Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North October 2022

British Art Show 9 is coming to Plymouth

British Art Show 9, the landmark touring exhibition that celebrates the vitality of recent art made in Britain, is coming to Plymouth. It will be delivered in partnership with Plymouth Culture and shown across four venues: The Box, KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth. It opens on October 8 and continues until December 23 (until January 8) at The Box. See our feature on pages 10 and 11.

Purrfect presentation!

Mutlimedia artist Andy Holden’s

Cat-tharsis (2016/21) will be exhibited at The Box as part of British Art Show 9.

The work was inspired by his late grandmother, who left him 300 china cats. Don’t miss the biggest show in town! See the special feature on British Art Show 9 in Plymouth on pages 10 and 11.

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Oliver Beer’s Household Gods will be at MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth.

Photo: Charles Duprat

Grace Ndiritu’s Plant Theatre for Plant People will be exhibited The Levinsky Gallery. Photo © Stuart Whipps

Mandy El-Sayegh’s blank verse blanket man, will be exhibited at KARST in Stonehouse. Photo

Stuart Whipps

Stoptober is here…you’ve got this!

Millions of people are joining Stoptober and we’re back with our 11th mass quit attempt this October. We want this year to be our best ever because, while millions of us are kicking the habit, tobacco still causes almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year in England and over 350 in Plymouth alone.

Quitting is one of the best ways a person who smokes can feel better and improve their health.

That’s why we are encouraging you to join in and give quitting a go for the month of October. People who do quit tell us they see the benefits really quickly – they stop feeling so breathless, stop smelling of stale tobacco smoke and save hundreds of pounds.

Research has shown that if you stop smoking tobacco for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

And you can get friendly, personalised support over the phone and face-to-face from Livewell, commissioned by Plymouth City Council.

Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net today to find out more.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from others in Plymouth, with tips on how they quit smoking for good…

Quitting can help you save money

John (aged 56), started smoking when he was 16. Before he became smoke-free he would smoke up to 30 cigarettes every day.

He would consistently wake up in morning with a terrible cough and struggle to make it to the kitchen due to extreme breathlessness. He put his ill health down to smoking and knew it was time to quit.

He called One You Plymouth for support and was promptly booked an appointment with one of their local NHS stop smoking practitioners.

He used Zyban to aid his quit attempt. For the first seven days he took one tablet a day and was still permitted to smoke. After this he was instructed to increase his intake to two tablets per day.

Quit for your family

Jessica started smoking when she was 15 and smoked for 12 years before she became smoke-free. She used to smoke up to 10 cigarettes a day.

Then Jessica found out she was pregnant. Determined to protect her baby and have a healthy pregnancy, she knew she had to stop smoking.

She successfully quit through One You Plymouth’s ‘Swap-to-Stop in Pregnancy’ vaping programme. She received a 12-week supply of vapes and vaping fluids to help her on her quit journey.

Jessica said: “It gave me confidence knowing the vape was there in case of cravings. I used to smoke in the car when stuck in traffic and when watching the TV in the evening; the cravings are worst at those moments. Vaping really helped me cope.”

Jessica also worked out that she was saving around £70 per month!

She received regular supportive phone calls from her NHS stop smoking practitioner Lisa.

“Lisa was so friendly and non-judgemental; I knew I could be honest with her without the fear of being judged. I felt that she genuinely cared about my wellbeing; we could even have a laugh and built up really good rapport.

“She also said that I could text her between phone calls. It was nice to know that there was additional support out there.”

Inspired by Jessica’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

To his surprise he found that smoking made him feel sick and he could not stand the smell of smoke any more.

John said: “I needed to change for my health; it was really starting to affect me. After starting the treatment I never smoked again and still don’t to this day. I wake up in the morning and have a whole new lease of life and so much more get-up-and-go! I don’t have a bad cough anymore and I have so much more energy.”

With his breathlessness and coughing completely gone, he is delighted that he can take long walks; something that was not possible while he was smoking.

He also noticed that food tastes so much better now and can eat proper meals again instead of just snacking on food.

What’s more, John is delighted by the fact that he is saving so much money by not buying expensive cigarettes.

“I am saving roughly £10 per day! With all the savings, I can afford for me and the wife to go on a lovely holiday.”

Inspired by John’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

John...saving

Mental health – a priority for everyone

We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy and healthy lives and can help us sleep better, feel better, do the things we want to do and have more positive relationships. The little things we do for our mental wellbeing really can improve our lives and help us cope with life’s challenges.

World Mental Health Day is an annual campaign held on 10 October and is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

If you, or anyone you love or care for needs help with mental wellbeing there is lots of support available in Plymouth.

New free online mental health service

Commissioned by the NHS and Plymouth City Council, Qwell aims to help people manage their own emotional health and wellbeing.

It focuses on supporting selfcare and provides a safe space for adults to access therapeutic activities, with a peer support community, self-help articles

and forums and discussion boards moderated by qualified practitioners.

It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As well as the self-help and community support, there is an anonymous one-on-one counselling, live text chat and messaging counselling service with a team of professionally qualified practitioners.

Go to www.qwell.io.

Plymouth Options

An NHS talking therapy service for people aged 16 and over, Plymouth Options can help you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Go to www.livewellsouthwest. co.uk/plymouth-options.

First Response

Livewell Southwest’s 24/7 crisis line provides advice, support and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. If you feel worried about your mental health, or that of a loved one or a friend, reach out now.

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Gold medal for Louise at Transplant Games

A team of transplant patients from the South West were successful in bringing home a number of medals from the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, held in Leeds.

The flagship event for the charity, Transplant Sport, sees teams from hospitals across the UK come together in a four day festival of sport and life. The event attracts around 2,500 transplant recipients, live donors, donor families and supporters.

The South West team achieved an impressive four Gold medals, six Silver medals and one Bronze medal across a variety of sporting events, track and field, swimming, cycling, darts, walking and snooker.

One of the most successful participants was Louise McNeill from Plymouth, a kidney transplant

recipient, who won Gold in the 50m backstroke and Silver in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Plymouth’s team manager, John Wollington, said: “The Transplant Games are the focal point for all the competing athletes. This is no ordinary sporting event as the competitors have all undergone life-saving transplants.

The aim of the games is to promote the importance of organ donation, to encourage families to have the donation conversation and to show people that you can still lead a healthy and active lifestyle after a transplant. Competitors are aged from as young as three to well into their 80s.

“We’d like to thank University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s Renal department for their sponsorship, as well as the Kidney Patient Association.”

Task force to coordinate city-wide efforts to tackle cost of living crisis

A new multi-agency task force is being set up to coordinate a city-wide effort to provide support for Plymouth families impacted by the rising cost of living.

The task force, instigated by Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, will include Plymouth’s Director of Public Health, Ruth Harrell and representatives from key agencies including Citizens Advice Plymouth, Food Plymouth, Transforming Plymouth Together, Plymouth Energy Community, Plymouth Children in Poverty Partnership, Plymouth Octopus project, Whitleigh Four Greens Community Trust, Argyle Community Trust, Department for Work and Pensions and Improving Lives Plymouth.

Councillor Smith said: “The rising cost of living is an issue that is affecting many families in Plymouth and we know it is a worrying time for everyone. I’ve been working since July to bring together a wide range of organisations working to address issues such as child, food and energy poverty.

“There’s a lot of good work happening in Plymouth from these organisations who provide advice and support, as well as practical help.

“We want the task force to work together to ensure these efforts are coordinated and make the best use of all the resources available, as well as spot any gaps and generate ideas for what more we can do.

“I know all the organisations around the table and their networks want to ensure that as a city we are doing all that we can and joining up our efforts where possible. We also want to make sure any further money that we can secure goes to where it is needed most.

Cllr Rebecca Smith

“My hope is this group will be cross party so that this is a combined effort and we get everyone’s input.”

Emma Handley, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Plymouth said: “In recent months, we have reported hundreds of Plymouth residents who requested help with the crisis. We do what we can to address these issues and with a joinedup approach it will help us assist more people across the city.”

For more information at www. citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ get-help-with-the-cost-of-living Plymouth as a city has a joined up approach to tackle many of its challenges, as signalled by the Plymouth Plan. There are already many examples of support being provided across the city such as: Wellbeing hubs (which offer debt and employment advice, mental health support, volunteer opportunities and signposting to other health services, voluntary and community sector activities)

Plymouth Energy Community who offer advice and support to households struggling with fuel bills or poorly heated homes as well as signpost people to potential grants.

Food Plymouth and the Plymouth Food Aid Network work with partners to help people access food-related support such as food banks, food vouchers and eligibility for free school meals and other schemes.

An online hub with information about a wide range of support is available at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ costoflivingsupport

The Government has recognised the challenges being faced and funding has already been provided, for example through the Household Support Fund, which has so far provided free school meal vouchers over school holidays, energy aid through Plymouth Energy Community and Citizens Advice Plymouth, and grants to a wide range of VCSE organisations who provided support to some of the group most at risk of falling into crisis.

Director of Public Health Dr Ruth Harrell added: “A lot of support is already in place from organisations across the city. However, the challenges that people are facing mean that we expect many more people to be struggling and to need help.

“Where possible, we want to prevent people from reaching crisis point by making sure they can access all the support that is out there. But we also need to ensure that support is there for people who need it, if they do reach crisis point.”

The task force will meet monthly for at least the next six months and likely longer.

Children at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School are getting ready to enjoy their new woodland spaces and Forest School, with the able assistance of volunteers from Babcock.

Over the summer more than 40 apprentices from Babcock cleared a very overgrown area at the school, revealing a pond and creating a natural amphitheatre which will be perfect for group lessons and activities.

Headteacher Susie Carroll said: “It’s exciting to see this new area coming to life. This is my first term at the school, having just taken up the role as headteacher. We have so many ideas for the school over the next year.

“Wendy Cording was a wonderful head and I plan to build on all the things she achieved so that Eggbuckland Vale Primary School continues to thrive.”

The new woodland area will be ready by October half term. This year will also see the implementation of the new Ocean Conservation curriculum, with children in all age groups learning about the ocean and the role it plays in keeping the planet healthy.

Susie said: “We’ve worked

Forest School created by Babcock apprentices

together as an Academy Trust, with all five schools contributing to the new curriculum with the help of our science partners, the Ocean Conservation Trust, the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.”

Headteacher Susie Carroll

Members of the Transplant Games team from Plymouth

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Southway Table Top Sale

Oct 8

At the Church of the Holy Spirit from 1pm to 3pm. Sell unwanted stuff and grab a bargain. Tables available (pre-book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383. Proceeds towards a defibrillator for the church and community. Tea and coffee available.

Ned Boulting

Oct 8

After a year away from the front line, ITV’s Tour de France commentator Ned Boulting returns with a fresh assault on cycling senses with his appearance at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. The cunningly entitled ‘Retour de Ned’ is an indispensable theatrical road map for anyone aspiring to wear the yellow jersey on the Champs Elysées: a really very rough guide to the tactics (pedal faster) and challenges (not pedalling fast enough) which will need to be deployed to win the biggest bike race in the world. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Dartmoor Zoo Charity Ball

Oct 8

Wildly entertaining evening at Boringdon Park Golf Club. Drink on arrival, three course meal and music by Joey the Lips. Charity auction and raffle with exclusive prizes. For tickets call 01752 837645 or visit www. dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Charity Model Show

Oct 8

Plymouth Model Boat Club are holding a charity show in aid of Children’s Hospice South West at Harewood House, Plympton from 10am to 4pm.

Autumn Concert Series

Oct 9

Featuring The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road at 3pm. Featuring work from their new album ‘The Alluring Ascent.’ Expect a dazzling display of contemporary fare, ranging from Turkish panache to soundscape of Latin America to English pastoralism. Hear this played on nylon string, steel string, electric, 12 string, fretless, slide, guitarsynth, glissentar guitars and more! Tickets £15 from www.wegottickets/event/547774 or on the door.

Tour de Moor

Oct 9

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth popular fund-raising event offers cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears with other routes for younger and familiy participants.  Sign up for the challenge at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor or by calling 01752 492626. Registration costs £35 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

Model Railway Presentation

Oct 15 and 16

By the Dartmoor 009 group at Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Frank ‘N’ Stein’s Teddy

Oct 15 to Oct 22

Performed at Soapbox Children’s Theatre Devonport Park this show is suitable for children aged 8 and under and their big people. Frank and Stein accidently break their teddy Victor. Can our two madcap scientists put teddy back together again? With extraordinary science, magical tricks and puppets all based in the Soapbox Laboratory, this fun and inventive show is for children and adults alike. Pay what you can tickets starting at £10 (Children under 18 months are free) For tickets and further information go to www.stiltskin.org.uk and select Box Office.

Plymouth Harbour 10k

Oct 16

Two local charities have partnered to launch the Plymouth Harbour Runs, a pair of new community running challenges. Mental health charity Devon Mind and men’s health charity the Chestnut Appeal are inviting local running enthusiasts to participate in the Plymouth Harbour 10K this October, which is now open for registration. A second event, the Plymouth Harbour Half, will take place on a date to be confirmed in 2023. Registration for the Plymouth Harbour 10K is now open at runplymouthharbour.co.uk

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps

Oct 16

Writer, broadcaster and comedian Dom Joly, best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, is back on the road with his one-man theatre tour, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live at Plymouth’s Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots when he returns to the road to complete his ‘Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps’ tour.Tickets are available at www.comicalentertainment.com

Charity Concert

Oct 21

Plymouth Area Police Choir continue to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a concert at Janeva Court, Saltash in support of the Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation. Concert starts at 7pm and tickets at £8 can be obtained from Sue Hooper or suehcf@msn. com

Collectors Toy & Train Fair

Oct 23

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

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Oct 27

Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Mark is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 2.30pm. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Omid Djalili

Oct 27

The veteran stand up comedian brings his ‘Good Times Tour’ to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Details and tickets available at www. comicalentertainment.com

Spooky Weekend

Oct 29 and 30

Plymouth Valley Railway will be running spooky themed trains over the weekend. Go along dressed up and travel to Plym Bridge. Visit www.plymrail.co.uk for details and bookings.

Soup and Sweet Lunch

Oct 29

At Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 12 noon to 2.30pm for £6 and including delicious home made dishes. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Bonfire Night

Nov 5

Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration on The Hoe is a safe and free way to spend the most explosive night of the year. Watch as the huge bonfire is lit, then gaze in awe at the brilliant firework display. If you’re feeling brave enough, have a go on the fairground rides or warm up with a bite to eat from one of the food stalls. More details will be published closer to the time.

South West Chamber Choir

Nov 12

Concert at 4pm at Stoke Damerel Church titled Just As The Tide Was Flowing including folk song arrangements by Vaughan Williams and choral arrangements of cabaret-style songs. Tickets £10 (£5 for 18 and under) from www.trybooking.co.uk/BUOE or on the door.

Anniversary Ball

Nov 12

Plymouth Samaritans will be holding their 50th Anniversary Ball at the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth. The evening will feature welcome drinks to a live band - the Smooth Jazz Combo, a quality three course meal, dancing to the Fabulous Swing Kings, a bumper raffle and an auction. The auction will include signed pieces from Adele, Ed Sheehan, Daniel Craig and Mo Salah among other dazzling items. Tickets for the Ball are £55 per head and can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com

The Post Mortem Live

Nov 14 to Nov 17

The Post Mortem Live arrives at Plymouth Guildhall with six live shows offering attendees the chance to solve a murder working with award winning human anatomist Sam Piri in this four-hour long experience. Tickets from £35. For details visit www. thepostmortemlive.co.uk

Annual meeting

Nov 16

Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion at The Club, Market Road, Plympton at 7pm. Membership cards to be brought to vote.

Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 17

The official kick off for the Plymouth’s Christmas holiday calendar, also marking the start of festive late-night shopping every Thursday night in the lead up to Christmas. The switch on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm and there will be an exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on stage in the Piazza from 4pm. Enjoy live music, with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs.

Barbican Lights Switch On Nov 19

An afternoon of festive fun in the Barbican and Sutton Harbour from 12 noon to 6pm. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he has arrived from across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the local choirs as they perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainment and rides to have a go on, plus a selection of stalls selling some delicious Christmas treats. Take part in the free Christmas trail across the Barbican, with some tasty prizes! Follow the trail around the shops and restaurants, and maybe pick up some wonderful unique Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive refreshments along the way. Look out for festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting the special guests who will be switching on the awesome sparkly Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm.

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

At Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be light refreshments, stalls including home grown produce, preserves, recycled gifts, tombola, books and cake stall.

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

Popular annual event at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm with many stalls present.

Christmas Fair

Dec 3

St Francis Church, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Various stalls, turkey sandwiches and refreshments. Father Christmas will arrive at 1pm bringing gifts for the children.

Christmas Fair

Dec 3

Organised by Elburton Residents’ Association at Elburton Village Hall from 3pm. Lots of stalls to browse with food and drinks available. Santa will be there for the children and the the Elburton Village Christmas lights will be switched on at the event.

Carol Service

Dec 7

In the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Entry £6. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Christmas Raffle

Dec 10

Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Christmas Express Trains

Various dates

Plym Valley Railway will be running Christmas specials every weekend in December. Booking for either a table for four or compartment for six adults. Every fare paying child will receive a gift from Santa. Visit www.plymrail.co.uk for details and bookings.

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.

Bonfire Night on The Hoe Photo: Jeff Tomkins One Plymouth

T U T O R S

Devonport event

A special event highlighting the wide range of mental health and well-being support available in Plymouth is taking place in Devonport in October.

The event at Devonport Guildhall on October 9 features organisations and individuals who can offer peer supper, mental health information and education, wellbeing through creativity and crisis support.

Titled Mental Health Connections: Learning from Each Other and Finding What Fits the free event will include a series of workshops including Sound Therapy with Anam Cara; Soul Singers; Mindful Art Club; Mindfulness with Carenest and The Voice of Lived Experience.

The event, which runs from 11am to 4pm has been organised by Plymouth Recovery & Empowerment Group, (Plymouth REG), Real Ideas Organisation, Hope in the Heart CIC and Marbles Lost and Found.

Nicky Nurrish, founder of the website www. marbleslostandfound.co.uk, has been working closely with Plymouth REG, a group of mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health difficulties.

Nicky, who struggled with a Bipolar diagnosis, set up the website to provide a one-stop place with information and advice on mental health issues and to signpost people to organisations which can help.

Nicky said: “Since the website went live it has been embraced by professionals, other organisations, the mental health community in Plymouth and beyond and as far as Australia and the United States!

“It is used widely across Livewell Southwest, on their website, used by local GPs, Police, schools, and grass roots communities.”

Nicky now runs a support group at the Moments Café in Plymouth City Centre where nearly 30 people regularly attend! She also does talks, runs stalls and works closely with other mental health organisations such as Devon Mind and Improving lives and it has grown into a Community Interest Company (CIC).

She added: “Marbles Lost and Found is all about working together and finding what fits the individual to help them on their mental health journey! It is about embracing your mental health, being you. Standing proud, breaking down the stigma and raising awareness.

“Creating and running Marbles Lost and Found and working with other mental health organisations, groups and communities has changed my own mental health for the better –because I am not doing it alone.

“There is a large community of support out there for anyone struggling - you just sometimes need a helping hand to find

Nicky Nurrish

Trust pushes ahead with controversial plan to replace school governors

Westcountry Schools Trust is pushing ahead with its controversial scheme to replace governing bodies across its 26 schools.

When the WeST trust board announced their intention to do this earlier in the year there was widespread criticism of the proposal. Many parents were angered by the proposals and hundreds of people signed an online petition to fight the plans.

Schools in the Trust include Plymstock School, Coombe Dean, Hele’s and 10 primary schools in the area.

Local governing bodies will be disbanded at the end of the year, and four new advisory hubs will replace them on January 1 2023.

In thanking those governors for their service, Chair of Trust, Iain Grafton, told the Plymouth Chronicle that he believes the new arrangements will bring greater accountability to the Trust structures and will support newly appointed hub advisors in making their viewpoint heard.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for interested people to bring their skills to bear on making sure that our Trust is the best it can possibly be for our 14,000 pupils. We are looking for people to apply to be hub advisors to one of our four hubs.

“You might have experience in business, in education or children’s services, in safeguarding, in the armed forces, in law or in public service. We need the widest range and most diverse

Carers Passport is to be launched in Plymouth

A new Family and Friend Carer’s Passport is being launched in Plymouth at the end of September 2022, to recognise and value the support carers provide.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family or friend who needs help and support due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction.

The passport will be launched by health and social care partners across the city including, Livewell Southwest, University Hospital’s Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council, Improving Lives Plymouth, and St Luke’s. It highlights the expertise carers bring and the needs they have in terms of their own health and welfare.

Improving Lives Plymouth’s Caring for Carers service is a responsive and flexible service that aims to support carers who are over 18 to look at how caring affects them and the sort of help they need to support them to effectively maintain their health and wellbeing.

Part of this health and wellbeing support is an offer of discounts on a range of activities across the city to help them look after themselves, as if you look after someone, this can be very stressful and demanding on your time and it’s important to make sure you look after yourself too.

Local businesses and individuals who may be willing to offer discounts or concessions on their products and services to carers are being encouraged to make contact.

To talk to about something which may be offered or for further information, please email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.

Veterans family fun day returns after three years

range of experiences possible to be our hub advisors. It’s also essential that parents from our schools apply so that the hubs have the benefit of their experience’

Rob Haring, chief executive of the Trust, added: “I’m really looking forward to working with our new hub advisors, who will be able to take a rounded view on what we are trying to do across WeST.

“Such a great mix of schools make up our Trust – primary secondary, large and small –and every hub advisor will have experience that will bring something to ensure that each school is doing its very best for our pupils’.

Iain Grafton added: “Joining one of our hubs as an advisor will give you an opportunity to contribute to our schools and our community. It will be an example of civic duty at its best. Please do think about applying.”

Schools in the Trust include Austin Farm Academy, Boringdon Primary School, Chaddlewood Primary School, Ermington Primary School, Glen Park Primary School, Morley Meadow Primary School, Oreston Community Academy, Sherford Vale School, Wembury Primary School, Woodford Primary School, Yealmpton Primary School, Coombe Dean School, Eggbuckland Community College, Hele’s School and Plymstock School

To find out more about WeST’s new hub advisor roles, together with details of how to apply go to www.westst.org.uk.

Applications must be received by September 28.

Improving Lives Plymouth hosted a family fun day for former veterans and their families – thanks to funding by Annington, the company responsible for refurbishing former MOD properties on Holmwood Avenue in Plymstock.

The event took place at the Improving Lives premises in Mannamead Road, where more than 80 people enjoyed a fun-filled day with a treasure hunt, barbecue and bouncy castles. It was the first family day for three years because of the pandemic.

Improving Lives Plymouth aims to foster a community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing. The group’s dedicated Veterans and Family hub provides regular support for former Service personnel and their families. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the last Family Day event took place three years ago, however, celebrations were able to resume thanks to a donation from Annington. Ann-Marie Woollacott, Veterans Project co-ordinator for Improving Lives Plymouth, said: “After a few tough years, it’s been great to gather at the Mannamead Hub. It’s not often that we’re all under the one roof, but when

we are, it highlights the sense of camaraderie and allows families to meet others within the flourishing Service community here in Plymouth.

“I’d like to thank Annington for its donation, it’s been brilliant to see all the children enjoying themselves and giving the parents some down time too!”

Stacy Whitehead, marketing manager at Annington, added: “It’s extremely rewarding to see the community spirit that this summer family fun day has created. We are happy to have played a small part in being able to facilitate the event. We hope everyone had a great time and that the donation from Annington aided some lasting friendships within this close-knit community.”

Emergency help points now active

Thirteen new ‘help points’ have been installed in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley as part of a package of measures to make people, especially women and girls, feel safer.

The well-lit help points are located near new and existing CCTV sites, offering increased surveillance in areas of higher footfall where there is a perceived fear of crime, as well as statistically higher crime rates.

Anyone who activates them is automatically connected to the Council’s 24/7 CCTV control room, which has direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth Against Retail Crime team.

Lighting will brighten on activation and cameras nearby will move to pick up the help points so staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way.

The help points are part of a package of measures awarded Safer Streets 3 funding from the Home Office to target violent crime against women and girls and improve feelings of safety by:

• strengthening the local environment to improve safe passage

• targeting prevention

• helping the community to develop their own solutions, reclaim community spaces and improve guardianship.

They have been installed at the following locations, selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, bars or local schools nearby.

• Armada Way (near the sundial)

• High Street Primary Academy, Stonehouse

• King Street Pharmacy, Stonehouse

• Mayflower Street (at the Armada Way junction)

• Mutley Plain (outside Starbucks)

• North Hill (outside Spar)

• Old Town Street

• Royal Parade (Armada Way pedestrian crossing)

• Southside Street (one at Friary’s Lane junction and another outside the Crown and Anchor pub)

• Union Street (one outside Lidl and another on The Octagon)

• West Hoe Park

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities and Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, said: “We want everybody, especially women and girls, to feel safe when they walk around Plymouth’s streets. These help points are just one the practical measures we have introduced to improve public safety and hopefully reassure people as they go about their business, whether they are shopping, enjoying a night out or just getting from A to B.”

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We worked with partners and the police to agree locations for the new help points and areas around the city centre, waterfront, Mutley and North Hill were selected as they see high footfall, in particular during the evening.”

The Home Office award was secured via a partnership bid by the Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, NSPCC, Eddystone Trust, University of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association and Street Pastors.

Iain Grafton

Plymouth’s Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann attended the event

Councillor Rebecca Smith and Councillor Jonathan Drean pictured at one of emergency help points

Lions Club member honoured for 45 years of dedicated service

A long-serving member of the Lions Club of Plymouth has been honoured for his decades of dedication to the organisation.

Geoffrey Woodland was originally inducted as a Charter Member of Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club, Bath, in February 1977.

With a move to Plymouth in March 1980 Geoff transferred to the Lions Club of Plymouth and was a Director of the Club from 1983 to 1999. He and his wife Pam have been very active in participation of club activities over the 45 years they have been involved.

In the early 1980s the Lions club owned a caravan which contained supplies necessary for various fetes and summer fairs, and Geoff he collected, drove, loaded and unloaded the vehicle for all of the events for many years.

He was coordinator for a Lions Club go-Karting event on Plymouth Hoe which involved the supply and driving a truck to collect hundreds of second hand car tyres to act as safety barriers for the go-kart racing track. With with the help of other Lions club members he installed the race track and legally disposed of the tyres after the event.

For many years he was heavily involved with organisation of both Boxing and Race Nights and with the help of other members the events proved extremely successful and raised thousands of pounds for charity

Honoured...Lion Geoff Woodland with Lion President Jill Owen

Geoff has been regularly involved in the club’s Dartmoor 20 mile and 10 mile walks, and with the help of other members he arranged the collection of mini buses necessary to act as safety vehicles during each event and for the distribution of pasties for hundreds of walkers.

Both Geoff and his wife Pam were also very active in the Twinning of the Lions Club of Plymouth and the Lions Club of Morlaix France. This was known as the ‘Jumelage’. The clubs would visit each other on a regular yearly basis for a weekend duration and enjoy barbecues and visiting places of local interest.

Geoff said: “I have been involved with these activities over the past 45 years, it was always so much fun working with like-minded members who had the same aim: to raise money for hundreds of local charities.”

Young care leavers praised for their Parliamentary campaign

Luke Pollard has praised the ‘bravery’ of a dozen care leavers from Plymouth, who visited Westminster recently to meet MPs and raise awareness of their experiences of life in care.

The MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, who hosted the Parliamentary event, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of the group’s courage and willingness to talk about the hurdles they face as care leavers.

Children who grow up in care often have poorer mental health and employment opportunities than those who don’t, and a quarter of homeless people have been in care at some point in their lives.

Their visit came at crucial time for reform of the children’s social care system, with the new Health and Social Care Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, announced the same day. The government is also shortly expected to publish its children’s social care implementation strategy.    The young people staged a special exhibition for MPs, Walk a Day in Our Shoes, where they decorated white gym shoes to reflect their experiences of living in care. Some used the opportunity to call for more resources for prevention work and greater opportunity for siblings to stay in contact.

Luke Pollard said:  “I’m incredibly proud of the bravery of care-experienced young people from Plymouth who’ve travelled up to Parliament to tell MPs about their experiences.

“Care leavers are too often ignored by politicians and I want to help change that, especially in the coming months as the government sets out its stall on the future of children’s social care”.

Cllr Jemima Laing, Plymouth Labour spokesperson

on Children, Young People and Families, said:    “This exhibition was a creative and powerful way to let these young people tell us what they want us to hear about their experience of care. They were extremely courageous to share their stories.

“We must listen and make the changes they are telling us the care system needs. I know how much it meant to them to take this work to Westminster and I’m really proud of all of them and the Barnardo’s Care Journeys team who have supported them.”

Graeme, 25, a care leaver who attended the event in Parliament, said:  “Our idea was to take our shoes and our life stories to London so that MPs could see things from our point of view. MPs have care-experienced young people in their own areas and we want them to listen to us about the issues that matter to them and think about how they can help them.”

Luke Pollard MP pictured at Westminster with the young care leavers

Making a point in Parliament

You’re invited to British Art Show 9, the UK’s most ambitious touring exhibition of contemporary art – right here in Plymouth!

From 8 October to 23 December (8 January at The Box), come and see the work of some of the country’s most exciting artists. British Art Show 9 is a free exhibition that visits four cities across the country, once every fi ve years.

British Art Show 9 showcases art produced by 37 different artists from 2015 up to now; a period that begins with Britain voting to leave the European Union and closes with the still unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.

The artists in British Art Show 9 use film, photography, painting, sculpture and performance to highlight and respond to this complex moment; exploring new modes of resistance and imagining a more hopeful world.

Whether you’re an avid art-lover or a fi rst-time visitor, don’t miss this opportunity to see this blockbuster exhibition with family, friends or by yourself, in four of the city’s best arts venues.

British Art Show 9 events include:

Curators Tour

Saturday 8 October, All venues

The Big Draw

Sunday 16 October, The Box Friday 28 October, KARST

Spotlight Talks

Selected dates, from 11am, All venues Film Programme

Selected dates, The Box, Jill Craigie Cinema and Plymouth Arts Cinema

Bitesize Talks

Selected Wednesdays, 1pm-1.45pm, See online for more details

Artist Talks

Selected Thursdays, 6pm-7pm, See online for more details

Half Term

Family Activities

22-23 and 25-29 October, The Box

Florence Peake Performance 26 November, The Box

Visit madeinplymouth.co.uk and britishartshow9.co.uk for full details and more events.

Cut out this slip and take it with you when you visit British Art Show 9 at The Box to add to our comments wall.

We’d love to get your feedback.

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Plymouth’s city centre could be made an investment zone by the Government, unlocking millions of pounds of investment for much-needed housing and business growth.

Plymouth is one of 38 authorities invited to work in partnership with the Government to create an investment zone to attract investment and unleash growth.

Details of what Plymouth’s investment zone could entail will be part of a business plan that will be submitted to Government, but is expected to include interventions designed to speed up the delivery of proposed housing, retail and mixed use development. Interventions could include:

• Lower taxes – businesses in designated sites will benefit from time-limited tax benefits

• Accelerated development – with designated development sites to release more land for housing and commercial development and to support accelerated development. The planning process could also be radically streamlined. Development sites may be co-located with, or separate to, tax sites, depending on what makes most sense for the local economy.

• Wider support for local growth – for example, through greater control over local growth funding for areas

Richard Bingley, Plymouth City Council Leader said: “This is a massive opportunity to increase household income, business creation and quality urban home building in our Ocean City.

“The fact that Plymouth has been selected as a first wave of investment zones is a testament to our administration’s laser-sharp focus on higher-value job creation schemes. We’ve relentlessly lobbied Government for more funding, more local freedoms, and for tax burdens across the piece to fall.”

The Government has set out the proposed tax offer within planned Investment Zones which are designed to encourage investment and new economic activity, supporting growth and jobs. Businesses in designated areas within investment zones will benefit from 100 per cent business rates relief on newly occupied and expanded premises.

Local authorities hosting Investment Zones will receive 100 per cent of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years.

Businesses will receive full stamp duty land tax relief on land bought for commercial or residential development and a zero rate for Employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year.

There will also be capital allowance relief to encourage investment. In addition to the tax offer, planning flexibilities are also being considered with more details about this aspect of the zones expected shortly.

The city also has adopted the Plymouth Plan and Joint Local Plan that sets out the priorities and opportunities for the city centre and waterfront as well as an agreed master plan for the city centre, all of which have been through extensive consultation.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will shortly set out the selection criteria to become an Investment Zone, and the process for designating sites within it.

Artist’s impression of the new-look Armada Way

Bold plans to give Armada Way a dramatic facelift

Plymouth residents have been invited to get the low down on one of the biggest and boldest city centre investment projects –the regeneration of Armada Way.

Plymouth City Council has unveiled exciting plans to revive and renew this key route into the city centre and are currently finalising the designs that will see 1980s piecemeal landscaping replaced with a new linear park over a kilometre long, lined on either side by an avenue of trees.

The aim is to create a more impressive route from North Cross roundabout through the city centre and a clear visual link to the sea, which was the original ambition of Armada Way.

The project is part of an ongoing programme designed to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces.

The information event took place on September 29 on the third floor of Drake Circus shopping mall. Council officers along with the design team for the project were on

hand to discuss the plans and answer queries.

The £12.7 million investment project is being funded through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and matched by Plymouth City Council.

As well as restoring the view to create a more impressive and grand welcome into the city centre, new features planned include play and mixed use games areas for all ages, water-based play space and water fountain jets, dramatically improved café seating areas, attractive places to stop and rest, refurbished Braille Garden and Phoenix fountain and a new stepped amphitheatre space, a new running water feature, and linear tree pits.

The Sundial and its settings will also be refurbished, a mobility hub is on the cards as well as an improved crossing on Mayflower Street to enhance north-south connectivity.

The new look will take into account climate change, with the planting of plants and trees that are more resilient to an urban environment.

A sustainable urban drainage system,

integrated into a new stream feature, will form part of a wider strategic network in the city centre. The system includes features such as reed beds, which integrate the drainage system with the new planting to make the best use of surface water.

Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “This is one of the most significant investments in public space in the country at the moment and we are doing it because we want to transform our city centre and make it more attractive to visitors, business and to investors.

“The plans have changed considerably since the public last saw them in a consultation event in 2018, so we wanted to give people the opportunity to see what’s changed –including taking a more sustainable approach. This event is a chance for residents and businesses to see what’s new and talk to the team behind the scheme.”

The work will be carried out in stages in an effort to minimise disruption to the city centre.

PRIDE & JOY

The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Tough decisions needed to tackle projected city council’s overspend

Further tough decisions will be needed over the coming weeks as Plymouth City Council continues to address extraordinary budget pressures caused by rapidly rising energy costs and other national and international factors.

Cabinet member for Finance Mark Shayer said the council’s recovery plan will leave no stone unturned to identify ways of reducing costs to deal with the unprecedented budget pressures it is facing for this stage in the financial year.

Councillor Shayer said: “Last month we identified a potential overspend of £13.6 million, caused in large part by national issues beyond our control which are impacting all councils across the country. Since then we have been working hard to identify savings but at the same time have also identified further unavoidable increases in our costs.

“Our additional costs this year now amount to £14.8 million but the work we have done so far means we are in a position to reduce the projected overspend to £8.7 million – a saving of £6.1 million already. This is good progress but it remains a very serious position to be in at this stage in the financial year, especially when we know we will have a very significant shortfall in the resources we need to set a balanced budget for next year.

Council intervention sees an empty house become home

Another empty home has been restored to its former glory thanks to an intervention by Plymouth City Council.

The property, a spacious Victorian family sized home on Beauchamp Road in Peverell, was first reported to the empty homes team in 2014.

Even at that point, it had been abandoned by its owner for the previous four years with regular complaints received about its condition.

To help bring it back into use, the council tried to help the owner sell it, both directly and with the help of an estate agent.

The property came close to being sold a number of times, but on every occasion, despite constant pressure from the empty homes team, all of the plans fell through because of lack of engagement by the owner.

Finally, it was put back on the market, and renovated to become an impressive family home and sold again. It is now occupied.

“I would implore landlords who have property that is not let or they are not using to get in touch with our teams.”

“We have now launched a recovery plan that includes thorough reviews of all fees and charges, our procurements and contracts, our capital programme costs, management of debts, reserves, grants and subsidies, our buildings and estates and our current transformation initiatives.

“This is urgent and we have to take decisive action. We will leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.”

Councillor Mark Shayer

“This is urgent and we have to take decisive action. We will leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.

“While we want to protect services as much as we can, with a budget shortfall this large we simply can’t expect to be able to carry on doing everything we currently do to the same level. Until we get a clear indication of the amount of government financial support, if any, we may have to pause or withdraw some discretionary services. Statutory services of course remain protected.”

A report to Cabinet in September said authorities across the country are facing similar issues due to rising costs. Plymouth’s cost pressures include £7 million of non-controllable costs, including a £4.3 million rise in energy costs.

The council is forecasting that gas bills for its buildings estate, including the crematoria, will increase from £334,000 to £984,000, while electricity bills will increase from £1.3 million to £2.7 million. The energy costs of lighting Plymouth’s streets will rise by £1.1 million and fuel bills for the council’s fleet of more than 200 essential vehicles such as refuse lorries have risen by more than £64,000.

The ongoing impact of the pandemic is also being seen in other rising costs and demand pressures. Changes to people’s working habits have led to an increase in the amount of domestic waste that needs to collected, adding to our annual collection costs. Demand for social care and emergency accommodation has also increased, while income from parking and libraries has decreased.

Councillor Shayer added: “This is not a position that any council administration wants to be in but this emergency has happened on our watch and we will deal with it.

“We are very conscious that families in Plymouth are experiencing the same issues at home that we are as a council, with bills rising to a level no one could have anticipated. We will always listen to the views of all councillors and especially Plymouth residents as we go through this process.”

In the meantime, the dilapidated condition of the property led to pigeons entering through a hole in the roof and nesting in the loft. Due to the weight of the pigeon guano part of the ceiling collapsed in the main bedroom.

Following more legal wrangling, the council decided that enough was enough and an Order for Sale was agreed so that the sale completed without any further delays.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said: “I’m really pleased to see this home come back into use. Although the number of empty homes in Plymouth is on the decline, we must continue to use all of the powers at our disposal to get that number as low as possible.

“There are thousands of households who need a home in our city right now and every house that lies dormant could be put to use to help the housing challenge.

In Plymouth, empty homes officers engage with the city’s most troublesome empty homes all year-round, offering advice, guidance and financial assistance, and with the option of enforcement as a last resort.

A yearly review, where all properties listed as long-term empty on Council Tax records are contacted, is also currently being carried out.

This helps to maintain an accurate total of all unoccupied properties and removes from the figures those where records had not been updated to reflect occupancy.

A number of schemes used to encourage empty home owners to renovate their properties for sale or rental are also in the team’s arsenal.

Find out more at new. plymouth.gov.uk/emptyhomes

Change approaching for Station Approach

Work is starting to alter the entrance to Plymouth’s rail station as the city’s new Brunel Plaza continues to take shape.

Station Approach is to be radically altered to allow vehicles to get in and out of the new multi-storey car park without passing in front of the station.

The entire area around the station is undergoing a complete transformation. The University of Plymouth is currently converting the tower block above the station to become InterCity Place, a first-class new home for its healthcare teaching and research, and significant improvements are ongoing in and around the station concourse.

Work around Station Approach started in mid-September and will go on until the beginning of December.

A roundabout will be built at the top of Station Approach where it meets North Road East and the approach will also be widened.

Contractors South West Highways will carry out the work on behalf of the Council and aim to cause as little disruption as possible.

However there will be a four week period – from September 19 until October 14 – when a section of North Road East will be closed to traffic.

When this phase of the project starts, people wanting to drive to the train station will need to follow diversions which will take them down Welbeck Avenue and onto Glen Park Avenue.

The project team is working closely with partners Network Rail, GWR, the University of Plymouth and their contractor Kier on scenario planning, including ensuring there is enough room for rail replacement coaches to manoeuvre.

As a result a number of parking bays will be temporarily suspended in both Glen Park Avenue and Welbeck Avenue to make sure bigger vehicles can negotiate the road.

To counter the loss of spaces, pay

and display parking in Welbeck Avenue, Winston Avenue and Derry Avenue is being temporarily suspended and converted to permit holders only for the duration of the work, creating 23 bays for residents.

A number of pay and display bays along North Road East – from Houndiscombe Road to Station Approach – will also be suspended creating nine additional spaces for resident permit holders.

There will be frequent inspections to make sure the route remains clear.

Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “Brunel Plaza is an incredibly complex project but will completely transform the welcoming experience to Plymouth as well as create amazing facilities for the next generation of medical professionals.

“The project team have been working hard to find alternative spaces for residents with permits and we hope this important work will not cause too much inconvenience for people living nearby.”

Letters are being sent to residents and businesses informing them about the work and the diversions but reassuring them that they will still be able to park within the boundaries of their existing permit scheme as well as the extra locations.

University of Plymouth twins with two universities in Ukraine to provide vital support during crisis

The University of Plymouth has twinned with two Ukrainian universities to share resources, learning and ideas during the country’s humanitarian crisis.

The partnerships with the State University of Infrastructure and Technology (SUIT) and Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) come as part of the Universities UK #TwinForHope campaign, launched in September.

Plymouth is one of a small handful of universities twinned with two institutions, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with both the SUIT and KSMA.

The immediate focus has been on identifying and meeting practical needs such as IT infrastructure and mental health support but, longer-term, the universities will establish mutually beneficial academic partnerships with a focus on retaining and restoring a functioning sector in Ukraine.

KSMA, based in Kherson in southern Ukraine, is currently in internal exile with a severely damaged campus occupied by Russian forces. The SUIT, in Kyiv, has been hosting internally displaced refugees, and is struggling to pay basic bills.

Both remain in operation, however, and the SUIT has even credited Plymouth’s support for its increase in student numbers.

Kherson State Maritme Academy

Professor Dafydd Moore, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, said: “Standing by our colleagues in Ukraine, we’re proud to have twinned with KSMA and SUIT with a focus on supporting staff and students during an unimaginably difficult time for the country and the sector.

“Our immediate priority has been establishing exactly what the institutions need and meeting those requirements. From researchers to lecturers, administrators, IT experts, senior leaders and everyone in between, the University of Plymouth has really come together to work on this and ensure we provide help to the two organisations – both of which, like us, have a strong focus on maritime and navigation.

“The twinning initiative isn’t just about short-term help, though, it’s about supporting the sector to continue within Ukraine, so that it can rebuild long term. We’ve already started conversations about future initiatives of mutual benefit, including research group collaborations, joint grant applications, summer schools, and joint educational initiatives such as dual awards and articulation agreements.”We’re really pleased that we’re in the rare position of helping not one, but two universities, and know this is the start of a great long-term collaboration.”

Olena Kostenko, from SUIT, said: “Even in wartime, the State University of Infrastructure and Technology continues its work and is ready to

provide quality educational services. Our rates of admission of new students are higher than last year – while this is down to a number of factors, our active position in cooperation with European universities and the twinning programme with Plymouth – has certainly greatly influenced the number of students this year.

“As for our interaction with the University of Plymouth, we are only at the beginning of the journey and know there will be some great results. The fact that we continue to exist and work is already a great outcome, and we’re grateful to have Plymouth standing by us during this complicated period.”

The University of Plymouth’s involvement in the twinning initiative follows a separate summer school that it held for Ukrainian medical students, and complements ongoing work within the country to support people with dementia and other potentially hidden disabilities.

What support is the University of Plymouth providing?

For students

• Linking Students’ Unions to enable students to share experiences and help build a sense of community;

• Creating a Ukrainian branch of the Hello Project – Plymouth’s buddy scheme for international students – to foster conversations and cultural exchange between students from all three institutions;

• Providing mental health support thanks to the University of Plymouth’s Student Services team – including pre-recorded sessions and online resources.

the Plymouth Chronicle?

For academics

• Linking up researchers with Plymouth counterparts to discuss research interests after many research outputs at both Ukrainian institutions were destroyed;

• Digital teaching and research resources available through Rapid Inter Library Loans;

• Resources, guidance and training to support academic staff to continue to teach online within Ukraine.

Practical help

• Providing digital skills support to enable safe remote teaching within Ukraine;

• Working with our partners with a view to providing IT equipment to further support the twinned universities;

• Linking up KSMA and SUIT with each other, enabling sharing of resources internally as well as from the UK;

• Creating a mental health guidance document for staff and students, with the universities also discussing the possibility of a guest lecturer to offer further support;

• Providing English language support via the University of Plymouth English Language Centre;

• Potentially organising a visit to Plymouth in the autumn to further conversations about what more can be done in the short, medium and long-term.

The #TwinForHope campaign

The national #TwinForHope campaign has been launched to showcase the impact that partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities are having.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, over 95 professional pre-higher and higher education institutions have been damaged, while at least nine have been destroyed. University teams and Students’ Unions have arranged mass evacuations, and some students and colleagues are now protecting their country on the frontline. Others are spread far and wide desperately trying to continue their research and studies.

More than 75 mutually beneficial twinning partnerships have already been formed between UK and Ukrainian universities. Colleagues from both the twin universities stay in regular contact via online meetings to build relationships, make plans for sustaining Ukrainian education during the war, and create relationships that will make a real difference.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive, Universities UK, said: “I’m really proud of the way that the UK university sector has stepped up to play its part in the global response to enabling Ukrainian universities to get through this war and hopefully emerge stronger.”

Plymouth

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Tony Saunders

Marina Harbour Master retires

Mayflower Marina’s harbour master, Tony Saunders, is retiring at the end of September after nearly 37 years of continuous employment, which will make him the longest serving employee in the company’s history.

Tony’s career started when he joined P&O as a deck cadet. He left their service for family reasons, but not before he had risen to the rank of chief officer. He joined Mayflower Marina in 1986 as assistant harbour master, where his sea going skills and practical approach to life, proved a great fit for the marina.

Tony was appointed Harbour Master in 2001 after the retirement of his long-serving predecessor.

Over the tenure of his employment Tony has seen almost constant change as both Mayflower Marina and the wider marine industry have evolved to meet service expectations, best practice working processes and legislative changes.

Charles Bush, managing director of Mayflower Marina said: “One of the great strengths of Mayflower Marina is the long service of its employees and the vast pool of experiences and skills they have amassed over the years. Tony has been at the vanguard of this, and it is a gross understatement to say we will miss him!

“When he told me of his plan to retire, one of his overarching concerns was that he would leave the marina in a better place than he found it - it’s safe to say, ‘mission accomplished’! It has been a pleasure working with Tony and I’d like to thank him for all that he has done both for me personally and for the marina over his years of service.”

Tony Saunders said: “I’ve had a very enjoyable 37 seasons at Mayflower Marina, and I’ve worked with some great staff and met some very interesting characters from the sailing world. It has been a great privilege to be part of the Mayflower family. I would like to thank Mike Knowles for being such a tolerant deputy throughout the last 30 years putting up with my odd requests and occasional moods! We have built a good team and I wish them Charles and Mayflower Marina continued success for the years ahead.”

David Crouch chairman of Sailport PLC said: “We are indebted to Tony for the service he has provided to us as a company and the great many boat owners who have berthed at Mayflower Marina over the years. “

Mike Knowles, the long-serving deputy harbour master will take over from Tony as harbour master at the beginning of October.

Charles Bush said “This is a much-deserved promotion for Mike, and I wish him every success in his new role.”

Travel giant launches apprenticeship drive

of the UK’s leading travel groups, Barrhead Travel,

announced the return of its modern apprenticeship programme

offer young people in Plymouth the

to grow a prosperous career in the UK’s retail travel industry.

well-known travel group, which has a branch in Plymouth City Centre, will partner with Northern Training to deliver the programme. The

will provide young people with the

to ‘earn while they learn’ with great career prospects at the end of their qualification.

Over 50 positions will be created across the country. The group will release further apprenticeship opportunities for head office positions including roles within marketing, HR and IT.  The 12-month Modern Apprenticeship qualification offers an exciting alternative to classroom style training with on-the-job learning and provides the foundation for a successful career in travel and tourism.

The travel company, which was recently named

as Best Agency to Work in the UK, is one of the only groups to offer this type of qualification in the UK which blends formal college learning with workplace experience. It has invested in training for two in-house trainers who will become official assessors for the programme. As well as its partnership with Northern Training, the group will work with Glasgow Clyde College to deliver a consistent programme for its Scottish network.    Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said:  “As someone who started

their own career through an apprenticeship scheme, I know the impact that offering young people genuine development and progression opportunities can have.

“Travel and tourism have faced a challenging few years – but there’s no better time to join the industry. Aside from having the opportunity to travel the world as part of your job, travel is one of the most inclusive, rewarding and diverse industries to be part of. Our young people represent the future of travel and I’m excited to play a role in growing industry leaders of the future.

“Barrhead Travel has been an advocate for apprentices since its inception in 1975. The relaunch of our apprenticeship programme matches our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent from within and investing in training, learning and development.”

To find out more and apply for Barrhead Travel’s Modern Apprenticeship programme visit their website at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

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Hundreds of jobs to be created after planners give Dockyard development the green light

Hundreds of jobs will be created after planners gave the green light for development of the new 10 Dock Facility at Devonport Dockyard.

The multi-million pound four year programme will see up to 600 construction workers on site and when completed will provide facilities for up to 630 workers - of which approximately 240 will be industrial jobs and the remainder office-based roles. This represents a big increase in the current staffing levels in the existing N125 building and is estimated to create an estimated 230 full time equivalent jobs.

The new 10 Dock Facility will provide enhanced, modern infrastructure for maintenance of existing and new classes of Royal Navy submarines, supporting the Armed Forces and providing continued and new employment at the Dockyard across the wider supply chain.

The application site is centred around the existing 10 Dock within the North Yard part of the Dockyard and is equivalent in size to around four full sized football pitches.

10 Dock is a dry dock and has what is known as a Water Retaining Boundary (WRB). The dock is filled with water from the adjacent 5 Basin, then a vessel piloted in.

A structure known as a caisson is then fitted at the entrance to 10 Dock, at its north

end, to complete the WRB.

The dock is then drained using pumps to make it a ‘dry’ dock, enabling vessels to be maintained in a dry environment. Once maintenance is complete, the dock can be refilled with water, the caisson removed and the vessel piloted out.

The development of existing 10 Dock and surrounding dockside land will involve construction of a new caisson, docking cradle, heavy lift gantry crane and five telescopic cranes.

The work will also involve construction of two buildings providing workshops, storage,

temporary accommodation, welfare, plants rooms and offices.

Extensive discussions between Babcock and their development team and Plymouth City Council led to a number of conditions regarding parking and transport issues during the construction work, which is due to start later this year.

The 10 Dock project is one of a series of major infrastructure projects at Devonport. Over the next 10 years Babcock will develop state of-the-art facilities to meet the evolving requirements of the UK’s Royal Navy.

Since 2020 the UK Ministry of Defence has

awarded Babcock initial contracts worth around £140 million for infrastructure design and enabling works that will support the Astute class submarine, which is currently replacing the Trafalgar class SSN submarine.

This is the first stage in an extensive development programme for Devonport that will see improvement projects span many years.

These major upgrades will enable deep maintenance work packages for the latest class of nuclear-powered fleet submarines. Dock upgrades to support the Astute operational programme will enable optimisation of maintenance on the platforms between HM Naval Base Clyde and Devonport dockyard.

Work has begun with the demolition of existing infrastructure including office blocks around the site’s 10 Dock facility.

Over the last five years 10 Dock has seen the successful delivery of Landing Craft platform maintenance and a major overhaul period of an Albion Class Landing Platform Dock ship.

In parallel with the 10 Dock project, preparations are also underway for an extensive project for the adjacent 9 Dock. This project, managed by an integrated Bechtel and Cavendish Nuclear programme delivery team, will deliver maintenance, life extension and facility improvements to the dock for the Vanguard Class submarines.

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Artist’s impression of the new development

Summer fair is fun at Butterfly Lodge

Residents, families and staff at a Plymouth dementia care home made the most of the late summer sunshine to enjoy their first summer fair since before Covid, and raised £385 for their residents’ fund at the same time taking their total for the year to just over £2,000.

Staff and friends of Butterfly Lodge in St Budeaux organised a wealth of traditional summer fair stalls including hook-a-duck, face-painting, tombola and balloonmodelling, with individually-crafted jewellery items available to buy, and mouth-watering bakes for sale on the cake stall.

Deputy manager, Sarah McCaffrey, said: “It was a super busy day and a great chance for us to meet some of our neighbouring families and children.

“This delighted our residents who also absolutely loved the hustle and bustle and enjoyed browsing the stalls and being able to buy sweets and other items for themselves.

“We had some great live music, were treated to a delicious cream tea and even a visit from the Deputy Lord Mayor.

“The raffle was a great success and we were blown away by the total amount we raised on the day which will go towards the purchase of a special mobile entertainment unit designed to help the people living with dementia who we support live their best possible lives.”

The high-tech kit will enable residents confined to their rooms to share in activities taking place elsewhere in the home, so everyone can benefit equally from music, singing, reminiscence and other fun activities via live-streaming.

Sarah said: “It’s called a Jolly Trolley and will allow residents to join in with group activities no matter where they may be in our home. And they’ll be able to use it for playing video messages from families and friends and for activities like karaoke.

“Huge thanks to all my colleagues who were involved with the summer fair, with a special mention for Kelly Tennant, Paul Hutt, Clare Sinclair, Kirsten Bradbury, Tina Dinham, face-paint dynamo Samantha Wilkinson, and fantastic chef Karen Worth who all went the extra mile to make this a day to remember.”

Music for memory in Devonport

Fun singing sessions for people living with dementia or memory loss is being launched in Devonport.

The Music for Memory sessions will be launched on October 17 and will be held every Monday from 2pm to 3.30pm at Devonport Live in George Street, Devonport. A minimum donation of £1 is required. For more information call 01752 657843.

Gardening gives cancer patients time to heal

Cancer patients and those recovering from cancer treatment are now able to take part in a horticultural healing programme, being offered by the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital.

The community-based gardening therapy group, Blooming Well, is a new initiative for patients with a cancer diagnosis to promote wellbeing and aid their recovery. The Mustard Tree is providing the programme free of charge, including all equipment required, and refreshments are provided.

“The benefits of gardening are now well-established,” explained Annie Charles, project coordinator. “It improves physical activity levels, lifts mood, boosts self-confidence, improves sense of wellbeing, helps re-focus attention when overwhelmed and decreases levels of stress and anxiety. However, there is very little evidence about the benefits to cancer patients, so this seemed a unique opportunity to find out more.”

After a successful pilot with a small group of patients, the programme is now available for others to apply to take part. It is held at Sheepstor village on the edge of Dartmoor and takes place over a six-week period as a two-hour session, either on a Wednesday morning or afternoon. Each course is tailored to the interests of all participants and a range of different gardening topics are discussed throughout.

“It’s a really lovely, healing space, and despite it’s rural location, it is very accessible,” added Annie. “Patients haven’t been able to attend drop-in sessions at the Mustard Tree as they did before due to the pandemic, so this gives individuals a chance to meet and spend time with others who are going through something similar. Peer support can be very powerful.

“We welcome those new to gardening as well as those with more experience. Even if you have your own garden, you might feel overwhelmed on your own, and being with others can help. You’ll be immersed in nature and have the opportunity to learn more about things like how to encourage wildlife, sowing seeds, growing your own fruit and vegetables, and even creative recycling.

“We recognise that many may suffer with fatigue, so you can take part in activities at your own pace. We can’t predict the weather of course, but we spend as much time outside as possible. This programme can help to improve levels of physical activity too, as well as to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, which are all greatly beneficial.”

The programme has recently benefited from receiving a University of Plymouth Get Involved Award, which is designed to bring communities and researchers together to find sustainable solutions to local problems.

Thanks to this funding, Annie, who already holds an RHS Diploma, has been able to undertake a Thrive course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture; purchase required gardening equipment; install raised beds and provide subsidised transport to and from the venue for participants who do not have access to a car.

Annie is now working with the University to conduct research gathering evidence on the potential benefits of therapeutic horticulture in aiding cancer recovery.

She said: “I’m really excited to be collaborating on this research with Dr Alison Warren, associate prrofessor of Occupational Therapy at the University and her team, who are, like me, interested in horticulture and its therapeutic qualities. We now have a unique opportunity to develop a specialistled, volunteer assisted intervention programme which has the potential for national rollout. It could benefit a great number of patients.”

Chris, who recently took part in the course after total laryngectomy surgery, said: “I really enjoyed the course, and for me personally, it gave me a chance to connect with people, as my condition has massively reduced my outgoing and the way I interact socially. The venue was lovely, such a beautiful space, and a lovely group of people. It was certainly an enjoyable experience and improved my mental health throughout.”

Marjorie, another participant who is recovering from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, added: “I have very dear memories of those few weeks. Being with like-minded people who are also experiencing similar health problems is really helpful. The garden is in the most calming place and to be able to plant seeds, take cuttings and be given plants to take home is really confidence boosting.

“My greenhouse would probably still be empty without the encouragement of Annie and Nick – a volunteer supporting the course – who gave me back enthusiasm and energy for my garden. I would recommend this project to all who have lost energy, weight and confidence through cancer treatment. It helped me to get my head around what the last year had thrown at me. Nature is a great calmer and healer.”

To find out more, please contact the Mustard Tree on 01752 430060.

OUT FOR PANTOSAURUS IN AND AROUND PLYMOUTH

The community of Ernesettle is leading the NSPCC’s flagship Together for Childhood programme. Organisations across Plymouth are working with local residents to develop and test ways to best protect children. The Together for Childhood team provides the latest monthly update on its activity.

In Plymouth over recent years we have worked hard in the community to communicate the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

As part of this, we ran a Talk PANTS campaign to teach that a simple conversation can make all the difference to helping keep children safe from sexual abuse.

The Talk PANTS mascot, Pantosaurus celebrated his birthday earlier this month and has often been spotted roaming the streets of Plymouth to help keep children safe. Next month, he will be back on the loose again as we prepare for Plymouth PANTS week. Pantosaurus will be visiting Plymouth schools and children centre settings, along with libraries. Follow our social media channels to keep up to date. This campaign itself was an evolution

of the Underwear Rule, which was originally created in 2013, to make it easier for parents to start conversations with their children to help them understand that their body belongs to them and that they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

PANTS is an important and easy-to-remember acronym that we use to teach primary schoolchildren about consent in an ageappropriate way. It stands for:

P – Privates are private

A – Always remember your body belongs to you

N – No means no

T – Talk about things that upset you

S – Speak out, someone can help

If you would like to chat to a member of our team about the PANTS message and how to start these conversations with your children, you can find us at the Scout Hut on a Tuesday morning or get in touch and we are happy to meet up in the community.

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

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk

Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Chris Pernberthy attended the simmer fair

Project coordinator Annie Charles with volunteer Nick

STARS SUPPORT SAMARITANS ANNIVERSARY FUND RAISER

Plymouth Samaritans have received auction donations for their 50th Anniversary Ball from a wide variety of stars of music, sport, film and art.

Donors include musicians Adele and Ed Sheeran, sports stars Mo Salah, Jack Leach and the England Lionesses, and film stars Daniel Craig and Rami Malek.

Artist Jo Beer has donated a portrait of Samaritans founder Chad Varah as an item for auction at te Ball.

There have also been some wonderful donations from local businesses which include restaurant meals, hotel stays, theatre tickets, fine jewellery and hairdressing vouchers.

Branch director Norman Holmes said: “We sent out a number of requests for donations two months ago and, quite honestly, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the folk who are happy to support our work. These wonderful donations will enable us to raise the funds we need to ensure our office and phonelines stay open.”

Supporters of Plymouth Samaritans are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Ball which will be held on November 12 at the New Continental Hotel to cap off the anniversary celebrations and to raise much needed funds for the branch.

Tickets for the Ball are £55 per head which includes drinks on arrival, a three course meal and dancing to the Swing Kings alongside an amazing raffle and auction. Tickets can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com

Appeal for witnesses

Police have appealed for witnesses after a collision in Victoria Road, Plymouth on September 8 in which a pedestrian was seriously injured.

A male pedestrian was taken to Derriford Hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident which occurred at approximately 3pm.

A full investigation of the scene took place and officers are working to establish the cause of this collision.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area at the time or have dash camera footage of the collision to telephone

quoting Log 512 of September 8.

Breast care charity launches major campaign, as figures reveal fewer local women attend screening

A Plymouth-based breast care charity is launching a three-year campaign to boost the money it raises for local NHS breast services and to increase awareness of the importance of breast care.

The campaign by The Primrose Foundation comes as latest figures show a worrying drop in the number of women in the area attending breast screening. The campaign launch in October 2022 coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The charity, which is based at the Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital, is also using the ‘Support Us to Support You’ campaign to emphasise the benefits of wearing the right fitted bra. And it says that if just 10% of the 25,000-plus people who use the breast care service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust annually donated the cost of one bra each year, it would raise tens of thousands of pounds.

On average, the local service diagnoses 400 cancers every year, many of them detected at screening appointments at Plymouth Guildhall or the mobile screening van. Yet the uptake for screening appointments locally is declining and as many as 30% of those invited are not getting screened.

Dr Karen Paisley, Consultant Radiologist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Director of Breast Screening, hopes the campaign will encourage more to come forward when they are called for their routine checks: “This is a really exciting opportunity to raise breast awareness and promote our breast screening service, especially as the uptake for breast screening across West Devon and East Cornwall has unfortunately gone down to 70% according to recent annual figures.

‘’I am extremely grateful to The Primrose Foundation for their great work in supporting The Primrose Breast Care Centre, our staff and consequently our patients,” she added.

The Primrose Foundation has raised millions of pounds since it was launched in 1995. Its aim at the outset was to help fund a one stop breast care clinic at Derriford Hospital, which was achieved in 2001, with match funding from the then Plymouth Hospitals Trust.

Madeleine Matthews, Fundraising Coordinator for The Primrose Foundation, said that ‘Support Us to Support You’ has several aims: “This is a unique campaign over three years, and it could not be better timed, with the recent

drop in people attending screening - even though we know how vital it is in providing early detection and diagnosis. The main aim therefore is to raise breast awareness and to encourage people to attend their breast screening.

“We are also hoping it will raise awareness about The Primrose Foundation and the incredible work that the charity does. We want to encourage new support from patients and local businesses, so that we can raise even more money for breast care services in our area.”

The Foundation is particularly keen to forge closer links with supermarkets across West Devon and East Cornwall, with the hope that they can display the charity’s information about breast screening, who is eligible, and when screening is being carried out in specific areas. It is also inviting local organisations to become a corporate sponsor of The Primrose Foundation, with the charity offering a range of corporate sponsorship benefits.

Another big part of the campaign is to emphasise the importance of a correctly fitted bra.  The campaign is supported by Marks & Spencer Plymouth, which offers a free bra fit service.

Madeleine said: “Your bra offers a vital support role because a wellfitted bra supports your posture, confidence, and health. Like your bra, The Primrose Foundation supports your breast too. We offer support to those that require breast care, including breast cancer care, so with this campaign, we are asking: ‘would you support us so we can continue to support you’?

“We are incredibly proud of all our amazing achievements over the past 26 years, all of which have been possible thanks to the wonderful encouragement and support we receive locally,” she added

“It is a privilege to help the Primrose Breast Care Centre at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and know that together we are ensuring the best possible breast care services are provided to patients and their families across West Devon and East Cornwall.”

To get involved or donate to the campaign, visit The Primrose Foundation’s JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/campaign/ supportustosupportyouSupermarkets and organisations wishing to take part in the campaign can contact Madeleine by email at madeleine@ primrosefoundation.org or on 01752 975217. For more information about the charity’s work, visit www.primrosefoundation.org

TOPS DAY NURSERY SHORTLISTED FOR TOP NATIONAL AWARD

A local day nursery chain, Tops Day Nurseries, with five nurseries across Plymouth and more than 20 across the South of England, has been selected as a finalist in a national competition.

Tops, which has nurseries in Breotnside, Devonport, Efford, Prince Rock and Stonehouse has been shortlisted for in the Nursery Group (Over 10 settings) category in the NMT (Nursery Management Today) Nursery Awards.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director and founder of Tops Day Nurseries said: “We’re particularly pleased to be finalists this year given the extraordinary pressures on the teams this year due to the pandemic and national shortage of Level 3 staff.

“This is a testament to our resilience, and our commitment to doing our very best for children and their parents. I’m very proud

of the whole team and thank them from the bottom of my heart”.

Tops Prince Rock, part of the Tops Day Nurseries family, located on Lucas Terrace, has also been selected as a finalist for the Nursery Training & Development Award.

Amy Alderson, director of Early Years Audit and Training said: “I am incredibly proud to be named as a finalist for this award as it represents the hard work and dedication from both the Tops training team and those colleagues that engage with our outstanding training programmes.

“Tops Day Nurseries has always been an advocate of staff training and development, recognising that investment in our teams is the best way to raise the quality and skill of the company’s workforce. To even be a finalist for this prestigious award is certainly something to celebrate and I am incredibly grateful to everybody that has contributed to our huge success”.

Winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2022 will be presented with their trophies at the awards ceremony, which will take place in London in November.

Members of the breast screening team (from left) Raquel Barbon, Sophie Geary, Janet McClancy, Karen Bates and Theresa Williams

In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we have decided to postpone the Cross Rhythms Experience article which had been planned and instead share some reflections about the life of the late Queen.

It was just three months ago that I wrote an article celebrating the life of the Queen in light of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Little did I know it would be so soon that I would be commenting on her passing.

The main focus of my article in the July editions was a focus on her Christian faith.

In the recent tributes paid by MPs to Her Majesty, Tim Farron MP commented; “She was a constant to us all, but, as has been said already, the constant in her life was her faith in Jesus Christ. Let us remember this: for many people it may be a perfunctory ceremonial faith, but for her it was not; it was a living, active faith in a living saviour. Let us remember this: we have sung for 70 years ‘God Save The Queen’. If her faith is accurate – I am certain it was – God has saved the Queen.”

Undoubtedly the faith of Queen Elizabeth II would have been much deeper than any of us

Words of wisdom and faith

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

will ever know. However, every Christmas she would lift the lid on how important the gospel of Jesus Christ was to her personally.

Sir Gary Streeter MP noted in his tribute to the late Queen: “If she was the rock on which modern Britain was built, it was because she stood on the true rock – the rock of ages. In our pluralistic society, containing citizens of all faiths and none, her declaration of Christian faith never jarred, grated or alienated … because it was authentic, and this was demonstrated through her magnificent Christmas broadcasts.”

Here are just a few of the comments Queen Elizabeth II made about her Christian faith in some of her Christmas broadcasts over the years.

In 1986. “When, as the Bible says, Christ grew in wisdom and understanding, he began his task of explaining and teaching just what it is that God wants from us.

“The two lessons that he had for us, which he

underlined in everything he said and did, are the messages of God’s love and how essential it is that we, too, should love other people.

“There are many serious and threatening problems in this country and in the world but they will never be solved until there is peace in our homes and love in our hearts.”

In 2002. “Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever. It is often difficult to keep this sense of perspective through the ups and downs of everyday life - as this year has constantly reminded me.

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”

Books bonanza for Plymouth schools - thanks to Bookmark

Primary schools in Plymouth are in line to receive £2,000 worth of reading resources - thanks to the work of the Plymouth Children in Poverty initiative, which is funded by the Plymouth Drake Foundation.

Leading literacy charity Bookmark has chosen Plymouth as the next city to receive significant reading support after earlier programmes in Birmingham and Lincolnshire.

All state-funded primary schools can now apply to join the scheme, which could be worth £200,000 in total.

Schools will receive 200 new, highquality books suitable for children aged from four to nine, 12 months free membership to The National Literacy Trust, annual subscription to Bookmark’s children’s magazine The Story Corner, plus eight weeks free access to the ChatterStars vocabulary development app for 300 children.

Plymouth was chosen because of the known need and also because Bookmark consider the Plymouth Children in Poverty initiatives to be unique.

A spokesperson for Bookmark commented that 97 per cent of schools said that the Your Story Corner packs had made a positive difference to children’s enjoyment of reading.

One teacher commented: “The children were very excited to see the new books in the library and the books ignited their curiosity. The library and story corners have proved to be popular areas within the school where children enjoy having the opportunity to read to themselves or with each other”

Schools can apply at www. bookmarkreading.org/your-story-cornerplymouth

Meanwhile, local recycling business EMR Plymouth has announced its second year of support for Plymouth Children in Poverty.

EMR Plymouth will once again enable young people aged 16 and 17 to attend the two week National Citizen Service (NCS) summer school. Helping young people to build their confidence and develop life skills, the annual project allows them to socialise with their peers and develop new relationships.

The partnership was developed as part of EMR’s Young Futures Reimagined programme, an initiative which aims to see all of EMR’s UK sites partner with local charities in order to help young people build bright futures.

Damon Kinnair, operations manager at EMR Plymouth, said: “Having supported Plymouth Children in Poverty back in 2021, myself and the team at EMR have

witnessed the amazing work that they do in providing young people with opportunities which would otherwise not be available to them.

“Through no fault of their own, children often lack access to the resources they need to help them transition into a successful adult life. Access to the NCS Summer School opens the door to new opportunities, which these young people will take with them as they grow.”

Kerry Bidewell of Plymouth Children in Poverty added: “A huge thank you to the team at EMR Plymouth and the EMR Young Futures team, one donation is always greatly appreciated but a second substantial donation is such an endorsement of the work we are doing. I cannot wait to share the various impacts this vital donation will make...they will be far reaching!”

In 2017. “We remember the birth of Jesus Christ whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem. He knew rejection, hardship and persecution; and yet it is Jesus Christ’s generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad.”

In 2020. “The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.”

I could have picked out so many more quotes from the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts over the years and in fact I recommend you take the time to look back at some of her messages. You can find them online at www.royal.uk/christmasbroadcast-2021. Simply change the year at the end of the web address to look back at any prior year.

As we look back at the faith that shaped the personal life of Queen Elizabeth II we recognise it is a faith which, if we’ll let it, will shape our lives for good too.

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

Clearing the way for West End regeneration

A number of empty buildings on Western Approach are being demolished to make way for the regeneration of the West End of Plymouth’s city centre.

A demolition contract has been awarded to Gilpin Demolition Ltd to tear down empty buildings on Western Approach as part of moves to prepare the site for regeneration schemes including a proposed West End Health and Wellbeing centre.

Strip-out work has started in the now-empty buildings from 10 to 22 Western Approach. It is expected the entire demolition programme will take around 16 weeks.

A number of car parking spaces at Colin Campbell Court are being let to the contractors while the work takes place, but there are plenty of alternative spaces at the nearby Western Approach multi-storey. No road closures are planned although there will be a bus lane closure for seven weeks from October 3 to November 21. The perimeter road within the car park directly behind the buildings due to be demolished will also be closed.

Most of the dismantling work will take place within the building’s plots although a section of the pavement at the front of Western Approach will need to be closed for a number of weeks. The contractors intend to close the Western Approach entrance to Colin Campbell Court car park overnight for two nights on November 7 and 8.

The demolition is part of the enabling works ahead of the proposed West End Health and Wellbeing Centre, and funding from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund is being used to facilitate the demolition. Planning permission for the centre has been granted. However the project remains subject to business case approval and a confirmed funding source.

Earlier this month Plymouth Community Homes gave more detail about regeneration plans for Bath Street. The city’s largest social housing landlord announced plans for a £33.5 million eco-friendly neighbourhood in partnership with the Council offering more than 140 new affordable homes to rent and buy.

Once regenerated, the area will complete the planned Millbay Boulevard scheme, which will connect the newly created coastal quarter to Plymouth city centre.

Damon Kinnair of EMR presents the cheque to Kerry Bidewell and Maurice West of Plymouth Children in Poverty

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Free school meals now available for more children in Plymouth

Parents and carers in Plymouth are being urged to use the City Council’s simple, online eligibility and application service to check whether they’re eligible for free school meals for their children, which can save families over £400 per year for each child.

It is estimated that up to 20% of available free school meals are not applied for because people do not realise they are eligible.

Free school meals are automatically provided for all schoolchildren in a government funded school in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2.

After that, parents need to apply and free meals are available to many more families than are currently applying.

If a child has free school meals at primary school, this does not automatically carry on into secondary. So if your child has gone from Year 6 to Year 7 this September, you’ll need to make sure you apply. (Details of how to apply are at the end of this article).

A nourishing meal in the middle of the day helps children and young people to do well at school, and free school meals make a genuine saving in the household budget. Over the course of a year a family will spend around £437 on school lunches per child – free school meals would be a real saving.

Schools benefit financially as well: for every child registered for a free school meal the school receives extra income, (Pupil Premium), which helps the school provide more and better learning facilities for the children. It’s a real win-win!

Everyone with school aged children is encouraged to check eligibility and to apply.

Parents who have applied before and were not eligible can re-apply at any time – so if your circumstances have changed, now’s the time to apply again. And if your child has moved from primary to secondary and you haven’t set up free school meals yet, now’s the time to do it.

Checking eligibility and making an application is easy online at https://new. plymouth.gov.uk/free-school-meals or scan the QR code below.

If you don’t have a good internet connection or need some help with the process, your child’s school should be happy to help you.

Empty shops in Plymouth city centre transformed by creatives and artists

Creative businesses, artists and organisations are transforming empty spaces in Plymouth into vibrant new ventures as part of a cultural reimagining of the city centre.

A series of retail units that are currently unoccupied have been handed over to creatives as part of the Meanwhile Use scheme brought to the city by Plymouth Culture.

The scheme aims to work with businesses, landlords and owners to revitalise places not in commercial use, helping showcase creativity and culture while attracting more people to the city centre.

The spaces include three units donated by Drake Circus, which are now being used by creative organisations. These include:

• Sprite Arts - a collective of five women artists based at 15-19 Old Town Street until December who aim to make arts events, workshops and exhibitions, establish artist residency programmes and mentoring opportunities. Their opening exhibition Immersion featured the wonderful creativity of 20 regular sea swimmers at Firestone Bay.

• Civic Space brings art and creativity together with the local skating community, celebrating Plymouth’s skating heritage with projects such as the mural at the Civic Centre and PRIMEdesign. PRIMEdesign has been made by Prime Skate Park with the support of creative community organisation Take A Part and contemporary art gallery KARST and a hub for their work will be based in Royal Parade until the autumn.

• Devonport-based Community Interest Company Bikespace is partnering with cargo bike courier service Zedify in Old Town Street, a hub for consolidating deliveries for businesses. They offer a zero emissions, same and next day delivery service for businesses.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “We’re always looking for opportunities to support our local community and we’re delighted to be involved in a city-wide initiative. Not only is it great to be able to offer space to these passionate organisations, but their commitment to creativity and sustainability is also very inspiring and important to us.”

Gil Woolley, co-founder of Zedify Plymouth said: “We are thrilled to be bringing an ethical, sustainable and cost efficient parcel delivery service to Plymouth thanks to the Meanwhile Use scheme and Drake Circus. Our vision is to reduce the road traffic around the city, making it a safer and cleaner environment for all.”

The Meanwhile Use scheme is spearheaded by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company and Vacancy Atlas - specialists in unlocking the potential of empty spaces.

Vacancy Atlas are based at their own Meanwhile Use space at 107 Cornwall Street, which will also be used to showcase ‘popups’ through the summer. So far, they have included:

• Owen Makes, who filled the space with his beautiful handmade ceramics.

• Memori Prints by Vince Handford, occupying the space in August with his limited edition screen printed posters.

Elsewhere, the Hidden Art Gallery by artist and curator Billy Finch has appeared for a few weeks of August in Cornwall Street, showcasing the work of three Plymouth artists - Isis, Tom Bird and Cormack Reid. Billy’s aim

is to show off the work of up-and-coming artists and those who want to be artists.

Billy said: “I started the gallery to showcase local professional artists and people who want to make a living out of being an artist to the people of Plymouth. Last year I heard about the Meanwhile Use scheme through Plymouth Culture, aimed at filling empty spaces in Plymouth and I thought that a gallery space would be an excellent way to fill an empty shop.

“I managed to get in and be selected and I feel really lucky that it’s happened.”

Earlier this summer Plymouth Community Climate Centre also opened in New George Street, a social enterprise dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering

communities to respond to the climate crisis.

The renowned artistic collective Still/ Moving have also been creating light installations to be displayed in the city centre with community groups.

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “The Meanwhile Use project is genuinely changing the experience of visiting the city centre in a positive way - sparking everyday creative encounters that everyone can access.

“We were overwhelmed by the interest in the scheme from the creative and cultural community and it’s inspiring to see them take advantage of the empty spaces in increasingly innovative ways. A huge thank you to all the partners in the city who have made this possible, including the owners and landlords such as Drake Circus.”

The Meanwhile Use programme is funded through Historic England (Heritage Action Zone Culture Programme), Interreg (C-Care), Plymouth City Council and City Centre Company.

Plymouth Culture is the strategic development organisation that exists to support and enable the growth of culture across the city. It does this by working closely with and through organisations, individuals and stakeholders.

More information about the Meanwhile Use scheme is available at http:// plymouthculture.co.uk/ meanwhile-use

Artists Billy Finch of the Hidden Art Gallery

Zedify offer same day deliveries for Plymouth businesses from their premises in Old Town Street

Artistic collective Still/Moving create light installations

USEFUL

Roundabout gets a colourful makeover

The Roundabout pub in Plymouth city centre has reopened following a £350,000 investment.

Receiving a complete transformation throughout, the venue’s new look interior has seen the pub given a new lease of life.

The pub has also seen a new large outside area opened with 16 tables for guests to enjoy the last of the summer sun.

The pub’s facelift has really brought a fresh feel to the popular venue. Inside has seen the pub’s ground and mezzanine floors given a complete makeover, being painted, and having its flooring, carpets, furniture, and lighting all replaced and modernised.

The refurbishment has also seen air conditioning installed as well as two new pool tables.

Externally the venue has been painted blue, with a local graffiti artist, Harriet Wood & Hazardone, also adding a new look to the pub with a mural sprayed onto the outside of the building, making it really stand out from the crowd.

The pub is run by general manager Richard Smith, who has worked at The Roundabout for nearly nine years. Richard is also a volunteer for the national Pubwatch covering the southwest of England and also chairman of the local Plymouth Pubwatch which is the largest in the country with over 150 venues.

Working very closely with the authorities they have a great relationship as partners making Plymouth a Purple Flag city and a very safe one to come and enjoy the entertainment.

Speaking on the reopening, Richard

said: “It’s great to be back open with our new look and space outdoors, and we’ve been as busy as ever since reopening the doors. As well as our popular student nights and weekend events were looking to bring more and more entertainment to the pub, making The Roundabout the place to be for nightlife in the city.”

Events and offers can be found on the pub’s social media page at www.facebook.com/ Roundabout.Plymouth

They’ve never been on a plane - but two brave Plymouth mums are skydiving from 15,000 feet

Two brave Plymouth mums are set to jump from 15,000ft in a skydive to raise money for charity and to top it off, neither of them have ever been in a plane!

Duo Sam and Tammy take on this heart-stopping challenge – which is the highest in the UK – on September 24 in support of local women’s charity Trevi, which supports women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence. Both Sam and Tammy have accessed the vital support services offered by the charity and are now passionate supporters.

When asked why they have decided to take on this challenge, Tammy said: “I saw it advertised and thought I’d love to do something to help raise money for the charity that helped save my life. I spoke to Sam, and she said she would love to do it with me, which is crazy considering neither of us has even been in a plane.”

Sam said: “I’m doing the skydive because I owe Trevi so much. I was in Jasmine and got to leave with my son. I’ve been at Sunflower for over a year and I’ve had one to one support, counselling, recovery help and done courses. Now I’m a peer mentor and want to give back.’

Trevi supports more than 700 women annually through its services. In the past year, its Jasmine Mother’s Recovery Centre has supported 69 women and their children. All of their residents have been affected by domestic abuse. After engaging with the services at the centre 84% of women detox successfully and 86% remain with their children.

The Sunflower Centre has engaged

Emergency Numbers

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Gas, Wales

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Agency (Emergency)

Helplines

Age UK Plymouth

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Childline 0800

Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800

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Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800

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Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670

Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000

National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700

National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101

NHS Direct 0845 4647

National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247

Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314

Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985

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with over 1000 women who have accessed services in the community, which include workshops, therapy groups, mentoring and counselling – 56% of those who used the centre were survivors of domestic abuse.

All of Trevi’s services are delivered by a dedicated and trauma informed team of women-only support workers, therapists, teachers, and specialist practitioners who work with every woman to address the trauma in her life and help her understand how it manifests so that she can begin to heal, grow and move forward.

Carrie Tecza, social engagement officer, said: “We are so excited for Sam and Tammy who are taking on this courageous challenge to raise money for us, and to do it havingnever been in a plane is absolutely amazing!

“Domestic abuse, addiction and mental ill health are all rising. In Devon and Cornwall, there are 14,700 women victims of domestic every year. It is really important to increase our reach and effectiveness. Many women do not seek help early enough, and we are here to ensure these vulnerable women have someone to turn to.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers like Sam and Tammy, ensuring we can reach other women who may need our support. We are so pleased to encourage them in this remarkable challenge.”

Sam and Tammy want to raise as much money as possible for Trevi and to donate, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ SamandTammyontour

Weather

Sam and Tammy

Plymouth University shortlisted for coveted national award

Plymouth University is in the running to earn the most coveted accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2022.

Its place on the University of the Year shortlist acknowledges the University’s international reputation for marine research and teaching, as well as decades of focus, investment, and impact. It also reflects the University’s commitment to aligning its own ambitious long-term strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the UK’s Maritime and Net Zero strategies, the South-West Development Strategy and Plymouth’s status as Britain’s Ocean City.

The shortlisting comes in a year where the University has again been named among the world’s top universities for marine excellence and climate action.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Petts said: “This is further recognition of our international reputation for outstanding marine and maritime research, teaching and innovation. It acknowledges the contributions of students and staff across the University to understand and address the key global challenges facing our planet.

“It also endorses our commitment to developing and investing in areas that are crucial to global sustainability, and to working with our partners in Britain’s Ocean City and beyond to generate a global network of advocates for the effective stewardship of the oceans.”

The University has more than 1,300 students on its marine and maritime degrees, the highest number of undergraduate and postgraduate

University of Plymouthshortlisted for University of the Year Award

marine students anywhere in the country.

The shortlisting covers the 2020/21 period during which the University reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading centres for marine research, innovation, and education.

In 2020, it collected its second Queen’s Anniversary Prize in eight years recognising its marine research, this time for its work to alert the world to microplastics and to influence solutions and policies that will reduce their future impact.

It has been integral to the development of clean energy solutions, leading the UK Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub, influencing national investment in offshore renewable energy technology, and securing funding to establish the UK’s national floating offshore wind test facility.

The University led initiatives in the emerging fields of clean maritime and maritime cyber security, installing a network of shoreside charging

facilities for electric maritime vessels in Plymouth Sound and establishing the UK’s first Cyber-SHIP Lab to test the cyber resilience of connected maritime systems.

It has also worked in partnerships that established the UK’s first National Marine Park, supported government designation of two new Freeports (in Plymouth and on the Thames), advanced the Royal Navy’s work on autonomous marine systems, and cemented the city’s reputation as the UK’s go-to location for marine science.

The Times Higher Education Awards are open to any organisation involved in higher education across the UK and Ireland, and aim to exemplify the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life.

The 2022 winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London this November.

Advertise to over 22,500 homes in Derriford and North edition

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

The November edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on October 28 with a copy deadline of October 17.

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

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