Plymouth Chronicle January North 2024 by Cornerstone Vision

New care service for adults is now open in Plymouth

A new health and Wellbeing centre is now open in the grounds of a historic mansion near Plymouth and ready to take referrals to the day service.

The day service provision, at Pearn Estate, in Hartley, will lay on social activities as well hot meals and refreshments. The Well Being Centre will also offering services like a disabled friendly shower facility, Arjo Spa Bath, hairdresser, consultation rooms for health professionals, all of these are in addition to the Day Service so can be accessed separately.

The aim is to boost services on offer for adults in the region at a time when many health services in the region are being stretched.

Nicola Williams, who will manage the new facility for Network Healthcare, part of the Pertemps Network Group, said: “This is very exciting for all of us. Since the pandemic, services have changed and a lot more is being asked of families to support vulnerable people.

“We think this is a much-needed service for Plymouth, offering a homely atmosphere with our experienced staff. We are hoping to create a valuable centre to support local people.”

Network Healthcare is a national Care Quality Commission registered company which already runs a number of services in Plymouth, including a child contact centre and social care community projects.

The Pearn is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1890s.

For more information, visit www.networkhsc.co.uk

TEAMWORK AT ITS FINEST

An inspiring example of teamwork has led to the completion of landscaping around the new entrance at the Hearts Together Hospital in Derriford.

Over 100 hedges were planted on the day - but the project would not have been possible without the generosity of SocieTree, another local charity which kindly donated the hedges.

The outstanding efforts of the volunteers who gave their time and energy also helped make the activity possible. Special mention for Hearts Together volunteers Steve and Karen, the team from Bailey Partnership and students from Discovery College, whose hard work made the day a success.

A spokesperson for Hearts Together said: “It’s heartwarming to see two charities coming together, supported by local businesses and community members, to achieve something truly special. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone happen –teamwork at its finest!”

Removing fencing to make way for the new hedging

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

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

Sleeping with the Sharks

Dec 27

Sleepover at the National Marine Aquarium is a brilliant and unforgettable opportunity to see what happens in the underwater world around us. The experience is designed for kids and their guardians to create that special family memory. The experience is an engaging way to better educate yourself in how to help preserve our fantastic marine environment! Explore the aquarium at night and see the amazing creatures up close before sleeping in front of our Eddystone Reef tank that contains fantastic local species such as sharks, crabs, lobsters and eels! For details and tickets visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk/ events/sleeping-with-sharks-at-the-aquarium

Family Fun – We Are All Stars

Jan 2 and 3

Join the team at The Box for creative fun with clay before the new term starts. Be inspired by the amazing art on display in The Box’s beautiful ‘Land Sea Sky’ exhibition and making pots that twinkle with star constellations to take home. Come and celebrate the wintry skies this new year.Local artists will run the free drop-in sessions on from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm (last entries at 12.15pm and 3.15pm). For more information visit www.theboxplymouth.com/ events/families

Coffee Morning

Jan 4

Crownhill Methodist Church from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of Devon Blood Bikes. All welcome.

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime

Jan 11

China Fleet Country Club present a tale as old as time at 1.30pm. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon filled with laughter, music and dazzling costumes, while you enjoy a well-loved enchanting fairy tale! All children must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees require a ticket. To book visit www.tickettailor.com/events/chinafleetcountryclub

Bird & Wildlife Cruise

Jan 12, Feb 12 and 27, Mar 1

Join Plymouth Boat Trips for the new Bird Watching Cruise to see and learn about the many birds that migrate to the area during the autumn and winter months, travelling the River Tamar and River Lynher, which are known for wintering wildfowl and many waders. Passengers may see Shelduck, Wigeon, Curlew, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, the stunning Avocets and hopefully be fortunate to also see Spoonbills. Commentary will be provided to give the opportunity to improve bird identification skills and learn about the ecology of the birds and the river. Tickets include a hot tea or coffee. For details and tickets visit www. plymouthboattrips.co.uk

Christmas in January

Jan 12

A second chance for those working over the festive period to enjoy a Christmas celebration at the Club Argyle Lounge at Home Park. Festive food and music will be on offer. For tickets and further information email hospitality@pafc.co.uk or call 01752 302206.

Wedding Fayre

Jan 19

Free entry for the Wedding Fayre at the Future Inn, Plymouth from 11am to 3pm. Plymouth’s top professional wedding suppliers will be present to provide inspiration, creative ideas, and the assistance required to personalise your wedding day exactly to your liking.

Men’s Day Out, the St Luke’s Hospice popular fund raiser returns on March 22 2025

Plymouth Drive-In Cinema

Harpers Football Centre

Jan 24 to Jan 26

Kick off the new year with a starlit movie experience at Plymouth’s very own Drive-In Cinema, taking place at Harpers Football Centre. Gather your family, friends, and cosy blankets for three days of beloved classic and family-favourite films, all enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Whether you wish to revisit an old favourite or discover something new, this event is designed for all ages and makes for the perfect winter evening out. Movies will be shown on a stateof-the-art LED screen creating a visually stunning display that’s hard to miss. For details and tickets visit homeparkstadium.com/news/plymouth-drive-incinema-a-starlit-movie-experience

Rebel Rising Stars

Jan 31

An unmissable evening of live music with local legends and rising stars at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7pm. Celebrate the vibrant local music scene and be part of something special. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rebel-rising-starstickets-1105365992439

Tubeway Days - The Gary Numan Live Experience

Feb 1

The Barbican Theatre recreate the shows of the original Gary Numan 1979 and ‘80 tours giving fans the opportunity to relive what was the pinnacle of Numan’s career as he dominated the UK music scene and saw hits and sold out tours around the world. For those who didn’t get the chance to see these iconic shows then Tubeway Days are giving everyone the chance to experience exactly what they were like. For details visit www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

Andy Zaltzman - The Zaltgeist

Feb 1

With the third millennium almost 2.5% complete, Andy Zaltzman, one of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. The show takes place at Plymouth University’s Main Hall at 7.30pm. In the biggest stand-up tour of his career, Andy will attempt to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why? As chair of The News Quiz since 2020, Andy has brought his inventive brand of satirical comedy to BBC Radio 4’s long-running flagship topical comedy show, earning the show multiple awards, critical acclaim and a growing listenership. Details and tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Allo Allo Valentine’s Special Feb 14

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a truly unique and unforgettable way with the Valentine’s Special ‘Allo ‘Allo Interactive Comedy Dinner at the Club Argyle Lounge, Home Park Stadium at 7.30pm. An evening filled with laughter, romance, and delicious food, as the beloved sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo comes to life in an immersive comedy experience like no other! For tickets and details visit www.homeparkstadium.com/ news/allo-allo-valentines-dinner

The Band of the Royal Marines

Feb 15

Royal Marines Band Plymouth, based at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint presents a concert at Theatre Royal Plymouth at 7.30pm. The concert will feature classic marches, overtures, soloists, a spectacular finale and not forgetting the ever-present Corps of Drums. Tickets from www.theatreroyal.com

Mary Poppins

Feb 26 to Mar 29

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying to Theatre Royal Plymouth. Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Tickets from www.theatreroyal. com/whats-on/mary-poppins

Men’s Day Out

Mar 22

The ever-popular fund-raiser for St Luke’s Hospice returns again. An unmissable mix of miles, mates and memories. Discover a special bond with friends old and new for the 12km route starting and ending at Plymouth Albion. Details and registration at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout

Spring Concert

Mar 22

University of Plymouth Choral Society will be performing the Requiem by Fauré and other choral works at St Andrew’s Minster in Royal Parade at 7.30pm. Tickets available from Choral Society members or on the door £16 adults and £6 students.

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

Tamar House Residential Home

Our Care Home is just that - a caring, inviting environment designed to offer comfort, security, friendship and companionship.

• Single rooms with en-suite facilities

• Respite short term care available - including trial stays and carer relief

• A choice of varied nutritious home-prepared meals

• 24-Hour personalised care and support from our experienced staff team run by a dedicated care home manager

• A calendar of varied social activities

• informal visits welcome anytime

Respite Care: Take a break from caring while the person you care for is looked after by someone else. Going away on holiday or just need a break? Has your family member just returned home from hospital and needs a few weeks to recover?

At Abbeyfield Tamar House we can also provide short term respite care - usually between one to eight weeks. (Other durations by arrangement). For more information or to make a booking, please contact us. We will be happy to show you around and answer any questions that you may have. Rest assured, your loved one with be cared for whilst you are taking a short break and will enjoy all the facilities and comforts that our home provides.

Contact the Care Manager on 01752 510810 or Email: tamar.manager@theabbeyfield.co.uk or tamar.admin@theabbeyfield.co.uk

Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5XN www.abbeyfieldtamarhouse.co.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” Nelson Mandela

Uber given green light to operate in Plymouth

Plymouth’s taxi licensing committee have agreed to issue private hire vehicle operators’ licences to two app-based ride companies – Uber and Smartzi.

Uber and Smartzi will be able to operate services in the city after the committee decided both met the council’s taxi licensing policy criteria. Both have been given a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years.

The decision was unanimous by the committee after it heard that both applicants complied with the legislation and policies that govern how taxis operate in the city. A licence has to be granted where all policy and legal requirements are met.

Any driver or vehicle used by Uber or Smartzi would still require a private hire driver’s licence and a vehicle licence issued by Plymouth City Council to work through these operators. Uber Britannia Limited applied for a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years, with the intention of having 160 vehicles licenced per year.

Papers were published which set out what the taxi licensing committee was being asked to consider and that was whether the directors of both companies were considered fit and proper persons to be granted a private hire vehicle operator licence.

The report says: “Officers recognise that if this application is granted it will potentially affect other private hire operators in the city – the committee is reminded that this is not a factor to be considered when deciding the application.”

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “We all know that people who enjoy our great night life here in Plymouth repeatedly struggle to get home and this has been going on for the last few years. Something has to change if our clubs, bars and venues are to survive in the long term.

“We are also acutely aware that a decision to grant a private hire licence to these companies could have consequences for our existing trade, but the committee has to take a decision based on very clear legal guidelines. This will be a very interesting debate.”

The private hire vehicle operator licence holder is a contracting party with customers to supply a private hire vehicle and driver for a trip that must be pre-booked with that operator.

The operator is responsible for keeping accurate records of bookings, drivers and vehicles used and ensuring that all conditions attached to the licence are complied with.

Various legislation and policies govern how taxis operate in the city and the report notes that both applicants comply with conditions.

Prior to the committee meeting, an organisation called Workers Info Exchange contacted members of the committee to warn that if the go-ahead was given to Uber, the decision could face a judicial review.

It claimed there were serious deficiencies in the Uber application and a flawed decision process could lead to a judicial review. It also raised concerns about worker rights, safety, algorithmic transparency and environmental impact and suggested that the fees charged to Uber by the council would be

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Return coach travel from Plymouth

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2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks

Excursions to Manchester, Chester & Liverpool

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Departing Sat 10 May ‘25

The classical music phenomenon André Rieu returns to the UK with a sensational new show, including a date at Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE! Accompanied by his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, this evening promises to be filled with thrilling music.

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash

Overnight stay at a selected hotel (JG3 or JG4 rating) with breakfast

Ticket to André Rieu concert at Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE

Return coach transfers from the hotel to the arena

En-route visit to a place of interest

Departing Mon 9 Jun ‘25

Take a tour on the scenic side and explore the natural beauty of Shropshire. We enjoy many exciting excursions including a journey on the Severn Valley Railway, entrance to the Blists Hill Museum, a relaxing cruise along the River Severn, and more!

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash

4 nights at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa, Bromsgrove (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast

Heritage train journey on the Severn Valley Railway

Cruise on the River Severn with light refreshments

Excursions to Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ludlow Market & Shrewsbury

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Thousands of new homes planned for city centre

Plymouth’s ambitions to provide thousands of homes in the city centre are expected to be given a huge boost, thanks to a new partnership with Homes England.

The Government’s Housing and Regeneration Agency is joining forces with the City Council to create a bespoke regeneration partnership to enable the delivery of significant transformational regeneration opportunities.

The agency’s board members were in the city recently to look at the opportunities and challenges Plymouth faces and to discuss future plans with top council officials and politicians.

They toured the city centre, to look at the latest public realm investments in Old Town Street, New George Street and Armada Way as well as key projects such as the Civic Centre.

They also visited Devonport naval base, where a £4.5 billion Government investment is expected over the next 10 years and they heard about Plymouth’s growth agenda, including the Freeport, the growth of marine sciences and offshore wind opportunities and the universities’ ongoing successes.

The work being undertaken by the council and Homes England recognises the significant opportunity to transform and regenerate Plymouth City Centre, delivering lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the community and commits both parties to work collaboratively with a focus on:

• The development of thousands of new homes with a mix of affordable, market and specialist housing

• Revitalising key sites, improving infrastructure and enhancing the public realm

• Promoting sustainable growth and creating vibrant communities

• Supporting local economic development and job creation.

They will also aim to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to support the delivery of the regeneration programme and work together to identify funding and investment opportunities to speed up progress.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is exciting stuff. Homes England share our vision of changing the city centre and creating more homes within this key part of Plymouth.

“We have made huge inroads and investment in our city centre, which is paying off, with increased interest from business and more footfall.

“We know that Plymouth is being talked about in Whitehall – Plymouth has enormous potential and we are delighted to welcome the board here to see for themselves what makes Plymouth special.

“We have been working with Homes England on our vision for the city centre for a while now and we look forward to this positive relationship continuing.”

The partnership will aim to deliver the transformation of the oversized retail core into a vibrant mixed-use city centre.

Chair of Homes England, Peter Freeman, added: “It was fantastic to be in Plymouth to see the latest public realm investments first hand and how plans to regenerate Plymouth’s city centre are taking shape. It is clear that the council has recognised the opportunity here to provide much needed new homes and bring more people to the heart of the city.”

Plymouth’s city centre is unusual in that has a significantly lower number of people living there, with only 1,000 homes, compared to an average of 8,000 in other cities of a similar size.

This poses a real challenge to creating a vibrant city centre, increasing footfall, and attracting and retaining skilled professionals for the needs of the wider city.

MP’s Football for All Campaign takes next steps

Fred Thomas MP has taken the next steps in his Football for All Campaign, convening a roundtable of key local and national sporting organisations at Home Park.

The meeting aimed to uncover what the barriers to access to sport in the city are, what local collaboration can address them, and what support is needed from local organisations and government.

The campaign, launched with the Argyle Community Trust in September, aims to get more kids in Plymouth playing sport.

The round table was attended by more than 20 key organisations, including Plymouth City Council, Football Foundation, YMCA, Plymouth Parkway, Plymouth Argyle and the Royal Navy.

It was also a chance to acknowledge and commend the amount of collaboration that already goes on across the city, with many organisations already working together to try and improve access and facilities in Plymouth.

During the course of the meeting a number of key issues were highlighted, beyond the problems

of financial barriers to accessing sport, including:

• Funding schemes for clubs and facilities are too short term in their approach, and it makes long term sustainability harder to achieve.

• Funding schemes are too hard to access, and small local organisations do not have access to people who can write complicated funding bids.

• Too many facilities in the city are behind closed doors, whether it be at schools or on MoD land.

• The weather is disrupting local sport more than ever, and more needs to be done to tackle the effects of climate change.

Fred Thomas committed to taking these issues - and others raised - away to national bodies and government to see what can be done to address them and make it easier for kids in Plymouth to access sport.

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “It was just fantastic to have such a wealth of knowledge and experience in a room to try and tackle such an important issue. These issues are the bread and butter of some of these organisations, they live and breathe it every day, and hearing their thoughts and ideas was so invaluable.

“We discussed a huge range of issues, some that I was already aware of and some that I was not. I’m going to now take those away to discussions with national organisations and government to see what work can be done to address them.

“We already see incredible collaboration between these amazing local organisations, but this was a new forum and one that I want to see get together again and again until we get results and see more kids playing sport in Plymouth.”

Anna Clooke, Plymouth School Sports Partnership lead, said: “It was a pleasure to be here talking about young people and their access to sport in our city, but also what can be done nationally to ensure our children have a lifelong love for sport and are able to lead happy and active lifestyles.”

Claire Beney, Strategic Relationships director at Active Devon, said: “It has been so helpful to have key partners together to discuss making sure that we have equal access to sport across the city, and football is an amazing vehicle to be able to do that.”

PRIDE OF THE WEST COUNTRY AS WOMEN ARE HONOURED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

Winners of the West Country Women Awards were announced at a sold-out glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza at the end of November.

More than 360 guests, finalists, and sponsors from across the South West attended to celebrate winners across 16 categories.

The West Country Women Awards CIC celebrate and recognise women across the peninsular in all walks of life from women in sport, women in arts and Culture, women in health and wellbeing, combatting violence against women and girls to green business of the year and many more.

Hosts for the evening’s inspiring celebrations were Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber, co-founders of the West Country Women Awards.

Alexis Bowater said: “Since we founded these awards three years ago, we have recognised and celebrated more than three and a half thousand amazing women across the region through our nominations. The finals are the culmination of that and give women a powerful

platform to be seen and heard for their astonishing contributions to our community and to society. These awards are not just about business, they are about everybody’s business.”

The awards’ charity of the year was Gifted Women who support women who are rebuilding their lives after

substance misuse, homelessness and contact with the criminal justice system, with fresh starts and pathways into the world of work.

Guests included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Stevens and Commodore Jake Moores The High Sheriff of Devon.

More than £7,000 was raised on

the night for the charity, including £1,000 donated from a Full Moon Fundraiser event by owners of Plymouth’s Drake’s Island in the summer.

Winners from Plymouth included Donna Davies of Kintota Care, who won the Small Business of the Year Award and Lyndsey Withers for her dedication and commitment to volunteering in the city.

Lyndsey, who won the Women in STEM Award, sponsored by MSubs, gives up her time to help a host of healthcare and community initiatives with her volunteer roles including patient safety partner at Derriford Hospital and community research partner and student mentor at Plymouth University’s Faculty of Health. She has also volunteered for many years with the Plymouth Soup Run.

Donna Davies established Kintota Care in 2020 to support vulnerable people to stay in their own home and have the support of people who treat them like ‘family as opposed to clients.’

For a full list of winners visit www. westcountrywomen.co.uk/

Donna Davies from Kintota Care received the Small Business of the Year Award

Fred Thomas MP (centre) pictured at Home Park with representatives from local sporting organisations for the Football for All Campaign meeting

Plymouth all set to introduce food waste collections in 2026 – and is spending £2.3m on the scheme

Plymouth City Council is taking its first steps towards introducing kerbside food waste collections.

Running across every home in the city, the weekly collections are expected to begin from Spring 2026.

It means that residents will be able to separate leftovers and peelings from rubbish bound for the brown bin, allowing this waste to be processed separately and converted into renewable energy.

The decision to begin these collections will not only help increase the city’s recycling rate but will also support the ambitions of the council’s Net Zero Action Plan.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I am so pleased to be introducing domestic food waste collections to Plymouth, bringing us in line with local authorities across the region in providing this valuable service.

“The benefits of this move represent positives for people and the planet. Not only will we increase our recycling rate and reduce emissions, but it will also help people to see how much food they waste and hopefully save money by changing habits.

“It’s a really exciting time and over the next year, we’ll be working with communities to help encourage households to reduce the amount of waste they produce to make an even greater environmental impact.”

In order to set up this new service, the council has started the process of lining up the required infrastructure.

An executive decision to allocate £2.3m for the purchase of 10 new collection vehicles and internal and external caddies for all 123,000 household in the city was signed on Wednesday. The funding comes from the most part from a £2m ring-fenced DEFRA grant.

Prior to the service beginning, an extensive public engagement programme will be rolled out across the city to ensure that residents know how the service will work.

There are no current plans to change the frequency of green and brown bin collections as a result of the new service.

Partnership created to get Plymouth set for massive Government investment

A city-wide partnership has been established, uniting Plymouth City Council, Babcock and the Royal Navy, to ensure Plymouth has what it needs to support the future growth of the city.

The partners will work together to ensure that Plymouth has the right infrastructure in place to enable critical programmes delivered at Devonport that support the UK’s Submarine and Surface Fleet.

Babcock’s Devonport facility, where major naval nuclear infrastructure investments are already underway are developing state-ofthe-art facilities, to meet the evolving needs and availability of the UK’s Submarine Fleet. The facility needs to attract an estimated 5,500 employees over the next ten years, just to sustain its core defence workforce, and a further 2,000 construction workers to sustain delivery of the infrastructure contracts at the busy site.

Known as the ‘Growth Alliance Plymouth’, the partnership will focus on three areas when it comes to investing in the wider city, working with the Government to make sure investment delivers a balanced approach for everybody in Plymouth and the region. They will consider areas such as education and skills, housing and regeneration, transport and innovation.

It follows the news that John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, agreed to take a cross-government approach to ensuring that the wider city of Plymouth is ready to put these plans in place. Next week, a cross departmental group of senior officials will meet to begin work, with representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

(See story on page 12)

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Growth Alliance Plymouth is a firm commitment by our three organisations to work together to deliver this

once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The Babcock facility in Plymouth is vital to our country’s defences. It is the only place in the UK that can support the deep maintenance of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (the nuclear submarines). Providing Devonport Naval Base with the infrastructure and staff to support the new Dreadnought Class is a national endeavour.

“Locally, the Devonport facility, colocated with the Naval Base, is vital to the future economy of our city. Even before the additional funding for the infrastructure investment, it employed more than 11 per cent of our working population. And financially, it creates 14% of our city’s economic output.

“The project will create more jobs for Plymouth’s people. Therefore, it is imperative that we make sure that we have the right city infrastructure in place to support this growth.”

John Gane, managing director at Babcock’s Devonport Facility, said: “A commitment to invest in the city of Plymouth and the wider region is vital. The complex work we deliver

on our site is crucial in supporting the nation’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent.

“We are proud to be working alongside key partners in the city to realise the many benefits this ongoing infrastructure development programme will bring, including the increase in training and employment opportunities for our local communities.”

Brigadier Mike Tanner, Naval Base Commander HMNB Devonport, added: “I was delighted to read the Secretary of State’s clear intent to ensure that national investment in the Naval Base is sustainable and deliverable – and brings growth to Plymouth while securing our Nation’s defence.

“This announcement is a key milestone resulting from over a year’s work between the Royal Navy, Babcock and the city. It is a brilliant example of all elements of the city working and thinking together strategically. I am particularly enthused by the focus on putting well paid skills into the hands of the people of Plymouth, with clear employment in the Naval Base for them out to 2070.”

Welcoming spaces open their doors in Plymouth again this winter

More than 30 different organisations in Plymouth will receive funding to open their doors for additional hours to provide a warm and welcoming environment for local residents to spend time in this winter.

Plymouth City Council received £2.2 million from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to help residents throughout the winter months. More than £100,000 from the Fund is now being handed out to community organisations, charities and churches to enable them to run a Welcoming Space from December to March.

Welcoming Spaces give people a warm, safe space to spend time in and many of them provide extras such as free Wi-Fi, cooking facilities, activities or refreshments. The 34 organisations that have received funding to provide a Welcoming Space include:

• Southway Community Group: Offering a warm space for the whole community with free refreshments, activities and access to further support from the community centre’s Wellbeing and Family Hubs.

• Memory Matters CIC: Aimed at older people, the community hub will provide a low-cost (or free through buy-it-forward vouchers) soup and drink offer in their upstairs room in the city centre.

• YMCA Plymouth: Provide a warm space on Friday evenings in Honicknowle, with free hot drinks and games, with staff on hand to signpost attendees to other support services.

Four Greens Community Trust in Whitleigh, Manadon Sports and Community Hub and Crownhill Library and Southway Library are also providing a Welcoming Space.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “This is our third year of funding welcoming spaces in Plymouth. While the intention is to provide people with a warm and safe space to spend time in when the weather is cold, we know they have become much more than that and have also helped to cultivate community connections by bringing people together, which helps to tackle social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.

“I’m really pleased that this year we’ve been able to fund more welcoming spaces than ever before, and we’ve tried to ensure that there is a wide geographical spread and targeted support for different groups of people, so that as many people as possible can benefit this winter.”

There are currently more than 50 Welcoming Spaces listed on the council’s online map, with venues ranging from libraries and wellbeing hubs to community centres and churches. The full map of all the Welcoming Spaces in Plymouth can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ welcoming-spaces.

Find more cost of living support at www.plymouth.gov. uk/costofliving.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities

Plymouth’s Growth Board, including representatives from Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group and the Royal Navy at Babcock’s Devonport facility

pictured with residents and Councillor Maria Lawson at Southway Community Hub

Campaign for directly elected mayor gathering momentum

Campaigners who want to see a directly elected mayor in Plymouth are working hard to collect the signatures of around 10,000 electors in the city so that a referendum is triggered, allowing voters to decide.

The group, which is not affiliated to any political party, is fronted by businessman Angus Forbes, who is the husband of Dame Darcey Bussell. The couple have lived in Plymouth for more than two years and Darcey is currently the Chair of the Board of Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Angus, who is supported by representatives from the business, arts, charitable and community sectors, said: “I believe in Plymouth, I know we can create something exceptional here, because having been fortunate to have lived in several stunning, prosperous and remote coastal cities, I know that this success can be achieved here as well.’

“But there is a blockage, and that is the structure of city governance, the indirectly elected leader model. This failing is not a personnel issue, it is a structural one. The structure is too political, too tribal and does not serve us. It is time for Plymothians to have the choice of directly choosing the leader of their city.”

The campaign’s latest advertising message: ‘Sign the Petition; Choose Your Leader; Transform Your City’

2001 – where Plymouth voted against a democratically elected mayor – the city had experienced managed decline of such magnitude, that the governance structure currently used is indefensible and needs to be changed.

He pointed out that Plymouth was the worst city in England for third generation poverty, the worst for night time economy, the worst for ambulance queues, and almost the worst for business density and business start ups.

“The last 25 years have been a failure by

every measure,” he added. “It’s time for the citizens of Plymouth to have a choice. I urge everyone who cares about the city to seek us out and sign the petition. Together let’s unblock the pathway and bear witness to achieving the real potential of Plymouth that direct democracy can bring.”

He added that if the referendum is successful he would not be standing as a candidate and the YESDEMPLYMOUTH campaign would be wound up, having achieved its primary objective of securing a successful Yes vote.

Council votes to keep current election cycle –despite public views against

Plymouth City Council has voted to keep the current local election cycle of electing councillors by thirds every year, with a fallow election year every fourth year.

Prior to the vote a public consultation had taken place seeking views from the public on whether to go to all out elections every four years or stick with the current annual elections of a third of the council each year.

The consultation drew around 7,000 responses with 57% of people preferring to move to all out elections every four years.

At an EGM of the council on November 25 councillors debated a motion to move to all out elections every four years, with the Labour and Conservative parties giving their councillors a free vote on the subject, rather than adopting a party whip.

Six of Plympton’s seven councillors were present for the debate, with Chaddlewood Green councillor Ian Poyser informing the chamber that his local party had discussed the issue at length and he felt that having asked the public for their opinion this should be respected and he would therefore be supporting the motion to adopt all out elections every four years.

Angus Forbes

To force a referendum the campaign needs to collect a total of just under 9,900 signatures - representing five per cent of Plymouth’s electorate.

The campaign titled YESDEMPLYMOUTH was officially launched in May. In the latest advertisements, the campaign’s slogan reads ‘Sign the petition, choose your leader, transform your city’.

The group has created a website - www. yesplymouth.com – where residents can find more information, download petition sheets and also see details of the growing number of businesses and organisations across the city where voters can sign the petition.

Angus said that they have until the end of May 2025 to secure the required number of signatures. The petition would then be submitted to Plymouth’s Electoral Roll Officer who would have one month to validate the petition and should the petition be validated, the referendum would then be automatically triggered.

“We are confident, but not complacent about achieving our target. Assuming all goes to plan, it means the referendum would take place in May 2026 at the next local elections, and then the people of Plymouth will have the final say on which governance structure they want to have. If they vote YES, that they would like to directly elect their leader, then the election would take place in October 2026.”

Angus thanked everyone who had already signed the petition, saying that they are empowering their fellow citizens by giving them the choice of better democracy, and praised his team for their efforts. He was critical of the failure of the indirectly elected leader model to achieve the strategic targets of the last 25 years in terms of population growth, economic growth, construction of new homes, transport improvements and reduction of inter-regional wealth disparities as well as the situation with the state of the city centre, the train station and the airport.

He said that since the last referendum in

Businessman Nick backs the campaign

Successful businessman and senior energy executive Nick Pomeroy is giving his full backing to the campaign. Born and raised in Plymouth he was an electrical apprentice in the dockyard before being sponsored to take a degree at Southampton University.

Nick said: “Having lived in Plymouth for 20 years, I wanted to spread my wings and see the world. As a result I have been involved in major gas and oil projects around the world for over 25 years, the last 20 of which have been in Kazakstan in Central Asia.

“I firmly believe Plymouth is a sleeping giant with huge potential - somebody just needs to get hold of and show exactly

what the city has to offer. I have no idea who could be the new elected mayor, but it needs to be someone who has got worldwide experience and a passion for Plymouth - that’s really important.

“Sadly there’s a lot of negativity in Plymouth - but this campaign can be a beacon of hope. It will not only benefit us but also future generations.”

Nick said that he and his family we are now transitioning back to Plymouth as he launches a major green energy project, set to be piloted in the city in the near future.

The project aims to kick-start the decarbonisation of the UK’s maritime sector, reduce emissions, create green jobs, and position Plymouth as a global leader in maritime sustainability.

Mayor secures big benefits in South Yorkshire

More than 50 per cent of people in England now have a directly elected mayor and the number has grown significantly in recent years. Cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool – as well as Leicester, Leeds, Bradford and Middlesborough – have enjoyed significant growth and success as a result.

The impact of having a directly elected leader has been clearly demonstrated in South Yorkshire, where mayor Oliver Coppard, who was first elected in 2022, has secured significant investment, growth and jobs.

South Yorkshire has been chosen as the European base for an American company’s factory making nuclear reactors. Holtec, the world’s largest exporter of capital nuclear components, said it would be investing £1.5bn in the area, creating about 3,000 engineering jobs in the next 20 years.

In addition 42-year-old Coppard and his team have attracted the HQ of the Ultimate Battery Co, Boeing’s lightweight aircraft research, some of McLaren’s supercar manufacturing and in September announced a £140 million scheme to re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in 2022.

Cllr Patrick Nicholson (Ind, Plympton St Mary) said the council always used to have all out elections every four years but this was changed without any formal consultation early in the 2000s when the Labour Party made representations to the Boundary Commission to alter the election process in Plymouth to annual elections by thirds.

Cllr Nicholson said he would be supporting the proposed change to all out elections every four years to allow for more strategic long term thinking to be adopted by the council rather than decisions being driven by the expediency of approaching elections.

Councillors opposed to the change back to all out elections cited reasons such as annual elections keeping councillors more in touch with and accountable to their voters and enabled voters to more quickly express their views at the ballot box when unpopular decisions had been taken by the council.

When it came to the vote, it was explained by council officer Ross Jago that to be passed the motion to move to all out elections every four years would need a two thirds majority to be passed.

The result of the vote was 16 councillors voting in favour, 32 against, six abstained and three councillors were absent. With 48 councillors casting a positive vote one way or the other it was determined that the threshold for passing the motion was 32 in favour. As this had not been reached the motion was declared not carried so the status quo of annual elections by thirds will continue in the long term.

However, at the local elections in 2027 there will be all out elections that year due to changes in ward boundaries being made by the Boundary Commission. The length of service for councillors elected in 2027 will be determined by whether they come first, second or third in the polls.

(story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Woolwell to The George road scheme progressing

Work on the Woolwell to The George transport improvement scheme is progressing well and on schedule.

Some of the works have been rearranged to make the best use of time available and, as a result of this, some of the traffic management changes that were scheduled for December will now take place at the end of January.

This will be welcome news to drivers, who will now not see any significant changes to arrangements until after Christmas and the New Year.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Work on the Woolwell scheme has been progressing really well and, on the whole, the traffic arrangements have minimised disruption even better than we hoped.

“We and our contractor are keeping a constant eye on the project, as we do with all our schemes and we are always looking at the best ways to sequence what work happens and when. Circumstances will change and we will tweak programmes to make savings, reduce disruption and benefit our residents wherever we can.”

Work began at the beginning of December on the southbound side of Tavistock Road between Woolwell Crescent and Woolwell Road. The remaining trees and vegetation along the boundary with Tesco are being removed so that a retaining wall can be built to accommodate the widened and improved walking and cycling facilities north of Woolwell Roundabout.

All of the necessary environmental impact assessment work has been carried out and there will be an ecologist and arboricultural specialist on site to oversee the tree removal works.

There will be no changes to the traffic arrangements but the footpath and cycleway will be closed, with a diversion route through Woolwell Crescent and Woolwell Road.

A camera is also being installed at Woolwell Roundabout to enforce the no right-turn restriction from Tavistock Road into Woolwell Road. Monitoring by the project team and reports from the public have shown that this is being frequently ignored, which is a safety concern. The camera will remain in place throughout the scheme and drivers are reminded that entering the bus lane risks a penalty charge notice of £70.

The next major phase of traffic management, which will involve the closure of the Woolwell Crescent junction and reopening of Woolwell Road in both directions will now be implemented at the end of January.

The Woolwell to The George scheme has been in the pipeline for many years. It will tackle one of Plymouth’s worst traffic bottlenecks and is a vital part of our programme to provide better links to and from the north of Plymouth as it grows.

In the coming years around 4,400 new homes are planned in the north of the city – including 2,000 new homes at the Woolwell Urban Extension. This and other developments, such as the new district shopping centre in Derriford, will see an increased amount of traffic along this route.

The whole scheme will cost £45 million, which includes £24.9 million in Government funding.

Plymouth MPs join forces to press Defence Secretary for major investment in the city

Plymouth’s three MPs have met with Defence Secretary, John Healey, to discuss groundbreaking investment in the city.

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, secured a cross-party meeting with the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, to discuss investment in Plymouth.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Defence after local MPs, Fred Thomas, Rebecca Smith and Luke Pollard, asked for a cross-departmental approach to investment, to ensure that Devonport has a bright and sustainable future, not just for defence, but for all who live, work and support our city.

The Secretary of State reaffirmed his commitment to Devonport and agreed to take a cross-government approach to addressing wider challenges such as housing, transport, and skills.

The Defence Secretary John Healey agreed that the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry will oversee this crucial work with the Defence Secretary providing oversight.

John Healey, said: “Plymouth plays a crucial role in supporting the UK Government’s strategic commitment to the Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent. I understand the concerns raised by local MPs about how defence investment will impact the rest of the city. I’m committed to making sure investment is sustainable and deliverable, bringing growth to Plymouth and securing our nation’s defence.”

Following the meeting, Fred Thomas, said: “Plymouth plays a critical role in our national security. To be successful, defence investment must be accompanied by investment in housing, transport, skills and more. I’m very pleased that the Defence Secretary understands this and has committed to cross-departmental work to make it a reality. This is a huge opportunity for Plymouth. I will continue to work with the Government to make sure we get it right and that investment delivers for everybody in Plymouth and beyond.”

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, said: “It is clear from the meeting that there is cross-party agreement that Plymouth and the surrounding area need a comprehensive plan on housing, transport and skills to enable

Drink

spikers

in

the Dockyard to deliver its £1bn submarine maintenance role. Equally, to deliver on the Dockyard’s potential, it is essential that departments across government are joinedup in their discussions at the highest level.

“I will continue to work cross-party with my neighbouring Plymouth MPs to elevate our city’s voice in Westminster and make this case to government.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “As Devonport’s MP I have been campaigning for the investment we need to secure jobs for decades to come. To refit the submarines that keep our nation safe we need more homes for the 7,000 new jobs expected to be created in the coming years. That’s why I’m delighted to be working crossparty in support of a Devonport Deal that will see more jobs, more homes and more skills for our city.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved and we are making good progress.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Harnessing the future growth of the naval base is Plymouth’s equivalent of an ‘Olympic bid’. It is a once in a

generation opportunity.

“I am thrilled that the Government has agreed to work with us on what support the city will need to enable the successful expansion of the dockyard. It is important step in the right direction and is exactly how mission led Government should work.

“Plymouth City Council is ready, willing and keen to work with the Government, national agencies and partners across the wider city region to deliver both the defence outcomes needed and the wider city and sub-region transformation.”

Barrow, in Cumbria, had a similar concerns to Plymouth about broader investment to fulfill essential defence tasks. The Government declared a national endeavour at Barrow, based around supporting investment into defence jobs with a wider investment into the area. Local MPs discussed with the Defence Secretary the possibility of replicating such a model in Plymouth.

• The meeting followed the Government announcement that three Devonport-based warships – HMS Bulwark, HMS Albion and HMS Northumberland – were to be axed as part of cost-cutting exercises.

Plymouth will face the ‘full force of law’

Perpetrators of spiking drinks in Plymouth will face ‘the full force of the law’ because of new anti-spiking legislation announced by the government, Luke Pollard MP has said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to make spiking a specific criminal offence, as part of his plan to half violence against women and girls in the next decade.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to train 10,000 hospitality workers by next spring to prevent cases of spiking, to support victims and to assist in evidence-gathering.

Luke said that the new law would give more victims the confidence to come forward. He added that ‘positive steps’ have been made in recent years to improve nightlife safety in Plymouth, but said there are still too many ‘devastating’ incidents of spiking, violence and sexual assault.

The MP praised Plymouth’s Purple Flag status, marking its efforts to make nightlife safer. This includes Taxi Marshalls, Street Pastors and a Safe

Bus at Derry’s Cross on busy Saturday nights.

In Plymouth there are also 60 venues which have been accredited by the Best Bar None Scheme, an initiative between the police and local nightlife businesses to keep people safe on a night out.

Earlier this year, Luke joined a nighttime patrol of the Barbican, Union Street and the City Centre with officers from Charles Cross Police Station to see firsthand their work to keep residents safe.

Luke Pollard said: “Perpetrators of spiking in Plymouth will face the full force of the law with new anti-spiking legislation announced by the Prime Minister.

“Plymouth’s nighttime economy is a fantastic asset. By shadowing police patrols on the Barbican and in the City Centre, I’ve seen for myself the positive steps taken to keep people safe.

“But any case of spiking is devastating, and I am glad that the government is pushing on with its manifesto commitment to half violence against women and girls over the next decade.”

Where spiking happens

According to data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, 80 per cent of spiking incidents happen in public places, especially places where people go to enjoy themselves at night.

Almost half of reported incidents happened in a bar, after that, night clubs were the most common location.

Night clubs are far more likely to be the setting for needle spiking incidents than for drink spiking incidents:

More than half of the reported incidents of spiking took place in busy town centres or locations where there was a large number of bars and clubs.

Other places where spiking has been reported have included student unions, restaurants, festivals, carnivals, a garage, and a live music arena.

Plymouth MPs Luke Pollard, Fred Thomas and Rebecca Smith pictured with Defence Secretary John Healey (second from left) at their cross-party meeting

Senior Citizens Forum given insight into work of Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid

The Plymouth Senior Citizens Forum welcomed two guests to its recent quarterly meeting held in the Council Chamber.

Cllr Mary Aspinall, the City Council’s Cabinet lead for Health and Adult Social Care, led a discussion about the city council’s Ageing Well programme. She shared how people can often think ageing is a problem to be solved. Plymouth City Council is committed to changing this, seeing ageing as an opportunity and older people as valued members of the community.

The plan is to ensure that the city provides the best environment and chances for everyone to thrive as they age. The Ageing Well Hub makes it easy for people to find information about some of the things that help us to age well.

For more information visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/ageing-well-hub

The second guest was Ali Piper who runs the Plymouth-based charity PUMA (Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid). Ali enthralled the packed audience about the way she and others have made 22 trips to Ukraine in the past two years to provide much needed supplies and human compassion to people who have suffered during the Russian

invasion of the country.

Christmas 2024 will see the 23rd visit which will include taking 50 pallets of medical aids and basic needs clothing and items to support orphaned babies, children and the elderly.

The charity has engaged over three thousand people to knit 100,000 items to create blankets which are accepted as valued possessions, especially during the colder months. Each stitch has been created with love from the UK to Ukraine.

A donation of £1000 was made to PUMA as it is a chosen charity of the Forum this year.

Members and friends look forward to welcoming Ali back in the New Year to hear an update following the December visit to Ukraine.

The Plymouth Senior Citizens Forum provides advice and information for older people, monthly bingo sessions and quarterly talks for members and friends in the city centre and arranges monthly coach trips from Spring to Autumn. A warm friendly welcome is guaranteed.

To find out more contact Pat Harkness, secretary on 01752 463480 or patharkness7@ gmail.com

Special celebration for centenarian Dennis

Family, friends and staff gathered at Abbeyfield Tamar House to celebrate the 100th birthday of Dennis Hooper on December 5.

There were many special moments for Dennis during the day, including a visit from Father Christmas, music with Katy from Music Makers and

a 100th birthday congratulatory card from the King and Queen.

This was then followed by lunch with three of his family members at Abbeyfield Tamar House. To add to the occasion pupils from Ivybridge Community College sent him lots of specially hand-made cards to open.

By Andy Lugger Southway city councillor and leader of the Conservative Group on Plymouth City Council

Treachery in the Chamber Viewpoint

British diplomacy and the open and democratic nature of our politics makes this nation the envy of the free world.

Local government mirrors central government; adopting fair and democratic practice, promoting public engagement and the notion of individualism. However, in our city, the good people of Plymouth have been seduced and cajoled as they elected a Labour Council (with a massive majority), that after twelve months of being in power, does not listen to them!

There can be no more dangerous foundation for any democratic system than a governing body that does not have any regard for the views of the people who elected it. The debate of the EGM of Plymouth Council on November 25 was in full swing by 1.30pm. The Proposition was to move to Whole Council elections every four years (reported by the Plymouth Chronicle last month). Despite 57% of those Plymouth people consulted wanting a change to Whole Council elections and only 35% in favour of keeping the current system, the vast majority of the Labour Group voted against the wishes of the people. Sorry folks, we are stuck with council elections every year but one!

We then moved into early evening. The Independent Group brought forward a sensible Motion on Notice about achieving value for money from council assets, however, the debate was shut down by a proposal from the Labour Administration (using their massive majority) to refer the matter to scrutiny, which means that the ‘tin is kicked down the road’. They did this to me when I introduced my Motion on Notice to continue the fight for Plymouth airport (Something that Cllr. Bridgeman spoke about earlier in relation to the previous motion but was interrupted).

As reported by the Plymouth Chronicle last month, I introduced two earlier Motions to the Council regarding the airport (18th September 2023 and 29th January 2024). My Motion of yesterday was a resolution that the Economic Development department of PCC (a department that is exceedingly well run and achieves a rolling average of £30 million a year in capital grant funding) explores funding opportunities for new aviation projects at the former Plymouth Airport site and that the Leader of the Council writes to the Minister for Aviation at the Department for Transport to pursue government support for the return of aviation to our city. Again, the views of the people of Plymouth have been disregarded – the vast majority of those canvassed have supported bringing the airport back to life through petitions and surveys, the latest of which is: www.plymouthconservatives. org.uk/campaigns/save-our-airport

The Labour Administration’s response was less than harmonious - the might of the massive Labour majority prevailed for the third time that evening, closing the debate by an amendment that the issue is referred to scrutiny. Adverse inferences may only be drawn from these draconian actions – the Labour Group favours land redevelopment instead of reviving aviation?

Ali Piper pictured at the Senior Citizens Forum

Health Secretary invited to visit Derriford A&E by Plymouth MP

Fred Thomas joined staff on a night shift at Derriford A&E recently and is now calling for Wes Streeting to visit too.

In a letter sent to the Health Secretary this Mr Thomas outlined the challenges that Derriford Hospital is facing, and asked for Mr Streeting to visit the hospital himself so that he can see these challenges first-hand and better understand the support that the hospital needs.

It comes after Mr Thomas slammed former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his broken promises regarding the rebuild of Derriford’s A&E department. In 2020, the Conservative government pledged £180 million to rebuild the struggling department, but the new Labour government uncovered that only a small fraction of funding had actually been made available.

Since then, the new MP for Plymouth Moor View has been campaigning to secure the funding for a new A&E department, and last month the Deputy Prime Minister promised him a meeting with the Department for Health to get things moving at Derriford as quickly as possible.

Now, Mr Thomas wants the Health Secretary to see the department himself before making any decisions over funding.

Fred Thomas said: “My visit to Derriford Hospital last week was an eye-opener. I saw genuine heroics from staff, offering exemplary care for patients from Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall and as far as Somerset. But this isn’t anything special, this goes on every single day at Derriford – the staff there are incredible.

“But they are working under increasingly difficult conditions. It’s clear that we need more beds, more space, and more modern facilities. The case for a new A&E Department couldn’t be more clear.

“This government is investing record amounts of money into the NHS, and last month the Deputy PM told me that every corner of the UK will see a fair share of that funding, I welcome that. Now I want the Health Secretary to visit Derriford, meet our incredible staff, and better understand what we need to make sure they can deliver the best possible care for people in Plymouth and beyond.”

Volunteer Community First Responders

– the true heroes at work in Plymouth

Volunteer Community First Responders play a critical role in South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s emergency response, often reaching patients and providing initial life-saving care before an ambulance arrives.

With over 600 dedicated volunteers, SWASFT benefits from a network of individuals who selflessly give their spare time to deliver emergency care within their local and often, rural communities. Last year alone, these remarkable volunteers responded to more than 20,600 emergency 999 calls across the South West.

The work of volunteers such as Community First Responders (CFRs), who operate within their local area, is varied, from sharing a cup of tea and a chat with a patient, to providing CPR and saving someone’s life.

Nic Brown is a Community First Responder, who along with four others, covers North Plymouth as well as other smaller areas of the city.

Nic said: “Over the last year we responded to 848 call outs in our area, and do our best to support the community, whilst navigating our day jobs and home lives.

“All of us hold a Level 3 qualification in ‘First Responders on Scene’. Despite not coming from medical backgrounds, we’re a diverse group aged 42 to 73, including a university lecturer, retired Royal Navy Commander, NHS bio scientist, and more.

“We’re trained to handle a variety of emergencies, from cardiac arrests and chest pain to breathing difficulties and seizures. Every CFR plays a key role in the Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival, helping ensure patients have the best chance of recovery.

“We also carry special lifting chairs to assist patients who have fallen, reducing waiting times and preventing complications from prolonged immobility.”

CFRs also find ways to engage with their communities outside emergencies.

Nic added: “Earlier in the year, our float came

in Tamerton Foliot Carnival, and we instructed many members of the public on how to give lifesaving CPR and how to use a defibrillator. We have all enjoyed learning our new skills and helping our community. There is nothing more rewarding than saving someone’s life. If you would like to join us, SWASFT is running a recruitment campaign running until December 31 2024.”

As well as patient facing volunteer roles, SWASFT has volunteers in non-patient facing roles across the South West. The HALO Helping Hand role is a new, non-patient-facing volunteer role to support Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) during peak times at specific Emergency Departments. This role is a completely flexible role with no set start, end, or duration requirements for each volunteering session, allowing volunteers to work around their availability.

To find out about volunteering roles at the Trust and to express an interest, visit www.swast.nhs.uk/ volunteer-recruitment

Find out more about the day in the life of a Community First Responder youtu.be/_WAMixcpPic

GETTING FRESH ON THE STREET...

A project to help local people access fruit and veg more easily for their Christmas dinners and beyond has been hailed a success.

Known as Fresh Street Community project, the pilot voucher scheme delivered in Whitleigh has seen an increase in local fruit and veg consumption.

Led by a team comprising community food researchers, University of Plymouth academics and students, and fruit and vegetable wholesaler Tamar Fresh, the two-year project saw local residents given vouchers to pick up fresh fruit and veg fortnightly from the Salvation Army Hall. In addition to collecting their boxes, residents involved in the scheme were encouraged to connect and swap recipes, with results showing an increase in social connections as well as healthy living.

A participant in the scheme said: “I am eating much healthier and lost 4.5 stones since I started using Fresh Street. I like that I am doing more for the community and getting out. Before I used to buy one-pound ready meals from value supermarkets which were not making me feel good but now with Fresh Street I cook meals from

scratch regularly using the fresh fruit and veg.”

Delighted that more veg will be appearing on people’s Christmas dinners this year, the team hosted a community celebration event in December at the Salvation Army Hall, Whitleigh to share festive food – as well as exploring next steps to sustain the project’s success.

The Fresh Street Community project is part of ongoing research led by Dr Clare Pettinger at the University of Plymouth to improve access to food

that is healthy, affordable and sustainable for local people.

Dr Pettinger said: “Plymouth has communities that have difficulty accessing fresh quality food items. We have learnt from our research that local people want to eat more fruit and vegetables and feel better when they do.

“This

engaged many local citizens and made

available for them in familiar local spaces.”

second

project

fresh produce

First Responders Mel Hands and Steve Griffiths pictured while the Lord Mayor judges floats at the Tamerton Foliot Carnival. Community First Responders came second!

Photo: Daz Hands Photography

Community First Responder Mel Hands demonstrating how to use a defibrillator in the Carnival Field

Plymouth Moor View MP

Fred Thomas MP...written to Wes Streeting

Lifelines

Plymouth couple Karl and Emma Marlow were enjoying a normal family life. They had three beautiful children, good jobs, a nice home and a wide circle of friends and family.

The couple married in 1998, with their first son Tom born a year later, second son James in 2001 and daughter Abbie in 2006. Karl worked as a heating engineer and Emma was the administrator at a local church and life was good.

But the family’s strong Christian faith was put to the extremist of tests in May 2016 when their lives were dramatically changed within the space of an hour.

James, who was 15 at the time, had been experiencing a painful right knee for several weeks. Their local GP referred him for physiotherapy but his grandfather decided a second opinion was needed as James had to use a crutch to stand on his right leg because of the pain.

They arranged for James to see an orthopaedic consultant at the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth. He assessed James and suggested that cartilage and ligament damage was the probable cause and an MRI was the best way to assess the state of his knee in readiness for surgical repair.

Emma said: “This was what we were expecting and seemed fairly straightforward. We were all so pleased that at last James would be on the road to recovery and his days of pain and discomfort were going to end.”

However, the MRI revealed a tumour the size of a small apple above the knee at the base of his femur. It was an extremely rare form of cancer called osteosarcoma, which affects around one person in a million each year in the UK.

Devastated

‘Worry

The inspiring quote which helped a Plymouth family to cope with their son’s battle with a rare form of cancer

hopeful that he was free of cancer. We took the view that everything is fine unless we’re told otherwise. We lived like everything was fine.”

Emma said: “We were absolutely devastated and totally in pieces. Telling the rest of the family was the hardest thing we had ever endured.”

She said that James – who had given his life to the Lord at a young age – had always been the joker of the family, was witty, loveable and lived life to the full, especially following his beloved Plymouth Argyle.

“The next day, thinking he would need to have his leg amputated, James was already checking out prosthetic running blades on the internet!” What followed was countless visits to hospitals in Plymouth, Bristol and Birmingham, several agonising months of chemotherapy treatment and dozens of scans, MRIs and X-rays.

Emma said: “James just accepted it. Never grumbled, never moaned, just faced each day and each obstacle with strength, determination, and a strong sense of humour.”

In July 2016 James underwent surgery to have part of his knee and femur removed in an attempt to stop the spread of the cancer, which had also been found in one of his lungs.

Thankfully after a gruelling year of treatment James was given the all-clear and the freedom to live life again and during the next three years James completed his GCSEs and A levels, learnt to drive, had holidays, and generally lived life to the full making the most of every opportunity.

Emma said: “Life was getting back to normal. We were four years into his journey and we were

Sadly, in August 2020 his leg became swollen and scans revealed that the cancer had spread to his groin and lungs. Another round of chemotherapy was followed by the complete amputation of his right leg from the hip down in March 2021.

At the end of 2021 it was discovered that the chemotherapy wasn’t working adequately so

doctors suggested a trial drug which provided James with another seven months in which to celebrate his 21st birthday, take delivery of a new automatic mobility car and a job he loved as a project manager at a local company.

Sadly, however, the control of the cancer ended in July 2022 when James quickly began to deteriorate and the family was told the devastating news that he only had a short while to live. James passed away peacefully at home two days later surrounded by his family.

Life is for living

Emma said: “Throughout his 21 years James never let anything stop him, especially his cancer diagnosis. Even after the surgery to amputate his leg he would go to football matches, out with friends, have weekends away, nothing could stop him. Life was for living! He used to say ‘I’m here to live life, not for a long life.’ ” Throughout the years of coping with cancer, Emma, Karl and James posted a regular blog charting the journey of his treatment and how the family was being upheld by their faith in Jesus.

It provided a platform for them to share their hopes and fears and to thank God for all His goodness through the deeply challenging times. Over the years the blog – which can be found at –was followed by around 10,000 people in the UK and around the world.

Emma added: “The last year with James was

amazing. We did so much as a family and had lots of great times. We were all so intentional about doing stuff together and having fun. We were not prepared to be robbed of that. We all lived for the moment.

“There’s a saying by the famous Christian Corrie ten Boom which goes ‘Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength’ and that was what motivated us during the dark times.

“We have to live the rest of our lives without James, but there’s still a life to be lived and I’m still a mother of three. As Christians we have the promise of eternal life and we believe that the veil between heaven and earth is so thin.”

Emma and the rest of the family were supported through the years of treatment and hospital stays by Young Lives v Cancer and recently held a charity ball at Boringdon Golf Club which raised over £12,000 for Young Lives v Canver.

They also set up a Fund in James’ memory on the Young Lives v Cancer website which has raised over £50,000 so far. Donations can be made at www. funds.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/jamesmarlow

Emma recently shared her story on Cross Rhythms radio which can be found by scanning the QR Code here.

She is also cohosting a regular Podcast called ‘Hope and the City’ with fellow Christian Rob Fowler.

Produced By:

James pictured with his parents, brother Tom and sister Abbie at her school prom. He passed away just later the same month

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Good cause behind a new graffiti mural at Plymouth Tesco store

Tesco customers at the Transit Way Superstore are enjoying an eye-catching new graffiti mural in the car park.

The brightly coloured mural was painted by local youngsters during a workshop led by Plymouth’s own acclaimed street artist Jon Lilly.

In a collaborative effort to tackle alcoholrelated harm, the Tesco store teamed up with the Plymouth Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) to engage with local young people.

The event showcased a range of activities including fitness challenges and football games, marking the first event of its kind organized by Plymouth CAP. Forty young people from the local community attended.

Gary Wills, store manager at Transit Way Superstore said: “It’s brilliant to see this small part of our car park transformed into a canvas for young people. We are thrilled to support initiatives that invest in our young people, and the activity was hugely worthwhile.”

Having really enjoyed the event, some of the young attendees expressed a desire for more regular activities so Tesco, JD Gyms, Plymouth Community Homes and CAP have come together to arrange a series of free, health and fitness classes in a section of the car park, starting in the New Year.

Annie Ashford-Barnden, CAP’s regional advisor for the South West of England, said: “This event perfectly represents the essence of what a Community Alcohol Partnership

aims to achieve, and we’re excited for what the future holds. The positive response from the young people to the time and effort invested was palpable – it truly felt like bridges within the community were being built.”

Plymouth CAP is planning more community events in 2025, supported by a variety of organisations including Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth Argyle FC, Plymouth Council, Discovery College, and Plymouth Community Homes.

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A.W ROOFING

Ofsted praise for Mary Dean’s Primary

Mary Dean’s CE Primary in Tamerton Foliot has been deemed ambitious for all with a ‘high quality’ curriculum design and implementation for early years which ‘provides a strong model for the whole school’ according to a recent Ofsted report.

Children in Foundation Stage are said to ‘flourish’, receiving a ‘strong start to their learning and development’ and being ‘well prepared for entry into Year 1.’ The team of hard-working staff are said to ‘implement the phonics curriculum well’ following an ‘agreed and consistent approach to teaching’ which benefits all pupils ‘particularly those who struggle’ and allows children to ‘read with confidence and fluency’.

Children ‘enjoy coming to school’ and are praised for having ‘respect towards adults and one another’ and for learning and playing together

well. They’re ‘proud of their sporting achievements in the locality’ and benefit from a broad variety of interesting experiences, clubs and activities which develop character and confidence.

With changes to the Ofsted reporting scheme no longer giving an overall single grade, Mary Dean’s has been recognised as being Good in Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Early Years Provision.

Donna Wilson, head of school, said: “I’m really pleased to see recognition of our recently improved behaviour policy – we can see how much pupils have embraced this and the new rules and how this is having a positive effect on everyone overall. We’re continuing to support those who struggle more in this area.”

Mary Dean’s Primary is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. The report highlights

the Trust’s ‘clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school’ and says the improvements are ‘beginning to be seen in a number of areas.’

Angela Jenkins, director of Performance and Development for First Federation Trust, said: “We’ve been supporting Mary Dean’s for just over a year now, working together to prioritise areas in need of development, investing in training and development for staff, and strengthening the curriculum. We are committed to continuing to drive positive changes in education and leadership with a strong focus on safeguarding and inclusion as well.”

The report acknowledges Mary Dean’s strengths in inclusion highlighting the school’s ambitions

for all including those who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) with SEND needs being ‘accurately identified’ and individual learning plans being ‘better tailored to help close gaps for those pupils’.

Praise has been given for pupils’ understanding and celebration of ‘different cultures and faiths’ with teaching staff working hard to ensure children ‘know that tolerance and fairness are important values in modern Britain.’

Donna Wilson added: “I want to say thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication in getting the school to this stage. Together with the Trust, we will continue making positive changes and improvements where needed.”

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Arts University

Plymouth gains

Adobe Creative Campus status

Arts University Plymouth has been designated an Adobe Creative Campus, a select group of universities worldwide that collaborate with Adobe to empower every student with essential creativity and digital skills to succeed, no matter their field of study or career pursuits.

Students already have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud. Now, they will also gain access to Adobe Express on personal mobile devices, tablets and laptops, on and off campus.

Using the range of Adobe tools, students can learn to stand out more effectively with video, podcasts, webpages, data visualisation, and the latest features from Adobe Firefly. Every student on campus can take courses and earn certified badges from Adobe, showing future employers that they have essential skills in communicating visually, establishing a social media presence, and understanding generative AI.

Together these tools support students to learn to communicate more effectively, build their personal brand, prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital world, and achieve their goals as students at Arts University Plymouth and beyond.

Mark Andrews, principal strategic development manager, Adobe Education said: “Studies increasingly show a common connection between an individual’s success in the workforce and their digital literacy and fluency. These skills are fundamental in the global economy and universities are making great strides to adopt creative tools that will not only enrich their students’ academic careers, but also ensure their future success.

“Adobe is thrilled to partner with Arts University Plymouth by providing students with Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express, which can enable them to develop independent learning behaviours, collaborate with diverse teams and give them a competitive edge in the increasingly demanding and transformative job market.”

Luke Broadway, head of resources at Arts University Plymouth, said: “Becoming an Adobe Creative Campus will benefit students and staff alike, increasing the range of digital tools that can be used on and off campus.

“Alongside the wide range of bite-sized training opportunities that we can now offer to students, and Adobe skills badges that students and graduates can display to potential employers, this is another way for members of our creative community to stand out to employers and get a head start in the creative industries.”

Students given vital driver safety lesson

Students from Tor Bridge High, have taken part in the city-wide Learn 2 Live driver safety conference.

Learn 2 Live sessions are run every autumn term across Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall, with over 10,000 young people attending.

The Year 12 Tor Bridge students heard from representatives from the emergency services during the city-wide event, which was aimed at educating teenagers on how to stay safe while driving and as a passenger.

Learn 2 Live is a road safety partnership including emergency services, local government and some amazing members of the public working together to reduce the number of young people killed and injured on the roads in Devon & Cornwall.

The group took part in interactive activities that simulated the consequences of using a phone while driving, reckless driving, drink and drug driving and being distracted by peers. They also learned about how wearing a seat belt can save your life.

The conference concluded with a film of a survivor of a fatal road traffic accident involving a drunk driver. The survivor is now paraplegic and volunteers a significant amount of his time educating young people about the profound consequences of drink driving.

Tracy Stephenson, headteacher at Tor Bridge High said: “I want to say a big thank you to Learn 2 Live and the representatives from the emergency services who came along to talk to our students. The conference made for a very thought provoking afternoon and I was pleased that the students reflected very seriously on the topics discussed.”

PUREGYM OPENS AT DERRIFORD RETAIL PARK

PureGym marked its 15th anniversary with a significant milestone – the opening of its 400th gym in the UK, located in Derriford.

Since its first gym opened in Leeds in 2009, PureGym has built a reputation for delivering low-cost, no-contract memberships while maintaining accessibility through 24/7 operations.

The new gym, situated in the new Derriford District Centre, joins two existing PureGym locations in the city. The gym was officially opened by Plymouth MP Fred Thomas and footballer Scott Corderoy.

Fred Thomas said: “It’s fantastic to have another gym opening here in Derriford District Centre, which we’re really proud of. This is a development in the north of the city, we need more of that. But I’m really happy to be here today, at the opening event. I want to see more people getting inside the gym, getting healthy. It’s a huge part of how we improve health outcomes, how we improve mental health, and just improve our chances and break down the barriers to opportunity for everyone.”

Scan the QR Code to watch the Chronicle’s video of the event.

Unpaid carers to be given better support

A new city-wide strategy is aiming to improve the lives of more than 23,000 people in Plymouth who care for others without being paid.

Unpaid carers look after family or friends who need help and support due to illness, disability, mental health conditions or addiction. This includes young carers, who are under the age of 18.

The 2021 census identified 23,956 unpaid carers living in Plymouth, with 44 per cent providing up to 19 hours of unpaid care per week. The 2024 school census also found 730 young carers across both primary and secondary schools.

While caring can be rewarding and often a really important part of family life, it can have a big impact on carers’ lives, affecting their health, wellbeing, relationships, education and finances.

Plymouth City Council has worked with Improving Lives Plymouth, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, NHS Devon, Livewell Southwest and St Luke’s Hospice to develop a new ‘All-Age Unpaid Carers Strategy’, in recognition of the important role carers play in supporting the wider health and care system throughout their lives.

The key priorities set out in the strategy are to:

• Make it easier for unpaid carers to get the support they need

• Help unpaid carers access financial information and advice

• Improve unpaid carers’ health and wellbeing, including providing emotional support

• Help identify unpaid carers early and recognise their hard work

• Provide better information, advice and communication to carers

Winter tree planting programme begins

Plymouth is set to benefit from at least 2,000 new trees this winter.

Between now and April, teams will be visiting neighbourhoods throughout the city to plant a variety of different whips, maiden fruit trees and standards.

Nearly all of the trees will be accessible throughout public places such as parks and open spaces, road verges, residential streets and outside housing developments, maximising the positive impact for people and nature across the city.

Highlights of the city-wide planting schedule, funded and supported by Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (PSDCF), include:

Collings Park A scheme designed by the Forest Rising youth programme alongside community groups, residents and primary schools to plant trees and other landscape enhancements to provide a more nature rich and accessible green space for the local community.

Central Park Golf Course Working with the Central Park Golf Hut, includes an edible hedge, orchard, high density woodland and avenue trees

across the site. Other enhancements include additional seating areas, interpretation boards, and over 1,000m of cut and bail wildflower meadow.

Southway More than 100 large trees including a new community orchard are to be planted on verges and in residential pocket green spaces, acting a great stepping stone habitat for wildlife from nearby farmland and serving the community for generations to come.

Hoe Park Working with local stakeholders, a mixture of 15 fruit trees will be planted next to the existing orchard, behind the Hoe Clock Garden.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “Another year, another bumper tree planting programme. I can’t wait to get started!

“Our tree planting record over the last few years speaks for itself. Thanks to our involvement in the funding and running of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, we have been able to significantly improve the tree coverage across our city. I look forward to planting a few of the 2,000 myself.”

• Offer support when a carer’s role changes or ends.

The strategy has been developed with feedback from carers, who highlighted the need for better access to a full range of support services. It reflects Plymouth’s commitment to providing carers with the resources, flexibility, and understanding they need to balance their caring responsibilities with their personal wellbeing.

Carers can face significant challenges in making sure their own needs are supported, navigating complex healthcare and social care systems, and receiving help which is joined up and responsive.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

“Unpaid carers play an invaluable role in our communities, often under immense emotional, physical and logistical strain, and they deserve our respect, understanding, and concrete support.

“This strategy has been developed by listening to our carers to understand their needs and will ensure we respond with actions that make a tangible difference in their lives. As a group of health, social care and community partners we are committed to making a difference and to supporting carers as they care for others.”

The Carers Strategic Partnership Board will monitor and review progress of the strategy and continue to identify areas for improvement, using carers” feedback and by monitoring the number of carers accessing services.

Details of the new strategy can be found at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ caringforotherpeople/carersstrategy

HMS Triumph returns - for the last time

The last of the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar-class nuclearpowered attack submarines has arrived home in Plymouth for the final time before decommissioning.

The seventh and last boat of the class, HMS Triumph, sailed into her homeport at Devonport Naval Base after the final voyage from Scotland, where submariners bade farewell to the long-serving stalwart at Clyde Naval Base after a career of nearly 34 years.

Triumph flew her decommissioning pennant and was escorted in by an array of vessels as she entered Plymouth Sound – marking the end of her fruitful time on front-line operations that took her around the globe to all corners of the planet.

Commander Aaron Williams, HMS Triumph’s Commanding Officer, said:

“As HMS Triumph prepares to decommission, we reflect on her legacy with immense pride. This submarine has served not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of commitment, courage and camaraderie.

“And while this chapter of HMS Triumph’s story ends, her spirit will endure in the memories of all who served aboard her, and in the gratitude of the nations she helped protect.

“Although HMS Triumph has carried out her missions with

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quiet strength and dedication behind every mission, deployment, and triumph has been the sacrifice and steadfast support of the families who stood behind us.”

Triumph was laid down in Barrow shipyard in February 1987 and commissioned less than five years later in October 1991, the last of the class to be built after her six sisters HMS Talent, Trenchant, Torbay, Tireless, Turbulent and Trafalgar.The boat deployed to Australia in 1993, travelling 41,000 miles submerged without support – at the time the longest solo deployment by a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine. She served in Afghanistan in 2001, launching Tomahawk missiles at targets, and later deployed to Libya – again firing her weaponry at positions from the Mediterranean Sea as part of international efforts to protect civilians.

On both occasions, Triumph flew the Jolly Roger flag from her fin as she returned to Plymouth – a Submarine Service tradition which celebrates the completion of a successful combat mission.

The submarine was the tenth Royal Navy vessel to bear the HMS Triumph name, a moniker

with a rich heritage – the first was a 680-gun galleon built in 1561 and was the largest built in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

“Having spent many years serving in Trafalgar-class SSNs it is with both pride and sadness that I see these excellent submarines reach the end of their career,” said Royal Navy Director Submarine, Rear Admiral Andy Perks.

“The last of the Cold War submarines, these vessels have helped keep our country safe for over 30 years. As this era ends though, we can be assured that our Submarine Service remains well served by the Astute -class SSN.”Triumph will be officially decommissioned in a ceremony early in 2025 as the baton passing to the Astute-class attack submarines is completed.The largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, the Astute fleet will eventually consist of seven vessels. HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious and Anson are all currently in service and operating from HM Naval Base Clyde. A further two boats are under construction at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness.

HMS Triumph is given in special welcome in Plymouth Sound

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HMS Triumph crew departing Clyde Naval Base

Abi wins Inspirational Role Model of the Year Award

City College Plymouth student Abi Daly has been named as winner of the Inspirational Role Model of the Year at the second annual Good for Me Good for FE Awards.

T he ceremony, held at the House of Lords, showcased the exceptional contributions of individuals within the Further Education (FE) sector across the UK.

Abi’s nomination comes off the back of completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.

This achievement required her to excel in volunteering and physical challenges, but also led to her selection as one of only 35 Duke of Edinburgh Awards Youth Ambassadors in the UK.

In this role, Abi advocates for inclusivity and inspires others by sharing her experiences and promoting the belief that there is no limitation on what people with disabilities can do.’

At City College, Abi has made a profound impact through her support for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Her work on the Student Council and her willingness to share her experiences has furthered Abi’s advocacy skills, her personal growth and her ability

to inspire others through her dedication and achievements.

Successfully progressing from the Skills Development department and a Level 2 qualification in Culinary Skills, Abi is currently studying a Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionery course at the college.

Abi said: “I felt really happy to be nominated, and winning the award made me even happier. It feels like all the hard work I’ve put into educating people about autism has really paid off.

“ When I first started at City College, I wasn’t sure how it would go, but my experience here has been amazing. The college has given me the chance to build on my passion for bakery, and they really listen to students’ voices, which has made a big difference for me.

“My advice to others is simple: if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything, no matter what challenges you face.”

City College Plymouth chief executive, Jackie Grubb, who attended the ceremony with Abi, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of Abi’s achievements.

Her resilience and dedication highlight the transformative power of education and serves as an inspiration to everyone within our community. Well done, Abi!”

over 22,500 homes in Derriford and North edition

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

The February edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on January 31 with a copy deadline of January 24. 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).

Across: 1 Station, 5 Feta, 9 Thankful, 10 Rare, 11 Gene, 13 Hohhot, 14 Rhino, 15 Spry, 17 Into, 18 Nests, 19 Goblet, 21 Lope, 23

Down: 2 Tahoe, 3 Tannery, 4 Off, 6 Earth, 7 Airport, 8 Alehouse, 12 Giantess, 16 Plotted, 17 Islamic, 20 Limit, 22 Perdu, 25 Eat.

24 Steamers, 26 Date, 27

Abi pictured at the House of Lords with her award

Plymouth Chronicle January North 2024

New care service for adults is now open in Plymouth

Sponsored Content Transform your future at City College Plymouth

TEAMWORK AT ITS FINEST

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

Tamar House Residential Home

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Uber given green light to operate in Plymouth

Thousands of new homes planned for city centre

MP’s Football for All Campaign takes next steps

PRIDE OF THE WEST COUNTRY AS WOMEN ARE HONOURED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

Plymouth all set to introduce food waste collections in 2026 – and is spending £2.3m on the scheme

Partnership created to get Plymouth set for massive Government investment

Welcoming spaces open their doors in Plymouth again this winter

Campaign for directly elected mayor gathering momentum

Council votes to keep current election cycle –despite public views against

Businessman Nick backs the campaign

Mayor secures big benefits in South Yorkshire

Woolwell to The George road scheme progressing

Plymouth MPs join forces to press Defence Secretary for major investment in the city

Drink

in

Where spiking happens

Senior Citizens Forum given insight into work of Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid

Special celebration for centenarian Dennis

Treachery in the Chamber Viewpoint

Health Secretary invited to visit Derriford A&E by Plymouth MP

Volunteer Community First Responders

– the true heroes at work in Plymouth

GETTING FRESH ON THE STREET...

Lifelines

Devastated

Life is for living

Dial the Experts

MIKE QUICK BUILDING

DAMP BUSTERS

Good cause behind a new graffiti mural at Plymouth Tesco store

to Plymouth trades & services

A.W ROOFING

Ofsted praise for Mary Dean’s Primary

Arts University

Plymouth gains

Adobe Creative Campus status

Students given vital driver safety lesson

PUREGYM OPENS AT DERRIFORD RETAIL PARK

Unpaid carers to be given better support

Winter tree planting programme begins

HMS Triumph returns - for the last time

Abi wins Inspirational Role Model of the Year Award