Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North February 2021

Chronicle Plymouth

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Derriford & North

February 2021

COVID UPDATE

Plympton schoolboy Taylor Hardy has raised over £4000 for a Plymouth charity See page 11

See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

See inside for great range of discounts from city shops and businesses

Helicopter heroes

Little James Berry from Plymouth and his mum Natalie meet pilots Mark Woodley (left) and Dave Burgess (right) from the Children’s Air Ambulance during a special event in Bristol. James was just four months old when the helicopter heroes airlifted him to Derriford.

• See story on page 13

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2 February 2021

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It’s going to be tough but we all need to keep going It is fair to say the latest lockdown measures are tough for everyone.

By Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council

We are finally seeing a decline in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Plymouth, which is positive.

This is why I am appealing to everyone to keep doing what you are doing and to think about why it is important to follow the measures in place.

I know that across the city, families, individuals, businesses and organisations are making huge sacrifices, which we must not allow to be in vain.

We know everyone is tired and frustrated, but the power to bring down the infection rate is, literally, in our (frequently cleaned) hands.

The NHS is under huge pressure and while we hope the lockdown will help us turn a corner in the number of cases, it will be some time before we are all vaccinated. We are at a very dangerous point in time and I can’t stress enough how important it is that we all do our bit.

We must not let our guard down. Stay at home unless you absolutely have to go out;

ask yourself is that trip really essential?

We will keep the city running while people stay at home.

We are supporting schools and working with CaterEd to make sure children who usually get free school meals get fed when learning from home.

We’ve processed over £51 million in business support grants to help businesses get the support they desperately need and we are working with the police to make sure businesses – and the public – follow the guidance.

HELP US GET THE INFECTION RATE DOWN

It’s really heartening to see the vaccination programme well underway here in Plymouth. Our colleagues in the NHS are working flat out to get as many people vaccinated as supplies allow.

Those groups at highest risk of serious illness are being prioritised, in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommendations.

This covers staff and residents of care homes for older people, those over 80 and health and social care workers first, before moving to the over-75s, then the over-70s and clinically extremely vulnerable adults of any age.

While this is great news, this isn’t a golden ticket to normality. Until recently the number of COVID-19 cases was very

high locally. And whilst lockdown seems to now be working, it is clear that the new COVID-19 variant is here in Plymouth.

We need to keep our infection rates down by continuing to follow the lockdown rules.

It is vital that everyone stays at home as much as possible.

We should do everything we can to minimise contact with others, while making sure we continue to wash our hands frequently and wearing face coverings.

With one in three people with the virus not showing any symptoms, coupled with a far more transmissible variant of the virus, we need to make sure we keep our distance from others as much as possible.

If you have to go out – for essential shopping, for instance, or for exercise –

are you really keeping your distance from others as much as you could be?

Act as if you have the virus and everyone else also has the infection and we can help prevent the spread.

I know everyone is tired and restless, but if we get this right, it will save a lot of anguish in months to come.

Stay Safe Plymouth.

By Dr Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19. There are also daily updates on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Vaccine continues to roll out across Plymouth Thousands of people in Plymouth are now being vaccinated against COVID-19, as the biggest vaccination programme in the NHS’s history gathers pace.

This month the Home Park vaccination centre opened. The centre is managed by the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and will provide local people with another option when they receive their invitation for an appointment.

More than 145,000 people have received their first jab in Devon, with around 80 per cent of people aged 80 and over already vaccinated.

We know you will have questions about the vaccine and we hope the following information will help.

Who is being offered the vaccine?

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. At this time, the vaccine is being offered to people over 80, those who work in care homes and health and care workers at high risk. The vaccine will be offered more widely, and at other locations, as soon as possible.

How will I know it is my turn to get the vaccine?

The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It is important NOT to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then. When

it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation either by telephone or letter either from your GP or the national booking system.

This letter will include all the information you will need to book appointments, including your NHS number.

monitoring once it has been authorised and is being rolled out.

Yes. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, says the vaccines are very safe and highly effective. As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process and continued

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.

Is the vaccine safe?

Is the vaccine vegan/vegetarian friendly?

Yes. There is no material of animal or dairy origin in either vaccine.

Do I need to have the vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

Can I have the vaccine if I am pregnant?

The vaccines have not yet been tested in pregnancy, so until more information is available, in general those who are pregnant should not have this vaccine.

It is best to delay until after the baby is born; the vaccine is safe to have if you are breastfeeding. There may be a few exceptions such as when the woman is at very high risk for COVID-19, where they may decide to proceed after discussion with their GP or specialist. There is no evidence that the vaccine can effect fertility, and you do not need to avoid pregnancy after the vaccine.

Do I still need to follow the lockdown rules if I have received the vaccine?

Yes. It is really important to remember that it takes about three weeks for your own immune system to respond to the vaccine and for you to be protected. Those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are reminded that they must continue to follow the public health rules, including staying at home, social distancing, regularly washing hands and wearing a face covering.

For more information about the vaccine visit www.togetherfordevon.uk.

February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Don’t get caught out by scammers As the COVID-19 vaccination programme steps up a gear, Plymouth City Council is urging residents to beware of vaccine fraudsters.

The vaccine is a vital tool in our fight against COVID-19 and a safe and effective way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Sadly, there have been cases reported of dishonest individuals approaching members of the public to offer vaccines in return for payment. Therefore, we want to remind everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and that the NHS will get in touch when it is your turn to receive it.

If you’re contacted by anyone claiming to

3

be from the NHS who asks for payment or a fee – or who gives you a link to a website to take payment for the vaccine – it is a scam.

No-one from the NHS would come and knock on your door unannounced and you would not receive emails inviting you to click on links.

If anyone approaches you in this way, or attempts to force or coerce you into handing over funds – in person or otherwise – always contact the police.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AVAILABLE 24/7 FOR PEOPLE IN PLYMOUTH

Livewell Southwest is here to support you if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Livewell is the social enterprise delivering free NHS mental health support for children and adults across Plymouth including the First Response Service and Crisis Response Service, who provide 24/7 dedicated support if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis.

First Response is available to support people aged 18 and over who might be feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health.

The free service is available 24/7 on 0800 923 9323. Calls are answered by a trained mental health professional who will offer

dedicated support and advice or signpost or refer you to another service.

Face-to-face visits are made when necessary and the team can support people virtually via the Livewell Connect app.

Children and young people struggling with their mental health can also access round-the-clock support from their Crisis Response Service by calling 01752 435122.

And if you’re generally struggling with anxiety, depression or you’ve been feeling down lately, you can access help from Livewell’s Plymouth Options service.

It’s perfectly normal to be feeling this way during uncertain times and it’s important to access support if you are.

It’s a free, confidential NHS talking therapy service that can help you feel better, by giving you the tools and techniques to help improve your wellbeing.

Options is open to people aged 16 and over who are registered with a Plymouth GP and you can self-refer by emailing PCHCIC. plymouthoptions@ nhs.net, by calling 01752 435419 or by searching for ‘Plymouth Options’ online.

Update on lockdown grants for Plymouth businesses Do you, or does someone you know, run a business? Around 40 per cent of eligible businesses in Plymouth still haven’t claimed grant funding and could be missing out on thousands of pounds.

Plymouth City Council has been given a further £20.3 million to distribute in grants to support businesses during the third national lockdown. Grants are currently available for businesses that pay business rates and are legally required to close during lockdown.

All eligible businesses that successfully applied for a November lockdown grant through the Council will automatically be paid their grant funding, which includes the Local Restrictions Support Grant and the one-off Closed Business Lockdown Payment.

Businesses should look out for an email

confirming the amount of the grant payment, the scheme that the grant is from and the expected payment date.

However, the Council has only received grant applications from around 60 per cent of eligible businesses – which means that 40 per cent haven’t yet claimed the money available. If your business meets the criteria, please complete an application form as soon as possible.

If you are not eligible for these grants (for example, you do not pay business rates), you may be eligible for discretionary funding through the Additional Restrictions Grant.

Details of this funding, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, will be shared soon.

For more information about all the grant schemes, please visit www.investplymouth. co.uk/business-grants.

NOTE: The information on these pages was correct at time of going to press on February 4.

Please visit plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 for latest updates or sign up for email updates with the latest news and information at bit.ly/plymouthemailalerts

More vulnerable people will be supported in Plymouth thanks to £160,000 funding pot

Charities and organisations in Plymouth who provide food and essential items for vulnerable people are being invited to bid for grant funding of up to £10,000.

This is in addition to the Emergency Food Grant funding that is also open for applications and will complement that scheme.

A funding pot of approximately £160,000 has been set aside from the £950,000 the Plymouth City Council was awarded as part of the Government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme (WGS) and will be awarded to groups, charities and social enterprises who can provide food and essential items to individuals and families in need either through buying, storage or distribution.

The Winter Grant Scheme has been able to provide direct support to vulnerable Plymouth households and families particularly affected by the pandemic, with food and essential utility costs, where alternative sources of assistance may be unavailable.

Since the funding was announced in November the council has worked with city schools to distribute more than 10,000 unique e-voucher codes to families on their free school meals registers to support them with the cost of buying food over the Christmas holidays.

The council has also partnered with Plymouth Energy Community to distribute £280,000 to people at risk of fuel poverty as a result of the impacts of the pandemic to eligible households.

Councillor Chris Penberthy Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development said: “We know that a great many Plymouth families have faced financial challenges over the past few months as a result of the fallout resulting from the pandemic and our absolute priority has been helping those who need it most, but we know there is still more to do.

“That is why we want voluntary groups and organisations to come forward to apply for this funding and help us ensure these limited monies are put to best use by those that need it most.”

Pedestrian crossing takes a step closer

Woodford residents have welcomed the news that a pedestrian crossing in Larkham Lane could finally become a reality this year after Plymouth City Council secured a Government grant of £55,000 to bridge the previous shortfall in funding for the project.

Local residents have been calling for a pedestrian crossing by the Woodford School entrance in Larkham Lane ever since the site lost a regular lollipop patrol there in December 2018. In January 2019 a young girl was knocked down outside the school entrance, resulting in a campaign being set up for a proper pedestrian crossing facility. This campaign gained extra momentum when a second child was knocked down by a hit and run motorist there on 2 October 2020.

The installation of the new crossing has to be formally advertised but unless there are unexpected objections it is anticipated the work will be carried out in April or May 2021. (story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

4 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Beaver fever in Forder Valley!

The first beaver in Plymouth for over 400 years finally has a female companion.

lodges together. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on proceedings.

The introduction of the new arrival continues the work of the Green Minds project, which will create more spaces for wildlife and nature in different pockets around the city and encourage more people to connect with nature.

As well as being charismatic, beavers are fascinating creatures as they engineer their

The female Eurasian beaver arrived in Plymouth in January and was immediately released in the specially designed re-wilding enclosure near Poole Farm.

Remarkable footage shows her meeting with her companion, who was released in November last year, for the very first time. Having left her cage, she swam around the pond for several minutes, before the male emerged from his lodge. They swam together before having a little ‘getting to know you tussle’ in the water.

Like her male friend, the new arrival weights around 20kg and was also caught in the wild in the Tay Catchment in Scotland.

The pair’s behaviour and actions will now be monitored in the hope that its actions will reduce flooding further downstream and create habitats for wildlife in the Bircham Valley.

It’s all part of the Green Minds project, a city council initiative which will re-wild urban parks, gardens and Photo: Chris Parkes verges and introduce a new system of working with partners. Crucially, it will surroundings by felling trees, damming sections of encourage more people from all walks of life to river and creating a network of canals. They also enjoy the health benefits that our green spaces create wetland habitats which are great for birds, provide. fish and invertebrates and they also ‘slow the flow’ Although around 20% of beavers are solitary, of water during and after rainfall that can help most are sociable and prefer to live in family reduce flooding downstream. groups where they build dams, ponds and live in

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Two very similar rivers – Bircham and Seaton will be monitored to see how the beavers are able to make positive impacts. We can compare and contrast with the Seaton stream which has similar characteristics.

Beavers also lead to improved water quality and quantity and store carbon in a really efficient way to help combat the climate emergency.

Both the beavers have come from the Tay catchment in Scotland. There, beavers have been in the wild for some time and as a result, where there are conflicts with farmers, a licence can be obtained to cull them. Both beavers have been rescued from this fate and will now live a very happy life in the six hectare re-wilding enclosure, which covers 600 metres of river in a wooded valley.

The city council has been working with partners including leading beaver experts at Devon Wildlife Trust, rewilding specialist Dereck Gow and Roisin Campbell–Palmer, the UK’s top beaver ecologist, to ensure the beavers settle in.

For more information visitwww. greenmindsplymouth.com or follow the Natural Infrastructure team on social media at www.facebook. com/natureplymouth and www.twitter.com/ NaturePlymouth Find out more about Poole Farm and the surrounding Derriford Community Park project go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/poolefarm

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Mayflower 400: a programme of cultural events, activity and sport finishing in 2021, commemorating the journey of the Mayflower.

Highlights in Plymouth include:

February 2021 5 @PlymChronicle

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Cllr Evans paid a socially distanced visit to the Mayflower Grandstand at Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s stadium – following the first week of them receiving booked appointments for priority residents. He visited the centre after it was closed for vaccinations for the day - and did not receive a vaccination himself.

The Home Park site, which is managed by the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, will mean that thousands more vaccinations will be given every week in Plymouth and provide local people with a wider choice of options when they receive their invitation for an appointment.

Already, over 145,000 people have received their first jab in Devon, with approximately 80 per cent of people aged 80 and above already vaccinated.

Cllr Evans said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our support to the NHS and help build the Home Park vaccination centre. I would like to thank all the amazing NHS staff, council workers and the army of volunteers who have helped to set up the site and will keep it running over the coming months.

“It’s a huge relief that the vaccine is being offered to our most vulnerable residents and those who care for them.

“This new facility, along with the rollout of other local testing centres at a number of local pharmacies, represents the latest positive step in the tortuous battle to stop the spread of this awful virus and ultimately get us back to a normal way of life which we all long for.”

The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in the health service’s history, is being delivered as health service staff are treating record numbers of seriously ill patients with COVID, caused by rapidly rising infection numbers.

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Students praise ‘amazing’ Harriet Students at Plymouth College of Art facing hardship during the pandemic have been given vital support - thanks to the college’s Student Union and its president Harriet Moore.

A food bank set up by the Student Union on the campus in Tavistock Place has providde much needed supplies to students during the pandemic - and when the latest lockdown was announced in January, Harriet set up an emergency food bank at her flat in the city.

Struggling students have received food, toiletries and period products over the months - and Harriet’s efforts have drawn much praise.

Harriet graduated with a degree in photography in the summer of last year, having been elected as president of the Student Union in May. Harriet said: “The food bank was originally set up in 2019 when I was part of the Student Union team, but I saw the need to make it bigger and better when I took office as president.

“Part of that involved promoting the food bank more proactively to make students aware of what we could offer. There has certainly been a big demand during the pandemic.”

Food was donated for the food bank by staff and students and also purchased with Student Union funds.

With the main campus in lockdown, Harriet has only been able to collect supplies once a week and then carry it back to her flat in North Hill.

“My flat is overflowing with food supplies now which means I can make up parcels for students who are struggling and they can

“ If I hadn’t found ‘Friends’ I wouldn’t have returned to my career in care ” - Jo Craythorne

We are pleased to introduce Jo Craythorne, our Plymouth Branch Manager.

- Jo

Jo moved to Devon earlier this year from South Gloucestershire. The move meant leaving the care company that she loved working for, having worked her way up from Care worker, Supervisor, and into management positions, including Customer Quality Manager and latterly as Registered Manager, taking her branch from CQC “Good” to “Outstanding”.

Jo has taken some time out to enjoy the opportunities that the move to Plymouth provided. Jo spent time homemaking and exploring the South Devon coast and Dartmoor as well as going on walking weekends with her partner Dean – in whatever weather!

But Jo didn’t stay away from caring or

Student Union president Harriet Moore...runs food bank and support for students

either collect them in a COVID safe way or we can deliver them,” said Harriet.

Harriet has also set up Facebook and WhatsApp groups on social media to support the college community, particularly for students who are vulnerable, working from home or self-isolating.

She has also established a parents support group, aimed at mature students who are

helping others for long. She was soon volunteering at the Plymouth branch of Age UK. She also maintained her links with her local Parish church in Yate where Jo was the Administrator and Wedding Verger.

We were all delighted to meet Jo for the first time last month when she decided to investigate Friends when the opportunity to manage the branch became available.

Jo decided to say “yes” when we asked if she would manage our Plymouth branch because she did not want to return to the “typical” care situation. Jo liked the unique and sustainable way that Friends work: valuing carers and clients alike, with unrushed client visits, the continuity of care and choice of service providers that have been introduced and known to every client.

Jo loved the way that we are able to add value for our customers so that they have everything that’s needed to remain living well at home as she is passionate about delivering person centred care in the client’s own home. “If I hadn’t found ‘Friends’ I probably wouldn’t have returned

having to home school children during the pandemic.

“My whole goal with everything as Student Union president is creating positive change both within the college and the wider community of Plymouth so I’m really pleased to see how much it has grown.” Harriet added: “Social media has proved invaluable in helping everyone to keep in contact. It’s

certainly been a difficult year since taking over as president, but I absolutely love my job and have been so pleased to be able to help people.”

Student Amber said: “Harriet is going above and beyond at the moment to support me and other students in the local community. This year she created a food bank and a bursary within the SU which has supported me so much, especially the food bank which she’s now running from her own flat because campus isn’t allowed to be open.

“She is such an amazing support system and a real pillar for our society supporting others during this difficult time.

“Harriet is great, she really keeps me going, she fought for us to get deadline extensions and has set up support groups for parents, she stands up for causes like period poverty and is always available any time you need support – including evenings and weekends.”

Another student added: “I honestly can’t thank you enough for the food parcel. Your generosity is overwhelming, and I’m so very thankful to Harriet for sorting me out a safe collection during the lockdown.”

Nath Stark, the Student Union’s vice president for higher education said: “As a friend and a colleague, I know Harriet has been going above and beyond for students during her time working at the college.

“During the pandemic she has been excellent at making sure students at the college are having their voices heard and are as supported as possible. “ Seeing how successful the food bank has become and how Harriet has been able to support students in many different ways is incredible and inspiring.”

to my career in care. It’s great to be part of a business that do make a significant difference and deliver on what they say.”

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@PlymChronicle

Michelle’s on a mission to help families make better food and lifestyle choices A Plymouth woman is on a mission to help children and families make better choices about the food they eat and the lifestyle they lead.

Michelle Leslie has set up a community interest company called 5+5 A Day CIC with the aim of providing a free educational programme promoting healthy eating alongside five other core messages relating to mental health, climate change and sustainability, exercise, nutrition and hand washing.

Michelle, who is 54, is currently in the final year of a youth and community work degree at Marjons and during much of the pandemic has been working alongside the Devonport Help A Neighbour community group, and will be collaborating with them in rolling out 5+5 A Day. “Devonport Help A Neighbour was set up by three awesome volunteers in response to the pandemic, offering support to the local community. They are primarily a food bank but offer other support such a listening ear and picking up and dropping off prescriptions for people who are housebound,” said Michelle, who lives in Greenbank.

“As part of the programme we will be developing a scheme called the Kit Bag Project, which reflects the fact that the food parcels are being carried in children’s PE kit bags.

However, the kit bags won’t be limited to carrying food, but also used to provide jackets and shoes, school stationary and other items to support children and families,” she added.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting the Devonport group while undertaking my final university placement and am very grateful to be allowed to launch a pilot initiative with them.

“We aim to launch the Kit Bag Project in the near future and it will also be available to other food banks who support socially disadvantaged children and families in low socio economic areas.”

“However, this will depend on funding and sponsorship secured so please support the CIC if you can so we can reach more people.”

Michelle’s determination to make a difference in Plymouth stems from

Michelle Leslie

her ground-breaking work in New Zealand, where she lived for 20 years before returning to the UK and her home city in 2016.

She helped pioneer the introduction of eco domes in schools across New Zealand, enabling schoolchildren to grow organic and chemical free fruit and vegetables all year round. The scheme was called ‘Dome to Dish’ and she hopes to see domes appearing in schools and other settings in Plymouth, as well as polytunnels which will be aptly named ‘Tunnel to Table.’

“In my second year at Marjons I witnessed a lot of poverty and the reluctance of young mums and dads to use food banks. It is important to eradicate the stigma which may be associated with food banks. I hope to be working with food banks in the city and further afield to promote my work.

“My vision is to nourish and educate socially disadvantaged children, families, and the wider communities about making better choices by incorporating their daily intake of five fruit and vegetables and my other five core messages.

“Therefore, rather than food banks and community groups distributing bags of food to those in need, the food banks and I will provide menus

and recipes to support families in the preparation of healthier meals with the foods allocated to them.

The healthier recipes will be developed from existing products

that are held at the food bank and will predominantly contain no added sugar or salt.

These will then be added on a lanyard which can be worn while the families are preparing their meal.

The project will run initially for a five week period and the recipes will rotate every five weeks.

Families will be provided with new recipes based on what is available at any given food bank and there will be additional cards on the lanyards with details of the 5+5 a day other core messages.

Families will be encouraged to take photos of the food they have prepared, then upload them to the food bank who provided the food parcels social media platforms.

“Therefore, sharing their experience with the community and other people keen to learn about healthier options and in many cases teaching other people how to cook.”

Michelle would welcome sponsorship and donations for the new project. She can be contacted by e-mail at kitbagproject@gmail.com or via the 5+5 A Day CIC Facebook page.

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£3,600 cost of fly-tipping

A Plymouth man has been ordered to pay £3,600 in fines and costs after being taken to court by Plymouth City Council for fly-tipping offences and also operating without a scrap metal licence.

Daniel Goldstone of Barne Road in St Budeaux pleaded guilty to four offences at Plymouth Magistrates relating to charges of not keeping records of waste and of collecting scrap metal without a licence over a three month period from January 2020. He was also found guilty in court of a fifth offence of depositing controlled waste, or knowingly causing or permitting controlled waste to be deposited.

In total the 40 year old was fined £606 and also ordered to pay £2,900 costs and a victim surcharge of £95. He was also given a 12 month community order including 15 rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid community work.

Council officers found a fridge-freezer, fish tank, black bags of refuse and a cardboard box dumped in a lay-by on the B3362 between the junction for Tuell Down and Lamerton near Dartmoor. Using an address found on the box, officers were able to trace the waste back to Goldstone who had been paid to dispose of waste from a residential address.

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Help is at hand for city’s most vulnerable residents during latest lockdown Help will be at hand to support some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable residents throughout the third national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, anyone deemed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to COVID-19 are being advised to stay at home and only go out for exercise and medical appointments.

This group of people includes individuals that are seriously ill as well as some people living with a disability or ongoing medical conditions.

Caring for Plymouth, the partnership between Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest and a large number of voluntary and community sector organisations, has already remobilised to help provide a vital lifeline for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

The service previously ran between March and July and then throughout November 2020.

Services will be focussed on people who do not have established support networks so that they can access emotional support, access to food, medicine collection and support with paying bills and accessing money.

Staff providing the service will have had appropriate background checks to provide added piece of mind. With most CEV people already known to the council and its partners, specially trained staff are already rallying to pro-actively contact people to assess their needs.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I am so proud that once again this council is stepping up to help people.

“It’s not the start to 2021 that anybody wanted, but the fact that we are able to bring hope and support to the people who most need it at the time they most need it is represents a beacon of light in these challenging times.”

While work to contact people has already begun, if you are clinically extremely vulnerable and you need help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Staff will be ready and waiting to take calls on 01752 668000 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, a full list of Caring for Plymouth partners and services can be found on the Plymouth Online Directory at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ covid19/caringforplymouth

8 February 2021

8 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Widey Court pupils get creative to help ease traffic congestion Children at Widey Court Primary School have taken part in a competition to design a banner which will inspire families to reduce the damage to the environment and to their health caused by driving.

Shaun Nicholls, headteacher at Widey Court said: “Most schools have issues with parking and congestion. Although schools are closed at the moment, we are still open to between 120 and 200 children of key workers and vulnerable children.

“We are actively trying to ease congestion and parking problems around our school

while also encouraging children and families to make positive life choices such as walking to school or parking further away.

“This is particularly important now, when sports clubs and activities are not available to children.”

The school wanted children to understand the issues for themselves. “We invited all our pupils to design a banner that would motivate their parents to drive less and walk more,” added Mr Nicholls.

“Anything we can do to reduce carbon emissions is a good thing for everyone – and

Widey Court pupils with the banner designed by Maddie

perhaps walking to school would give people the opportunity to wave hello to other parents and have some social interaction which we’re all very short of.”

Around 100 children took part by submitting their designs. The winning design was created by Maddie Lord, a Year 5 pupil with a colourful and eye catching design. The design was sent to Vinyl Banners Printing to be made into three banners, each seven feet long, to be displayed outside the school.

Mr Nicholls added: “We’re thrilled with the way the children got involved. The standard of designs has been so high – it was hard to pick a winning design but we have a worthy winner.

Maddie is now working on another project, heading up a team of three children, to develop active travel across the school even further.”

Maddie said: “I wanted to design a banner that was bright and simple to catch people’s eye, I also wanted to include the school colours. I love nature so I added bees, flowers and grass.

“Hopefully my banner will inspire people to travel to school by walking, cycling or scooting. If lots of people can do that, it will make the air around our school cleaner for us and the environment. It’s also much more fun and healthy to travel that way.”

Maddie Lord with her winning design

Teacher Chris Rea, part of the Active Travel Team at Widey Court said: “The school started teaching our new Ocean conservation curriculum this year and this supports the work we’re doing with them about ecology and pollution.

“Now we need to see whether we have been successful in inspiring parents to take action and help their children by walking to school.”

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POP continues to support both the established Neighbourhood Care Networks and those eager to replicate their success with an NCN in their own area.

A message from Matt...

As we welcome in 2021, and find ourselves in another lockdown, please be assured that POP will be maintaining its support for local groups, organisations, networks and associations across Plymouth so that they can continue to support individuals in these difficult times.

2020 disrupted our lives, changing forever the way we live and work. Hardship and inequalities that existed before Coronavirus have been made more visible and yet, throughout the year; throughout the pandemic and the lockdown(s) there was a glorious response from communities. 2021 provides us the opportunity to build on this together: collaboration is vital to

#BUILDBACKBETTER.

Matt Bell, CEO Plymouth Octopus Project.

Mindful Art Club started with a little help from POP Ideas

“We’ve been taking part in the POP coffee mornings on zoom and it’s been brilliant to meet so many different people from different organisations and see what they are doing. Plymouth is a really great place for community groups.”

The Mindful Art Club is currently running a weekly Tuesday zoom session where individuals can find a little sanctuary based around a simple art project offering creativity, company and social connection online.

For more information about the Mindful Art Club and its Tuesday sessions visit www.mindfulartclub.co.uk

Your neighbourhood needs YOU! If you – or your organisation – want to be involved and can offer some support to your neighbourhood text 07411 949 742. Register your details and you will be contacted by someone from POP or from your neighbourhood who will be delighted to speak with you about how you might be able to help.

Neighbourhood Care Networks Helpline Numbers

Peggy and Emma

Efford Community Network

The Mindful Art Club was set up by Emma Sprawson and Peggy Melmoth in September 2019 after they were both made redundant following the closure of Broadreach House where they had worked as art therapists. Emma and Peggy, took a giant leap to set up the MAC and in doing so, says Emma, found the support of POP ideas invaluable; “We didn’t have a clue what we needed to do or how to go about it. Things like how to start a business; setting up a bank account and what kind of organisation we should be. POP has been brilliant.

The help we’ve had has made a massive difference: they really are there for you and are committed to helping you get stuff off the ground and making a success of things.

We have seen how the NCN’s of Stonehouse, Stoke, The Hoe and Keyham have made each distinct to their area, supporting residents during these challenging times while the latest NCN - the Efford Community Network Group - is now up and running and ready to help. Community ‘leaders; faith groups; employees from, for example, Plymouth City Council and housing associations along with people from local services, businesses and organisations have all come together to work together to support their neighbours. The role of these networks has been – and continues to be – pivotal in caring for people and for creating greater resilience for what lies ahead.

Efford 07380 309 586

Keyham’s Tin Can Alley Van Record number of fledgling community projects take flight with help from POP Ideas

£

£224,500

awarded to Plymouth community projects between October – December

200+ hours of one to one advice since March 2020

100+ digital workshops and training sessions since March 2020

40+

new groups or projects advised on how to turn ideas into action since March 2020

At the beginning of December Keyham Neighbourhood Watch was kindly lent a Efford Plymouth City Council van for one day. For five Efford Efford Community hours volunteers from KNW took to the586 streets 07380 309 Efford Efford Community Network – walking alongside the van which was driven Efford 07380 309 586 byCommunity ‘local Banksy’ Mike Vosper, communicating Network 07380 309 586 withNetwork residents through a megaphone – appealing for any spare food for the Keyham food bank. The response was overwhelming.

Thousands of tins; industrial bags of rice and an extraordinary amount of pasta were donated.

Some people handed over £50 bags of food they had bought specifically for the collection while others, with less money to spare, gave from their own emergency food parcel displaying a determination to be part of the initiative in spite of their own circumstances.

Keyham and people threw food in the back. The response from residents was amazing.”

Thanks to the Keyham Tin Can Van iniatiative, Keyham’s food bank - run by the marvellous Paul and Jean from Keyham Green Places - has distributed hundreds of meals and bags of food over Christmas and the New Year and is now open longer so that it can support more residents. And the KNW also raised nearly £200 from the community to buy the food bank a much-needed freezer.

Kevin Sproston, the chair of the KNW says it was something of a spectacle!

“We had people running down the street in their dressing gowns; kids singing, dancing and playing around as the van trawled up and down

Do you have an idea to help others but don’t know how to start?

Kev Sproston with 17 yea r old, Chey-Anne Burtt helpin g collect the food

POP can help - contact us at info@plymouthoctopus.org or telephone 395131. We can help with the practicalities of setting up a neighbourhood community network; digital technology training; communication and we can help to fund you.

February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Schoolboy hero ‘cycles’ 600 miles to raise funds for Plymouth charity Plympton schoolboy superhero Taylor Hardy has spent the last two months ‘virtually’ cycling the 603 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats, to raise money for Plymouth-based charity Friends and Families of Special Children.

On Sunday January 10 Taylor finally crossed the finish line, surrounded by his parents and brothers, and with a host of family, friends and supporters cheering him on via social media.

So far Taylor has raised £4000 (and counting) and you can still help him surpass that by donating at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/TheresaHardy Taylor, who is 12, is a young carer for two of his three brothers, who

Special gifts for Taylor

have additional needs. Taylor’s family have had a particularly challenging year, even by 2020 standards, and more than ever they have really needed the support they’ve received from Friends and Families.

Taylor decided to take on this challenge to give something back.

Friends and Families’ mission is to make families with disabled children feel valued and experience the best quality of life possible.

Thanks to the charity, Taylor’s whole family have regularly accessed a hydrotherapy pool - a fun activity they could all enjoy together. Danny, 13, and nine-year-old Sonny have tried new activities, such as pottery painting, at Adventure Club.

Taylor said: “I’m really proud of how much I’ve raised and I hope

Taylor celebrates

that if there are families like ours that didn’t know about Friends and Families of Special Children and how they can help, that they do now.”

He added that he was ‘blown away at raising £4000. It’s four times more than I ever hoped for and I can’t believe I’ve done all of those miles!’

Taylor’s Mum Theresa said: “In the two months he has been doing this, Taylor’s been very motivated and has only taken four days off. It’s been a huge challenge and it was all Taylor’s idea - he drove the whole thing. We’re really impressed. We are so proud of him and his positive attitude.”

The charity’s founder, Kay O’Shaughnessy, said “Taylor is an inspirational young man who has raised an amazing amount of money. Life for everybody has been very challenging over the past few months, so for him to be spurred on to do this is really incredible”.

The money that Taylor raises will help Friends and Families continue to provide vital advice and support, and host great activities that can be accessed by all members of the family.

Anyone wanting to help this local charity can donate to Taylor’s fundraiser, or by following Friends and Families on Facebook @ FriendsAndFamiliesOfSpecialChildren or Twitter @FAFplymouth.

Taylor with his three brothers

Skills Launchpad Plymouth

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•

11

12 February 2021

City MP’s stinging attack on decision to lift ban on beekilling pesticides Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has called for the Government to reverse its decision to lift the ban on bee-killing pesticides, known as neonicotinoids.

The pesticide is seriously harmful to Britain’s dwindling bee populations and will further damage biodiversity.

Plymouth has been at the forefront of the fight to reverse bee decline with new wildflower meadows, bee corridors and investment in hives and education about bees and essential Luke Pollard MP pollinators.

Luke also is raising concerns that the Government is rolling back on commitments made to uphold the ban by previous Environment Secretary, Michael Gove.

At the time Mr Gove, said: “The weight of evidence now shows the risks neonicotinoids pose to our environment, particularly to the bees and other pollinators which play such a key part in our £100bn food industry, is greater than previously understood.”

Luke is concerned that this is a worrying indication of the Government rolling back other hard-won environmental gains now Britain has left the EU, which would be breaking a Government manifesto commitment on environmental protections which stated they would ‘not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards.’

Luke, who is also Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has written to the government to urge Ministers to reverse the lifting of the ban, and has called for MPs to be given a vote on whether to allow bee-killing chemicals. Labour MPs will be opposing the lifting of the ban on bee-killing chemicals.

Terry McAuliffe, former chair of the Plymouth Branch of Devon Beekeepers’ Association said: “I am truly appalled that this early example of ‘taking back control’ is so detrimental to bees.

“The relaxation of the ban is supposed to be limited to sugar beet crops, but the ramifications are awful. Sugar beet is not an insect-pollinated crop, but bees will forage on the wild flowers that grow in between the beet plants. To prevent them becoming sick, it is the stated intention of beet farmers to destroy all the wild flowers in the beet fields.”

Commenting, Luke Pollard MP, said: “The ban on bee-killing pesticides must remain in place to protect our natural environment. Bee health is non-negotiable. I want to see the south west’s bees protected and that means finding a way to defeat the Government’s plan. That is why I’m calling for a Parliamentary vote on this damaging policy. We support our farmers but ending this ban is not the solution to tackle crop blight.”

Professor David Bilton of the School of Biological and Marine Sciences at the University of Plymouth said: “Whilst often dismissed as ‘pests’, insects are the most diverse animals on the planet and vital to the functioning of almost all non-marine ecosystems. Without them, the world as we know it would collapse.

“There is now good evidence of worrying declines in insect populations in many parts of the world, including the UK. Whilst the causes of these declines are complex, neonicotinoids have been shown to be extremely harmful, or deadly, to many beneficial insects, including pollinators and other animals such as wild birds.”

12 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

New vegan sourdough bakery is launched in Devonport Guildhall A young couple have revived a disused bakery space in a historic Plymouth landmark to launch the city’s first vegan sourdough bakery.

communities, individuals and businesses to help them develop and thrive.

As well as owning the Guildhall building, RIO also managed Column Bakehouse, but after making the decision to close Column during last year’s lockdown, they gave new businesses the opportunity to apply to use the bakery space through their Start Something scheme.

“The last few years have seen a growing awareness of the need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, as well as a desire

Based in the former Column Bakehouse kitchen at the Devonport Guildhall, Heyl Bakery will use only plant-based ingredients and a blend of locally-grown, organic and heritage grains, to produce a delicious range of naturally leavened loaves and buns, alongside a variety of tasty vegan sweet treats, including cinnamon buns, cookies and tarts.

Founders Sam Dennis - an experienced baker who previously worked at the esteemed E5 Bakehouse in London - and Kate Langston, a highly-skilled homebaker, are both passionate about using the new businesses to promote sustainable food practices and support the UK’s dedicated community of food producers.

The couple have long dreamed of opening their own business, but the tumultuous events of lockdown including the passing of Kate’s father over the summer - prompted the couple to take the leap and relocate from London to Kate’s hometown of Plymouth to transform their dream into reality.

The venture was made possible with the support of the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) - a local charity Sam Dennis and Kate Langston that offers a range of support to

to shop more locally and know more about where our food comes from,” said Sam. “The South West is home to an amazing community of food producers, and we are eager to use every opportunity to celebrate locally-grown and sustainably-produced ingredients in our bakes.

“We are also keen to show people that they can enjoy the same tasty baked goods they know and love, while also reducing their impact on the environment,” added Kate.

“The rise in vegan-friendly businesses in places like Plymouth demonstrates that there is a strong appetite for plant-based products, and we are excited to do our bit to contribute to the city’s flourishing foodie scene.

The bakery is currently taking pre-orders for collections from the Ocean Studios cafe on Fridays, and hopes to expand this offering soon.

More details can be found on their lnstagram page @HeylBaker and in the coming weeks they will be launching an online shop at www. heylbakery.com.

“Despite only launching in December, we have been blown away by the support we have received from fellow businesses and the local community,” said Sam. “As we develop and grow, we can’t wait to get to know more of our fellow food producers, and would love to hear from anyone interested in supplying us or collaborating in some way.”

Fresh from the oven...

Plymouth nursery group celebrates top eco award Tops Day Nurseries are the UK’s first family of early years education providers to be awarded a ‘Green Flag’ status from EcoSchools at all of its settings.

Even Christmas was celebrated with sustainability in mind, with eco-Christmas crackers, recipes with less meat and dairy, and reusing wrapping paper for ‘pass the parcel’.

The family of eco-sustainable nurseries have been working hard to become one of the UK’s leading sustainable Childcare Providers, using the challenges of Covid-19 to focus on something positive. Now all its nurseries across Plymouth, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset have achieved a bronze, silver Eco-Schools Award and Green Flag Award. Funding for the Green-Flag external assessment costs for all the nurseries was donated by FRUGI, the UK’s leading ethical and sustainable children’s clothing brand.

Assessment was completed via Zoom calls and photographic evidence rather than on-site visits in order to protect the assessors and children.

Lara Smrtnik, head of marketing at FRUGI said: “Congratulations to Tops Day Nurseries on their Green Flag award and for all their hard work in raising awareness about our environment.

Benefiting children, communities, and our

environment, the Green Flag award from EcoSchools is part of our collective global effort to support the education of children on sustainable and environmental issues and to help them to change our world for the better.”

Eco-Schools is a global programme engaging millions of children across 64 different countries, making it the largest environmental schools programme in the world. It provides a framework for learning and action around nine topics – biodiversity, energy, litter, global citizenship, healthy living, grounds, transport, waste and water. It follows a very simple seven-step process to lead schools on their journey to achieving a Green Flag Award. Children and staff have been able to focus on the areas that are most

fascinating, and relevant to them in each nursery.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director of Tops Day Nurseries said: “Being the first ‘large chain’ of nurseries in the UK to achieve Green Flags across the board is a great achievement. I believe the education of our children is the most effective way there is to provide a sustainable environment into the future; by instilling a passion in our colleagues and children to learn more about how everyone can made sustainable decisions each day.

“The last 10 months has brough huge challenges with the almost intolerable stress that’s been put on colleagues in the early years sector. We have remained open throughout the pandemic, adapting to all the challenges as and when they hit us. It’s a huge salute to staff resilience that they been able to focus on positive sustainability with the children, despite the negative news surrounding them.”

Tops Day Nurseries have also been shortlisted for Nursery World’s new award category for 2020, the ‘Eco-Friendly Early Years’ Award. The award showcases early years settings and services who are developing an eco-friendly approach in all aspects of their work, from management, resourcing and design, to educating young children about sustainable development.

February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Talented singer Esther gets a million views after appearing on The Voice A former City College Plymouth music student has hit the headlines after appearing on ITV’s The Voice.

Esther Cole, 22, lives in South East Cornwall and appeared on the popular show with her good friend Yana Bing from Torpoint. They had been invited to take part in auditions after a You Tube video of the pair singing a duet attracted the attention of the show’s producers.

After a series of virtual performances on Zoom and auditions in Manchester, they were both chosen to appear live on the second of The Voice’s Blind Auditions in January.

Esther’s stunning performance of ‘Let Me Down Slowly’ won the support of judges Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs as both turned their chairs for her.

Tom said: “You have a beautiful, beautiful voice.

I thought, I don’t want to let this girl go. I couldn’t not hit the buzzer. You have a lovely voice.”

Olly added: “You’re brilliant and it was beautiful.

Last time I had a girl from Cornwall on the show, she won the show - just saying!”

Deciding between the two, Esther said: “It’s a really hard decision but I’m going to go with Tom.” Before appearing on stage Esther had watched from the wings as Yana performed Lady Gaga’s ‘Stupid Love.’ Sadly, none of the judges turned their chairs - which left Esther in tears.

She said: “Having been on the audition journey together since March it really upset me when Yana failed to win over the judges, but I had to pull myself together and get on with my own performance.”

Watched by her proud parents Chris and Kerry and boyfriend Josh, Esther showed no nerves as she hit each note perfectly. Since appearing on The Voice her performance has been viewed more than a million times on You Tube.

Esther, who studied a music practitioners course for three years at City College, first started singing at school and got her first guitar at the age of 12.

Her vocal skills as well as her songwriting

Council leader invites new US President to Plymouth Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans has invited President Joe Biden to visit Plymouth, the city where the Mayflower set sail.

Photo credit: The Voice UK

ability, led Esther into performing at an increasing number of local gigs and events over the years.

For the last three years she has also been a worship leader at St Matthias Church in North Hill.

Now she is preparing to appear in the Battle Rounds of The Voice when she will go head-tohead with another member of the Tom Jones team

in a sudden-death duel.

“It has already been an amazing experience and I am so proud to have got through to the Battle Rounds. It will be really tough as there are some extremely talented singers in Tom’s team,” added Esther.

The Voice UK, Saturdays, 8:30pm on ITV.

Children’s Air Ambulance patient is now a ‘lively and funny boy’ as he celebrates seventh birthday Young James Berry from Plymouth celebrated his seventh birthday on February 2 and his mum had special thanks for the role the Children’s Air Ambulance played when he was just a baby.

James was just four months old when he was transferred by helicopter from Leeds General Infirmary to Derriford Hospital, to continue the specialist care he had been receiving since being born 17 weeks early weighing just 1lb 5oz.

The family were scheduled to move home from Leeds to Plymouth at the time, but a 300-mile journey by ambulance or car was out of the question due to his fragile condition.

To travel from Leeds to Plymouth by road would have taken up to nine hours with traffic delays, so the safest and quickest option was to fly James with a specialist team from Embrace, Yorkshire & Humber Infant & Children’s Transport Service – one of the clinical partner teams that work with the Children’s Air Ambulance. The flight took just two hours.

James’s mum Natalie is forever grateful that the Children’s Air Ambulance was available to transfer her son. She said: “It will always have a special place in our hearts.”

With limited options available to celebrate James’s birthday due to lockdown, the family planned an outdoor activity before a special tea.

“As James enjoys being outdoors, he will be happy with this. He loves exploring new places, getting really wet and muddy and cycling,” said Natalie.

She works as an emergency nurse practitioner at Derriford Hospital and sometimes sees the Children’s Air Ambulance on the helipad there.

“It makes me smile but it also reminds

Four month old James on the helicopter flight and (below) enjoying the snow with dad Ian and mum Natalie

me of what we’ve been through and I think about why the helicopter is there and the family involved,” she added.

After his Children’s Air Ambulance transfer as a tiny baby, James spent another two weeks in hospital before he was strong enough to go home.

He is now a lively, funny, and intelligent little boy who is curious about the world he lives in – loving facts about animals, history, and how things are made. “He is cheeky, energetic, loving, and caring and talks a lot!” said Natalie.

For further information on the lifesaving charity visit www. childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 300 3045 999.

13

Speaking on the day of the president’s inauguration and following the announcement that the G7 summit is heading to Cornwall in June, he said: “I think it is brilliant news. The eyes of the world will be on this part of the country and all of us will benefit from the attention this stunning area will get.

“It’s a great opportunity for the whole region and for Plymouth as the region’s major city.

“I have this week written an invitation to the president and his wife Dr Biden to visit Plymouth, to stand where the pilgrims stood in their final moments in England; to look out from the Mayflower Steps to the ocean they crossed to America and to join us in marking this important international history.

“The Mayflower voyage is one of the most influential journeys in global history and a defining moment in the shared history of Britain, the US and the Netherlands.”

The commemoration is an important international collaboration between partners in the USA, the Wampanoag nations, Holland and the UK, with the UK epicentre of the whole commemoration in Plymouth.

With government support, an international partnership has been working to create this shared commemoration and while the COVID-19 pandemic hugely changed plans, we are still aiming to close our commemorations in spectacular fashion this summer, he said.

The culmination of the Mayflower 400 commemorations is the Mayflower International Festival and Four Nations Ceremony on 10 and 11 July 2021.

President Biden will have visited the south west of England just a month earlier for the G7.

Councillor Evans added: “We would love to also welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to join us in Plymouth to mark the anniversary of this world shaping history and the cultural ties between our nations.”

A formal invitation will be sent to Vice President Harris and the US Ambassador to the UK when they have been appointed.

President Biden - heading for Plymouth?

14 February 2021

14 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Family’s appeal for information about dramatic rescue in Stonehouse Creek

A dramatic river rescue in Stonehouse Creek more than 60 years ago has sparked a search for more details by one of the families involved.

Margaret Vincent, who lives in Crownhill, contacted the Chronicle to see if any readers could shed more light on the incident which happened in 1954.

Margaret’s cousin Patricia ‘Pat’ Truan was 12 at the time when she rescued a little boy from drowning in the Creek. Margaret is now trying to find more information about her cousin’s heroics for Pat’s daughter Diana Milton, who lives in Poole with her family.

Margaret said: “We are looking for anyone who knew my cousin Pat Truan, who lived at

44B High Street Flats in Stonehouse at the time of the rescue.

“She saved the boy from Stonehouse Creek and we understand Pat was given an award for her bravery.

“We would love to hear from anyone who knew this little boy or remembers details of what happened. We know she had a close girl friend who lived next door with the surname of Burrows, so that might spark a memory. It would also be good if someone remembers Pat from her school days although we don’t know which school she went to at the time.

“We appreciate it was a very long time ago, but because of COVID we have not been able

Plymouth’s Rock Choir carries on singing Remember her? Pat Truan pictured when she was aged 13 or 14

to look through any newspaper archives that may have been published at the time.

“We would love to know more about this brave act for Diana’s sake.”

Sadly, Pat - who married Donald Cunningham and moved to Poole - passed away in 1986.

If any readers can shed more light on the incident please contact info@ cornerstonevision.com

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Experts in early years education are urging parents of babies, toddlers and preschoolers not to let their children miss out on vital socialisation during lockdown.

The Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School group runs nurseries in Crownhill and Pennycross and is open to children aged from three-months to five-years as per Government guidelines, said that some parents are keeping children at home and this is raising concerns for the long-term impact on children.

During the last lockdown in November, a survey by Ofsted found that childrens’ learning and development had been impacted by the restrictions with children returning less confident, more anxious and in some cases less independent.

Tony Driffield, co-owner of Mama Bear’s, said: “Lockdown is really tough for children of all ages but for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers many are missing out on a really important stage of socialisation and could be behind on their social skills.

“It’s a vital stage in a child’s development and helps them to manage their personal feelings, understand the feelings and needs of others and interact in a respectful and acceptable way.

“With soft play centres and play dates banned nursery could be the

only place they can make friends and play with children their own age, so we’re really encouraging parents to take advantage of nurseries being open and enrol their child for 2021.

“Nursery is a really happy and fun environment and our days are filled with activities like arts and crafts, singing and dancing, messy play, role play and storytime. It provides new experiences for children who are perhaps at home a lot with parents trying to juggle work and other responsibilities.”

Tony continued: “We’ve been open all the way through the pandemic caring for children of key workers and vulnerable children and more recently we’ve been open to all children. This means our strict Covid-19 procedures are firmly in place, offering a safe and secure environment for the children and our valued staff.

“We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of every child as an individual and really preparing them for the next step up to primary school. For children living through these turbulent times we believe that a nursery experience will provide stability, normality and help prepare them for this milestone.”

There are Government funded places available at Mama Bear’s.

For more information or to arrange a Covid-19 secure tour at a local nursery visit www.mamabear.co.uk

When the 100 strong members of Plymouth Rock Choir were forced to abandon their weekly rehearsals at the Woolwell Centre in March last year they decided that not even a pandemic was going to stop them singing or raising funds for their favourite charities.

Under the guidance and tutelage of their inspirational leader and professional musician Richard Toomer, they continued to learn and rehearse new songs virtually adding to their rich repertoire normally performed for the residents of Plymouth.

In addition to supporting local charities with their performances Plymouth Rock Choir raise funds for a number of charities by having coffee mornings, having cake sales and various other activities throughout the year. Obviously, there was no possibility of continuing these efforts during lockdown and this was a cause of some concern among the membership.

Choir leader, Richard Toomer came up with the idea of a virtual Christmas Big Sing during which the Plymouth members would join with the members of his other choirs in Devon and also Saltash to dress up, sing and most importantly donate!

To say it was a success would be an understatement with everybody joining in and an incredible £1795 was raised to be split between Guide Dogs South West and Children’s Hospice South West.

Rock Choir nationally have also been busy supporting charities. In December they released a single of ‘Keeping the Dream Alive ‘,a virtual recording of over 4,500 Rock Choir members including Plymouth Rockies. The single went straight into number 1 in the ITunes chart and all the proceeds went to the Mental Health Foundation.

In addition, and with the aim of lifting the spirits of the nation, they have reinstated their ‘Keep Britain Singing’ initiative which is a free daily sing via YouTube at 12 midday Mondays – Fridays.

This is available not just to Rock Choir members but to the general public with a special weekly session for children and teenagers.

Richard and his choir members are doing everything they possibly can to carry on in these difficult times but, without exception, they cannot wait for the day when they can return in person to rehearse and perform and continue to raise money for local charities. In the meantime they are very much open for business.

The new term has just started with the membership learning the uplifting ‘Take a Chance on Me’ by Abba and the choir are still welcoming new members via the website www.rockchoir.com or richard. toomer@rockchoir.com

February 2021

@PlymChronicle

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Pioneering drug discovery company moves to the Plymouth Science Park Amprologix, a spinout company from the University of Plymouth, has moved to Plymouth Science Park to become part of their growing health tech cluster and make use of cutting-edge laboratory facilities within the Derriford Research Facility.

The move comes as the company begins the clinical phase of its antibiotic discovery programmes.

Amprologix has pioneered a drug discovery programme focused on identifying the next generation of antibiotics, helping meet the growing need for novel approaches to the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Professor Mat Upton, chief scientific officer of Amprologix, said: “We are delighted to be joining the fantastic community of health tech innovators at Plymouth Science Park. The technical capabilities of the Derriford Research Facility will be vital to our continued work as we strive to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.”

A UK government review in 2015 estimated that by 2050, the global cost of antibiotic resistance could rise to US$100 trillion and drug-resistant infections will cause ten million deaths a year, eclipsing the current toll from cancer and diabetes combined.

In the UK alone, the government estimates there are currently 5,000 deaths each year because antibiotics no longer work for some infections.

Amprologix was founded in 2018 to develop and commercialise the work of Professor Mat Upton of the University of Plymouth, who leads the

university’s internationally recognised Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Research Group. The company is partnered with world-leading biotechnology company Ingenza for manufacturing.

Dr Ian Fotheringham, managing director of Ingenza, said: “This is an exciting move for Amprologix. To be part of a dynamic technology community will accelerate its growth and advance its innovative approaches to tackle the unmet global threat of antimicrobial resistance.”

Dr Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amprologix to Plymouth Science Park. The last year has demonstrated in the starkest possible terms the importance of innovative health tech research and capability.

We look forward to supporting Amprologix as they continue their vital work developing new antibiotics and addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance.”

To find out more about Amprologix, visit www. amprologix.com and for information on Plymouth Science Park go to www.plymouthsciencepark.com

It’s also Gathering Momentum at the Park - literally!

Award winning Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Data Management consultancy, Gathering Momentum is also moving into Plymouth Science Park.

Gathering Momentum provides impartial CRM services to help their clients improve sales, employee engagement and management decision making. Through the automation of

sales and marketing processes, report generation and other back office functions, Gathering Momentum enables organisations of all sizes to benefit from greater systemisation and growth.

Despite being a small team, Gathering Momentum’s experience spans 25 years, and after continued expansion of the business through 2020, the move to Plymouth Science Park will support their ambitious development

plans, as they work on launching a ‘self-service’ web-based version of their CRM selection and implementation service for small to medium-sized enterprises. Founder and CEO Rob Perry said: “Not only is the location of Plymouth Science Park ideal, but the existing tenants are in similar fields, providing us with a great opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive business environment.”

16 February 2021

16 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Choir staying in tune despite COVID

Photo Howard Perks

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary year in 2020 - but the pandemic meant that its four planned public performances had to be cancelled.

Determined to bring some cheer the choir recorded a new (COVID) version of The Twelve Days of Christmas and presented an online carol concert. Other projects such as the Desert Island Discs series also helped to keep spirits buoyant and further strengthened the bonds of support and camaraderie.

Mary Johnson, press officer for the choir said: “We’ve been challenged, to say the least, but we’ve learned new skills and have adapted. We have become adept at internet shopping, Zoom meetings and figuring out our children’s or grandchildren’s maths school work!

“Maybe the question is, what will we now choose to learn for our own enjoyment and fulfilment and to boost our health and mental well-being?”

Despite having not sung a note in their planned concerts, the choir has still managed to recruit new members in

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recent months.

Mary added: “Whilst we don’t yet know when or what we will be singing, the choir are nonetheless excited about the prospect of performing beautiful music with the exhilaration and sense of achievement that comes from this. To be part of their even more joyous 51 year celebrations, please consider joining us.”

For further details please contact membership secretary Pat Brodie (01752 330337 pat.brodie@outlook.com) or visit the website at plymouthphilchoir.org

Plymouth pilot scheme for country’s first pharmacy-led digital consultation service Push Doctor, the leading digital healthcare company, has partnered with Well Pharmacy, to launch the country’s first pharmacy-first digital service in Plymouth.

The pilot scheme is providing over 50,000 patients living in the area with direct access to local community pharmacists via the Push Doctor platform.

It is estimated that one-third of GP appointments nationally could be treated by pharmacists who are clinically trained to treat minor ailments such as eczema, hay fever, indigestion, and cystitis.

By adopting a pharmacy-first approach, patients who access the Push Doctor platform with such concerns will be directed to a pharmacist who will be able to offer quick and effective treatment online. This will free up GP appointments for those with serious or chronic health issues, easing the burden on the local NHS at a time of unprecedented demand. The service is now available at four GP surgeries across the Plymouth Sound primary care network: Oakside Surgery, Friary House Surgery, Estover Surgery and Elm Surgery.

By using the Push Doctor platform patients will be able to access a highly trained Well Pharmacist flexibly at a time that suits them. Patients can conduct digital consultations using any device with video capability and internet connection. These consultations are COVID safe, confidential, and conducted at no additional cost to the NHS. Over the next six months Push Doctor and Well will be increasing the number

of surgeries offering digital pharmacist consultations, with Well looking to recruit more clinical pharmacists as the partnership expands.

Wais Shaifta, chief executive, Push Doctor, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Well Pharmacy to provide the residents of Plymouth with better access to primary care. By directing patients to the most appropriate clinician in the first instance we can treat them faster and more effectively, delivering better health outcomes across the local area.

“By fully utilising the skill and expertise of pharmacists, we will remove non-essential footfall for GP practices, freeing up more time for GPs to see patients with more serious medical issues.

“We hope this will be the start of a new pharmacy-first delivery model that

will set up a future digital NHS across the country.”

Seb Hobbs, CEO, Well Pharmacy, said: “Through this unique, pharmacy-first approach our aim is to provide the local community with increased access to our highly trained pharmacists who are skilled at treating a variety of health conditions.

“Throughout the pandemic pharmacists across the UK have shown that they can help take some of the pressure off the NHS and GPs. Our partnership with Push Doctor, once again shows the important role pharmacists have within the healthcare system. We are pleased to offer flexible pharmacy services to a greater number of people across Plymouth and contribute to sustainable health services in the local area.”

For more information visit www. pushdoctor.co.uk

February 2021

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Students get their message across - big time!

Two students from Plymouth College of Art have had their artwork blown up to billboard size, thanks to a competition by Yellowbird Media in Plymouth.

The college was approached by Chris Passmore, of Yellowbird Media, as he had two mobile billboards which were available and in need of artwork. Chris wanted the message of the billboards to focus on environmental awareness and through connecting with Nick Crawley, employer engagement coordinator at Plymouth College of Art, he was able to come up with a brief to send out to students across the whole college.

Rachel Hopkins, who is studying MA Illustration after completing her BA (Hons) degree in Interior Decoration, Design & Styling this year, submitted her piece ‘Save the Rainforests’ after hearing about the opportunity through her student email.

Rachel said: “My entry was actually artwork from one of my Interior Decoration, Design & Styling modules. I constructed a concept for a ‘Save the Rainforests’ pop-up education centre that would tour around the UK to spread awareness of the rate that we are losing our rainforests and how to support the cause.

“My past few projects have all been inspired by the environment and how I can make a difference to our ever changing world. I’m really driven to create work that inspires others to make a change and hopefully contribute to making up the harm us humans have done to this planet.

I’ve personally gained so much from the billboard experience, I’ve had such a positive response.

My submitted piece is really meant to make a statement and having it printed so big is exactly

Plymouth firms urged to access funds to help jobless young people

The number of young people claiming Universal Credit in Plymouth has now exceeded 4,000 people according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

Local employers are now being urged to access funding from a £2 billion Government scheme to create job placements to help young people back in to work.

A total of 4,881 young people aged 16-24 years old are now claiming Universal Credit in Plymouth, with large numbers of young people being badly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Kickstart Scheme will fund employers to provide six month work placements for young people. Employers will be paid 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage and employers National Insurance for 25 hours a week. There is also a £1,500 grant per job placement available to help employers pay for setup costs, support and training.

Kickstart Jobs UK is an approved Gateway helping employers access the Kickstart Scheme, especially employers creating under 30 job placements who are not allowed to apply directly to the Government.

Applying through Kickstart Jobs UK is free of charge for employers, who will also gain access to the exclusive Kickstart Academy which will provide free employability skills training to the young person recruited. Employers can apply for Kickstart Scheme funding now at www. kickstartjobs.uk Katie Range from Kickstart Jobs UK said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has hit young people hard and youth unemployment is rising across the country. The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion investment by the Government to fund job placements to get young people back in to work.

“I would urge local employers to access this funding to create job placements and help kickstart the careers of local young people, as well as boosting your business at the same time. Pledge your job placements now at www. kickstartjobs.uk “

Plymouth College of Art student Rachel Hopkins with her giant billboard

what it needed to get the message across. It was so amazing to see it in person and see the sheer scale of it!”

Mary Clark, second year student on BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking, also had her artwork chosen for the environmental billboards.

Mary said: “I love to draw and paint from images, and for this project I was inspired by a photo of the sculpture from the Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell. The sculpture is a sleeping human figure covered in moss, grass and ivy with a

group of trees behind it.

“For me, that perfectly symbolises the fact that ‘nature is your home’, so I took that as my main inspiration for the poster. Over the summer break, I kept noticing litter in random places while on my daily walks, it always looked like someone had carefully placed it in specific positions, as if they were deliberately trying to destroy the surroundings. I have never heard anyone say ‘litter is vandalism’, but I think it is, so I decided that was my main message.

17

“I have been drawing and painting since I can remember, but this experience has given me more confidence in my work and definitely an eagerness to enter more competitions to see where they take me! I went to see the billboard recently and I’m so pleased it’s in a place where people can easily access it for free. The size of it makes the message easy for viewers to remember. In fact, I’ve noticed much less litter around since the poster went up.

Maybe it’s already having an effect.”

The billboards were printed at the Imprint Lab and Digital Print Bureau based at Plymouth College of Art, where they discovered the challenge of printing at such a large scale.

However, thanks to Kerry Brosnan, technical demonstrator at the Imprint Lab, along with others on the team, they were able to complete the print, ready for display on the mobile billboard at a huge six by three metres in size.

Nick Crawley said, “We like to encourage students to take part in external briefs, as they get to work on a real life project with a real employer; it’s no longer theoretical.

“They get to see their artwork come to life and be in the public domain which means they can get feedback from creatives and non-creatives about their work. It can also lead to other opportunities, for example Rachel is now designing a poster for Sutton Harbour, because they saw her billboard and loved the simplicity of the artwork and the strength of the message. It just shows what can happen if you enter these live briefs and competitions.”

Rachel’s billboard is situated on the Marsh Mills Roundabout with Mary’s billboard currently stationed at Transit Way near the Tesco store.

102 Mayflower hats knitted for modern day seafarers in need More than 100 international seafarers are set to benefit from some handmade woolly hats produced by local ladies during lockdown.

The hats were created as part of a special Mayflower-themed ‘Knitting Challenge’ that The Box set its’ Women’s Craft Collective in 2020.

The initiative saw the group take inspiration from the stories of the 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower and then knit a hat to represent each of them.

The Box posted parcels of wool, patterns and stories to the group who kept each other up to date with their progress through social media and telephone calls. The challenge provided them with a fun activity to get involved with during last year’s lockdowns, as well as a way to stay connected while they’ve been unable to meet face-to-face.

The colour coded hats were displayed at The Box throughout December and represent the different groupings and families that made up the passengers on the Mayflower. There were 28 different groups of families, friends and workmates and each group was given its own colour. The selected colours are common to the clothing of the early 1600s which, although not quite as bright as modern dyes, included colourful russets, pinks and oranges.

Now the display has finished, the hats have been presented to seafarer charity, Stella Maris.

Established in 1920, and originally named the Apostleship of the Sea, Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world. It works to improve the lives of seafarers and fishers

Ann Donnelly, regional port chaplain (left) pictured with Jennifer Biscoe from The Box’s Women’s Craft Collective

through a network of local chaplains and seafarer centres that provide information, advocacy and spiritual support.

Ann Donnelly, Plymouth’s Regional Port Chaplain said: “The seafarers, like the passengers on board the Mayflower, are often at the mercy of the sea, sailing away from their loved ones in the hope that they can provide them with a more stable future. They’ll wear the hats with pride and are really grateful to the Women’s Craft Collective for taking the time to knit them.”

The Craft Collective currently has over 40 members and reaches

women from across the city and beyond, all of whom benefit from the creativity and companionship that the group provides.

Chloe Hughes, engagement programmes manager at The Box said: “Everyone really enjoyed knitting the hats and the group has produced hundreds of items for a range of charities over the last few years. This particular challenge has given them a chance to explore the stories of the Mayflower passengers who were confined to their ship just as we’ve been confined to our homes at times. It’s also given them a purpose and a reason to stay in touch with each other at a difficult time.”

Although face-to-face meetings are currently on hold, more information about joining the Women’s Craft Collective can be obtained by sending an email to TheBoxLearning@plymouth.gov.uk.

Find out more about The Box at www. theboxplymouth.com

18 February 2021

Councillor Column

18 February 2021

George the pony finds a new home after waiting 10 years to be adopted Staff and volunteers at an equine sanctuary near Plymouth are celebrating after one of their ponies has been found a new home - after a 10 year wait.

By Nick Kelly Leader of the Conservative Group on Plymouth City Council

New Year, new COVID variant We entered 2021 with hope that ‘normality’ would resume sooner rather than later. Sadly COVID had other ideas. The rate of infection with the new variant has wreaked further havoc, and whilst low compared to the national figures, infections in Plymouth have surged.

As a result, we are now in a national lockdown. Our only way out is to comply with the new restrictions, remain vigilant and take personal responsibility around masks, washing hands and social distancing.

This will allow the vaccines to be rolled out at the various locations across the city, starting with the most vulnerable.

In turn we will all receive notification about our own vaccination, but patience is required, especially for the more youthful among us.

So COVID continues to dominate our day to day living and fill our news channels. Despite some false dawns, we will beat this virus and we will do so more quickly and with less deaths and suffering if we act in a responsible manner.

Plymouth so far, has been affected less than most major cities and that is down to the great attitude displayed by virtually everyone in the city. Let’s keep that going.

We are fortunate living in Plymouth to have numerous parks and green spaces that we can visit to take our permitted daily exercise, as well as clear our minds.

So whether it’s a stroll around Thorn Park, Central Park or a visit to the Hoe, I encourage you to get out when possible and enjoy some fresh air and the local beauty Plymouth has to offer.

Mental health is so important at all times, but especially now, and a regular spot of physical exercise works wonders for the mind as well as the body. Please say ‘hello’ if you spot me whilst you are out and about as the Hoe is one of my favourite walks.

It’s at challenging times, such as we are enduring now, we take stock of what is important to us. Family, friends and personal health become more important than ever. It’s also the sense of community spirit and helping others where we possibly can make a positive difference. With this in mind I would welcome your thoughts and views on how we can make our city a far better place to live, work and visit.

Please feel free to email me at nick. kelly@plymouth.gov.uk

@PlymChronicle

George was taken in by the Hoofbeats Sanctuary in 2010 and the search began for a new adopted home where his special needs could be met.

Now after more than 3,500 days in the charity’s care, George has finally been adopted.

Hoofbeats, based on the edge of Dartmoor, has been rescuing and rehabilitating troubled horses and ponies for over 20 years. Totally reliant on public donations, their work has seen nearly 200 horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes pass through their gates, with the charity’s aim being to find approved, loving forever homes for each resident.

Adapting to lockdowns and changing restrictions, the allvoluntary team have amazingly managed to rehome almost 30 horses and ponies in the past year, despite the pandemic.

The Hoofbeats team had grown attached to George’s quirky and cheeky personality - but his complex behavioural issues meant he needed a special kind of home where he could be left to simply enjoy field life with other horses and be fussed over in a quiet environment.

Hoofbeats founder Sharon Vieira said: “We are delighted to see him finally find the dedicated loving home he so deserves. While we offer a permanent sanctuary to those who may never be rehomed, and vow to never put a healthy horse to

George with his pal Snoopy

Donut faces an uncertain future

sleep, finding forever homes for our residents means that we can help more horses and ponies in the future.”

One such horse in need is Doughnut, who has joined the sanctuary in need of help to allow him to live a settled and peaceful life. At only four years old, it has been discovered that Doughnut requires surgery which could cost the charity upwards of £3,000 in order to rebalance his testosterone levels.

With Doughnut currently living with a lot of pent-up frustration, the team at Hoofbeats are hopeful that their supporters can help raise the money needed to fund his urgent operation and allow him to find the forever loan home he deserves for the future.

With spring fast approaching, the charity anticipate that Doughnut’s hormone levels will increase, meaning that he is likely to need to be isolated for the safety of the other horses in the sanctuary’s care.

Sharon added: “Doughnut has joined our sanctuary to be rehabilitated and rehomed. However, at present this is not possible and he faces an uncertain future. Please help us to ensure that this beautiful boy’s life is a happy and healthy one for many years to come by donating to our appeal and helping us to get him the treatment he so deserves.”

To find out more about Doughnut’s story and to donate to his appeal, please visit justgiving.com/ campaign/doughnut. Alternatively, you can donate via PayPal using the address fundraising@hoofbeats. org.uk, and find out more about the charity’s work at www.hoofbeats. org.uk.

A new home at last for George

Counting the cost of COVID in Plymouth The Coronavirus pandemic has cost Plymouth City Council over £20 million in the current financial year and looks set to cost at least £10 million next year.

Like families, businesses and organisations everywhere, the council is counting the cost of COVID-19 as it attempts to set a balanced budget for next year to keep the city running and crucially, to keep people safe.

Cabinet Member for Finance Mark Lowry said: “The figures tell their own story of what an extraordinary time it is - over half a million pounds taking hundreds of homeless people off the streets, £2.9 million caring for our children and young people in need and £3 million lost income as businesses struggle to pay rent.

“And while we are grateful that some of these costs have been covered, there is still a gap of over £7 million.”

The effect of the pandemic also means that fewer people can afford to pay. Last year 74,603 households paid council tax. This year it is 73,115 households as more people are claiming council tax support.

The Government’s provisional settlement has indicated that for every £5 the council has available to spend, nearly £3 is from the council tax payers of Plymouth. The Government has also told councils that they will be allowed to charge a precept - or contribution - of up to three per cent on top up of the

final council tax bill to pay for elderly people needing social care.

Councillor Lowry said: “It is absurd that the Government is forcing local councils to hike up council tax. We still don’t have all the information from the Government we need. In the middle of a pandemic we don’t know what our Public Health Grant for the year is. Last year it was £15.3 million, so it is rather important.”

The council had only just set its budget for 2020/21 when the country went into the first lockdown. It had to urgently implement exceptional measures, including setting up a temporary mortuary, securing supplies of PPE for care homes and ensuring there was support for more than 10,000 medically vulnerable residents who had to shield. While Government grants have supported some council expenditure during the pandemic, it has only been compensated for 71p in every pound spend in responding to COVID-19.

Plymouth has also seen a reduction in its main source of Government funding (the revenue support grant) from £76.6 million in 2013/14 to only £9.74 million this year.

Finance officers have calculated that the cost of running council services next year will need a budget of £195.822 million, but this will not be finalised until February 22. How much council tax people will have to pay will be finalised at the same time.

A full report including final options to balance the budget will be considered by Cabinet on February 9.

February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Children’s Hospice South West appeal as it celebrates 30 years of creating memories to cherish Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 …and everyone is welcome to join the party!

10th anniversary this year, opened in St Austell. Little Harbour was the final piece in the CHSW jigsaw, meaning that no matter where families live in the South West, children’s hospice care is available within an hour-and-a-half drive.

During the last three decades, the charity has provided a safe Today, CHSW supports more than 500 families from Plymouth haven of care, support and friendship for thousands of local families with a seriously ill child. And in its 30th year, supporters and across the rest of the peninsula. It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe support wherever are being asked to help it create more cherished memories for and whenever families need it, including in the hospices, and many years to come. for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.

A £1m fundraising appeal to build the South West’s first The charity needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospice was launched in 1991 by Eddie and Jill children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through Farwell, who experienced the urgent need for hospice care for voluntary donations. local children. Their two eldest “Katie and Tom, who had so children, Katie and Tom, had lifelittle that this world values, limiting illnesses and the family not only inspired their parents, had to travel more than four but also many thousands of hours, from their home in North people to create CHSW, which Devon to Helen House in Oxford, then the country’s only children’s has helped and will continue to hospice. help, many hundreds of families Mr Farwell, who is the charity’s across the South West,” said Mr chief executive, said the idea to build a children’s hospice came Farwell. to him during the middle of a restless night, and despite being “It has been a tremendous journey and so many children and told to ‘stop being so silly and go back to sleep’ by his late wife families have been helped along the way at each of our three Jill, the idea began to take shape. hospices. That work would not have been possible without the “From that bonkers statement, an idea grew,” said Mr continued faithfulness and generosity of people all over the Farwell. “We knew that there were many hundreds of families South West. in the West Country who should also have the opportunity “So we hope they will join with us in 2021 and celebrate this to experience the benefits which we were receiving at Helen wonderful milestone, and all that they have helped us achieve.

House.”

“We have lots of fundraising ideas on our website and The couple started fundraising in the laundry room of their anything people are able to do to help, no matter how big or home and spent days, small, will make a real evenings and weekends difference to families Gardens at Little Harbour in St Austell on the road with in 2021. printed leaflets talking “Together, we can to anyone who would continue to create listen about the project. more memories to be In 1995, Little Bridge cherished for another House opened its doors 30 years.” in Fremington, near There are lots of ways Barnstaple. people can support Huge demand for CHSW during its 30th its services led to the year and every penny opening of the charity’s raised will help CHSW second hospice, continue to care for Charlton Farm, near very poorly children and Bristol, in 2007. families.

And in 2011 Little To get involved visit Harbour, which will www.chsw.org.uk/30 also be celebrating it’s

Ignite-ing creative talent in Plymouth

Two of the South West’s most respected higher education institutions have worked together to create a unique spin on the traditional arts degree show through a spectacular website connecting graduates to industry that has already seen alumni from both universities employed in a recently completed property development project.

The University of Plymouth and Plymouth College of Art accelerated development of their Ignite Festival, launched in 2019, which promotes students to local business and the city as an emergent hub for the creative community.

Part of the city’s iMayflower project, which is supported by the Cultural Development Fund through Arts Council England, the Ignite Festival’s transformation moved beyond simply recreating a graduate show online. It looked towards developing meaningful industry collaborations that would support graduate employment and local economic growth.

Launched in July, the Ignite Futures website acts as a hub to connect emerging talent from the two leading universities with Plymouth’s creative community, industry and the public to spark productivity and employment.

More than 400 final year undergraduates completed a profile and submitted highlights of their work to www. ignitefutures.co.uk and city businesses were quick to react.

Maple Green Property Development, for one, was looking to support graduate development, providing an opportunity for artistic input at a new shared housing project in the city. The project provided a perfect example of what Ignite wants to showcase a lot more of, alongside more traditional festival elements.

Managing director Elliot Cox used the Ignite website to first select and recruit Margarita Tsek, who studied BA (Hons) 3D Design at the University of Plymouth to work alongside him on initial concepts to capture the brand identity - high-end properties for young professionals with strong elements of sustainability. When she delivered on the brief, Elliot returned

to the website and engaged two more graduates, Eleanor Bruce, who studied BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking at Plymouth College of Art and Emma Booth, who studied BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Plymouth.

Ian Hutchinson, head of development at Plymouth College of Art, said: “The relationships we’re building with Plymouth businesses through Ignite are bigger than employer/employee. It’s about exploring the benefits of a creative input on one hand and providing an opportunity for work ready graduates to learn from working professionals on the other.

“The successes this year, and Maple Green is just one of those, in the face of exceptional odds, have inspired everyone. We’re excited to extend Ignite further still next year.”

With life expected to return to some semblance of normality in 2021, the Ignite Festival of Creativity (www. ignitefestivalofcreativity.co.uk) will realise its full potential over the next eight months, and beyond, with showcase events and online technology working in tandem.

Children’s Hospice South West founders Eddie and Jill Farwell.

Sadly Jill passed away from cancer in 2004, three years after starting the charity

19

20 February 2021

20 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Madman, liar or the Son of God? THE

Experience Many of us celebrate His birth at Christmas and at the beginning of every New Year we at Cross Rhythms endeavour to start this column off with a focus on the Person of Jesus Christ.

Both divine and human, Jesus is the Cornerstone and Foundation of the Christian faith. In these challenging times where our normal rhythms of life have been altered, then more than ever it is important for us at Cross Rhythms to focus on the central foundation of our faith as Christians, Jesus Christ.

According to Pew Research Agency, as of 2010 there were just under 2.2 billion Christians around the world, or about one-in-three (31.4%) of all people worldwide. This makes Christianity the world’s largest religion. The world’s Christian population is expected to grow to 2.9 billion by 2050.

Christendom, or structured Christianity in the West, is challenged as it endeavours to adapt to social changes since World War 2, but global Christianity continues to grow. However, there are some encouraging signs of new life in the church in the west especially amongst the younger generation.

According to ancient scripture (the Bible); historic tradition, history itself and the belief of orthodox biblical Christianity through the ages, Jesus Christ is the focus of global Christianity.

NSPCC Together for Childhood initiative having a big impact in Ernesettle

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Christ lives in the heart and experience of those who believe who He is with lives confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

C.S. Lewis wrote that there are only three options of opinion open to us when we consider the claims Jesus makes about Chris Cole himself: madman, liar or Son of God...

For Christians, Jesus is the one and only Son of God, He has existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit for all eternity, and He came to earth as a man 2,000 years ago in the mysterious act we call the incarnation – quite literally, Heaven invaded Earth.

But who is Jesus to you and me?

A couple of hundred years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte had this to say: “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man… Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires… upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.” In 1926 Dr James Francis wrote the following: “Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

“He never owned a home. He never wrote a

book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city.

“He never travelled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

“While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.

“While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

“Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centrepiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

“I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.”

The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ has existed for all time and beyond time. He created us and the world we live in.

‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ He may be, but He is also ‘tougher than hell’ and he defeated death, rising again to life to empower men, women and children with grace to carry on where he left off.

He enables us to defeat fear with love in the power of His Holy Spirit. He sits now, ‘the lamb Who was slain’ on a throne beside his Father’s in heaven and his Father has given Him charge of everything that He has reclaimed with His own life.

He has promised He will one day return to bring His peace and the rule of righteous Love in the world. Prophetic scripture confirms this.

This is who Jesus is, for me, and I believe it’s who the Bible says He is... what about you?

When Pontius Pilate stood before Jesus and asked Him ‘what is truth?’ it is ironic that Pilate was standing before Absolute Truth Himself and didn’t realise it.

From all at Cross Rhythms, have a powerful and influential 2021 especially in these challenging times.

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

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.

Despite the many restrictions and lockdowns throughout 2020, our Together for Childhood activity has continued.

While some of our face-to-face community projects were paused, we found many new ways to continue other services and projects with people in Ernesettle.

Reflecting over the year we’d like to share some key achievements with you.

In a survey we conducted with the local professionals, we asked what they knew about prevention of child sexual abuse. We found a large proportion (25%) didn’t know child sexual abuse is preventable. And while the respondents had a good understanding about what sexual abuse was, they didn’t feel that had enough training on preventing it or how to identify if a child needs help.

In direct response to these findings, we developed workshops for professionals called ‘Sexual Abuse, Let’s Tackle It Together’ to help increase awareness on such an important topic.

Since lockdown began, we adapted these sessions so they can be delivered online and have delivered workshops to 72 professionals.

Shelley Shaw at the NSPCC said: “We know it’s really important for people to feel confident about keeping children safe and our workforce training has been a great way to meet staff from many agencies who really want to do their best to protect children.”

Following the workshops, we received lots of positive feedback; attendees left with a renewed knowledge and confidence to identify, address and prevent child sexual abuse. Some told us that the workshops gave them practical tools, others

Murder Mystery fund raising event Members of Roborough Rotary Club - like many voluntary organisations - are missing their regular meetings, but remained determined to raise funds for local causes.

commented on how well the workshops were delivered.

Further research in the community, showed that community members also think that it’s important to have an understanding of sexual abuse and how it can be prevented. We will now be developing workshops for members of the community and would love to know what topics you think this should include such as healthy relationships, talking about sex, keeping children safe at home and online. If this is something that may interest you please contact the NSPCC’s Plymouth Service Centre.

With the success of our professional workshops, we are now working with the Plymouth Safeguarding Children’s Partnership to plan a workforce training framework that will be

recommended to all volunteers and staff across the city.

We are delighted our work in Ernesettle has helped to progress this which is also great news for our ambition of sustainability and working in partnership.

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

Follow us on Twitter @TFCPlymouth or via the Together for Childhood Plymouth Facebook page.

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

Their latest venture is an online Murder Mystery evening, which will take place at 7pm on Tuesday March 30. A group of semi-professional actors will be taking part in the event which is set in Gatsby Hall, the home of the Westwood-Barnes family, in February 1926.

It is 3pm, and Charles and Clarissa are hosting a gathering for family and friends. Hugo Johnstone, the local Tory MP, is at the event with Harriet Spencer. Georgina Westward-Barnes, daughter of the hosts, is looking nervous.

The maid, Lilly, busies herself, providing refreshments for the guests and the gardener is looking in through the window enviously. A terrible deed is about to take place that will affect the family for generations.

The fundraising and fun event costs £10 per attendee, although extra donations are always welcome. All proceeds from the evening will go to charity.

To take part just email mystery@helenwest. co.uk by March 23 to get the link and information regarding donations.

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22 February 2021

22 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

Latest climate plans for Plymouth revealed Engagement on Plymouth’s latest actions on the climate emergency will begin shortly.

Initial plans to help tackle the crisis were first launched in December 2019, setting out 39 actions Plymouth City Council would take to address its own carbon emissions and 75 actions planned for Plymouth as a whole.

Over the past year, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, many of the actions detailed in those plans have now been completed and so the time has come to ramp up the actions for 2021.

The draft actions for the second Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan 2021 and the Climate Emergency Action Plan 2021 will first be reviewed by the Council’s Brexit, Infrastructure and Legislative Change Committee when it meets on January 13.

Following this, any suggested recommendations will be taken on board before the plans are put before the Council as a whole on January 25 and then rolled out for engagement with partners and in the community.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and the Environment, said: “Climate change is a top priority for Plymouth City Council now, and as we look to the future so I’m really pleased to be able to present these latest plans to my colleagues, firstly at scrutiny and then at our city council meeting later this month. ”We’ve had a very successful first year delivering over 100 actions from our first Action Plans and it’s great to be able to highlight the good work that is happening in organisations across the city.

“It’s vital that the city council continues to show leadership on climate change issues and agrees on the way forward so that together, we can reach our ambitious 2030 net zero target.

“This includes getting our own house in order so we can continue to deliver important services for local people in a more sustainable way, but in a way that no community gets left behind.

“I think what I’m most proud of is that the plans are not just word; they are all about action; actions that pave the way to a carbon neutral future for our city.”

Plymouth City Council recently invested in a fleet of electric vans as part of its commitment to carbon reduction

The Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan 2021 centres on what the City Council can do within its own operations.

There have been some notable successes to date with the last plan delivering the replacement of fossil fuel powered vehicles with electric alternatives, reviewing street lighting and focussing on emissions and waste from Council buildings.

The Action Plan also sets out the council’s social and moral responsibility to take positive action and provide strong leadership on averting the dangerous effects of climate change and leading by example.

The Climate Emergency Action Plan 2021 meanwhile concerns the whole of the city and how everyone can be part of the change needed to reach net zero by 2030. It sets out the city-wide strategic approach and response to the declaration of the climate emergency and how partners can help contribute to wider cause.

It describes the three phases of Plymouth’s response to climate change issues: an Emergency Response Phase 2019-2021; a Transitional Phase 2021-2023, and an Acceleration Phase 2023-2030.

There have also been some notable city-wide success during 2020 including installing ground-source heat systems, updating planning policies, improving the energy efficiency of over 100 homes through the Warm Homes Fund, installing over 45 workplace electric charging points, and commencing many of the walking and cycling projects that form part of the Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Dann added: “Notwithstanding the awful impacts of the pandemic we know we must all change our behaviours and our relationship with the natural world. We know we need to do more and we also know we can’t do it alone.

“In addition to what we have achieved so far we will continue to make funding bids throughout 2021 to maximise what we can achieve for Plymouth so that there is a future for us all and we can leave a lasting legacy for the young people of this proud city.”

Forgotten voices at the heart of new UK food research project Disadvantaged communities left behind by the UK’s traditional food system will have a bigger say in how healthy and sustainable food is produced and distributed through a new research project involving academics at the University of Plymouth.

The project unites researchers and food industry representatives with charity leaders to reimagine how food policy, products and supply chains can be developed.

It will focus on working with disadvantaged communities to jointly establish new solutions to address a lack of access to healthy, sustainable food.

The work is one of four interdisciplinary research projects to have received a total of £24 million funding through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF).

It will develop a framework to ensure food is affordable, desirable and fits with the complex demands on people’s lives. This means regular consumption of a nutritious diet, produced in a way that is good for our planet, will be an attainable aspiration for all members of our society.

Preliminary work has shown that people living in disadvantaged communities have the desire to eat a healthier diet and are aware that good nutrition is closely linked to good physical and mental health.

The project is being conducted by a partnership including Dr Clare Pettinger, lecturer in Public Health Dietetics, and colleagues at the universities of Reading, Cranfield, Sussex and Kent.

She said: “I am thrilled to be part of a collaborative project which brings together four very diverse communities – alongside a range of other key partners – putting their

voices at the heart of more democratic decision making to transform our food system.

“In Plymouth, a city with very high levels of disadvantage, we have seen worsening inequities in food access, particularly in our more disadvantaged communities, which affects both physical and mental health.

“This project will bring enormous opportunities to our city offering our communities, and the organisations that serve them, a greater active say in how we can transform our food system to support both human and planetary health gains.”

The Plymouth element of the project, which will directly receive around £600,000 funding, will build on Dr Pettinger’s previous work examining how food poverty is impacting vulnerable people across the city.

This has included research in tandem with disadvantaged groups and community

Photo: Getty Images

Dr Clare Pettinger of the University of Plymouth

initiatives, and resulted in a film – Food: On the Margins in Plymouth, produced with media company Fotonow CIC – designed to shed light on the impact of food poverty within the city of Plymouth.

For the new project, she will be using her expertise in public health nutrition as part of a local and national benchmarking exercise to understand the diets of disadvantaged communities.

She will then also work with the Food Plymouth CIC to establish a team of

community food researchers, whose work will include helping industry partners to improve the content healthiness and sustainability of food products.

As the project progresses, Dr Pettinger will also help to evaluate the impact of new products on choice and public health and then develop new community food policies.

Away from Plymouth, the project will focus on sharing knowledge and learning from working with people from a variety of disadvantaged communities (Whitley, Berkshire; Brighton and Hove, West Sussex; Tower Hamlets, London) as well as small and large food businesses and policy makers. Communities will co-create policies to prevent food loss from ‘mainstream’ supply chains, and identify where increased sustainable production of primary food ingredients is needed.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, from the University of Reading, is the overall project lead. She said: “People who are currently struggling to put healthy, sustainable food on their tables each day are at the heart of this new project. Many struggle, not because they lack aspiration or knowledge about food, but because of the real impact of financial or time poverty. The project will give a voice and power to those who are so often left behind when food systems, food policies and novel products are designed.

February 2021 23

@PlymChronicle

80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz to be marked by series of special events A programme of special events will be taking place this year to mark the 80th anniversary of the Blitz which killed over 1,000 people in Plymouth and changed the city forever.

Plymouth will come together to remember the 1,172 civilians who died during the 1941 Plymouth Blitz in a special series of commemorative events.

The events will include: • The Box will be sharing pages of the Bomb Book marking every raid on Plymouth during World War Two alongside other exhibits from our city’s wartime past.

• A special remembrance service will be held for the 76 people lost in the bombing of the Portland Square air raid shelter organised by the University of Plymouth.

• The Fire Brigades Union will be unveiling a new memorial to the 41 firefighters who died during the Plymouth Blitz in a special online service.

• CityBus will be publishing photographs of the bomb damage to their Milehouse depot that included buses blown onto the roof of the depot by the force of the blast.

• St Andrew’s Church will be holding a special livestreamed service to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing of the Minister Church and the placing of the ‘Resurgam’ inscription outside the church the day after.

The Marine Biological Association on Plymouth Hoe that was hit by bombs will also be publishing photos and diary entries from staff at the time recounting the raids. The

A page from the Bomb Book

Lord Mayor will also be leading the city in a moment of remembrance.

Babcock, the Royal Navy and the Royal British Legion will all be participating in events. As will those organisations who remember those civilians who fell including Ford Park Cemetery Trust whose chapel is engraved with the names of every victim of the Plymouth Blitz.

Plymouth was targeted by the Luftwaffe as a major naval port, home to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and as a base to units of the Army and the Royal Air Force.

During the 59 bombing attacks, 1,172 civilians were killed and 4,448 injured Luke Pollard MP, who leads the organisation of the event programme said: “During this time of national crisis, it is more important than ever to remember the Plymouth

Blitz and the spirit that saw our city through that dark time. 80 years on we are faced with an invisible foe in the form of Coronavirus and the same spirit of rising again. Just as Plymouth got through the Blitz and the horrors of war, to rebuild, we will do that with this virus.

“As a proud military city, we remember those in uniform who served and gave their lives for our freedom, and during the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz I hope the stories of our city’s civilian population can be retold and rediscovered. I invite everyone in Plymouth to remember this anniversary, be proud of our city’s past and hopeful about the future true to the essence familiar to Plymothians eighty years ago embodied in the resurgam spirit.”

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy

Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “As one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two, this March and April mark 80 years since one of Plymouth’s darkest hours.

“The destruction caused by the Blitz changed the city forever – but so did the way it rose from the ashes and rebuilt itself. This is an opportunity for us to remember everyone who was lost and everyone who survived. As we continue to face the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s also a really timely reminder of how resilient Plymouth can be in the toughest of times.”

Nicola Moyle, Head of Heritage, Art and Film at The Box said: “As one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two, this spring marks 80 years since one of Plymouth’s darkest hours. The destruction caused by the Blitz is a subject we return to time and time again – not only to inform people about what took place, but also to remind them of how resilient Plymouth is and how it rose from the ashes.

“At the Box we are privileged to hold a wealth of material in our archives and in our galleries. One particularly iconic document is called The Bomb Book – it literally captures night by night all the bombs that fell across the city during the Blitz.

“We will be sharing highlights from this book as part of the anniversary commemoration.”

The events programme will be published by Plymouth City Council shortly.

All Saints Academy joins the Ted Wragg Trust All Saints Church of England Academy in Honicknowle has become the latest school to join the Ted Wragg Trust.

It is the third Plymouth school to join the Trust, which was formed with the aim of creating an outstanding educational experience and to improve life chances for all children. The addition of All Saints Academy will strengthen the opportunities and partnerships across the Trust and bring benefits to both the school and the Plymouth area.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “It’s a truly exciting time here at the Ted Wragg Trust as we officially welcome our tenth school. We have been working in partnership with All Saints Academy for some time now, so it is great to see them formally become part of the Ted Wragg Trust family of schools.

“Now more than ever, working collaboratively is so important to us all. We can use resources far more efficiently and effectively and are able to put savings back into front line teaching whilst ensuring the very highest quality of education is given back to the children.”

The Ted Wragg Trust is values-driven and works with schools to support social mobility and help level up the opportunity for all children across Devon. Further to this, working within close geographical proximity enables the Trust to share resources, and through experience know that when schools work together to support each other, they rapidly improve.

Lee Sargeant, headteacher of All Saints Church of England Academy, said: “We have been working in partnership with the Ted Wragg Trust for over a

USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency Numbers

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

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 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

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

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

Leisure

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall All Saints Academy headteacher Lee Sargeant with students

year now, and throughout this time we have been extremely well supported, gaining access to world class provision and resources for students and staff alike.

“Over this period, we have seen rapid improvement having implemented a new schoolwide curriculum, reducing fixed term exclusions and embedded a new reward culture. Our shared values and total commitment to ensuring a world

class education for all children, irrespective of background, remains an integral part of why we are now part of the Trust.

“We are incredibly excited to be officially joining the Trust and continue with the great progress we have established to date.”

The Ted Wragg Trust’s other schools in the city are Marine Academy Primary and Marine Academy Plymouth.

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

24 February 2021

24 February 2021

@PlymChronicle

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Work due to start on over 22,000 Leigham Roundabout homes in

Derriford and North edition

Work to widen and improve Leigham Roundabout and Forder Valley Road is due to start in February as a key part of the city’s Forder Valley transport improvement scheme gets underway.

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 roundabout at the bottom of the valley is getting a complete redesign to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion. Once the new Forder Valley Link Road is complete, it will form part of the new alternative link from the A38 to the north of the city.

After months of detailed planning and design work, it’s now green for go on the scheme which will be delivered by Balfour Beatty, who are the main contractors on the Forder Valley Link Road project.

Depending on the situation regarding the coronavirus, the March edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on March 5 with a copy deadline of February 25.

What’s coming?

The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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

For more information, or to talk to one of our sales advisors, call

01752 225623

or email info@cornerstonevision.com www.cornerstonevision.com

Chronicle Plymouth

February 2021

COVID UPDATE

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@PlymChronicleDN If you would like to submit a story, email info@cornerstonevision.com or if you would like to find out more information on the Plymouth Chronicle or our other publications, please visit www.cornerstonevision.com

See inside for great range of discounts from city shops and businesses

Helicopter heroes

Little James Berry from Plymouth and his mum Natalie meet pilots Mark Woodley (left) and Dave Burgess (right) from the Children’s Air Ambulance during a special event in Bristol.

James was just four months old when the helicopter heroes airlifted him to Derriford.

• See story on page 13

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from the Department for Transport’s National Productivity Investment Fund and £3.83 million from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

A further £1.59 million from the Integrated Transport Block and £116,000 revenue to capital contribution will now be invested into this major scheme to allow construction to be delivered.

Further details will be released shortly about the construction phasing and associated traffic management. For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/fordervalleyinterchange

Mill Rd

planting that will better blend the verges of the highway into meadow grasslands, then into tree and shrub planting at the woodland edge before merging with the existing mature woodlands of the Forder Valley.

A more diverse range of grasses and wildflower species for the meadows will provide habitats for insects and invertebrates and the woodland edge will be planted with native species of tree and shrubs, providing food and shelter for the local wildlife.

The scheme received a £5 million contribution

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Derriford & North

Plympton schoolboy Taylor Hardy has raised over £4000 for a Plymouth charity See page 11

See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

We ston

• Extra road space and better traffic flow • Upgraded and extended merge off the roundabout heading north onto Forder Valley Road • An extra lane on the southbound approach to the roundabout • Wider off-road walking and cycling space leading off the roundabout up Forder Valley • Subway under Forder Valley Road extended and improved.

A decision is being signed today confirming the contract on the Forder Valley Interchange scheme - as it is more formally known as - and the final cost of the scheme, which is £10.54 million.

There has been a slight increase due to unfavourable ground conditions detected following surveys as part of the detailed design stage, as well as the impact of COVID-19.

The surveys revealed that part of the land earmarked for construction was used for dumping material from bomb damaged properties following the end of the Second World War. The scheme is expected to start in February and be completed by Spring 2022. The programme is being planned so that the new area of road space on Forder Valley Road is constructed off-line first.

The extra space can then be used to move traffic around, avoiding the need for extensive traffic management measures and minimising disruption to the travelling public.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Planning said: “Anyone who uses this roundabout knows it can get seriously snarled up at peak times. We’re creating an impressive new road link at the top of the valley so we also need to look at the roundabout at the bottom.

“It currently causes aggravation - not just for commuters but for the locals living in Delamere Road trying to get out. This scheme aims to sort those niggles out.

“Much of the build will be taking place off the roundabout and more disruptive works will be done off peak or overnight as far as we can.”

Landscaping for the scheme will see improved

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