The Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North September 2020

Chronicle Plymouth

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Derriford & North

September 2020

Gables Dogs & Cats Home is looking for forever homes for unwanted greyhounds See page 12

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COVID UPDATE

A new ‘quiet room’ for patients has been unveiled at Derriford Hospital’s Primrose Centre See page 18

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

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Community Job Experience Shop • Useful numbers

New for Old Town Street

Work has started on a key regeneration project in Plymouth city centre as part of the council’s Resurgam programme. The upper end of the city centre will be transformed as contractors start building new taxi ranks which replace the current rank on Old Town Street

• See story on back page

We are open for all your eyecare needs with new diagnostic equipment providing the widest field of view of the back of the eye for top quality eyecare Appointment-only basis for eye examinations and repairs for patient and staff safety HIGHER ST BUDEAUX

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Nigel Gainey Opticians – Putting Eyecare First

2 September 2020

2 September 2020

Let’s work together to stay safe and protect local businesses I’d like to say a big thank you to Plymouth residents and businesses for helping keep the number of cases of COVID-19 in Plymouth low.

Keeping up the measures to keep each other safe, such as wearing face coverings, washing hands, social distancing and getting tested, is saving lives, as well as protecting livelihoods.

We can’t afford to relax our guard though. The experience of some of towns and cities has shown the risks of COVID-19 are still very much with us.

We need to continue to work together

to avoid the need for the measures and restrictions that have caused disruption to daily life and local businesses elsewhere.

Many Plymouth businesses have been badly impacted by having to remain closed during the lockdown. As a Council we continue to work with our partners on ambitious plans to support Plymouth businesses in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Through our Resurgam plan we have a substantial programme to invest in schemes that will both support existing

jobs and create new ones.

We are also starting or restart our big building projects, which will safeguard thousands of jobs. This is just the start.

We’ve set targets to ensure that Plymouth businesses benefit as much as possible when we are buying goods or services.

We have also launched our Skills Launchpad so that those who find themselves out of work can get all the advice in one place.

Please continue to protect yourselves and help keep Plymouth safe.

@PlymChronicle

Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council

Rise in number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth shows there’s no room for complacency

By Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth

The recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth shows that we cannot be complacent.

One of the reasons for the increase in positive tests was an outbreak amongst a group of young people who had returned from holiday in Greece. Young people often have mild symptoms, but as this outbreak showed it can still spread relatively easily.

We’ve also had an outbreak related to a factory in the city.

These outbreaks are being contained in line with the city’s outbreak management plan but they underline the importance of all us keeping up the simple measures to stay safe, including social distancing, washing hands, wearing face coverings properly in confined indoor public spaces and self-isolating and getting tested as soon as we have any symptoms.

They also emphasise the need for businesses to ensure they are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure

Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health they are COVID-secure. These measures remain essential to avoiding spreading the virus and ensuring we can continue

to avoid the sort of lockdown measures seen in some other parts of the country.

Despite the recent rise, Plymouth still has a relatively low number of cases per head of population compared to the national average. By all working together we can keep it that way.

You can always check the number of cases in the city on the ‘Position in Plymouth’ page of our website at: www. plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19.

We recognise that it can sometimes be hard keeping up-to-date with the latest information and guidance about COVID-19. To help, our COVID-19 website includes frequently asked questions, as well as links to sources of advice and help. You can find some of these questions answered on the next page.

There is guidance available to help businesses, schools, colleges, care homes and hotels and restaurants stay safe.

This includes action cards providing a checklist of things to do in the event of an outbreak Our public health team is also happy to advise on any queries. You can contact a member of the team on COVID19@ Plymouth.gov.uk

The simple precautions you can take to stay safe You can reduce your chances of becoming infected or spreading the virus by taking a number of simple precautions.

Wash your hands Washing your hands thoroughly and often is one of the easiest ways you can help protect yourself from COVID-19. Outside your home, you should use alcohol-based hand

sanitiser if possible and avoid touching your face.

Keep your distance The risk of infection increases the closer you are to another person and the longer you spend with them. Wherever possible, you must try to keep two metres away from people who are outside your household or support bubble.

You can also lower the risk of infection by standing side by side, rather than face to face.

Wear a face covering Face coverings must now be worn in many enclosed public spaces.

This applies not only to public transport, shops and hospitals but also to museums, cinemas and places of worship.

Face coverings do not have to be worn in places where it would be impractical to do so, for instance, in pubs and restaurants or when visiting the dentist.

You can use either a single-use face covering or a reusable cloth mask and you can also make your own mask.

The key thing is that it should cover your nose and mouth. Wash your hands before putting it on or taking it off, handle it by the straps and avoid touching the part that covers your face.

Some people are exempt from wearing

face masks, including children under the age of 11. They should not be worn at all by children under the age of 3.

Face coverings do not replace social distancing.

Get tested If you have symptoms you and your household must isolate at home and arrange for anyone with symptoms to have a test.

You can do this online at gov.uk or by calling 119 if you have no internet access.

If you test positive, the NHS Test and Trace service will contact you with instructions on how to share details of places you have recently visited and people with whom you have had recent, close contact.

If you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service because one of your contacts has tested positive, you must self-isolate for 14 days from your last contact with them.

You must do this even if you don’t have symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, you should arrange a test and the rest of your household should also start to self-isolate.

If you can’t be reached by phone, text or email, tracers may knock on your door. You may also be contacted if you live in an area experiencing a localised outbreak.

Visit the GOV.UK website for the latest information on getting tested.

September 2020

@PlymChronicle

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COVID-19: keeping up with what you can and can’t do It can sometimes be difficult keeping up with latest rules being put in place by the Government to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Plymouth City Council aims to help keep residents up-to-date on the guidance and position in Plymouth through regular email bulletins, its COVID-19 website and through social media.

The latest government guidance is available on the GOV.UK website.

Here are some of the key things you can and can’t do.

of your own household. During visits you should continue to maintain social distancing with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble.

8 You should not socialise indoors in groups of more than two households – this includes when dining out or going to the pub.

8 You should not interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship.

households (anyone in the same support bubble counts as one household).

8 You should not socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles.

Socialising indoors 4 You can meet indoors in groups of up to two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household). This includes inviting people from one household into your home or visiting the home of someone else with members

Socialising outdoors 4 You can meet in groups of up to six people who you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble.

4 You can also meet people in groups of more than six people if everyone is exclusively from two

Staying overnight 4 You can stay overnight in someone else’s home. However, you should ensure you maintain social distancing with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble.

8 You should not stay overnight away from

Celebrations 8 You should not hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction.

your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household).

Playing sports 4 You can play team sport if this is formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation and sports governing body guidance has been issued.

8 You should not be playing team sports where the relevant governing body has published guidance on how to do so safely.

Sharing a car

8 You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or social bubble.

If you need to, you should take precautions such as opening windows for ventilation and asking the driver and passengers to wear a face covering.

Your questions about coronavirus answered How many people in Plymouth have had coronavirus? And how many have died?

During the week 1 August to 7 August there were three new cases confirmed in Plymouth, a decrease on the previous week total of seven.

This is a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people. This is below the current rate for England, which is 9.1 per 100,000 people.

The total number of confirmed cases in Plymouth since the start of the outbreak is 681.

A total of 88 Plymouth resident deaths have been associated with COVID-19 since the start of the outbreak.

Are rates of coronavirus high or low in Plymouth?

As stated above, the current rate is 1.1 per 100,000 people. This is below the current rate for England which is 9.1 per 100,000 people.

The Local Outbreak Management Plan will allow for early identification and intervention of future outbreaks, ensuring that any further spread of the virus is minimised.

There’s lots of talk about support ‘bubbles’.

What are they?

In England, an option to form a support bubble with one other household is available for people who live on their own or for single parents with dependents – households with just one adult in essence. Support bubbles do not need to socially distance but you must follow social distancing guidelines if meeting anyone outside of your bubble.

Is it OK to visit relatives in care homes?

Care homes are known to be settings at higher risk of an outbreak. Each care home will have its own policy in relation to keeping its residents safe but given the higher risk of

Here are answers to some of the questions that people frequently ask.

You can find more questions and answers on the Council’s website at plymouth.gov.uk/Covid-19. an outbreak in these settings, general visits are still restricted. This may change over time, but please talk to the care home about any precautions you may need to take before you visit to keep your relatives safe.

Is a home-made face covering ok to use?

Yes. A face covering can be as simple as a scarf or a bandana tied behind your head to cover your nose and mouth. It is important to ensure that any covering allows you to breathe comfortably.

Face coverings are not the same as medical face masks used as part of Personal Protective Equipment, therefore social distancing and hygiene practices should still be observed.

Do I need to leave post, parcels and groceries for a few days to kill the virus?

There’s no evidence that anyone has caught COVID-19 from items of post, but the virus has been found to live on paper and plastic for a short time.

You should make

sure you wash your hands after touching anything that has recently been handled by another person, or after opening post or parcels and disposing of the outer layers. If you are concerned, then you can wipe down with an antiviral spray or set them aside for a short time.

Is shielding still in place?

The Government’s shielding arrangements for the medically vulnerable were paused on 1 August.

This makes it even more important that we continue to look out for friends, family and neighbours to keep each other safe.

Caring for Plymouth, an alliance between the Council, Livewell Southwest and a large number of voluntary and community sector organisations, has been helping ensure that those shielding at home have been provided with emotional support, shopping, medicine collection, support with paying bills and accessing money, if needed.

It is important to know that if you still need help, you can call the Council on 01752 668000.

You can also find information about support available on the Plymouth Online Directory website.

4 September 2020

4 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

£10m boost for Plymouth building projects Plymouth is all set to receive up to £10 million to help a number of new construction projects get off the ground.

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has been allocated over £35 million from the Government’s Getting Building Fund to spend on projects ready to go and £10 million of that is within sight for key Plymouth projects.

The projects chosen will support employment, regeneration, skills and innovation and play an important part of the city’s economic recovery programme, Resurgam.

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans, said: “This is cracking news. We responded quickly with a number of shovel ready projects and the case on each was very compelling. If there are further calls, we have a pipeline of projects lined up and ready to go.

“Through Resurgam we set out our stall that economic recovery for Plymouth is massively important to us - this approach is already paying off.”

The projects are: • An additional £4.17 million for Phase 2 of Brunel Plaza/train station concourse development. The city has ambitious plans to transform this gateway, creating a thriving entrance with public realm, office and retail.

A series of phased developments is planned including modernising and refreshing the concourse. Phase 1 of the concourse entails moving and expanding the ticket gateline.

The funding will also go towards the refurbishment of Intercity House by the University of Plymouth,the transfer of land from Network Rail to Plymouth City Council for a new multi-storey car park, new pedestrian gateway to the city centre and new

accommodation for British Transport Police, GWR and Cross Country staff.

Additional funding is being sought to extend the project by carrying a second phase of improvements to the station concourse.

• £1.9 million for City Business Park in Stoke to help fund a new sustainable building providing 10,000 square feet of flexible workspace for start-ups and businesses looking to expand.

• £1.03 million for Plymouth Science Park

towards development of a new health technology innovation centre to drive the growth of the health tech sector. The hub will support businesses, becoming a focal point between them, the University of Plymouth’s world class research and the University Hospital’s Plymouth NHS Trust.

• £350,000 to refurbish the welding facilities at City College Plymouth. There is currently high demand for skilled welders across the South West and the funding will enable the college to double the number of

An artist’s impression of the Plymouth Railway Station development. Photo copyright Plymouth City Council

welding bays and specialist trainers.

Plymouth is also bidding for £1.7 million funding from the HotSW LEP’s Green Housing and Business Programme to deliver 68 net zero carbon homes and help retrofit homes.

A business case will now be completed for all the projects by the end of August.

Nigel Gainey Opticians leads the way again Nigel Gainey was the first high street optician in Plymouth to offer advanced screening with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in 2011, and now in 2020 Nigel’s team is leading the way with another first for the city – the Monaco Plus Optomap/OCT. Nigel explains the advantages: “The Monaco Plus Optomap/ OCT gives a fantastic 200-degree image of the retina, far exceeding the view seen when performing direct ophthalmoscopy, viewing with a Volk lens or standard retinal photography.

“This has already picked up a retinal hole in the periphery of the retina which, had it not been detected and sent urgently to Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) at Derriford, may well have led to a detached retina and permanent sight loss. We have also had a person with a specific type of mole at the back of the eye, again in the periphery, which could be linked to serious colon problems.

“The OCT is the 3D imaging of the retina, as shown below and it is important to have this facility combined with the Optomap.

01752 366022

Our use of the OCT has picked up numerous patients with fluid within the layers of the retina, wet macular degeneration, and we have been able to fast track these patients to the REI for treatment to save their sight.”

Nigel’s highly trained optometrists operate the equipment, and the tests are comfortable for patients. COVIDsafe guidelines ensure patient safety, including a ‘locked door’ policy to limit the number of people in the practice.

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A friendly, independent, practice

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No need to be in the hustle and bustle of a town centre store

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Qualified optometrists, dispensing opticians and retinal screeners

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No parking charges

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45 minute eye examinations

109 Victoria Rd, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1RX

optomap® Retinal image (200º)

Fundus Camera (about 45º)

Indirect Opthalmoscope (about 30º)

Slit Lamp (with 90º diopter Lens)

For a limited time, Nigel Gainey is discounting the cost of the Monaco Plus scans off complete new spectacles, and if you are currently in receipt of

certain income-based benefits, or guaranteed pension credit, the NHS will also help towards the cost of spectacle lenses*.

*T&Cs apply

www.nigelgainey.co.uk

September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Ocean conservation on the school curriculum Teachers, governors and other education specialists will be taking part in an online conference in October to discuss the introduction of ocean conservation to the school curriculum.

Connect Academy Trust - made up of Manadon Vale, Thornbury, Eggbuckland, Widey Court and Leigham Primary Schools - is introducing ocean conservation to its curriculum and is inviting other schools and organisations to take part in the conference.

The conference on October 8 will show how to introduce the subject into the curriculum.

Children in Connect schools will be learning about a wide range of themes, such as ocean science, sustainability, the importance of the ocean on the world’s ecosystem and the development of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Stuart Bellworthy, chief executive of the Connect Academy Trust said: “We would love lots of schools and organisations, both locally and nationally, to take part in the conference and then go back to their schools, inspired to teach ocean conservation.”

Speakers at the conference include Monty Hall, marine biologist and TV presenter, Nicola Bridge of the Ocean Conservation Trust and Dr Francesca Santoro of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental

Weston Mill Recycling Centre to open in September

Connect pupils enjoying a vist to the National Marine Aquarium

Weston Mill Recycling Centre will reopen at weekends in September.

Oceanographic Commission.

Sarah Ryder, headteacher at Manadon Vale Primary said: “We’re supported by the Ocean

Training on ocean conservation for Connect teaching staff at the National Marine Aquarium

Conservation Trust who run the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the National Marine Association so our knowledge and resources are just going to keep expanding.

“This is a wildly exciting and ambitious project to develop and enrich our school curriculum in such a holistic way. We’re using ocean conservation themes to teach literacy, maths, science and research skills to children across all the year groups – plus they’ll be learning about our impact on the climate and conservation! At the moment, the ocean isn’t even part of the national curriculum.”

All the details about the conference can be found at the Trust’s website www. connectacademytrust.co.uk

Final details are being worked on to re-open the small facility which was closed at the start of the lockdown in March, so that the Council could concentrate on making sure its core bin collections continue.

The exact date has yet to be confirmed but it is not expected to be until after September 12. The opening times will be from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

The site will only accept the following: • Garden waste - but not soil • Bagged general household waste that would usually go in a brown bin • Metal All other forms of waste will have to be taken to Chelson Meadow Recycling Centre.

The same social distancing measures will be in place at Weston Mill and staff will not be able to help carry waste, so people should only bring items they can handle without assistance.

The two metre social distancing from staff will be enforced. Other restrictions are: • Only two adults per vehicle will be allowed to limit the number of people on site and aid social distancing • Children are allowed, but must stay in the vehicle at all times while on site • No vans or cars with trailers are allowed at the site There will be no special traffic management measures but extra signs will be in place to remind people about the site rules and restrictions as well as waiting times.

SURGEON DAVID PAIN FREE AFTER YEARS OF DISCOMFORT Performing highly skilled surgery for hours at a time is a challenging role for anyone; having the added complication of chronic foot pain increased those challenges for surgeon David Chan.

David, a keen walker in his offduty hours, suffered with forefoot pain for a few years, triggered by walking long distance on holiday wearing less than suitable trainers.

Subsequently, he was told he had high arches and was given generic insoles from a high street shop, which he used on and off for a few years. They did not really help.

His professional life required him to be on his feet for up to eight, uncomfortable hours a day. “There was always a dull ache, and the pain peaked when I was in surgery,” said David. “I was so focused I would ignore it, but some days I had to ice my feet when I got home.”

The pain also spoiled a holiday at Lake Como, where David spent two days indoors because of it.

“The pain simply became too bad,” said David, “I was desperate.”

An advert in a magazine led him to Foot Solutions in November 2019, where he was given a comprehensive, free foot health assessment, after which a pair of customised arch supports and footwear was

recommended.

“I was unsure at first, but the investment into the right footwear and support has been so worthwhile. After two to three weeks they relieved the pain completely.”

That was nine months ago, and David has been so impressed by the continued improvement that he now has three pairs of shoes from Foot Solutions – Brooks trainers, work shoes and Merrell hiking boots – and says he would recommend that anyone with foot pain visits the store.

David now performs life-changing surgery for his patients free from pain, and he can enjoy days out with his wife and their two year old daughter,

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walking along the South West coast path and other local routes.

If foot pain is affecting your work and leisure life, give Foot Solutions a call to arrange a COVID-safe appointment where they will carry out a foot health assessment for free, as the first step to finding the best solution for you.

For all your foot health requirements, call 01752 222660 to book your FREE FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT.

34 Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1DU

t: 01752 222660 www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk

34 Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1DU

t: 01752 222660

Thought For The Day

6 September 2020

A tale of two new books...

Blogger turned author - at 92!

A Plymouth man has just published his first book - at the age of 92!

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@PlymChronicle

Kenneth Wheeler, who lives in Crabtree, has published Inspirations - a collection of short stories and poems that document his journey of faith and his years serving in the RAF as a Christian.

All proceeds from sales of the book are being donated to Open Doors charity, to support Christians who are being persecuted for their faith.

Kenneth was born in Stonehouse in 1928 and was the youngest of 11 children.

He survived the Blitz where his school was bombed and joined the RAF just as the Second World War ended. He served in the RAF for 32 years before leaving and taking the post of manager at the Officers’ Mess at Mount Batten.

Kenneth’s journey of faith started after his mother was taken seriously ill and was given little hope of surviving.

“I knew I needed to do something and decided to ask for God’s help,” said Kenneth. “I went to a service at the Elim Church in Stonehouse just down the road from where we lived and was literally in tears throughout.

“At the end of the service the pastor saw I was distressed and he and several church members prayed for me and laid hands on me, knowing that I was worried about my mum’s situation.

“After they finished praying the pastor told me that I would see a miracle when I went home to see my mum. And I did not only did she survive the illness, but went on to live for another seven years.”

Kenneth writes a Blog on Facebook every day about his life now and in the past - and has hundreds of followers

Kenneth Wheeler

in the UK and further afield. When one of them suggested he should make his Blogs into a book, Kenneth discussed the idea with one of his sons Steve, who then helped edit it and arrange for print and publication.

The book is available in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon and has

already received a number of five star reviews - helping it to reach No 5 in the Christian book charts, up there with famous names such as Bear Grylls!

To find out more visit Amazon and search for Kenneth Wheeler Inspirations.

To read his daily Blog visit www.facebook. com/kenwheelerblog

Inspired by life in lockdown...

A single mum from Stoke has published her first book - inspired by the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on families.

Mother of four Linda Cartwright is a self-employed counsellor and therapist, looking after people with mental health issues.

Like many self-employed people, when lockdown was announced Linda’s income dried up completely. She said: “While everyone was stocking up on loo rolls I was left with just 83p in the bank and four children at home. It was nothing short of terrifying.

“I contacted Universal Credit, but the only thing they could give me was a Foodbank voucher. It was the first time I had ever had to rely on others to feed my family and it was certainly humbling.

“During lockdown, friends of mine, our local church and another trip to the Foodbank have fed my family. I am sure I am not alone.

“While trying to scramble some income together selling craft packs to children around Plymouth, I was thinking about the toll it must be taking on children’s mental health during lockdown and also coming out of lockdown after being home for so long.

“I woke up at 2am one night with two verses going over and over in my head and I had to get up and write them down before I could go back to sleep.”

From those verses Linda was inspired to write a book for children, about children in lockdown.

The 24-page book called Alfie and Alexa is a lyrical tale of two children in lockdown - one who hated it and one who loved it. Alfie is grumpy about it all and confused, while Alexa is loving having family around and no pressure.

Linda said: “I believe that most children will swing from one set of emotions to the other probably on a daily basis. This book will open up discussions in families or in September with teachers as children head nervously or

Linda Cartwright

joyfully back to school.”

In the back of the book - which was illustrated by one of her friend’s daughters Elise Smith - is a keepsake section for families to record their experiences and pictures of lockdown.

Profits from the book are going to the NHS and Plymouth Christian Centre Foodbank.

To find out more or to buy a copy visit www. alfieandalexa.co.uk

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September 2020 7 @PlymChronicle

Wake up call to keep COVID-19 at bay after young people test positive following Greek holiday Don’t be complacent about COVID-19, it’s right here in Plymouth, right now - that’s the joint message from the city’s director of public health Dr Ruth Harrell and Tudor Evans, the leader of Plymouth City Council.

The message comes as the city’s public health team deals with an outbreak that could involve as many as 30 young people around the ages of 18 and 19, mainly from Plymouth, who recently returned from holiday abroad. At least 11 have now tested positive for COVID-19. A further separate outbreak in a city factory was confirmed earlier this month.

Many of the young people who tested positive showed no symptoms or very minor symptoms such a sore throat. Their holiday was in the Greek island of Zante - which is not currently subject to UK quarantine rules.

Director for public health Ruth Harrell, said her team were working alongside the national systems to contact and trace the young people thought to have been affected, who have been really helpful and co-operative.

She warned: “This deadly disease spreads. We know that some of these young people had no symptoms, and so carried on as normal, including a night out in Plymouth’s bars and restaurants, until they became aware of the risk. That means more people could be infected. While young people might have fairly mild symptoms, and sometimes none that you would notice, our big concern is that we know it can be very serious for people who have existing health problems or are older.

“We are in contact with all the pubs and bars across the city to remind them of their front line role in stopping the spread of this virus. They need to help us to protect the city. But it also needs everyone to help too. If you think you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you need to stay at home. If you get any symptoms, get tested as well as isolate. There’s no two ways round it.

“While we are still below the point of triggering a lockdown, this incident just goes to show how easily life can change. We all need to remain vigilant, whatever age we are and take proper precautions.”

Tudor Evans, said: “We cannot afford to be complacent. If you are going out you must follow the guidance.

“This is our wake up call. We have been fortunate so far in Plymouth that we have had a low number of cases, but the virus has not gone away. Wash your hands as often as possible, keep your distance and wear a mask or face covering when you are told to.”

There are two main ways to access a COVID-19 test in Plymouth, both of which can be booked on the online portal www. nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ testingand-tracing/ask-for-a-test-to-checkif-you-have-coronavirus or by calling 119.

If you have symptoms, however mild get a test. If you can’t drive to the testing centre at Seaton Barracks, then ask for a home testing kit.

September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth Argyle in new effort to tackle loneliness Plymouth Argyle are joining forces with 31 Football League clubs as part of a major new programme to tackle loneliness among older people.

The English Football League Trust is receiving £810,000 from the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) to support League Club community organisations in 32 deprived locations across England with the aim of connecting more older people at risk of loneliness.

A recent study from the Office National Statistics (ONS) showed that 2.6 million adults reported that they felt lonely ‘often’ or ‘always’, while 7.4 million adults reported their wellbeing had been affected by having felt lonely in the past seven days.

The EFL Trust network has a history of working with people across all generations and have a track record of connecting the people who need it most.

Mike Evans, chief executive of the EFL Trust said: “We are proud to have been chosen to be part of this vital mission to support the older people in

our communities. We see this as an endorsement of the great work that the Argyle Community Trust and others like it have done in this area and we know there is so much more that our network will achieve.

“Our health and wellbeing team are working hard to match the expertise of our network to the communities where it is most desperately needed and we continue to work with DCMS, NHS, Public Health England and other agencies to ensure we can all build back better after COVID-19.”

Last year the Trust launched the Extra Time Hubs movement, to engage retired and semiretired people to combat loneliness and inactivity.

Funded by Sport England, through the National Lottery, the first pathfinder Hubs are run at Argyle and 10 other EFL clubs.

Iris, who attends Argyle’s Extra Time Hub, has found it to be a great support.

She said: “I found that since my husband passed away, I was finding myself increasingly lonely, and wanted to fill my time with new things and find some new friends.

“I love our weekly meet ups. I have made so

Photo: Age UK

many new friends and the staff go out of their way to make us welcome and encourage us to try new things. We are a great support for each other.”

Recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to ensure that older and more vulnerable fans and members of the community are not isolated have stepped up with groups meeting online, WhatsApp groups being set up and regular phone calls made by community teams, players and managers, to check on people’s wellbeing.

Clubs have also made doorstep visits to check in on community members across the country.

Roger, 80, is an Argyle season ticket holder who has benefited from the support that has been offered by the club. As the country went into lockdown, he unexpectedly lost his wife and faced isolation on his own.

The Argyle Community Trust have supported him with regular calls and doorstep visits.

Roger said: “Losing my wife was a terrible time and facing isolation alone was something I was dreading, however the support that I have received from Argyle Community Trust and the

club has been fantastic and has helped me feel less lonely and got through the darker days.”

The new grants will fund expanded activities across the country under the campaign Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together.

Work includes befriending phone calls, online social groups, a pen-pal scheme, social action from young people taking part in NCS, and socially distanced ‘garden gate’ conversations to emerge across EFL communities and reach the people who need this vital support right when they need it the most.

The EFL Trust will also be one of a number of charities and business across the UK who will join the government’s Tackling Loneliness Network, leading the charge against Loneliness. The group will explore ways to bring people together to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at particular risk of loneliness, and will work to continue these initiatives in the future.

To receive support from the project or to volunteer to help tackle loneliness, contact Emma Potter at emma.potter@pafc.co.uk.

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10 September 2020

Council faces budget gap as Government fails to pay for COVID costs Plymouth City Council is facing a multi-million pound gap in its budget this year following the Government’s decision not to fully fund local authorities the additional costs of dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and their loss of income.

Councils such as Plymouth were originally told by ministers that all their COVID-19 costs would be covered. Plymouth City Council is to continue lobbying alongside other councils for the Government to pay the missing funding which could lead to a budget overspend this year.

The City Council had only just set its budget for 2020/21 days before the country went into lockdown. It was required to urgently implement exceptional measures, including setting up a temporary mortuary, securing supplies of PPE for care homes and ensuring there was support in place for more than 10,000 medically vulnerable residents who had to shield.

The latest calculation is that COVID-19 resulted in a total of £27.7 million additional costs to the Council.

Some of these costs can be reclaimed from the NHS via the Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (DCCG) or from specific grants such as the Infection Control Fund and the Test and Trace Grant.

The Government has also provided three non-ring-fenced grants totalling £18.2 million but the Council has been left with a shortfall of £4.3 million for this year.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for Finance, said: “Before COVID-19 struck like many other councils we were in a position of having to meet very challenging savings targets in order to continue delivering the hundreds of services we provide for Plymouth. COVID-19 brought huge and urgent demands to help keep Plymouth residents safe. We rose to the challenge, implementing everything that was required of us and now the Council – and therefore Plymouth residents – are being penalised for it.

“We were told by the Government that councils would be reimbursed for all COVID-19 related costs. It is now reneging on this and is only reimbursing us for our lost income with 71 pence in every pound which could leave us with another £4 million gap to fill.

“The Government has gone back on its word and it is a smack in face to those councils that have done everything required of them to protect their residents. That injustice cannot be allowed to continue as it could affect services not only in Plymouth but also in other parts of the country that have also suffered years of underfunding.”

Councillor Lowry said Council staff had worked throughout the pandemic to keep vital services running and protect Plymouth’s most vulnerable residents. It was now operating around 90 per cent of its services.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to residents for their patience as we have brought services that had to close back into operation. The safety of residents and staff has always been our number one priority and will continue to be so.

“It’s such a shame that the Government’s response has been to short change cities such as Plymouth after they’ve done the right thing to protect and support their residents through this dreadful pandemic.”

10 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Raising the roof and solar panels at Broadley Park From an empty plot to raising the roof and installing solar panels - one of Plymouth’s Resurgam projects is making huge progress.

New high quality sustainable factory space is transforming the plot at the well-established Broadley Park Industrial estate.

The estate at Roborough is home to a significant number of companies including Cittal CSM, Amazon and nearby Burts Potato Chips. Now thanks to a £2.4 million investment by the Council into creating brand new speculative facilities, more companies will have the opportunity to locate here.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We have proved time and again that new modern facilities attracts businesses to the city and encourage existing ones to expand. Now more than any other time, we need to show Plymouth is at the top of its game and is confident it will attract new business.

“Not only will this facility see up to 65 people employed there, the build involves around 30 or so skilled people from a local company carrying out the work.

“We build places for people to work in, for businesses to grow and for their employees to have money in their pockets, some job security and opportunity here in Plymouth.

“Our Resurgam programme is all about creating and protecting jobs. We also promised to look at ways to be as green as possible and this building certainly fits that criteria.”

The 1.65 acre plot will see two new blocks built, providing a total of 2,090 sq m (22,500sqft) of quality employment space for small, medium or large businesses to lease.

Pictured right to left: project manager Jackie Keith, Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, head of Land and Property James Watt and Devon Contractors Stuart O’Higgins, Stuart Tiday and Shaun Bennington

Sustainability is key in this development – specific elements include solar photo-voltaic panels on the roof, high levels of insulation, natural ventilation, LED lighting, efficient heating systems and future-proofed for EV charging.

Work started at the beginning of March and while a few weeks were lost due to the shutdown, the contractors were back on site at the beginning of May. Working outside, they were able to take into account social distancing requirements.

If all goes according to plan, the units could be ready to have businesses move in before the end of the year.

Shaun Bennington, director of Devon Contractors said: “We have worked on various projects with Plymouth City Council and were delighted to have been appointed as the main

contractor on this project. Once completed the self-contained units available for rent will be much needed in this part of Plymouth and help create local employment in this area.”

Plymouth has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment of any city south of the Midlands, but there is a shortage of good quality industrial and commercial space.

Industrial space continues to perform well in 2020 and has not been as affected by the economic impact of COVD 19 as retail, leisure and other sectors.

Units are available to businesses from start-ups to expanding local and national businesses.

The units are available to lease and interested parties can call 01752 304202 or email landandproperty@plymouth.gov.uk

Forder Valley Road closure date announced A date has been confirmed for the long-term closure of the western section of Forder Valley Road, for works on the new Forder Valley Link Road.

The stretch between Novorossiysk Road and Fort Austin Avenue will be closed in both directions from 10am on Sunday September 13, to enable construction of the new signalised junction, which will be larger and around five metres higher than the current one.

As Plymouth City Council announced earlier in the year, the downhill side of the road will be closed for around 17 months but the uphill side will be reopened to cars between four and six months earlier, thanks to the efforts of the project team and contractors.

The existing traffic lights at the junction of Novorossiysk Road and Forder Valley Road will be removed during the closure but temporary push-button signals will be provided for pedestrians.

Traffic will only be stopped when people are waiting to cross. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the closed section of the road, using signed diversions.

Traffic heading from the A38 towards Eggbuckland/ Crownhill will be diverted via Manadon Roundabout, to join the A386 Tavistock Road and B3413 Crownhill Road.

For road-users travelling in the opposite direction, the diversion route will be reversed.

People travelling between Eggbuckland/Crownhill and Novorossiysk Road should also follow the same diversion, via Forder Valley Road (South).

Residents, local businesses and the emergency services have been kept informed on the closure and diversion routes.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit has been reduced from 40mph to 30mph throughout the works area, for everyone’s safety.

Temporary traffic signals are also being used intermittently on Forder

Valley Road (South), near the service station, between now and December.

These are only used when needed and only during off-peak times (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm), to allow underground investigations and subsequent works to support and strengthen the embankment.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “We have to close this section of Forder Valley Road because we are basically rebuilding it, along with a brand new junction, five metres higher. We also need to reroute all the utility channels and cabling that run along it.

“We have done all we can to minimise the duration of this closure – while keeping the public and the workforce safe. When the scheme is finished there will be a new link between the A38 and Derriford, taking pressure off Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road and improving traffic flow for everyone.

“We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us while these major works are carried out.”

The Forder Valley Link Road will create a muchneeded alternative link between the A38 and the north of the city. This will help reduce journey times to and from key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and Plymouth Science Park and improve bus service reliability.

It forms part of a wider package of measures that are key to unlocking growth in the north of Plymouth, where over 4,000 new homes are planned over the next 15 years.

Others have included the Derriford Transport Scheme, Derriford Hospital Interchange and Marjon Link Road.

For regular scheme updates email fvlrcomms@balfourbeatty.com with name and contact details. There is more information on the Council website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/fordervalley.

New dates for Mayflower 400 events The four-nation commemoration programme, involving the UK, USA, Netherlands and Wampanoag nations, will commemorate and explore the 400 year anniversary of the journey and impact of one of history’s most famous ships, The Mayflower.

Mayflower 400, the anniversary commemorating the historic sailing of the Mayflower ship to America four hundred years ago, has announced new dates for key events within its event and culture programme that will now relaunch from this August and run through to July 2021.

Projects developed in collaboration with the Wampanoag include a Theatre Royal Plymouth production ‘This Land’ and two major commissions

by The Box, Plymouth: the Wampum Belt and Legends and Legacy.

The major four nation commemoration event will now take place on Plymouth Hoe on 11 July 2021.

Following the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown, the main national programme, supported by Arts Council England, started in Southampton from August 15 with Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America, a national touring exhibition curated by The Box, Plymouth about the continuing search for a lost treasure of indigenous America.

This will be followed with an online documentary presented by well-known TV historian Dan Snow on September 16, marking exactly 400 years to the day since the Mayflower ship set sail. The documentary will reflect the story of the Pilgrims’ journey, its impact on the Native American people who helped them when they first arrived and the wider colonial context of this journey. It will also include a look at some of the cultural projects involved in the programme.

The Mayflower 400 programme will then run through to 2021 culminating with a Four Nations Commemoration Ceremony involving the USA, Netherlands, UK and Wampanoag nations on July 11 next year.

The anniversary programme will importantly

involve representatives from the Wampanoag nation who will tell their side of this story in their own words for the first time, having been censored or not included in previous anniversaries.

The Mayflower 400 programme includes: Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America See separate story below.

Mayflower 400 year anniversary – September 16 2020 The anniversary day will see a 60 minute online programme presented by history expert Dan Snow available on the History Hits channel and also via the Mayflower 400 website (mayflower400uk.org).

Mayflower 400: Legends & Legacy – The Box, Plymouth – Sept 29 2020 to Sept 18 2021 Legends and Legacy will be the largest commemorative Mayflower exhibition in history and will include over 300 objects. The exhibition has been co-curated by The Box, Plymouth with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee.

This Land - Theatre Royal Plymouth – April 2021 Theatre Royal Plymouth will stage its first-ever international community production, titled This Land. Created and performed by 120 citizens of Plymouth, UK and 30 members of the Native American Wampanoag Tribe from Massachusetts, USA, This Land is the story of what happened then and what it means to us now. Witness the making of history with this unique and vital piece of theatre, which brings together communities from

Exhibition highlights cultural connections with the Wampanoag Native Americans A national touring exhibition which forms part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations is now scheduled to come to Plymouth in 2021.

Originally scheduled for this year, the exhibition - Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America - will open at The Box on May 15 2021.

Prior to arriving in Plymouth the exhibition will visit SeaCity in Southampton and the Guildhall Art Gallery in London.

The exhibition is presented by The Box, in partnership with Wampanoag cultural advisors SmokeSygnals, and features the first artistic commission from the UK to acknowledge its cultural connection with the Wampanoag Native American nation - a newly crafted wampum belt.

It is hoped that the touring exhibition may help to uncover a lost Native American treasure - the Metacom belt which was lost as a spoil of way in 1676.

Told by Wampanoag voices throughout, Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America is the story of Wampanoag Native America. The Wampanoag people have lived in north eastern America for 12,000 years.

both sides of the Atlantic.

Directed by Alan Lane and produced by Theatre Royal Plymouth, it also features text by Nick Stimson and songs written and performed by Seth Lakeman.

‘Roots Up!’ by Street Factory – Barbican and the Hoe - May 22 2021 A bold and contemporary mass street dance on Plymouth Hoe aiming to get people from all walks of life participating in this representation of the Mayflower 400 values, led by the award-winning Street Factory hip-hop group in Plymouth Mayflower International Festival including Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony – July 8 to 11 2021 The key events which would have formed Mayflower Week, originally due to take place in September 2020, have moved to July 2021 and comprise: Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines: July 8 2021; Mayflower Military Muster: July 10 2021; Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony: July 11 2021 The main ceremony on July 11 will involve an exciting major public event on Plymouth Hoe including a 1,000 voice choir, the full orchestra of the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, a depiction of the Mayflower story and representation from the four nations – UK, USA, Netherlands and for the first time, the Wampanoag nation.

Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “It’s been an extraordinarily challenging year, but we’re delighted to be able to carry so much of the Mayflower 400 commemorative programme into 2021. A huge amount of work has already gone into all of these events, so it’s fantastic that locals and visitors will still be able to enjoy what is an impressively varied and creative programme throughout the next year.

“The finale will be the spectacular Mayflower Four Nations Public Ceremony on the Hoe; it’s going to be an unmissable event which brings together all four nations involved to reflect on the Mayflower story.”

The new Wampum belt

Their nation extended beyond Boston, into Central Massachusetts and south to Rhode Island. The Mayflower passengers arrived there in 1620. Yet for almost 400 years, the impact of the Mayflower’s arrival on the Wampanoag Nation has been widely marginalised in the telling of Mayflower history.

Wampum belts are a tapestry of art and tribal history. Made from the purple and white shells of the whelk and quahog, wampum beads embody the Wampanoag connection to the sea and to life itself. Each shell bead is imbued with memory and meaning by the maker.

Wampum belts are of cultural, sacred and symbolic significance to the Wampanoag nation.

Through wampum belts, the Wampanoag share stories of their communities and culture. The newly crafted wampum belt has been created by more than 100 artisans from the Wampanoag nation and consists of 5,000 handcrafted beads.

It will tour with historic wampum belts from the British Museum collection. On completion of the tour, the new wampum belt will be returned to the Wampanoag Nation.

It is hoped that through this touring exhibition a lost Native American treasure may be uncovered

– the wampum belt of the Wampanoag chief Metacom.

It has not been seen since it was sent to England in 1677 following the King Philip’s War, and has been the subject of an intensive international search that began in late 1970 and continues to this day.

Members will get access to special events and offers, behind-the-scenes glimpses as well as free access to any payable exhibitions.

An added incentive for anyone who signs up over the next couple of weeks is the chance to book tickets ahead of the general public, and be among the very first visitors to experience The Box’s newly developed galleries and exhibition spaces.

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader said: “This is a brilliant scheme that will enable people to show their support for The Box and keep

admission to it free, whilst enjoying some unique benefits.

“The early bird offer is a real coup too – members will be able to book their tickets from September 7, giving them three exclusive days to plan their visit before tickets go on general release.”

Individual and household memberships can be purchased online from www.theboxplymouth.com/ support-us.

Once The Box has opened on September 29 they can also be purchased from the Welcome Desk.

An individual membership costs just £25 per year. The package is for one adult who can then bring up to three children (aged under 16) with them. For couples and larger families there’s a household membership for two adults and up to three children (aged under 16). This costs just £45 per year.

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Tavistock Road speed trial to be extended The trial 30mph speed limit along the A386 Tavistock Road between the Manadon flyover (Outland Road) and Runway Road (north of Derriford roundabout) is to be extended for further evaluation.

An initial review has shown that most drivers have complied with the trial limit since it was introduced but there were increased speeds measured during the COVID-19 lockdown, when far fewer vehicles were on the road.

Compliance has improved again as lockdown measures ease and traffic starts to return to near-normal levels.

Recorded collisions before and after the introduction of the Derriford Transport Scheme are at similar levels but there has been a significant reduction in the number that are speed-related.

This is especially relevant now, with more cyclists using the road and the Government encouraging local highway authorities to promote more active travel where appropriate.

To allow further evaluation of the scheme and the 30mph limit postlockdown, Plymouth City Council will be advertising an extension to the existing Temporary Traffic Regulation Order already in place.

This will be valid for a further 18 months but the council intends to review the position and make a decision on what speed limit should apply after nine months.

Residents will be able to share their views as part of a consultation process at the end of the extended review period.

Livewell South West COVID-19 compliance course for businesses Livewell South West’s training academy is offering several courses at reduced cost to help businesses deal with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Box reveals details of new membership scheme With the launch date for The Box fast approaching, Plymouth’s major new museum, gallery and archive has launched a membership scheme offering a range of benefits for individuals and households.

September 2020 11

The training department has teamed up with another agency which is HSE approved to develop a course primarily around COVID-19 compliance.

Many businesses and organisations are taking part in the course, which provides accreditation in the workplace to show that they had a COVID compliance officer.

The course, which normally costs £200 per person, has been reduced to £59, although places are filling fast. The course takes less than two hours to complete.

Julie Turner, who works for the Livewell Independence Centre at Mount Gould Hospital said: “The checklist and risk assessments alone are worth more than the £59 but at the end the certificate is a fantastic way of showcasing the lengths a business has gone to and the confidence it will give its customers in combatting the COVID pandemic.”

More details about the course and how to book can be found at www. livewellswacademy.co.uk/leadership_ articles/10/covid19_compliance_officer_ course The Livewell Academy also offers many other courses such as first aid, basic life support, mental health and safeguarding.

It can also offer bespoke courses to suit a particular business need.

12 September 2020

12 September 2020

Greyhounds desperately seeking sofas!

Gables Dogs and Cats Home has offered sanctuary to 12 unwanted greyhounds after the closure of one of the country’s oldest greyhound stadiums.

Every year in the UK around 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing but the COVID-19 outbreak has caused more tracks to close, meaning that number is likely to increase this year.

One such track, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium, has closed its doors after more than 85 years leaving many trainers with the dilemma of what to do with their redundant, racing greyhounds. The luckier dogs are left desperately searching for their forever homes in rescue centres, leaving the rest facing an uncertain future.

Gables Dogs and Cats Home has stepped in to take a dozen of the greyhounds and they are now ready to find the perfect forever homes they deserve.

Greyhounds often get overlooked in rescue centres, due to their appearance and misconceptions about the breed. As is often the case with cats, black greyhounds tend to be disregarded more than their ‘prettier’ counterparts.

Contrary to popular belief greyhounds don’t need a lot of exercise as they are sprinters, so they are content with short strolls around the block followed by a long nap on a comfy sofa. They are generally extremely gentle, placid and affectionate dogs; all they really want is to be your best friend. Some greyhounds can find the transition from athlete to family pet more challenging than others, but once they find the right home there is no stopping them from becoming the perfect companions.

They have very short coats that don’t require much grooming and they don’t moult as much as some other breeds do. They have excellent manners while on lead, tending not to pull. They are quiet souls who rarely bark, but they will chatter their teeth with excitement. These factors often mean that they can be popular pets with older people

The Plymouth schools and others in South West Devon have been allocated a share of the £560 million investment to repair and upgrade school buildings as part of a 10-year programme of work.

A total of more than £717,000 is being made available to local schools. They include Home Primary Academy which will receive just under

Signs to slow down traffic outside schools Signs and flashing lights are being installed outside 15 Plymouth schools to help lower traffic speeds when pupils return in September.

but equally they make great family pets too.

They only wear muzzles outside due to their high prey drive, having been trained to chase.

Ruth Rickard, deputy manager said: “Most greyhounds are not lucky enough to be given the chance of a normal life, which is such a shame as they make wonderful pets.

“If you adopt one you will lose your sofa as they are couch potatoes, but this is a small price to pay for a best friend for life.

Being a genuine non-euthanasia charity, we will never give up on finding homes for our animals. This means if you adopt an animal

from us you will be saving two lives; the one you take home and the one who will take their place in our care.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Gables has had to adapt its adoption process.

People who think a greyhound would make the perfect addition to their family, should visit www.gablesfarm.org.uk where they can find information about all the greyhounds currently looking for homes as well as their other residents. There is also more information about the new adoption process and an online application form.

£700,000 boost for Plymouth schools Several schools in Plymouth are to benefit from a funding programme announced by the Government.

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£125,000, Victoria Road Primary with over £62,500 and Devonport High School for Boys and Mount Wise Community Primary School which will receive a combined total of just under £530,000.

Welcoming the announcement Cllr Nick Kelly, the Conservative Group leader on Plymouth City Council, said: “Coronavirus has taken a toll on us all, not least our children, who have been kept from their friends, their teachers and their schools.

“As we exit lockdown we must focus on getting children back to school - and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our children deserve.

“This funding will help ensure all children have modern environments which will promote the very best possible schools and education, enabling them to gain all the knowledge and skills they need for success.”

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The new ‘20 when lights show’ signs and flashing amber hazard warning lights are designed to make drivers more aware of their speed outside the school gate.

The lights flash at the start and end of the school day and indicate that the advisory speed limit on these roads at that time is 20mph. They aim to improve road safety and encourage more pupils, parents and staff to travel to school on foot and by bike.

Signs will be installed at • Wood View Learning Community, • Woodford Primary School • Heles School, • Goosewell Primary Academy • Elburton Primary Academy • Devonport High School for Boys • St Matthew’s C of E Primary and Nursery Academy • Holy Cross Catholic Primary School • Manadon Vale Primary School • Oak Wood Primary Academy School • High View School • College Road Primary School • Eggbuckland Vale Primary School and Nursery • Millbay Academy • Stoke Damerel Primary Academy These schools have been chosen because they are in areas with a lot of through traffic and pedestrians, data has shown higher speeds or child pedestrian casualties nearby and there have been ongoing road safety issues or concerns from schools, parents, and residents.

Research shows that lower traffic speeds reduce the number of collisions and casualties and where collisions do happen there is less risk of fatal injury. The Council will be monitoring traffic speeds in the autumn term to assess how effective they have been.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “We want to encourage more children to walk and cycle to school by lowering traffic speed so that parents and pupils feel safer outside the school gate.

“We’re really pleased with how well these signs have been received by schools and hope to offer them to more schools over the coming months.”

Sarah Ryder, head of Manadon Vale Primary said: “We are thrilled with the new flashing 20mph signs as dangerous driving is a real problem for the safety of our children at our school. We are hugely relieved that something has been done and I am very grateful for everyone’s effort in making this happen.”

The ‘20 when lights show’ programme is being substantially funded from the £249,000 awarded to the Council from tranche one of the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.

To find out more about the successful bid and other measures it includes visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/cycling/ covid19.

September 2020 13

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Top award for university academic who designed recyclable face shield A University of Plymouth academic has received a prestigious award for his work to design a recyclable face shield that could be used by essential staff working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Antony Robotham, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been presented with a President’s Special Award for Pandemic Service by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

It recognises exceptional engineering achievements in tackling COVID-19, with 19 individuals and teams of engineers throughout the UK being recognised for their achievements. They will receive specially commissioned silver medals later this year.

Dr Robotham first conceived the face shield idea in April this year, with the aim of providing a safe form of protection that had the least possible environmental impact.

He was then supported by the University’s Centre for Health Technology, International Marine Litter Research Unit and Research and Innovation Directorate, to bring it to fruition.

Speaking about the award, he said: “This was a big surprise, but it is great to know that others are recognising the value of our work and appreciating it in the context of what we were trying to achieve. However, the important thing for me is that it recognises what engineers can do in terms of seeing an opportunity and coming up with an innovative solution.

“The initial stages of the project were based on a challenge we run for students, and I hope this can inspire our current and future students to see how they can provide solutions to a range of challenges.”

Soon after starting the project, Dr Robotham began working with Mike Corran, managing director of Plymptonbased company Prestige Packaging, and the company’s designer Dave Lewis – who graduated from the University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography course in 2011.

Together, they refined the original design

up to

Dr Antony Robotham (right) pictured with Mike Corran of Prestige Packaging Photo: Jude Palmer, Royal Academy of Engineering

and made it into a high-speed manufactured product which was cost effective, but also recyclable. The finalised face shield provides eye and face protection against contamination to the eyes from respiratory droplets and splashing of secretions, including respiratory secretions.

Its frame and strap are made from a folding boxboard that is 100% recyclable, 100% compostable and made from FSC-certified wood products. The anti-fog, anti-glare, see-through visor is made from a type of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is 100% recyclable and can be returned back into the production cycle.

Exactly a month after launching the project, the British Standards Institute confirmed in mid-May that the shield had passed all its tests and been approved for use by healthcare workers, first responders and other personnel. It could also carry the CE mark and an initial run of 20,000 shields were produced, and immediately made available for procurement.

Professor Deborah Greaves, Head of the School of Engineering, Computing and

Mathematics at the University of Plymouth, said: “This is a great personal recognition for Tony, but also a perfect example of what engineers can contribute to society.

He managed to take an essential and now globally recognised piece of equipment and completely reconfigure it, so that it not only performed its function but did so in a way that will hopefully limit its lasting impact on the environment.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, added: “The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public health crisis of our time and has presented society with multiple challenges. Engineering expertise and innovation has been central to the global fight to save lives and protect livelihoods.

“I am also incredibly proud of engineers everywhere who have worked round the clock to maintain essential services, critical supply chains and infrastructure in unprecedented circumstances, using their training and skills to find innovative solutions to a host of problems and to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives.”

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Plymouth Science Park to the rescue Plymouth Science Park at Derriford has stepped in to provide free laboratory space to enable students training to be biomedical scientists to achieve essential clinical, diagnostic and research skills.

Every year, students from Plymouth University complete clinical placement experience - but COVID-19 meant that the laboratory space arranged for them was no longer available.

Lynn McCallum, healthcare sciences programme lead at the university was determined to ensure the students could complete their placements and contact Plymouth Science Park to see if they could help.

The Park responded by making laboratory space available for the students during August free of charge.

Being located close to Derriford Hospital meant that pathological materials could be transported quickly and safely to Plymouth Science Park.

Lynn McCallum said: “In order to complete their degree, and demonstrate their competence in a laboratory setting, students must produce clinical portfolios of competence to meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements as well as those from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

“The University of Plymouth runs placement positions for students on these professionally accredited degree programmes via the Applied Biomedical Sciences degree and Healthcare Science Practitioner Training programme, to help students develop their

professional portfolios.

“The students had worked extremely hard to secure a placement, and we were all devastated when it looked unlikely to go ahead. We were delighted and so thankful that Plymouth Science Park was able to offer free laboratory space for the students, who in turn set up a satellite microbiology unit for the study of clinical microbiology specimens.”

Biomedical undergraduate Charlotte Williams said: “The summer placement is a really important part of our degree; due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our initial placement lab was unable to accommodate us, so my lab partner, Euan and I were so pleased to be able to work from Plymouth Science Park to gain the essential skills towards our portfolio.

“Next year, as well as full time study, we will complete our work placements before graduating. This will provide us with a significant edge in the jobs market as well as giving us the required skills and qualifications to work within the NHS pathology laboratories.”

Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “We were delighted to be able to support the University of Plymouth and the undergraduate biomedical scientists by offering a satellite microbiology unit for them to conduct their research. Upon graduation, these students will be highlighly skilled scientists working on life saving research and diagnostic services within the NHS and we are proud to have played a small part in supporting them to gain essential skills and graduate.”

To find out more about Plymouth Science Park visit: www.plymouthsciencepark.co.uk

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POP+ members have been working hard to support the development of an innovative way of allocating £30,000 worth of new funding. The money will be available to groups and organisations and will be divided equally between two funds: one with a maximum of £250, the other up to £3000. The smaller fund will be a simple web-based process designed for speed while the larger fund will require greater digital input; peer support and collaboration. Applicants will be required to use the digital platforms Open Collective https://opencollective.com/ and Slack https://slack.com/. If this makes you come out in a cold sweat, then fear not, POP+ and Our Plymouth are setting up some ‘tech training’ - put your name down here… bit.ly/poptechtues Keyham and the Great Canine Challenge sure we got food parcels to some ladies who When Helen Lounds had an accident during we know were left without and, since we’ve lockdown and found herself being discharged become aware of their circumstances, we’ve from hospital with her leg in a cast her first been able to help some of them so much more.” concern wasn’t about herself but for her four For many of its residents, the existence of dogs and how they were going to get their daily the Keyham Neighbourhood Watch has proved exercise. She need not have worried: not one invaluable. For Helen, there is no going back; but several knights in shining armour from the “I think during the whole Covid thing, Keyham Neighbourhood Watch stepped forth the community spirit in Keyham has been and came to her rescue; remarkable. I think it’s done wonders for the “When my leg was put in a cast I was community, in a twisted kind of way, and I think absolutely petrified, I had no idea how I was bonds have formed and will remain.” going to cope and the When projects like thought of having to ask Keyham Neighbourhood people to walk my dogs Watch and The Hoe for six weeks made me feel Neighbourhood Watch awful but, you know, people participate in the have been amazing; I’ve Neighbourhood Care had people checking on me Networks, it intensifies the every morning and the dogs scale of action; support and have been walked every engagement for - and within day. One guy, John, came - communities. As Kevin says, around several times at six working together is better in the morning to walk them for everyone; on his way home from a “I really do think that twelve-hour night shift: it’s the neighbourhood care Owen & Matt from Pollenize just lovely that people can do network is something that with some of their native bees that for each other.” we can work with. We don’t Helen’s story is not want to lose the identity we unique. What many people have experienced have, and it’s really positive the things we’ve throughout the pandemic is empathy, managed to do, but with greater investment compassion and a determination to support and collaboration I do believe it’s limitless, the each other. Eighteen months ago, there was amount of good work that can be done.” no ‘formal’ community network in Keyham and then Kevin Sproston, a Royal Navy sailor, living in the area decided something needed Tech Tuesdays to be done about the anti-social behaviour in ugh al Let our digit masters guide you thro the area. When Kevin launched the Keyham Open Collective; Slack; Zoom; Neighbourhood Watch on social media he had Microsoft Teams & other platforms no idea if people were going to be interested: n how to navigate the digital highway Lear “I put it on Facebook,” says Kevin, “and through our Play & Learn sessions about five people came along to the first ng Tuesday the 1st September Starti meeting. Now we’ve got about 12 amazing Every fortnight, between 1 & 2pm active volunteers and more than two thousand Join us on our digital crusade online members.” https://bit.ly/poptechtues And when lockdown came, the KNW sprang into action; “Within three days of lockdown we had a community phone-line; leaflets going into every house and we were one of the first communities to get a food delivery project off the ground.”

Since then the KNW has packed and delivered about 200 food hampers and donated about £2500 to the Devon & Cornwall Food Association (with thanks to the North Yard Community Trust, the Co-op and Great Western Power) to help with their costs. Volunteers have collected shopping, medicines, walked dogs and been there for those residents most-inneed including victims of domestic abuse; “Lockdown has created a perfect situation,” says Kevin, “with a controlling partner being able to keep someone indoors. We made

Calling all Digital M asters We are seeking dig ital masters to share their know ledge and show others how technology can be employed to build better communities. If yo u are wise in the new ways and able to help others in our Tech Tuesday sessions, then we would really welco me your guidance: our members are ready to learn.

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Keeping afloat: how POP+ has helped businesses cast adrift Some of the city’s charitable organisations may owe their survival, post the pandemic, to the combined efforts of POP+ and the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network. Throughout the lockdown POP+ and PSEN have been regularly meeting with the Plymouth City Council’s economic development team to highlight the plight of charities and social enterprises across the city unable to access emergency business funding. Now, as a result of their intervention, more than 350 charities; social enterprises; small and micro businesses have been given money to enable them to weather the economic storm brought about by Covid-19.

It is the role of the Plymouth Octopus Project (POP+) to support the many and varied organisations that make up the city’s voluntary and community sector. A survey carried out

by POP+ just two weeks into lockdown, and a follow-up survey in June, identified the precarious position of many of its members, such as The Island Trust, which provides sailing courses from Plymouth for disadvantaged young people. The charity was anticipating one of its busiest years in its forty-seven-year history: with the Mayflower commemorations on the horizon it was to sail across 2020 with nearly 1000 people on board but suddenly all were grounded leaving the charity, as Emma Pate explains, without an income; “If we can’t sail, there’s no money.”

Unlike ‘conventional’ businesses eligible for the government’s Small Business Rate Relief, many of POP’s members found themselves facing great uncertainty with no money coming in and unable to qualify for emergency funding. Sharing their plight with the council, POP+ helped to direct critical funding through the ‘Discretionary Business Grant’ devised to support organisations with a significant fall in income; fixed property costs (including boat-based businesses) and/or rental costs on premises. Unlike other grants – crucially - it enabled the people assessing and awarding the funding to consider the needs and circumstances of each applicant, such as The Island Trust, which heard about the grant during one of POP’s on-line support sessions. It has since received £10,000 to pay rent, bills and berthing rates for its three sailing boats until September.

“We are really grateful for the work of POP+ and PSEN,” says Emma, “raising awareness of organisations like ours who were falling through the net of the government’s emergency funding schemes. While we are still fighting for our survival and looking for other support, this will help see us through the summer.”

For many organisations the grant has

bought them time.

Owen Finnie, from the social enterprise Pollenize, which has twelve bee colonies in five sites across Plymouth, says it’s thanks to POP+ that they even knew about it; “The only information we had about grants came from POP,” says Owen who along with Matt Elmes runs Pollenize, without any income.

“Without this funding we might have had to put a temporary stop on our work at what has been a really pivotal time for us. Instead, we’ve been able to tick along, pay our rent, look after the bees and continue our efforts to build a sustainable business.”

More than £2.25m has now been awarded through the discretionary business grant in Plymouth helping to ensure that the city’s many charities, social enterprises and organisations run by volunteers endure to help others. Furthermore, the efforts of POP+, PSEN and the city council has protected about 1,700 jobs and with them, their livelihoods.

Ben Foulsham

September 2020 15

@PlymChronicle

Charity launches fundraising efforts with a bumper dog show A Plymouth animal charity have launched their fundraising efforts again in an effort to recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19.

Hoofbeats Sanctuary, a non-profit making charity that survives on donations and volunteers alone, made the heart-breaking decision earlier on in the year to cancel all of its fundraising events for the foreseeable future due to coronavirus, despite them being key to the survival of the small charity.

Now, as lockdown measures have been eased, Hoofbeats have announced their first fundraising event of the year: the return of their family fun dog show.

Hoofbeats Sanctuary, based on the outskirts of Plymouth, rescues and rehomes a variety of horses and ponies and has rehabilitated and rehomed over 150 horses in need since it first began 20 years ago.

Connect schools preparing for the new term

With schools reopening across Plymouth this month, staff at Connect Academy Trust have been working to prepare their five primary schools for the new term.

While there is always a lot to do to get schools ready for the influx of hundreds of children, this term will see some significant differences at the five schools - Eggbuckland Primary, Leigham Primary, Manadon Vale Primary, Thornbury Primary and Widey Court Primary.

Stuart Bellworthy, chief executive at Connect Academy Trust said:”Our priority is of course, to make school as welcoming and ‘normal’ as possible for children, many of whom will be having their very first experience of school on September 7.

“That’s been a challenge in the circumstances; we all want to keep cases of COVID-19 down to as low a rate as possible so that means making changes in how our schools are managed.

“Normally, the children coming into Reception would have gone through the transition process in June and July but that didn’t happen this year. Instead, teachers will meet the new children and their parents in the first week of term and then the children start school on September 14. Some of our schools have made videos to help children make that step into school for the first time.”

One of the biggest changes will be to how children and teachers interact across the schools.

Claire Hardisty of Thornbury Primary School explained how they were adjusting. “We’re moving from small bubbles of 12 to year group bubbles of up to 28 children. We’re keeping teaching and support staff in the same bubbles as the children too which means we’ve had to be very creative about how we use the space at Thornbury!

“Luckily, the children have proved to be inventive about the way they play and seem to have embraced the new reality of school. Our cleaning routines have increased, desks are in rows facing the whiteboard and we’ve changed the meal routines. We have a lot of space here so we’re using the outdoor areas much more and including outdoor learning and activities in our forest school to make sure that children still get a wide range of opportunities to play and exercise.”

The five primary schools in Connect Academy Trust stayed open throughout lockdown, taking in the children of key workers and then the Years 1 and 6 from June.

“We had a lot of support from the teaching staff and from parents. By the time term ended in July, our schools were teaching around 1,000 children in the small class bubbles required at the time. It was lovely to have the children back in person,” added Stuart Bellworthy.

“We continued offering online and remote learning support to all the other children but we know they are looking forward to being back in class, and so are we.”

Explaining the ‘unavoidable effects of coronavirus’, the sanctuary took to social media back in March to explain: “When Hoofbeats takes on horses and ponies, they forever remain our responsibility. Sadly, some of our adopted horses and ponies have already been returned to our care due to the unavoidable effects of coronavirus.

“This, on top of decreasing donations and cancelled fundraising events means that we are in desperate need of support.”

With winter now looming, Hoofbeats is set to face a bill for winter hay provisions that can cost the charity thousands of pounds a year. A bale of hay costs the sanctuary £35, and will last one pony one month.

The charity’s founder, Sharon Vieira said: “Winter is the most difficult time of year for us even in normal circumstances, and so we often fundraise throughout the year to help us prepare for our large winter costs. Having not been able to fundraise as much as we’d hoped this year due to coronavirus, we are excited to resume our fundraising with our dog show.”

The charity’s dog show will be held from 11.30am on Sunday September 13 in the field adjacent at the Farmyard Café, Wotter PL7 5HR. Classes cost just £1 and include the likes of best veteran as well as best crossbreed and even fancy dress. A full schedule can be found on Hoofbeats Facebook page or at the Farmyard Café.

To find out more about the work of Hoofbeats, visit www.hoofbeats.org.uk, or follow their Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/teamhoof. The charity is also looking for ring sponsors, raffle prizes and fundraising volunteers, and anyone interested, should contact them via Facebook.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/hoofbeats or via Paypal using fundraising@hoofbeats.org.uk

Best in Show at last year’s Hoofbeats event Photo: Glimpses Photography

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16 September 2020

16 September 2020

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

With our ongoing work in Plymouth we are delighted to have launched a new Healthy Relationships campaign as part of our Together for Childhood programme.

The campaign, which will run over the next nine months, was inspired by the fantastic work of EMPOWER and other members of the local community.

The youth group were tasked with defining a healthy relationship, which they described as: A healthy relationship is a relationship with friends, family or loved ones that is built on a solid foundation of respect, honesty, communication and trust.

This, along with further input from the community, helped shape our campaign and enabled us to identify four key principles that healthy relationships are built on which are: trust, honesty, communication and respect.

The campaign is focussed on adolescents, adults and families and will have key messages for each group thanks to the discussions that we had during community events earlier this year.

We will be encouraging people to do all sorts to help promote the campaign and its messages, such as urging teenagers to text their friends or family as while it might not seem a lot, a message to your mum, dad or close friend could make a huge difference to their day.

@PlymChronicle

Healthy Relationships campaign is launched

organisations across Plymouth, will be working together to share these crucial messages.

“This campaign will really help to embed healthy relationships into the community through a variety of fun and creative ways.”

Children, Young People and Family Professional Lead for Livewell South West, Sara Kirkup said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project, we are looking forward to continuing to work together to support and develop the healthy relationship messages.”

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

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

Any adult concerned about the This particular message within the campaign is promoting ways to build healthy family relationships such as making welfare of a child or young person meal times family times can call the NSPCC helpline for free For adults, it could be reminding them that NSPCC Development and Impact Manager and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit reaching out to someone for a quick chat can be for Together for Childhood, Shelley Shaw said: nspcc.org.uk hugely beneficial for both them and you.

“The aim of this campaign is simple, we want to Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 Meanwhile, for families, turning meal time normalise and promote healthy relationships as into family time could be something for people part of a holistic approach to tackling child sexual 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may in the community to try as we look to increase abuse. have. understanding around healthy relationships.

“I think it is fantastic that we, alongside

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September 2020 17

@PlymChronicle

New skills service launched Plymouth City Council has launched a new free skills service to help young people and workers facing redundancy.

The virtual one-stop-shop service is part of a citywide partnership called Skills Launchpad Plymouth, which was formally launched on August 12 - 24 hours ahead of the crucial exam results announcements.

The aim of the service is to help local people stay informed to equip themselves with the skills and confidence they need to secure employment.

The intention is to help local people to the build the skills that local employers need both today and in the future to fill jobs.

Councillor Jon Taylor, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation said: “Our Skills Launchpad is a one-stop-shop for all who are considering their next move. It’s not just their futures we have been thinking about.

“We know that for many people high levels of anxiety and stress has really taken their toll in recent months. That’s why we also really keen to provide support for mental health too.

“Our Skills Launchpad is a virtual, safe space where young people can go to receive advice and support that is right for them.

“It shows the great opportunities available in the city, links young people to advisers and advice, helps

Church leaders reflect on racism and injustice The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May sparked protests across the globe and led to a growing awareness of underlying racism in various parts of society.

you find mental health support if necessary and brings together impartial careers advice with job and apprenticeship offers along with better understanding of further study and training options.

“It may be that the right job requires skills that young people don’t yet have so a key part of the hub is making sure that the training and qualifications needed are clearly visible and can be accessed.

APPEAL TO FIND WITNESS WHO INTERVENED AFTER RACIAL ABUSE

Police investigating an alleged racially-aggravated public order offence in Plymstock are appealing for a witness said to have intervened in the incident to come forward.

It happened in the Pizza King takeaway, in Radford Park Road, at around 9.30pm on May 29.The owner of the eatery has reported being subjected to racist abuse after asking a customer not to enter the premises due to one-in, one-out Covid-19 restrictions.

It is believed an unknown male, who was present inside the takeaway, challenged the suspect.

Police are keen to identify and speak with this person.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/042863/20. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

“Focused specifically on Plymouth, this has been a fantastic partnership effort with all partners bringing everything together for the first time to support the schools, the employers and the people in and around Plymouth as we deal with the economic impact of COVID-19.”

Skills Launchpad Plymouth will be continuously developed as the go-to place for local skills support, providing orientation and up to date real-time labour market intelligence so that local people can stay informed about the real employment opportunities today and in the future.

The service will also offer comprehensive impartial information, advice and guidance, in order to match opportunities to pathways into education, training, apprenticeships, employment, work experience, volunteering and selfemployment.

For more information visit www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk

It has led many to consider their own opinions and prompted people to desire change for good.

This was the motivation for a recent gathering of Christian church leaders at the Peace Garden on Plymouth Hoe. Church leaders and others from a wide variety of denominations and ethnicities gathered together for a service to reflect on the wrongs of the past, consider the injustices of the present and look to a different more equitable future.

The event was organised by Churches Together in Plymouth with the aim of publicly acknowledging the racism experienced by black people and to confess wrongdoings of previous and present generations in this regard.

Subjects such as the slave trade and its wide reaching impacts were raised and prayers for forgiveness were shared in an event conducted in a spirit of unity and hope.

Chris Clewer, chairman of Churches Together in Plymouth, said of the event: “The more I have looked into the issues raised by Black Lives Matter, the more I have been impacted by their plight. Discovering the true facts of the slave trade and colonialisation - and the injustice and prejudices black people still endure has left me humbled.

“I needed to do anything I could, especially in the context of the city churches, to demonstrate a desire for honouring and recognising that we are all equal before God.”

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JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

Local businesses, voluntary groups, organisations, groups and individuals are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is first Monday of the month prior.

Please note that these vacancies were all posted prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone interested in one of the vacancies is advised to contact the organistion concerned and check to see if the post is still available.

GARDENING AT YMCA PLYMOUTH Volunteers wanted to help at our community garden at Honicknowle. All produce from the garden is destined for an emergency food provision charity. Can you help us please. A few hours here and there would be great.

Contact, Vic Hibbert, YMCA Plymouth on 01752 761004 or vic.h@ymcaplymouth.org.uk HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 01752 563492 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/

18 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

New ‘quiet room’ unveiled at The Primrose Centre thanks to fundraising efforts of ‘Dare 2’ ladies The Primrose Foundation, the local breast care charity based at Derriford Hospital, has unveiled a new quiet room for patients receiving treatment.

The warm and comforting space has been made possible by the efforts of the charity’s fundraisers.

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator said: “We are lucky to have so many amazing people fundraise for us so when a group of local ladies, who have all received treatment at the Primrose Centre came up with this fantastic idea, we had to help make it happen.

“Having each gone through a breast cancer diagnosis, they wanted to create a private area for patients to use, should they need a moment to themselves. This same group – known as the fabulous ‘Dare 2’ ladies held two charity balls in aid of the Foundation over a two year period and raised an incredible £23,000 and around £4,000 of that funding has been used to create this new space amongst other improvements which will benefit future breast cancer patients coming through the service.”

The room was specifically designed by one of the Primrose Foundations Trustees, Shelley Coleman, who said: “I was so pleased to be asked to help design the new quiet room, because I have been heavily involved with the Dare 2 ladies from the beginning. It was an absolute privilege to help create this room.”

The room, based at The Primrose breast care centre will be used for a variety of

Fundraisers and staff celebrate the opening of Primrose Centre’s new quiet room

purposes: for those needing a quiet moment, for waiting prior to surgery, for the more thoughtful times where in a quiet space, patients and their families can take the time to process the sometimes, difficult information they have received.

Shelley added: “I really wanted the room to be slightly feminine without that showroom look, that isn’t very relaxing! The furniture that we chose is a little mix and match, with lots of green plants, coupled with the heather colours which we hope creates a feeling of warmth and freshness.

“On the new coffee table there are notebooks and pens so visitors can jot down

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator, consultant Jim Steel and Shelley Coleman who designed the room

HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Age UK Plymouth are recruiting Help at Home Community Support Assistants for domestic tasks/ shopping for clients. This is a zero hour contract at national minimum wage, mileage is paid. Please visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk for full details and to complete an application form. Alternatively call on 01752 256020 for further details.

VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information.

VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs.

Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers to have a doggy home board with them while their owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest dogs come with everything they need and only at times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired people, work at home and stay at home parents with school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453.

DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email chris.etherington@cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623.

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

JOB VACANCIES

£ DELIVER KEEP FIT PAPERS

EARN MONEY

any questions they may have. There will also be magazines and some tiny thought provoking books to skip through to pass the time. We will also be providing coffee, tea and hot chocolate to drink while our visitors get their thoughts together.

“On the wall, we have placed a large framed photo of the ‘Dare 2’ ladies who made this room possible and each of whom have been treated at The Primrose centre.

“These incredible women are an inspiration to us all - they have gone through their own traumas, dealt with them and managed to create a force together that moved people enough to raise over 20k. They are the colours and the warmth of this room and it is their very essence that shines out of the picture.”

After months of hard work and the help of various different local companies the Primrose quiet room was officially opened in August by one of the members of the inspirational group, Mrs Joan Camp, 74, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

Collectively the group said: “We all feel really passionate about having a quiet area where patients can go following a diagnosi s, somewhere peaceful, tranquil and relaxing where they can digest what they have been told. It is somewhere they can sit with their family or friends. We all think this will make big difference to the start of their journey, somewhere they can feel at ease.”

For further information on The Primrose Foundation, please contact Madeleine Matthews on (01752) 975217/ 07894700866 or via email on madeleine@ primrosefoundation.org

For more information or to apply, contact us:

Phone 01752 225623

Find us on Facebook Cornerstone Vision

Or online at cornerstonevision.com

September 2020 19

@PlymChronicle

Neil’s Eddystone challenge A Plympton man who completed a solo swim of the English Channel last year in memory of his best friend who died of a brain tumour is about to embark on his next big swim.

Neil Brinkworth, who is the founder of Plymouth Open Water Swimmers (POWS) will be swimming the 14 miles from the Eddystone Lighthouse to Plymouth Hoe in early September.

- weather permitting.

Neil said: “I have always dreamt of swimming this ever since I was a young boy. I was brought up on stories about the Eddystone Lighthouse and the Eddystone reef, tales about ship wrecks, strong tides, storms, sea monsters and about the disasters that struck the lighthouses over the centuries.”

To date it is believed that there have only been three successful swims; in 1914 Jabez Wolffee was the first person to swim from the Eddystone Lighthouse back to Plymouth Pier. He was known as the unluckiest channel swimmer in history, having made at least 22 attempts to swim the English Channel and never succeeded.

In 1977 Christine Sifleet successfully completed the swim in a time of just over 10 hours and the last person to successfully complete the swim was Sharon Price 1987 in just under seven hours. Both swimmers have been helping Neil plan this swim by providing him with in depth insights into the challenges he might face.

Neil is hoping to become the fourth person to complete the swim and has recruited a fantastic support team to give him the best possible chance of successfully completing the challenge.

Neil is hoping to have the swim verified with an observer to ensure the swim conforms to the Marathon Swimming Federation (MSF)

“I have dreamt of swimming this ever since I was a young boy” Neil Brinkworth Rules. For the swim to be verified by the MSF, Neil will only be allowed to wear a swim hat, goggles, swimming trunks (no wetsuit) and is not allowed any outside assistance, apart from receiving his feeds from a feedline.

His main support crew will consist of Andrew Butler and Sian Lane who have both crossed

Fulfilled living

in later life

Bethany Christian Home offers wonderful care for older people, inspiring and encouraging fulfilled living in later life.

For Christian care in Plymouth call 0300 303 8440 or visit pilgrimsfriend.org.uk/Bethany

Part of the Pilgrims’ Friend Society family

the channel and are established long distance marathon swimmers.

They will ensure that Neil stays hydrated and feeds during the swim as well as providing motivation and support.

Tom Thorpe, from Ocean City Kayaks will be providing safety cover throughout Neil’s swim.

Tom is an established kayaker in his own right, having kayaked around the coast of Ireland unsupported in 26 days in 2019. Tom is well conversed with the tides and currents around the Eddystone as he would regularly paddle out to the Eddystone Lighthouse after work when training for his around Ireland challenge.

The swim would not be possible without a boat which is being provided by Plymouth’s Ben Kellet from the InDeep Dive and Charter boat centre. Ben and his team have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the waters around the Eddystone and are regular visitors to the Eddystone Lighthouse and Reef.

With so many swimming groups on the rise and the popularity of swimming growing, Neil and a few friends set up Plymouth Open Water Swimmers (POWS), for people who want to take their swimming to the next level and focus on long distance open water activity.

Plymouth Open Water Swimmers regularly swim at Firestone Bay all year round including the cold winter months. Their warmth and friendship keeps them going throughout the winter and they have adopted the saying ‘nothing great is easy’ – a quote attributed to Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel in 1875.

• Neil’s 21-mile solo channel swim in July 2019 was in memory of former Babcock colleague and best friend Mat Luscombe and raised thousands of pounds for Brain Tumour Research and St Luke’s Hospice.

Payphones under threat of removal Nine public payphones, three of which are in Plympton, are at threat of being removed due to lack of use.

The one in Linketty Lane just up from the Dudley Road junction is proposed for removal as are the ones at the Strode Road/Newnham Road junction and at the junction of Glen Road with Bellingham Crescent.

Others across Plymouth earmarked for removal are: Jephson Road, Plymouth, PL4 9ES; Forecourt of Plymouth Coop, Cecil Avenue, Plymouth, PL4 8SF; Crownhill Road, Plymouth, PL6 5AG; Little Dock Lane, Plymouth, PL5 2NA; Recreation Road, Plymouth, PL2 3NA; Henderson Place, Plymouth, PL2 2AB British Telecom (BT) is consulting local communities and Plymouth City Council has been asking for comments on the proposals to remove the nine payphones within the city.

BT have placed notices in the relevant payphone kiosks and the consultation period closed on August 10. The City Council will now make an initial decision on whether to object to the removal of any of the payphones and publish this for consultation for a further 30 days.

The Council must then send its final decision to BT by September 28. (Story courtesy of www.plymptonpod cast.org. uk)

20 September 2020

20 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Navigating through the storms of life...

THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience

One of the great purposes of the Christian community down the centuries has been to provide spiritual and practical support for those who, on occasion, need a listening ear or helping hand travelling through the journey of life.

This attitude and behaviour have helped establish within the heart and soul of the nation the understanding of ‘loving your neighbour as you love yourself’ and defines us as a caring society.

All of us have had to navigate a new normal of reality within this pandemic and one of the great challenges has, and possibly will be, the invisible consequences to our mental health and issues of hope and wellbeing.

The stresses and strains we are all experiencing in these difficult times can put serious pressure on our core values, behaviours, attitudes and even our world view.

A brief look at history and these tumultuous events such as war and health pandemics have been part of the human condition across the globe for centuries, but in today’s world we all live in a global village accessed through digital

communication and the internet.

A dockside explosion in Beirut Chris Cole brings the tragedy to our screens within minutes through our news feeds. For many of us, during lockdown, television and online platforms have been a daily source of information and a lot of it has been very concerning and obviously quite distressing News outlets, in the main, are there primarily for the sensational or out of the ordinary stories and coverage of events and stories which are not typical of everyday life where you and I do life in the main.

The sensational and negative news often outweighs the positive stories. The challenge for us all today, however, regarding the times we live in is that we have so much access and

coverage to news information it can seem to make this bad news the normal everyday event.

Personally, as somebody who has worked in media most of my adult life, I can find myself succumbing to the negative information that bombards me. If it were not for my Christian faith and world view, I could easily succumb to the hopelessness of life.

The Bible is a powerfully inspirational book and I have found over time that it has a very positive supernatural ability to empower and liberate the reader deep within the heart and soul.

One of the great books in the Old Testament is the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verse 1 -8.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die.

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A time to kill, and a time to heal.

A time to break down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh.

A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together.

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

A time to get, and a time to lose.

A time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew.

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate.

A time of war, and a time of peace.

I find these wisdom verses are so helpful as I navigate through life and put the good and bad times in perspective and balance.

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

Two recent local building projects up for awards Two local building projects have been shortlisted by a panel of expert judges in the 2020 Michelmores Property Awards.

Listen on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

The Awards, now in their 18th year, recognise the very best South West property and construction schemes, as well as the teams involved in them.

Bridging the Tamar, the Tamar Bridge Offices and Visitor Centre has been shortlisted for Project of the Year (under £5 million) category.

The development provides a new new state of the art 24/7 control room for managing A38 traffic across the Tamar Bridge and through the Saltash Tunnel. Included within the development is a new customer service centre, reception, engineering offices and conference room. The new facility is a landmark building surrounded by much improved landscaped grounds.

Hareston Farm Barns near Yealmpton has been shortlisted for Residential Property of the Year (35 units and under). The residential development converted historically significant barns dating back to 1908 into much needed high quality family housing surrounded by Devon countryside.

Commenting on this year’s shortlisted projects, Emma Honey, Partner and Head of the Real Estate team at Michelmores LLP said: “The South West is undergoing rapid transformation with strategic commercial and residential development taking place throughout the region, alongside exceptional restoration projects and smaller scale residential developments of note.

“This year’s shortlist reflects the exceptional quality of the development that has taken place over the last year. Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s shortlisted projects - we look forward to revealing this year’s esteemed winners at a virtual event in November.”

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

R.C. Electrical - Ryan Cross

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

BLINDS

UK Blinds Plymouth Ltd 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

BUILDERS

DMC PLYMOUTH RETAINING WALLS AND STONEWORK. REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON CHECKATRADE. DMCPLYMOUTH@GMAIL.COM 07938976544

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

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

Home Improvements, Refurbishments, Alterations, Purpose Made Joinery, Flooring and Doors.

Senior Citizens Rates. Call for an estimate.

07599 888841 or 01752 255154 malcolmwills2017@outlook.com ELECTRICAL ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

Do you find it hard to get someone to come and do a small job?

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STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 20 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

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING

ROB'S LANDSCAPES Landscaping AND GROUND MAINTENANCE IN PLYMOUTH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Landscaping • Gardening • Natural Stone Walling • Fencing • Gates Block & Brick Walls • Patios • Decking • Ground Maintenance • Block Driveways Pressure Washing • Turfing Artificial Grass • Chainsaw License Free estimates • 18 yrs experience • Find us on Facebook

07506 739819

robslandscapes@icloud.com

GUTTERING

TOTALLY GUTTERED BLOCKED, BROKEN OR DIRTY GUTTERS? Domestic & Commercial, High Level Gutter Vacuum (up to 4 Storey) Prompt, Efficient Service from a Local Family Business Call on 07467 297363

LOCKSMITH 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 Tel 01752 516877 Mob 07989 599969

MOBILITY AID WLS STAIRLIFTS RECONDITIONED FROM £749 NEW FROM £1349 RENTALS FROM £52 PER MONTH

Mob 07887587957 Office 01752212136

OVEN CLEANING SERVICES

GREENS OVEN CLEANS Let me give your oven a new lease of life Call Trevor on 07501 645208 trevgreen4@gmail.com Fully Insured

PAINTERS & DECORATORS A.S. DECORATING & MAINTENANCE Specialising in full room skims/decor • Maintenance • Repair • Plastering • Flooring • Tiling • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting 16 Lympne Ave, Ernesettle, Plymouth Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129 Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.co.uk

ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

Decorating internal & external • Plastering Renovations • Flooring • General maintenance Garden decking & fencing • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis-ball@hotmail.co.uk

S.G.F Decorating Services Plastering & Decorating Specialist Painting - Plastering - Wallpaper - Interior & Exterior Work - Over 30 years experience C.S.C.S Registered - Friendly & Reliable 07859 804389 stevefull@live.co.uk

PLASTERING A R PLASTERING & BUILDING From a small repair to the whole house All Internal & External Work undertaken • Plastering • Rendering • Building work • Decorating • Damp proofing • Tiling • and more Free estimates call Alex on 07904755491

STEVE BENNETT PLASTERING

Special OAP Rates Internal/External Plastering • Spar Dash Specialist • Insurance Work Welcome • UPVC Facias, Soffits and Guttering • Property Maintenance • Painting/Decorating • Coving Prompt Polite Friendly Service • No Job Too Small • Free Estimates 01752 368601 • 07971 741068 www.stevebennettplastering.co.uk • facebook.com/plasterersofplymouth

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • VAILLANT approved installer Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

T.R.B Heating - Trevor Bryant

Full Heating Systems • Boiler Exchanges • Fire and Fireplace Installations • Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation • Former British Gas Heating Installer • Gas Safe Registered Special offer on servicing boilers £50 (T&C Apply) 0790 6706 799 www.trbheating.co.uk trbheating@live.co.uk

Want to reach 90,000 homes around Plymouth?

Interested in advertising in Dial The Experts?

Call Dave on 01752 225623 or email dave@cornerstonevision.com

B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk PINK PLUMBERS Fast, Friendly, Reliable and tidy service by your local FEMALE plumber.

Specialist in small to medium jobs (NO VAT) 01752 412070 07540 956436

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

One Call Maintenance

Call Richard • WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS 07974101028 • GLAZING REPAIRS • GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS or email

1callplymouth@ • ANY PROPTERY MAINTENANCE gmail.com All repairs expertly undertaken

StepUp Maintenance

◆ Home repair and improvement ◆ Garden Maintenance ◆ Power washing And more (no job too small) Contact Marc for free quote 07951 029947 help@stepupmaintenance.com - www.stepupmaintenance.com FULLY INSURED SERVICE

ROOFING

DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects.

Pitched or flat roofs • GRP (fibreglass) •lead-work uPVC Fascias & guttering • Roof-lights • Fully insured A fast & friendly service. Competitive rates.

Call or email Neil for a free estimate • 07543363225 • 01752216765 devonshireroofing@live.co.uk • www.devonshireroofing.co.uk 10% discount to Forces Veterans

LES PIKE • Emergency roof repair specialist • Concrete tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings All building & construction work undertaken.

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WASTE REMOVAL

KSR Licensed Disposal REMOVAL OF WASTE Cheap rates for OAPs, For a FREE Estimate, CALL Kevin: 07810 450940 Please Stay Safe!

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info@cornerstonevision.com www.cornerstonevision.com flyers • brochures • office printing • signs display • promotional • and much more

22 September 2020

New service to support adults with autism

Adults with autism, their families, and health and social care services within Plymouth will now have access to a new specialist support service.

The Plymouth Autism Spectrum Service (P.A.S.S), run by Livewell Southwest and Plymouth City Council, will offer advice for adults with autism and their families, and a consultation service for professionals working with adults with autism.

The Advice Service is for adults with autism and their families to discuss their challenges as well as their abilities and strengths.

P.A.S.S. Advice Service is for those aged 18 or over, registered with a Plymouth GP, and have a diagnosis of autism but do not meet criteria to access support from the learning disability service. Adults with autism can self-refer to the Advice Service and be referred by anyone with consent.

Currently the Advice Service appointments and groups will be virtual using the Livewell Connect App. You can download the referral form from the P.A.S.S. Livewell website page www. livewellsouthwest.co.uk/plymouth-autismspectrum-service Dr Sarah Williams, highly specialist clinical psychologist at Livewell Southwest, said: “This is one of a few services across the country dedicated to delivering post-diagnostic autism support. This service has been set up to help people with autism and their families get the most out of their lives and their communities.

“The team is here and ready to support the people that need us, including practitioners who want to learn more about how to better support people with autism. We are a committed and passionate team, dedicated to helping the autism community, their families, and society as a whole.

“Our community support offer is varied and ranges from employment support, housing advice, help to take up or expand on interests, as well as mental health support, social care support and help with benefits.

“We also offer groups designed to help support people with autism like the Navigating Autism group and mindfulness practice group.”

The other service offered by the team is the Specialist Autism Training and Consultation Service, which is dedicated to supporting practitioners within adult Livewell Southwest services and relevant adult Plymouth City Council services to develop their understanding of autism, to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “I could not be more pleased to see this service come to fruition.

“Being able to help people live more independently, with better support and more of their needs met will have a great impact on quality of life to adults with autism in Plymouth.

Thank you to the hardworking staff who make services like this so fantastic.”

Teams and practitioners can access the Specialist Training and Consultation Service by emailing livewell.pass@nhs.net.

Your guide to community events in your area

In view of the current coronavirus lockdown measures we have held over the usual Community Directory listings as most if not all the events/meetings will not be taking place Your guide to community events in your area

22 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Welcome signs are welcomed!

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment is pictured with Stuart Higgs from the National Marine Aquarium, project manager John Williams and Ian Ellis from Highways England at one of the installations

New signs going up along the A38 and into Plymouth have been welcomed by tourist organisations in the city.

Roger Maslin, chief executive officer of the National Marine Aquarium is enthusiastic about the 13 new signs which are going up at the moment, with many pointing to locations such as The Box, the Hoe Seafront, the Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium, the Mayflower Steps and Saltram House.

He said: “These signs could not come at a better time for us. We are now open for visitors and as far as we are concerned, any signs pointing to Plymouth and to the city’s amazing attractions are more than welcome.

“The tourist signs and the big sign which shouts Welcome to Plymouth Britain’s Ocean City is all about getting people not to drive past us into and out of Cornwall but to stop, follow the signs and enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer.”

Jez McDermott, general manager at the National Trust’s Saltram, said the signs will help. “We’ve been without a sign directing people off the A38 for many years and constantly end up greeting confused visitors who have had tricky time trying to find us, so we know these new signs will help enormously,” he said.

Hailey Cattle, regional marketing manager at the Royal William Yard, added: “It is great that our waterside destination has been recognised as important enough for these signs. Last year Lonely Planet ranked our ‘Unmissable’ Royal William Yard as top UK travel destination - these signs will mean no-one will miss it!”

The upgraded signs will also point to Derriford Hospital, the Park and Rides at Coypool and Milehouse, the continental ferryport and, of course, Home Park.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “I’m really chuffed about these comments. Right now it is critical that we do all we can to help businesses in Plymouth and if that means pointing visitors in the right direction, we are more than happy to help.”

Replacing road signs is part of the city’s Mayflower readiness project. Many were in a poor condition, out of date and did not promote the attractions Britain’s Ocean City has to offer.

The council worked closely with Highways England, who manage the A38 as part of its motorway and trunk road network, to develop and agree new signs, including a larger version of the Welcome to Plymouth sign on the westbound approach to the city.

Most of the signs will be mounted on new posts, which will be passively safe. This means that they are designed to deflect or detach under vehicle impact in order to limit injury to vehicle occupants.

Hundreds of signs are also being cleaned or updated within the city. Almost 200 signs are being replaced following a review of all signs on key routes in and out of the city centre including the A386 Tavistock Road, the A379 Elburton Road, the A374 Embankment Road and from the Torpoint Ferry.

More cycle lockers to be installed

Thirty-five new secure cycle lockers are being installed in locations across Plymouth, thanks to the City Council’s recent successful bid to the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.

They include seven extra cycle lockers at the Milehouse park and ride, to help commuters who want to park and cycle, as well as a further 28 lockers at district centre car parks and other sites.

The lockers at Milehouse are available to rent now and the others will be in the coming weeks, bringing the total number in the city to 90.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said “COVID-19 has prompted people to rethink how they travel and one of the really positive outcomes has been a big increase in cycling.

“These new lockers provide somewhere secure for people to store their bikes and will particularly benefit those who may not be able to cycle the entire length of their journey.”

The new lockers are supplied by BikeAway (a Plymouth company who provide lockers throughout the UK) and meet the Sold Secure Gold standard.

They can be rented out for £50 a year (plus a one off, refundable £20 key deposit). To rent a locker and view a map showing where all the city’s lockers can be found visit www.bikeaway.com.

The new lockers are funded from the £249,000 awarded to the council from tranche one of the Emergency Active Travel Fund. To find out more visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/cycling/covid19.

Big fines for fly tippers in Stoke

Two Plymouth people have each been ordered to pay a whopping £2,419 for flytipping in back lanes in Stoke.

Both failed to appear in the city’s magistrates court late and were each found guilty of a littering offence in their absence. Both received the same fine of £1,760, ordered to pay costs of £483 and a victim surcharge of £176. They have 28 days to pay and the court made a collection order.

One woman had a Fixed Penalty Notice issued in October last year after council staff found waste in the lane behind Craigmore Avenue in Stoke complete with her name and address on box. The notice remained unpaid despite reminders sent in December.

It was a similar situation for a man who dumped rubbish behind Pasley Street. Again, he was issued a Fixed Penalty Notice in November after officers found a large box with his name and address in the lane behind Pasley Street. It remained unpaid despite a reminder sent in December 2019.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Customer Focus and Community Safety said: “We can and will take action against people who treat the back lanes like a rubbish tip. Put your rubbish in your bin. It is as simple as that.”

DIRECT AIRPORT COACH SERVICE RETURNS TO PLYMOUTH Passengers will be able to travel from Plymouth to Heathrow Airport after National Express added the coach service to its schedules.

The 511 service from Plymouth to Heathrow airport will run once a day each way, seven days a week, via Exteter and Salisbury.

The route has been reintroduced as part of the UK’s largest coach operator’s return to the road after a three month suspension in response to COVID-19.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “Our iconic white fleet restarted services in July, running at a reduced frequency with a focus on major towns and cities.

“Overall demand and bookings have been really positive and the level of requests for travel has

meant we can now also add this direct airport service back on the network.”

“We’re working hard to help people enjoy the summer safely and will continue to add new services and increase frequency on existing routes.

“Our significant COVID-secure measures including reduced capacity, temperature screening and additional air conditioning filters, allow customers to travel in confidence. And we’ve also introduced the option to amend the date, time and journey origin and destination free of charge if circumstances change.

“It’s great to be back on the road and playing our part in getting the country safely moving again by providing a safe option for those who have no alternative to public transport.”

USEFUL Tackling digital poverty and mental health NUMBERS September 2020 23

@PlymChronicle

in lockdown - how one local college did it The lockdown period was tough for many young people and this is especially the case for young people in the critical phase of post-16 education, either doing A-Levels or vocational training.

This time is usually one of the most exciting periods in many young people’s life journey; where they’re focusing on their career aspirations and looking ahead to starting adult-life in university or the workplace.

However, the lockdown of the last few months and subsequent exam fiasco has led to many young people in this age group concerned about their future and struggling with mental health.

From the outset of the lockdown, YMCA Plymouth’s Discovery College, a vocational provider based on Honicknowle Lane, set out to ensure that no student was left behind in their education, while putting mental health at the heart of their response.

Tom Lavis, Head of College, said: “Even in the weeks leading up to the lockdown we began looking at how we could continue to provide our education to students and support their mental health remotely. We immediately began identifying students that may need access to technology, as well as how best we could utilise our IT systems to provide online lessons and virtual support from day one.”

Discovery College prides itself on its close-knit community, as the college only has around 180 students it’s not uncommon to find students from different courses forming close friendships and having a strong rapport with staff.

This environment is a part of how the college supports student’s mental health and gets the most out of them academically, according to Tom. Tom said: “Having a supportive environment and a sense of togetherness is part of our culture here at Discovery. With the impending lockdown we instantly went about looking at how we can

still foster that community using technology - in addition to still providing our high standard of education.”

The college found itself well placed with digital platforms, already using the online ‘Google Student Emily Jago receiving her results on her Chromebook laptop

Classroom’ within the college and at home. The college had such success with the platform from the first weeks of lockdown it also began assisting other local Plymouth schools to roll it out themselves.

Students were also accustomed to using a closed Facebook group where they frequently interact with staff and their peers. Students were encouraged to talk about their mental health and

their experiences of learning in lockdown.

The college also provided video mental health support sessions using the ‘Google Meet’ video conference platform. This meant students were able to speak to staff on a one-to-one basis or in small groups to help cope with any stresses and anxieties they may be experiencing.

As lockdown restrictions were eased, these sessions also moved to local parks across the city where students could catch up or talk to staff in the sun at a safe social distance.

It all helped a great deal according to Laura, a BTEC Sport student, who said “The sessions and digital spaces helped me realise I wasn’t alone and that we’re still there for each other. Having access to still speak to my tutor or have virtual lessons with my peers was also actually a lot of fun.”

Making sure all students had access to good laptops was also a challenge, as the college quickly handed out all its stock of Chromebook laptops and more were needed for those who still lacked access. However, thanks to a grant from The Devon Community Foundation the college was able to distribute extra Chromebooks to students, as well as provide additional mental health support sessions through YMCA’s youth workers.

James, a business student who received one of the laptops said: “It was a godsend getting this laptop - writing an assignment on a phone with notifications going off isn’t a way to get work done. But having the laptop to really focus on my work and attend the virtual classes just made me feel like I was part of college again.”

“At first I was worried about my future, but thanks to all the support at Discovery College through this time I’m now feeling really optimistic again.”

Discovery College is still accepting places for starting this September on a range of vocational courses. Visit discoverycollege.co.uk for details.

Councillors support for emergency volunteer doctors Ten Plymouth City Councillors have donated £1300 to BASICS Devon, the network of 14 emergency volunteer doctors who provide specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness.

The councillors used money from their Community Grant funds to support the work of the volunteers.

BASICS Devon specialist doctors have responded to 50 emergency callouts in the last two months and were first on the scene at 49 of them. They are working hard responding on the frontline, assisting the emergency services with call outs as they increase as lockdown restrictions have lessened.

Devonport councillor Kate Taylor said: “It’s a pleasure to support the volunteer immediate care doctors closest to Plymouth. They offer an important service in backing up our emergency services, reducing response times and reaching remote vulnerable communities faster.

“This is particularly important now given the challenges we have seen with COVID-19 as they support our incredible ambulance service. They do so as volunteers and it’s important to recognise their contribution to supporting those in need.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Plymstock Radford Ward said: “One of the many highlights of being a City Councillor is being able to distribute a pot of

Community Grant money each year to my Ward and to the wider city. It was a pleasure to use a small portion of this year’s grant to support BASICS Devon and their volunteer doctors serving the community across Plymouth. Thank you for all you do.’

Councillor Tony Carson, Peverell Ward also donated a share of his funds. “I am thankful for the opportunity to add a donation to this wonderful group of individuals who are ready to respond at a moment’s notice to what is inevitably a major incident.

Having learnt of the results BASICS Devon have had in saving lives it was compelling to help them out with a donation.’

Councillor Pam Buchan, Honicknowle Ward said: “Many voluntary organisations have taken a hit under COVID, losing funding and unable to fundraise. BASICS Devon offer an important medical service in Plymouth and Devon and I’m happy to have been able to support them at this time to ensure that service keeps on running.”

The funds will go towards annual support costs for the volunteers such as equipment replacement, education and training and mileage costs.

If you would like to make a donation to BASICS Devon or to find out more about BASICS Devon response to Covid-19, please visit www.basics-devon.org. uk

PLYMOUTH HALF MARATHON POSTPONED AGAIN - UNTIL MAY 2021 Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, which includes the Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, has been postponed to May next year because of the COVID-19 crisis and the need for social distancing which would affect the races.

A survey by Run Plymouth also found that almost half of all participating runners would not feel safe taking part in the event on its originally scheduled date of October 4 - having already

been postponed from May this year. The races will now take place on Sunday May 16 2021.

Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “We understand this is disappointing news for everyone who was due to take part.

Our running series is incredibly popular and it provides huge economic benefits for the city, so this is not a decision that has been taken lightly - but the safety of runners, spectators and staff is our absolute priority.”

David Williams, director of Run Plymouth,

said: “We have explored a number of options but we’re passionate about the quality of our events and feel that the new guidelines would have negatively affected the experience of everyone taking part. We’re looking forward to returning in 2021 with another brilliant event for runners of all ages and abilities.”

All participating runners have been contacted by email and will be able to defer their entries to next year. For updates about next year’s events, visit www.runplymouth.co.uk.

Emergency Numbers

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

Helplines

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

Travel

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

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

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

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 September 2020

@PlymChronicle

Out with Old Town Street to get ready for the new...

Work has started on a key Resurgam project that will transform the upper end of the city centre and create a series of green and pleasant islands in Plymouth’s shopping heartland.

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).

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Gables Dogs & Cats Home is looking for forever homes for unwanted greyhounds See page 12

COVID UP DATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Counc il Pages 2 and 3

New for Town StrOeld et

A new ‘quiet room’ for patients has been unveile d at Derriford Hospital’s Primrose Centre See page 18

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109 Victoria Rd, St Bud Plymouth eaux, PL5 1RX 01752 366 022 www.nigel gainey.co.uk

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Work has started on a centre as part of the key regeneration projec council’s end of the t in Plymo Resurg city uth city building new centre will be transf am programme.

The upper ormed as Town Street taxi ranks which replac contra e the curren ctors start t rank on Old

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Depending on the situation regarding the coronavirus, the October edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on October 2

with a copy deadline of September 21.

We sto

homes in Derriford and North edition

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

new trees including Scots pine, silver birch, pin oak, wild cherry and lime will be planted.

As the new trees will be large, between six and eight metres high when planted, it will help add shade and extend the existing tree cover in the city centre. They will be planted in deep tree pits connected to a new separate surface water system, which means they will be better irrigated using rain and flood water.

A lot of thought has also gone into the planting scheme which includes native species such as primrose, cowslip, Lady fern, Scalymale fern and Broad Buckler fern, woodrush and campions to create a woodland edge right in the heart of the city.

The new planting will also include many flowering species that will provide a vital supply of nectar for pollinators such as bees.

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over 22,000

the block which houses House of Fraser and Debenhams – and Plymouth City Council. British Land, which has invested heavily in the city, has permission to create a number of smaller retail pavilions within this space to entice smaller brands. Plymouth City Council has agreed to fund the public realm improvements and is keen to ensure the area looks as attractive as possible.

New trees and planting is being planned to make the most of Plymouth’s 20th century modernist architecture. The tired old raised planters will be taken out and instead a series of islands, complete with lush greenery and trees will be created to add colour.

Some trees whose growth has been restricted or are not particularly healthy will be going but in their place will be 29 large

To make up for the lack of collections in recent months the service will be extended until November.

Instead of fortnightly, the City Council will be running a four-weekly service for the remainder of the year. It means each household is expected to have three or four collections before the year is out.

Collections were suspended in April so that green and brown bin collections could be prioritised throughout the worst of the pandemic. As a result there has been little disruption to the main collections throughout lockdown.

Last year, the council started to make new plans for garden waste collections in 2020 because the fluctuations in demand sometimes meant the scheduled routes could not always be completed.

To address this, the council started to review the routes, invested in in-cab and introduced a registration scheme which has had over 38,000 households sign up.

This was done to improve efficiency by building data on who was using the service and how often, allowing collections in streets where the would be garden waste.

COVID-19 scuppered the plans and brought many challenges, including restrictions on how operations can work, increased waste from households and the need to safeguard some vulnerable staff.

Although most of these staff are now back and lots of measures are in place, there is still only have a finite number of drivers, a lot of whom have been working non-stop, without a break since March.

The council has hired 14 more staff to act as loaders although the key challenge has been recruiting experienced refuse truck drivers.

Information on the relevant collection days can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ binsrecyclingandwaste/checkyourcollectionday.

The usual guidelines on presenting up to four bags still applies and householders can find out what can and cannot go in the bags at www. plymouth.gov.uk/gardenwaste Householders who have not yet registered for garden waste collection, can do so at www. plymouth.gov.uk/gardenwaste

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Garden waste collections are back up and running in Plymouth having restarted on Monday August 24.

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Contractors are on site to start building new taxis ranks that will replace the rank on Old Town Street. The work heralds the start of a project to transform Old Town Street and New George Street to make a better impression for visitors enjoying two of the city’s new attractions - the Barcode, £50 million leisure complex with a 12 screen Cineworld cinema, 15 restaurants and bars and The Box, Plymouth’s epic new cultural attraction, which is due to open at the end of September.

It is part of the council’s economic recovery programme which aims to progress major capital projects, which will create jobs and support the sustainable growth of our city.

Cabinet Member for Finance and city centre champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “Few cities have seen so much investment in such a short space of time. This part of the city centre is looking a bit tired and dated - this will bring a splash of colour and interest which will make people linger longer. We’re bringing a bit of our native nature right in to the city centre.”

For the first time, designers behind the scheme are giving a bit more detail of what younger visitors can expect to see for them. A new play space is being lined up for an area between House of Fraser and Debenhams for children and parents to play and relax. It’s being designed to reflect the natural environment in and around Plymouth, with a touch of the moors right in the heart of the city centre.

The area will have a curved seat at its boundary allowing parents to enjoy watching children at play and a small performance space is also planned.

Other key features include: • Better connection between Drake Circus and The Barcode as part of the wider link between The Box and the Barbican • An improved identity making the area a more attractive to shop, live and work in • Attractive places to stop and rest for everyone • Replacing single-use Christmas light columns with multi-functional ‘smart’ columns • New tree planting carefully arranged to allow clear sightlines to shopfronts • Taxis relocated to St Andrews Cross and Eastlake Street, removing

conflict between pedestrians and cars • The new rank will have provision for electric vehicles The programme is a collaboration between British Land - who own Drake Circus and

Garden waste collections start again in the city

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24 September 2020

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