Plymouth Chronicle May North 2024

Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth

Local companies are giving their time free of charge to update or write wills, in

UK BREAKS

Departing Thu 18 Jul ‘24

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

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove with dinner & breakfast

 Heritage train journey on the Severn Valley Railway

 Cruise on the River Severn with light refreshments

 Excursions to Ludlow Market & Blists Hill Museum

Departing Mon 19 Aug ‘24

Take a journey through winding mountain passes and picturesque Border Towns to discover the wonders of North Wales. With a visit to the historical estate, Tatton Park also included, this five-day break makes for a truly charming holiday.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast

 Porterage

 Entertainment some evenings

 Horse-drawn cruise on the Llangollen Canal

 Excursions to Chester, Mold, Llangollen & Tatton Park

Departing Mon 19 Aug ‘24

Enjoy a visit to the unique, Italianate village of Portmeirion and discover the historic railways and meandering tramways of North Wales on this fantastic five-day break, based in Llandudno, the ‘Queen of the Welsh Resorts’.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Grand Hotel, Llandudno (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment some evenings

 Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway

 Free time in Llandudno

 Free excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion

Plymouth-based Royal Navy chef is named best in the Services

A Royal Navy chef from Plymouth has been named the best in the Armed Forces after showing exceptional skill and unwavering commitment while deployed on operations.

Petty Officer Cat Taylor was singled out after patrol ship HMS Trent was widely praised for the quality of its food, especially in challenging or unusual locations – the ship was deployed to West Africa last autumn and has been in Caribbean since December.

Cat, originally from Weston-Super-Mare but now living with her family in Plymouth, was crowned Armed Forces Caterer of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Public Sector Awards in London.

“I’m still in complete shock if I’m honest, but I am honoured to have been nominated for the award and absolutely blown away by winning,” said Cat, who was named Royal Navy Caterer of the Year in February and subsequently put forward for the Armed Forces prize.

“I can’t take all the credit though; my team onboard Trent have been truly amazing, and I couldn’t have done what I have without their dedication and support… and also, my mum and daughter for always motivating me to keep doing what I love.”

Newly-appointed Fleet Caterer, Warrant Officer George Mee, noted Cat’s leadership and unwavering commitment as she and her team upheld exceptional standards of excellence even during challenging deployments – and the complexities of operating off the coast of West Africa.

“Despite limited support and supply obstacles, her innovative menus and the team’s evident passion for catering have set a new benchmark for excellence,” George said.

“It is an honour to commend Petty Officer Taylor for her outstanding dedications and hard work, which reflect the highest standards of the Royal Navy Catering Services specialisation.”

George also recognised Cat’s contributions to her unit, branch and the Royal Navy as a whole after edging out fellow chefs from the RAF and British Army to win the top prize.

With only around 50 sailors typically

on-board Trent and five caterers, Cat performs one shift in four in the galley alongside her tight-knit team, who are expected to provide three hot meals for shipmates 365 days a year.

She’s also the driving force behind ensuring the finest food is served to guests for the many defence engagement duties the patrol ship performs on patrol, where Trent and her sailors are ‘roaming ambassadors’ for the UK on an almost weekly basis.

Cat joined the Royal Navy 18 years ago at the age of 17 and has served extensively at sea – almost exclusively in Plymouth-based warships, including survey vessels HMS Enterprise and Echo, assault ships Albion and Bulwark, helicopter carrier HMS Ocean and frigates HMS Northumberland and Somerset.

For good measure she’s also served at the Royal Marines bases at Stonehouse and Lympstone.

Plymouth to get new fleet of 50 electric buses with big grant

Plymouth is to take delivery of 50 stateof-the-art electric buses, following a £9.5 million grant from the Government. The Department for Transport has provided funding totalling £43.4 million to nine councils across the South West which will deliver more than 350 zero emission double decker buses.

Plymouth City Council led the successful bid for funding in partnership with Plymouth Citys and Cornwall Council. The new fleet will operate in Plymouth and on the Rame Peninsula. The electric charging infrastructure will be located at the Plymouth City’s depot in Milehouse.

This will mean better transport to places of work, education, leisure and healthcare and improvements in air quality. It will also strongly support the climate change ambitions in the city council’s Net Zero Action Plan.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Cutting emissions from the transport sector is a top priority for the council and its partners. The introduction of electric buses within Plymouth and its wider travel-to-work area will be an important step on our path towards net zero whilst supporting cleaner air.”

• New electric cars en route to Plymouth – see story on page 7

Bus route change to serve Royal Eye Infirmary

A new bus link between the city centre and William Prance Road in Derriford is starting in April.

Stagecoach South West’s 1A service will now operate via William Prance Road, providing passengers with much closer access to the Royal Eye Infirmary.

The route change has been made thanks to developer contributions via Plymouth City Council. It will run every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday (excluding bank holidays). The service 1 will continue to operate via Tavistock Road.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Patients visiting the new Royal Eye Infirmary have expressed difficulty in getting there by bus so we are delighted to be able to fund this route change. One of the nine passenger priorities in our Bus Service Improvement Plan is to provide new and extended routes to key areas and locations, which is exactly what the service to the eye infirmary achieves.”

Councillor Kevin Sproston, the council’s Bus Champion, said: “The need for a bus link to the Royal Eye Infirmary has been raised by residents and Plymouth’s Enhanced Partnership Forum – the group set up to provide opportunities for discussing issues affecting Plymouth’s bus network.”

Petty Officer Cat Taylor - Armed Forces Caterer of the Year

Cat Taylor pictured with TV presenter Colin Murray at the awards ceremony

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.

Car Boot Sale

Sundays

Coypool Park and Ride, Plymouth. Open for sellers from 7am and buyers from 8am. Cars £8, vans £10. Free parking for buyers. Toilets on site and dogs welcome on leads. All entry fees collected go to Colebrook Community Centre, a small local charity.

Southway’s Spring Table Top Sale

May 11

From 1pm to 3pm at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway. Lots of goodies available, plus children’s crafts and tombola. For more information or to book a table at £5 contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

One for the ladies!

May 18

Ladies bowls morning between 10am and 12 noon at Plymstock Bowling Club, Furzehatt Road, Plymstock. All ladies (and partners if they would like) to come along and try both outdoor lawn bowling and indoor short mat bowling at this friendly club. No experience necessary, just take along a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers. Refreshments supplied. For more information contact Chris on 07956877688 or email info@ plymstockbowlingclub.co.uk

Spring Fayre

May 18

St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle from 12 noon to 2pm. Various stalls, including tombola, gifts and grannie’s attic. Tea/coffee and light refreshments.

Pasty and Quiz Night

May 25

Ford Park Cemetery at 7pm. Tickets £10. To book call 01752 665442.

Sleeping with the Sharks

May 25

Join the National Marine Aquarium in an unforgettable sleepover, where guests will get to experience what happens after dark in the underwater world! Explore the aquarium after hours and see whales, stingrays, fishes, jellyfish and more all while getting involved with games, crafts and even some exhibition tours! The night will also include a number of educational opportunities. Then enjoy a movie on the big screen before tucking in and settling down for bed in front of the Eddystone Reef tank which contains fantastic local species such as sharks, crabs, lobsters and eels! Details at www.national-aquarium.co.uk/events/ sleeping-with-sharks-at-the-aquarium

Green Man Weekend

May 25 and 26

Fantastic mix of entertainment provided by local bands circus acts, Morris Dancers, re-enactment groups and much more ay Mount Edgcumbe. Traditional family activities will be running throughout the event along with food and craft stalls, bouncy castles, beer tent and much more. Details at www. mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Freedom Community Festival Day

May 26

This year’s one-day event from 11am to 6pm will feature a folk/acoustic line up of local music including the Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band, Andy Quick, Dr Thuds Remedy, Matthew North, Modern life, The Spectacles, The Ukeabillies and Mad Rush. This year will also feature a dedicated local history tent hosted by Old Plymouth society. This will be focused on

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

events linked to Freedom Fields Park and the siege of Plymouth during the English Civil War. Plus all the other usual family friendly attractions, craft stalls, catering, inflatables and community information stalls. For details call 07722308462.

Flavour Fest

May 31 to Jun 2

The south west’s largest food and drink festival returns to Plymouth city centre for its 20th anniversary. This year’s event will be even bigger and better, featuring an exciting new entertainment zone where visitors can kick back and relax, soak up the atmosphere of live music and enjoy amazing food. Over 80 stalls of fantastic local produce, tasting sessions and, new for this year, bookable masterclasses, workshops, themed demonstrations and children’s activities, to mark the anniversary. Details at www.flavourfestsw.co.uk/

Charity Murder Mystery Evening

May 31

Candlelight Murder Mystery present the event in aid of the Samaritans Plymouth at Plympton Conservative Club at 7pm. Tickets £35 including a two course meal. Call Vanessa or Suzanne on 07942 740759 or email shooper2021@gmail.com for details and tickets.

Monsters and Magic Concert

Jun 1

A free themed music concert presented by the University of Plymouth Orchestra at the Davy Hall on the Plymouth University campus. Children’s concert from 3pm, all welcome. Evening concert at 7.30pm. Concerts to include music from Harry Potter, Night on a Bare Mountain and Concerto for Two Clarinets. Admission and refreshments free but donations welcome. Tickets can be booked www.plymouth.ac.uk/ whats-on

Coffee Morning

Jun 1

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12noon. Various stalls in aid of Shelter - the housing and homelessness charity. All welcome.

Caribbean Family Fun Day

Jun 2

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park from 10.30am to 4pm. Featuring steel band and live music, dancing, Caribbean street food, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, rum and cocktail bar and much more. Tickets at www.missivyevents.co.uk

Replica Spanish Galleon set to visit Plymouth

A full-scale replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon is visiting Plymouth in May.

The Galeon Andalucia will be docked at the Barbican Landing Stage from May 15 to 19 from 10am to 8pm. Meanwhile, a second vessel, the schooner Pascual Flores will be docked on a floating pontoon Plymouth Harbour.

Among its creaking timbers the Galeon Andalucia tells the story of the legendary Spanish galleons. The floating museum has an exhibition on five of its decks.

Visitors can also enjoy a three-hour sailing trip along the coast aboard the Pascual Flores. Go aboard the Galeon Andalucia or sail on the Pascual Flores to discover how real sailors lived. To book a guided tour or sailing trip visit www. tickets.velacuadra.es

Miles Jupp on Tour

Jun 4

Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Miles Jupp brings his On I Bang tour to the Main Hall at Plymouth University at 7.30pm. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Open Day

June 12

At the Royal British Legion Plympton & District Club from 12 noon. Usual stalls, attractions, entertainment, grand draw and barbecue. Free entry all welcome.

Plymouth Hope Festival

Jun 15

Annual family fun day festival in Victoria Park from 10am to 5pm. Now the city largest multicultural festival and one of the largest in the region. Celebrating diversity in the community through sports, music, games, art, children play, and food from around the world.

Plymouth Motor Show

Jun 15 and 16

Albion Oaks Rugby Club, Staddiscombe from 10am to 6pm each day. Admission £5 per day. Children under 16 free. Discover a wide range of vehicles on display, from classic cars to modern marvels. Enter precious pets into the Paws4Proceeds Fun Dog Show, with a wide range of catergories, to suit everyone on both days, so giving four-legged friends, a chance to win that much deserved rosette. Registration from 11am, but will except entrants up to the start of each class all classes £1.50 per dog per class. A real treat for all car enthusiasts with food and refreshments available.

Plymouth Model and Railway Show

Jun 30

The show will be held at the John Kitto YMCA Centre from 10am to 4pm. Features include a D-Day 80 display along with local and south west model clubs displaying a large range of static and radio controlled models. These are supported by model railways and traders selling models and accessories. The Centre is disabled friendly and also has a cafe onsite. Admission adults £5, concessions £3 and families £10. Further details from Ken Cork, 01752 258604 or email: ekcork@btinternet.com

Shark Month

Throughout July

A month-long partnership between Royal William Yard and the Shark Trust will see a host of events and activities on various dates during July. Featuring

Oceanic 31 Exhibition, Family Art Activities at Ocean Studios, Shark Quiz Night, Jaws at Everyman Cinema and much more. Full details at www.royalwilliamyard. com/shark-month

St Luke’s Midnight Walk

July 12

The iconic Midnight Walk fundraiser returns with three route options - three miles, six miles or 13.1 miles. the whole family is invited, from young children, teenagers and prams through to seasoned long-distance striders of all ages. This year the walk will start from the Plymouth Argyle Fan Zone at Home Park with a pre-walk warm up from Clubbercise. Details and registration at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/midnight-walk/

RNLI Concert

July 19 and 20

The Down Thomas Singers are dedicating their two night Summer Concerts to the RNLI as it is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The concert ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ held at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas, on July 19 and 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 each with light refreshments and free parking. The music is light and romantic for a summer evening with maybe a Sea Shanty for the worthwhile cause! There’s always a good raffle and closing bucket donations. Tickets available from Secretary June on 01752 299204.

Plymouth Gang Show

July 25 to 27

The Plymouth Scout & Guide Gang Show will be performing at The Devonport Playhouse from July 25 to 27 at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Adults £12 Concessions £10 For more information please contact Andrew on 07810 880536 or go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/plymouth-scout-andguide-gang-show

Falklands Charity Ride

Aug 4

Raising funds for the SAMA82 charity. £5 per bike. Depart Westwood Inn, Lee Mill at 10am finishing with welcome party on Plymouth Hoe at 12 noon. There will be refreshments and charity stalls along with entertainment for children. To register or for further details contact 07714 561287.

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.

Galeon Andalucia pictured sailing into New York recently

“I’ve

To

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

• Single rooms with en-suite facilities

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

• A choice of varied nutritious home-prepared meals

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

• A calendar of varied social activities

• Informal visits welcome anytime

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

Abbeyf eld Tamar Extra Care Soc ety - A Registered Charity (No 1185635) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No 12182254) Registered in England and Wales. Registered Office 11 Brest Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5XN

A student at Arts University Plymouth has secured a six-week summer internship at the world-renowned Wave Murano Glass in Venice.

Mature student Michele Azzopardi, who is studying BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practice, joined Arts University Plymouth in 2022. He approached the internationallyacclaimed glass factory in the hope of learning from the world-leading masters of hot glass and advancing his professional development between the first and second years of his degree.

Funding for the Wave Murano internship comes from the Turing Scheme, the UK’s programme for supporting students to take advantage of the personal and professional development opportunities offered by studying, working and living abroad.

Michele said: “I could not be more excited about this opportunity to learn from one of the most prestigious hot glass studios in the world. I’ve been following Wave Murano on Instagram and expect it to be an incredibly busy commercial glass environment, working long days in the

“The Venice Biennale will be opening while I’m there, with opportunities to experience new work by some of the world’s most influential artists. And alongside the chance to learn from experts at Wave Murano, there’ll be scope for me to create personal work in the evenings, which I’m sure will help me to advance my personal practice at an accelerated pace.”

Speaking of the funding for his trip to Venice, Michele said: “I hadn’t heard of the Turing Scheme before receiving an email about briefings for funded international trips. I went along to find out what was available and learned that I could apply for funding that could cover the cost of my flights and a monthly stipend towards

“That really takes the pressure off. I don’t think there’s any way that I could afford to live and study in Venice for six weeks without

support from the

Michele Azzopardi

Top accolade for former local police sergeant

Former Police Sergeant David Moore has been rewarded with the top accolade of a National Pubwatch Malcolm Eidmans award.

The award recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting Pubwatch. He has been presented with the award for his partnership working and efforts to make the evening and night-time economy safe in Plymouth.

He was nominated for the award by Richard Smith, long-time chairman of Plymouth Pubwatch, who revealed that David had demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the pub and hospitality trade.

He highlighted the role that David has played in creating a trusting working relationship with the police as well as his willingness to develop and support Pubwatch along with other local schemes such as Best Bar None.

He was also credited for his innovation in tackling alcohol and drug related crime in the city. This included tackling the issue of drink spiking in 2019 with the introduction of drink spiking kits being trialled in Plymouth clubs and bars, which was rolled out across the whole force area and throughout other police forces.

David Moore said: “I think that the police have just been seen an ‘enforcers’ for far too long and I wanted to change the narrative around that.  It is imperative that the police should be working with the industry to get the best results. We need to work with licensees as partners to help and support us a safe and profitable night-time economy.”

“It is a huge honour to receive this award, which really recognizes how successful a committed partnership with excellent organisations like Pubwatch can be.”

National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker, said: “David spearheaded partnership working between the police and licensed trade which has helped to make Plymouth a safer place for people to enjoy the late-night economy. As an organisation that supports partnership working it is a privilege to recognise all David’s hard work.”

New Boots pharmacy opens for Derriford Hospital outpatients

Outpatients who need medication following a hospital appointment will now benefit from a new Boots pharmacy facility, which opened at the beginning of April.

Derriford’s outpatient pharmacy faced growing demand with nearly 3000 items dispensed every week meaning it had outgrown its previous space.

The new Boots pharmacy is located adjacent to the multi-storey car park and next door Costa.

Derriford’s chief pharmacist and clinical director of medicines optimisation, Kandarp Thakkar, said: “We’re delighted to officially open today and are

confident that thousands of patients who use this service every week will have a much improved service. In addition, through our partnership with Boots, there will also be every day items that visitors and staff can purchase.”

Ashley Littlewood-Miller, national hospitals manager said: “We’re thrilled to be open and are excited to see our partnership with the Trust develop and look forward to welcoming patients.”

Attending the opening, Jim Griffiths, chair of the Patient Council said: “The Patient Council is delighted to see the opening of the new Pharmacy

facility at Derriford Hospital. The extra space available at the site, longer opening times, and the option for patients to collect their prescriptions at their local Boots branches will, we believe, significantly improve the patient experience.”

The new outpatient pharmacy will open on Saturdays, offering a convenient and modern service to patients.

Patients will now have the option to collect medicines from their local pharmacy through the Boots network in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

50 year old Paul on 50 half marathons in 50 weeks

When former Plymouth Argyle physiotherapist Paul Maxwell turned 50 years old in July 2023, he decided to set himself a challenge – not only for his body, but his mind too. He promised to run a half marathon, every week of the following year.

Paul hopes it will raise awareness about improving your mental health, as well as raising money to improve facilities for patients and staff at Livewell Southwest and Devon Mind. His goal was to raise £2000 but he has since smashed that target.

Paul said: “It started on my own and it has developed to a good group of 20 people. We have currently raised around £8,500 so hopefully we are going to try and target £10,000.

“We are using the title ‘change the tape’, trying to change the thought process of your mind. Step into the unknown. Keep challenging yourself everyday and genuinely be kind and be a good person.”

Livewell Southwest’s chief operating officer Ian Lightley joined him for run number 39 – a very windy and rainy 13 miles around Burrator on Dartmoor.

Ian said: “It is the first time I have run this far. I really enjoyed it. It was great to talk to everyone along the way. They all have a personal story to tell about how mental health has affected their lives in some way. Paul has been quite open about his own journey. I think it is helping him, but also it is helping a lot of other people along the way as well.”

Paul is inviting anyone to join him on the remaining runs. “You don’t have to run a half marathon. You can run 5k, 10k, whatever you want. Just come and

David Moore pictured with his award

Paul Maxwell (left) pictured with Ian Lightley of Livewell Soutwest

New electric cars on route to Plymouth

A new car club to make it easier for people to become less reliant on private cars has just arrived in Plymouth.

Co Wheels have been awarded the contract to run electric cars for hire for the city,  as part of Connect Plymouth, a sustainable transport scheme run by the Council and funded by the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)

Connect Plymouth aims to provide more, affordable and greener travel options for our city and there are currently 510 e-bikes across 104 locations in Plymouth and 32 EV charging bays across 10 locations as part of this initiative.

Co Wheels provides an environmentally friendly, community-based alternative to car ownership, and are one the UK’s largest community interest car club operators. They operate pay-as-you go car clubs, pool car fleet management and franchise operations in over 60 towns and cities across the UK with a 24/7 call centre.

Councillor Tom BriarsDelve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate

Change said: “We are delighted to welcome Co Wheels to Plymouth. Alongside active travel, electric cars have an important role to play in reducing the city’s emissions and our impact on the environment.

“Not only are their cars a greener option but driving them occasionally could be cheaper than purchasing and maintaining another combustion powered vehicle.”

With the average car only being used four per cent of the time, a car club for occasional use could be just the job for a business or leisure trip or even the weekly shop.

The new vehicles will be available to hire from the Exchange Street car park on the Barbican by The Stable restaurant, and North Hill car park. The vehicles can be parked in any residential permit zone for free during their hire.

Richard Falconer, head of Locations and Business Development at Co Wheels said, “We are delighted to be working closely with Plymouth City Council to bring car-sharing to the city. Car share clubs such as Co Wheels, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, contribute to lower carbon emissions and greener, safer cities and we are proud to be meeting the needs of the community by offering a convenient and sustainable alternative to traditional car ownership.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Licensing

Act 2003

Notice is hereby given that We Mediterraneo Cornwall Limited On 22nd April 2024 Have made application to the Plymouth City Council, being the Licensing Authority for the purposes of the above Act, for the variation of a Premises Licence in respect of the premises situated at and known as: Vault72, 72 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LF

The application has been made to vary the licence to amend the hours of operation and Sale of Alcohol Monday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 11:00 to 22:00

Other Variation Removal of Conditions in Annex 2 under the prevention of public nuisance 1, 2, and 3, And remove No Adult Entrainment and include The Provision of recorded music Friday & Saturday 23:00 – 00:00

Any representations to this application should be made in writing or electronically to:

Public Protection Service Manager, Licensing Office, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth. PL1 3BJ. licensing@plymouth.gov.uk (for electronic representations please provide your postal address).

NOT LATER THAN 20th May 2024 (This is the 28th day commencing from the day after the application was submitted to the Council)

A copy of this application can be viewed on the Council’s licensing register or at the Licensing Office address during normal office hours.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary conviction being £5000. This notice must be kept exhibited for not less than 29 consecutive days from the day after the application date.

Free counselling sessions for city veterans thanks to AgeUK Plymouth

“Starting with two electric MG4s, we are excited to see the scheme grow to up to 10 vehicles over the next few years.”

There is a new joiners offer for residents to get a free membership and £20 driving credit when you become a Co Wheels member.

This is usually a £25 joining fee and £5 a month. Driving credit expires three months from account verification. Find out more: Plymouth | Co Wheels (co-wheels.org.uk)

More information about Connect Plymouth:  https:// connectplymouth.org/

With the support of a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Age UK Plymouth have been able to deliver a series of one-to-one counselling sessions designed to support veterans who might be looking to build and maintain good mental health.

A flexible six to 10 week programme is available free of charge to veterans over 50 years or with disabilities and has been utilised by those living with a range of challenges to their mental wellbeing including PTSD, low level depression and social isolation.

The funding has seen a qualified, independent therapeutic counsellor appointed and the programme is going from strength to strength with the service now diversifying into group therapy sessions.

With previous courses of group counselling sessions focusing on themes such as ‘Coping with Anxiety and Depression.’ these group sessions offer a space for clients to share with others who feel the same and can look to finding a way forward together.

Georgina Edwards of Counterpoint Therapy has been running both the individual and group sessions. She said: “All of our counselling opportunities start with a one-to-one consultation with myself, it’s important to establish if the counselling process is suitable for their needs and set their expectations so that they can get the greatest possible benefit from the service.

“It takes a lot of courage to recognised that you could benefit from additional support. By engaging with the service, I hope people will have the opportunity to explore what they bring in a held and supported environment, where they can find a new way of viewing and approaching their concerns, and a different way to relate to those around them.”

Sarah Allen, Age UK Plymouth’s head of Wellbeing, Information and Advice highlighted the importance of making the service easily available to the city’s veterans.

She said: “Counselling can offer an important opportunity for anyone to improve their wellbeing. As a charity working with people over 50 we’re supporting a generation for whom mental health just wasn’t part of the conversation. In a time when accessing mental health support can be a lengthy and arduous process, it is of the upmost importance that we are able to bring an easily accessible service to our clients.”

Individual counselling sessions take place at Age UK Plymouth’s William and Patricia Venton Centre in Mount Gould with virtual, online sessions available by request. Group sessions take place at Four Greens Community Trust in Whitleigh.

Each six week course is limited to eight participants with future subjects including ‘Reconnecting with Civilian Life after leaving the Forces,’ ‘Recognising the impact of PTSD on Everyday Life’ and ‘Ways of Reconnecting Positively with your Family, Friends and Community.’

For more information about taking part or referring someone into the Regi-Mental Wellbeing Service, please email Georgina. edwards@ageukplymouth.org.uk or call 07300 334033.

Councillor Tom Briars- Delve pictured with one of the new Co Wheels electric cars

City MP slams South West Water after big increase in sewage spills

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard has slammed South West Water’s ‘utter disregard for public health’ after latest figures revealed that sewage spills in Plymouth rose by almost a third in 2023.

Luke Pollard says the Government is ‘turning a blind eye to raw sewage dumping, after Environment Agency figures showed that 15,239 hours of sewage was pumped into rivers and seas from storm outflow sites in Plymouth from 3,268 spills – an average of nine spills a day. Across the South West, there was an eye-watering 83% increase in total hours spilt from 58,249 discharges.

Across England, last year was worst for sewage spills since records began. Sewage was discharged for an eyewatering record 3.6 million hours across England in 2023 –more than double the previous year.

South West Water ranked second highest among all water companies for sewage spills, with an average of 43.4 sewage spills per storm overflow, trailing only behind United Utilities with 45.4 spills.

The Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP has actively fought for protective measures to address sewage spills in Plymouth, leading a successful 18 month-long campaign for Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay to be designated as an official bathing water. The bathing spot was recently rated ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency in December 2023.

Luke Pollard said: “The levels of raw sewage being recklessly pumped into our rivers, lakes and seas is sickening. Despite South West Water bosses claiming they are addressing the issue, sewage spills have soared to unprecedented levels.

“This is a glaring failure of the Government to hold water companies responsible for turning a blind eye to raw sewage dumping. Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, deserves better than this utter disregard for public health.”

City College wins bid to become part of pioneering ‘Skills for Nuclear’ network

City College Plymouth has won its bid to become part of a pioneering initiative to equip people with the skills to enter the nuclear industry.

The college has gained approval to join the National College for Nuclear (NCfN) network, positioning itself as one of just two providers in the South West. Alongside Bridgwater & Taunton College, it will play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the essential skills required to contribute to the growth of the evolving nuclear sector.

The NCfN is a cornerstone of the Government’s response to nuclear skills provision, and the college will help meet the capacity and capability employers in the sector need.

The college had to go through a rigorous process to win the right to be part of the network. It means that by September the college will deliver a nuclear skills suite of programmes that meet the needs of local, regional and national organisations across both the defence and power generation (civil) nuclear sectors.

The UK’s nuclear sector is growing rapidly, with numbers in the civil and defence workforce estimated to double over the next 20 years, bringing around 80,000 additional jobs across the UK.

The Government has recognised an urgent need to ramp up recruitment activity in the sector, but also that developing people’s skills in a wide range of disciplines which feed into the nuclear sector is needed if demand is to be met.

Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth, said the programmes

would focus on the careers and jobs within the nuclear sector, providing students with access to world-class learning opportunities that enhance their skills relevant to the industry.

She added: “City College Plymouth actively collaborates with the defence sector, equipping this essential workforce with the necessary skills for safeguarding our nation’s at-sea security. Recognising the critical role played by our nuclear submarine fleet, the college is committed to providing comprehensive training covering all aspects of this highly sophisticated machinery, including its intricate nuclear power system.

“As a proud member of the National College for Nuclear network, we will gain valuable insights into the specific requirements for delivering both nuclear-related skills and comprehensive expertise to meet the demands of our defence sector.

“We will be able to exchange best practices through working closely with Bridgewater & Taunton College to ensure that our workforce is thoroughly prepared and capable of addressing the challenges posed by the evolving needs of our national defence.”

Jenny Ashworth, managing director at the National College for Nuclear said: “We are delighted to welcome City College Plymouth to the NCfN family. At such an exciting and vital time for the nuclear and zero carbon sectors, we are thrilled to build upon the NCfN network with such a pioneering and dynamic institution such as City College Plymouth. We look forward to working closely with the team there to further build upon our ability to build a competent and agile workforce for the sector.”

The Government has also launched a campaign called Destination Nuclear, working with partners to fill critical skills gaps in the nuclear industry. The ambition is for nuclear power to generate a quarter of the UK’s electricity by 2050.

Plus, the Government has recently announced that one of the UK’s ballistic submarines, HMS Victorious, will be modernised in Plymouth by Babcock International under a new £560m contract. The move - announced by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps - will create around 1,000 jobs in the region.

Law firm’s bumper donation to city charity

A Plymouth charity has received a cheque for £13,000 after a two-year fundraising drive by city law firm Womble Bond Dickinson.

The donation from the firm’s Plymouth office went to its charity partner, Promoting Children in Plymouth (PCiP)

PCiP is a project of the Plymouth Drake Foundation, which aims to eradicate the social injustice, ill-health and misery caused by child poverty in the city. The charity works with schools and communities to provide children with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.

WBD’s Plymouth office has supported PCiP with various fundraising activities, including raffles, quizzes and a charity ball. Through the money raised, the doors have been opened for a group of children to experience a residential week at Michael Morpurgo’s Farms for City Children and facilitated a series of family cooking workshops.

The firm also donated a book vending machine to St Peter’s CE Primary School in Stonehouse, as part of PCiP’s Story Telling and Book Gifting project, which encourages children to read for pleasure. Lawyers from the firm also volunteered to take part in storytelling sessions with pupils and gifted books to 27 primary schools in Plymouth.

Kerry Bidewell, development manager at Promoting Children in Plymouth, said: “We are extremely grateful to WBD for their generous support over the last two years.

Their donation has made a huge difference to the lives of children in Plymouth, who face some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country.

“Thanks to WBD, we have been able to provide children with access to books, education and enrichment activities, which help them to develop their skills, confidence and aspirations.”

WBD welcomed Kerry to its Plymouth office to hand over a cheque and celebrate the partnership. The firm is now looking for a new charity partner for its Plymouth office, as part of its responsible business strategy, which focuses on supporting social mobility, education and the environment.

Womble Bond Dickinson’s Nikki Jonas (left) presents the bumper cheque to Kerry Bidewell from Promoting Children in Plymouth

Luke Pollard MP swimming off Devil’s Point

Life-threatening condition led Devonport mum to book writing

A life-threatening lung condition in pregnancy motivated a Devonport mum to fulfil her dream of writing and illustrating children’s books.

Rachael Atkins was only two weeks away from her due date in October 2019 when she started experiencing agonising chest pains.

“It was Halloween night, of all things,” said Rachael. “I started getting pain in my chest like heartburn and it just got worse and worse. I was very lucky to have had an uneventful pregnancy until then and suddenly I was in the Emergency Department. It turned out I had blood clots on both my lungs, a bilateral pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.”

A week later, Rachael’s baby girl was delivered safely by C-section.

“My husband and I felt so blessed to have our daughter,” added Rachael. “But it was also a very dark and scary time, mentally and physically. A few months later the whole country was going through a very dark and scary time with Covid. I think all of that affected the way I thought about things. I didn’t want to put anything off. I had dreamed, like a lot of people, of writing books for a long time and I decided to just do it.”

Rachael began working on her debut work Feathers McGee (previously known as Ow-Em-Gee) on her phone while her baby daughter napped in her arms.

“My daughter loved to sleep on me and I loved it too,” said Rachael. “It did leave me with a lot of time sat quite still on the sofa with my brain ticking over! I had taken voluntary redundancy from my job in journalism and I was classed as vulnerable under the lockdown rules because of the clots, so I wasn’t going anywhere. Thinking about the book gave me something to focus on.”

Rachael has been writing stories her whole life - from making her own comic books as a little girl, to completing an English degree, contributing to a local wedding magazine, and in her career as a journalist. Producing her own books felt like the next logical step.

“When the book was published, I was so proud of it,” she said. “I’ve got three out now and I’m planning to do many more. The reaction I get when I visit schools and read to children is just the best – their faces light up. Some even send me their own drawings of the characters. It blows me away.”

Rachael’s rhyming picture books are titled Brian the Dandelion, Feathers McGee, and The Snail Mail and are all available on Amazon.

“Producing books is a slightly addictive process,” she added. “I’ll see a snail in the garden or a bird in the park and feel inspired. Or, sometimes my daughter, who’s now four, will come out with something bonkers and instantly it feels like a book.”

Book production is a family affair now with journalist husband Paul taking on editing duties and her daughter on quality control.

“I love that we’re all involved. I rely on Paul’s eagle eyes to hunt for stray commas and give me feedback about what works and what doesn’t. I try not to let my ego get in the way. What matters is whether the story works. Our little girl is the perfect critic at her age. She’s very quick to tell me what she thinks. They’re both my secret weapons!”

Feathers McGee, The Snail Mail, and Brian the Dandelion are available on Amazon via www.amazon.co.uk/stores/ Rachael-Atkins/author/B08FZKMCVH

Follow Rachael on Facebook at facebook.com/ratkins.writes and Instagram @ratkins.writes

REFUGEE SUPPORT CELEBRATING 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN JUNE

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special event in June.

‘Our Home, Our Heart: Celebrating Diversity and Belonging,’ will take place on June 22, from 1 pm to 9pm at Leadworks in Plymouth.

Inspired by the theme of Refugee Week 2024, which emphasises the significance of home as a place of refuge and cherished memories, the event will feature food, music, art, and cultural exchange.

Founded in 1999 by Sam and Isatta Kallon, DCRS

supported the first asylum seekers dispersed to Plymouth by the Home Office. Their vision led to the creation of the Masiande Centre which has supported tens of thousands of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in the region. Despite challenges, including the loss of Sam in 2002, Isatta’s perseverance guided DCRS to charity status in 2009. Today, DCRS continues to fight for its vision of a fair, humane and safe asylum experience for all. The anniversary event embodies the spirit of resilience that defines DCRS’s legacy.

Rachael Atkins

Plymouth MP calls for clarity over future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark

MP for Devonport, Luke Pollard, has called for ‘clarity’ from Ministers after a new statement revealed HMS Bulwark may not return to sea, despite Ministers prior pledges.

Mr Pollard, Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, said the ships were effectively ‘mothballed’ after Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question that Bulwark would only deploy ‘if required.’

This was despite Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, telling the BBC in February: “We are not scrapping these ships, we are not mothballing them,” adding “We are keeping them available for our fantastic Royal Marines.”

During a Parliamentary Debate in January, the Government confirmed that neither Albion nor Bulwark would be scrapped and that the ships would not be mothballed.

The Ministry of Defence had also previously promised that ‘HMS Bulwark will remain in dock to complete phase 2 ahead of her final phase 3 recertification package, before returning to fleet in the summer of 2023,’ but now there is no date for her to return to sea.

Luke Pollard said Ministers need to be honest about the future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, having created a ‘cloud of confusion’ with their statements about the future of the ships.

“First, they said HMS Bulwark would be back in service last summer, it wasn’t. Then they said the ships won’t be mothballed, but now they can’t even say if HMS Bulwark will return to sea. That sounds like mothballing to me.

“Ministers are creating a cloud of confusion over these amphibious ships. Ministers need to be honest about the future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark and provide Parliament, Plymouth, and our Royal Navy with much needed clarity.”

Council gives massive boost to skills and training in the city

Three city organisations have been awarded funding for projects designed to help people get the right training and skills to get work.

City College Plymouth, Plymouth City Council in Partnership with the YMCA Plymouth and Real Ideas Organisation have this week learnt they have been successful in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund bids.

Between them they have been awarded almost £900,000 of funding following an open call organised by the council looking for organisations that could deliver skills support, retraining and a focussing on increasing skills and awareness on sustainable and net zero skills/education.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “When it comes to encouraging people to get skilled up, we mean business. We have just announced incredibly exciting plans for a skills campus in the Civic Centre.

“We have set out our intention to supercharge the skill sets of our residents –whatever their age or their situation – to help them gain confidence and skills so that they can make the most of the thousands of job opportunities that are on the horizon.

“This is another example of practising what

we preach to make sure our residents can play a part in Plymouth’s economic success story and help their families thrive and prosper.”

The organisations are:

• Plymouth Skills Builder by City College Plymouth

Working with partners including Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Active Leisure and Livewell Southwest, this project helps address confidence and resilience, essential digital skills and offers clear routes from training into employment in key sectors. The programme also offers rehabilitative health programmes to support continued employment.

•  Skilling Up Plymouth by Plymouth City Council in partnership with YMCA Plymouth

This will give people the confidence and skills to access the city’s growing employment opportunities. It will work with socially excluded and those looking for new careers and it will link people with employers and education/training providers to improve employability and progress into employment in our key sectors. It will help reduce the city’s skills shortages and critical job vacancies.

At the heart of this project is a new team

of three skills and workforce coordinators employed by the council working with a mentoring programme coordinator employed by YMCA Plymouth.

•  Devonport Futures by Real Ideas Organisation CIC

A tailored made skills programme linked to the 200th anniversary of the founding of Devonport. By linking the key strands of Devonport 200 – a programme of community activities commemorating the histories, achievements, communities, opportunities and challenges that shape Devonport –participants will be inspired and enabled to develop new skills, work experience, volunteering and connections to employers. It will focus on two areas – immersive/ technical and blue/green (marine and environmental) – and support people who are economically inactive, unemployed or employed, looking to retrain and develop skills. Partners include Plymouth Community Homes, Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and The National Trust.

Under the conditions of the funding, all activity has to be delivered in the next financial year 2024/25, which starts next month.

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER OPENS THE NEW BABBAGE BUILDING AFTER £63M REFURB

Plymouth University has formally opened its new Babbage Building during a ceremony attended by The Duke of Gloucester.

The landmark facility has been the subject of a £63million regeneration, which has transformed the existing building into a stateof-the-art space housing first-class teaching and research facilities.

Those facilities, featuring technology provided by companies at the global pinnacle of engineering and design, are already being used to educate and inspire the next generation of engineers and designers.

For the official opening, the Duke of Gloucester was shown around the building by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts, and others from the university who have worked closely on the project for the past five years.

Professor Petts said: “This is an exciting day for everyone at the university. The Babbage Building has been a landmark on our campus for more than four decades, and its recent transformation ensures it will continue to play an important role in everything we do.

“More than that, we have created a series of facilities that will allow our researchers to develop innovative solutions to many of the planet’s most critical challenges, while our engineering and design students will learn alongside each other in spaces that will inspire both their ingenuity and imagination.”

Designed by internationally award-winning architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, and project managed by AECOM, the Babbage Building has been transformed and expanded by BAM Construct UK.

It is home to a state-of-the-art wind tunnel and new clean room facilities, along with laboratories that digitally connect to other world-leading facilities across the campus.

The building furthers the University’s commitment to sustainability, which in 2023 saw it become just the second university in the UK to achieve PAS 2060 carbon neutral verification.

Retaining the original building has saved the equivalent of nearly 2,000 one-way flights from London to New York in terms of embodied carbon, and thousands of tonnes of building waste have been saved from going to landfill.

The building’s electricity is provided by solar panels and air source heat pumps , while the heat generated by some of the new equipment will be used to heat the

building’s water.

New landscaping and a roof garden have enhanced biodiversity.

Professor Alexander Belton, head of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, added: “This visit highlights the superb environment provided by the recommissioned Babbage Building. Engineers and designers play such a critical role in society, and the research and teaching facilities now available to support them are first class.

“They will enable us to fulfil the university’s mission to advance knowledge and transform lives for many years to come.”

HMS Bulwark Photo: Royal Navy

The Duke of Gloucester chats to students during his tour of the new Babbage Building

Police neighbourhood support team active in Whitleigh and other parts of Plymouth

A Neighbourhood Support Team has been implemented in Plymouth to give additional police support in targeted areas of the city, to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime.

In January 2024, Plymouth was the first Basic Command Unit (BCU) across Devon & Cornwall Police to introduce a Neighbourhood Support Team. This specialist team, consisting of an inspector, sergeant and five police officers, is deployed into specific areas of the city for a set period of time to tackle issues reported in the area.

The team work towards a tailored problemsolving plan set by each of the four local neighbourhood policing teams that operate across Plymouth. The Neighbourhood Support Team are there as an extra resource to assist the local policing teams to eradicate a specific issue from an area and prevent further issues from developing.

The key priorities for the Neighbourhood Support Team are to conduct high visibility foot patrols in specific locations to deter offending and reassure local communities.

The team also conduct house-to-house enquiries to encourage residents to report issues and concerns to the police and carry out targeted enforcement activity.

Since January, the team have been sent on three different deployments across Whitleigh, Plymouth city centre, and Keyham. They have supported with issues ranging from antisocial behaviour and youth disorder to the unusual discovery of the World War II bomb in Keyham.

During their initial deployment in Whitleigh, the team focused on conducting proactive house-to-house door knocks which provided them with fresh intelligence which hadn’t been reported previously.

Following this information, the team were able to have an immediate, positive impact on reducing the threat of harm in the area by arresting a male and seizing a large quantity of drugs and cash.

Without the information provided through proactive house-to-house door knocks carried out by the team, this positive outcome may not have happened.

Despite only being operational for the past three months, the team have conducted over 100 high visibility patrols (with the majority

of these being on foot), carried out multiple arrests, safeguarded many vulnerable people, conducted multiple stop searches, directed dispersals, and disrupted serious or organised criminal activity. Currently, the team are tasked with supporting the local policing team in Devonport to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Dom Nicholls, who has been coordinating the Neighbourhood Support Team, said: “The Neighbourhood Support Team were introduced to respond more dynamically to increases in crime and anti-social behaviour across Plymouth.

Whilst every area has a dedicated neighbourhood policing team made up of local officers, there are times when additional police resources are needed.

“The Neighbourhood Support Team enables the police to respond in greater numbers to escalating issues and bolster our presence

in an area to better understand community concerns and act on them.”

Inspector Nicholls added: “It is important that the team stay deployed in an area long enough to build relationships with the community, as the increased trust and confidence in the officers has encouraged the community to share more intelligence with the police.

“This is key to the success of the team and the wider neighbourhood teams, and I would encourage the public to continue to report their concerns to us.”

It is important that issues affecting local communities are reported to the police in order for the teams to understand where additional resources are most needed. To report issues to the local neighbourhood team, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ro/ report.

The new Neighbourhood Support team

Full STEAM ahead in Stonehouse!

A Plymouth community interest company has launched a STEAM Discovery Village and Family Hub in Stonehouse.

It Takes a Village Plymouth CIC aims to bring families together through exciting STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – activities while also providing access to affordable, sustainable items and signposting to essential support.

After hosting a series of lively Pop Up Swap & Shop events, accompanied by fun STEAM and sustainability activities for kids, It Takes a Village has now set up shop in The Plot on Union Street for the next six months, offering a more permanent space for the community.

The launch party in Marchwas a huge success, drawing in families eager to explore a range of STEM equipment and activities, from digital microscopes to cutting-edge building and construction resources.

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard, who popped in to join the party, said: “It’s vital to engage children in STEAM at a young age, inspiring the next generation who are the future in these fields. It Takes a Village Plymouth CIC is doing incredible work, especially in a community like Stonehouse where access to STEAM activities and experiences for primary school children is limited.

“I want to see every child in Plymouth have the opportunity to be inspired by science and technology. Getting kids to make, create and explore when they’re in primary school can set them up for life and help deliver the skills our city needs when they’re older too.”

One of It Takes a Village’s directors, Layla Stringer, said: “Our goal is to create a vibrant space where families can come together, learn, and grow and we think we’ve done just that. It was fantastic to see so many children and adults playing and creating alongside each other and having fun. The overwhelming support we’ve received for our STEAM activities, Swap & Shops and our plans for the future demonstrates the need for such initiatives in our community.”

It Takes a Village Plymouth CIC has an array of exciting activities planned, including workshops during the May half-term, regular Saturday Swap & Shops Father’s Day events and more.

New funding to transform future of young people with SEND in Plymouth

Plymouth has received more than £1.2 million from the Department for Education to provide new opportunities to 360 young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) throughout the next year.

Plymouth City Council is working with partners across the city, including Routeways, Friends and Families, Eat that Frog, Plymouth Parent Carer Voice, City College Plymouth, Livewell Southwest, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Plymouth Parent Carer Voice, to support children and young people with short breaks and activities that will improve their health, education and wellbeing.

This includes the Your Future programme which aims to help young people with SEND aged 16 to 25 years into education or employment opportunities by developing a positive mindset and learning independent skills.

This year, Your Future will give 80 young people the chance to take part in a five-week course that incorporates two residentials: an activity week, and a city break away from Plymouth.

The programme, which was piloted last year with 16 young people, is provided by the council through On Course South West and offers a structured package of employability and skills training with coaching and mentoring.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Our aim is for Plymouth to be a great place for everyone to grow up, where all children and young people are supported to be happy, healthy and supported to aspire and achieve.

“This funding is a hugely welcome investment in SEND support services and will enable partners across the city to carry on

delivering some absolutely fantastic services that have been codesigned with young people themselves.

“This means that young people with SEND can enjoy new opportunities and activities that help them to achieve their full potential, learning vital new life skills and building their confidence.”

The funding will enable a huge programme of activity to take place throughout Plymouth, helping to tackle social isolation and supporting hundreds of young people to access activities that give them chance to develop life skills and grow their confidence. This includes a range of activities run by the council’s Community Youth Team, including creative workshops, outdoor adventures, residential trips and digital skills development. It will also support the running of different youth groups, including for young people who are neurodiverse and those who identify as LGBTQ+.

City College Plymouth will deliver its popular Summer Activity weeks which help young people with SEND transition into the college, meeting new friends and building their confidence. Friends and Families, a local charity which works to empower families with children with a disability, will extend its Duke of Edinburgh Award offer.

Funding has helped to purchase equipment and provide new experiences, which means the first group of young people taking part will be able to complete their bronze award by the end of 2024, with plans to undertake additional levels in 2025.

The £1,279,705 of funding is provided through the Department for Education’s short breaks innovation programme and will be used between April 2024 and March 2025. This is the third year of the project, following two years of pilot activity.

Knitters wanted for special Janner Gansey project

Real-life sisters Karen and Fiona Evans, co-Founders of the Conscious Sisters CIC, whose project ‘The Gathering’ has been re-connecting the people of Plymouth to the Sound and sea, are calling for knitters who want to remake Plymouth Gansey jumpers.

The knitters using five steel needles will re-make the traditional fisherman’s jumper,to reclaim the Plymouth Gansey and for it to be a locally known and worn garment once again.

The gansey is a hand knitted fishing jumper with no seams which was worn in the 19th and early 20th century. The gansey was decorated with designs from nature or the world of fishing.

The gansey was worn by Plymouth fishermen up until the 1950s and today the jumper has virtually disappeared without a trace. Each knitter involved with the project will be encouraged to add a personal touch to their hand made jumper, so they are ‘knitted with love’ be it weaving a thread of

their own hair or embroidering something within the jumper so there is a threaded connection between the knitter and wearer. Fiona Evans, whose ancestors were fishers and who are passionate about connecting Plymothians to The Sound, said: “The Janner Gansey is a fabulous garment, warm and practical. But also, sustainable and good for the environment. We want ganseys knitted by locals to be worn and loved by Plymothians once again.”

Conscious Sisters are looking for knitters who are willing to knit to order jumpers for local people and they will get paid for their efforts.

There is also the aim for a repair service to be on offer to ensure the longevity and preservation of these hand knitted jumpers that will be knitted using five ply wool from fleeces grown in Devon. Anyone who would like to respond to the ‘Call for Knitters’ or know a keen knitter who would like to take part, should email hello@theconscioussisters.com

Young people trying archery through the Your Future programme

Youngsters enjoying activities at the STEAM Discovery Village

New Explorer Scout Unit is

Plymouth teens are learning valuable skills through the opening of a new Explorer Scout Unit.

Since opening in October, the 1st Roborough Explorer Scout Unit for boys and girls aged 14 to 17, have been taking part in activities and adventures, encouraged to ask the bigger questions, think on their feet, be part of a team and always have a plan B up their sleeves.

The Explorer Scouts get the opportunity to decide what activities they want to do and get involved with the planning.

They are determined to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and have been taking part in a variety of challenges. To achieve their award they will be camping, trying new physical activities, themed evenings, providing service to the community, and working as a team to complete an expedition.  Five of their members are also passing on their knowledge to younger members of the Scout Group.

The Explorers have enjoyed socialising with a

wider friendship group, switching off their x boxes, learning practical skills, getting outdoors whilst learning new skills boosting their teamworking, self-reliance and confidence.

The Explorer Scouts said they loved being part of the new unit. One said: “We go to new places, try new things, and work as a team alongside our friends.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls believes that young people need a friendly and supportive place to discover their talents, adding: “Now more than ever, our young people need the confidence and encouragement that Scouting gives.”

In a recent poll 94% of Scouts said they had developed useful skills. 88% said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before. Scouts offers over two hundred activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.

Lead volunteer Eric said: “Scouting is great fun for young people and our adult volunteers. There is a great buzz, energy and drive as we all learn new skills and expand our horizons.

“Volunteering’s not just about giving back, it goes both ways. It improves your wellbeing, gives you skills for the future, helps you make new friends and memories.’’

The Scout Group provides a warm welcome to new volunteers. Recently they have been joined by students studying locally who were able to join in the fun and help.

The Roborough Explorer Scouts meet at Irene Peters Hall, Darklake Lane, Woolwell PL6 7TR.

To find out more contact Eric at eric.drabble@ devonscouts.org.uk

Plymouth Marjon University has opened part-time routes into teaching, aimed at making teacher training an option for more aspiring teachers. It forms part of a wider plan to tackle the growing teacher recruitment crisis in the UK.

To challenge the crisis and maintain a steady supply of quality teachers in the South West, Plymouth Marjon has launched Primary and Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses as part-time programmes spanning two years of study.

Trainees on a part-time route will learn the Marjon initial teacher training curriculum three days a week (term time) through a mixture of onsite learning at the Plymouth Marjon University campus, remote study, and placement experiences in schools.

Part-time trainees will also work towards a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and will benefit from two contrasting placements at schools within a commutable distance from their homes.

Giles Freathy, joint partnership lead, School of Education, Plymouth Marjon University commented: “We are delighted to be leading part-time routes into teaching at a time when many aspiring teachers are feeling extraordinary financial pressure.

“This is a direct response to calls from the Department of Education to explore flexible and part-time routes into teaching. We are keen to play our part in ensuring that all who have the passion and potential to teach can - for the benefit of all children in the region.”

The trainees at Plymouth Marjon will engage with an ambitious curriculum that goes beyond the core requirement for a teacher training programme, underpinned by the latest research and policy.

Award winners at the Celebrating Excellence in Care event

Best care workers celebrated at awards

More than 40 of Plymouth’s most dedicated and enthusiastic adult social care workers and teams were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony.

The Celebrating Excellence in Care Awards, organised by Plymouth City Council, were held for the first time since 2019. The event aims to honour and recognise brilliant care workers including those working in care homes, supported living provision, day centres and domiciliary care (supporting people to remain living in their own homes).

People across Plymouth were invited to nominate a member or staff or team in categories such as Care Worker of the Year, Excellence in Dementia Care and Care Home Activity Coordinator of the Year. More than 300 nominations were received and reviewed by an independent panel of judges who chose the winners.

Gary Walbridge, Interim Strategic Director for People, said: “Care matters - our adult social care workers are invaluable, supporting

people to live independently for as long as possible and caring for adults who need extra support with dignity and respect.

“The Awards are a brilliant opportunity for the whole city to thank these amazing staff. Huge congratulations to our highly deserving winners and well done to everyone who was nominated. We were blown away by the sheer volume of nominations which just goes to show how much brilliant work is going on every single day across Plymouth.”

The awards support the work of Caring Plymouth, a new city-wide health and social care partnership, which is working to tackle staff recruitment and retention in adult social care. The partnership not only wants to encourage more people to work in the sector, but support and celebrate those already doing so.

Anyone interested in working in adult social care, can find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/workincare.

Plymouth Jazz Club’s 40 year milestone

Plymouth Jazz Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 and continues to attract a vibrant following thanks to the many people who have given their time and effort over the last four decades.

Special events will take place during the year to mark the impressive milestone the club has reached.

The club was founded by Tony Harris and the success that followed was due to the efforts of Tony, his colleagues and his sons Dennis and Paul.

The very first gig was held on April 29 1984 at the Pacers Club on Union Street and the band playing that night was Don Rendall with the Tony Harris Quartet.

The club has enjoyed other notable venues across the city such as the Quay Club, Mayflower Sailing Club, Oscars, Astor Hotel, the Saltram Club and the Mermaid, Eggbuckland plus 20 other venues.

The club now has its regular gigs at the Royal British Legion in Crownhill and there will also be a number of special events take place at other locations and occasionally jazz boat trips from the Barbican.

Plymouth Jazz Club features many different genres and attracts a dedicated following.

After the Covid weary years the club has managed to re-establish its close relationship with Tavistock Town Hall and they will be holding an event there on Friday June 7 featuring Pete Allen’s Jazz Band and on Friday September 6 the Dart Valley Stompers will perform at the Boringdon Park Golf Club.

Plymouth Jazz Club holds its gigs at The Royal British Legion in Crownhill

The Christmas Party gig will feature an all female band called Hotsy Totsy who will also be performing on June 21 at the Royal British Legion in Crownhill. The club looks forward to meeting and welcoming

BUMPER BOOST TO TACKLE PLYMOUTH’S POTHOLES

Work to repair potholes, replace broken street lights and fix out-of-order traffic lights has been given a major financial boost after Council Leader Tudor Evans released over £8m to the highways capital budget.

The administration committed to investing in repairing more of the city’s roads quickly and the £8.2m funding allocation means that more money is being released over the next year to tackle potholes using innovative and costeffective techniques. It will also be used to replace or repair broken street lights and traffic lights.

Funding also includes £372,000 to reinforce the Laira Rail Bridge walking and cycling link, which has been out of action the past few weeks. Repairs include new decking and installation of lighting across the whole bridge.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “I know that the state of our roads and pavements is a huge concern for people in Plymouth. We have promised to do all we can to carry out repairs and keep our city moving and this budget supports our commitment.

“Despite our significant financial challenges, including huge increases in the cost of delivering road repairs, we have fixed more potholes than ever. We are being smart about how we spend our money, making sure we focus on those areas that are in the most need of repair, whilst using innovative tools to carry out the work.

“We are committed to doing all we can to improve our roads. We know there are problems and we will do all we can to fix them.”

The council has been trialling the ‘Velocity’ machine, which can carry out permanent, durable repairs at a fraction of the cost and, because there’s no excavation, no waste and no heat involved, it creates a significantly lower carbon footprint.

The two machines in the trial have achieved over 8,000 repairs at the same cost as using 1,200 traditional repair techniques.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “These machines have revolutionised how we fix our roads. There’s no excavation, no waste, often no need for road closures and repairs are ready to drive on in minutes. The repairs cost a third of the price of traditional techniques, and because there’s no heat involved, it’s also exceptionally low on carbon emissions.

30

“Our use of this technology has attracted attention from other highway authorities across the country, who are keen to learn from our approach. Over the next year I will continue to look at what further innovation can be identified in the fight against potholes.”

Photo: UpArt Photography

THE Experience

In the last edition of the Plymouth Chronicle you will have read Chris Cole’s article about some significant recent health challenges he has been going through.

If you would like to listen or watch a more in-depth interview Chris recorded about this you can listen to it on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www.crplymouth.co.uk/ podcast/chris-cole-art-of-living/ or watch it on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth YouTube channel.

Simply visit www.youtube.com/@ CRPlymouth or search for Cross Rhythms Plymouth on YouTube and you’ll find the video there called “Hope in a health crisis. Chris Cole Art of Living FULL interview”.

The content of that article will have been very close to home for many of you. At one time or another we all face periods of ill health with varying degrees of severity. Those times always come unannounced and unplanned. When you’re in the middle of it you realise just how valuable your health and life really is. Also quite how fragile and vulnerable we are. Not something we like to dwell on.

WHAT WAS I MADE FOR?

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Times of challenge and suffering can also leave us wondering what is life really all about?

I recently watched the film Barbie and in it there is a song by Billie Eilish entitled ‘What Was I made for?’ It won best original song at the 2024 Oscars and it is remarkably moving.

Whatever you think about the film itself, this song stands out as giving a voice to a question that is universally relevant. It has the following lyrics: “I used to float, now I just fall down I used to know but I’m not sure now

What I was made for What was I made for?”

It is a question that philosophers, academics and the average person on the street have been considering throughout

human history. Let’s be honest it is one we often ignore or push to the back of our minds for most of our lives.

But is there an answer? Were we made for something?

Without revisiting last month’s article, it is certainly Chris’ lived experience that there is an answer.

Not only Chris but millions of people around the world.

Closer to home, the guests I’ve interviewed on the radio programme Life Stories on Cross Rhythms Plymouth all share their perspectives on finding meaning in life and an answer to this most profound question.

It is in the person of Jesus that this question has found its answer for all these

people. We were made to be known and loved by the one who made us. To have a relationship with our creator.

There is much more depth to that statement than can possibly be fully expanded on in this short article. The search for meaning in our lives is one we have to take ourselves.

I, like Chris, believe there are answers to be found to life’s big questions.

If you are in the stage of wanting to explore this all further then you can watch any of our recent Life Stories interviews with a variety of guests from all walks of life at the Cross Rhythms Plymouth YouTube channel.

Visit www.youtube.com/@CRPlymouth and click on the Life Stories section. Individuals sharing the answers and hope that they have found to perhaps help you on your own life journey.

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

Mental health help now available 24/7 via NHS 111

People in Plymouth who are struggling with mental health issues can now contact the First Response crisis service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

The phone will be answered by a trained mental health call handler who will be able to listen to the caller’s concerns and help them get the support they need. With the caller’s permission, they can also access their electronic patient records to better meet their needs. They can offer advice over the phone and offer a crisis assessment if this is required.

Calls can be made by an individual for themselves, or for someone else. NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs. The service is available to anyone in England facing a mental health crisis, which could include: mood

changes, feeling out of control, feeling unable to cope or anxious about leaving the house, hearing voices or seeing things others can’t or thinking about self-harm.

First Response is a 24/7 crisis line supported by a team of call handlers and mental health professionals at Livewell Southwest in Plymouth.

Trainee advanced clinical practitioner Jason said: “It is a free space, with no judgement, led by you and what the crisis means for you. We talk to you about what might be going on in your life, what you may want out of your life and try to work out what that picture looks like for you, where you want to be and how we get you there.”

Mental health crisis telecoach

Patricia said: “I would always advise people to reach out for help. I know the first step can be difficult to pick up the phone and calling, but it can save lives.”

Another telecoach Kerry said:

“If things aren’t feeling quite right for you, now may be the time to reach out to us. Just pick up the phone. There is a lovely team opeople waiting to take your call and make you feel at ease. The good thing about our service is we are open day and night, so it can be

is a great honour and privilege to be the manager of such a wonderful, motivated team of professionals and of a service that prides itself in seeking the best outcomes for our service users.

The Livewell First Response service is fully committed to days a year.

“In 2024, we have taken, on average, more than 2700 calls a month - evidencing the critical need for a round the clock service.

As we now move to the national 111 number, it will be easier than ever to get access to crucial mental

Dave Simpson

Telecoach Jason

Telecoach Kerry

Telecoach Patricia

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Plymouth project to create world’s first autonomous research vessel

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has announced plans for the world’s first long-range, autonomous research vessel which could usher in a new era for net-zero oceanography and advanced international marine research.

PML has partnered with non-profit exploration charity ProMare and Plymouth marine technology firm MSubs to design Oceanus, a 24 metre-long uncrewed vessel. The vessel will be self-righting and will carry an array of monitoring sensors to collect data for research into critical areas such as climate change.

A video has been released – created by MSubs – after seed funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), but further funding is now being sought to support the building of the vessel, which PML says will take around two years to complete. If completed, PML says the vessel promises to be able to reach remote areas of the ocean that are difficult or impossible to sample through traditional research craft, whether due to remote locations or due to

extreme weather conditions.

Professor Icarus Allen, PML chief executive, said: “A statistic I find quite shocking is that, to date, humans have explored less than 5% of the world’s oceans, and yet the ocean does so much for us.

“It has absorbed at least 25% of carbon emissions that we have emitted. It also absorbs over 90% of the excess heat resulting from greenhouse gases and, most importantly, we humans get between 50% and 80% of the oxygen we breathe from the ocean,” Professor Allen added.

“It is vital now, more than ever, to improve our understanding of the ocean and the changes taking place within it. The ocean is facing huge challenges and it’s vital we have as much evidence as possible to support decisions on how to protect and manage it sustainably.”

The autonomous vessel would run via software programme Guardian AI and follows the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, a £1 million robotic vessel which attempted to

A CGI impression of the Oceanus

retrace the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower in 2022.

Brett Phaneuf, representing ProMare, said: “The project is sustainable in that all the materials are recycleable, so it

will be aluminium, and the fuel itself is a hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is a waste oil made from plant products, with very little emissions, if any, from the ship when it is at sea.”

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Plymouth MP welcomes launch of Water Restoration Fund

Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer has welcomed the Environment Secretary

Steve Barclay’s announcement that up to £11 million in water company fines and penalties will be reinvested back into a new Water Restoration Fund (WRF).

Plymouth Moor View is eligible to receive funds from the South West Water fine, creating the potential for up to £2.15m investment in the local area.

Johnny Mercer said: “There has been a lot of noise over discharges of raw sewage into our rivers and sea. It is a subject which particularly resonates with residents in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

“Last December, I outlined in the media the Government’s record £60bn capital investment to tackle storm overflows and have been monitoring progress closely. I welcome Steve Barclay’s latest announcement that an additional £2.15m in water company fines and penalties from South West Water will be reinvested back into a new Water Restoration Fund in our region. There is much more work to do in this space, but we can at

last see that real progress is being made. I encourage anyone that has concerns to get in touch.”

All water company environmental fines and penalties since April 2022 have been ringfenced to directly improve the water environment. The Water Restoration Fund will offer grant funding on a competitive basis to support local groups, farmers and landowners and community-led schemes, bolstering their capacity and capabilities for on-the-ground projects to improve the water environment. This could include activities that improve biodiversity and community access to blue and green spaces in areas where water companies have been issued with fines or penalties.

Announced under the government’s Plan for Water, the Water Restoration Fund money comes exclusively from water company fines and penalties. These penalties and fines are additional to any reparations that water companies make when they have breached environmental regulations.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I know how important our precious waterways

are to local communities and to nature, which is why we’re taking tough action to ensure our regulators are well-equipped to hold those who pollute them to account.

“Through the Water Restoration Fund, I will be making sure that money from fines and penalties – taken from water company profits only – is channelled directly back into our waterways. Community-led projects are vital to improving and maintaining water quality across the country, and this fund will help build on that success.”

Water Minister Robbie Moore said: “We all know the benefits that our waterways bring to local communities across England, which is why this government is committed to protecting and preserving them for generations to come.

“Through the launch of the Water Restoration Fund we are listening and responding to public demand for action.We have been clear that change is needed to drastically reduce sewage pollution, and we expect water companies to meet us swiftly in this ambition. Those who fail to do so face strict enforcement action.”

Johnny Mercer MP pictured with South West Water chief executive Susan Davy during a tour of our state-of-the-art Mayflower Water Treatment Works in Plymouth which supplies over 250,000 customers in and around the city.

Marjon launches new counselling clinic for the community on a

‘pay what you can’

basis

Plymouth Marjon University has announced the opening of its newest service, the Marjon Counselling Clinic, dedicated to offering accessible and affordable counselling services to the community through its ‘pay what you can’ funding model.

The Marjon Counselling Clinic aims to extend support to individuals aged 18 and over with the convenience of self-referral through the clinic’s dedicated webpage. The service runs on a pay what you can basis, hoping to provide support for everyone, regardless of their financial status. The suggested donation is £15 per session, and donations will be used to develop and widen access to the clinic.

The clinic will be staffed by third-year Undergraduate and Master’s level students currently completing their counselling studies at Marjon. Each student counsellor is required to be a student member of either the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), ensuring adherence to professional standards.

Clinic manager and Marjon alumni, Mel Benson said: “Our objective is to address the city-wide demand for accessible and affordable counselling through our new clinic. The aim is to connect community members, who may otherwise face long waits, with timely and costeffective therapy.

“This clinic is designed to bridge a crucial service gap and seeks to establish connections with other community services. By providing students with a well-supported opportunity, we aim to cultivate their counselling practice and contribute to the university’s establishment as a pioneering hub for counselling and research.”

Professor Saul Bloxham, Dean of the School of Health and Wellbeing at Marjon, added: “The Marjon Counselling Clinic adds another service to our broad range of public health services, informed by research and led by students. Our clinics improve the community’s access to health and care settings and support our students’ learning and development.”

The Marjon Counselling Clinic will provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients to openly discuss their difficulties and issues. Emphasising a compassionate and inclusive approach, the clinic will value and respect everyone’s unique background and circumstances.

Plymouth Marjon University has a variety of public-facing clinics, enabling the Plymouth community to access inexpensive, quality care. Settings include an Osteopathy Clinic, Physiotherapy Clinic, Memory Café, Lower Limb Clinic, and Cancer Pre-hab and Re-hab Clinics.

The clinic is eager to build partnerships and establish connections within the local community. Organisations or services interested in collaboration are encouraged to reach out to the clinic via email at counsellingclinic@ marjon.ac.uk.

More information about the Marjon Counselling Clinic can be found at www.marjon. ac.uk/mhw/info-for-patients/counsellingclinic/

Beth’s marathon trek in memory of her mum

A Mutley woman has completed a two-day 50 mile charity walk in Devon to raise funds for brainstrust.

Beth Phelps joined in the ‘Follow the Seagulls’ charity walk in Dartmouth on April 13 and 14 for the second year in a row, as a heartfelt tribute to her mother Ruth who passed away in 2023 following a brain tumour diagnosis.

Beth’s gesture demonstrated her strong personal connection to the cause and continued commitment to the community. The walk helped to highlight her family’s deep connection with brainstrust charity, which provided amazing support to her mum Ruth following her diagnosis with a frontal lobe glioblastoma in June 2022.

Sadly, Ruth passed away in June 2023, having completed the Follow the Seagulls incredible 50-mile journey last year less than two months prior.

Talking about her motivation for doing the trek again this year Beth said: “In 2023, I walked alongside her, but in 2024, I will walk for her.”

Beth aimed not only to commemorate her mother’s bravery and spirit but also to amplify awareness and gather support for brainstrust. The charity has been a beacon of hope and assistance for herself and her family and countless others navigating the challenges posed by brain tumours.

Beth is calling on the community for support in her venture, whether through donations, spreading the word, or providing encouragement. Her walk served as a sign of courage and solidarity with all individuals and families dealing with the devastating consequences of brain tumours.

Plymouth woman in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia welcomes new research

A Plymouth woman who is enjoying the retirement she didn’t think she would live to see after being diagnosed with leukaemia, is hoping that new research, funded by Leukaemia UK, could help dramatically reduce the impact harsh treatments can have on those diagnosed.

Linda Sellar, 65, from Plymstock, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2019 after struggling with breathlessness and picking up infections, including a cough. Blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy led to her diagnosis with AML, which is the most common type of leukaemia. Linda had two rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant using donor cells from her son, Jack.

Linda struggled with side effects including losing her hair twice, fevers and a fungal lung infection. Now, the former civil servant is in remission and spending her time walking, skiing and travelling with her husband. She is also welcoming an announcement of new funding from research charity Leukaemia UK which aims to minimise the impact treatments, such as chemotherapy, can have on those diagnosed.

Linda said: “I can now recognize that my breathlessness was a symptom and am so grateful that my husband insisted on my visit to the GP. I was also lucky that my GP was vigilant. I would urge anyone who has symptoms to visit their GP and insist on blood tests, even if the GP does not consider it necessary.

“I would not be here today without the marvellous medical treatments available to cure my AML and the subsequent fungal lung infection. All this is available to people like me thanks to research and funding provided by Leukaemia UK.”

Professor Terry Rabbitts, Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, is exploring a new approach to targeting AML cancer cells to minimise the impact of treatment.  This news

came alongside World AML Day in April.

Professor Terry Rabbitts said: “Leukaemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of normal cells, causing them to become cancerous. Sometimes chromosomes break and are joined to other chromosomes. If this happens it can result in ‘fusion proteins’ – these only occur in cancer cells, so they are specific targets for treatment. My team and I will explore a new approach to targeting fusion proteins by channelling antibodies inside cancer cells.

“We have already begun a new technology that will allow us to deploy antibodies inside cells. Our aim is to get them to bind with the fusion proteins inside cancer cells to destroy them.

“This new anti-cancer strategy will mean fewer side effects for AML patients and should ultimately also benefit other blood cancers and solid tumours.”

Every year almost 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with AML yet its survival rates are among the worst of any cancer type. Just 13.6% of people survive longer than five years after their diagnosis.

Fiona Hazell, chief executive of Leukaemia UK, said: “Treatments for leukaemia, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, are harsh and can cause terrible side effects like the ones Linda sadly experienced.

“We’re delighted to announce Prof Rabbitts’ new project, which, along with our other funded research projects, will help us to accelerate progress in leukaemia treatment and care.

“We want to offer people like Linda the hope of more effective and gentler treatments in the future. Breakthroughs happen all the time and we won’t stop until we have found better, kinder treatments for all those affected.”

Beth Phelps (far right) pictured with her late mum Ruth on the ‘Follow the Seagulls’ charity walk last year

Linda Sellar pictured with her daughter while undergoing treatment in hospital

Transform your garden into an architectural masterpiece!

We understand that this weather hasn’t been the perfect Spring gardening weather. However, your garden spaces will thank you come summertime if you undertake these gardening jobs this month!

• Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wildflower seeds outside

• Get the kids involved and start planting sunflowers, strawberries and blueberries

• Keep deadheading spring bulbs and bedding

• Start growing your tomatoes and chillies

• Start feeding house plants once a week with a liquid fertiliser and water more regularly as the weather warms

• Now is the time to start thinking about laying turf or sowing grass seed

• Collecting rainwater in a water butt is a great way to deal with a warm, dry summer

A taste of the Mediterranean

Want to add a bit of dimension and something exotic to your garden space?

Italy has an amazing selection of topiary, architectural plants, and specimen plants that will instantly enhance any space, no matter how big or small they will give your garden the wow factor.

A great choice for any garden is lollipop-

Plymouth Chronicle Gardening Guide with Fiona Newton

shaped topiaries, with a variety of species including Olive, Photinia, Ligustrum, Bay, Viburnum and Callistemon. These are excellent for giving height and structure to smaller spaces, as well as for growing in pots and framing your front door. They take up minimal room yet add real style and are low maintenance.

Just give them a clip in the Spring to maintain their shape and feed and water regularly through the spring and summer. It’s a simple yet effective method of giving the garden or patio an established feel, and they will last for years, and look good year-round.

Alternatively many of these specimens can be grown as shrubs and trees and are very effective when used for screening.

There are a variety of column-shaped conifers that are commonly cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, for people who want to bring the holiday feel to their own garden. Totem is a type of Italian Cypress that is quite thin and good for narrow areas. It can reach a height of 4 metres (15 feet) and a width of no more than 0.5 metres (18 feet) in ten years. Blue Arizona Cypress, Rocky Mountain juniper and Golden Monterey Cypress are great as stand-alone specimens or in rows for a formal stylish theme.

The Windmill Palm is another plant that has an exotic appearance. With a single hairylooking stem, this palm tree is incredibly resilient. It will bring you years of enjoyment if you give it a sunny spot in the garden or a large container. Another choice is the Mediterranean Fan Palm - This resilient multistemmed palm adds a striking touch and effortlessly creates a tropical atmosphere in your garden.

Happy Gardening!

Fiona and the Plymouth Garden Centre Team

Plant of the Month - Olive

We couldn’t forget the mascot of Italian plants, Olives, with their gnarled twisted trunks in older specimens, pale green slender oval leaves and of course, producing fruits that we either love or despise! Despite being Mediterranean, they are hardy in the UK. Great in large pots and drought tolerant to survive our unpredictable and increasingly warmer and drier weather, they make an ideal specimen for any sunny spot. They can be clipped into a ball for a formal look or left untamed for a more natural feel.

Ahoy there! Pirates Weekend back again better than ever!

The popular Plymouth Pirates Weekend, returns to Britain’s Ocean City on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19.

This year’s event, hosted by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership for the 13th year running, promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a swashbuckling programme of a huge range of free, and paid for, family-friendly activities stretching across the entire waterfront, from the historic Barbican to the Royal William Yard.

New for this year, is the UK’s first-ever pirate fun run being held as part of the weekend on Sunday 19 May. In partnership with Taurus Events participants can enjoy a 3km walk, jog or run around the Barbican and take in the spectacular waterfront views dressed as a pirate!

Jon Walton, chief executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership: “Plymouth Pirates Weekend has got to be one of the city’s most fun events in the calendar! Tens of thousands of visitors to the waterfront all getting in the pirate spirit either by dressing up or simply by being part of the wonderful, friendly atmosphere across the weekend and enjoying our local businesses whether to shop, eat or drink.

“This year we’re delighted to be able to add, what we believe to be the UK’s first-ever Pirate Fun Run, raising much needed funds for local charity, Jeremiah’s Journey.”

As always, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will be brimming with entertainment, from talented performers and roaming pirates to lively music and captivating shows and for our pawesome pals Gables will be holding a pirate fun dog show on

Saturday May 18 in West Hoe Park too.

Over fifteen different sea shanty bands will be performing at a range of locations across the waterfront during each day; and for those that want to continue the fun into the evening, local venues will also be welcoming bands to keep those toes tapping.

Returning to Plymouth this year is the Galeón Andalucía – this impressive full-size replica of a 17th Century Spanish galleon is a floating museum, and will be open each day for visitors to explore (booking in advance or on the day available).

She will be alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage. Accompanying Galeón Andalucía is the Pascual Flores, an original example of a ‘pailebote’ – Spanish for pilot’s boat – which was dedicated to

Refurbishment work is currently taking place on our new home at Stonehouse Creek. After 31 years at Bath St we are now moving to new premises and we will be able to support so many more people through expanding our services. We will be able to offer community space once open and look forward to welcoming you to our new building. Please check our social media pages and website for updates.

the export of fruit, salt and general cargo, both in Mediterranean ports and anchorages and on the North and West coasts of Africa. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this original vessel.

The entire Plymouth waterfront, from the historic Barbican to the vibrant Royal William Yard, will be transformed into a pirate’s paradise with plenty of free and paid for activities for all ages, from face painting and storytelling to piratethemed crafts and games.

For more information, visit www.visitplymouth. co.uk/whats-on/major-events/plymouth-piratesweekend

To sign up for the UK’s first pirate fun run please visit  https://race-nation.co.uk/register/plymouthwaterfront-partnership/pirates-fun-run

Advertise to over

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 June edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on May 31 with a copy deadline of May 19. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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

Sombrero, 8 Rack,

16 Gemini, 18 Tubing, 20 Plan, 21 Alphabet, 24 Czar, 25 Electric. : 1 Rota, 2 Abuses, 3 Teat, 4 Motorist, 5 Grease, 6 Acid rain, 12

Shanty Bands will be performing at the Pirates Weekend

Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth