Plymouth Chronicle North March 2023

International nurses reunited at Derriford after two years apart

A mother and daughter who previously worked as nurses at a private hospital in the Philippines have both started new lives in Plymouth - thanks to University Hospital Plymouth’s international recruitment programme.

Maria Christine Abrenica, who is known as Chris, 53, was the first to move to the UK in February of 2020 after being a nurse for 15 years in the Philippines. During her interview, she was given a list of trusts that had vacancies and she chose Plymouth. Chris, said: “I knew very little about the UK, I only knew about London, but when I was given the choices I was drawn to how serene Plymouth looked and I really liked the lighthouse!”

Two years later in December 2022, her eldest daughter, Marie Danielle, 33, made the move to Plymouth to work alongside her mother. Despite having other choices, Danielle decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps by coming to Plymouth, she said: “I decided I wanted to reconnect with my mum, I missed her and her cooking”.

Now the pair both work as nurses on different wards, with Chris working with elderly patients on Marlborough and Danielle working on the Bracken ward.

They reflected on working for a public health sector opposed to a private hospital in the Philippines with Danielle saying: “We definitely feel a deeper connection with our patients in the UK, in

the Philippines it felt like ‘just a job’, but it is much more personal here”.

Chris added: “We have found the people in England are very polite, it has been a really welcome change”.

Working for the NHS has allowed Chris to gain some independence of her own and hopefully inspire her other children to do so. She said: “My other children are grown up now and taking their own paths in life. I wanted to be secure in my own life and follow my own ambitions, as well as being able to provide the ‘little wants’ in life for my children, not just their needs”.

Both Chris and Danielle have settled into the environment at Derriford. For Chris, working here has fulfilled her own wants: “I feel so lucky to be on my ward, I wanted to have a good relationship with my co-workers and patients, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have that”

The duo are incredibly thankful for the support that they received from the International Recruitment team, and the opportunity to work in the UK. They said: “Although the exams were extremely hard, choosing to work in England was worth it, and the International Recruitment team were fantastic to us”.

Above all, both mother and daughter are happy to be reunited and living their shared goal. They said: “We have always been so close, so being apart for two years was hard, but now we are back together our bond is stronger than ever.”

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Nurses Danielle (left) and Chris

All set for launch of Connect Plymouth

A new website has been launched as part of an initiative to provide new ways for people to move around Plymouth.

Connect Plymouth will officially launch on March 21, but ahead of this date people are being invited to visit www.connectplymouth.org to see what facilities will be near their home and where they work or play.

By the end of the installation phase, Connect Plymouth will see 500 electric bikes for hire at over 90 locations, 300 fast and rapid electric vehicle chargers in 50 locations and an electric car club across the city.

The ground work needed for docking stations and charging points is already underway in a number of locations. Council staff have been road-

testing electric bikes, for instance, from Ballard House and work is currently ongoing at Manadon Sports Hub in St Peters Road, which is one of the first sites to get infrastructure installed.

Other preparation work involves electricity cable installation, parking bay marking and in some cases, changes to kerbs.

The new Connect Plymouth components – the e-bikes, car hire and charge points – are designed to be integrated with existing public travel including ferries, walking and cycling routes and the Connect Plymouth website not only has a map of planned facility locations but links to journey planners and to the companies who run the schemes.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We’re really excited about Connect Plymouth as it will offer greener, more sustainable travel right across the city.

“The scheme is all about making sustainable transport easier and more attractive for the people of Plymouth to use. With the official launch date in sight, we wanted people to check out the map so that they can get a sense of what’s on offer near them.

“We have committed to reducing carbon emissions and to greener travel as part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan and we want Connect Plymouth

to play a big part in helping to change people’s habits and to get greener on the go.”

Last year the council awarded contracts to Co Cars, the on-demand, zero and low emission car club to run their fleet in the city. Beryl Bikes are on board with a 500-strong fleet of electric bikes for hire to be located across the city. When fully operational, there will be an additional 300 parking bays across the city with electric vehicle charge points provided by Wenea.

Connect Plymouth is the new name for the network of facilities – which were formerly called mobility hubs. It is part of the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

In March 2020 the Council received £51.2m capital funding from the Transforming Cities Fund. This builds upon the £7.6m previously awarded in 2019.

Adrian Vinken wins top honour at Devon Tourism Awards

Adrian Vinken, former chief executive of the Theatre Royal Plymouth, has been presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’ at the Devon Tourism Award’s ceremony.

Adrian, who is also former chair of Destination Plymouth, Mayflower400 and director of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and The Lowry Salford has been a driving force in both the visitor and cultural sectors in the region.

He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for his leadership of the cultural and creative sector in the South West helping to create the first Cultural Strategy for the region.

In 2018 he was appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon and in 2022 he was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

A founding Director of Sheffield’s Leadmill Theatre in the late 1970’s his pioneering work led to the growth of the cultural industries and connected tourism offer in the city. He left in 1990 to run one of the region’s most successful and iconic venues, the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

During this time, apart from presenting nearly 2000 shows, Adrian was responsible for the development of TR2, the theatre’s unique award-winning Production

and Learning Centre on the River Plym and the theatre’s wholesale modernisation in 2013, expanding front of house and catering facilities and creating the building’s third performance space The Lab.

He joined the Board of Destination Plymouth as a founder member when the company was formed in 2010 and was instrumental in the development of the city’s first ‘Visitor strategy’ embedding culture at the heart of the city’s ambitious growth plans for tourism and the wider visitor economy. Adrian retired from the Theatre Royal and Destination Plymouth in 2021.

Adrian Vinken said: “It’s a joy to receive this honour and I want to thank all those involved at the Devon Tourism Awards team. Frankly I feel a little embarrassed to be given such an award for, in the end, just simply having the good fortune to enjoy one of the most exciting, varied  and fulfilling careers imaginable in such a brilliant city.

“It’s been a privilege to work with my fellow directors and the great executive team at Destination Plymouth, the leaders and officers at Plymouth City Council and key activists in the area’s cultural sector.  Their commitment and advocacy has been responsible for radically transforming Plymouth’s cultural and tourism landscape over the past two decades.”

...and gold for the Tourist Information Centre team

Plymouth Tourist Information Centre’s team has won gold at the Devon Tourism Awards in the ‘Visitor Information Service of the Year’ category.

The team, led by Visitor Services manager Clare Phillips, won the award for their exceptional standard of service and appropriate information.

The Plymouth Tourist Information Centre is a key part of the Association of Barbican Business, has an excellent rapport with visitors and are an integral to the success of local tourist events.

The team has also been busy with the refurbished Mayflower Museum, which

showcases a journey through time with four floors and four centuries to explore.

Plymouth’s Ocean View at The Dome also won gold in the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and bronze in the ‘New Tourism Business’ categories. The gold award for ‘Unsung Hero’ went to Doug Kerr, Plymouth Volunteer Cruise Ambassador.

Winners in all categories will automatically be ‘fast-tracked’ into corresponding categories of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards on at the Eden Project on March 23.

Clare Philips, Visitor Services manager at the Plymouth Tourism Information Centre said: “It’s amazing to be recognised

again for our exceptional standard of service at the Devon Tourism Awards. Its been a busy and exciting year in Plymouth, which the team have embraced with their usual enthusiasm.”

Amanda Lumley, chief executive at Destination Plymouth said: “We are so proud of the team at our TIC here in the Barbican and the great service they provide. Not only do they provide a warm welcome to the city but they are incredibly knowledgeable and give expert advice to the millions of visitors we receive annually. This award is truly well deserved and Clare and her team are to be congratulated”.

The first phase of Connect Plymouth goes live on March 21 and the occasion with be marked with a special launch event between 8am and 6pm at the Piazza in the city centre..

The public will get the chance to find out more information about each component of Connect Plymouth as welll as taking part in a range of fun activities. There will also be the opportunity to view the brand new electric VWID3 which will be part of the car club scheme.

Throughout the day the public will also be able to ride the e-bikes for free when joining one of the short 15 minute guided rides to help show people how to use the e-bikes and get a taster.

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Southway Spring Table Top Sale

Mar 11

Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Free entry. Tables available (pre-book only) £5. Set up at 12pm. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Soup and Sweet Lunch

Mar 18

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Tickets £8, booking essential on 01752 665442.

Plymouth Brick Festival

Mar 18

A LEGO fan event at Plymouth Guildhall dedicated to all things brick! From 10am to 5pm Early bird from 10am £12 per person. Standard entry from 11am £6 per person, children £4. Family tickets available.

Table Top Sale

Mar 18

Trinity United Reformed Church, Hartley from 10am to 12 noon. Entry 20p. Light refreshments available. To book a table contact Jill on 01752 249337.

Collectors Toy & Train Fair

Mar 19

Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at the Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Admission adults £1, accompanied children free. Free parking, wheelchair friendly. Toilets and cafe onsite.

The Marsha Head Concert

Mar 23

Part of Jeannie Moore’s 29th International Concert Series at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Programme to include Passacaglia, Siciliana and Innocence Lost. Tickets £15 on the door and from www.wegottickets. com/event/568327

Plymouth Area Police Choir Concert

Mar 23

St Eustachius Church, Tavistock at 7.30pm supporting Police Force Museum and the choir. Tickets £12 via PAPC or Museum web sites, bookshop next to Church, on the door or through choir members.

Richard III Society Events

Mar 25 and Apr 15

On March the Devon & Cornwall branch of the Richard III Society will present a talk by two of its members on the Coronation of King Richard III. On April 15 there will be a visual presentation of past Coronations, starting with King Edgar.Both meetings will be held in the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 1 p.m. Parking is free and anyone interested in medieval history is invited to attend. Further information if needed can be obtained by phoning the secretary on 01752 31685.

Plymouth Harbour Half

Mar 26

Join the Plymouth Harbour Half for a scenic running experience from Yelverton, following the former railway lines through Plym Woods, back to Saltram, and finishing up around the picturesque harbour. Jump on a coach to the heart of Dartmoor and enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking Plymouth, as you end up back on the Barbican. Details www. phrdevonmind.com

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Mar 26

The choir presents Dvorak’s Stabat Mater in Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30 pm. Tickets £20 in advance or £22

on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com †or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, please visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir

Mar 28

Easter concert ‘Be Thou My Vision’ featuring well loved music for Passiontide at Ridgeway Methodist Church, Plympton at 7.30pm. Retiring collection in aid of Shelterbox.

Plymstock Forum

Mar 28

Special meeting at the Community Centre, Memory Lane, Plymstock at 2pm to discuss the future of the group. Details from Brian Steele on 0777 3568003.

Charity concert

Mar 31

Plymouth Area Police Choir join forces with the Girls Night Out Choir at St Bartholomew’s Church, Yealmpton at 7.30pm. Raising funds for local Scouts attending the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. Tickets £7.50, £5 under 18. Contact Richard 07775603189/Bob 07970846992

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session. Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! The award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show. Tickets at www.dinomania.co.uk/ events/dinomania-tour-plymouth.php

Spring Fayre and Plant Sale

Apr 1

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm. Details 01752 665442.

Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Apr 2

Magician Magical Bones brings his show to The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Britain’s Got

Talent finalist takes to the road with awe-inspiring and high energy magic. Tickets from www.tickettailor. com/events/comicalentertainment/784365

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir

Apr 4

Easter concert ‘Be Thou My Vision’ featuring well loved music for Passiontide at Holy Cross Church, Newton Ferrers at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 on the door in aid of church funds.

Spring Concert

Apr 14

South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII will present an evening of beautiful choral music at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The programme features the premiere performance of the full and completed ’Requiem’ by Hugh Walkington, one of their own very talented members. The programme also takes the audience on a discovery of contemporary choral music from across Europe and the USA. FREE entry with a retiring collection. Levowan XII performs regularly at St Peter’s where the bright acoustics provide the perfect listening experience for their audiences. The choir has a large repertoire and enjoys singing classical works and discovering new music to share with others. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Model Railway Exhibition

Apr 15 and 16

Organised by Saltash Rotary Club at the restored Saltash Station Building – Isambard House – by kind permission of Saltash Town Council. There will be five 00 scale model layouts, pictures from local artists, Brunel Heritage talks, crafts trade stand

and a ride-on loco provided by Plym Valley Railway. Admission is free with refreshments available. For ease of parking a shuttle bus provided by Community Enterprise PL12 will run hourly from Saltash Leisure Centre to Isambard House and return. Details at www. saltashrotary.org

Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum

Apr 26

Sponsored by Plymouth Samaritans at the Restore Church in Milehouse from 10am to 2pm. The forum will provide the opportunity to bring together wellbeing hubs from across Plymouth and providers with a link to mental health issues. The event is being funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will also support a local gardening project for men with mental health issues.

Hear Better ‘Mini’ Exhibition

May 4

Free hearing loss exhibition designed for individuals and hearing professionals to find out more about the latest technology and local support available to assist people with hearing loss in daily life. To be held at the Copthorne Hotel from 10.30am to 3pm. There will be an NHS Re-tube clinic and British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter from 10.30am to 1pm. For more information contact Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth 01752 201899.

Set the Stage

May 13

Sounds Musical Theatre Company return to Devonport Playhouse with Set The Stage, a show stopping concert of songs from blockbuster movies and stage shows. Matinée 2.30pm or evening 7.30pm.Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395159955. Adults: £12, Over 65s £11, Under 16s £6. Check out Facebook or Instagram pages for more information about the company.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.uk

Plymouth Pirates Weekend

May 20 and 21

Swashbuckling fun for all th family around the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront. This popular event is one of the highlights of the year in Plymouth and draws thousands of people to the waterfront to enjoy the spectacle.

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals

May 24 and 25

A spectacular line-up of some of the world’s best professional dancers will be at Plymouth Pavilions with performances each night at 7.30pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For details visit www. strictlytheprofessionals.com

Plymouth Motorshow

June 3 and 4

Annual two day car show at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club from 10am to 6pm is open to vintage, old classics and sport cars including high performance car rally vehicles, kit cars and modern cars of interest of all motor sport clubs and motor cycles. Children’s entertainment, a family fun dog show (courtesy of Paws4Proceeds) an assortment of live local bands, food and of course, bar. Overnight camping is available for vendors and car show entrants.

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

Strictly Come Dancing - the Professionals returns to Plymouth Pavilions in May

Plymouth vet to run London Marathon to raise funds for SSAFA charity

Popular Plymouth vet Edmund Shillabear, who is 83, will be competing in the London Marathon in April to raise funds for SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

Edmund is the oldest runner for the charity and also one of the most experienced extreme athletes.

Edmund, who has veterinary surgeries in Peverell and Elburton is no stranger to the gruelling 42.2 kilometre challenge across London.

He said: “I ran my first marathon more than 50 years ago in 1971. I have finished more Plymouth Marathons than anyone else and I ran the very first London Marathon and the 25th one. I have run a few other London ones but I can’t remember which years!”

Edmund has a few secrets that contribute towards his phenomenal success. For one, he trains with five times British Racewalking Olympian, Chris Maddox and has a specific training style.

He explained: “Over 90 per cent of my training sessions are done at maximum intensity, a policy forced on me by lack of training time and nurtured by my best friend and oftentimes training partner Chris ‘Mad Max’ Maddocks. My Christian Faith has also helped me through numerous challenges.

“My competitors never believe me when I told them my low training mileage!”

Ed has also completed Ironman challenges and quadrathons – swimming, cycling, walking and running.

Edmund explained that his impressive athleticism was due to regular consumption of a full range of organic supplements and a lack of any modern sports science methodology or coaching.

Although, being a veterinary surgeon, Edmund knows his way around bodies and their capabilities. He’s put his skills to good use and is a shining example of what may be possible in later life.

He said: “When I entered the Fosters’ Quadrathon – which consisted of a 2.4 mile sea swim, 51km walk, 112 mile hilly cycling stage, finished off with a full marathon – 100 qualified to enter, 81 started, 64 finished, and as the oldest competitor I was third!”

“The winner had trained in the Himalayas and second place went to an ex SAS man who full time trained, and I came third. I took the week leading up to the event off, otherwise I was working full time.”

To make a donation to Edmund’s chosen charity, follow this link:

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/ pf/edmund-shillabeer

BASKETBALL IS A BIG HIT WITH STUDENTS AT BROOK GREEN

Plymouth City Patriots British basketball team have hosted a community day at Brook Green Centre for Learning in Whitley as part of the British Basketball League’s Ambassadors programme.

Launched last summer, the Ambassador programme is part of the BBL’s ‘Inspires’ initiative, where key members of each of the league’s 10 clubs visit schools in their local community to tell their stories about their pathway to becoming professional athletes.

The campaign targets 1,000 schools and inspires 150,000 young people across the UK to get involved with sports in their local communities.

Brook Green is a special state school for pupils aged from 11 to 16 with moderate learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and associated behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.

It’s just one of the many schools within the local area in which key members of the Plymouth City Patriots team host weekly training sessions, as well as discussions on the importance of healthy, active lifestyles. Brook Green and also many schools attend pre-game clinics at the Patriots BBL home games.

Seeking to inspire and grow the next generation, community coach Ben Fox along with Plymouth City Patriots captain, Elvisi Dusha and former GB international, Jules Dang-Akodo hosted a skills and

drills session for the children of Brook Green.

Speaking about the day, Brook Green headteacher, Sara Jordan said: “We were delighted to welcome the team from Plymouth City Patriots. We’ve developed a really strong relationship with the team over the years. The children benefit hugely from these days, particularly when it comes to learning about teamwork and social interaction, but most importantly, they’ve developed true friendships with the players.”

Commenting on the community activities, Plymouth City Patriots chairman Carl Heslop said: “We know just how beneficial these sessions are for youngsters within our community, which is why we host up to 39 weekly community sessions, outreaching to around 1000 students ranging from the ages of two years old to university level.

“The children of Brook Green are role models to the players, just as much as the players are to them. Over time, they’ve developed deep and meaningful friendships with the team, and no longer see them as basketball players, and instead see themselves as equals.”

For details of Plymouth City Patriot’s community sessions, visit: www.plymouthcitypratriots.com

Empty homes in Plymouth will be targeted this year as part of a new and improved initiative designed to get them back into use.

An empty property is a wasted home that could be lived in by someone who needs it. There are not enough houses in Plymouth and so bringing empty properties back to life is a crucial tonic for tackling the city’s housing crisis.

This year, the Empty Homes Financial Assistance will be relaunched for 2023 with a new grant element. As before, landlords can apply for a loan of up to £50,000 per unit, which is repaid via subsequent rental income but this year there is an improved element.

Providing that the empty home owner undertakes to project manage the renovation themselves and agrees to rent the property at an affordable rate with Easylet, one of the city’s recognised social lettings schemes, they will be entitled to a 20 per cent grant.

Another scheme available is Repair and Rent, a brand new initiative for empty property owners without the confidence or capacity to manage a renovation themselves. Our partner organisation will carry out the required renovation and will provide a property management service.

Up to £20,000 per unit is available with a 20 per cent grant element. The loan will be repaid from rental income generated by the property.

The news comes during Empty Homes Week 2023, a national initiative designed to shine the spotlight on a housing issue.

In Plymouth, empty homes officers are proactive and engage with the city’s most troublesome empty homes all year-round. They not only offer advice, guidance and financial assistance, but also have the option of enforcement as a last resort.

Like most local authorities in the UK, Plymouth has a large waiting list for housing in Plymouth.

Over the last two and a half years, the

New schemes launched to deal with empty homes

pandemic and associated factors like relationship breakdown, impact on physical and mental health, the end of furlough, business and job loss, increased utility costs, the end of the temporary ban on evictions and increased private sector rent costs have led to a significant increase in demand seeing the number of people approaching us for advice and support rise to an average of more than 200 households per month.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, said: “Why should properties be allowed to rot away when there are families desperate for a home? It makes no sense at all and is why we will continue to work hard, with initiatives like the above, to ensure that as many empty homes as possible come back into use.”

Rebecca Moore, Director of Action on Empty Homes, added: “Many community members and empty homeowners lack the resources or the confidence to bring homes back into use –Plymouth City Council are finding promising ways to overcome those hurdles which will ultimately increase their local housing stock.

“I really hope these great opportunities are embraced”

More information on our empty homes work and contact information for the above schemes is available at:  www.plymouth.gov.uk/empty-home

Widey triumph in Argyle football competition

A team of Year 3 and 4 boys from Widey Court Primary School have triumphed in the Plymouth Argyle Community Trust’s football competition, winning a huge cup to bring back to school as proud winners.

“The boys played incredibly well and we are so proud of them,” said Jo Llewellyn, deputy headteacher at Widey Court. “The event took place over two weeks and they had to play eight matches. They won six of those and drew two, making them clear winners on points.”

Widey Court has a strong tradition of sports and activities available to all the children there. Headteacher Shaun Nicholls said: “We’re blessed with outstanding grounds which we try to make full use of. Parents are always amazed when they visit and see the extent of our playing fields and facilities.

“We play a range of games and because we have a high number of military families here, we even have a field gun and take part in field gun exercises – not something you see at many schools.”

Widey Court also offers a running club, tag rugby club, football club, dodgeball club, netball club, choir, creative club, writer’s club and art club for the children at the school as extra-curricular activities.

In recognition of their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their pupils, Widey Court holds the prestigious School Games Platinum Award which recognises the number of physical opportunities offered to children inside and outside of the school curriculum.

help to keep children fit, healthy and active so that they grow up making healthy life choices.

The Widey Court team which lifted the Plymouth Argyle Community Trust trophy

£20,000 funding for Marjon climate change project

Plymouth Marjon University has received £20,000 of funding from the British Council for its new innovative climate learning project. The funding will allow the project to exhibit its final work.

Researchers at Marjon, Professor Debby Cotton and Dr Steve Disney, along with colleagues from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Vietnam, are working to develop a creative and immersive exhibition of a mixed audiovisual photographic experience. The exhibition will be displayed both in the UK and Vietnam and will become a modern innovative resource for teaching English language in Vietnam.

Students and staff at both institutions will be involved in producing the showcase of materials using photos, posters, graphics, and immersive technology, including binaural sound design – a way of creating sounds through using dense objects and a dual microphone set-up.

Dr Steve Disney, senior lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University, said: “I am really excited to be leading this amazing project which brings our two institutions together and merges my passions. The exhibition is going to be a fantastic event and we are looking forward to seeing all the pictures.”

Professor Debby Cotton, director of Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation at Marjon said: “This innovative project is a great example of Marjon’s commitment to addressing climate change through all aspects of our work. It’s an exciting opportunity to strengthen our international links whilst helping to address the climate challenge. We hope this project will lead to more creative approaches to tackling climate change, and inclusion across diverse subjects in the curriculum.”

This collaborative product adds to the University’s growing portfolio of work towards sustainability and climate change. In 2022, Marjon completed the final stage of its Marjon Zero project which saw the installation of 2,000 solar panels and one of the largest non-domestic ground source heat pump projects in England.

Plymouth Marjon University has partnerships with 26 institutions around the world, including America, India, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Greece, and Turkey to offer international study and exchange student programmes.

End of life experts bring comfort to the wards...

Dedicated

On the door of a side room at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital, the symbol of cupped hands holding a butterfly is a sign to everyone that a patient is nearing the end of life and care needs to be gentle and thoughtful.

Inside, a man in his 70s is close to death, surrounded by loved ones, but he is agitated and clearly uncomfortable.

There’s a palpable sense of relief when St Luke’s Nurse Consultant Martin Thomas walks onto the ward. The NHS nurses and doctors, anxious to do the best they can for their patient, turn to him eagerly for the expert advice he and his dedicated team are on hand to offer every day, right across the hospital.

After talking with the UHP nurses and the patient’s family members, Martin quickly organises a syringe driver that will administer palliative care medication just under the skin to relieve the man’s symptoms and allow him to feel relaxed.

Highly experienced

“It’s important that we get this right first time, particularly so the family can feel we are doing everything we can. It is not right to see someone so distressed and not do something about it,” said highly experienced nurse Martin, who cared for patients as part of St Luke’s community urgent care team for 17 years before becoming head of the organisation’s hospital team at Derriford in 2019.

“It’s very much about the family at this stage and making sure they know you are listening, and you understand. We also always assume the patient can hear, even if they aren’t responding, so we will continue talking to them and reassuring them at all times.”

Technology allows much swifter sharing of information about a patient, so Martin can easily access medication records, bed management details, blood test and scan results, oncology and clinic reports. And as a nurse prescriber, he can prescribe appropriate drug treatments without referring to a doctor.

“Our job is about deciding who needs us most and then where do we go from here. If it involves complex symptom management or psychosocial planning, then people will be referred to us to take on management of their care. If they are still under a surgeon or medic, we will work alongside to give support and

VOTERS WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE ID AT COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MAY

Residents in Plymouth will need to show photographic ID to vote in person at this year’s local elections which are being held on May 4. It is the first time this has been a requirement.

good advice,” he explained.

“The average stay on our caseload is six days. Patients are either discharged into the community, or sadly die in hospital. While they are in St Luke’s sights the team will do everything they can to support them and their family members, and try to find the best course of action on discharge.

“All being part of one big St Luke’s team really works and we have a daily dialogue with the community and inpatient teams. Knowing the ins and outs of the organisation as a whole means you know who to refer to and who to speak to.”

His next stop is a busy cardiac ward, where the sister and junior doctor seek Martin’s opinion about a woman with heart failure who had been deteriorating rapidly over the previous 24 hours. She’s looks like she’s sleeping peacefully and, Martin confirms, is in the active phase of dying and does not appear to be suffering.

After seeing each patient, Martin makes notes in their paper hospital records and he’ll also add his observations, prescriptions and recommendations to the electronic system so that everyone involved in a patient’s care can be kept up to date at all times.

After a very brief lunch break, he’s hurrying to another ward to visit a frail and terminally ill woman, also suffering with dementia, who is about the be released to a specialist nursing home in North Cornwall.

He’s making sure all the correct medications are in place and, because she lives off the St Luke’s at home patch, will make a referral to the Cornwall palliative care team and the woman’s GP.

Throughout the day, Martin’s reassuring presence and commitment to relieve suffering are as awe-inspiring as his philosophical and pragmatic attitude to death and dying is refreshing.

“Death is like going to sleep and we know that because people who are dying tend to have periods of slipping into unconsciousness, when they don’t remember blocks of time. Good days and bad days are part of dying. It is not something to be feared. It is disappointing, knowing the things you are going to miss, but the moment of death is not tortured; it is a release,” he said.

Personal reflection

Nevertheless, the heavy caseload and the sadness of patients’ deaths does take its toll. Martin and Clinical Nurse Specialist Julie Ayers keep a close watch on the wellbeing of all St Luke’s team members, aiming to vary duties so the pressures don’t become individually overwhelming.

They’ve recently introduced a weekly ritual of personal reflection. Every Friday team members are invited to take a few moments out of their busy day to gather in the hospital chapel and light a candle for patients who have died. It’s a time when they acknowledge the lives lost and the efforts they have made to support those people in their final days.

Far from being a religious gesture, it’s about offering a brief, but important, opportunity for meditation in a quiet and spiritual space.

Julie said: “We sourced some little purple tealights that are heart-shaped. We light them and we write something in remembrance. We each have our own thoughts. When you are so busy you don’t usually have that moment to come away from the ward and find some tranquillity.”

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate or by completing a paper form which is available from the council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25.

Anyone who wants to vote in the local elections this May, must be registered to vote by April 17. For those who aren’t already registered it only takes five minutes to register online at www. plymouth.gov.uk/voting-and-elections.

Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

More information on registering to vote, what voter ID will be accepted or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is available on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, can contact the council by calling 01752 30486 or emailing ero@plymouth.gov.uk.

Tracey Lee, returning officer for Plymouth, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.

“With elections taking place in Plymouth on May 4, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.”

Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photo remains a good enough likeness to the elector, and the name on the ID is the same name as appears on the Electoral Register.

The changes do not affect postal votes but do affect proxy voters who will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else.

St Luke’s Nurse Consultant Martin Thomas with copywriter Jackie Butler

St Luke’s Nurse Consultant Martin Thomas and his team help to make the right choices for Derriford Hospital patients when there’s no time to lose. Jackie Butler follows

him on his rounds

Candles are lit in the chapel each week for patients who have died

Local construction and manufacturing apprentices’ achievements celebrated

Outstanding local construction and manufacturing apprentices have been recognised for their efforts and abilities at an awards ceremony held as part of Plymouth’s National Apprenticeship Week 2023.

The Awards were presented jointly by Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG), with nominations submitted by local employers and training providers, with nearly 40 finalist apprentices celebrated and 17 overall winners presented top awards.

Lucy Edwards was awarded the prestigious Building Plymouth Construction Technical Apprentice of the Year 2023. Lucy is undertaking a Higher Level 4 in Construction Quantity Surveying Technician with Ian Williams and City College Plymouth

On winning her award Lucy Edwards said: “It was a privilege to have been nominated and I was so proud to have received the award. I am looking forward to using this platform to be an ambassador for apprenticeships and also to promote diversity for the industry as a whole.”

David Mears won the highly respected Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year 2023 Award. David is undertaking an Intermediate Level 2 in Bricklaying with Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon and City College Plymouth.

David said: “I feel very honoured to receive the Apprentice of the Year award and I’m very proud of what I have achieved so far during my apprenticeship. I thoroughly enjoy working for Persimmon Homes and I’m looking forward to developing my skills and gaining further experience, so I can become a qualified and competent tradesman.”

Enthusiasm

The PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards were sponsored by Make UK, of which Jim Davison, Make UK’s region director for the South of England was on the judging panel. The judges commented that amongst the nominations, there were apprentices who had transitioned with enthusiasm from a previous career, showed willingness to learn, some had taken on extra responsibilities, acted as ambassadors for their business and supported others, some received numerous endorsements, portrayed exemplary professional attitudes, and consistently exceeded expectations.

The first of the PMG Apprentice Awards was the Business Rising Star Apprentice for 2023 – which went to Nicola Mundy of Babcock. Nicola is training as a Higher Level Quality Assurance apprentice with Capella and said: “It is such an honour to be entered into the awards. To be recognised by management to be worthy of being entered into the awards and then to win, feels like a great achievement and I am very grateful to be recognised for the effort I am putting into my apprenticeship.”

Also from Babcock was the Winner of the PMG Final Year Business Apprentice of the Year Award, Laura Stephens, who is a supply chain apprentice training with the ATN Group. Gemma Selley, executive lead for the PMG, said: “Babcock is our PMG member with the largest number of employees in Plymouth. For Nicola and Laura to be nominated and win, is a credit to their hard work and shows

just how much they have stood out to their colleagues and managers. Congratulations to Nicola and Laura!”

In the Manufacturing Rising Star Awards there were incredibly strong nominations and ultimately Matt Pope of Schneider Electric was chosen as winner in this category.

Matt is a mechanical manufacturing apprentice training with City College Plymouth.

Matt said: “I was really honoured to have been nominated let alone win! The team at Schneider has been very supportive in my professional development – there’s so much happening in our industry, adapting to new technology and methods, so I’m really looking forward to an exciting future in manufacturing.”

For the PMG Final Year Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Awards, the judges declared two joint winners: Chloe Tremayne Payne of Mars Wrigley and Stephen Tillyer of BD.

Chloe, a shift mechanic who is training with Cornwall College said of her win: “It was an honour to be a joint winner for the apprentice of the year awards. I have strong sense of pride in my work at Mars Wrigley and it feels amazing to know that it doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It has given me the motivation to carry on striving to do the best and seek improvement opportunities to help carry on progressing

in my career. Being an apprentice at Mars Wrigley has given me the opportunities to be able to win this award and I couldn’t have done it without my mentors and engineering team.”

Stephen, a moulding apprentice who is also training with Cornwall College, said: “To be a manufacturing apprentice at BD, means to work in an environment in which your development is encouraged and supported through the many learning opportunities that present themselves.

“I’m extremely grateful to have been nominated for the award - to be recognised by my mentors and leaders at work means a lot to me and is a huge accomplishment on its own.”

Introducing the apprentice awards ceremony, Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People at Plymouth City Council said: “It has been incredibly inspiring to watch all the finalist and winning apprentices collect their awards. Inspirational to see such an array of different backgrounds, yet united under the banner of being apprentices, all working hard towards their futures.

“Through investment in apprenticeships, the individuals, employers and economy all win, with Plymouth ever growing to deliver a skilled future workforce.”

Karen Friendship, managing director at Aldermans and Chair of the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group said: “From the time of our first awards, we have learnt that when an apprentice is nominated, it is a huge morale boost for them. They tell us they are absolutely thrilled that their employer took the time to consider who should be nominated and put them forward for the awards. It is our role, as managers, to champion the talent in our companies and recognise our apprentices’ hard-work and passion for our sector – after all we are looking to them to be future leaders in our businesses. This is why these awards are so important

”Therefore on behalf of the PMG, I would like to convey huge congratulations to our award winners, commended nominees and finalists and express our thanks to our members for helping to create pride in our industry. We wish all our apprentices the most enriching of futures!”

Oustanding

Presenting the construction apprentice awards, David Bayliss, regional director at Stride Treglown and Chair of Building Plymouth said: “I was delighted and honoured to be able to present the awards to the outstanding apprentices we have in the local Construction and Built Environment industry. It is great to see such a diverse range of skills being recognised and the pride everyone showed in winning their awards.

“It certainly felt that the industry is in a good place and is attracting such talented people to build their careers in a fantastic diverse range of roles. Building Plymouth has championed the various pathways to the work environment through many different routes and this is testament to its success in promoting construction as a career of choice.”

At the awards ceremony, the Finalist, Highly Commended and Winning construction and manufacturing apprentices were all celebrated for their success and commended for the high standards they have shown in their achievements and skills developed during their apprenticeships.

To find out more about securing an apprenticeship in Plymouth and to download the latest Vacancy Bulletin visit www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/youth-hubapprenticeship

Lucy Edwards, Construction Technical Apprentice of the Year

David Mears, Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year

Winners and industry leaders at the awards ceremony

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

New operating theatres will reduce the waiting list for orthopaedic operations

People in need of orthopaedic surgery will benefit from increased theatre capacity at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Patients, including those waiting for knee and hip replacements, shoulder replacements and spinal fusion, have experienced long waits due to limited theatre capacity and the demand for emergency surgery.

But three new theatres will help to restore orthopaedic activity and bring waiting lists down. This will take the total number of theatres at Derriford Hospital to 35, and a further 24 beds will be ringfenced to support the new theatres.

The modern theatres will meet the longer term complex elective orthopaedic demand from across Devon and Cornwall. Located next to the existing Intensive Care and High Dependency Units, they will be suitable for the most complex patients.

Mark Brinsden, orthopaedic consultant at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “Reducing waiting times and providing sufficient local capacity to meet demand will ensure all residents in the Plymouth footprint and surrounding areas have equitable, local, sustainable access to care.”

John Finn, Director of Commissioning Urgent & Elective Care for NHS Devon, said: “This is great news for our patients here in Devon. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge

impact on our waiting lists and we know that causes people additional pain and anxiety.  These new theatres are one of a number of initiatives we have to reduce the time people wait for their treatment.”

The new theatres will also help patients in need of emergency trauma surgery. As

the major trauma centre for the south west peninsula, University Hospitals Plymouth has high emergency and trauma attendances  up to 40 patients per week - restricting the availability of theatre sessions.

The first patients will be treated in the new theatres in autumn 2023.

Changes to outpatient treatment saves more than 10 million miles in a year

Over 10 million miles related to the delivery of healthcare, have been avoided by University Hospitals Plymouth in the last year by changing the way outpatient appointments are delivered.

This figure, equivalent to driving 400 times around the world, has been made possible by transforming the delivery of services and offering patients more flexibility and convenience in how they receive their care.

As well as offering telephone and video appointments the trust is enabling patients to be more in control of their follow up care through the implementation of Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) pathways. PIFU pathways give patients and their

carers the flexibility to arrange their follow-up appointments as and when they need them, based on their symptoms and individual circumstances.

The changes not only improves things for patients, but also helps support the NHS ambition to reach Net Zero - the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere - by 2045.

Andrew Dickinson, consultant urologist and Clinical lead for Outpatient Transformation said: “We know that offering remote appoints is much more convenient for our patients as it means they don’t need to travel or take time away from work or other responsibilities.

“Additionally with the current cost of living pressures, these changes mean patients are able to save money through not needing to travel.

“New initiatives and digital solutions help us to deliver the same care, in a different way – ensuring services continue to meet the needs of all our patients in a way acceptable to them but also allowing us all to reduce our carbon footprint and doing our bit for a sustainable greener future.”

Transforming care in this way is a key commitment set out in the NHS Long Term Plan and plays a significant role in supporting the recovery of hospital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BUSINESSES URGED TO SUPPORT CARE LEAVERS

Businesses and organisations in Plymouth are being urged to follow Barnardo’s and NHS Professionals, and sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant and offer support to a care experienced young person by offering apprenticeships, work experience, and free or discounted goods or services.

As part of its commitment to promoting equality the city council offer guaranteed interviews to those if they meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, or have been in Plymouth City Council care.

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national programme that supports care leavers aged 16 to 25 to live independently.

The Covenant works with the council to create opportunities for care leavers in a number of ways and aims to make Plymouth

the best place for care experienced children and young people to live, to grow up and be supported for when they are ready to leave care.

Care leavers have dedicated personal advisors, who can help provide information on what the Covenant offers to them.

The aim of the Care Leaver Covenant, to which organisations commit, is to provide additional support for those leaving care; making available a different type of support and expertise from that provided by local authorities.

So far the Covenant have created over 2,000 opportunities covering employment, training, support, free tickets, discounts, giveaways and help with DIY! Some of these will be local and some will be national. Opportunities can

be found on the website mycovenant.org.uk

The Covenant will support organisations by making contact and providing training, advice and guidance on the best way to support the young person.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People, said: “The Care Leaver Covenant is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to support our care leavers who are looking to get their foot in the door and to support them with the next step in their journey. We are appealing to the people of Plymouth to get involved and pledge their support, to sign up and offer a care leaver the opportunity to broaden their horizons and support them in their next step in life.”

For more details visit mycovenant.org.uk

Eventfull year ahead for the city

From pirates to pyrotechnics, live music to military moments and food festivals to family fun, Plymouth’s 2023 calendar is jam-packed with popular events.

Each year, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company work together to offer a buzzing events programme which also includes supporting independent organisers to host events in the city.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce the epic line-up of events taking place throughout 2023. It’s a great way to attract new visitors into Plymouth, who will spend money in the city and boost the local economy, positioning Plymouth as a lively, vibrant city with lots going on.

“With such a range of awesome events on offer, including best-selling bands coming to Britain’s Ocean City, it’s looking to be a busy year. Here are all the key dates you need for your diaries.”

Inspired by the high seas, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will fill the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront with two days of swashbuckling fun with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy (May 20 and 21).

Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year too. Flavour Fest (May 26 to 28) is the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills.

Later in the year, the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival (September 16 and 17) will celebrate all that is great about the city’s stunning waterfront and fishing industry.

There’s also an impressive line-up of live music to enjoy over the summer.

The August Summer Bank Holiday weekend will see the 1 Big Summer music festival take to Plymouth Hoe (August 25 and 26), with the lineup set to include a range of music including the fabulous Ibiza Orchestra.

Plymouth is set to host more global music superstars, at Home Park Stadium, including Devon’s very own Muse (May 27) and Kiss with their End of the Road Tour (June 3).

The Big Tribute Festival will be returning to Central Park, with an even bigger and better lineup than last year, hosting an impressive range of talented tribute acts (August 11 to 13). The party continues with Live in the Park (August 16 to 20) featuring a range of original and tribute artists to enjoy.

Another popular event coming back to Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock (June 24). It’s a great opportunity for everyone to show their support for the military community. The day includes a packed programme of entertainment, military equipment and displays, interactive activities, parades and live music. The day will finish with an awesome free evening concert, where visitors can enjoy an amazing line up of performances to dance and sing-a-long to.

The Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler (June 22) will also take place in the city, with outstanding athletes – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them - competing in this tough event. The triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth Hoe.

The popular British Firework Championships are one of the highlights of the 2023 events calendar in Plymouth

up to

For those who enjoy participating in sport, or looking for a new challenge this year, the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (May 14), includes the Plymouth Half, 10k and 5k, offering something for runners of all abilities.

For the motorcycle enthusiast, visit the Ocean City Motorcycle Festival, incorporating the Ocean City Bike Show (August 12) and The MegaRide, (August 13), hugely popular motorcycle ride, starting at Lee Mill and raises money for charity, including South West Blood Bikes.

Look to the skies in August as the British Firework Championships (August 16 and 17) sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work in six epic ten-minute displays, as they compete to be crowned the nation’s best.

Later in the month, the West End Carnival (August 26) will return to the city centre offering a full day of carnival flair. Expect live music, street performers and free children’s activities to enjoy, and take time to explore the city’s independent quarter at the same time.

Circus Berlin will also bring their high energy, music and brilliant circus acts to Central Park, (September 6 to 23).

There’s a huge range of cultural activity planned for 2023 too, including a series of public artworks in locations across the city plus a top-class programme of exhibitions and events at The Box. Plymouth Pride is set to take place on Saturday August 5 and the location will be announced in due course.

For all the latest details about what’s on in Plymouth, including information about smaller events taking place throughout the year, please see visitplymouth.co.uk

Could you deliver the Plymouth Chronicle?

Call to nominate Plymouth’s awesome and amazing sheroes

Trevi, the leading women’s charity in Plymouth, is asking people to recognise and celebrate remarkable women to mark International Women’s Day in March.

The charity describes a Shero as a female hero who deserves to be recognised and celebrated for social, economic, cultural and political achievements.

Trevi’s popular Shero campaign returns for a third year. It is an opportunity for people to pay it forward, shout out loud and celebrate the awesomeness of their much appreciated and loved Sheroes, plus raise funds to support women and their children affected by domestic abuse and violence.

Trevi is encouraging a small donation to the charity for nominations who will receive a personalised certificate, message and badge to wear with pride. A selection of unique merchandise is also available to purchase, including Shero t-shirts, tote bags and hoodies.

Carrie Tecza, engagement officer at Trevi said: “The campaign is designed for people to be able to recognise and shout about any women who make a difference in their life – from the smallest of things they may do to some of the fantastic work we see being done in our communities by women.

“We feel especially this year with the cost of living crisis people have a unique opportunity to recognise those women who have gone above and beyond in their community to support others. This includes opening their home as a warm space, volunteering at a food bank or ensuring an elderly neighbour has enough food and heat. We want to hear about them all!

“We believe that there are many special women out there this year who deserve mention!”

Examples of previous Sheroes included mums, nans, sisters, best friends, teachers, volunteers and even inspirational celebrities!

This year Trevi hopes to smash last year’s nominations and aims to raise £5000 in donations.

Alongside the many amazing nominations

last year, there were several celebrity supporter including superstar TV presenter Stacey Dooley and social media influencer Rachael Hambleton, AKA Part-Time Working Mummy, who continues to support the charity with campaigns.

This year, Trevi staff and beneficiaries have recognised Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Cuncillor Sue Dann as their Shero for her work in raising vital funds for the charity.

Cllr Sue Dann said:”Being nominated as a Trevi Shero is such an unexpected and very humbling award. As a person, a councillor and Lord Mayor, I find it so enjoyable and rewarding working with charities and volunteers who help people. Trevi work and support women and their families to make changes and create a future for themselves, it’s a joy to be part of the story.”

Trevi continues to work tirelessly to support women and children who are affected by domestic violence and abuse daily – providing safe and

nurturing spaces for women and their families to heal, grow and thrive.

This year marks Trevi’s 30th anniversary and a unique opportunity to celebrate the women and children whose lives there charity has helped transform over three decades.

From humble beginnings Trevi has blossomed into a well-respected charity, now supporting more than 700 vulnerable women in the city each year. It is regarded as a leader in the fight to end violence against women and girls, and continues to affect change in how local communities work together towards making towns and cities safer for women and girls.

The focus remains on ensuring essential services are made available for women affected by domestic abuse and violence across Plymouth and beyond.

Vikki, a Trevi peer mentor, has been recognised as a 2023 Shero. She said: “When I found out someone had nominated me for a Shero award it made me feel so appreciated, I’m really honoured to be a 2023 Shero. I’m going to nominate a friend of mine now and surprise her!”

This year’s campaign is supported by Plymouthbased candle company Devon Wick. Craig Ryder, managing director said: “We’re supporting Trevi’s Shero campaign this year to celebrate women’s achievements.

“As a large number of our customers are women, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to support this campaign. We’ve previously raised money for Trevi, and we’ve come up with an idea to help again. This year we’ve got a limited edition wax melt with £1 per wax melt going to Trevi so they can continue to help and support women.’

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity: challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking out inclusion.

Trevi Shero’s campaign continues to grow, celebrating women everywhere. To nominate and donate visit trevi.org.uk/trevi-sheroes/

LUXURY CINEMA TO OPEN AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD

A whole new cinematic and leisure experience will soon be unveiled in Plymouth, as Everyman confirms its arrival at Royal William Yard this year.

The new luxury cinema is currently under construction within the iconic Grade I listed Melville building, and is expected to open its doors this summer.

This opening will mark the arrival of Everyman – which is an independent network of boutique cinemas – to the South West. It will take up residence in the grand Georgian Melville building at the centre of Royal William Yard, which has been brought back to life by regeneration specialists Urban Splash.

A busy programme of work over the coming months will see the historic space transformed to create a waterfront cinema like no other, blending classic architecture with a modern interior. Everyman is known for its unique lifestyle approach offering outstanding customer service in a stylish and sumptuous setting.

Emily Jones, commercial director of Urban Splash, said: “Years in the planning, we are

thrilled to announce that Everyman will soon premiere its incredible offering at Royal William Yard. Becoming the first home to Everyman in the South West is a big deal and it couldn’t be a better setting; surrounded by the sea and spoilt for choice for places to eat, drink and stay.

“Already a hugely popular destination, Royal William Yard now becomes the place to be for leisure, with a huge amount to discover and do, day and night.”

Trevi peer mentor Vikki - 2023 Shero

The new cinema will be located in the historic Melville building and (left) typical interior of an Everyman cinema

All aboard the Southway express!

The popular Plymouth Miniature Steam railway in Southway will be launching their public running season at the start of April. Operated by the Plymouth Miniature Steam club the first running will be on Sunday April 2 and followed by a ‘one off’ Railway Easter Egg hunt for children on April 9.

Sunday public running will then take place on the first and third Sundays of the month until the end of October, with all events running from 2pm to 4.30 pm. It is hoped to be able to add one or two other special events such as the popular Halloween Run and more details will follow later.

A spokesman for the club said: “We would like to thank all the members, friends and helpers who have worked throughout the winter to replace substantial sections of rail track and foundation and prepare the locomotives and carriages ready for April.

“We would particularly like to thank Plymouth City Council and our local Southway councillors for their help and support.”

The work being carried out on the railway site at Pendeen Cescent, Southway, has generated a great deal of interest among neighbours, local dog walkers and teenagers.

Free parking to remain at short stay car parks

Plymouth City Council has confirmed that free parking will not be impacted by the installation of new parking terminals in short-stay district car parks, contrary to rumours on social media.

New terminals are being installed in short-stay district car parks to help ensure that free spaces continue to be available for shoppers and support local businesses.

The new terminals are in response to concerns that some people are overstaying their ‘free time’ allocation and in some cases staying all day. The terminals will simply ensure that people check-in when they arrive and leave at their allotted time.  This will ensure a regular turnover of spaces.

be pleased to encourage anyone with an interest in either operating or maintaining our miniature railway to consider

“We

joining and taking part, we are not just the ultimate ‘Men’s Shed’ – we are open to everyone.

Oceans of success for Connect Academy Trust

Councillor Richard Bingley, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Having the ability to park for free for a short period of time is a vital to keep our district shopping centres alive.

“But we do need to ensure that people do not abuse this benefit and overstay their allotted time. It isn’t fair on other local shoppers and it isn’t fair on our local businesses.

“The new terminals will simply be a way for drivers to check in. We have had similar arrangements in place at the Crownhill car park for over 10 years and it works really well.

“I know that there has been some confusion and a lot of unhelpful misinformation online. So I will be clear –the free parking that is currently available in district car parks is not being reduced or removed. It is being protected.”

The new terminals are being installed at: Alexandra Road, Plymstock Broadway, Church Street, Deans Cross, Haye Road South, Marlborough Street, Morice Street, Mudge Way North, Plympton Ridgeway and West Park car parks. They will be live by April 2023.

Signs will be placed in each car park to let drivers know when the terminals are due be activated and we will be writing to nearby businesses to let them know what is happening and when.

Parking officers will also be on hand when the system goes live in each car park to help explain the new arrangements.

Connect Academy Trust which runs five primary schools in Plymouth, has been shortlisted for two national awards.

Connect is the only trust from Devon and Cornwall at the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Association national awards event.

With With 3,300 children at its schools in Plymouth and Torbay, Connect is shortlisted for ‘Medium MAT of the Year’ and ‘Community Impact’ for developing the UK’s first ever Ocean Conservation Curriculum.

Stuart Bellworthy, chief executive of Connect Academy Trust said: “We are delighted to be finalists in two categories of these national awards. Our focus has always been on how we add value for staff and pupils.

“One of the benefits of schools working together in a Trust is that we can really make the most of everyone’s skills and strengths. As teachers, we learn from and support each other so that our children have exciting new opportunities and become confident and ambitious learners.”

The winners of the national awards will be announced at a ceremony in London in March, when staff at Connect are hoping to bring back an award to Plymouth!

would

City photographer’s image selected for Portrait of Britain

An image by a former Arts University Plymouth photography student has been selected for Portrait of Britain 2022, the UK’s biggest annual photography competition.

Logan Davies, who studied at the Arts University from 2017 to 2019, gained an Extended Diploma in photography and his winning image was part of his project ‘Queer Ethology’ exploring the existence, lives and survival of people who have been exiled from society and transformed into fantastical creatures.

Logan, who lives in Ernesettle, is a professional photographer and retoucher who creates narratives through classical portraiture, fashion photography and fine art. He was selected as One to Watch in 2019 by Arts University Plymouth after finishing the Extended Diploma in Photography at the arts university’s Pre-Degree campus.

Since then, Logan has completed a degree in Fashion Photography at Falmouth University, with work featured at Graduate Fashion Week 2022 and published in local newspapers.

Logan said: “Pre-degree study at Arts University Plymouth gave me a great foundation for my craft when I realised that traditional sixth form wasn’t for me. The environment on Pre-Degree Photography really paves the way for young people to develop their creative voice. From the regular crits to being expected to stick work up where it could be seen by others on the walls, I don’t think I would be the photographer that I am today without those experiences.”

Portrait of Britain is coordinated by the British Journal of Photography, the world’s oldest and most influential photography title. Billed as ‘a celebration of identity and an opportunity to rejoice in the diversity of a changing nation,’ Logan and the other winners have had their work exhibited on digital screens nationally.

Logan’s portrait was also featured in the Portrait of Britain Volume 5 book, published by Hoxton Mini Press.

Future plans for children’s centres in Plymouth

Children’s centres in Plymouth will continue their important work supporting families while plans to grow the services they offer in the future are developed thanks to an innovative new programme.

Plymouth pupils hit the high notes at Young Voices event

Children from Widey Court Primary School and Manadon Vale School travelled to Birmingham to take part in one of the largest choirs in the world.

Young Voices brings together around 6000 children for an event designed to inspire a lasting love of music and create lifelong memories for the children and their families.

“The concert is always a sell-out,” said Sarah Ryder of Connect Academy Trust. “Children from Manadon Vale have been taking part for a few years and we were delighted that another Connect school wanted to join us this year. It’s an incredible event, the atmosphere is electric and the children just thrive on the performance.”

A party of 28 children from Manadon Vale and Widey Court accompanied by six members of staff travelled to Birmingham to appear in the Young Voices 2023 concert at the World Resort Arena.

The two schools from Connect Academy Trust joined together for the trip, having been working on the songs and choreography since the start of the Autumn term.

Shaun Nicholls, headteacher at Widey Court

Enjoying the big event....

Primary said: “Obviously it’s a really early start from Plymouth to get there in time for the afternoon’s rehearsal but the concert in the evening was incredible.

“This is the first time I’ve been to Young Voices and I can see why the children work so hard to get there.” This year, the event featured Heather Small as a guest singer. She is well known for a long musical history including fronting M People and for singing ‘Proud’ as a tribute to the 2012 Olympic athletes at the Pride of Britain Awards.

At the concert, she led the choir in a rousing rendition of ‘Proud’ which had all the children on their feet in a choreographed performance.

Other highlights were an electric violin performed alongside some of the world’s best beat-boxers, creating a fusion of classic and modern music that filled the stadium.

“We’re already thinking about the future and since all our schools have a great musical tradition, we’d eventually love to have all of our family of eight primary schools taking part together,” added Sarah Ryder. “Connect has a strong collaborative ethos so I can’t see anything stopping us from making that happen.”

Plymouth City Council will be part of the government’s new Start for Life programme which will see the development of Family Hubs across the country with access to additional funding. The aim of the hubs is to provide a joined-up service that’s easy to access for families with children of all ages, where they can find the information, advice and guidance they need.

Barnardo’s, Action for Children and LARK who currently run the children’s centres in Plymouth will have their contracts renewed from April 2023 for an additional two years.

The new contracts will see a change to the way services are delivered over time as the city moves towards developing the new multi-agency Family Hubs. Some buildings used by the children’s centres are already shared with partners, such as midwives and health visitors, so options to consolidate locations and create more opportunities to co-locate are being considered to make savings, while still making sure they meet the needs of local families.

A statutory consultation will soon be taking place to get families’ views on the changes, which aim to make sure that spaces are used efficiently and that the help available from the centres is easily accessible to those who need it.

Children’s centres currently support families with children from birth to five years old, whereas Family Hubs will bring more services together and expand this offer to support those with children aged from 0 to 19, or up to 25 years old for young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “We know that providing local families with the help and support they need as early as we possibly can makes a real difference and helps to give children the best possible start in life. Our children’s centres have a vital role to play in this network, offering a welcoming and safe space for families where they can access a range of services.

“I’m delighted that we’re part of the government’s Start for Life programme which will help us to transform these centres into Family Hubs and ensure that joined up help will soon be available. With support for local children from birth right through to their teenage years, we’ll be able to help them grow into happy, healthy adults.”

The council is aiming to launch the first Family Hubs in Plymouth this summer.

Logan’s winning image

Logan Davies

Pupils from Widey Court Primary and Manadon Vale School setting off for the concert

Argyle legend Jack Leslie inducted into national Football Hall of Fame

Argyle legend Jack Leslie - the first Black player ever to be called up by England - was posthumously inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at London Stadium ahead of West Ham United’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea on February 13.

Club Ambassador Ronnie Mauge attended on behalf of Argyle, joining Jack Leslie Campaign founders, and Argyle fans, Matt Tiller and Greg Foxsmith, Leslie’s family and a number of football greats to mark an emotional occasion.

Born in Canning Town in 1901 to a Jamaican father and English mother, Leslie started his career playing for non-league Barking Town, scoring over 250 goals and winning the London League title, before going on to become a goalscoring great and captain during 14 seasons at Argyle between 1921-35.

It was during his time at Home Park, in 1925, that the inside-left received a call-up for England’s Home Nations Championship international with Ireland, only for the invitation to be withdrawn because of the colour of his skin.

Despite the huge disappointment, Leslie continued to play superbly for the Greens for another decade, scoring 137 goals in 401 games, but he was never selected by England again.

A serious eye injury forced him to retire as a professional in 1935 and, after returning to east London and his original trade as a boilermaker in the East India Docks, he worked in the Hammers’ boot room in the 1960s and 1970s after being approached by manager Ron Greenwood. He worked with the likes of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds before retiring at the age of 82. He died in 1988, aged 87.

With his story little known, the Jack Leslie Campaign was founded in 2020 by Tiller and Foxsmith to celebrate, shine a light, and serve justice to his career and legacy. Through their tireless community crowdfunding and education efforts, the campaign achieved their six-figure target and saw their ambition of an incredible statue of Jack become reality in October of 2022.

With support from Jack’s descendants, Argyle, West Ham United, Barking FC and football fans near and far, the Campaign’s pursuit of justice saw the FA award Jack a posthumous honorary England cap, 97 years after his original call-up, to coincide

Jonathan Drean named as Lord Mayor Designate

Plymouth’s next Lord Mayor will be Councillor Jonathan Drean, following the recommendation of the Lord Mayor Selection Committee.

The recommendation will be put forward at the next Full Council meeting in March before it is fully agreed.

Councillor Drean is the Cabinet Member for Transport and Joint Chair of Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee, a member of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority and was first elected to represent the Budshead Ward in Plymouth in 2007. He also served as the Deputy Lord Mayor in 2009 to 2010.

with the statue’s grand unveiling.

On February 13, just a few miles from his former home in Gerard Road, Canning Town, Jack was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in a pitch side ceremony at London Stadium.

There, National Football Museum CEO Tim Desmond presented the award to Jack’s three granddaughters, alongside West Ham legends Sir Trevor Brooking and Carlton Cole and the team behind the Jack Leslie Campaign.

Sir Trevor Brooking, West Ham United legend, said: “Jack was a lovely man who would do anything for you, and I am delighted to see him honoured with this special induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.

“Jack’s story serves as an important reminder of the discrimination that Black players have suffered in years gone by, and it shows how they paved the way for those who followed them to be treated equally and become heroes, judged on their ability and skill rather than the colour of their skin.

“I’m sure he would be very proud to know that this special honour has been presented at London Stadium, and it is wonderful to have his family and members of the Jack Leslie Campaign here to accept it on his behalf.”

Matt Tiller from the Jack Leslie Campaign said: “We are delighted that fans from across the football community have responded positively to Jack’s story, and none more so than fans of Argyle

where Jack played professionally and West Ham where Jack was welcomed and still remembered fondly by legends such as Clyde Best and Sir Trevor Brooking.

“His induction into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame is a great honour, welcomed by the Campaign and Jack’s family.”

The National Football Museum Hall of Fame aims to celebrate and highlight the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to football. Judges voted unanimously to induct Leslie in recognition of his stellar career and important story, laying foundations for the ethnically diverse sporting community of the future.

Tim Desmond, chief executive of the National Football Museum, said: “In 2019 we relaunched the National Football Museum Hall of Fame to be more representative of stories that are part of the holistic importance and significance of football, rather than just excellence in the sport. Since then, the museum researched stories such as Jack’s and many other players that acted as true trailblazers. We are delighted now to induct Jack into the Hall of Fame; he was truly a forerunner and now takes his rightful place amongst the greats of the game.”

The Hall of Fame, supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association, celebrates the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game, either on or off the pitch.

Disused depot makes way for new care facility

A former council depot is being demolished to make way for a new care multi-million pound facility for adults.

Plymouth City Council is investing £10 million to create a centre of excellence combining specialist emergency and planned respite and day care services for people with complex physical and learning disabilities.

The Outland Road depot, on the edge of Central Park, was once the home of the council’s parks department but is no longer in use.

The site will now be cleared to allow the building of the brand new facility. Detailed plans for the building will be shared with the public, service users and their families during a consultation process this spring, but it’s set to include:

• A range of modern en-suite bedrooms and flats designed to maximise independence and allow support for adults with a wide range of disabilities

• Spaces for activity and learning

• Sensory rooms, outdoor spaces and quiet spaces for relaxation and therapy

Councillor Dr John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social

Care, said: “This new facility is going to be absolutely fantastic for some of our city’s most vulnerable residents.

“ I’m delighted that we’re taking another step towards it becoming a reality with the demolition of the former depot.

“‘As a councillor for Peverell Ward I am particularly pleased with the use of this derelict site on the edge of Central Park, one of Plymouth’s most beautiful spaces. This will open up lots of opportunities for people using the centre to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time in nature which is so important for wellbeing.”

Once built, the facility will replace Colwill Lodge in Estover, which currently provides overnight short breaks and respite and the Vine in Whitleigh which provides daytime support. There is no other respite provision available in Plymouth for this client group.

Demolition of the existing buildings on site is being carried out by Wring Group and is expected take around eight weeks.

Procurement for the construction of the new facility will take place later this year.

Jonathan was born in Portsmouth and moved to Plymouth in 1969. His Father the late Tom Drean MBE was in the Royal Navy, and was also Deputy Lord Mayor during May 1987 to May 1988. For many years Jonathan worked in the aviation Industry, having started his career in 1978 at the Plymouth Airport, where he worked for Brymon Airways, and was later based at Heathrow Airport for 28 years.

He has worked with local residents and traders in the city on various improvement schemes, and also with many local transport companies to help improve their services within the city, such as rail, long distance coaches, continental ferries and various arrival gateways into the city.

Jonathan is married to Geraldine, who also works in the travel industry. Their Christian faith is very important to them and they attend and support their local church together.

As well as the official duties, Jonathan is looking forward to meeting many local voluntary charities and organisations, faith groups and supporting their fund raising events like flower festivals and the PMAC, a Youth Musical Group for nine to 18 Year olds, where Jonathan first attended a concert with his father in 1987, and in 2009 when he was Deputy Lord Mayor.

Councillor Drean said: “It is a huge honour to be asked to be the Lord Mayor Designate. I am looking forward to meeting and representing as many citizens, organisations, and charities of Plymouth during the year of office.

“Connecting with the people of Plymouth, the local communities, organisations and civic engagements is something that I am really passionate about and being elected as the Lord Mayor of Plymouth will reflect just this.”

Tim Desmond (left) and Ronnie Mauge (right) pictured with members of Jack Leslie’s family and campaign founders Matt Tiller and Greg Foxsmith

The former council depot in Outland Road

Cllr Jonathan Drean with Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann

Experience

Springtime certainly feels like the most dramatic time of change in the year. The daylight hours get longer and temperatures slowly warm up as winter gradually releases its grip.

Changes can be seen all over the place. Bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils all come into bloom and trees and bushes start budding with new growth.

At the time of writing this myself and my family are going through one of the most sizeable changes it is possible to have, that of the arrival of a brand new family members. My wife is pregnant and due any day with our second child.

Just like the changes from Winter to Spring, there is so much about this big change that we’re excited about. Not least our daughter who is getting ever more excited about becoming a big sister. Change in our lives is one of those things, like death and taxes, that is absolutely guaranteed. Change is also quite daunting and at times very difficult to deal with. This goes without saying when it comes to negative changes like losing a job or the passing of a loved one, but change in general isn’t easy to navigate.

When everything’s changing...

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

We’re very excited about the arrival of our child but it is equally daunting embracing this change to our lives. We have to face the sleepless nights all over again for one thing!

Our daughter’s anticipation for becoming a sister is very pure, mostly because she has no concept of what this is really going to be like. We know she’ll make an excellent sister but equally she is bound to find the change in her life a challenge. She isn’t going to solely have her parent’s attention anymore.

She’s going to have to share us, her toys and lots of other things with her new sibling. Toddlers aren’t exactly renowned for finding all of that easy!

I recently spoke with someone who told me that change is one of the things they find most challenging in life. That might be the case for you too.

Whilst I was looking through the track listing for Cross Rhythms Plymouth I came

across a song by Family Force 5 which was especially relevant. Its title is ‘When Everything’s Changing’.

The lyrics in the chorus speak of a way in which the songwriter copes with change;

When everything’s changing

You are my constant

I’d be lost without You

You might interpret this as being a constant person in your life who enables you to process change. A spouse, best friend or family member perhaps. The constancy of the love and support from people in our lives is a significant support but it isn’t this to which the songwriter is referring.

The song is about how Jesus is the one who is truly constant in our lives and is able to give us the comfort and stability we need to face any change.

Friends let us down, spouses can leave and family members aren’t always

Meghan Field takes on key role in work of the VWAG Commission in Plymouth

A new strategic lead has joined Plymouth City Council, to help drive forward the recommendations from the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission across the city.

The Plymouth multi-agency Commission was established in January 2022 by Plymouth City Council following the tragic murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod. Since the final report has been published organisations have been working hard across the city to shine a light on the issue and drive culture change, create safe spaces, ensure that women and girls in Plymouth are supported and empowered to report violence and abuse and get the support they need at the right time and in the right place.

One of the key recommendations from the Commission was that a new strategic lead be recruited to help drive forward this work.

Meghan Field joined the council last month and is passionate about combatting violence against women and girls. Throughout her 25 year career she has worked across the globe to support victims and design and deliver community responses to violence against women and girls in both the charity and public sectors.

She is also a certified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and managed a frontline IDVA service in West London for three years before taking on a range of roles including the VAWG Strategic Lead for central London, co-founder of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, and most recently the Director of Advance Women’s Charity in London.

Now in Plymouth, Meghan has been appointed to work in collaboration with the

Safer Plymouth partnership to ensure that violence against women and girls is kept high on the city’s agenda. She will be leading on:

• The development of a city wide blueprint/ action plan to address male violence and improve the local response to VAWG

• Ensuring that the city blueprint and commitment to tackling male violence against women and girls is embedded in the Plymouth Plan

• Developing a local repository for information, campaigns, policy, details of quality assured training courses and materials and best practice relating to VAWG

• Regularly monitoring and reporting on the delivery of the VAWG Commission recommendations and provide ongoing evaluation of their impact.

Meghan said: “Empowering women and girls, and combatting violence against women and girls. Could not be more important to me. My whole career has been dedicated to this in one way or another.

“Plymouth is trailblazing in its work so far.

I have been impressed with the work of the Commission to strive to do more. What is really clear is that to eliminate male violence against women and girls, one individual cannot do it alone. It is down to all of us. Working together to achieve one clear goal.

“I hope to be able to pull all the good work that is already being delivered in Plymouth together and help identify the gaps moving forward. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to making a difference to this great city.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission for Plymouth, said: “We are

thrilled that Meghan has been able to join us. This is such an important role and getting the right person for the job was vital.

“Meghan’s vast experience in this field is second to none. She not only brings her personal dedication, but thanks to her impressive CV, she will also be able to share best practice. I look forward to working with her in the months ahead to really drive the Commission recommendations forward.”

consistent with their love and care for us but according to the testimony of the Bible and the experience of many millions of Christians in the world today and throughout history, Jesus is a very real and every faithful support in all the various stages of our lives.

The one who created us and knows us best invites us to live our lives with Him and to know the peace of His presence as we navigate the changes of life.

Myself and my wife are very privileged to have great family and friends nearby who we know will help us through the impending change we’re facing but much more importantly for us than that, we know that Jesus is with us.

This reality helped us so profoundly in the turmoil and change of 2020 when we had to raise our first child in the midst of a pandemic. The best thing is He is just as available to you now as He has been for us.

NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR AT SCIENCE PARK

Plymouth Science Park has announced the appointment of a new finance and business development director.

Neil McLeod took on his first finance director position in 1996 with a FTSE 100 company in Milton Keynes, and has since enjoyed a career delivering on growth and sales for a range of successful companies.

Following his move to Devon 20 years ago, Neil managed the acquisition of a medical insurance business with 15,000 customers for local insurance provider The Exeter, then joined Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall in 2008 as finance director, helping to grow the business from four to 12 restaurants.

In his new role Neil will also be leading on business development, helping more innovative science, technology and healthcare organisations to utilise Plymouth Science Park’s cutting-edge facilities.

Neil said: “I’m delighted to start the next chapter of my career at Plymouth Science Park. It’s a thriving 25-acre hub of regional, national and international science and technology companies, and I’m excited to grow our community of innovative tenants, and build on the partnership between the Park, the University of Plymouth, and Plymouth City Council.”

Ian McFadzen, chief executive of Plymouth Science Park, said: “Neil’s experience and knowledge in finance and new business will play a key role in the Park’s future growth, as we look to build our community of like-minded STEM innovators.”

Dave Simpson

Meghan Field

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Local families and children encouraged to join The Wild Escape

The Box is joining The Wild Escape, a major new project uniting hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses with schools and families to explore nature and creativity.

Led by national charity Art Fund with support from Arts Council England, the project is the largest ever collaboration between UK museums.

Taking place between now and July, The Wild Escape invites children to find a favourite animal in their local museum and create an artwork imagining its journey to a natural habitat. The pictures and stories they create will be brought together in a collective work of art that imagines a better future for wildlife.

It will be launched online and in selected museums on Earth Day 2023. Visit www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023/ for details.

As part of The Wild Escape, The Box will be working with St Peter’s CE Primary School in Rendle Street, Plymouth on a series of workshops connected to evolution.

During the sessions they’ll be exploring the Six-Banded nomad bee – Britain’s rarest type of bee which can be found on the nearby South Devon coast – and its reliance on particular habitats and other species for survival.

The Box will also be supporting the school with its plans to redevelop its grounds through a donation of wildflower seeds.

During the Easter holidays, on April 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 11 to 15, and on Earth Day on April 22, The Box will be running free, family-friendly drop-in sessions inspired by Six-Banded nomad bee too. From headdresses and seed balls to bee homes and puppets; activities will vary from day to day and will give everyone who comes along the chance to be creative whilst learning more about this amazing insect and The Box’s natural history collections.

The Wild Escape is an opportunity to join the urgent conversation about climate change and biodiversity loss and look for solutions that will benefit nature, in partnership with leading environmental charities the RSPB and WWF and cultural organisations English Heritage and the National Trust.

The project is inspired by ‘Wild Isles’, a landmark BBC series that will air this year. Presented by David Attenborough, the programme will focus on Britain’s spectacular wildlife.

Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, said: “I’m thrilled that The Box is joining hundreds of organisations from across the country to connect thousands of children with the natural world.

Thanks to the invaluable support of Arts Council England, The Wild Escape will empower families and children to visit and discover our wonderful museums, whilst taking positive action to picture a better future for our wildlife.”

Plenty of pancake fun at Eggbuckland

Shrove Tuesday was a delightful day in Foundation at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School.

The children enjoyed a day to remember, with lots of laughter and fun for both the children and their teachers.  The fun all started with the story of Mr Wolf’s Pancakes, a friendly wolf who wanted to make pancakes for the very first time, but none of his traditional tale neighbours would help him.

The children were surprised by the twist at the end, and they were pleased to see him enjoying the yummy pancakes he had made.

Before tasting some lovely pancakes for themselves, the children discussed Lent and why Christians eat pancakes the day before Lent begins. Each of the children shared the favourite food they would give up for the 40 days on the run up to Easter.

Sweet treats of chocolate and candies were the most popular, but some choices were a little more unusual and surprising, such as broccoli and apples.

The children then used their senses to explore the taste, smell and texture of different pancakes. They tried Scotch pancakes and crepes with a topping of chocolate, lemon and syrup.

The highlight of the day was when the children enjoyed an afternoon of Pancake

Racing around the playground. The teachers were very proud of how well the children took turns, followed instructions and worked as

a team. Laughing, cheering and supporting shouts were heard throughout the fun filled event.

Ready, get set.....

Waiting patiently,....

Racing away with the pancakes....

NEW NATURE PATH FORMALLY OPENED IN SEATON VALLEY

A vast swathe of green space in the heart of Plymouth has been formally opened to the public for the first time thanks to a new walking and cycling route.

The brand new, purpose-build Seaton Valley Nature Path stretches for nearly two kilometres and links the green space between Tailyour Road and Hunter Close in Crownhill to Forder Valley Road, near to the entrance of Poole Farm.

It is the first part of 5.6 kilometres of offroad network that will give easy pedestrian and cycle access to the nearby Forder and Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserves and previously inaccessible greenspace along the Seaton Valley.

Although the path has been open for a number of weeks, it has now received the finishing touches with tree planting and hedge laying all completed by Green Minds volunteers.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to get this path open to the public so that this beautiful part of the city can be enjoyed by all. One of the big selling points for me is that so many communities can be sustainable linked for the first time.

“I’ve always said that we’re not going to get people out of their cars and on their bikes overnight, but if we invest in infrastructure like this, if we continue to set an example, it can only help in all our journeys towards carbon neutrality.”

Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet member for Climate Change, added: “Sustainable transport facilities like this are so important, not just for the environment, but for people’s health.

“I can’t wait to see people of all ages enjoying the new path.”

The path was funded by the Transforming

Cities Fund and Green Minds and its construction has ticked off another action on the city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Green Minds is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Urban Innovative Actions Initiative.

A full ecological assessment has been completed as part of the scheme to ensure that the impact to wildlife was effectively controlled and mitigated and supports the aim of the Community Park being a highquality site to benefit people and wildlife.

The new path is crucial to the wider

Derriford Community Park project, which will see 147 hectares of beautiful natural space with wooded valleys, wildflower meadows and rivers around Poole Farm opened to the public.

Further paths and routes are set to follow this as part of the delivery of the Forder Valley Link Road, which is set to open shortly.

A further celebration event, open to public, will be held at Poole Farm during February half term. Follow Poole Farm on social media for more details at facebook.com/

PooleFarmPlymouth

Archery contest is a big hit at Thornbury

Twenty-five children from five Plymouth schools recently took part in an archery tournament, led by Claire Cormack from Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership.

The children came from Eggbuckland Vale, Leigham, Manadon Vale, Thornbury and Widey Court.

Using high quality archery targets, bows and arrows provided by the host school, Thornbury, the children were given three attempts to reach their best score.

They were supported by, Year 5 and 6 Thornbury Sports Leaders, who have received training in sports leadership. The atmosphere in the school hall was full of energy and excitement, as each child focussed on mastering the technique required and trying to beat their personal best.

Some of the children had done a little archery before, but all said how much they felt they had improved.

All five schools are members of Connect Academy Trust, which organises a halftermly Connect Games, so that children get the opportunity to represent their school, have new experiences and compete in different sports.

Claire Hardisty, headteacher at Thornbury Primary School said: “It was lovely to see our school hall full of children from the five Plymouth schools in our Trust.  There was a real focus on building resilience and enjoying being part of an inclusive sporting community.

“The children concentrated really hard and were determined to master the technique and set a new personal best. We are very proud of all the children who took part in the archery event.”

Councillor Jonathan Drean officially opens the Seaton Valley Nature Path, backed by Green Minds volunteers who have helped with the finishing touches

The Eggbuckland Vale team who took part in the archery contest

NHS Devon accused of ‘dithering’ over funding for new West End health hub

Plymouth City Council is calling on NHS Devon to stop dithering and get the West End Health hub built – before the fixed price from the contractor expires.

Council Leader Richard Bingley and Leader of the Opposition Councillor Tudor Evans have written a joint letter to the chair of Devon’s Integrated Care System, Sarah Wollaston, urging them to get on with the build of the scheme which would be a game changer for the health and wellbeing of Plymouth residents.

Councillor Bingley said: “Plymouth has massive health service delivery issues and we need to proceed to building the West End Health Hub.

“We know finances are tight but have looked at the figures and are prepared to take out a loan to pay for the build, if NHS Devon can pay it back.

“We are in this strange situation where the council has done everything it possibly can to make this project happen. The full business case has been approved, it’s got full planning permission, we’ve cleared the site and have secured five dentist chairs with confirmed funding from NHS England.

“We fully understand the need for NHS Devon to balance its books, but we firmly believe that a failure to fund this now is counterintuitive – saving pennies and wasting pounds.

“Health prevention and early intervention has to be at the heart of tackling the systemic problems in the NHS and the health hub is critical to turning this around.”

The facility was intended to form a key part of a

strategy to help address Plymouth’s long standing health inequalities, support a pressurised primary care system, improve prevention and out of hospital services and reduce pressure on Derriford Hospital.

The hub is due to be built in Stonehouse, which is one of the most deprived wards in the south west. Life expectancy is 7.5 years lower than the national average; health outcomes are poorer; more cardiovascular and heart disease are found in younger people than elsewhere.

Emergency department attendances are 18 per cent higher for this ward than the Plymouth average, diabetes is 16 per cent higher and

alcohol related acute admissions are 6.9 per 1000 population, compared to the Plymouth average is 1.9 out of 1000. Overall, the city has significantly worse performance than the rest of England.

Councillor Tudor Evans said: “We know of areas in Devon where the need is less, yet funding is available to them – is NHS Devon favouring those who know how to use the system and leaving behind those who don’t or won’t? There are people of Plymouth who cannot get a GP appointment, who cannot get an NHS dentist and who are being put at unnecessary risk due to the lack of patient care and prevention services.

“Over to you NHS Devon. We know there are demands across the region – but this Devon’s biggest city, it is home to the largest hospital which is stretched beyond belief with no relief in sight.

“There’s too much dithering, drift and delay; we are on a fixed build price from the contractor – but there is a deadline. We have an answer right here, ready to go.”

There remains significant health disparities with the city’s Public Health grant allocation 74th out of 152 areas, despite being ranked 52nd most deprived. Plymouth lost out on a significant amount of funding when the primary care governance was overhauled and the Primary Care Trust merged with the Clinical Commissioning Group. As a result it has been acknowledged and agreed that Plymouth would receive further funding of £15 million. To date only £5m has been received. The council is currently pushing for full disclosure on the status of the fair shares money.

homes in Derriford and North edition

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

The April edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on March 31 with a copy deadline of March 20.

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

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Councillors Bingley and Evans on the site of the proposed health hub