Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North June 2021

Chronicle Plymouth

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

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Derriford & North

June 2021

COVID UPDATE

CONNECT WITH US

Global superstar Deadmau5 will be headlining at the 1 Big Summer event on Plymouth Hoe in August See page 16

Former St Boniface student Sam Pomeroy has sailed through his basic Navy training See page 22

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Local news and Experience views • Useful numbers

SailGP is coming!

Plymouth will host the spectacular SailGP event in July, promising spectators the fastest and most adrenalinfilled sailing action. Thousands of people are expected to watch the action and tickets are now on sale for premium viewing locations and on-water viewing • See story on page 13 Photo: SailGP

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2 June 2021

2 June 2021

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Let’s move forward...carefully!

We’ve all been looking forward to restrictions easing after a long period of lockdown, but the truth is the country now faces a difficult balancing act between reopening our economy, while also protecting ourselves and each other from this devastating disease.

The majority of indoor and remaining outdoor businesses have now reopened and the number of people allowed to meet up has increased to six people or two households indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.

Guidance for close contact between friends and family, such as hugging, has also changed, and people are able to travel to a small number of countries.

This is the good news – the not-so-good news is that COVID-19 has not gone away.

You will have seen that our local numbers have started dropping again, which is good.

However, I am sure you will have seen in the

media that there are concerns about new variants.

Whilst we have not seen any cases in Plymouth, it underlines the point that everyone must continue to be sensible and follow the rules. Over the last few months, we have been able to reduce the virus down to much lower levels, rates of people in hospital have dropped and, of course, many people have now been vaccinated.

However, the rising number of people with the virus in other parts of the country is a reminder that it can still spread quickly and easily.

While some people have mild or even no symptoms, others can be significantly impacted by this disease and its longer term effects. This is why people can’t let their guard down now and must follow the rules, keep social distancing, continue to wash their hands and wear face coverings where required.

As people are out and about more, it

becomes even more important that everyone remembers to take a test twice a week. There are a number of testing sites across the city and people can also pick up free testing kits from libraries and local pharmacies or order them online so they can regularly test themselves at home.

The Council’s website has all of the details about how and where to get tested or pick up free home testing kits at www.plymouth.gov. uk/gettested.

All residents across Plymouth can now access rapid lateral flow tests, enabling them to test themselves twice a week.

Our mobile testing van will be visiting the below locations next week: • Monday: Plympton Chaplins • Tuesday: St Budeaux Lidl • Thursday: Union Street Lidl • Friday: Transit Way Tesco • Sunday: Barbican Leisure Centre All sites are open from 10am to 3pm.

You can also pick up home testing kits from our libraries, but tests themselves will not take place at these locations.

Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth said: “We’ve had a great response from Plymouth people so far, with a lot of people picking up their kits.

“These tests are lateral flow tests, which schools and businesses have been using for some time.

“Now we are trying to encourage the

By Dr Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

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

Are you taking a COVID-19 test twice a week?

Did you know that one in three people with COVID-19 do not display any symptoms? As the restrictions continue to be eased, more people will be out and about, returning to work, going to the gym, to their place of worship or seeing friends and family.

To keep control of the virus, and ensure that those people who have COVID-19 aren’t spreading it without knowing it, everyone can now take a free regular test.

The Council has a mobile testing van which is travelling across the city to hand out free COVID-19 testing kits.

This week our team will again be visiting busy parts of the city to make it as easy as possible for people to pick up a kit and to get a test.

rest of the population, as they go out and about more, to get into the habit of testing themselves at least twice a week.

“These tests play a key role in detecting cases of COVID-19 where there are no symptoms and will help us all to keep the infection rate down.”

There is also a stall in Place de Brest in the city centre, which is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing and handing out home testing kits.

Each box contains seven individual tests and should last one person three and a half weeks, when testing twice a week.

All of the city’s pharmacies also stock the testing kits and you can order them online or through 119 to be delivered to your home.

For more information visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/gettested.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS?

30+ Keeping Plymouth safe30+

Schools and colleges are open

Indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities are open

Shops and libraries are open

Hairdressers and beauty salons are open

Outdoor hospitality is open

30+30+

30+

30+

30+ Limits on meeting others outdoors have been lifted

Indoors, rule of six applies

30+

Gatherings of over 30 people remains illegal

You should make informed decisions on close contact with friends and family

Indoor hospitality has reopened – customers will have to order, eat and drink while seated

Cinemas, play areas, hotels, B&Bs and indoor 30+classes have exercise reopened

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 to check the latest information 30+

30+

June 2021

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3

Freephone mental health helpline for adults and children in Plymouth Local people seeking urgent mental health advice now only need to call one number no matter how old they are.

Livewell Southwest, the social enterprise delivering NHS mental health across the city, has made it easier for people to access support by creating one single freephone number for people to call 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you need urgent help with your mental health, particularly as we come through the pandemic, or you’re worried about a loved one, just call 0800 923 9323.

When you call, you will be put through to a mental health practitioner who will be able to listen to your concerns and help you get the support you need.

You might be given advice over the phone

or signposted or referred to another of their mental health services or for support from one of their partners.

You might also be offered a virtual consultation via their Livewell Connect app.

Also available via the freephone number is a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) advice and support line for parents, professionals, and young people. This is available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

A trained professional will answer calls and can offer support, advice, signposting to other services and resources to support and promote children and young people’s mental health.

For more information, go to www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk.

Students invite to vaccine Q and A Students who are studying or living in Plymouth are invited to a virtual Q and A where they can get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine.

As the rollout of the vaccination continues across the city, it won’t be long before those aged under 30 will be invited to have the jab.

To help students cut through the many vaccine myths on social media and make an informed decision, they are invited to special Q and A – hosted by the NHS, Plymouth City Council and the University of Plymouth. The event will be on Wednesday 9 June at 5.30pm on Zoom. Attendees will need to register at https://covidvaccinestudents.eventbrite. co.uk Hosting the event will be Emi Dowse,

Vice-President for Education from the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU). She said: “I know how important it is for students to return to some form of normality and receive a full university experience again.

“The vaccination programme will be a big part in making this happen, but it’s a personal decision and one that we want students to be empowered to make in an informed and considered way.

“Understandably some of you may have concerns about the vaccine, so this is a really good way to share these in a dedicated safe space for students as a chance to listen to and share experiences with public health experts and each other.”

Green light for pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Pregnant women will now be offered the COVID-19 vaccine following a change in national health guidance.

Previously, lack of trial data involving pregnant women meant the vaccine was only recommended for those in certain high-risk groups such as health and care workers.

However, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation have said enough evidence is now available to give the green light for all pregnant women to get the jab. If you are pregnant, you will be

offered a jab when the vaccine programme reaches your age group.

In addition, women can be reassured that there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect future pregnancy.

The Royal College of Midwives has reassured women that there is​​no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on women’s fertility. However, if concerned please speak to your GP. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/ conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

NOTE: The information on these pages was correct at time of going to press on May 27.

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

4 June 2021

1,000 new affordable homes

Thought For The Day

“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

for Plymouth in next five years

- Abraham Lincoln

Plymouth Community Homes is driving forward plans to build approximately 1,000 new affordable homes by 2026 after securing eight-figure funding from NatWest.

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portfolio of affordable homes, as well as ensuring we maintain and invest in our existing properties and continue the great services we offer.

“As we expand, we will continue to focus on improving lives by providing affordable homes and great services. We’ll also maintain our programme of improving our blocks of flats as well as community initiatives, courses and training sessions which we believe are essential in supporting our residents and creating thriving communities. The interest cover covenants will allow us to undertake the modernisation of our blocks of flats with more flexibility.”

The funding forms part of NatWest’s commitment last year to support the housing association sector with £3 billion of finance until the end of 2022. This will support the increase in provision of social housing, as well as the improvement of existing properties.

Dean Holleyman, NatWest director, Housing Finance England and Wales, said: “We have worked with PCH since its inception in 2009.

The investment and work that PCH have undertaken during this time has positively transformed both the lives of its tenants and communities it serves. We are rightly delighted and proud that our support for PCH will help them to continue this great work with further investment in its new and existing homes in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.”

PCH will use the £65 million funding package to grow its existing portfolio of more than 16,000 homes. The majority of the new homes will be let at affordable rent, with shared ownership homes also being developed, in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

The finance package, a SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average) funded risk-free loan, will also support PCH’s investment into maintaining the high standard of its existing homes.

Founded in 2009, PCH is Plymouth’s largest affordable housing provider, supplying social housing for more than 35,000 people in Plymouth, as well as acting as a commercial landlord managing more than 170 shops. Under its brand SO Living, PCH also offers shared ownership homes across Devon and Cornwall and has Portsham sold 167 shared ownership homes in Heights - a PCH the city and wider region since 2012. development in It employs 642 full-time staff Southway across the business and offers residents support to help them obtain qualifications and useful skills for work and home life.

Nick Jackson, director of business services and development at PCH, said: “Thanks to the funding from NatWest, we can both expand our

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Estover worktop business is planning to double turnover in two years Plymouth-based fabricators of natural stone furnishings, Mayflowerstone Limited, has secured a six-figure funding package from Lombard Asset Finance to drive forward plans to double turnover over the next two years.

The £600,000 finance package will enable Mayflowerstone to increase the capacity, efficiency and the already high product quality of the company’s workshop in Estover.

The Plymouth premises is where the business stores and fabricates a range of its high-quality materials such as granite, quartz, sintered stone, marble and Corian, which can be transformed into worktops, flooring and tiles.

The funding will also support the company’s investment in its industry-leading equipment, including a Baca Robojet, only the third installed in Europe, to ensure the highest quality finishes for its customers.

Established in 2006 Mayflowerstone has grown from two employees to 63 staff across the total group, and recruitment is underway for six new roles within the business.

Jamie Dowdall, managing director of Mayflowerstone said: “Our ambition as a business has always been to expand and offer our quality products to more customers across a larger area.

“The funding from Lombard Asset Finance will allow us to increase our production capacity by investing in new and improved equipment that will increase the speed at which we can operate and therefore our output.

This will help us to achieve our goal of doubling the size of the business in the next two years and expanding our existing team.”

June 2021

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5

City Council’s new leader and Cabinet take office

Plymouth City Council has a new Conservative administration following the annual general meeting held at the Guildhall on May 21.

The Conservative group has formed an administration following the local elections which resulted in the Conservative Party having 26 councillors, Labour 24 and seven independent members.

Councillor Nick Kelly was formally Cllr Nick Kelly appointed as leader at the AGM. Councillor Kelly was first elected to the council in 2015 serving the Moor View Ward. He now represents his home ward of Compton.

He is a proud Plymothian and served as Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth in 2017/18. He has chaired and been a member of numerous council committees.

His new Cabinet team was also formally appointed at the meeting. They are: • Deputy Leader and also responsible for Health and Adult Social Care: Councillor Patrick Nicholson • Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture Culture, Leisure and Sport:

Councillor Mark Deacon • Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People: Councillor Dave Downie • Cabinet Member for Governance, HR,

IT and Community Safety: Councillor John Riley • Cabinet Member for Transport: Councillor Jonathan Drean • Cabinet Member for Homes and

Communities: Councillor Vivien Pengelly • Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene: Councillor Maddi Bridgeman Councillor Kelly said: “It is an incredible honour and privilege to be elected as the Leader of Plymouth City Council. I am grateful to all my colleagues for their support and excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“As Leader, I commit that my new team will be focused on delivering immediately on the promises we made during the election and continue to unlock Plymouth’s potential.

“We really listened to local people on the doorstep. We know that Plymouth want us to focus on getting the basics right – tackling pot holes, weeds, litter, graffiti and fly tipping.

“At the same time, we have ambitious plans to combat health inequality, improve education and skills, create jobs and encourage inward investment, build on the extensive regeneration in the city and of course – tackling climate change.

“Our administration will be focused on delivering for everyone. Creating a city where no-one gets left behind. But we can’t do it alone. Over the weeks and months ahead we will continue engaging with local people and our partners whilst we shape and deliver our plans.

“We live in a great city, we have so much potential and I am so grateful for the opportunity to deliver for Plymouth. With our ‘can do’ attitude – we look forward getting things done and ‘Building Back Better.”

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6 June 2021

6 June 2021

Child poverty on the increase in Plymouth

Notre Dame School wins award for young carer support work

New figures reveal that nearly 30 per cent of children in Plymouth are living in poverty.

The total number of children in the city growing up in poverty rose to 14,170 in 2020, according to the End Child Poverty coalition. This was a rise of 0.7 per cent between 2015 and 2020.

The report released by the coalition showed that across the whole of the South West 26 per cent of children live in poverty after housing costs are factored in. That represent a total of a quarter of a million children in the region living below the poverty line.

As the pandemic risks pushing ever larger numbers of children into poverty, the End Child Poverty coalition is calling on the Chancellor to make the uplift in Universal Credit Benefits permanent rather than remove it at the end of the summer.

Anna Feuchtwarm, chief executive of the National Children’s Bureau said: “Poverty can hold children back in many different ways. It can mean children don’t reach a good level of health or development, do well in school or reach their potential in employment.

“The Government has pledged to level up communities worst hit by poverty.

Boris Johnson must acknowledge that there are pockets of deprivation where children are growing up in families that can barely afford the basic necessities of life. Levelling up must address this across the length and breadth of the country not just in certain areas.”

Notre Dame School in Derriford has been given a Silver Award for their work to make sure students don’t miss out on an education because they are young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

To achieve their Silver Award, Notre Dame has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including awareness raising with pupils and staff, and by building links within the local community.

Young carers are consulted with, and vital information is made available to pupils and families, letting them know where to go for help.

Young Carers’ lead at the school, Clare Sampson, said: “Applying for the Silver Award has helped us to shape and improve our provision. We have a great Young Carers’ team who are all committed to ensuring our young carers get the support they need to succeed in school.”

One such young carer is Year 8 student Danielle who said: “The Young Carers group have cared

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The Young Carers Support Group at Notre Dame School

and looked after me for the past two years. Mrs Brady has let us tell her our problems and helped us find solutions. I am really looking forward to going on a respite trip with the group when Covid is over.”

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Tesco and Help for Heroes in urgent appeal for volunteers in Plymouth Tesco is partnering with Help for Heroes to help raise vital funds for veterans wounded or injured in the line of duty and Plymouth volunteers are needed.

With the Tesco Superstore hosting a collection in Transit Way as part of the first national event of its type this year, Tesco and the charity have launched an urgent appeal for people to volunteer a couple of hours in store to fundraise on June 26 and 27.

The fundraising initiative across Tesco’s National Collection Weekend coincides with Armed Forces Day on June 26. Tesco and Help for Heroes are marking the occasion by encouraging people in Plymouth to show their support to wounded veterans and their families who’ve been impacted by injury or illness sustained while serving their country in the British Armed Forces.

Help for Heroes relies on the generosity of the public for the majority of its funding and saw a loss of approximately 75% to its income from national collections during 2020 as a result of the pandemic.

At the same time, during the first lockdown the charity saw a 33% increase in those coming forward for mental health support compared to the previous year and a 30% increase in referrals to its veterans’ clinical services. It is therefore a vital time for the charity to raise awareness of the urgent support needed for veterans and

encourage people to take part in fundraising.

Gary Wills, store manager at the Transit Way store, said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, we are pleased to be able to launch the National Collection Weekend and support the incredible work of Help for Heroes.

“We hope as many people as possible from Plymouth will get involved across the weekend and take this fun opportunity to reconnect with others, while making a difference supporting those who are wounded or injured as a result of service.

“As always, the health and safety of our

colleagues, customers and volunteers is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the government guidance on COVID-19 closely and ensure all the necessary guidelines are followed at the time of the collections on 26 and 27 June.”

John Carpenter, area fundraising manager at Help for Heroes for Plymouth, added: “Volunteers have always been at the very heart of Help for Heroes, championing the cause and helping us to raise the vital funds we need to give wounded veterans and their families the support that they need for as long as they need it.

“We are delivering our recovery services in the community, online and over the phone so that we can support more veterans than ever, closer to home.

“By volunteering at the Tesco National Collection Weekend, you will be playing a vital role in helping us to ensure that we deliver our promise to be here for veterans and families, whenever and wherever they need us.”

Tesco and Help for Heroes are asking any willing volunteers with availability on the June 26 and 27 to register at //h4hweb.com/tesco or contact the Help for Heroes Campaigns team on 0300 303 9888 or campaigns@helpforheroes.org.uk.

Register to volunteer for the National Collection Weekend at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/givesupport/volunteer/events/tesco-nationalcollection-weekend/ Sponsored Content

St Luke’s announces return of ladies much-loved walk

Ladies across the city are being invited to celebrate the lives of their lost loved ones and put their best foot forward for local hospice care when one of Plymouth’s best-loved charity events returns this summer.

Following its cancellation last year because of lockdown restrictions, Midnight Walk in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is set to take place on Friday 20 August. The popular event raises vital funds to help the charity provide its specialist end of life care for terminally ill people, as well as emotional support for them and their families – services that will be needed more than ever in the months ahead due to the impact of the pandemic.

ones, this is it, and we are thrilled Midnight Walk is an opportunity that after such a long wait we can for women and girls of all ages finally welcome ladies back to come together as one to pay to take part in Midnight tribute to relatives and friends Walk. We can’t wait who are gone but will never to see them, and be forgotten, sharing precious as always, we are memories and creating new going to make it a ones as they stride the streets really fun night for of Plymouth for the sponsored them all. walk.

“We are conscious This year, the ladies will set out though, that alongside from Home Park Stadium, taking the excitement as we move on their choice of a 5, 10 or 15towards the lifting of restrictions mile route across Plymouth in on big outdoor events like their brightly coloured teeours, there is sadness shirts adorned with the “If ever for so many who have names of the loved there was a been bereaved as ones whose memory year for coming they continue to they are honouring. together to walk gradually adjust Speaking about in memory of lost to life without that the event, Penny loved ones, this special person by Hannah, Head of is it.” their side.

Fundraising at St “It’s possible that for Luke’s, said: “If ever there some, Midnight Walk could even was a year for coming together be the first opportunity they will to walk in memory of lost loved

have to reunite with friends and family they have been forced apart from – and perhaps unable to grieve with - because of the pandemic, which means it will be an extra poignant occasion.

“All ladies are welcome, regardless of whether or not their loved one received care from St Luke’s and, of course, you don’t need to be walking in memory. You can join us simply for the fantastic uplifting atmosphere, knowing you will be making an important difference for local families right when they need it most.”

Registration for Midnight Walk costs £22. Visit www. stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk for more information and to sign up.

June 2021

7

Respect Festival is back again well virtually!

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council have announced that they will be presenting the first Virtual RESPECT Festival – in line with Government guidelines and restrictions.

Having had to cancel the event in 2020, with the support and assistance of partners, organisers have been planning to livestream broadcast the event on the Plymouth Respect Festival YouTube Channel on Saturday June 5 from 11am to 5pm.

The Barbican Theatre, FotoNow, NubSound, Plymouth Dance, Karen Evans, WonderZoo, Beyond Face, Kaos Productions and Clever Cow Consultancy are all working together to make the event possible, technically and logistically.

The day will start at 11am with a Digital Parade, followed by music, dance and spoken word performances, interspersed with films and the stories of individuals connected to the city who have influenced the history of Plymouth and beyond.

Leading up to the event, there will be art, dance and spoken word workshops with schools and community groups which will result in the creation of the Digital Parade, with music provided by the Bhangra band, R.S.V.P. There will also be Plymouth’s Human Library event on June 2. For more information, please contact Carmel Lawless at humanlibraryplymouth@ gmail.com, phone 07849 655990 or search Human Library at Plymouth RESPECT Festival on Facebook.

The event has been made possible with the support of Arts Council England, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Devon & Cornwall Police, Mayflower 400 Community Sparks Fund, Refugee Integration Service Community Fund, University of Plymouth, the Citizens Advice Bureau and contributions from Plymouth City Councillors Community Grants.

More details will be released on the Respect Festival Facebook page.

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8 June 2021

Plymouth schools to benefit from new initiative to drive up standards

Education leaders in Plymouth have welcomed the announcement that the city has been selected to pioneer a new approach to driving up attainment and standards in schools through greater place-based collaboration.

The Department for Education has announced that Plymouth will be one of four areas in the country selected to benefit from the new initiative and share the £10 million to be invested in supporting schools in improving the attainment of children and young people.

The areas have been selected on evidence that they are likely to succeed in adopting the new place-based approach that will see schools collaborating with each other and working together to share priorities, expertise and experience.

The citywide effort will be led by experienced system leaders who will bring local partners together and the initiative will include schools and the network of multi academy trusts (MATs) in the city.

Schools most in need will benefit from the direct guidance of strong multi-academy trusts or access to an enhanced offer of support through the Department’s Trust and School Improvement offer.

In Plymouth priorities have been identified by the local education community to address the local challenges in school improvement.

This will build upon the work of the Plymouth secondary commission with a focus on improving secondary outcomes across the city.

This will include MAT led support on school leadership, teaching and learning, curriculum and inclusion in order to improve.

Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said the announcement was good news for the city.

She said: “I am delighted that Plymouth is one of the first few areas to have been selected to take part in this significant national initiative.

“I am sure all education providers in the city share the excitement that Plymouth is recognised by the Government as an area that has good foundations with a place-based collaboration and is most likely to achieve success as a trailblazer of this national initiative.

“In Plymouth, we have developed a framework for a sustainable self-improvement system in which schools, maintained or academy, improve themselves by working in partnership with each other, the local authority and the Regional Schools Commissioner.

This will mean that we can build on the improvements that are being made to make sure that children and young people are attending schools providing high quality education.

“There are many challenges in improving the educational achievements for all children and young people in Plymouth, and we do not underestimate these. This initiative will support us in facing these head on and achieving our vision that all children and young people in the city are able to aspire and achieve and have a bright future.”

Chief executives of Multi Academy Trusts in Plymouth have welcomed the announcement.

Will Smith, CEO of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, said: “We welcome this funding to support Plymouth’s place-based approach to school improvement. We are committed to working collaboratively with the local authority, other Multi Academy Trusts and schools across Plymouth. This significant investment by the Department for Education in place-based, collaborative school improvement across the city will ensure continued and sustainable improvements in the life chances of Plymouth’s young people.”

8 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Sharon completes her husband Mike’s 100 mile mission for the Devon Air Ambulance When Mike Clake had a cycle accident that left him paralysed from the chest down, one of the biggest concerns for him and his wife Sharon, was how their then 13year old son, Max, would take the news.

Sharon said: “Knowing his dad would never play football with him again, or be able to run with him, or do any of the things that they used to do – it was so hard.” But, to their surprise and amazement, young Max visited his dad in hospital and said: “But he’s still my dad, it’ll all be ok. Why is everyone worrying?”

Mike had been out on a charity cycle ride on Dartmoor in May 2018, raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth in memory of a dear friend, when his tyre burst and he flew over the handlebars.

He remembers the accident as if in slow motion.

“I was coming down a hill when I had the blow out; the tyre split totally, the bike wobbled and I sailed through the air. I knew it was bad straight away as I couldn’t move anything. I’d fractured my eye socket too, so all I could see was blood, and I was struggling to breathe and panting for air. I remember the helicopter landing and I could hear the conversation between all the paramedics going on around me, but I could only see their feet!”

Devon Air Ambulance treated Mike at the scene and then flew him swiftly to Derriford Hospital where scans revealed he had extremely serious spinal injuries. He was placed in an induced coma and was in Intensive Care for the first four weeks after the accident. He has only limited memory of that time in hospital and has been fascinated to read the diary that the staff from Intensive Care kept for him “I do remember that the cocktail of drugs I was on gave me some really psychedelic dreams.

Then I developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator; talking was almost impossible and I remember that when I coughed, I sounded like a baby, it was most odd. I also remember my surgeon saying that, in his 28 years of surgery, mine was the worst accident he’d ever seen and he made no promises about my recovery – he was very blunt.”

After six weeks in Derriford, Mike was transferred to the specialist spinal unit in Salisbury where he spent the next five months.

He faced an array of physical and emotional challenges as he came to terms with his new way of life Mike said: “I am now tetraplegic which certainly took some getting used to. The first time I tried to sit up, I just fell over like a ‘weeble’. I realised then how hard it was going to be and what a long road ahead I had in front of me.”

Mike’s rehabilitation and strict physiotherapy regime led to time in Holton Lee in Dorset as well as Waters Park House in Devonport. In all, it was 18 months before Mike was able to leave hospital.

Mike Clake with his wife Sharon and son Max

Mike spent four weeks in intensive care at Derriford

During that time, having realised and accepted that their family home was now completely unsuitable, his wife Sharon had sold their house, moved to a bungalow and overseen some major adaptations and reconstruction work in readiness for Mike’s return.

Sharon explained: “It was such a tough time in so many ways. We even lost our dog while Mike was in hospital. But, thankfully, Max was my absolute rock through it all. And, with support from family, friends and the Royal British Legion, we got everything done. It was so brilliant to finally have Mike home with us.”

Family life has taken on a ‘new normal’ now, with Sharon back at work and Max, now 16, studying at Bicton College.

Mike, who is also back working part-time, has retained his positive outlook throughout and is optimistic about the future.

“With massive thanks to my physiotherapist, I now have a Stand Aid at home, which is helping to strengthen my stomach and leg muscles and I’m investigating a new wheelchair that will make it easier for me to be independent outside. I still

only have limited use of my arms and hands so a battery-operated wheelchair would make a big difference.

“And, hopefully, I’ll be getting an assistance dog too. I’ve seen the amazing things that these dogs can help with and I can’t wait. There’s no point in looking back at what might have been, you have to look forward. We are where we are, but there’s still an exciting future ahead.

To complete this long journey, and to say thank you to Devon Air Ambulance for their swift response and assistance given to Mike at the scene, Sharon is taking on a challenge of her own along with a close friend and her sister who have supported her in so many ways over the past there years.

In August the trio will walk the remaining 38 miles that Mike didn’t get to complete. They will start off in Okehampton where Mike’s accident happened over three years ago and will finish their mission in Plymouth.

Sally Hilton, head of fundraising at Devon Air Ambulance said: “I have spoken to Sharon recently and she is a remarkable woman who has had to change every aspect of their family life. Sharon and her son Max have taken one day at a time over the last three years to support Mike on his road to recovery which has been a huge challenge.

“Her decision to finish the fund-raising journey that Mike started is absolutely fantastic. We are very proud of Mike for making such amazing progress and of Sharon who is an inspiration to many in taking on this 38 mile fund-raising mission of her own which in turn will help us to respond to more patients like Mike when the unexpected happens.”

If you can help to give Sharon and her two walking buddies a boost to their fundraising efforts, please visit her Just Giving Page here to donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/SharonClake

Uber pilots new taxi product in Plymouth Uber has announced a pilot of its new product, ‘Local cab’, which will enable passengers to book a trip with a local taxi company via the Uber app in Plymouth.

Anyone opening the Uber app in Plymouth will see the ‘Local cab’ option which will connect passengers to the taxi firm Need-A-Cab. Users will have to download the latest version of the app to be able to see the Local cab product.

Despite the Uber app being opened as many as 16,500 times per month in Plymouth, passengers have not previously been able to book a ride in a local cab.

To meet this demand, and enable use of the app beyond the 40 towns and cities Uber currently operates in in the UK, Uber is looking to work with local operators across the country.

Dave McIntosh at Need-A-Cab, said: “We’re

delighted to be the first local operator in the UK to pilot ‘Local cab.’ This will give the people of Plymouth another way to book with Need-A-Cab – and anyone visiting the city, that already uses the Uber app, will now find it easy to book a ride with a local operator.

“With the boost in passengers, we will also be looking to welcome new drivers to the company.”

Ash Kebriti, UK general manager, Uber, said: “Every month, we see thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK where we currently don’t operate open the Uber app and try to request a trip.

“Launching this pilot of Local cab in Plymouth is an exciting first step in connecting these riders with local operators so that eventually the Uber app can be used anywhere in the country.”

Mike with son Max using his Stand Aid

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10 June 2021

MPs praise for Plymouth Oracy Project in helping improve pupils’ speaking skills

A Plymouth Oracy Project, lead by Plymouth Teaching School Alliance, has been praised in a parliamentary report highlighting the urgent need for schools to improve children’s spoken language.

The report singled out the Plymouth-wide initiative across a number of schools in the area for its outstanding work to improve students’ oracy - which has supported academic achievement and closed the attainment gap, and helped pupils build the essential speaking skills they need for a successful future.

The report explores the extent to which oracy - the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language - is developed and prioritised in schools in England and the necessity to prioritise children’s spoken language development.

The Oracy All-Party Parliamentary Group highlighted the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the already marked spoken ‘language gap’ between disadvantaged students and their peers. One teacher in two said school closures negatively impacted the spoken language development of their most disadvantaged pupils - just one in five said the same of the most advantaged pupils. Concern about the widening language gap stretches across all primary school years and secondary schools.

MPs also highlighted the link between poor oracy and unemployment. YouGov polling and for the report showed young people (aged 16 to 25) in full or part time employment were more than 50% more likely to ‘strongly agree’ (35%) than young people who are unemployed or not working (23%) that their schooling/education helped them develop sufficient oracy skills for success in later life.

The report suggests some schools may struggle to understand the minimum oracy requirements that feature in the national curriculum, meaning that many children miss out on the opportunity to develop these vital skills while at school, hampering their future opportunities. On understanding the statutory spoken language national curriculum requirements, only 46% primary teachers are ‘confident’ and just 23% of secondary teachers are ‘confident’, while 39% of secondary teachers are ‘not at all confident.’

The report commends the work of The Plymouth Oracy Project in showcasing how a focus on oracy throughout the school can create a lasting impact for students and raise standards, proving that MP’s ambitions are realistic and achievable.

Headteacher Kim Dorian-Kemp said: “Developing oracy skills in children is empowering. At High View School, the Plymouth Oracy Project has transformed how our children communicate: how they listen, build upon the ideas of others, how they answer questions in full sentences and engage in lively debates – it is incredible to witness. Developing oracy skills will have lifelong benefits for our children and in giving them the confidence to have a voice, they are prepared for life in our ever-changing world.”

A Year 5 Pupil in Plymouth said: “At the end of the day it is more than exam results, communication skills help you get on in life.

Exam results are important, but you need good communication in everyday life because you’re always communicating with others. In our opinion we think that parliament needs to hear that everyone in the world needs to know about Oracy and feel comfortable to use their voice in all subjects. You should use Oracy to help you feel confident and valued in everyday use, whatever age you are.”

10 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Derriford patients recovering from COVID-19 are benefitting from new specialist chairs

An investment in a new fleet of specialist seating systems is not only benefitting patients recovering from COVID-19 at Derriford Hospital, but also helped to support a local business during the first wave of the pandemic.

Last year, at the start of the initial COVID-19 crisis, the Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Team at University Hospitals Plymouth invested in 40 HydroTilt chairs, produced by CareFlex, in order to aid patients in their recovery from the illness.

“These chairs can assist patients with their respiratory function, which is essential in their recovery, as well as having the added benefits of pressure relief, postural management and helping with independence,” said Jude Fewings, therapy lead for the COVID-19 Respiratory and Rehabilitation Team.

“A lot of patients recovering from COVID-19 struggle with weakened muscles and fatigue, so being able to adjust the chair to meet their needs greatly aids their care.”

Stuart Hussey, a patient recovering from COVID-19, said: “It’s a really long recovery process.

I lost two to three stone thanks to this disease and have lots of muscle I need to rebuild, so having something comfy to sit in makes the world of difference. You might be here for a long time, like me, but this chair is such a nice shape and so soft and padded that it makes it

feel like a little bit of home, which really helps.

“They start you doing your exercises by simply standing up, and this chair helps you to do just that as it’s got supportive arms and bits of it tilt to help you – plus it’s nice and cushioned too!”

The Rehabilitation Team also purchased static bikes to use with the chairs.

Jude added: “Another added bonus is that these chairs fit well with infection control, as they can be completely wiped down. Some patients have found them so helpful that they’ve ordered their own when discharged home, as they can be upholstered in different materials that look much less clinical.

“And of course, purchasing from a local business and supporting the local factory and its workers,

based in Newton Abbot, was an unintended but very happy consequence.”

Craig Downton, sales and marketing director for CareFlex, said: “When COVID-19 first struck, the unknown was so daunting for everyone but we knew our equipment played a vital part in supporting our NHS and the patients that needed them, which is why we took the decision to keep our doors open and to keep manufacturing. When the order arrived from our local hospital, everyone in the organisation worked hard to deliver the chairs as quickly as possible; it was a real team effort.

“We all knew we were doing our bit for our local community and our children wanted to be a part of this as well. The children of our employees thoroughly enjoyed colouring in pictures of support and admiration, knowing that it would help to brighten up the day of the brave NHS staff.

“We are delighted to hear how our equipment has been used during this period and how it is currently helping and assisting patients who are suffering. It really does fill us with pride to know that our chairs are making a difference.”

The HydroTilt chairs can now be found throughout a multitude of wards at Derriford Hospital, and will continue to benefit patients recovering from a wide range of illness, including COVID-19.

Every little helps - charities and community groups in Plymouth encouraged to apply for new grants Charities and community groups in Plymouth are being encouraged to apply for funding for local projects that matter to them.

The newly-rebranded Tesco Community Grants scheme will award funds to charities and community organisations whose focus is on helping children and families access the food and support they need for a good start in life. Eligible projects will include breakfast or holiday lunch clubs, food banks, youth clubs or schools.

From July, community groups in Plymouth will be selected to receive votes from the public to decide which project receives the most funding.

Funding pots of £500, £1,000 and £1,500 will be available for the shortlisted projects, and Tesco customers will be able to choose which one receives the most funding by voting in store every time they shop.

Among the Plymouth community schemes to benefit from Tesco funding in recent years was Ocean Discoverability, a project within the Island Trust, which used the money to help disabled young people learn sailing know-how and develop social skills.

Keith Jackson, Tesco community grant manager said: “Over the years, we’ve been delighted to support so many charities, community groups and organisations from every corner of the UK. The help and support they provide to families and children is now more important than ever.

“We’re encouraging groups in Plymouth to apply for funding as we hope to see the fantastic community work they provide to continue long into the future.”

Originally launched in 2016 as Bags of Help, the scheme has supported over 36,000 community groups with more than £86million in grants since 2016, including 2,000 sports teams and 1,400 groups supporting vulnerable older people.

Tesco funded Ocean Discoverability giving disabled youngsters the chance to learning sailing know-how

In 2020 alone, more than 10,000 groups were awarded grants of more than £7.9million

by Tesco throughout the UK. The Tesco Community Grants scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, will support thousands of community projects and good causes across the UK. It is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, so eligible organisations can apply for a grant now. Tesco customers or colleagues can nominate a cause that they would like to see supported.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK chief executive, said: “The last year has been

extremely difficult for everyone, and that includes community groups and charities who will have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

Many groups have seen a surge in demand for their services while volunteer numbers decrease, which has caused mounting pressure.

“We’re delighted to be working with Tesco to provide these much-needed funds, which will help to support local communities as we recover from the pandemic.”

To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit tescocommunitygrants.org.uk

June 2021

@PlymChronicle

11

Tickets available now for major international Mayflower 400 commemoration on July 11 The major international Mayflower 400 commemoration event will take place on Plymouth Hoe in July and free tickets are available to book now.

Having been postponed from the original anniversary date of September 16 due to the pandemic, the Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony will now take place on Sunday July 11 on the biggest stage Plymouth Hoe has ever seen.

The ceremony is the UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event and a grand finale to the commemorations. The 70 metre stage will host an epic production, which tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom and explores the impact of this on the world.

A massive array of singers representing choirs and schools from throughout the region will be accompanied by the full concert orchestra of HM Royal Marines Band Plymouth.

Together they will perform brand new music, accompanied by actors on stage and bespoke film footage all narrated to tell this unique story.

The script and lyrics have been written

by Nick Stimson, associate director at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, with music by Chris Williams.

For the first time ever, this commemoration event will include leading representatives of the Native American Wampanoag tribes, who have historically been excluded from the narrative despite having been greatly

affected by the Mayflower’s arrival and subsequent European settlement.

All four nations involved in the story – the

UK, USA, Netherlands and the Wampanoag tribes – will be represented by high-ranking dignitaries who will speak during the

ceremony and reflect on what the historical voyage means for the world today.

Adrian Vinken, chair of Mayflower 400, said: “This is the major moment for the international Mayflower 400 commemorations and the culmination of all the activity that’s been taking place around the world to mark this significant global anniversary.

“Nothing like this has been done in Plymouth before, bringing together all four nations to tell the story that has had a profound impact on global history.

“It’s going to be a memorable, once-in-alifetime event so I’d urge people to book their tickets quickly.”

The event is being ticketed to safeguard COVID-19 precautions, with all tickets free.

Tickets must be booked prior to entry.

Gates will open at 1pm on the day, with the ceremony taking place from 3pm to approximately 4.30pm. There will be activity taking place on stage from 2pm, food and drink stands and toilets.

Visitors are welcome to take their own food and drink with them, as well as blankets or camping chairs as seating will not be provided.

Free tickets are available to book now at: visitplymouth.co.uk/ mayflower400ceremony.

Everyone over the age of two years will need a ticket and a maximum of six tickets can be booked per transaction. More information and full FAQs are available on the Visit Plymouth website.

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12 June 2021 French Consul, Stephanie d’Haussy laid a wreath at the Napoleon Monument

12 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth father and son serving together on HMS Prince of Wales A father and son from Plymouth are helping to bring Britain’s biggest warship to life right now off the Devon coast.

Bicentary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death is marked in Plymouth The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Chris Mavin and French Consul, Stephanie d’Haussy have laid wreaths at the Napoleon Monument on Madeira Road to commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death on May 5 1821.

Plymouth is proud of its unique connection to the history of Napoleon, and in 2015, the Napoleon Monument which marked the 10 days Napoleon Bonaparte spent captive in Plymouth Sound in 1815 was unveiled at an event with representatives from Plymouth City Council, St Helena, Brittany Ferries, HMS Northumberland and officers from the French Navy.

Napoleon Bonaparte was held as a prisoner at Plymouth Sound onboard HMS Bellerophon from July 26 to August 4 1815 following his defeat at Waterloo, while the British Government decided his fate.

He was later sent into exile on the South Atlantic Island of St Helena. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Bellerophon left Plymouth Sound and he was transferred to HMS Northumberland for the long voyage south. He died in exile, on St Helena.

To commemorate the two-hundred year anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, Destination Plymouth has created a dedicated online resource called ‘Napoleon 200’ to be enjoyed by locals and visitors with support from The Box and the University of Plymouth.

The new resources will be included in a cross European programme to commemorate Napoleon’s death led by the Federation of Napoleonic Cities of which Plymouth is the only one in the UK. The online resources include detailed information on various Napoleonic experiences; activities and places to visit incorporating walking tours and cycling routes.

Additionally, when The Box, Plymouth’s major new museum, art gallery and archive, reopens on May 18, visitors will be able to enjoy a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte created by John Harris the Younger. Despite the subject being a prisoner at the time, Napoleon is shown posing in all his finery.

Other highlights on display include detailed bone models made by the prisoners of war from the Napoleonic era, these can be viewed in the gallery. The models were created with handmade tools and represent high-quality examples from the period.

For more information on Napoleon 200 in Plymouth, please visit www.visitplymouth. co.uk/Napoleon200 For more information on the Federation of Napoleonic Cities, visit www. napoleoncities.eu

Engineering Technician Ashley Smith and his dad Warrant Officer 2nd Class Duncan Thornhill are two of more than 700 crew serving aboard new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

The Portsmouth-based warship is currently in Torbay carrying out trials and training as she works her way towards joining her older sister HMS Queen Elizabeth on front-line operations.

The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier sailed for the first time in over a year earlier this month after an extensive period of upgrades, enhancements and maintenance in her home base.

Ashley is charged with ensuring salt water pulses through the pipes of the carrier so that it is always available for use by firefighting teams in the event of an emergency.

As a marine engineer he’s also responsible for monitoring machinery and systems as a watchkeeper.

And dad has the small task of ensuring everyone aboard is properly fed three times a day – over 2,000 meals daily – by ensuring the fridges, freezers and stores are filled by sticking to a tight budget as the catering services manager.

With a full complement of aircrew, battle

HMS Prince of Wales heading out for sea trials off the coast of Devon

WO2 Duncan Thornhill with his son Engineering Technician Ashley Smith pictured on board the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales

staff and commandos aboard, when the carrier deploys on operations, the catering team’s task rises to nearly 5,000 meals every day.

Both father and son are enjoying their different experiences aboard – and say the support they receive from the rest of the family at home in Devon is crucial.

“Growing up it was hard with the amount of time dad spent deployed, but after seeing what the service had provided for him and our family it was easy to understand why he enjoyed it and I wanted to be a part of that,” said 27-year-old Ashley, who has spent two years aboard the carrier with one left to go.

“It’s nice to have a familiar face on board and makes it that little bit easier when away from the family. The guaranteed lift home each weekend is also quite a nice perk! But working in two separate departments we rarely cross paths.”

Originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, dad has served in the Royal Navy since 1989, spending

almost his entire career with Plymouth-based ships and submarines, plus served as an instructor at HMS Raleigh for raw recruits and trainee chefs and caterers. His service has taken him to the Caribbean, Adriatic, Mediterranean and Middle East.

The 49-year-old is understandably proud of his son’s progress. And there may yet be a third family member joining them, for Ashley’s youngest brother Mason, has applied to serve in the Navy.

“Although a bit on the cheesy side, it was too good of an opportunity to miss.

Before submitting my preference I did chat with Ashley about it to make sure he was comfortable, which he was,” said Duncan, who is known by shipmates as ‘Thorny.’

“We work in two different departments, so we haven’t seen much of each other, but it is good to see him when we do cross paths.”

Like his son he relies on the moral support of loved ones at home in Plymouth to get through tough times and appreciate the good times.

“I’ve always had great support from my family through my career, the importance of this can’t be understated and Ashley will get the same support from us. Hopefully he’ll enjoy it as much as I have.”

Come to the finale of the Mayflower 400 year!

See the Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony on The Hoe. Live music, theatre, choirs, big screens and more including the living voice of the Native American Wampanoag Tribes – FREE for all the family Don’t miss this historic event Sunday 11 July 2021 For your FREE tickets go to: visitplymouth.co.uk/mayflower400ceremony (Tickets subject to availability)

Mayflower 400 National Supporters and Sponsors

June 2021

@PlymChronicle

13

Spectacular action is promised as tickets for SailGP go on sale One of the world’s most impressive sailing events, SailGP is coming to Plymouth in July, following opening events in Bermuda and Italy.

Plymouth has been selected to host SailGP’s Grand Prix in Britain now the global league has restarted in 2021. Following the season opener in Bermuda in April and the Italy Grand Prix in Taranto in June, the championship will take place in Plymouth on July 17 and 18 for the third event in Season 2, featuring the world’s fastest sail racing.

The adrenaline-filled racing between competing nations will take place on Plymouth Sound in partnership with Plymouth City Council, with support from Associated British Ports, English Cities Fund and Sutton Harbour Group.

The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth will also form part of the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations, marking the anniversary of the signature voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to America. Plymouth was selected following a competitive six-month-long bid process involving five other UK cities.

Thousands of spectators are expected to crowd The Hoe and waterfront areas to watch the adrenalin-filled action featuring F50 catamarans, capable of speeds of nearly 60 mph. The action will also be seen from Jennycliff and Mount Batten. While viewing will be free from these locations, a range of options are also available.

There will be a free access area within the Spectator Area which includes live race commentary, refreshments, official merchandise store, entertainment and athlete appearances on the stage. This access will be subject to registration.

Ticket options include a Waterfront Premium

High speed action will take place in Plymouth Sound Photo: Sail GP

ticket costing £30 which will give fans access to an exclusive space within the Spectator Area, providing a front-row seat to the action. Tickets include a complimentary drink, dining options, comfy seating, commentary and big screens.

SailGP has partnered with Plymouth Boat Trips to provide the official on-water fan experience for the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.

With two ticket categories available – Access and Premium – official spectator boats will offer the closest vantage point to the racing and allow fans an unrivalled view of the world-class athletes and supercharged F50 catamarans as they compete at electrifying speeds on Plymouth Sound.

On-Water Access tickets cost £45 and provide unrivalled viewing on the racecourse perimeter during the three hour experience, departing and

returning to Commercial Wharf.

On-Water Premium tickets are £120 and include privileged viewing positions, selection of canapés and a premium bar with a selection of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.

There is also the opportunity for fans to watch from their own boat at a cost of £150 plus fees, which includes breathtaking views of the action, positioned at one of the turning gates, as well welcome pack including tote bag, cap and souvenir flag.

Boat owners can also register for free and will receive all the essential course details from the race organisers to help position their boat in the best area to witness the action.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked at www.sailgp.com

Senior police officer appointed to tackle dog thefts Devon & Cornwall Police have appointed a senior officer to head up efforts to deal with the increasing number of dog thefts in the region.

Chief Inspector Rob Curtis has been assigned to help tackle what is currently perceived as a rising crime. There has been an increase in demand for dogs nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has inflated prices for puppies and dogs.

Nationally, dog theft cases increased by 170% in 2020.

Chief Inspector Curtis said that Devon & Cornwall Police take dog theft very seriously.

“Theft of a beloved pet causes major distress to the owners. Although dog theft is very rare, we want owners to be aware and to take safe precautions to help protect their dogs from this

up to

crime. At home make sure your garden is secure, try not to leave your dog outside unattended, be careful of bogus callers or displaying signs that say, ‘my poodle lives here’.”

Microchipping is a legal requirement and essential to helping returning pets to their owners.

Chief Inspector Curtis urges all owners to visit their vet and have their pet microchipped with all contact details kept up to date in the event of moving home or changing a phone number.

Devon & Cornwall Police now have 30 microchip scanners, some of which have been donated by Dog Lost to help reunite dogs with their families.

This is another step towards helping tackle dog theft.

What to do if your dog goes missing It’s important to establish if your dog has been

stolen or has got lost. If your dog has gone missing from your garden, it usually won’t wander far.

Check with your neighbours and ask them to check their gardens and garages. If you still cannot find your dog, check with the local dog warden, tell the microchip company your dog is missing and call local vets and rescue centres.

If your dog is being stolen and someone has physically taken your dog from you, shout that your dog is being stolen and attract attention. If you can take photos or videos and report it to the police by calling 999. If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact details and report your missing dog to the microchip company. There is more information on our website that will give you more information and places to go for help: dc.police.uk/dogsafety

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14 June 2021

14 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth key worker diagnosed with brain tumour after boss spots symptoms at work A key worker from Plymouth is undergoing treatment for an aggressive brain tumour after her manager noticed her behavioural changes at work and called an ambulance.

Nicky Sale who lives in the Barbican, now credits her boss Sheena Adams, a former neurology nurse, with saving her life.

Sudden behavioural changes set alarm bells ringing for deputy manager Sheena as healthcare assistant Nicky went about her work at Sanctuary Care’s Furzehatt Residential and Nursing Home in Plymstock.

As a result of Sheena’s quick-thinking, Nicky was admitted to Derriford Hospital in February where she was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Nicky was stunned to be told by doctors that, without treatment, she would be dead within three to four months but, with treatment, she could survive 13 to 15 months or maybe longer.

Within days, Nicky underwent surgery which removed around 80% of the tumour and is now nearing the end of six weeks of radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. She then has a month’s break before starting more aggressive chemotherapy.

Nicky, 57, mum to 18-year-old son Leo, said: “Sheena is an absolute superstar. If it hadn’t been for her, God knows what would have happened. I probably would be dead by now. There is no doubt in my mind that she saved my life.”

Sheena, 37, says she is grateful the diagnosis came before it Sheena Adams pictured with Nicky after she was discharged from hospital

was too late. Sheena, who had previously worked with neurology patients at Derriford during her nursing career, spotted her colleague was struggling with words and having problems with completing paperwork.

She said: “Nicky has a bubbly and lovely eccentric personality.

I noticed that the documentation she is required to fill in as part of her job was uncharacteristically poor and made a mental note to raise this when she returned to work a few days later. As soon as she was back from holiday, I realised Nicky was really having to think about her words. I asked her whether she had been drinking or taking drugs, although I thought that was unlikely. It was then I noticed a tremor in her arm and things started to add up. I did some clinical observations on Nicky and phoned for an ambulance.”

Now, three months on, and motivated by Nicky’s diagnosis, Sheena is joining thousands of other fundraisers around the country, by taking part in Jog 26 Miles in May to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. The miles can be completed however and with whoever participants like, ensuring they follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Whether it’s jogging around the local park or running track, clocking up the miles on a treadmill or doing laps of the garden, the possibilities are endless. Registrants can complete this virtual challenge in a way that suits them and at their own pace.

For example, they could jog a different distance each day in May, to make up a total of 26 miles by the end of the month. Or, they could even choose to complete a full marathon in one go.

Sheena said: “I am not a runner, so I am mixing walking with running and involving our residents, many of whom suffer with neurological conditions including Parkinson’s, dementia or even brain tumours. I am often pushing someone in a wheelchair along a half-mile route so they feel part of our fundraiser inspired by Nicky.

And I am also asking their relatives to sponsor me!”

Nicky added: “I am very touched that Sheena is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research along with the residents, inspired by me.

Treatment for brain tumours has barely changed in decades.”

To join Sheena by signing up to take part, join the Jog 26 Miles in May Facebook Group and follow the three simple steps to get started. Once registered, Brain Tumour Research will send a free gift and printed mile tracker. Anyone raising £274 or more, will receive a special medal in June, once they have completed the challenge.

Melanie Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We were so very sorry to learn about Nicky’s diagnosis and wish her all the best for her gruelling chemotherapy treatment.

“What Sheena is doing is really inspirational and we will be cheering her and the residents on, every step of the way. Nicky’s

Nicky Sale pictured with her son Leo

story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. We are determined to continue in our mission to find better outcomes and ultimately a cure for this terrible disease.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK, including at its Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.

Impressive line-up of artists at Plymouth Contemporary 2021 An international line-up of established and emerging creative talent has been selected for exhibition at this year’s Plymouth Contemporary.

Twenty-nine artists from around the world, working across different and varying disciplines including fine art and performance, will exhibit 44 works of art for this third staging of the prestigious event.

Held across two galleries in the city – the University of Plymouth’s Levinsky Gallery and KARST in Stonehouse – and with support from The Box, Plymouth Contemporary 2021 will run from July 7 to September 5, and will explore the theme of ‘Making It’.

“Plymouth Contemporary 2021 is testament to the unbridled creativity of our contemporary artists,” said Mary Costello, exhibitions coordinator for The Arts Institute at the University.

“Despite all challenges, they continue ‘making it’ and have responded to this theme in a myriad of interesting, intriguing and innovative ways. Most of all, the sheer joy of creating shines through, and we’re delighted to invite the public to visit this celebration of today’s contemporary artists.”

First staged in 2015, the Plymouth Contemporary supports new ideas and a risk-taking approach across all art forms - and previously featured artists, such as Naomi Frears, Thomas Goddard and Michael Cox, have gone on to achieve national and international success.

Jennifer Taylor’s Lunar Dawn photo of Live Performance For the 2021 event, an open call was made to artists to respond to the Making It theme, and more than 130 from Europe and America submitted proposals. Some focused upon the act of making or shaping a physical work or idea; others interpreted it in terms of success, or making a difference to people or the community.

A selection panel, including renowned artist Heather Phillipson and independent arts consultant, writer and mentor Manick Govinda, as well as representatives from the University, The Box and KARST, then considered the submissions and selected the final line up.

Nicoletta Lambertucci, contemporary art

curator at The Box, said: “After an incredibly tough year for the creative sector, I am thrilled to finally see Plymouth Contemporary 2021 taking shape with such a strong list of artists.

“It is a project that offers an insightful commentary on the world through a diverse range of practices. It has been great to be part of the selection panel, I really enjoyed the process and I look forward to seeing the exhibition.

“It was a great pleasure to be on the selection panel for this year’s Plymouth Contemporary, and to be able to get an insight on how artists interpreted the theme of Making It,” she added. The process was rigorous and I am delighted by the choices we collectively made. I look forward to seeing the show.”

Members of the public will be able to attend Plymouth Contemporary 2021 without the need to book. Several prizes will also be awarded before the end of the exhibition.

Ben Borthwick, head of creative programme at KARST, said: “Plymouth Contemporary 2021 will be the first time KARST reopens its doors to the public since a major refurbishment and upgrade of our building. We can’t wait to invite visitors back into our massively improved space to see the exciting range of works on display. KARST is really pleased to have partnered on Plymouth Contemporary since it was created as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

16 June 2021

16 June 2021

John Govier pictured in 2016

@PlymChronicle

Global superstar Deadmau5 to headline at 1 Big Summer

Global superstar Deadmau5 has been announced as the first headline act for the 1 Big Summer Festival in Plymouth.

The end of an era as John Govier leaves The Brook

It’s the end of an era at The Brook in Plympton St Maurice as popular publican John Govier has now handed over the keys to the new owners.

During his tenure of seven years at The Brook the pub became a focal point of the community, hosting countless charity events which raised thousands of pounds.

It was also an organised meeting place for the lonely and isolated and the venue also hosted many community projects such as art classes and U3A groups. It also gained a positive reputation for live music as well as good food.

Now it’s over to the new owners

to take on the difficult task of re-establishing the venue post lockdown and building on the foundations which have been laid over the past years.

The lockdown has prevented the community giving John a proper send off but in one final act which typifies the community spirit he created, a sum of just over £1,700 is being passed on to the NSPCC as proceeds raised from online quizzes which have been organised during the period the pub has not been able to admit customers in person.

This latest sum brings the overall amount raised for various causes by John and his team to over £35,000.

Deadmou5 is one of the world‚‘s most respected electronic music producers of modern times and his critically acclaimed albums reached No 1 in the Billboard charts.

1 Big Summer, a three-day music events takes place on Plymouth House on the August Bank Holiday weekend August 27 to 29. Deadmau5 will be performing the closing set on the Saturday night.

Event organisers have promised that this will be bigger and filled with more special effects and bright lights than any performance to have taken place in Plymouth over the years. It will be a must see moment in Plymouth Hoe history!

The event opens on Friday August 27 with Ibiza Classics 2021, featuring a full live 26-piece orchestra and a soundtrack that will transport listeners through three decades of iconic white isle classics.

The orchestra night will also feature a huge headline DJ set and several support acts direct from the shores of Ibiza, all to be announced in the coming weeks.

On Saturday August 28, the ‘1 Big Summer’ day festival and main event follows suit with one of the biggest events ever held on the Hoe. Featuring an array of top UK chart topping acts and entertainment

throughout the day, it’s ‘the party we’ve all been waiting for’, and as announced, will feature a huge closing set from none other than Global superstar and icon, Deadmau5.

Sunday August 29 is one for the whole family. ‘The Great British Sausage and Cider Festival’ will offer an array of craft cider, sausage flavours, street food and entertainment, including stage games, and competitions throughout the day.

Not only that, there will also be some remarkable special guests in the shape of some of the UK’s best known arena and festival bands, alongside a fantastic line

up of local talent. This is set to be the perfect bank holiday Sunday.

Over 60 per cent of the tickets have already been sold across the three days. Organisers have said that more announcements of artists will follow in the coming weeks, along with at least two additional headliners across the weekend. As such, they expect demand to stay high. To manage that demand, tickets will remain limited to four per person per day.

For more information and the latest updates, see www.1bigsummer.com or like the 1bigsummer Facebook page.

Art collections at The Box boosted ...and by new contemporary acquisitions it’s the The Contemporary Art Society has donated three works of art to The Box’s permanent collections.

Based in Miami, Florida, Doucet is a multidisciplinary artist who works with ceramics, print and illustration.

Black Death – Crown of Thorns is made up of a pair of Plymouth’s major new museum, art gallery and archive has Rococo-style porcelain vessels decorated with the textures of acquired a film and a diptych by multidisciplinary artist duo, coral, sea sponges and shells and other flora and fauna.

Quinlan & Hastings. It’s also acquired a stunning porcelain work Although they’re made from porcelain, the pots are a

by Haitian-American artist, Morel Doucet. metaphor for fragility and vulnerability – particularly in relation Through sound, moving image, live events and incredibly to the biodiversity of Miami’s coastal areas and the African skilful drawings, Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings explore American and Caribbean the history, politics and communities who live there iconography of queer and are affected by it. culture; mapping the Once again, the work has queer landscape in a a great connection with The variety of ways that place Box’s existing collections underrepresented narratives which include a significant in the spotlight. number of maritime In Gaby, a 2018 video influenced porcelain works, work named for one of their as well as its natural history close friends, they present gallery which highlights three vignettes highlighting the diversity and fragility the relationship between of life on earth through its gay culture and the police. displays.

The vignettes explore Art curator at The Box, storytelling on a broad scale Terah Walkup said: “The from personal experience to The pair of porcelain vessels created by Morel Doucet Box has several examples wider political impact. of shell-shaped pickle In the diptych They will bowls and elaborate sweetmeat dishes decorated with a variety flee like chaff scattered by the wind or like dust whirling before of corals, shells and marine botanicals delicately formed of a storm, the graphite drawings were inspired by Michelangelo’s porcelain from the 1700s. Doucet revisits these motifs from the ‘Archers Shooting at a Herm’. They show protestors confronting past to spark conversations about the health of the sea and the a group of police and other armed forces with limbs in motion; communities that are impacted by its global use. creating a sense of urgency alongside their representation of “His work allows us to bridge our historic collections and power and masculinity.

Plymouth’s maritime history, especially that of transatlantic Contemporary art curator at The Box, Nicoletta Lambertucci migration, to the lived experiences of coastal communities on said: “We are thrilled to receive these new acquisitions by both sides of the Atlantic. This is a really fitting acquisition for Quinlan & Hastings who continually produce thought-provoking us at a time when we’re reflecting on the 400th anniversary of work that establishes relationships between notions of the Mayflower’s voyage.” belonging, institutional power and the safety of the LGBTQ+ The works by Quinlan & Hastings and Morel Doucet will be community through lived experiences.” displayed in future exhibitions at The Box. Find out more about The Contemporary Art Society’s Omega Fund has also The Box and its permanent collections at www.theboxplymouth. recently acquired a porcelain work by Haitian-American artist com.

Morel Doucet for The Box’s decorative art collections.

one and only Frank Turner on Sunday!

Legendary singer songwriter Frank Turner joins the bill for 1 Big Summer, and will be headlining the Sunday Sausage and Cider Festival.

Originally from Hampshire, Frank Turner began his career as the vocalist of the band Million Dead, before releasing his debut solo album, Sleep Is For The Weak, in 2005.

Since then he has released a further seven studio albums, with his latest record, 2019’s No Man’s Land, becoming his fourth consecutive top three album to date.

He is also a prolific live performer, having played over 2,400 live shows in his solo career. Over the last year, the folk-punk-acoustic singer has become an idol among real music fans, namely due to his contribution and ongoing support for live music venues.

Through a series of virtual gigs and special performances, he has raised a huge amount of money for many of the country’s most well-loved establishments, and has even supported a local Plymouth business on this journey.

Dan: Ready steady and moving on

Ready Steady Thrive!

A pioneering mental health project is underway in Plymouth in which people with significant and long-term mental health problems are not just benefitting from the Ready Steady Thrive initiative but are helping to deliver it as well. Dan, a former chef, has spent the last four and a half years unemployed, fighting cancer and suffering from depression. Dan admits that at times he was unsure whether he would ‘make it’ but today, he is free-of-cancer, invigorated by exercise and about to start a new career. Dan who took part in the first course of Ready Steady Thrive last autumn says it helped to turn his life around: “My life has been a bit of a train wreck really and a year ago, I hit a really dark depression and things were spiralling out of control. I was struggling with another bout of cancer; in pain and not exercising; nothing. Now, I’m not even the same guy and Ready Steady Thrive has just been a cog in the whole recovery plan but it’s a really important cog and from that I’m doing alright now.”

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Georgie admits that one of the biggest lessons she has learnt from the course is to be thankful for things, no matter how small or insignificant. Every night and every morning she writes in her Gratitude Book, she’s now on her second; “It keeps me on a level and on ‘down days’ I can look back and see what I’ve done: even if it’s something silly like I did the ironing, then it goes in the book, because what it shows is that I got off my bum and did the ironing! It’s little things that most people will say ‘that’s stupid’ but no, it’s not stupid; it’s what is needed in some people’s lives and I definitely needed it.”

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year. For some it may be a short-term affliction; others may learn to manage their illness perhaps with medication, counselling or both but, for some less fortunate, it can ruin their lives. Ready Steady Thrive helps people get back on their feet by following ‘the five ways to well-being’.

Working through five weekly two-hour zoom sessions it aims to give people basic tools to manage life’s daily ups and downs and help them look forward, one manageable step at a time. Georgie admits, when she started the course, she was on the edge of a breakdown but with help from her peers, she has been able to overcome some of her fears: “I’ve always struggled to answer the telephone in case it was a male on the other end and we were doing one of the practical parts of the session and someone said, ‘think of a funny face when you answer the phone; one that will make you laugh’ and now I do that every time I answer the phone.”

Being alongside other people who are also experiencing their own challenges enables the individuals to learn from each other, to offer each other possible solutions and coping-strategies. For Dan it has had such a profound effect on his health; his confidence and his life that he is now volunteering as a peer-facilitator on the course; “You have to buy into it and put your trust in the process,” says Dan. “If you’re not mentally well then it’s really hard to do any of these things, but the course has been designed to help you. My support network has grown and when things go wrong now, I’m just about mentally able to cope with it.”

Calling all budding community researchers.

We want to find people who can have conversations with friends, family or co-workers about aging well or building social connections. It’s a great opportunity to just sit and listen to someone. If you are interested please get in contact at info@plymouthoctopus.org

such as, mountain-biking, photography and wood-whittling. As Chris Maccullie, the project’s community enabler says, the Ready Steady Thrive course is another way of supporting people, but one that can bring about a profound change and give people a sense of hope for their future.

“For some people it is a kind of therapy. It allows them to find out new things about themselves; to get them out of their comfort zone while learning new skills. Here, they learn it’s ok to make a mistake.”

POP Bites - Wednesday 26 May 2021 Join us for our next POP Bites on May the 26th and hear about the Government’s new Community Ownership Fund (ever wanted to buy your own community a pub!?). We will also be talking about the significant role POP has played in the research of ‘Human Systems Learning’ where the individual is put at the heart of their own recovery and where the complexity of their situation is embraced. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pop-bites-tickets-133691263167

Residents and community leaders in Devonport are joining forces to set up a neighbourhood care network (NCN) which will support all residents and make better use of resources. While there are many different, formal and informal, community projects and organisations working across the old town, traditionally – just as in other places – they have concentrated on doing their own work to bring about positive change.

Now, with the help of POP to co-ordinate an NCN, organisations are seeing the benefit of how much more can be achieved by coming together. The fledgling group includes Residents’ Associations; local members of the clergy; sports & community groups and local businesses. For more information about the Devonport NCN please contact stuart@ plymouthoctopus.org or ring 01752 395131.

NCN’s Helpline Numbers:

Ready Steady Thrive - which is delivered by the Positive People project under the POP umbrella – is unique to Plymouth and Torbay.

It is funded by the Big Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund until September 2022. For more information contact Chris Maccullie on 07951 313163 or chris.m@plymouthoctopus.org.

Positive People The Positive People project in Devon has been supporting people since 2017, many of whom have been living with serious difficulties and challenges that have left them feeling over-whelmed and disempowered. The Positive People programme helps people to face their problems and overcome them, for example, supporting them on issues such as, building their confidence; coping with anxiety and improving relationships. At the same time, people are encouraged to try new things,

Devonport Rallies

SUPPOSE YOU HAD £1000 TO SPEND IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125

Want to help out in your community?

If you’re an individual or an organisation that wants to be involved, text 07411 949 742 and you will be contacted by someone local to you, who will welcome your support.

POP is working with Street to Scale to bring grassroots community ideas to life. There is no application form; no targets and no need for written outcomes. If you’d like £1000 to spend on your community, contact: 07842 043399 (WhatsApp)

18 June 2021

18 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Mama Bear’s invests in staff training scheme Mama Bear’s which has nurseries in Pennycross and Crownhill as invested in a new staff training scheme to help progress the careers of current staff members and attract new practitioners.

Andy Slade on the start line in his beautifully restored MG Metro 6R4

Big entry for Plymouth Motor Club’s popular Hill Climb - but spectators miss out on action

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-School group runs 24 settings across the South West and is committed to developing the best talent in the early years industry.

The new development programme offers staff the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 childcare leader or a Level 5 childcare operational manager.

The training is provided externally by The Childcare Company and represents an investment of £5000 per staff member in the scheme.

Mama Bear’s managing director, Chris Marston, said: “Providing quality training and support to our valued staff members is of vital importance to us and our commitment to this can be seen in the renowned childcare we deliver to our families.

“We are constantly updating our training to keep up with the latest industry standards and legislation and to give our practitioners the most comprehensive support we can. By helping our

staff to further their careers we hope that they will grow with us and move up the ranks.

“Career progression is hugely important to us and there’s nothing we love more than to see new qualifications being achieved. We have had several apprentices who have gone on to become nursery managers through our training and development programmes. We want to nurture the next generation of early years talent.”

Established in 2002 Mama Bear’s cares for children aged three months to five years.

Consistently rated by OFSTED as Good or Outstanding, all the settings benefit from indoor and outdoor space and top-quality play and educational resources.

Chris continued: “There is an industry-wide shortage of nursery practitioners so we’re hoping schemes like this will help to attract people looking for a stable and rewarding new career. As well as training we are also offering 50 new apprenticeship positions for those just starting out.”

Anyone interested in a career at Mama Bears can email recruitment@mamabear.co.uk or visit the website at www.mamabear.co.uk

Plymouth Motor Club’s popular two day Southwest Motor Sport event at Werrington Park, Launceston, was able to take place this year, but within strict COVID rules, including the exclusion of any spectators.

seconds with a new record time of 39.64 seconds.

Steve Clarke in the over 2600cc Road Car class in his Subaru Impreza beat the existing class record by 0.23 seconds, but Jack Ellis driving another Subaru Impreza in the same class set a new record time of 37.64 seconds, an improvement of 0.78 Unfortunately last year, the event had to be seconds, again also securing the Fastest Road Car cancelled at the last minute, due to the pandemic, award. but the 42nd running was able to go ahead this James Kiff managed to improve on the new year. record time set on Saturday by Steve Furzland with The organisers of the Hill Climb, ‘Team Locke’, a time of 38.97 seconds, but Steve responded with had to overcome many difficulties to comply an impressive on the limit drive of 38.37 seconds with COVID rules, but were rewarded by an winning him also the Best Veteran award. overwhelming number of entries, which had to Ben Bonfield set a new Racing Cars up to 1100cc be applied for ‘online’ and was filled within three record time of hours of opening.

34.74 seconds Such was the in his Jedi Mk interest by motor 4, whilst Simon sport fans to be Kelleway broke involved again, his own class the response for record by 5.61 marshals was seconds in the also high.

Vintage Car class On the driving his Riley weekend Sprite, a spirited everyone had the drive, the new bonus of near class record now perfect weather standing at 49.30 conditions and seconds.

PMC chairman Rob Selley driving his borrowed over the two The long 1380cc Austin Cooper Photos Howie Fowler days many standing outright records were track record of broken. The 94 33.85 seconds, held by Terry Graves was finally entries on Saturday and 100 entries on Sunday broken by Phil Montgomery-Smith with a time of were sub-divided into 12 classes, ranging from 32.59 seconds in his 1299 cc OMS 2000M single small road going saloons to powerful single seater racing cars. The event was also a contending round seater.

The Best Under 25 award was won by the for six different championships, so competition 21-year-old Plymouth Motor Club chairman Rob was fierce.

Selley with a time of 46.96 seconds which was also On Saturday three drivers broke existing class the second fastest time in the up to 1400 cc Road records: Rodney Eyles in his Alfa Romeo 4C in the Cars class. Rob and his dad Keith Selley who also 1800cc to 2600cc Road Car class with a time of drove in the same class, had borrowed the 1380cc 40.57 seconds. He also won Best Veteran award. In Austin Mini Cooper from Andy Slade and it was the the Rally Car class, two drivers broke the existing first time Rob had driven a Mini competitively, so record, James Kiff in his Mitsubishi Evo 5 and a good effort!

69-year-old Steve Furzland in his Subaru WRC who Finally, the Spirit of the Event award was had the faster time of 39.63 seconds. Steve also presented to Craig Davey who was not a won the Best PMC award. competitor but a marshal who spent many Fastest Time of the Day was achieved by Andrew hours not only helping set up the event but also Forsyth in his 1400cc OMS CF04 single seater with worked tirelessly to make repairs to the club’s a time of 35.05 seconds. Best Lady was awarded to hired telehandler so that all the safety barriers Danielle Furzeland in a Subaru Impreza with 46.28 etc. could be removed after the event, very well seconds. Fastest Motor Cycle Engined Car award deserved. went to Ben Bonfield in a Jedi Mk 4 with a time of It is hoped the club will be able to run the two 36.56 seconds . Fastest Road Car was Jack Ellis in a day event again next year but with spectators Subaru Impreza with a best time of 38.53 seconds.. being allowed to attend as in all the previous Eight drivers broke existing class records years. To see in-car videos visit: YouTube and the outright hill record on Sunday. Rodney ‘Werrington Park hillclimb 2021’ Eyles improved on the class record again by 0.93

Nurseries take part in ‘Captain Tom 100’ Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth honoured Captain Sir Tom Moore by taking part in their own ‘Captain Tom 100’.

Second World War veteran Sir Tom raised more than £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore encouraged people to create their own challenge based around the number 100 to raise money for the Captain Tom Foundation or a charity of their choice. Suggestions include; walking 100 steps, running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes or climbing 100 stairs.

The challenge took place from April 30 to May 3 and many celebrities, companies and the public have been getting involved, including Tops Day Nurseries.

Tops Devonport, located at Green Ark Children’s Centre, were more than happy to get involved in the amazing challenge to support the Captain Tom Foundation. The challenge they

came up with involved ringing a bell on top of their climbing wall 100 times. The children were very excited to not only climb the wall but ring the bell and make some noise in honour of Captain Sir Tom. Tops Efford, part of DELL Children’s Centre, also joined in with the fundraising event for Captain Tom Moore by carrying out 100 different moves while on their forest school adventure! They managed to do 100 steps, 100 laps of the field and 100 star jumps.

Tops Devonport and Tops Efford are part of an eco-sustainable Early Education and Care nursery group, Tops Day Nurseries.

Tops Day Nurseries have 30 nurseries across the South and South West including six nurseries across Plymouth and Torbay. The award winning childcare provider offers early education and care for children aged three months to school age, as well as before, after-school and holiday clubs for children up to 11.

June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Well-known Plymouth charity ushers in an ‘exciting next chapter’ with its first CEO Plymouth-based Friends and Families of Special Children has announced big plans for the future, following the appointment of the charity’s first ever chief executive officer.

Tim Tod will be leading the organisation through a period of growth over the next five years, with new activities and projects being developed alongside the existing services that already support over 1,700 families in the Plymouth and surrounding areas.

Tim has decades of experience in this field, having been chief executive of the countywide Young Devon charity for 20 years. His arrival means that Kay O’Shaughnessy, founder and driving force behind the charity since 2002, can devote more time on her role as charity ambassador and to campaign on important issues.

Kay, who remains as chair of Trustees said: “Now is the perfect time to bring Tim in, as we bounce back bigger and better following the challenging year that we’ve all had.

“The past year has given us the opportunity to reflect and look at how we can increase our engagement with local communities. Appointing a CEO is a big step, but it is essential if we are to move forward. Tim’s leadership brings a real injection of energy, optimism and fresh new ideas as we look to reach even more families.”

The charity, based at the Virginia House Centre, supports families with disabled children and young adults up to the age of 25. Services include specially catered activities, advice and information, and training workshops.

It also has a Fun and Freedom Club for young carers and a sensory room for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Tim is relishing the prospect of working with the families in the coming months to hear what their needs are. “We make no assumptions about our families’ priorities because they all have their own unique circumstances,” said Tim. “We will take time to listen carefully to what they have to say - they are 100% centre stage in helping us develop our plans going forward.”

As well as enhancing the charity’s activities and services, Tim is also keen for the charity to have a more proactive role as influencers for change. “As chief executive at Young Devon, my job was to affect change to improve the lives of children and young people, to help them get fair treatment, and to remove barriers to success. There are obvious parallels between that role and my role here at Friends and Families of Special Children.

Victoria Pomery is appointed chief executive of The Box The Box has announced the appointment of Victoria Pomery as chief executive of the city’s newly opened £47 million museum, gallery and archive.

New chief executive Tim Tod with Freddie, the charity’s mascot

“The children and young people of families that we support have the same hopes, anxieties and aspirations, and it’s about helping them to achieve those aspirations. We have to reduce the imbalances. I feel very strongly about this because you shouldn’t have to fight for quality of life just because you have a disability or additional needs. So I will be adding the voice of our families in conversations about services for children and young people with disabilities. Currently, there is not enough connectivity in provision. Adding their voices will make it easier for local authorities to take action that includes all in a truly meaningful way.”

Pressing task

The most pressing task facing Friends and Families right now is opening up the activities again, post-COVID. The charity has just taken on a new activities and projects co-ordinator and a family support worker in readiness.

Kay said: “These have been really tough times for everybody, but particularly for families of children with disabilities. A lot of the usual support and respite services have been unavailable, which has added to their feelings of isolation. Many are physically and mentally exhausted. I’m very proud that as a team, we’ve delivered support throughout lockdown. But it’s the face-toface fun activities that are so desperately needed, the socialising and the peer support, especially for our young carers who have been under extreme pressure.

“There is still a lot of anxiety for our

families, as we come out of lockdown,” she added. “Many of our children have been shielding for 16 months. For someone who has a family member who is acutely vulnerable, life is still frightening. The road out of lockdown is not as straightforward for those with vulnerable health conditions. Many are genuinely fearful about the risks that still exist. So, whilst our ambition is to kick-start face-to-face sessions as soon as possible, we realise not all families will feel comfortable joining in. We must be mindful of this and will do our upmost to support them and make them feel included and not forgotten.”

When Kay founded Friends and Families of Special Children, it was because she was frustrated with the lack of provision for her daughter. It was her own experiences that underpinned the charity’s ethos which, says Kay, is ‘totally unique’ and won’t change with Tim’s arrival: “Most families with disabled children feel like they are square pegs being expected to fit into round holes.

I’ve been fighting this myself for 23 years.

Society and many service providers tell us we have to conform and fit to what’s on offer. But at Friends and Families, you don’t have to overcome that.

“We have a holistic approach. We are here from the time our children are very young, right up until they become young adults. It means our families go on a journey with us, they have a continuity that they don’t get elsewhere. They’re not constantly being asked to be square pegs in round holes.

“As we grow, we can promise our families that we won’t lose this ‘Families First’ ethos. That will never change. We exist to support their needs and wishes, and we do nothing without consulting them first. What we do, we will continue to do well. But we can also identify new things we can do to help.”

And she said: “It’s something to celebrate really, that what started from chatting with other frustrated parents is now supporting 1,700 families. Tim’s appointment is just the start of an exciting next chapter. Watch this space!”

Visit www.friendsandfamilies.org.uk

19

She will be stepping down as director of Turner Contemporary in the autumn after 19 years in the post and the Kent gallery’s first 10 years of operation.

She said: “I have been so lucky to work with so many incredible artists, organisations and individuals over the years. Having seen first-hand the impact that art can make on people and places I am looking forward to taking the work at The Box forward at a critical and exciting time for the organisation.”

Plymouth City Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “It was a huge achievement to launch The Box in the middle of a global pandemic and visitors’ early reactions are extremely positive.

“With Victoria’s success using culture as a catalyst for placebased regeneration; driving economic growth, raising aspirations and improving community cohesion, we are incredibly excited that she will take The Box forward as a centre for creativity and a major cultural attraction for Plymouth and the South West.”

Councillor Tudor Evan , Leader of Plymouth City Council’s Labour Group, said: “Victoria’s passion for connecting local communities with culture will allow us to build on The Box’s early success and ensure local audiences and visitors take the venue to their heart. Her impressive track record in working with contemporary artists of international renown fits perfectly with the city’s ambitions.”

20 June 2021

20 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

The Missing Peace in the jigsaw of life...

THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience True love is such a powerful force and for many it is the foundation of their philosophical, spiritual, or religious world view.

Especially those who live in oppressive regimes like China, North Korea, Iran or Russia where the suppression of freedom of speech and religious conscience is an everyday reality.

These are also the nations around the world where the Christian faith is miraculously expanding under severe persecution from these repressive governments. So, we can surmise that True Love takes massive courage and an understanding of genuine personal faith, which as a definition of faith means ‘to cling to, trust in and rely on’ means millions of Christians walk through this oppression every day in their genuine hope of Eternal Life.

As a Christian, I also pray for those like the Uyghurs Muslims who are being severely persecuted because Jesus teaches us to pray for our fellow man from hearts

of love. Love your neighbour as you love yourselves.

With these thoughts in mind, I was driving into work recently and listening to Cross Rhythms radio and heard a song by JJ Heller Chris Cole called The Missing Peace.

I thought to myself that this was a very clever lyric based on a person who has a faith and yet is going through some hard times.

On the radio programme called the Cross Rhythms Experience, I often share the experience many of us find on the journey of faith, that life is not always plain sailing and even a cursory read of the Bible will confirm the words of Jesus Himself in John 16 v 33. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.”

At our recent Cross Rhythms fund raiser

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

Positive response and feedback from delegates at conference

Earlier this year our Together for Childhood team were overwhelmed with the support we received for our inaugural Preventing Offending Conference.

During a week-long virtual conference, which saw over 1,000 people log in from a variety of agencies, the team had a wide range of speakers such as Professor Kieran McCarten, Gareth Bray from Devon & Cornwall Police.

Over the week attendees also participated in workshops aimed at sharing best practice and learning from organisations working with adults and young people at risk of or who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour including Circles South West, Make Amends and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Not only were we pleased with the uptake, we were thrilled with the response and feedback we received too.

When we asked attendees ‘to what extent has attending this conference increased your understanding about the behaviours of people who sexually harm children?’ we found that 95% of attendees believed their knowledge had increased due to the conference.

We also asked ‘to what extent has attending this conference increased your understanding of how you can play a part in preventing people sexually harming children?’ and 96% of those who responded felt

their understanding had improved.

At the very heart of our work, Together for Childhood is an innovative, evidence-informed approach that brings local partners and families together to make communities safer for children.

This week-long event provided an energised launch to fill gaps in professional knowledge about how they can play a key part in preventing child sexual abuse.

Having reviewed the feedback from the evaluations we were delighted to see that there is so much interest in Together for Childhood Plymouth from people working across the South West.

The appetite for a placebased approach that focuses on prevention is overwhelming and we are looking forward to building new relationships that will help progress our work even further.

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

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

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

event on Zoom, we shared the story of a Chinese pastor called Pastor Han who lived near the North Korean Border. Pastor Han was executed by a North Korean government hit squad in 2016 for sharing the ‘good news of Jesus Christ to more than a thousand North Koreans.

There are some 200,000 – 400,000 Christian believers in North Korea and one has to ask oneself in the comfort of the Western World why so many people would risk their lives for their belief in the Christian Faith in such hostile and lifethreatening circumstances.

You can check out Pastor Han’s story on YouTube (Sang-chul: North Korea) or by searching for Pastor Han and Christianity in North Korea.

Unlike those of us living in the West, the Christian community across the globe

really do put everything on the line for their beliefs.

We showed this video on our fundraising evening for no other reason other than to encourage us who live in relative freedom in the world to be inspired by brothers and sisters in Christ who like Jesus Himself, for the joy that is set before them, endure the cross they must carry in their communities and nations.

These folk experience miracles which confirm that their experience is based on a person who is 100% Divine and 100% human and who has an answer and hope that life does not end when we die.

Christianity is a personal experience which we outwork together for the Love of Christ. True Love takes courage, especially in the tough times which we all go through in life.

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

Support available for victims of stalking and domestic abuse There were over 200 reports of stalking to the police in Plymouth last year and as part of Stalking Awareness Week Plymouth City Council has highlighted the help available to anyone dealing with stalking, harassment or any other form of domestic abuse.

Reports of stalking increased by 164 per cent in Devon and Cornwall and reports of cyber stalking increased almost tenfold in Plymouth. This rise can be partly attributed to victims feeling more willing to report this kind of abuse.

Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.

Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including: • a text, answer phone message, letter or email • a comment or threat in person or

online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms) • standing outside someone’s house or driving past it • an act of violence • damage to someone else’s property • maliciously and falsely reporting

someone to the police without any wrongdoing Stalking is still very present during the pandemic, with perpetrators changing their tactics to stalk their victims online and through social media.

Reports of stalking in and cyber stalking have increased significantly in Devon and Cornwall in the last year.

Anyone being stalked or harassed

Image by Diana Cibotari from Pixabay

online can contact Devon and Cornwall Victim Support for local support or call the National Stalking Hotline on 0808 802 0300.

Katy Fisher, local service manager for Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services, said: “Stalking and harassment are unacceptable and victims shouldn’t have to live in fear. We hope that National Stalking Awareness Week highlights this important issue and raises awareness of the support available.

“If you’re experiencing any form of domestic abuse, including stalking or harassment, Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services are here to help. You are not alone.”

Support is available for victims of stalking and harassment, as with all victims of domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, due to receive Royal Assent in the next few weeks, will see further rights and support for victims of domestic abuse.

The Act includes a new statutory definition of domestic abuse, emphasising that domestic abuse is not just physical or sexual violence, but can also be emotional, coercive or controlling, and economic abuse.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, you can contact Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services here or call 0800 458 2558, if you are in immediate danger always call 999.

Someone who is being harassed in a pub, club or bar, can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’.

Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

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ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN House & Building plans Extensions • Conversions • Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Fast & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk

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BUILDERS D HEWLETT GENERAL BUILDERS • All general household maintenance work undertaken • • No job too small • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Plastering • • Carpentry & joinery • Guttering • Windows • Bricklaying • • Bedrooms • Facias • Driveways • Patios • Decking • Call Derek on 07967 233257 or 01752 777578

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22 June 2021

22 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Former Boniface boy Sam sails through his Naval training A former St Boniface Catholic College student has joined the ranks of the Royal Navy after completing his basic training at HMS Collingwood, near Fareham in Hampshire.

Engineering Technician (Warfare Specialist) Samuel Pomeroy joined the service in January as part of the first intake of new trainees through Collingwood’s gates since the 1960s. He has now completed the intensive 10-week basic training course designed to teach him the skills he will rely upon throughout his naval career.

19-year-old Sam worked as a labourer after leaving school, but he knew he wanted more. He said: “I wanted a new career path and joining the Royal Navy was the best option because I can grow as a person and get new life skills out of it. It also gives me a solid stable career.”

He continued: “Meeting new friends has been a

highlight of my training. I’m never bored anymore as we always have something going on, the pace of the course has been relentless. I’ve improved my fitness so much and noticed my own self confidence grow on a daily basis.”

Sam’s following in some well-worn family footsteps with an uncle serving as a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and an aunt serving as Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force.

With this first phase of his training complete, Sam will remain at HMS Collingwood for his Warfare training and, once this is complete, he will have the opportunity to serve aboard some of the world’s most advanced warships as they are deployed across the globe.

Reflecting on his naval career so far he said: “It’s been a very hard and challenging 10 weeks, but I’ve taken a lot from it. I have met some friends for life and I can’t wait to see where my career in the Royal Navy will take me in the coming years.”

Engineering Technician Sam Pomeroy

Atkins Transport team moves into Plymouth Science Park Plymouth Science Park at Derriford has welcomed the Atkins Transport Division to its thriving South West business community.

A member of the SNC Lavalin Group, Atkins is a global design, engineering and project management consultancy which employs over 19,000 people around the globe.

Their mission is to connect people, data, and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure. The transport division is a £450m business with over 3,750 highly-skilled engineers.

The Railway Communication and Information Systems and Rail Consultancy team has relocated to Plymouth

Science Park, a strategic decision to provide employees with more flexibility and to encourage more collaborative ways of working with other businesses in the area.

The company’s railway communication and information systems and Rail Consultancy team will be based at the Park, working with clients across all major infrastructure sectors and bringing deep technical expertise to some of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Current projects include the Glasgow Subway, which is the first fully driverless Metro in the UK, and HS2, one of the most demanding and ambitious transport projects currently taking place in Europe.

Andy Moore, mass transit signalling technical director at

Atkins said: “The move to Plymouth Science Park reinforces our commitment to offering our staff a more agile working environment.

“The team based at the Park will be contributing to a number of large-scale projects globally, around the UK, as well as in the local region to help accelerate delivery and connect communities in the area.”

Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “We are excited to be welcoming Atkins to the Park’s thriving community of engineering businesses already based here. We look forward to seeing the team grow and contribute to the Park’s expanding business community.”

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USEFUL Lord Mayor’s Centurion Challenge raises NUMBERS June 2021

@PlymChronicle

23

over £20,000 for local dementia charity Sponsored wheelchair half marathons, giving up alcohol, crisps and chocolate and generous donations from local residents and businesses have all contributed to the significant funds raised for a charity close to the heart of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Alderman Chris Mavin, in the past year.

Despite the restrictions of the last year, more than £21,000 has been raised for Plymouth-based charity the ‘Memory Matters Foundation’ thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of local fundraisers known as the Centurions.

Former Councillor, Alderman Mavin chose the charity after his father-inThe Lord Mayor, law passed away just before the first Alderman Chris Mavin lockdown after living with dementia with Laura Walker for a number of years. and Kate Smith of Alderman Mavin, who took over Memory Matters the role of Lord Mayor at the start of the pandemic, has worked with retired bank manager, Dawn Young, to help set up the Lord Mayor’s Centurion Challenge. In the past year, the Centurions have taken part in a number of sponsored activities including a wheelchair half marathon, cycling, running, walking, giving up alcohol, crisps or chocolates, cake sales and raffles.

Memory Matters was started in 2010 by two nurses, Laura Walker and Kate Smith, who wanted to ensure there was more support for people affected by dementia across the city.

In March 2017, the duo opened Moments Café in Plymouth City Centre, with all profits going back to the charity. Advice and support is offered to anyone free of charge at the café, and last year 386 people received on the spot support thanks to the charity.

An estimated one in four of all coronavirus deaths have been people with dementia and the ongoing social isolation has made the day to day management of dementia, much more difficult.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Alderman Chris Mavin said: “Memory Matters offers vital support to people and families living with dementia and is a charity close to my heart after witnessing the experiences of my father-in-law over a number of years.

“The Lord Mayor would normally have been very busy with many events and functions but due to COVID lockdowns, we decided to concentrate on fundraising for one deserving local charity. Working with my friend, Dawn Young, who volunteered to be the charity fundraiser manager, we have managed to raise over £21,000, which is just incredible given the restrictions we have all faced.

Dawn Young, a retired Santander bank manager, who was instrumental in setting up the Lord Mayor’s Centurion Challenge said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with both the Lord and Lady Mayoress raising much needed funds for Memory Matters and I am blown away with the results achieved.

“This all boils down to the amazing people of Plymouth who agreed to be Centurions. Special thanks go out to Santander employees Debra Wood, who arranged activities in three of the city’s branches and Elaine Bleazard, who arranged for all funds raised by her teams to be matched by Santander.”

Kate Smith, co-founder and joint chief executive of Memory Matters said: “We were over the moon to be chosen as the Lord Mayor’s charity. This year has been hard for everyone and harder still for those affected by dementia.”

Big range of Mayflower events will be taking place in city during June, July and August Groups and organisations working in and around Plymouth neighbourhoods have been dusting down plans after a year of uncertainty and are busy making preparations for more Mayflower 400 moments.

From creating a love letter to Plymouth in tiles on a wall to tea dances, parades and the return of Plymouth’s pink plaques, the list of happenings is growing.

Chief executive of Mayflower 400 Charles Hackett said: “No one involved in the Mayflower 400 programme could have predicted 2020 would turn out the way it did, but we just want to reassure Plymouth people that we still have some cracking events for people to enjoy.

“We have the Four Nations Ceremony on the Hoe in July and Hatchling in August, which are going to be truly spectacular, but there are also lots of lovely events taking place across our city, which lift people’s spirits, help connect with each

other again after a very strange year.”

Some of the highlights in June include the hugely successful flowers and quilt festival at St Andrew’s Church (June 3 to 9); All Nations multicultural tea dance event at Catherine Street Baptist Church (June 26) and The 400 with Le Navet Bete comedy theatre (June 22 to July 4.)

July highlights include the Mayflower Feast prepared by Timebank volunteers with food influenced by recipe swaps with American volunteers (July 4); The Four Nations Ceremony featuring epic theatrical production with live music, song, drama and film will tell the Mayflower story from all angles, including direct from the Native American Wampanoag tribe (July 11).

More events are being confirmed over the coming weeks, including an event in Devonport Park to celebrate the special relationship. It will feature live music, dancing, food and themed planting.

The Adelaide Street Angels will be hosting four

mini traditional street parties with a twist across July and August.

The Pink Plaques highlighting lovely or quirky life moments of local people will be making an appearance in and around the City Centre in July with an appeal for ideas to get underway soon.

While over the summer holidays there will be giant silk flag-making workshops in North Stonehouse embracing Mayflower themes, followed by a colourful and fun end of summer parade and display.

Drop-in making sessions supported by artists will take place in Patna Park, Neswick Park, St Peter’s Church, the Cathedral and at The Talk Shop. The Festival of Flags will be open to local school children and families.

Mayflower 400 Community Sparks is a partnership between Mayflower 400, Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, The Box and Vital Sparks. For more information go to www mayflower400uk.org.

Plymouth Presents: Music, dance and hip hop on The Hoe A one-day event featuring music, dance and hip hop will celebrate exceptional local talent, all on the largest stage Plymouth Hoe has ever seen.

Plymouth Presents: Roots Up! and Soundwaves Festival on Saturday July 10 will encompass two key events, a hip hop festival and an evening of live music.

Free to attend, it promises entertainment and excitement, and tickets are available to book now.

Taking place on Plymouth Hoe the day before the Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony on July 11, it’s set to be a memorable weekend for the city. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport,

said: “This incredible day of entertainment will celebrate everything that’s great about Britain’s Ocean City, showcasing incredibly talented people and true community spirit as well as heralding the return of live music. It’s going to be an amazing free day out for everyone to enjoy, so make sure you book your tickets quickly.”

The day will start at 12.30pm with Roots Up!, a hip hop festival by the award-winning group Street Factory. Part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations, it features a mass community dance challenge and a spectacular hip hop stage performance.

Following the hip hop extravaganza is Soundwaves Festival, running from 3pm to 10.30pm.

The festival has been created thanks to a partnership between Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Culture, the Grassroots Music Alliance Plymouth and the Plymouth Music Collective.The line-up includes a brilliant range of South Westbased bands and singers, with genres ranging from indie pop and funk to hip hop and ska.

The night is headlined by ‘From The Specials’, starring Neville Staple who’s famous for his 2-Tone legacy. Tickets to the one-day event on Plymouth Hoe are free but must be booked prior to entry.

Attendees only need one ticket, which includes access to both Roots Up! and Soundwaves Festival.

Gates open at 11.30am. Book tickets now at www. visitplymouth.co.uk/plymouthpresents.

Emergency Numbers

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

Helplines

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

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

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

Leisure

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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24 June 2021

24 June 2021

@PlymChronicle

Major new exhibition at The Box centred Advertise to over on the creation of Native American belt A major new exhibition entitled Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America is one of the major features at The Box which opened again on May 18.

The exhibition is centred on the creation of a newly crafted wampum belt featuring over 5,000 hand-crafted wampum beads and measuring five feet by long by 10 inches wide.

It will appear alongside rarely seen historic wampum belts on loan from the British Museum and Saffron Walden Museum.

It is the first-ever wampum exhibition to be staged in the UK and forms a key part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations involving the UK, USA, Netherlands and Wampanoag Nation.

The key pieces of wampum history, together with contemporary images and films, will be brought together for the first time and told entirely by authentic voices of the Wampanoag Nation who met the passengers of the Mayflower and ensured their survival.

Wampum belts tell stories of communities and culture and embody the Wampanoag’s connection to the sea as well as to life itself.

Whether a spoil of war, an ornament, a souvenir or a gift, each shell is imbued with memory and meaning.

The extraordinary new wampum belt forms the centrepiece of the exhibition at The Box. The belt has been created by over 100 Wampanoag craftspeople of different ages and backgrounds and it is an authentic replication of the wampum belts that were made during the 1600s.

The design has been inspired by tribal elders from the Wampanoag community to reflect their creation story and respect for the earth and its preservation.

The belt depicts the people of all the Wampanoag villages and clans, hand-in-

Making the wampum belt in the traditional Wampanoag Nation way

22,500

Danielle Hill with the new wampum belt

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, Austin Farm, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.

The July edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on July 2 with a copy deadline of June 21.

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

hand, engaging in a round dance.

The creation of the belt has emerged from a special partnership between The Box and members of the Wampanoag, notably SmokeSygnals, plus research at the British Museum. The exhibition promotes the significant renewal of this art form and will take visitors into the world of the Wampanoag who have lived in Massachusetts for 12,000 years and remain on their ancestral lands today.

The exhibition includes a 55-minute documentary that is significant to the Wampanoag. Exclusively shown at The Box, it shows how they have reclaimed their

ancestral language after generations of suppression. Through these authentic voices, Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America explores the Wampanoag’s cultural history and life in America today, the impact of the past on its people, and their creative aspirations for the future.

Jo Loosemore, co-curator of the exhibition said: “400 years ago, England took its culture to Native America. 400 years on, Native America is bringing its culture here. We are honoured to be able to welcome the Wampanoag people and the wampum that is so special to them to The Box. It’s been a privilege to work alongside Wampanoag artists and educators as part of this exhibition.”

Louisa Blight, collections manager at The Box said: “Creating the new wampum belt has been a truly collaborative project that demonstrates the strength of the Wampanoag community and connects the UK and USA in so many ways.

“It’s a hugely important element of the Mayflower 400 programme and it was vital to us right from the start that we made a stepchange from any previous commemorations that have taken place. Recognising the Wampanoag’s involvement is critical in helping everyone understand the history and legacy of the Mayflower, and in helping us to shape an ongoing relationship that stretches across the Atlantic.”

The exhibition is at The Box from May 18 until July 11. Following the exhibition at The Box, it will travel to the Guildhall Art Gallery, London from July 23 to September 5.

For more information and to book a visit go to www.theboxplymouth.com

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Chronicle Plymouth

June 2021

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

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Global superstar Deadmau5 will be headlining at the 1 Big Summer event on Plymouth Hoe in August See page 16

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