality of accommodation for service people.

The event was organised and chaired by the MKC Heroes Ambassadors’ group of secondary students and included students from 34 schools in the Plymouth area.

Madison Watkins, one of the chairpeople for the session said: “This was a great opportunity for MKC Heroes to talk with our MPs about what matters to us. We are pleased they are working together to help service and veterans’ children.”

MKC Heroes is a national support group for the children of service men and women and their relatives and is supported by The Royal British Legion and Plymouth City Council.

It brings together members of service families from all over the country, who are friends for each other, especially in times of need.

by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more? You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org , look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact 01752 550492 or 07810065982.

Boys’ Brigade Various dates and Venues For more information visit www.boys-brigade.org.uk or Facebook, Boy’s Brigade Plymouth. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Judes Church (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays).

New members very welcome. Age groups: Anchors (5-8); Juniors (8-11) and Company/Seniors (11-18). The Boys’ Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people.

5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time, and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6.30pm-7.45pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 11-18yrs (6.30-9pm). Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp (8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life. Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@blueyonder.co.uk 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term

It has over 7,000 members across the United Kingdom and in the Falkland Islands and was started in Plymouth.

Plymouth Council supported the development of a local cluster, which now has 160 schools nationwide. MKC Heroes are members of Plymouth Armed Forces Covenant and Plymouth City Youth Council.

Susanne Archard, area manager for The Royal British Legion in Devon and Cornwall, said: “The children and young people from MKC Heroes do a really important job as young advocates for service families.

“Most importantly, they are friends for each other and can provide advice for some of the different challenges these young people face such as having to move home and change schools, whilst often having a parent away.

We are grateful for the work of Plymouth City Council who kick-started and help build the group from scratch.”

Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, said: “It was great to listen to some very penetrative questions from the Club members, who raised some very relevant issues, such as the issue of changing schools frequently. It was a positive, vibrant meeting and I enjoyed the discussion.” time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit 7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with plotting or characterisation. The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays).

Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall with break in between for refreshments. Nice friendly atmosphere and a variety of music sung. Why not come along and see what it is all about. Musical director Catherine Davies, accompanist Olga Drougaleva. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434.

Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit well-respected community based Martial Arts club founded over 35 years ago. Classes at Woodview Learning Campus (off Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh) on Mondays and Coombe Dean School, Elburton, Plymstock on Fridays. Times: 7- 8pm Juniors, 7-9pm Adults. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art suitable for both Men and Women learning and working together. Enjoyable, interesting, useful, physical, family-friendly activity with Child Safeguarded/DBS Nationally qualified Instructors leading to recognised gradings appropriate for students of all ages 7yrs to

Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone. From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session.

Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for organisation and safeguarding. The club is operated by parents for all children and young people. The club trains every Sunday between 10am - 1pm at Bull Point ATP. The club cater for young people from 4-16 years and no previous experience is required. The first 6 weeks are free to new members and everyone who trains gets to play. For more information, please see the website at www.plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob on 07861 250682.

Solaris Yoga Enjoy vital relaxation, strengthening and toning muscles. Pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and adult yoga held at Plymouth Swallows, St Andrew’s Cross, Church of the Holy Spirit Southway, Crownhill Fort and Jump. Please call Shilpa on 0771 1899 530 for times of classes.

Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Brass Academy Thursdays Want to play with one of the finest Brass Bands in Devon then why not come along and give us a try.

We also have a thriving Youth Band for younger players which is supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service. Both groups practice at The Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover on Thursday evenings (Juniors 6p.m. to 7.30p.m. and Seniors 7.30-9.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www. soundhousebrass.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details.

South West Chamber Choir Wednesdays Marjon Chapel 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We are a friendly auditioned choir of 25 to 30 singers specialising in unaccompanied singing, with a programme of madrigals, partsongs and sacred works. We give four concerts annually as well as a weekend of sung services at a cathedral each July. A reasonable standard of sight-reading is needed to join. We welcome enquiries. www.swcchoir.org.uk Shotokan Karate Club Shotokan Karate club in Devonport High school for Girls on Monday and Friday evenings for all ages and grades starting at 6pm. This is an authentic Japanese art, taught in the same disciplined manner instilling personal responsibility for actions, promoting confidence and self esteem.

Karate taught in this environment is deemed to be beneficial for all ages and genders. All Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained.

Contact club secretary Steve on 07518471142 or Colin on 07968061887. Shotokan Karate Club in Eggbuckland Community college Drama studio on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 to 8.30 for all ages and grades. . An authentic Japanese art, all Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained. Contact Georgina on 07807184279. Children’s Shotokan Karate Class in St Budeaux parish church hall, specifically for ages 7 to 12 years old, parents can train alongside their children in a relaxed and friendly environment. All Instructors

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Preliminary STEM returners wanted by work starts on Babcock for Devonport Forder Valley Link Road

30 February 2019 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY @PlymChronicle • continued from page 25 DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained.

Saturday mornings 10am to 11am Contact Georgina on 07807184279 Tea Morning Wednesdays Plymouth Unitarian Cafe 10am - 12 noon. Why not drop in for a bit of relaxation, a cuppa, knitting, a game, some reading or colouring? Or just have a sit down and rest. Dementia friendly. Tea/coffee and a biscuit 60p. All money taken goes to our charities for the year, Plymouth Samaritans and the Smile Train

Enabling works for the £55 million Forder Valley Link Road are under way.

The Specials Wednesday Club For adults with learning disabilities. YMCA Plymouth, Honicknowle Lane from 6pm to 8pm £3 per week.

Further information www.sopd.org.uk The Arts Society South Devon We are part of The Arts Society, the National Association, and have about 250 members. We hold monthly evening lectures on a wide range of Arts topics, occasional morning lectures, Study Days, Tours, Visits and Concert visits. We would be pleased to welcome new members and introductory guest visits are available. See website for programme information and other details (www.theartssocietysouthdevon. org.uk) or contact Jim Stevens, Membership Secretary (jst74@hotmail.co.uk).

Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk.

Tel. 07949 839088 Tamar Valley Westerners Sundays Established for more than 20 years, Tamar Valley Westerners run a country and western evening and line dancing at the Hyde Park Social Club from 8pm to 11pm. Live entertainment every week with a brilliant atmosphere, all types of dancing and bar for refreshments. Members £5, non members £6. All welcome.

The Pythagorean Society First Friday of the month held at Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road, PL2 3PY. 7 pm – 9 pm. We have a different topic each month with a guest speaker, covering a wide range of esoteric subjects. Please see our website for details www.pythagoreansociety.wordpress.net or email mail@pythagoreansociety.net The Plymouth Regional Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Our group is specifically aimed at head and neck patients, their partners and/or carers. Our support group will also welcome anyone who wishes to join us for whatever reason. You don’t have to be a cancer patient to join us but those cancer patients without a support group of their own will be made especially welcome. Due to the nature of this particular disease, most of our members are from the older age group.

We meet up once a month and take a trip out somewhere away from the clinical environment. We might also be able to help with transport if necessary.

Please contact: Geoff Read on (01752) 563 800 or email Secretary.PlymouthHNC@gmail.com

To enable the main construction works to start later in the year, Plymouth City Council’s contractors will be undertaking some enabling works alongside setting up their site compound.

There will be a lane closure on the southbound approach to Forder Valley Road on Novorossiysk Road until the middle of February, but this will only be during off-peak hours.

Babcock International is looking for qualified engineers looking to return to work after career breaks.

Launching in April 2019, Babcock will begin a STEM Returners programme at its Devonport facility following the success of a similar return to work initiative for engineers at its Bristol base.

The initial programme, aimed at getting engineers working again following breaks in their working lives, runs for 13 weeks.

With two of the original five ‘returners’ on the Bristol programme now in full time employment with the company, Babcock will extend the initiative and run S TEM Returners at its facility on the south-west coast specifically targeting those with Mechanical and Design Engineering and Senior Safety Case Engineering skills experience.

Aimed at these already highly-qualified male and female engineers, Babcock’s programme, in partnership with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), will offer returners’ the chance to refresh their technical training, workplace experience and take advantage of specialised mentoring and coaching.

Craig Lockhart, managing director of Naval Church Plymstock Road: contact 402340; Wednesdays 10.30-12 noon at Mount Gould Methodist Church Hall: contact 560289; Wednesdays 1.15pm-2.45pm at Emmanuel Church Hall Mannamead: contact 768890.

A monthly meeting is held on the second Tuesday of every month at Emmanuel Church Hall; Monthly Drop In with Dance Session: Contact 55665; Carers coffee meet first Monday of the month: contact 704075.

Other activities include lunches, outings, and an annual holiday

Dartmoor Rambling Club The Dartmoor Rambling Club is a long established Rambling Club based in Plymouth. We have a regular programme of walks on alternate Wednesdays and Yankee Yoga at some weekends. The Wednesday walks generally Various days use public transport from Plymouth City Centre to All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes. the start of the walk. Wednesday walks are usually Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) about 8 to 10 miles on Dartmoor or on the coast 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; and are taken at a pace to suit the participants. The Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays weekend walks may use cars for transport and may 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym go a little further afield. We are a small group looking (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class: Yoga to welcome new members. Our annual subscription Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill). Contact Emily on is just £5. We can email you our programme if you 07478 257080. email johnskinner@tinyworld or more details can be obtained by phoning John (Chairman) on 01752 National Trust Plymouth 782454, John (Treasurer) on 01752 218476 or Ron St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 19 Larkham Lane, (member) on 01752 674230.

Plympton. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm. For more information regarding membership please contact Judy Unitt on 01752 290437 Plymouth City Roller Derby Roller Derby is in your city and recruiting now! The or email judy.ntt@gmail.com only Roller Derby club in the West Devon - East Cornwall region, Plymouth City Roller Derby has Plymouth and District Parkinson’s Group been an active bouting club since 2010, achieving Gentle exercise led by a fully trained physiotherapist a clean sweep of wins for our female travel team every week at four locations. Tuesdays 10.30-12 noon at all our 2018 British Championship bouts. We are at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall Milehouse contact a skater owned and operated CIC and accepting 556651; Tuesdays 10.15-11.45 at Plymstock United new starters. Roller Derby is a full contact sport,

Marine at Babcock International said: “As one of the largest and most complex engineering businesses in the UK, we are excited to launch a STEM Returners initiative in Devonport which is designed to encourage skilled engineers back to the workplace.

“Our engineering sector is at the forefront of modern thinking and is embracing new technologies which provide the ultimate opportunity for engineers to return to a dynamic environment.”

He added: “Babcock is looking for qualified and enthusiastic engineers to join the programme with the opportunity of securing a career with us going forward.”

As well as attracting those returning from a career break, the programme is also looking to encourage individuals currently working in other industries but who are looking to transfer to the engineering sector to apply.

Babcock and STEM Returners are committed to creating long term back to work opportunities. All candidates will be assessed for a permanent position at the end of a placement and job offers will be made to those successfully fulfilling the programme requirements.

Candidates wishing to apply have until February 8 and can do so through: www. stemreturners.com/returner-registration participants must be 18+. sessions Wednesdays 8-10pm at YMCA John Kitto for all new recruits, 1st taster session free, £5 per session thereafter. 2nd session 2 participants for the price of one if bringing a friend. No skating experience required to begin. see www.plymouthcityrollerderby.co.uk/join-us for more details.

Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults Thursdays Beginner and experienced artists welcome.

Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. The Burrator Inn, Dousland, nr Yelverton Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon. Easy car parking at both venues. For more information call Janet on 07742 983311.

Devon Family History Society Fourth Tuesday of month Come along to our meetings and hear interesting and varied talks. Occasionally, we hold members evening where people can give a resume on their family history. If anyone is hitting a brick wall, members will offer advice on how to resolve it. Meetings take place at Sturgeon Hall, Mutley Plain, (parking is free),starting at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are available. Any queries on membership or meetings please contact markparkman@icloud.com Discovery Writing Group First Friday of the month A small community of writers who meet to write and discuss writing, and to encourage one another to maintain our creative momentum. Prose, poems, scripts, whatever. All welcome. Writing games and exercises, opportunities to share work and publishing possibilities. Latest info on Plymouth cultural activities over free beverages. Donations welcome. Meet at The Clipper on Union Street 10am to 12 noon. Details James Bridgwater 07506716546 bridgwaterjg@gmail.com

This will allow the set-up of a site access route into the working area and to accommodate machinery and materials.

Two-way traffic will be maintained using a contraflow on the northbound carriageway.

To help keep traffic moving at the busiest times, this lane closure will only be in place between 9.30am to 3.30pm on Monday to Friday but also throughout the weekends.

The footway on the southbound side of Novorossiysk Road will also be closed while the lane closure is in place, with a signed diversion via the northbound side.

The Forder Valley Link Road creates a second route between the A38 and Derriford, avoiding the often heavily congested Manadon roundabout and A386 Tavistock Road through Crownhill.

It will help reduce journey times to and from key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and the Plymouth Science Park.

Providing this second route will also help improve reliability of bus services that use the existing A386 Northern Corridor, whilst also providing alternative safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Together with the major investments such as the Derriford Transport Scheme, the Derriford Hospital Interchange, the new Marjon Link Road and the planned widening of the A386 between Woolwell Roundabout and The George Park and Ride, the Forder Valley Link Road is another part of the infrastructure jigsaw that is key to unlocking 4,300 new homes and a new district centre with shops, community, leisure and health facilities.

These are all part of the planned growth for northern Plymouth over the next 15 years set out in the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.

Outline planning permission for the scheme was granted in December 2013 with a further detailed approval in July 2018.

February 2019 31

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NSPCC appeals for volunteers to keep children safe in Plymouth

Michelle Green and Buddy

The NSPCC is appealing for more volunteers in Plymouth, to help teach primary school children about the different types of abuse.

The children’s charity funds a Schools Service across Plymouth, which sees trained members of staff and volunteers deliver Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies to children.

The assemblies are tailored to different year groups to ensure the content is age-appropriate, and children are helped to identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they have worries about themselves or a friend.

Michelle Green, NSPCC’s schools service area co-ordinator for Plymouth and Cornwall said: “The children learn about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and bullying.

“We have some wonderful volunteers who make it possible for us to deliver these important messages to school children across Plymouth.

“They are dedicated, enthusiastic and have a passion for keeping children safe. We are looking for more volunteers to help us deliver this service and would love to hear from anyone with a passion for protecting children.”

The last academic year saw more than 20 schools in Plymouth welcome NSPCC staff and volunteers to deliver Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies to more than 6,000 children with the help of the charity’s mascot Buddy.

Michelle added: “On average, two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect and so we aim to visit every primary school across Plymouth every three years to deliver our Speak Out Stay Safe programme.

“We know that one in three children who have been sexually abused by an adult did not tell someone at the time. Our assemblies and workshops empower a generation of children to know about the different kinds of abuse and how they can talk to a trusted adult if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.”

The assemblies are for children aged 5-11 and teach them about safeguarding and abuse in a lively, interactive and memorable way.

They learn about the NSPCC’s Childline service and how it can support them at any time of the day or night. Many of them go home singing the Childline number, which they are taught to remember through actions.

Jill Cooper has been volunteering with the charity’s School Service for six years, delivering assemblies and workshops to primary school children in Plymouth, South Devon and South East Cornwall.

She says: “Being involved in the NSPCC’s Schools Service is something I love doing. I get a huge amount out of it. I like being around young people, because that’s something I missed when I left teaching. I find it

more than 8,000 schools and spoke with around 1.8 million children in the UK and Channel Islands about abuse.

Older students, in years 5 and 6, take part in additional workshops that go into more details – looking at different scenarios and deciding whether they are OK or not OK. Teachers are present throughout the assemblies and workshops, which are free for all primary schools.

Jill added: “They are the ones who know the students and can interpret what a child’s body language might say. Some teachers are frightened about talking to students about abuse for a number of reasons. Our main role is to open the conversation Photo: Tom Hull up, so that teachers can go on to having those discussions with their pupils afterwards.”

NSPCC research shows one in 20 children have been sexually abused.

Michelle said: “It takes a special kind of person to volunteer for our Schools Service. It can be a difficult subject for adults to broach with these children, so we need volunteers who are comfortable doing just that to help teachers continue these important conversations with their students.”

If you’d like to find out more about how you can volunteer with the NSPCC’s Schools Service contact 02920 108133 or southwestappeals@ nspcc.org.uk.

The NSPCC is committed to keeping children really worthwhile.” safe and every penny raised for the charity helps Jill is a former deputy headteacher at a secondary ensure every child has the chance to thrive, free from school in the city, but says you don’t have to have a abuse or neglect. teaching or safeguarding background to become a For more information on how you can fundraise volunteer with the service, because of the quality of for the NSPCC contact Alison Armer, Community the training involved.

Fundraising Manager for Cornwall, Plymouth and Devon “I get a lot out of working with other volunteers,” on 07779341767 or Alison.armer@nspcc.org.uk. says Jill.

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a “They are all different ages, they have fascinating child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or and different backgrounds. The way into this role isn’t visit nspcc.org.uk for advice. Children can call Childline through teaching alone.” on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Both are free and In 2017/18 the charity’s Schools Service team visited available 365 days a year.

MP opens new playground equipment at Victoria Road Primary Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer has officially opened the new playground equipment at Victoria Road Primary School.

The project has been supported through North Yard Community funding and provides children at the school with a

range of new play opportunities.

During his visit Mr Mercer also watched the children’s field gun crew in action and Victoria Road’s student parliament also interviewed him about his job role and how parliament operates.

He was impressed with the work the children were doing and enjoyed his time at the school.

He said he would like to return to the school to do some follow up work on democracy and decision making with the school’s student parliament.

USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 08451 558155 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Transco (Gas Emergency Service) 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Helplines

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 01752 666777 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Association 07410 977598 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel

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

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

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Reel Cinema 01752 225553 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

32 February 2019

@PlymChronicle

Bid to boost students' university chances Former students of state secondary schools in Plymouth are being urged to use their experience and skills of higher education to boost current students’ chances of going to university.

New year, new you, new skills At the start of a New Year many people set goals to achieve over the next 365 days and most will be broken, but adult eduction offers something adults can stick to.

In the spirit of ‘new year, new you’ an increasing number of adults decide to learn a new skill and improve their career prospects.

Returning to education as an adult can seem daunting. With bills to pay, children to look after and jobs to uphold, retraining or gaining a new qualification can seem like a pipe dream.

From access courses and apprenticeships, to gold-rated foundation and full honours degrees, the South West’s top performing college can offer something for everyone. City College Plymouth offers a range of part-time and evening courses to fit around work and home life, with funding available so you can study without breaking the bank. It is easier than you think to return to education!

Three local adult learners talked about their experiences of returning to education.

Nicola Hague, 39, from Hooe, runs her own beauty and face painting business and wanted to perfect her skills. The military mum found City College Plymouth offered a course in Make-up Artistry that would fit around her busy home life and meant she

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could continue working.

Nicola said: “Everyone at the college is very understanding especially of family life.

I’m a mature student with a husband in the services and a 12-year-old son, so making sure my studies fit around my home life was very important to me. Having the option to study part-time has allowed me to put my family first and still have time to do something I love.

“Having access to funding has meant I don’t have to worry about money and what I do earn can go straight to supporting my family.

“This course has opened my eyes to a whole range of career opportunities and allowed me to make a lot of connections within the industry.”

Chelsey Fairnington, 26, from Whitleigh, has suffered from health issues since a young age, which affects her ability to study and work for long hours.

Having the option to study part-time at City College Plymouth meant Chelsey has been able to return to education and take the first step towards a successful career in the catering industry. She chose a Level 3 Certificate in Patisserie and Confectionery.

“As an adult learner I was apprehensive about returning to education but I know there is help available whenever I need it. I have felt supported right from the application process to being here and

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

The March edition of the Plymouth Chronicle

attending classes," said Chelsey.

“The different funding options have made doing my course possible, and I know without the Advanced Learner Loan I would not have been able to afford the course fees.

“The skills and techniques I have learnt will help me to gain part-time employment or jump start my own business. I’m really excited to get out in to the culinary world.”

Claudia Danaila, 35, from Devonport, was a stay at home mum looking to start a new job. With a passion for baking, she decided to turn her hobby into a career. City College Plymouth offered her the perfect pathway to return to education with a Level 3 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionery Claudia said: “There is so much support available at the college. The lecturers are there to help you every step of the way and the Advanced Learner Loan has made it possible for me to return to education. Being able to access funding has meant I haven’t had to worry about money and I can just enjoy learning.

“Since becoming a mother I have dedicated my time to staying at home and looking after my child, and studying part-time has meant I can fit my studies around my home life. I didn’t know it was possible to do it all, but I can gain a qualification, be a mum and work. Studying at the College has been a real turning point.”

The programme in ten schools and colleges locally is run by the national education charity Future First and funded by Next Steps South West, part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme which aims to widen participation in higher education, increasing the number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education by 2020.

Future First will help participating schools to engage their alumni communities, bringing back former students with experience of higher education as positive role models so the current generation is more motivated, confident and equipped to go to university.

Schools and colleges taking part are Lipson Co-operative Academy, Sir John Hunt Community Sports College, Hele's School, Marine Academy Plymouth, Tor Bridge High, City College Plymouth, Coombe Dean School, Notre Dame RC School, Torpoint Community College and Stoke Damerel Community College The charity is urging former students of the participating schools and colleges to sign up online at https://networks. futurefirst.org.uk/register to support the programme, which could change young people’s lives.

Under the scheme, Future First will work with careers staff and teachers in each school to run workshops supported by alumni volunteers with the aim of inspiring current students about the different courses available to them and enabling them to make a more informed decision about choosing the right university for them.

Charlotte True, Next Steps South West manager said: "We believe in the power of positive role models and real stories, and so are delighted to support Future First’s alumni network.

"Challenging the belief systems and behaviours of disadvantaged young people can start with one conversation.

Through hearing an authentic account of someone else’s experience in higher education, we will empower young students to envision their own future at university or college. '

in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on March 8, with a copy deadline of February 25.

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.

Chronicle Plymouth

February 2019

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The first group of trainee nursing from Univer associates sity Hospit als Plymou Southwest th and Livewe are celebra ll ting after succes completing sfully their trainin g.

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