Plymouth Chronicle October North 2023

Staff and pupils at Austin Farm Academy are celebrating after its Early Years provision was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and the school’s overall rating was classified as ‘Good’ for the first time in 12 years

Full story on page 10

BOWLERS RAISE CASH FOR GABLES DOGS AND CATS HOME

Plympton Bowling Club raised £500 for Gables Dogs and Cats

Home at their annual charity day.

A cheque was presented to Katy from Gables, who was accompanied by her 10 year old Irish setter Mrs Claus by the Plympton Bowling Club president Jan Stapleton. She was joined by bowling club members and Dylan a club member’s Border Collie wearing a bowling club shirt.

The day was organised by Bob Williams the club’s competition secretary and Elizabeth Lightowlers, ladies competition secretary with support from Derek Scantlebury.

The money was raised by the club members playing a ‘Triples Charity Event’ helped with generous donations, raffle prizes plus other money raising events. Club members are proud of their charity fund raising events and thanks are due to everyone who assisted and donated. Since 2004 the club have now raised in excess of £15,000 for mainly local charities.

New artwork to transform city’s busiest subways

A team of artists has been chosen to transform four of Plymouth’s busiest subways with artworks that reflect the city’s ‘humour, positivity and colour.’

Plymouth Culture has worked with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth City Centre Company to commission the project, which will bring new life to the North Cross roundabout subways.

Plymouth artists Sue Lewry and Eleanor Tomas have been selected for the project to reimagine the set of subways following a competitive process.

Work on the first subway has already started and will include abstract images of the sea and moors and messages that show off Plymouth’s identity.

One wall pointing towards the sea will be emblazoned with the words ‘Lookin’ Swell’ and one heading towards Dartmoor will say ‘Gimme Moor’ highlighting two very well-known attributes of Plymouth that Plymothians take pride in.

The underpasses - built as part of the

roundabout in the 1970s - are a short walk from the railway station which is currently undergoing a significant regeneration project, and the new artwork will be seen by thousands of visitors and residents.

Sue and Eleanor are responsible for the design concept and artwork of all four subways and are collaborating with experienced street artists Lee Jackson and Roy Christie, who will skillfully translate the designs to painted artworks using hand and spray paint techniques.

Sue and Eleanor said: “We want to create a Plymouth greeting that welcomes people to our flourishing city with humour, colour and positivity. Many people arrive via the train station or from outside the centre. We’re aiming to draw attention to Plymouth’s best features, the sea and the moor, and signpost this.

“We hope this creative vision will enhance people’s city experience as they walk through the subways.”

Both Sue and Eleanor have worked on public art projects previously - Sue also

runs a popular printmaking studio and Eleanor won the recent Selfie Wall Project with her Made in Plymouth design, which is painted near the Coach Station in the city centre.

Dozens of artists responded to the open call managed by Plymouth Culture.

Members of the Public Art Steering Group made the final selection which includedrepresentatives from Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company, Plymouth Artists Together, Plymouth Design Forum and The Box.

Plymouth Culture chief executive Hannah Harris said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the artists that responded to our open call and the efforts of the Public Art Steering Group in helping select Sue and Eleanor.

“We love the positive spirit and humour in Sue and Eleanor’s proposal as well as the pride their work clearly shows for the place they live.”

The project is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Action on Glenholt Park trees

Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer is working closely with the newly-formed Glenholt Park Residents’ Association over concerns about the safety of trees on the site.

Following three emergency instances of fallen trees in Glenholt Park, the MP and residents were successful in ensuring preventive measures were undertaken to prevent further incidents.

Their intervention helped bring

forward a further tree inspection by the new operators of the park - Berkeley Parks - to the middle of September.

Glenholt is a residential park home estate for residents aged over 50 approximately four miles north of Plymouth city centre. It has been described by its residents as a ‘village where everyone looks out for one another.’

Johnny Mercer attended a vital meeting with the residents’ association and company

representatives on a few days after the tree inspection. Berkeley had conducted a survey report and, crucially, agreed to reassess 15 trees which are causing ongoing concern for the retired community.

The MP said: “I hope this will provide a positive path forward and allow residents to now feel that their genuine concerns are being listened to and acted on throughout the tree management process.”

He has pledged to keep a watchful eye on the issue.

Artist’s impression of the new subway mural at North Cross

Johnny Mercer MP pictured at the meeting with residents and park operators

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.

Against Apartheid

Until Dec 2

A new group exhibition at KARST curated by Ashish Ghadiali, founding director of Radical Ecology, with featured artists including Sue Williamson, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Kedisha Coakley, Angela Camacho, Ashanti Hare and Annaless Davis. Through the work of international contemporary artists, activists and scientists, the exhibition explores the origins of ‘climate apartheid’ - a potential outcome of anthropogenic climate change where life becomes impossible for increasing sections of the human population. This scenario would predominantly impact black and brown communities living on the frontlines of climate breakdown. For details visit www. karst.org.uk

An Evening with Jeff Stelling

Oct 5

The Sky Sports legend, plus special guest former professional footballer Craig Hignett give an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the studios along with some incredible football stories. Followed by a live auction and Q&A. Event takes place at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus starting at 8pm. Tickets available from www.comicalentertainment.com

Coffee Morning

Oct 7

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of the medical mission in Brikama.

Screwed Up

Oct 13

Comedian, prankster and Tik Tok maestro Simon Brodkin will appear at Plymouth’s Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus as part of his UK tour starting at 8pm. Tickets are available from www. comicalentertainment.com

British Beard and Moustache Championships

Oct 14

Organised by local couple Clair and Mike Wellsbury-Nye at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Competitors from all over the UK - and further afield - will battle for honours in the event, sponsored by beard care brand Honest Amish. Funds raised will go to the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts. For details visit www. britishbeardandmoustachechampionships.co.uk

Choral Workshop with John Hobbs

Oct 14

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir present an all day event at Woolwell Community Centre, Plymouth featuring Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Parry’s I Was Glad. Cost is £22 which includes the loan of scores. Light lunch available for £7. Further details are available from www.plymouthphilchoir.org. Online booking available at wegottickets.com/f/13134

Table Top Sale

Oct 14

Southway’s Harvest Festival and Halloween table top sale at The Church of the Holy Spirit from 1pm to 3pm. Variety of stalls plus children’s crafts. Free entry. Tea and coffee available.

Our Secret’s Safe

Oct 21

Latest production from Pilot’s Thumb Theatre - known for their edgy social drama – at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Tickets from www.wegottickets. com

Myths and Magic trail

Oct 21 to Nov 5

Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail to discover the folklore tales and magical properties of trees here at Saltram. And of course don’t forget those pesky pumpkins, they’ll be back hiding in the gardens too, can you spot them all again this year? Every day from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.15pm). Free entry and no need to book.

Collectors Toy & Train Fair

Oct 22

Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at The Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Admission : Adults £1. Accompanied children free. Free onsite parking, security, wheelchair friendly, toilets. Cafe onsite.

Oliver!

Oct 25 to 28

Award-winning Plymouth theatre company TOPS Musical Productions present the popular musical at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. For tickets visit www. atgtickets.com/torquay

Oktoberfest

Oct 27 and 28

The popular event returns to Central Park with Oompah bands, DJs, and traditional German food and drink. Tickets available from https://buytickets.at/ oktoberfestuk/846197

Nearly New Sale

Oct 28

New parents and carers in Plymouth can save money and be environmentally friendly at NCT Plymouth and West Devon’s sale Nearly New Sale at Eggbuckland Community College from 10.30am to 12.15pm. Visit www.facebook.com/nctplymouth to find out more.

Day Conference on Roald Amundsen

Oct 28

The Devon and Cornwall Polar Society is hosting an all day event at Plymouth University’s Roland Levinsky Building on the life and times of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. In recent years, the Society has conducted several successful events commemorating Polar explorers of the ‘heroic age’ of Antarctic exploration and a celebration of Roald Amundsen is long overdue notwithstanding that Plymouth is the birthplace of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. A panel

of four distinguished polar experts will discuss the adventures and achievements of this great Norwegian explorer to an international audience. Details at www. devonandcornwallpolarsociety.org.uk/

Ivo Graham

Oct 28

The Taskmaster star is bringing his brand new show Organised Fun to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 8pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Coffee Morning

Nov 4

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of the Rainbow Project supporting children and families in Romania.

Bonfire Night

Nov 5

Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration 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.

Schubert, Norway and Sea Songs

Nov 5

Featuring the young star baritone Aksel Rykkvin with pianist Zany Denyer and violinist Charles Mutter at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 4pm. The concert will feature music from Schubert, Schumann, and Grieg, with a lesser theme of Songs of the Sea and pieces from Aksel’s native Norway. All proceeds to Plymouth Music Accord’s educational work. Tickets from www. plymouthconcerts.com

Christmas Lights Switch On

Nov 16

Plymouth’s Christmas calendar kicks off with the big switch on between 5.45pm and 6.45pm. Exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on the stage in the Piazza.

Barbican Lights Switch On

Nov 18

Join the big event on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour for an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities, rides and entertainment from 12 noon. Switch on is at 5.30pm.

Christmas Fair

Nov 25

St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle, from 12 noon to 3pm. Various stalls, games and refreshments. Father Christmas will be arriving at 1pm.

Leave No One Behind

Nov 25

To mark the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, Plymouth Soroptimists are organising a community walk against gender-based violence starting at 2pm from the Cornwall Street entrance of Drake Circus and finishing at the Nancy Astor statue on Plymouth Hoe. The aim is to raise awareness of the campaign to ‘Orange the World’. Orange is a bright and optimistic colour, representing a future free from violence against women and girls.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Nov 25

The choir presents Handel’s Samson in The Minster Church of St Andrew at 7.15pm. Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/events/586914 or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Christmas Fayre

Nov 25

Hosted by Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm. Variety of items for sale at bargain prices.

Plymouth Christmas Market

Nov 30 to Dec 17

Plymouth’s popular festive market will feature dozens of traders giving shoppers the chance to pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts.

Carol Service

Dec 7

To be held in the Victorian Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Tickets £6 which goes towards upkeep of Ford Park Cemetery.

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.

Plymouth’s Christmas Lights Switch on takes place on November 16. Photo: Visit Plymouth

Support available to help people in Plymouth make healthy choices and improve their wellbeing is set to continue until 2025.

The service, One You Plymouth, is commissioned by Plymouth City Council and delivered by Livewell Southwest. The current contract for this service is now being extended for a further 18 months to March 2025, in a decision signed this week.

One You Plymouth provides a variety of services to local residents:

• Support to stop smoking

• Healthy weight management

• NHS Health Checks for over 40s

• Training courses in first aid, mental health and suicide prevention

• Falls prevention service

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We want everyone in Plymouth to feel empowered to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. There are some things that we can all do which will benefit us: eat well, exercise more and stop smoking. And although these sound like simple steps, we know they can be anything but because changing habits or creating new ones is very difficult without support.

“This is where the brilliant service provided by One You Plymouth comes in, offering a helping hand that enables people to make positive change.

“In addition to supporting residents’ physical health, One You Plymouth also works to support our mental wellbeing. This has included developing a network of Wellbeing Champions across the city, as well as providing training to help people understand the complexities of mental health and what they can do to help both themselves and others.”

All of the services are open to self-referral, which means anyone living in Plymouth can access them directly without needing to be referred by a GP or other professional.

From 2022-23, a number of people were supported by One You Plymouth:

• 176 pregnant women were given support to stop smoking

• 485 people completed a training course in topics such as mental health awareness, first aid and suicide prevention

• 3,087 people attended physical activity sessions

• 914 referrals were received for the falls prevention service

• 168 people received an NHS Health Check.

The service has been running since 2013 and is a localised version of the NHS’s national ‘One You’ campaign. It has been developed more recently through Thrive Plymouth, the city’s 10 year approach to improving health and reducing inequalities.

The Council will work with local healthcare providers to understand the needs of local residents and review the current service offering before the extended contract with Livewell Southwest ends.

This learning will inform a procurement process for a future health improvement service in Plymouth.

Find out more about the services offered by One You Plymouth at www.oneyouplymouth. co.uk

Dental training programme shortlisted for top award

Plymouth University’s work to combine first-rate dental training with outstanding community care has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023.

The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is in the running to win the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category.

It recognises the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.

It is also the second award shortlisting in a week for the University’s dentistry team, after the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise was named among the finalists in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

Professor Ewen McColl, head of the Peninsula Dental School, said: “This shortlisting is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the Peninsula Dental School and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise. It is further evidence that our approach is yielding benefits, both for our students and staff but the communities of Devon and Cornwall as well. With widespread talk of a crisis in access to NHS dentistry,

this positive recognition could not be more timely.”

The Peninsula Dental School was originally established to tackle oral health inequalities in the South West, and to train dentists who would stay in the region once qualified.

In 2013, it also established the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) to treat patients who may

not otherwise have access to care.

In 2021/22, the period covered by the awards, students registered with the Peninsula Dental School – and working at clinics run by PDSE – saw almost 5,600 patients across Devon and Cornwall.

Over the course of 28,000 appointments, 418 dental and hygiene therapy students were able to deliver crucial primary care

to many of the more vulnerable members of society, including those experiencing homelessness and other forms of social exclusion.

This activity marked a significant rise both in the number of patients seen, and appointments delivered, at the University’s Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.

And of the 1,748 patients who left

feedback during 2021/22, 97% said they would recommend the services to their own friends and family.

In addition to this primary care offer, during 2021/22 the University expanded its range of programmes designed to improve levels of oral health with the community.

Through an Inter-Professional Engagement Module, dental and dental therapy students had the opportunity to work directly with one of 14 host organisations caring for children, people with learning difficulties, older people at risk of isolation, young carers, those experiencing homelessness, and those living in social housing.

A Supervised Tooth Brushing Programme, led by academics and students, worked with pupils at 146 primary schools to provide advice and guidance on the benefits, and most effective methods, of brushing their teeth.

More than 3,000 children aged 16 and under, who are unable to register with a dentist, were seen at paediatric oral health clinic while a Looked After Children clinic provided treatment to 96 children and unaccompanied young asylum seekers.

The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2023, widely regarded as the Oscars of Higher Education, will be announced at a ceremony in December.

W E ARE RE C RUITIN G

Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1 1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people

Whether you are beginning your career or looking to take the next step, your skills to the highest level.

We currently have vacancies for a variety of rewarding positions at all levels, including Carpentry, Engineering, Welding, Fabricating and more

Benefits include

• Competitive pay

• Pension contributions

• Employee discounts platform

• 4 and 3 day working week

• Training

• Occupational health

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible shift patterns and more

Discover our range of career opportunities and apply at www.princessyachts.com/careers or scan the QR code below

Funky Llama’s flagship Club Night is back and celebrating 10 years in style!

Funky Llama will celebrate 10 years of community with its flagship Club Night, taking place at Pryzm Nightclub in October.

Funky Llama is Theatre Royal Plymouth’s flagship project for disabled adults to actively participate in the creation and delivery of high-quality arts activities and events.

The project is currently celebrating its 10th year. With performances from Electric Fire, The Scribes, The Majestic, Andy Quick and many more, this event is set to be a real celebration.

The first Funky Llama Club Night was held at TR2 in 2013 with the aim of creating an event that was inclusive for everyone, whether they were disabled or not.

Sara Rhodes, associate director at Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “We are super excited for the return of the Funky Llama Club Night at Pryzm Nightclub. This event marks a significant moment in the marking of the 10th anniversary of the Funky Llama project.

“We have a fantastic line-up of disabled and non-disabled bands, acts and DJs to make a truly unforgettable evening. At its heart, the Funky Llama Club Night is about celebrating inclusion, community, and people from all walks of life being together to have a brilliant night.”

NEXT EVENT...

Peter Mockford

New plan to help unlock potential of young people in Plymouth

More support will be offered to young people in Plymouth who struggle when leaving education, helping them to find jobs or access training.

An ambitious new plan, Unlocking Plymouth’s Potential, has been co-designed with local businesses, employers, schools and colleges, and outlines how Plymouth City Council and key partners will work together to address issues and empower young people to aspire and achieve.

Jodie Paget, Club Night producer, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our flagship Club Night back in October to celebrate the brilliance of Funky Llama over the last 10 years – it’s a party you don’t want to miss!”

Funky Llama Club Night is taking place from 6pm to 11pm on Thursday October 19. Tickets are £7 and can be purchased now by visiting the website at www.theatreroyal.com/ whats-on/clubnight

Plans to expand important adult care service in city

Plymouth City Council is looking to expand a care service that supports adults with additional needs, helping them to live as independently as possible.

Occasionally God pushes the reset button on the church because often we drift away from the focus of our faith, both personally and as institutions. We need to get back to our identity in Christ both as individuals and as a church so that we can move forward.

As a retired Anglican minister and a registered psychotherapist, Peter Mockford will be looking at this subject from a biblical perspective whilst also drawing from psychological insights.

The afternoon session will look particularly at our identity as individuals in Christ, and in the evening session we’ll look at our identity as the body of Christ.

Hear him speak:

Saturday 28th October

The King’s, Pixon Lane, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ 2:30pm - 4:30pm teaching and discussion 7:30pm - 9pm evening ministry meeting

The event is free to attend and open to all. There will be a voluntary offering taken to cover costs.

For more information email info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

www.fathershouse.org.uk

The service, Shared Lives, offers people the opportunity to live in their community with a host family or carer so that they can receive a personalised package of care and support. Adults currently supported by the service in Plymouth include those with a learning disability, physical disability or mental health issues.

The service offers both long-term care and short breaks to provide respite to other carers. It’s similar to fostering or supported lodgings for children and young people.

The council is awarding a new contract to the existing provider, Shared Lives South West, which will see the service continue for another two years.

The new contract also allows for an 11.5 per cent increase in the fee carers receive to recognise the work hosts do in supporting vulnerable adults in the city. There are currently 13 people in Plymouth who receive care from Shared Lives, but it is hoped that the increase will help with the recruitment and retention of carers, enabling more people to benefit from this type of care.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The Shared Lives service is really valuable, supporting adults with additional needs or disabilities to live as independently in possible but with essential support on hand when they need it. This provides an alternative to supported living

or care homes, enabling people to remain in their own communities and empowering them to develop independent living skills.

“We’re hoping to increase the number of Shared Lives carers in Plymouth so that more people can benefit from this brilliant service. It’s an incredibly rewarding and unusual role that gives people interested in working in care the opportunity to work from home, so if it’s something that you’re interested in I’d encourage you to find out more.”

Dominic Spayne, CEO at Shared Lives South West, said: “With nearly two decades of history, we take pride in our ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission and we are excited to continue growing our services in Plymouth.

“We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we support, the communities we are a part of, and the broader social care sector. Through our services being truly person-centred, people supported by Shared Lives services live their fullest lives and the outcomes we see are inspiring.

“To become a Shared Lives Carer all you need is a spare room and either prior care experience or transferable skills.”

Carers do not need to have formal qualifications, but are required to have had experience in the health and social care sector or relevant transferable skills. Full training and ongoing support is provided to successful applicants.

For more information and to apply to become a carer, visit the Shared Lives South West website: www. sharedlivessw.org.uk

While most young people leave school and make a positive transition to working life or further education, approximately one in ten end up not in employment, education or training (NEET) or in an unknown situation.

Young people who are NEET are more likely to be unemployed or in low paid, low quality work later in life, and it can also be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

The plan sets out how these young people will be targeted and supported to seek education, employment or training (SEET) and then to take advantage of those opportunities so they can develop new skills or begin their careers. The support on offer will include:

• Enhancing the post-16 training offer in Plymouth with more traineeships, internships, apprenticeships and other early career opportunities

• Increasing the number of internships and employment opportunities for young people with educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by forming a Plymouth City Council-led SEND Employment Forum

• Providing bespoke action plans, skills assessments and pre-employment courses for young people

• Working with employers to develop an effective model for work experience and to grow opportunities for entry-level jobs

• Running a programme of careers events across the city so that every child in Plymouth can attend at least one event a year

• Creating a mentoring and coaching programme where young people in further education can support young people from SEET into education or training.

The plan is subject to approval and is due to be discussed at the council’s next Cabinet meeting on September 11.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We’re taking positive, proactive steps that will support young people in Plymouth to seek employment, education and training. The new plan outlines a coordinated, multi-agency approach which will ensure we can tackle the problems young people are facing and help them to find the right career path.

“We want all young people in Plymouth to grow up well, leading fulfilling and healthy lives. Our aim is to raise aspirations and improve outcomes so that our young people are confident about their future and successfully transition into adulthood.”

The inclusive plan also includes additional support for young people with SEND, those that are care-experienced, young parents, and those known to the criminal justice system.

FathersHouseSW

New Violence Against Women and Girls Champion for the city

New season gets underway at The Box with nationally touring exhibition and sculpture

A new season of exhibitions and commissions launches at The Box in October with a nationally touring fine art exhibition and thought-provoking sculpture.

Both explore empire, trade and colonisation in different ways – with the aim of encouraging visitors to think about social and historical narratives from a different perspective.

Dutch Flowers (October 7 2023 to January 7 2024) brings 10 of the finest examples of Dutch flower painting from the National Gallery to Plymouth for the very first time.

Councillor Zoe Reilly is the new VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Champion for Plymouth.

She is a ward councillor for Honicknowle and is also chair of Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

One of Councillor Reilly’s many passions is to drive culture change, create safe spaces, ensure that women and girls in Plymouth are supported and empowered to report violence and abuse and get the support they need at the right time and in the right place.

For her work, Councillor Zoe Reilly has been bringing local groups and organisations together in their drive to tackle VAWG and has been working closely with the Youth Parliament and has made connections through the youth service.

She has set up regular meetings with Devon and Cornwall Police alongside council officers specifically Meghan Field, the Strategic Lead for VAWG who has made huge strides in this area.

She has been busy speaking at events and helping to organise events where organisations wish to open the conversation about VAWG. Zoe has worked with Plymouth Artists together on projects and continues to do so.

She has built a good relationship with MAN culture and continues to champion the importance of this group in addressing the attitudes towards women and girls, and what VAWG is really about.

Zoe is keen to meet as many people who are already working really hard and are the driving force of tackling gender based violence.

Councillor Reilly said: “I am really excited to be appointed as the new VAWG Champion and eager to get stuck into my new role.

“This subject, whilst extremely emotive, is very important to me. Over the next year, I am hoping to bring all organisations across the city together, and work on how we tackle VAWG. I want to create a space for people to have honest, open and appropriate conversations about what VAWG is.”

The VWAG commission was established in 2022 and set out a framework to drive down violence and other abuse, with an emphasis on empowering men to recognise and challenge worrying behaviour by their peers.

Teeming with beauty, colour and life, the artworks are presented in The Box’s beautifully restored St Luke’s church gallery, providing audiences with a stunning overview of leading artists in the field, including Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (1573-1621), Jan van Huysum (1682-1749) and Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750), and a chance to admire their style, technical characteristics and exquisite detail up close.

At the dawn of the 1600s, these painters were among the first artists to produce pictures that exclusively depicted flowers. Boosted by a growing interest in botany and horticulture and an international trade in exotic plants, they went on to become one of the most characteristic themes of Dutch painting.

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery said: “This exhibition is an opportunity to admire the exquisite skill of Dutch flower painters over a period of nearly 200 years, from 1609 to 1789. They are paintings of astounding quality and beauty, often rich in symbolism and historic interest.

“The National Gallery is a resource for the people of this country for learning, enjoyment and well-being, and this exhibition is just one part of a much wider and longstanding programme of national activity that honours our commitment to sharing our paintings with as many people as possible.”

Specially commissioned works by British artist Kedisha Coakley that explore the relationship between the trade in fruit, flowers, seeds and empire are presented alongside the exhibition.

The Box has also selected some related works from its art collection for display, including examples of Iznik pottery from the former Ottoman Empire and 17th century Dutch ceramics, an oil painting by Dutch artist Jan Weenix (1641/1649-1719) and a rare volume of illustrations by renowned entomologist and botanical artist Meria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717).

Captivated

Victoria Pomery, chief executive of The Box said: “Dutch flower painting captivated an age and these beautiful paintings which are packed full of detail demand close observation. They also open up conversations about our interaction with nature and, with the addition of Kedisha Coakley’s works, the relationship between horticulture, plants and all that empire entails.”

The theme of ‘Revisiting History’ is also explored through Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s End of Empire (October 12 to June 23 2024). Originally commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the 2014-2018 First World War centenary, the sculpture

depicts two figures wearing brightly coloured suits. Their heads have been replaced with globes and they sit on a large seesaw.  Their suits are made from ‘Dutch wax’ textiles: an Indonesian batik printing technique which was pioneered by the Dutch in textile mills, imported to Africa in the 1800s, and claimed as their own by the Ghanaians and Nigerians. Their globe heads represent the two ‘sides’ in the First World War: the British-French allies and the AustroHungarians and Germans. The seesaw swings slowly, constantly rebalancing; a striking visual reference to a global conflict that shifted the balance of power and which saw the demise of four once dominant empires –German, Habsburg, Ottoman and Russian.  Victoria Pomery added: “Like many museums and art galleries in the UK and beyond, we are working hard to decolonise our collections and displays, and it’s really important that we echo this approach in our temporary programming too. End of Empire is a multi-layered work that speaks to ideas around conflict and how borders are constantly shifting. It’s a reminder that things are always changing, and how our understanding of history informs our understanding of what’s happening in the world today.”

Later this autumn, The Box will also premiere a major new film commission by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah.

Arcadia (November 30 2023 to June 2 2024) is an immersive five-channel work that explores colonialism, capitalism and the global implications of climate change, challenging perceptions about how the world has been constructed.

Dutch Flowers is on display at The Box from October 7 to January 7 2024. Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s End of Empire will be shown from October 12 2023 to June 23 2024. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected bank holidays. Admission is free and there’s no need to book.

Arcadia - a five channel film commission by artist and filmaker John Akomfrah - will be opening on November 30

The National Gallery’s Dutch Flowers exhibition opens in The Box’s St Luke’s church gallery on October 7

Trouble-hit city centre regeneration project boosted by new contract

A contract is to be awarded to ensure continued rapid progress on the key city centre regeneration project in Old Town Street and New George Street.

The £1.6 million contract will enable work to continue on the scheme which will deliver significant environmental improvements, including trees, new planting and a sustainable urban drainage system that includes rain gardens.

The project is a major public realm improvement to regenerate the tired and outdated public spaces and will see improved pedestrian and cycling connections between the city centre, Drake Circus and the Barcode, high quality natural stone paving and modern seating and street furniture.

The scheme is part of the Better Places Programme which aims to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces, transform the look and feel of the city centre and support and lever further inward investment in retail, leisure, employment and housing.

It involves the removal of existing surfacing, street furniture and soft landscaping and replacing with new hard and soft landscaping, new street furniture, lighting and attractive features.

It also requires the removal of contaminated material, underground obstructions, pre-war historical city features and old services and utilities systems and

construction of new utilities and drainage systems.

The works so far have hit a number of delays due to issues resulting from digging beneath a city centre that was hastily rebuilt after the war. Workers have come across unexpected voids, Blitz rubble, filled-in

cellars, the odd tram line and a maze of utility pipes and cables.

Morgan Sindall’s groundworks subcontractor recently went into administration, which further delayed works.

Activity on site has significantly increased recently and there are now around 30 workers

within the three work areas behind the hoardings.

Rapid progress is now being made in all areas of the scheme but particularly in phase one (outside of House of Fraser) where the aim is to open up some of the completed works in time for the Christmas lights switchon.

Work first began on site in November 2021 with Mildren Construction Ltd contracted to carry out enabling works for the scheme to prime the site for the major phasing.

The final details for the main contract award for the Old Town Street New George Street works are being worked on and the interim contract award will enable Morgan Sindalls to continue progressing the scheme.

Councillor Mark Lowy, Plymouth City Council’s city centre champion, said: “This is an important project for the city centre and will help deliver the ambition to make it a more attractive place to shop, work and play.

“There have been a number of delays to the project due to unforeseen circumstances but the council’s new administration has committed to getting things moving.

“We all want to see it progress as quickly as possible so shoppers, visitors and retailers can enjoy the benefits.”

For more information about the scheme visit the Old Town Street and New George Street web page at www.plymouth.gov.uk/oldtown-street-and-new-george-street

Artist’s impression of New George Street

Celebrations at Austin Farm Academy after ‘Good’ rating

Austin Farm Academy started the autumn term with a definite spring in its step sharing news of its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.

Austin Farm Academy, part of Westcountry Schools Trust in the heart of Plymouth, has undergone a remarkable transformation, securing an overall ‘Good’ rating in their most recent Ofsted inspection.

It represents a remarkable turnaround for the school that hasn’t been judged ‘Good’ since 2011.

The school is also celebrating being the only primary school in the local area to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ grade for its early years provision.

Ofsted inspectors praised early years’ staff for creating a languagerich environment, nurturing pupils into becoming confident readers through effective phonics teaching and promoting positive attitudes towards learning through a carefully crafted curriculum.

The school’s new headteacher, Ruth Baptiste, has been in post since September 2021 and is delighted with this news on her one-year anniversary.

“I am absolutely over the moon. This Ofsted grading is a real boost for everyone who works here, our children, their families and for the whole community.

“Austin Farm Academy is a small school with a big heart. We’re a hidden gem in the centre of the city and this grading means so much to everyone.”

The recent Ofsted report showered praise

on the school, noting that the nurturing and cohesive environment placed pupils at the centre of its focus, encouraging them to be ‘proud, resilient, and respectful’ in all aspects of school life.

With a firm commitment to improvement, the leadership at the school was commended for fostering a community where pupils feel safe and demonstrate high levels of respect for staff and one another, all while enjoying a broad range of opportunities that nurture individuality, confidence, and resilience.

Parents, too, have felt the positive ripples of the changes implemented, with one parent commenting: “My child thrives at this school.

Why wait for surgery that could change your life?

Staff know my child. We know what he is learning and how to support him.” The clear and continuous communication has fostered a supportive network between the school and home, ensuring the best for every child.

While enjoying the glow of the recent success, the school acknowledges the work ahead. Areas for further development include honing assessment strategies to accurately pinpoint individual pupil’s comprehension and knowledge base, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and enriching some subjects within the wider curriculum to a more advanced developmental stage.

Rob Haring, chief executive of Westcountry Schools Trust said: “I want to congratulate the headteacher, the vibrant team of dedicated

staff, and the wonderful pupils on this remarkable achievement.

“This report stands as a true testament to what can be achieved through professional collaboration, perseverance, expertise, and a determination to succeed. I am confident Austin Farm Academy will now soar from this success to further success.”

The report recognised that Trust leaders and staff at Austin Farm Academy have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence, ushering in rapid improvements in a short period of time.

The school’s dedication to creating a positive learning environment, underpinned by a culture of high expectations and ambition for every pupil, shines clearly in the report.

Headteacher Ruth Baptiste

Austin Farm Academy pupils celebrate the ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted

If you’re thinking about your next steps after Year 11, then visit Discovery College to find out about our career-focused courses for 16-19s. Check out our facilities, meet our team and learn more about college life!

Open Day 1

Wednesday 15th November 2023 4.30pm - 6pm

Open Day 2

Wednesday 7th February 2024 4.30pm - 6pm

EMPLOYABILITY

BTEC SPORT CACHE CHILDCARE

BTEC BUSINESS

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Campaign launched to help give breast cancer patients new confidence during treatment

Plymouth, East Cornwall and West Devon’s breast care charity, The Primrose Foundation, is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by launching a campaign to raise money to provide wig funding for those patients who’ve lost their hair following breast cancer treatment.

The charity has a one-week campaign with The Big Give, running between October 11 and 18. The Foundation is looking to raise £2,500 from donations which would be doubled to £5,000 by The Big Give who will match fund donations.

Earlier this year, The Primrose Foundation teamed up with Plymouth-based non-profit organisation Roots to Rise to offer £100 wig vouchers for recovering breast cancer patients to have a beautiful wig fitted for them. With at least 60 people requiring this service locally every year, the scheme needs £6,000 a year to continue.

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator for The Primrose Foundation, said: “We came up with this powerful project because we know just how difficult this side effect of breast cancer treatment can be for so many people. Hair loss is incredibly upsetting, and some people can’t afford the luxury of a correctly fitted wig, so offering wig funding is a real comfort at a testing time.

“We know that great things can happen when our community comes together,” she added, “and any donation made by local people and businesses between October 11 and 18 will have twice the impact as it’s match funded.”

People can donate – on those days only – by visiting the Primrose Foundation’s website, which links to the donation page, www.primrosefoundation.org/bits-andblogs/2023/8/12/the-big-wig-campaign

The Foundation has supported The Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital for over 28 years, raising public awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer and helping to enhance breast care services locally.

Each year over 25,000 people are seen at The Primrose Breast Care Centre and between 400 and 600 breast cancers are diagnosed and treated. It’s thanks to the help and support of The Primrose Foundation that the Centre has become a service of excellence.

Other recent Foundation projects include part funding a screening awareness double-decker bus in Plymouth, which has been driving home the message that breast screening saves lives. It follows the release of figures earlier this year which showed a worrying fall in the uptake of breast screening appointments nationally and locally, with the overall uptake in the Plymouth area dropping to 72.5%.

In some parts of Plymouth, the figure has dropped to 54%. As a result, The Primrose Foundation is also using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to re-emphasise the awareness message, with its ‘LOVE’ campaign. It’s encouraging everyone to LOVE themselves enough to be breast aware:

L - Looking out for lumps, bumps, or dimpling

O - Observe changes or something new

V - Voice your concerns to a medical

others

The charity recommends getting to know your body and knowing your ‘normal’. On social media, the Foundation issues a monthly self-check Sunday reminder to everyone to LOVE themselves enough to be breast-aware and hopes that this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everyone with breast tissue takes a few minutes to check their breasts and the areas around them.

The Foundation is also promoting its Big Bra Drop campaign, which encourages people to donate a pre-loved, goodquality bra.

Shelley Coleman, Trustee of The Primrose Foundation, explained: “How many times have you purchased a bra, worn it a few times, then relegated it to the back of the drawer because it’s just not quite right? Often, we suspect.

“In fact, many of us have several bras tucked away that have never even been worn! With our Big Bra Drop, we can make use of them by recycling them and giving them new life, so please consider donating your new or nearly new bras to The Primrose Foundation.”

More information is in the Campaigns section of the Foundation’s website. www. primrosefoundation.org

Largest selection of transportable and auto folding scooters in Plymouth Road

The Roots To Rise team (from left) Janine Boylin, Jo Heaphy and Hayley Short

Hannah Leach having a wig fitted at Roots to Rise

Plymouth’s ‘living seawall’

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall after organisations across the world united in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront.

A series of specially-designed concrete panels has been installed on the edge of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to make new habitats available to a variety of marine flora and fauna.

The panels, developed as a result of extensive scientific research, have been fixed to the seawall close to the Mayflower Steps memorial.

They cover an area spanning 12 metres by two metres, and will be monitored over the coming months to assess any different species of flora and fauna which have taken up residence.

The hope is that they could become home to limpets, barnacles, anemones, seaweeds, sponges and other species commonly found in natural habitats along the South West coastline.

The Living Seawall in Plymouth installation is the largest of its kind in the UK to date. The project is being led by the University of Plymouth working alongside partners including Living Seawalls, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Our Only World, The Rock Pool Project, Arup, Swansea University, and Ocean Conservation Trust.

The project is also being supported with funding from the University of Plymouth, Our Only World, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, and Associated

British

Dr Louise Firth, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Plymouth, has worked on marine eco-engineering initiatives across the world for more than two decade and is leading the new project. She said: “We have been investigating how to enhance biodiversity on seawalls locally for years. These efforts have all been conducted at small, experimental scales but the Living Seawall in Plymouth is the first large, real-

world-scale installation in Britain. We are very excited to work with the global community to build the evidence about the ecological benefits for both new and existing artificial structures.”

The Living Seawalls initiative was first launched in Sydney, Australia, in an attempt to preserve habitats along the global coastline.

Rising populations have resulted in structures such as seawalls, pilings, pontoons and marinas replacing natural habitats such as saltmarshes, beaches, mudflats and rocky shores and their associated marine life.

Research in Sydney Harbour has shown that after two years Living Seawalls already support at least 36% more species than plain, unmodified seawalls, with as many as 85 species of invertebrates, seaweeds and fish living and growing on the panels.

Professor Melanie Bishop, Co-founder of Living Seawalls, said: “Built structures are a growing source of biodiversity loss in our harbours and coastal oceans. Living Seawalls provide a solution for returning marine life to marine constructions across the globe. We are excited to partner with the University of Plymouth on the most comprehensive trial of Living Seawalls technology in the UK yet.”

Ports (ABP).

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront (Credit - University of Plymouth)

The panels of the Living Seawall in Plymouth were installed by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CreditUniversity of Plymouth)

Bonfire Night is back from the brink – for now

Teenager kick-started funds for big community event in Efford

A teenager’s efforts to boost the community spirt of his estate in Plymouth has paid off after he helped to organise an activity day.

Sid Burgess worked with LiveWest and Plymouth City Council’s youth team to bring people together for a fun-filled day at Foxfield Close in Efford.

The 13-year-old’s drive to boost the community atmosphere led him to work with Plymouth City Council to generate funds alongside LiveWest’s efforts to coordinate the activities. More than 100 people attended the event.

Sid said: “I wanted to do something positive in the community and bring people together so I thought I would do something about it. I wasn’t expecting there to be so many people. It’s great to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves.

“I would happily do another one like this because it’s great to see, especially with the face painting, football and BBQ here too.”

Plymouth’s popular Bonfire Night will go ahead this year as part of the of the council’s effort to support residents through the Cost of Living crisis.

The council’s new administration has decided to go ahead with the spectacular night on the Hoe which was set to be removed from the events calendar as part of last year’s budget savings unless a sponsor was found.

Now the big bang event is back as a oneoff as part of the council’s ‘fun for free’ strand of its Cost of Living Action Plan that has been developed in order to support the health and wellbeing of residents.

Announcing the news deputy leader Jemima Laing, said: “The Cost of Living crisis is impacting on many Plymouth families and we want to help people to enjoy themselves for free or at low cost when they can and to appreciate living in Plymouth and everything this amazing city offers.

“This is why we have decided to bring back Bonfire Night for this year which people can enjoy for free.

“The effect of the cost of living is grim enough on so many families and we know it is a highly valued free event enjoyed by around 27,000 people – that’s a lot of families coming out on a cold night in November to have some fun.

“I am delighted to say that Plymouth Waterfront Partnership have agreed to sponsor the event which we hope will prove good for businesses in and around our wonderful waterfront at a time when things can be quiet in the evening.”

The council’s Cost of Living Action Plan acknowledges the importance of fun and relaxation for people’s mental health and sense of well-being as many people in the city are left with little or no disposable income.

As the cost of living increases, many families will not be able to celebrate Bonfire Night at home or go to ticketed events.

The event on Sunday November 5 on Plymouth Hoe will include fairground rides, catering stalls and a large bonfire, and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display set off from the walls of the historic Royal Citadel.

Other costs for this year’s event will be covered from existing staff resources and budgets.

The event included football with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust (PL Kicks), Plymouth Parkour, scrap modelling, a coffee van, a BBQ and much more to give the public more of a chance to get to know their neighbours.

The largest housing association in the South West, LiveWest, continued its environmentally friendly approach by including a Waste Amnesty Day at the event to help reduce its resident’s carbon footprint.

The Waste Amnesty Day was designed to help LiveWest residents recycle their unwanted items and spread the message to create greener futures together. Some of these unwanted items included old mattresses, rugs, microwaves, sofas

and even televisions.

Working alongside a local scrap store, children and parents were also encouraged to creatively reuse ideas they would normally recycle and create pirate ships, monsters and cars.

With everybody laughing and taking the opportunity to have a chat, local resident Shirley Hall, also praised the success of the day for her and her family. She said: “Everybody knows everybody, but it is in quick passing where we say hi but for all of us to get together, it’s really nice. “It has been a really good community atmosphere here and I reckon we should do it more often.”

Lorna Turnbull, LiveWest’s community connector for the area, was delighted with the way the event turned out.

She said: “This community feel is just phenomenal. Everybody is just so friendly and to be able to come together and do this for the community, it’s great. It was fantastic to work alongside Sid and Plymouth City Council. I’m so happy so many people came out and joined us here today.

“I think we have got a really strong environmental message at LiveWest. It is something we really believe in and I think this event reflects that.”

Photo: Jay Stone

Teenager Sid Burgess pictured at the community event Photos GWR Photography

Talented students making a big impact with their work

Talented designers and illustrators from Arts University Plymouth’s class of 2023 are making a real impression on modern means of communication.

With a strong presence at international showcases such as New Designers, students have collaborated with leading charities such as the National Trust and campaigned on issues ranging from self-censorship and improved wellbeing for women with ADHD as well as working together on a recipe book for those in food poverty.

From illustration to graphic design, three of the most innovative and ambitious graduates from Arts University Plymouth’s Summer Shows and Class of 2023 are highlighted here.

Indra Brooks is a versatile illustrator known for her bright and bold illustrations, using a mix of digital and analogue media. Based in Plymouth, her work features eye-catching colour, shape and detail accompanied by handwritten typography. Through her unique style, she skilfully illustrates non-fictional content, drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems around the world.

Indra enjoys creating work that celebrates different cultures, using her final major project to write and illustrate a cookbook called ‘Tastes Like Home’. This passion project pays homage to her Indian and Malaysian heritage, illustrating simple and full flavour recipes shared across countries, cultures and generations by her family.

Lucy Hartman is an illustrator based in Devon who creates detailed artwork that is inspired by her passion for nature, specifically birds. Lucy spends most of her time painting and exploring new traditional techniques such as Riso printing, ink and watercolour.

Lucy’s motivation is found within limited colour

UK BREAKS

palettes, patterns and detailed textures, and she is currently creating a series of non-fiction picture books, educating readers about Devonshire birds, ornithology and the importance of rewilding. Earlier this year, Lucy took part in a Green Minds project, supporting National Trust property, Saltram House, to create a range of displays to educate visitors about the benefits of helping nature. Lucy used her keen interest in ornithology to create bird illustrations for physical display

Coach from Plymouth

boards around the country house grounds.

Archie McKenzie is an illustrator and activist from Plymouth with work comprising nonfiction and fiction drawn from personal experience and an interest in biology. Archie’s illustrations explore themes of identity and emotional connections with society and nature. Using acrylic inks, pencils and markers, Archie’s final major project, ‘Weird or Wonderful?’, was a concertina book about saltwater clams and shipworms. The book is over two metres

long and created for both children and adults, with a focus on neurodiverse readers. Throughout his time at Arts University Plymouth Archie has worked closely with clients including the Students’ Union and Plymouth Trans Pride. Archie is keen to pursue more research-based illustration and continue to make books and stories that seek to capture the human experience, working predominantly with organisations focused on positive change.

For more information about courses available at Arts University Plymouth visit www.aup.ac.uk

Departing Mon 20 Nov ‘23

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! Set in a lavishly decorated auditorium, this celebration of the festive season delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, dazzling costumes, music and variety.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment every evening

 Entrance to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular

 Excursions to Norwich & the Norfolk Broads by coach (Horning & Potter Heigham)

5 Days by Coach only £399

Departing Sat 25 Nov ‘23

Enjoy the magical, award-winning Christmas Market in the beautiful city of Bath! With a huge range of traders providing a variety of handmade and local Christmas offerings in chalet-style stalls, there is plenty to take in to get you into the festive spirit.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast

 Visit to Bath Christmas Market

 En-route visit to a mystery location

2 Days by Coach only £119

Departing Thu 28 Dec ‘23

Get ready for the highlight of the Christmas season as we travel to London for the dazzling Winter Wonderland (admission not included). Simply book your entry tickets at hydeparkwinterwonderland.com and let us take care of the rest!

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth

 Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with full English breakfast

 Coach transfers to Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland (admission not included)

 Free time in London for shopping & sightseeing

2 Days by Coach only £139

Poster by Indra Brooks

Eye-catching work by Lucy Hartman

New-look Warrens at Derriford

Staff, patients and visitors to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth can enjoy 24-hour pasty provision thanks to the newly refurbished Warrens Café on Level 6, which reopened recently.

The café has been refurbished to provide a warm and welcoming space where people can enjoy nourishing meals and have a place to unwind. With expanded seating capacity and enlarged floor space, the café has been designed to provide a comfortable and inviting location where people can gather, relax, eat and drink at any hour of the day. With an around-the-clock service, the menu continues to feature all-time favourites for breakfast, lunch and beyond, while introducing an array of regular seasonal options, using local suppliers whenever possible.

Vouchers will continue to be made available for NHS staff and patients throughout the year, as well as a digital loyalty programme launching later this year.

“We are excited to invite customers into this fresh new environment and welcome their feedback,” said Craig Wood, head of hospitality partnerships.

“We’d like to thank the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for its support in helping us deliver this so quickly and to such high standards.”

Warrens has had a presence at Derriford for over 15 years. Cafés also operate on Levels 3 and 5, while on Level 7 a full restaurant, Goodness at Greens, offers freshly made meals, a daily carvery and a fresh salad bar in addition to the takeaway food available elsewhere.

Top charity award for Hearts Together chief executive

Plymouth Marjon University’s Early Years

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The inspectorate also judged that the university had maintained its grading of ‘Good’ for its Primary and Secondary ITT programmes.

In Plymouth Marjon’s first inspection since 2014, the university has been commended by Ofsted, saying: ‘Leaders from across the early years partnership co-produce an ambitious and clearly sequenced curriculum’ and ‘Trainees’ profound knowledge of child development and specific areas of learning mean they meet children’s needs exceptionally well.’

Plymouth Marjon University was one of England’s earliest teacher education institutions, dating back to the 1840s. The University trains hundreds of teachers every year and its graduates go into teacher and leadership positions in educational settings across the UK and abroad.

Dean of the School of Education at Marjon, Professor Gary Kinchin, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the initial teacher training provision at Marjon. We always strive to deliver an exceptional standard of education and training to our trainees, working in close partnership with our schools and early years setting in shaping the next generation of exemplary teachers and leaders. Ofsted’s grading makes us proud to be Marjon.”

Marjon is the only university in Plymouth accredited to deliver PGCE teacher training programmes and has welcomed hundreds of students to its education programmes this September, including Early Years, Primary, Secondary, SEND, psychology, and leadership.

Hearts Together chief executive Liz Harding, has be honoured with the ‘Rising Leader of the Year’ award at the 2023 Charity Times Awards.

The well-deserved recognition highlights Liz’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to making a difference to the lives of individuals and families who find themselves in need of Hearts Together’s services at our Plymouth-based Hospital Hotel.

The Charity Times Awards are among the most prestigious events nationally within the charity sector, championing influential and inspirational leadership across the UK. Liz’s award reflects her remarkable achievements, dedication, and visionary leadership, particularly during the pandemic sustaining the Charity through uncertain times whilst making huge steps in advancing the mission and future goals of the Hearts Together.

Under Liz’s guidance, Hearts Together has seen remarkable growth and impact. Liz has been driving forward the charity’s ambitious Big Build project, driven by her commitment to ensure that Hearts Together is able to help everyone in their time of need, always willing to roll up her sleeves and get ‘stuck in’ to ensure the charity delivers the best possible services for those who need support.

In response to receiving the award, Liz said: “To be recognised among so many exceptional individuals doing extraordinary things, in some of the most challenging environments, is both an honour and a privilege, as we all strive to make a long-lasting difference for the benefit of others.”

Hearts Together is a local Plymouth charity, enabling families and loved ones to stay close together during difficult times at its Hospital Hotel - a home away from home, providing support, care and compassion when it matters most.

For more information about Hearts Together, visit www.heartstogether.org.uk

NHS staff can enjoy 24-hour treats

Photos Guy Harrop

Jennie Shephard, general manager, Warrens at Derriford, and team members

‘Outstanding’ rating for Marjon’s training

Liz Harding (centre) pictured with the award

Rosemarie is Plymouth’s newly selected Laureate of Words for 2023 to 2025

Poet and lecturer Rosemarie Corlett is Plymouth’s new Laureate of Words for 2023 to 2025.

Rosemarie was selected by public vote from a shortlist of budding laureates for her poem Blue Space.

She is a bilingual poet and associate lecturer in creative writing at Plymouth University. She has a PhD in poetry and her work has been published in Iota, Poetry Wales, Lighthouse Literary Journal and The Guardian.

Speaking about her appointment, Rosemarie said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the next Plymouth Laureate of Words. I’d like to express my huge thanks to Literature Works, Plymouth Culture and The Box, as well as to all of those who voted for me.

“I’m so looking forward to celebrating our city, connecting with new people and places and showcasing creative writing over the next couple of years.”

A special event to celebrate her selection will take place at The Box at 6pm on September 27. The free event will feature readings by 2021-23 Laureate of Words Laura Horton and 2023 Plymouth Young City Laureate Mimi Jones, as well as Rosemarie Corlett’s first public reading as Plymouth Laureate of Words 2023-25.

Plymouth Laureate of Words is a creative partnership between Literature Works, Plymouth Culture and The Box.

The Laureate represents Plymouth in words, illuminating its life, culture and stories through a combination of creative writing commissions and public events.

The locally based Laureate meets the Plymouth community to inspire and encourage the sharing of stories; reflecting the voices at the heart of the city.

Rosemarie’s first published collection of poems called Flightless Bird was published by Shearsman Books in August last year.

Tickets for the celebration event can be booked at www.ticketsource.co.uk

Harriers cheque for Harbour

Plymouth Harriers Running Club has presented local Plymouth charity Harbour, with a donation of £500. The much-needed funds have been raised through club social events and activities that Plymouth Harriers have held during the past year.

Karen Eccles, chair of Plymouth Harriers said:

“Our main aim as a running club is to encourage and support members of our community to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and to build their social connection with other likeminded people, regardless of age, size or ability.

“The result is increased self-esteem and confidence, a new group of friends and the feeling of belonging to a family and community. We

think it is important to support individuals and groups within the community. We chose to support Harbour because their mission ‘to empower individuals to make positive changes and live a healthy and fulfilling life’ is very similar to our own.”

Plymouth Harriers welcomes runners of all abilities and levels of experience, with qualified coaches and leaders who can help people achieve their running goals, offering something to suit everyone.

Karen and the members of the club hope that the donation will help Harbour to continue their valuable work in providing drug and alcohol services to members of the community that need

it. The charity was founded over 30 years ago and supports individuals with complex lives who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, providing comprehensive care and a sense of community.

Sean Gray, harm reduction coordinator at Harbour said: “As well as being able to continue valued services for people who experience addiction, Plymouth Harriers have shown countless people in Plymouth that they’re in their corner. Stigma is still very much alive and well when it comes to drug and alcohol use, and Plymouth Harriers have shown its possible for anyone to challenge this.”

10 FREE! SAVE £14.99

Hardy Trailing Pansy ‘Cool Wave’

20 Garden Ready BUY

Karen Eccles with Plymouth Harriers members presents the cheque to Sean Gray of Harbour

Nature boost projects unveiled as National Marine Park bid submitted

A series of ground-breaking projects to support and help vulnerable species flourish within Plymouth’s National Marine Park has been outlined as a bid for the Horizons Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is signed off.

As well as building on a range of existing research and nature recovery innovations, projects under the park’s ‘nature boost programme’ will support the recovery of iconic species of Plymouth Sound.

Details of the programme have been finalised and it comes as Council leader Tudor Evans signs a decision to formally submit the delivery stage bid for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The council has also agreed to underwrite the project by £2 million as part of match funding support for the bid.

People will be encouraged to discover and understand species and habitats of the National Marine Park, why they are in danger and through the plans for a digital marine park, to connect and act, getting involved with practical activities join citizen science initiatives and create drivers for people to make real change.

Some of the highlights include:

Expanding biogenic reefs – these are incredible habitats that store carbon and are home to many species and act as a nursery for fish when the tide comes in. Nature’s own ecosystem engineers, the humble oyster and mussels will play a part in the park. Left undisturbed, oysters create complex structures that support several ecosystem services by providing clean water and healthy fisheries.

Native oyster populations have declined by 95 per cent in the UK since the mid-19th century due to overfishing, pollution, disease, and invasive species. This is a nature restoration project that will boost local biogenic reef habitats.

Intertidal mudflats – are submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide and are home to vast numbers of worms, bivalves and cockles buried within the mud. As the tide falls mudflats and saltmarshes marshes are exposed to the air and become a popular habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and other species. This project aims

to protect and conserve breeding and feeding grounds for Little Egrets and Avocets. It will increase understanding of wading birds through surveys and citizen science. Proposals include creating suitable access and viewing points, as well as engagement activities and a mud festival! Support recovery of iconic species in the Sound by developing robust breeding protocols and working to boost species numbers to reduce vulnerability and increase climate resilience. These projects will improve the quantity of available food supplies by careful breeding of target species to support vitally important species. The aim is to develop breeding protocols for up to five species which are important not just to Plymouth but the South West of England. These are thornback ray, spiny and short snouted sea horses.

Community Boost for Iconic Species – the best nature boost ideas often come from the people and communities who live, work, relax and play in, on, under or around the National Marine Park. Community Boost projects will aim to kick-start small-scale projects that deliver nature boost

activities supporting a community-led approach. It will reflect what people really want, and connects minds and actions of local people promoting health and wellbeing.

Other aspects include developing interesting, interactive opportunities for people to experience these projects. This includes films, including ones that can be shown in the immersive dome and time-lapse, that will tell the story about the ‘Iconic species of the Sound’, their habitats and the role they play in the marine environment.  There will also be extensive citizen science initiatives to help develop new skills and foster a sense of inclusion, co-stewardship and connection. This could involve direct actions such as helping to remove nonnative species like the Pacific Oyster and seeding activities to help create biogenic reefs.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This is an extraordinary programme designed to reverse some of the long term damage man has done to its environment and it has been created in such a brilliant way. For example, we help oysters to flourish again – they help us by helping to filter the

Cattewater receives funding for extension to Barbican landing stage

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners have been awarded £150,000 of Government funding towards the extension of the Barbican landing stage via the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).

Capt Richard Allan, harbour master, and chief executive of Cattedown Harbour Commissioners said: “We are delighted to announce that our plans to extend the facilities at the landing stage by adding three new pontoons has been awarded funding from the Government and can now go ahead.

“We are grateful to the Marine Management Organisation for their help and support through the grant process, without FaSS support, this project would have not been possible at this time.

“Since taking back the management responsibility of the Barbican landing stage we have invested considerable sums in improvements to the existing structures, this grant will help create additional

capacity and for more maritime businesses to operate from the heart of our waterfront.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans said: “Tourism is important to Plymouth and the opportunity for more visitors to go and catch some fish or take a trip and enjoy our waterscape and marine wildlife is just a fantastic addition to the Ocean City brand.

“The extension will also provide more space for non-commercial vessels like recreational anglers to use the site and provide better access for those with reduced mobility.”

The pontoons will now be commissioned, and it is expected that the additional three pontoons will in place by early spring. Businesses interested in operating off the new pontoons next year are encouraged to contact Cattedown Harbour Commissioners via info@plymouthport.org.uk to indicate their interest at the earliest opportunity.

Sketch shows how many more boats will be able to use the landing stage after the extension work is completed

water.  I love it!  The passion, the careful thinking, the extensive conversations with charities and organisations here in Plymouth to make these projects come alive and appeal to everyone is inspiring.”

“This is just a snapshot of the National Marine Park’s ambition for nature. The offshoots for people, new skills, new passion and new pride in Plymouth are immeasurable.”

Councillor Andy Lugger, Leader of the Opposition said: “Nature is a fundamental part of what our PSNMP is about, but importantly in our park in the sea the connection between people and nature is key. This is why this programme is so pioneering, we are developing ways for nature and people to not just co-exist but to deliver programmes that mean both people and wildlife will benefit. We always said the PSNMP would build on what is already great in Plymouth and together we will find ways to do even better, what a great example of this approach.”

The National Marine Park is located within the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Marine Protected Area (MPA), Plymouth City Council is a member of the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) and through this management partnership work with other statutory bodies to manage the estuary sustainably. The NMP will work with TECF and stakeholders to help protect and enhance the MPA and deliver its Management Plan.

Roger Maslin, chief executive of the Ocean Conservation Trust said: “Seagrass is one of the most important habitats in the Ocean and Plymouth Sound has some of the best seagrass meadows in Europe but sadly so much has been lost over the last 100 years.

“We are delighted to be able to continue working with the University of Plymouth, Finance Earth and Plymouth City Council in developing a seagrass-based nature credit, which will help fund much-needed protection and restoration of this marine plant that keeps on giving.”

Councillor Kate Ewert, Cornwall Councillor for Rame Peninsula and St Germans added: “The breadth of the Boost Nature programme is extraordinary and I am really excited by the way these projects are not just about helping some of this area’s most threatened sea species, but making sure people on both sides of the Tamar and beyond get to learn about some of the amazing marine life on their door steps. I am particularly keen to see what comes out of the community led projects.”

About the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

The National Marine Park covers an area of 6,357 hectares and includes the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries MPA. It stretches out to sea between Rame Head and Gara Point in Wembury Bay, covering the Sound and stretching to the entrance of the Cattewater, Lopwell on the River Tavy, Gunnislake on the River Tamar, and up to Landrake and Tideford on the Rivers Lynher and Tidd.

It is home to a wide range of habitats and species, many of which are special, rare and protected. For more information about the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park visit www.plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com and for details about the protected habitats and species visit www.plymouth-mpa.uk

Photo: David John Peake

Seagrass meadows

I have the privilege of presenting a radio show on Cross Rhythms Plymouth called Life Stories.

In it I get the opportunity to interview people from various different walks of life about their lives, the ups and the downs and how they have become the person they are now.

Often this type of interview programme is reserved in the media for celebrities but I find the people I interview, though not famous themselves, have just as interesting stories to tell.

Recently I did one which has particularly stayed with me. I interviewed a local lady called Emma Marlow who wanted to share something quite different to the usual Life Stories interviews.

Her interview was focused on the immense difficulty her family had gone through in recent years following her son’s cancer diagnosis. She spoke openly and honestly about how they were informed of this heartbreaking news by a consultant and the subsequent seven year journey they would all go on as he battled the cancer.

It was a journey which would result in the most devastating of outcomes, the death of her son at a very young age.

As a new Dad myself I couldn’t immediately understand why Emma was wanting to share this story so publicly. When I asked her that question she simply said it was a way for her to bring her son into today. Not only that but she wanted to do the interview because her Christian

T here’s hope beyond death

By Dave Simpson,

faith had been a real help to her throughout the entire dark chapter. She wanted to share how Jesus was present with her and her family through it all and share something of the hope she has, even in the face of her son’s untimely death.

The articles I write in the Plymouth Chronicle always reflect something of the importance of my faith and how it impacts my life and I believe the lives of us all in society at large. In the past I’ve discussed caring for those less fortunate than ourselves, being thankful for the good in my life, looking after the planet and a whole host of other subjects.

I don’t believe I have ever written about death however.

Given it is a guarantee for all of us, it is odd how little we talk about death and dying. Other cultures may well have a more open dialogue about the subject but certainly in the UK the topic is almost taboo.

In many ways this is understandable. It is a deeply painful subject. In some ways probably the most painful. Losing a friend or loved one hurts so much it can be almost unbearable. It is even said that death is ultimately the basis of anything we fear.

Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Death just feels wrong. Particularly in a situation like Emma’s where a disease caused the death of her child long before his time. Yet in the face of this most egregious situation Emma was able to find a real hope.

Christianity has much to say about all manner of subjects to do with our lives. In short, that love should be our prime motivator towards God, ourselves, those around us and the world at large. It also brings a very tangible hope into the pit of darkness that is death.

Indeed a major narrative in the faith is that death actually is wrong. That it is an intruder in our lives which Jesus Christ has overthrown. It is the result of a world which is fallen and not as it was designed to be. The promise of the Christian faith is that whoever trusts in Jesus will have eternal life.

I’m not going to convince you of the truth of that statement. Even in my life it is one which takes faith, rather than absolute certainty, to grasp hold of.

What I will do though is encourage you to listen to the Life Stories interview with Emma Marlow. She shared far better than I ever can, from personal experience, how this promise continues

to give her and her family real hope about where her son is now and the expectation that they will be reunited one day.

Her son trusted in this promise for himself and Emma remarked on the incredible peace he had in facing the final days of his young life. Emma’s reason for sharing her story is to give hope to those who hear it that this promise is for anyone.

You can listen to the interview on the Listen Again pages at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth or watch it on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth YouTube channel on youtube.com or use the QR Code here.

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

Student scoops top award with Tinside Lido image

A commercial photography student at Arts University Plymouth has won a prestigious award for his image of the iconic Tinside Lido.

Matthew Marshall, who is 24, won the Single Image category in the EIZO Student Awards. His photograph, ‘Tinside Lido Prepares for Summer’ embodied the competition’s theme of ‘colour’ offering a vivid portrayal of a painter diligently adding stripes to the empty art deco outdoor pool.

The EIZO UK Student Awards are an annual competition that provides students studying photographic and filmmaking courses in the UK an opportunity to showcase their talent and develop real life experience of working to a brief and deadline that will give them a head start in the creative industry.

The competition culminated in an awards ceremony at the EIZO UK headquarters in Ascot, where Matthew learned he had won the category.

Matthew said: “I was so surprised to have won. The other finalists’ work was so

good that I was happy to just be selected but it’s incredible to have the affirmation that the work I’m creating is appreciated. The awards ceremony was an excellent opportunity to see all of the finalists’ work in one place and being able to speak with the industry professionals about my work was a unique experience. I got to network with the other finalists too which was great!”

Originally from Plymouth, Matthew decided to stay in the city to study at Arts University Plymouth. “I originally delayed going to university due to life commitments, but I made the decision that if I didn’t go into higher education at this point in my life then I probably never would! I chose Arts University Plymouth because I was impressed by the facilities on offer and the quality of the photography tutors on my programme. Their experience and knowledge has helped drive my ambition to achieve in the two years I’ve been here.”

“The arts university is a great place for creatives to have the freedom to express themselves through their practice and it’s allowed me to meet people from completely different walks of life that I now consider to be friends.

“My favourite thing about Arts University Plymouth is the diversity it promotes. This isn’t just about the people that attend, it’s the different responses to the same brief that interests me. You gain an understanding from people’s work about the type of person they are and I think the university gives them the confidence to explore what values they hold dear to them.”

TRAIN CANCELLATIONS ‘SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE’ SAYS MP

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard has described the high rate of train cancellations at Plymouth station as ‘simply unacceptable,’ after it was revealed that 1 in 20 services were cancelled over the summer period.

Analysis of National Rail data, collated by On Time Trains, revealed that in the last 12 weeks at Plymouth station:

• 5% of trains were cancelled – equal to 1 in 20 services.

• Weekend cancellations ranked higher at 8%, with less than half of train services on time over the weekend (45%).

• Across the week, over 1 in 10 services (13%) were 10 or more minutes late.  Plymouth station, which sees a footfall of over 5,600

passengers each day, ranks in the bottom 500 stations since June 2023 for performance.

The MP has urged Ministers to sit down with the rail unions to end the strikes which have been causing disruption to train schedules this summer.

He has also been campaigning to stop Plymouth train station ticket office from closure after the government pushed forwards with a consultation to shut nearly all rail ticket offices across the country.

Luke Pollard said:  “While these figures are not as bad as elsewhere on the network, cancelling one in 20 trains is simply unacceptable for people in Plymouth who are already being priced off the railways despite services remaining slow and unreliable.”

Dave Simpson

Matthew’s winning image

Matthew Marshall

Dial the Experts

Architecture

J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

House & Building plans

Extensions

• Conversions

• Alterations

Planning & Building regulation applications

Blinds & Curtains

The Door Doctor - 24 hr Locksmith

• Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting

• Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs

• Replacement Glass • Free Quotes

30 PERCY TERRACE, PLYMOUTH, PL4 7HG

Carpenters

ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS

Trading Standards approved company

Bespoke joinery • doors • staircases • bars

Box frame windows • counters • PCstations.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms.

All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling

Tel 07704448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk

01752348648 allwoodinstallations@icloud.com

MALCOLM WILLS CARPENTRY

All aspects of carpentry. Home Improvements, Alterations, Flooring and Doors, Small jobs undertaken. Senior Citizens Rates. Call for an estimate: 07599 888841 or 01752 255154

Fully qualified ‘Approved Electrician’ NIC EIC Registered & Reviews on Yell.com

• Over 19 years experience • FREE quotes • www.rc-electrical.net info@rc-electrical.net 07813 195943

CLEAN

Exterior Cleaning & Jet Washing Doors & Windows UPVC • Aluminium • Composite • Windows Doors • Bifolds • Bays • Exceptional Quality Absolute attention to detail Building Regulations Compliant 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee 01752 717988 info@optimus-sw.co.uk www.optimus-sw.co.uk OPTIMUS WINDOWS AND DOORS Electrical JDS T: 07845 946 465 E: jaysearle1987@icloud.com GARDENING & WASTE SERVICES Grass cutting & Hedge Cutting - Garden Maintenance - Planting - Patio Cleaning Tree Works - Weeding & Pruning - Domestic & Commercial Waste - Soil & Rubble Removal - Property & Garage Clearances - Garden Waste Removal - Scrap Metal RC Building & Landscaping Tel 07969957323 or 07531396803 General building, patios, extensions, bricklaying, stonework, fencing, general clearance, pressure washing. OAP rates. Contact us for a free quote 20 years experience The handy guide

STEVE ELECTRICAL

Fully qualified and insured electrician • all electrical work considered • Over 25 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work. Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

PLYMOUTH 07305970731 DIRTY

936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk Storm Proof Garden Fencing Professionally Installed 25 year warranty Colourfenceplymouth.co.uk Free Quote Call now! 01752 544944 Free Quote Building & Construction ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation Do you find it hard to get someone to come and do a small job? • Fully Insured • Fully Qualified Electrician • NIC EIC Registered • No job too small or big • Free Quotations • Reasonably Priced • Satisfaction Guaranteed Call 01752 548766 or email info@rowe-net.net J&S GARDENING SERVICES Grass / Hedges / Shrubs / Pruning Tree cutting & lopped / felled Full garden clearances. All waste removed. Patio cleaning. Free estimates. Tel: 01752 600570 Mob: 07929000918 Email: joanie_93@icloud.com We won’t be beaten on price or choice! Comprehensive Range of Styles & Fabric Free Measuring, Quotation & Fitting Discounts for Multiple Blinds 01752 300923 | 07765 033470 www.ukblindsplymouth.co.uk

City College Plymouth, in partnership with Kier Construction, one of the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure services companies, has celebrated the successful opening of a significant initiative designed to tackle the skills requirements in the city’s construction sector.

The launch of the Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre took place in September at the college’s Picquet site in Devonport and was attended by Kier’s supply chain partners and key stakeholders from the construction sector.

The partnership between City College Plymouth and Kier, was developed to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector. The initiative was a direct response to the demand for skilled workers in Plymouth and the wider region. Kier’s ongoing and completed projects in the city include Intercity House and ‘The Park,’ Plymouth City Council’s new crematorium, The Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre will offer a free, fiveweek Level 1 Diploma in the Construction and Built Environment, providing essential skills to adults who are interested in pursuing a career in construction.

The diploma can also transform the lives of unemployed individuals and ex-offenders by equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the city’s construction sector.

The course aims to create a skilled workforce pipeline for Kier’s supply chain who will provide interviews for those who have successfully completed the five-week programme. Covering a wide range of vital construction trades, including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plastering,

TOTALLY GUTTERED

surgery are covered. We are experts in crown lifting, crown thinning, crown reduction, pollarding, stump removal, tree dismantle, woodland management and tree inspection for pests and diseases. Ask us about our seasoned logs. 01752 881036 - 07870 587348 email:www.chtreesurgery.co.ukinfo@chtreesurgery.co.uk C&H Tree Surgery WINDOW CLEANING PLYMOUTH 07305053058 PROFESSIONAL REGULAR WINDOW CLEANING CHOOSE BETWEEN 6 OR 12 WEEKLY SERVICE PAYMENTS CAN BE SET UP ONLINE – NO NEED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. FREE QUOTE – CALL OR TEXT JET WASHING PLYMOUTH 07305240429 DIRTY PATHS, DRIVEWAYS OR DECKING? PROFESSIONAL JETWASHING TO YOUR PROPERTY CHECK FACEBOOK FOR BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS – “ JET WASHING PLYMOUTH FREE QUOTE – CALL, TEXT OR FACEBOOK MSG EXTREME EXTERIOR CLEANING SERVICES • Roof cleaning • Pressure washing • Render soft-washing • Gutter cleaning and more! If it's outside, we will clean it! Contact Paul today on 07940234055 to arrange a free quote. BLOCKED, BROKEN OR DIRTY GUTTERS? Call us for a FREE quote. Also PRESSURE WASHING for Driveways and Patios. Prompt efficient service from a local family business. Call Tim or Tammy on 07467 297363

New construction training centre will boost skills development

building a robust workforce for the construction sector and is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality education and addressing the skills gap in the construction industry. But it goes beyond that. It exemplifies our unwavering civic duty to the city of Plymouth.

“Our partnership with Kier Construction not only bridges the skills gap but also champions social mobility. By offering a free, five-week course in construction skills, we are empowering adults, including unemployed individuals and ex-offenders, with the essential skills to embark on fulfilling careers in the vibrant construction sector.

“This initiative aligns with our core belief that education is the key to opportunity, and by doing so, we are strengthening our city’s social fabric. We are creating a pathway for those who seek to rebuild their lives and contribute to the betterment of Plymouth. This is our civic duty in action - enhancing the life chances of our community members and forging a brighter future for Plymouth through education and social mobility.”

Doug Lloyd, regional director for Kier, added:

Pictured at the opening of the new training centre (from left) Doug LLoyd, regional director for Kier; Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College and Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation at City College

painting and decorating, wall and floor tiling, and plumbing, the course will also provide essential work experience opportunities.

Additionally, students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, a vital credential for accessing employment opportunities within the construction sector.

Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth, highlighted the profound impact of the centre on both the construction sector and the broader community, emphasising the college’s civic duty and commitment to advancing social mobility in Plymouth.

She said: “The Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre is a significant step towards

“As a leading construction company with a longstanding presence in the city, we recognise the importance of investing in a skilled workforce for the future. The Hard Hat Ready course will provide benefits for those looking to upskill or begin a career in construction, as well as our wider supply chain and the local community.

“We are excited to be part of this initiative and to continue our partnerships with City College Plymouth and Building Plymouth, which provide opportunities for individuals to thrive in the construction industry.”

to Plymouth trades & services

MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

All general plumbing & heating work undertaken

• Boiler servicing and repair specialist • No job too small • VAILLANT approved installer

• Gas safe registered • Natural gas and LPG Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

Huge £700k grant boost for community-led initiatives in Plymouth

Local community groups, businesses and organisations can now apply for a major grant, helping them deliver projects that will improve the lives of local people, benefit the environment and boost the economy.

As part of Plymouth City Council’s delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it is launching a new £700,000 community grants scheme.

Any organisation in the city, including voluntary, community, social enterprise groups or businesses in Plymouth are invited to apply for a major slice of the funding to deliver their projects.Projects eligible for community grants must demonstrate positive impacts under one or more of the following themes:Cost of living challenges

• Focusing on Net Zero

• Supporting our communities/creating resilient communities

• Regenerating community heritage assets

The council is looking to fund up to two major projects from this funding and are encouraging local organisations to collaborate and come forward with their ideas on how this significant grant could make a difference to their work. Projects have to be delivered by March 2025.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ukshared-prosperity-fund

LES PIKE

• Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings

tiles

All building & construction work undertaken.

45 Years experience in the building industry. Tel: 01752 787708 Mob: 07977949898

T.CLARKE BUILDING & ROOFING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

All jobs done whether big or small Trading standards approved and Buy With Confidence Member Tel: 01752 267507 - Mob: 07967150441 tclarkebuilders@outlook.com

Our qualified engineers can supply, service and repair all makes of mobility scooters, stairlifts, and home lifts. Please call Best Mobility for a sensible quote. www.bestmobilityplymouth.com bestmobilityplymouth@yahoo.com

Plymouth Lions Club were at Devonport Park Fair in September raising funds for local community charities and deserving causes. They sold soft toys and encouraged people to have a throw in ‘tin-can alley’, plus some simple table top games such as opening an envelope with cash prizes. Despite the small number of attendees this year, the total amount raised was £185.

Fair day’s work for Lions at Devonport Park

Solar panels power car park

Plymouth City Council has installed over 200 new solar panels on the upper roof deck of the Theatre Royal car park to help catch rays to be transformed into green energy.

The panels – 222 in total – will power the entire car park plus provide some excess which goes back into the Plymouth grid.

The total installation can produce up to 94kWp per year, saving up to 17 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year; the equivalent to an average petrol car driving from Lands End to John O’Groats and back again 47 times.

It follows on from the currently-underconstruction first phase of the Civic District Energy Scheme which shares low carbon resources to heat, as well as partially powering, buildings around the Civic Square.

In time, the panels will also help to power new heat pumps installed at the Guildhall and the Council House, either directly through a connection, or virtually by using smart monitoring to balance the solar electricity produced with the electricity consumed by the heat pumps.

It’s all part of the council’s bid to decarbonise council buildings, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and ensure that

it meets the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is yet another example of where we have used innovation to reduce our carbon footprint.

“As one of city’s top tier organisations, it is our responsibility to lead the way with schemes like this and set an example of what can be achieved in the journey

Historical focus for U3A meeting

Local historian and author Simon Dell was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Moors Edge u3a. His subject was ‘Devon Murders’ and featured notorious historical deaths highlighting the difference in policing then and now, which members found particularly interesting.

Guest speaker in October will be David Follett from Devon Air Ambulance who will talk about the work of the charity.

Members also enjoyed a coach trip to Exmouth for a boat trip, with a stop at Dart’s Farm Shop on the way and are now looking forward to a trip to Truro Christmas Market.

The Garden Visits group went on a walk in Antony woodland gardens along with refreshments at the Broomhill Café.

Music Events group members enjoyed the lively Jake Leg Jug band at the Plymouth Jazz Club held at the Royal British Legion, Crownhill. Their next event is seeing a Cher tribute act at the Woolwell Centre on October 6.

The Quiz group now attend a quiz held once a month at the Royal British Legion, Crownhill. The darts group enjoy their monthly trip to the London Inn at Horrabridge many having a light lunch there before usually playing three games. For those who enjoy games, there are groups who meet regularly for Bridge, Canasta and Scrabble.

Weekenders enjoyed a meal at La Trattoria on the Barbican and will be returning to the Barbican to The Village for their next meal. Other activities members enjoy are Arty Crafty, Singing for Fun and learning to play the Ukulele. For those wanting a more active pastime there are walking groups, country dancing and Tai Chi.

Anyone who is retired or semi-retired is welcome to attend one of the u3a meetings which are held at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm on the second Friday of the month.

There are over 20 interest groups with details of future events on the web page at https:// u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/events

towards carbon neutrality.”

The Theatre Royal car park currently has over 550 spaces and already has an electric vehicle station with two charging points and more planned.

The installation of the solar panels is on the upper deck in 50 bays that are seldom used by drivers.

The scheme was funded through the ERDF EU Interreg as well from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Top award for Derriford intensive care consultant

A Derriford Hospital consultant has been recognised for his contribution to intensive care clinical research.

Dr Nikitas Nikitas, a consultant in intensive care medicine, was named as one of the winners of the Joint Intensive Care and and National Institute for Health and Care Research Award 2023 alongside Brendan Sloan, a consultant in anaesthetics and intensive care medicine at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The award celebrates the contributions of NHS employees to intensive care clinical research. Applicants have to show how they have contributed to the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio, with a focus on patient engagement and study participation numbers.

A grant has been given as part of the award which will be used for the educational and administrative support of Derriford’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) research nurses’ team.

Speaking about the achievement, Nikitas said: “I am delighted to have received this year’s clinical

A new hotel for Plymouth has moved a stage closer thanks to a deal to unblock a key stalled site in the city.

The former Prince Rock playing fields on Embankment Road has been earmarked for redevelopment since 2018, but in common with other development projects, has stalled due to an increase in costs as well as changes in the proposed scheme.

Now a decision has been signed by Council Leader Tudor Evans to enter into a forward funding agreement which will enable planning permission to be sought for the commercial development of the site – with a hotel as its anchor tenant – to be built and let out.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We have said before, this administration is all about getting things done and attracting new investment into the city. This was one of a number of stalled projects that we have revisited to see what the Council can do to get this project on track.

“It is one of the busy entrances to the city and this decision will help speed up the start of work and what’s more, could create around 70 jobs in the completed development as well as supporting jobs in the construction phase.”

The extra funding is currently confidential due to commercial

New hotel on Prince Rock site one step closer thanks to funding agreement

sensitivities, but it will be financed through the Property Regeneration Fund. This deal will also bring a longer term rental income into the Ccouncil.

The council owns the 1.5ha (3.6 acre) development plot and its proposed new life with a hotel and other leisure features support economic development and the growth agenda in Plymouth.

The site has not been used as a playing field for many years and has been allocated for a mixed use development under the Plymouth and South West Devon Local Plan.

research award. It is with my deepest gratitude for our joint work and their continuous support, advice, and trust, that I would like to dedicate this award to all members of our ICU Research team and of our Research and Development team, with whom I have been working together, for the last three years.

“This award supports our team’s efforts to continue developing our ICU clinical research delivery services and expanding our research portfolio, for the benefit of our patients.”

Dr Gary Minto, Derriford’s associate medical director for research and development said: “This award is testimony to the success of our Intensive Care Unit’s (ICU) approach to embed research within everyday critical care.

“It is now routine for ICU staff to ask ‘do we have a clinical trial running which could benefit my patient?’ and take ownership for answering this question. In a very short period, we have grown from having a modest research footprint into being one of the most research active ICUs in the country.”

A brand new, multi-agency CCTV control centre with fully upgraded technology is now keeping a watchful eye on Plymouth’s streets and road network.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the new centre monitors 356 cameras across Plymouth, covering its key transport routes, car parks, district shopping centres and city centre pedestrian areas.

It replaces ageing facilities previously located in the Council House and brings together teams from across the council, including CCTV operators, urban traffic control officers and staff from highways maintenance contractor South West Highways in a more modern, collaborative working space.

It also includes a dedicated room for the police, where they can monitor and review footage without having to interrupt day-to-day operations.

With 57 high-definition screens (which can also provide multiple split-screens), staff can now display images from at least three times as many locations as before, at a much higher resolution.

Direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) mean the CCTV and Urban Traffic Control teams can now work more closely together to monitor sites and respond to any issues, from medical incidents or anti-social behaviour to traffic collisions or road flooding.

The centre is also fully connected to the emergency help points in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley.

Dated computer equipment and systems have been replaced, with improved traffic control software and better connectivity to signalised

New CCTV centre will help keep city safe

junctions, so engineers can adapt timings in response to problems on the city’s roads.

Systems also draw in traffic data from the council’s public transport and events teams as well as the emergency services and the Tamar Bridge and will soon also include occupancy data from the city’s car parks.

Engineers are also developing journey time monitoring, which will help to identify congestion hotspots, improve signal timing efficiency and inform future traffic management strategies (for example in managing events, such as Plymouth Argyle home matches). It will also enable teams to better manage traffic flow and provide priority where necessary, for example to improve bus service reliability.

Data from the city’s weather forecasting stations is also collated at the centre to plan winter road gritting and emissions monitoring from air quality sensors at designated sites such as Mutley Plain now means traffic control staff can respond to immediate air quality deterioration, for example by releasing queuing vehicles. The new centre was made possible thanks to funding secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve pictured with the solar panels on top of the Theatre Royal car park

Dr Nikitas (centre) pictured with colleagues

New home for Chestnut Unit

Derriford Hospital’s Chestnut Unit, which provides urology services, will soon move to its new home with access to extra space and state-of-the-art treatment rooms.

Work is underway on the Derriford Hospital site to redevelop the healthcare estate and make it fit for the future. The scheme of work, ‘Building for the Future’ will take place in a phased way over the next 10 years and will involve new developments as well as relocation of services, creating more space to care.

As part of this site restructure, the Chestnut Unit will be moving to the first floor of a brand new, purpose-built modular building in front of the maternity unit, near the multistorey car park.

The new Chestnut Urology Investigation Unit in the modular build is currently under construction and is due to open later this year. Urology is a surgical speciality, covering the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs.

Deputy care group manager, Fiona Peck, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the department and the design of the building will support improved patient pathways.

“The services offered in Urology have increased over time and the new location provides sufficient space to significantly increase the level of activity and number of patients who can be treated.”

Unit manager, Tracey Whittingham, said: “Following years of planning and preparation, it is exciting to see this project transform into a tangible building. The difference to our staff and patients alike is going to be huge, being able to advance the Urology Service in the South West for all.

“We are so grateful that the Trust has

believed in our vision. Paul Hunter-Campbell, Urology Service line director and Anna Wilson, lead cancer nurse practitioner in Urology, have worked tirelessly for a number of years to make this dream a reality.

I can’t wait for the future and for the change this will bring to our service, whilst improving the experience and quality of life for our patients.”

Urology will continue to work closely with the Chestnut Appeal, a charity founded at Derriford Hospital in 1999. The new unit will include space for a charity office and the appeal will continue to raise funds for the very latest equipment and comforts for patients which are beyond what is offered on the NHS, making the unit the very best it can be.

This includes funding for training a psychosexual counsellor, offering a dedicated service for male continence, funding pioneering equipment and technology to be

housed in this new space. There will also be a conference room where our support group can meet each month.

“This purpose-built unit is going to be amazing for anyone who needs to access urology services, in particular men with prostate, testicular or penile cancers,” said Lesley-Ann Simpson, chief executive officer at the Chestnut Appeal.

“The unit will be giving men gold standard care in the South West, where it will be possible, even the norm, to have a consultation, scan, biopsy and results the very same day. I can’t wait for this service to be up and running, and continuing to strive to be the best we can be.”

For more information on the work of the charity, visit www.chestnutappeal.org.uk In addition to the benefits for Urology patients, the move will release space on Level 7 of Derriford Hospital for an expansion to the Endoscopy Unit.

Green Tourism Award for Destination Plymouth

The tourism body for Britain’s Ocean City, Destination Plymouth, is celebrating another sustainability success with the Green Tourism Bronze Award.

Richard Stevens, managing director, Go South West and chair of the Destination Plymouth Board, accept the Green Tourism Bronze Award on behalf of the team.  Green Tourism promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate and advises on adopting a smart, sustainable outlook from top to bottom.  Its certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses that are actively working to become more sustainable –an ethos that Plymouth, as a leader in sustainable tourism, has long championed.

Destination Plymouth, a private/public sector partnership, is one of more than 50 businesses across Britiain’s Ocean City’s tourism, leisure, cultural, heritage and hospitality sectors to have signed up for the Green Tourism programme, and its work to support businesses across the city in becoming accredited has been progressing since February 2022.

Those taking part receive free expert support to help them reach sustainability goals and gain the internationally-recognised Green Tourism Standard, with many already accredited with gold, silver or bronze awards. The programme includes a series of webinars with Green Tourism showing the benefits of enhancing sustainability practices to attract the rapidly expanding, green-minded tourism and corporate events sector.

Destination Plymouth also ran programmes with 40 businesses to provide ‘Green Edge’ customer service training as well as ‘Carbon footprint’ training and low carbon assessments with SWMAS.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive, said: “The fact that these awards are recognised worldwide as a sign of operating in a good, environmentally-friendly way is vitally important for our reputation. And we’re thrilled with this achievement.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels and the work goes on as we continue on our green journey city-wide.  We’re encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved because as each individual business benefits by becoming more environmentally-friendly and eco-conscious, the reputation of the whole city and surrounding area is enhanced as a sustainable destination. It’s a win-win.”

Helplines

Artist’s impression of the new Chestnut Unit

Crowdfunder launched for Shekinah’s new home based at Stonehouse Creek

Plymouth’s homelessness charity Shekinah has set the local business community the challenge to help raise £20,000 by the end of October to furnish their new centre at Stonehouse Creek.

Opening in January 2024 after the refurbishment works are completed, Shekinah will move from their current location in Bath Street to the purpose designed centre to continue supporting people who are experiencing all forms of homelessness.

Offering a wider range of services needed to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities in the local community, Shekinah’s new centre will provide expanded community facilities; health services; training, education, employment and housing services; and a café.

By better integrating the services from a wide range of local providers and enabling delivery of these critical services from this new single site, the Stonehouse Creek centre will significantly improve access for the city’s most vulnerable people.

The ambition to raise £20,000 through Shekinah’s crowdfunding campaign will enable the charity to invest in furnishing the new centre with high quality furniture and equipment.

John Hamblin, chief executive at Shekinah said: “This is about raising the aspirations of the people we support and give them a building they deserve, not having to make do as they’ve had to their whole lives, this is a real chance

to give people more. A successful crowdfunding campaign will enable us to equip the beautiful building at Stonehouse Creek with beautiful furniture as opposed to making do.”

On announcing the crowdfunding campaign, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Shayer said: “Today launches the start of the refurbishment project for Shekinah’s new HQ which will incorporate centralised services to support local people most in need. Through the crowdfunding campaign we will be able to make these people’s lives as good as they can be, let’s not let those disadvantaged feel second best. I urge our local business community to donate, fundraise and help us to make a huge difference to those facing all forms of homelessness.”

Carl Heslop, managing director of Obedair Construction said: “As principal contractor, we are very proud to be involved in delivering this prestigious community project as well as Shekinah being a key charity we support throughout the year. It is great to see the Building Plymouth partnership with the construction industry and the local business community coming together to support this important crowdfunding campaign as well as donating materials and labour in-kind to help us minimise costs to the charity throughout the refurbishment project.”

To donate and find out more about the crowdfunding campaign visit:www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/stonehouse-creek-refurbishment-project#start

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 27 with a copy deadline of October 16. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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

7 Turning green? (7)

11 Tub additives blast hats off (4,5)

15 Rudimentary component (7)

16 Communicate (7)

19 Hidden (5)

21 Abate (3,2)

24 "Turn to the right!" (3) Answers Scan the QR code. Or check the next edition of the Plymouth Chronicle. Or visit plymouthchronicle.co.uk/crossword

Last month’s answers

Across: Across: 6 Abdicate, 8 Yaks, 9 Salad dressing, 10 Climatologist, 14 Reincarnation, 17 Weatherperson, 20 Anon, 21 Solidify.

Down: 1 Lira, 2 Bandit, 3 Cereal, 4 Eyesight, 5 Akin, 7 Braille, 11 Monotony, 12 Our, 13 Show-off, 15 Ageism, 16 Nipple, 18 Etna, 19 Reds.

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the publication.

Gables has been helping the regions unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. We take in and care for nearly 1000 cats and dogs every year.

We are a non-euthanasia charity, which means no healthy animal in our care is put to sleep. We receive no Government funding so rely completely on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies. We need your help to care for unwanted and aban doned animals in your local area.

Any donation, large or small, would make a significant difference to the work we do and will help to protect our future.

Scan

Pictured at the Crowdfunder launch (from left) Lady Mayoress, Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Mark Shayer, Emma Hewitt Building Plymouth, John Hamblin Shekinah and Carl Heslop Obedair Construction