Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North September 2021

Chronicle Plymouth

# PLYMOUTH TOGETHER

September 2021

New website highlights Plymouth’s vibrant cultural and creative sector For details See Page 24

Adult students have been celebrating their GCSE successes at City College Plymouth For details See Page 10

Derriford & North

A student nurse at Plymouth University has reached the final in three categories of national awards See Page 8

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Local news and Experience views • Useful numbers

Tickled pink again!

Plymouth was a sea of pink as hundreds of people took part in the popular Midnight Walk in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth on August 20 • Story and pictures page 14

Make City College your learning destination of choice COURSE INFORMATION DROP-INS Wednesday 1, 8 & 15 September 4.30pm - 6.30pm I Kings Road

2 September 2021

2 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

COVID-19 on the rise in Plymouth

Unfortunately our COVID-19 rates have started increasing again. They are not as high as in mid-July but they are much higher than the rest of England.

At the time of going to print, we are seeing around 200 new cases each day, which means our case rate per 100,000 population is over 500.

We are also seeing an increase in the number of people going to hospital.

The big difference between now and last year is the age of people being hospitalised. We are seeing a huge increase in younger adults, many of whom have not been vaccinated. In addition, we are seeing a rise in the number of pregnant women being admitted. This is not good, as catching COVID while pregnant can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

Over the past few weeks we have seen further changes to the Government rules around selfisolation. Now, anyone who has received both vaccinations will no longer have to isolate if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

While many will see that as a positive step

forward, it does remind us of the importance of the vaccine. The vaccine is the best defence against COVID-19. It is safe and effective and reduces risk of illness or death. There are now many locations in Plymouth to get your vaccination. I urge you – if you have not received the jab, don’t delay.

It is also important to remember the vaccine does not stop transmission or illness completely, even if you have been double jabbed. Therefore, everyone should stay vigilant.

It is clear that with rates still high we cannot afford to relax our guards. While the Government has now lifted the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions, it has stressed that the risks from the pandemic are by no means over and people need to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves.

This means that while measures such as wearing face coverings are no longer required by law, people are strongly encouraged to do so, particularly in busy indoor spaces and when using public transport.

We are also hearing rising reports of the lasting

effects of long COVID, particularly amongst the younger generations. Long COVID can impact your ability to work, to have fun, play sports and even do household chores.

We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the virus now. It is a highly infectious disease and we know that the more contacts people have, the more likely they are to get the virus and spread it.

So please consider this when planning to meet people and take lateral flow tests regularly to ensure you aren’t going to give the virus to others and that you haven’t come home with it.

I have always said that COVID-19 is not going away any time soon. But, at a time when our rates are amongst the highest in the UK, let’s not put Plymouth on the map as a COVID-19 hotspot. Let’s pull together to keep the virus under control in our city.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

Get your COVID-19 test this week The Council is continuing to take its mobile testing site on a mini road trip to hand out free COVID-19 testing kits, for people without symptoms.

The team will again be visiting busy parts of the city to make it as easy as possible to pick up a kit and to get a test. The upcoming dates and locations are: • Tuesday 31 August: Plymstock Broadway • Thursday 2 September: Frankfort Gate • Friday 3 September : Crownhill Village car park • Sunday 5 September: Barbican Leisure Park You can also pick up home testing kits from

libraries, but tests themselves will not take place at these locations.

The mobile locations are in addition to the site at Place de Brest in the city centre, which is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing and handing out home testing kits.

All of the city’s pharmacies also stock the testing kits or you can order them online or through 119, to be delivered to your home.

For more information visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/gettested.

Where to get your vaccine jab

If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccination yet, or you’re due your second jab, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van in the city centre – and you don’t need an appointment or NHS number.

The mobile vaccine van will be at Frankfort Gate, in the city centre, every Thursday in September between 10am and 3pm. (Only the Pfizer vaccine will be available).

The Home Park schedule for the next week is: • Monday 30 August, from 8.30am to 7pm (both Moderna and Pfizer) • Tuesday 31 August, from 8.30am to 1pm (Moderna) and 2pm to 7pm (Pfizer) • Wednesday 1 September, from 8.30am to 7pm (both Moderna and Pfizer) • Thursday 2 September, from 8.30am to 7pm (both Moderna and Pfizer) • Friday 3 September, from 8.30am to 7pm (Moderna only) • Saurday 5 September, from 8.30am to 7pm (both Moderna and Pfizer)

CHANGES TO SELF-ISOLATION The Government has announced changes to the COVID-19 self-isolation rules.

Anyone who has received both vaccinations will no longer have to isolate if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

This applies to adults who have had both jabs at least 14 days before the contact, and to under 18 year olds.

If you haven’t been fully vaccinated, you will still need to self-isolate if you are identified as the close contact of a positive case, unless you are under 18.

The new rules mean many people can get back to the things they love. At present, 75 per cent of the UK population are double jabbed, with over 158,000 people in Plymouth having received both doses. But many still have not.

Double vaccinated health and care workers who are close contacts of cases will be able to routinely return to work, provided they have had a negative PCR test. They will need to take daily lateral flow tests for 10 days as a precaution.

For more information, go to: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth HOW TO KEEP You on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19.

The information on this page was correct at the time of going to UP-TO-DATE NOTE: press on August 26.

Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Lazy Sunday Market Aug 29 Spend a Sunday savouring quality time with friends and family at the new Lazy Sunday’ Market at Plymouth Albion from 10.30am to 4pm. There will be an array of local businesses with unique gifts and food, perfect for browsing and the opportunity to support local businesses. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy delicious Street Food while listening to some chilled Sunday music, lawn games, performances by Aerial Allsorts and a charity dog show in aid of Refuge4Pets. Dogs are welcome and there is lots of free parking on site. Free entry.

An Evening of Tina Turner Aug 29 Fresh from a successful summer schedule of live music and big-screen action, Home Park Stadium will play host to An Evening of Tina Turner. With a string of fabulous hits, a reputation for electric stage performances and a voice unmatched in the world of rock and roll, Tina Turner has been wowing audiences for over six decades. Now, with a cast of some of the West End’s most incredible talent and a phenomenal eight-piece band comes a spectacular one-night concert of her amazing music Tickets are available from £20, available through www.argyletickets.com, or 01752 907700.

Gary Delaney Sept 3 Star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is appearing at Marjon’s Quad Theatre. Details www.comicalentertainment.com/ Plymouth Contemporary 2021 Until Sept 5 A biennial exhibition showcasing emerging and established contemporary artists at The Levinsky Gallery and Karst. The third Plymouth Contemporary exhibition is organised by The Arts Institute at Plymouth University, The Box and KARST. It continues to support new ideas and a risk-taking approach across all art forms with previously featured artists going on to achieve national and international success. Free admission.

Tour of Britain - Devon Stage Sept 6 Devon will host Stage Two of the 2021 Tour of Britain with a 185 kilometre (115 mile) route between Sherford and Exeter. A typically hilly Devon stage including 3,500 metres of ascent, the route will visit the South Hams for the first time since 2012, combining the beautiful south Devon coast with the testing climbs of Dartmoor, before a finish on Queen Street in Exeter.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Sept 5 Originally scheduled to take place in May, the Festival was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thousands of runners are now expected to take part in the Half Marathon, 5k and 10k races which take place simultaneously.

For more details visit www.runplymouth.co.uk

Quay Square and The Parade, selling delicious fresh dishes to enjoy on the day, as well as some special treats to take away. Soak up the festival atmosphere with some refreshments and live music, with sea-shanty bands who will be entertaining the crowds during the weekend.

The Big Doggy Day Out Fete Sept 19 Go along to Mount Edgcumbe for a day of family fun with pooches, street food, an array of exciting activities and more than 25 exhbitprs offering pet products. The event also features workshops, talks and much more making it a jam-packed day for dogs and humans of all ages. Activities on the day include Have-a-go agility, Paws for Talent show, fun scent game, canine olympics and photo pet booth. There will also be a fun charity dog show with proceeds going to Refuge4Pets. For ticket details and further information visit www.adoggydayout. co.uk The Weekender Festival 2021

Classic Car Show Sept 5 Organised by Saltram Rotary Club in aid of Devon Air Ambulance at the beautiful setting of the Lyneham Estate near Yealmpton from 11am to 4pm. Admission £5per car pedestrians £2.

Circus Extreme Sept 10 to 26 Circus Extreme returns to Central Park with a brand new death-defying show! A one-ofa-kind performance, that has been years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world. All housed in a climate controlled, socially distanced COVID secure theatre style big top. Merging modern and contemporary styles with extreme stunts and classic clown escapades, audiences will be thrilled by the jam-packed Circus Extreme with show-stopping performances. For a discount call 0203 375 3970 or online with Ticketmaster and quote BIKES. An Evening of Funk’n’Soul Sept 11 Hosted by the Terrace Cafe and Bar with stunning sea views, unique event decoration and DJs commemorating the sounds of legends such as Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind and Fire, James Brown and many more. From 6pm to 11pm. Organised by Heyday Events. Details at www.hey-dayevents.co.uk Park Fest Sept 11 Skymind Studios bring live music to Devonport Park with two stages and plenty of fun for all the family. Bands taking part include Rock Fit, MC Harmony, Gozer Goodspeed, Ukeabillies, Fire

Bird and Aftershock. 10am to 9pm. More details www.skymindstudios.com Union Street Party Sept 12 Union Street is closed for one day a year to hold a magical family friendly party. It was first started by Stonehouse Action volunteers (now Nudge) who just rocked up to a side street with a bag of food shopping, a table and some bunting. Now in its 12th year, it has grown into a massive street party that celebrates Stonehouse and showcases Plymouth’s local talent and organisations. Food, music and fun from 12 noon to 4pm.

Tom Jones in Central Park Sept 18 One of Britain’s best-loved entertainers Sir Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records in a career spanning more then five decades.

With over thirty-five Top 40 hits in the UK, including ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Sexbomb’ and ‘Delilah’, don’t miss this chance to see Tom Jones performing live in Plymouth. Details www.beeyay.com Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival Sept 18 and 19 Seafood lovers are in for a treat as Plymouth Seafood Festival returns to The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. Organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, this free festival is a vibrant celebration of the incredible sustainably caught fresh fish and seafood on offer in Britain’s Ocean City. There will be plenty of fun activities for children to get involved with too, throughout the two days, there’s something for everyone. Stalls will line

Sept 25 and 26 Staged at Newnham Park, Plympton the two day event will feature more than 20 acts, a whole host of local talent, cocktails and a funfair. It will feature the best in underground electronic music and commercial dance over a jam-packed weekend. With the legendary Pete Tong, Wilkinson and globe trotter Ben Nicky on headline, while Casa showcases the likes of Eli Brown, Bart Skils, and Danny Howard.

Joel Corry, the man behind the current UK No 1 single is joined by fellow chart topping stars 220 Kid, Franky Wah, and Nathan Dawe. For details visit www.theweekenderfestival.com Tour de Moor Oct 10 The Tour de Moor being challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth returns to the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor in October. The popular event offers cyclists an adrenalinpacked adventure over the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears for those aged 12 and over. Shorter courses available for young ones and families. Register at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tour-de-moorregistration-page Illuminate Nov 25 to 28 The spectacular Illuminate light festival, will once again transform Royal William Yard through light art installations and projection mapping. Created by local and international artists, tech designers and students, the festival promises to deliver an inspiring, immersive experience which will delight visitors of all ages. Illuminate is free to attend.

Families are welcome and there are plenty of interactive and playful workshops for everyone to get involved in, both during and in the leadup to the festival. For more information visit illuminate-festival.co.uk/

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4 September 2021

TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADE FOR MAJOR JUNCTIONS

Traffic signals at 16 major junctions across the city are being upgraded over the next two years to help improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

New signal controllers with MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) units have already been installed at seven sites, including: Embankment Road/Elliot Road; Ham Drive/Honicknowle Lane; Millbay Road/The Crescent; Notte Street/Hoe Approach; Notte Street/Princess Way/Lockyer Street; North and south sides of North Cross Roundabout.

These are being activated in the coming weeks, with a further nine locations set to benefit as the upgrade is rolled out between now and March 2023.

MOVA technology is smarter than other traffic control systems in that it can monitor the number of vehicles approaching from further away and assess the impact that queuing vehicles will have on a junction. This means it can continually adjust the ‘green time’ for each approach in a more intelligent and responsive way.

MOVA units also ‘learn’ regular traffic movements, which can be particularly useful in locations where traffic conditions vary considerably according to time of day, day of week or even season. They can also communicate with MOVA units at other junctions along the same route.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We have made it a priority to improve traffic flow and make it easier for people to get around the city.

“By using more intuitive technology like MOVA we can help to make our signals perform more efficiently – which means less congestion, fewer delays and, importantly, reduced emissions.”

4 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

New campaign supporting Plymouth’s tourism, retail and hospitality sector A new campaign is working to address the recruitment challenge currently facing tourism, retail and hospitality businesses in Plymouth.

Destination Plymouth’s new ‘Geddon in Tourism’ campaign showcases the wide range of opportunities within the sector. It features a number of familiar faces from businesses across the city, including chefs Mitch Tonks and Chris Tanner, sharing how they got started in the business, became successful celebrities and the skills that they have developed.

With businesses struggling to recruit staff and facing an increase in demand now the summer season is underway, there’s high demand for people to fill vacancies across the sector. A huge variety of roles are available, from chefs to customer service staff as well as wider support roles including marketing, security, operations and finance.

Amanda Lumley, executive director of Destination Plymouth, said: “Plymouth tourism, retail and hospitality businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and with the influx of tourists expected throughout the summer this campaign is designed to help them put their best foot forward.

“Across the country tourism and hospitality businesses are struggling to recruit, and with a high volume of fantastic opportunities here in Plymouth our campaign hopes to help shine a light on the career paths available. Our campaign focuses on how people working in the industry got to where they are now, how to get started in the industry and the key skills that tourism and hospitality jobs can help develop, to support further career aspirations. There are great opportunities for those with ambition not just

Staff at The Terrace on The Hoe

to refine their skill set but to fast track rapidly through supervisor to manager level roles if they have the aptitude.”

The campaign will include a virtual jobs fair on Facebook, where businesses can share current vacancies with jobseekers. There’s also a wealth of information on the Visit Plymouth website about courses and further training available within the tourism and hospitality sector, to help Plymouth residents get ahead.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at

Plymouth City Council said: “The past year has been incredibly difficult for local businesses and the challenges continue now that they’re reopened, with staff shortages causing problems across the sector. We hope this campaign will encourage people across Plymouth to see the potential in a career in tourism and will guide them in the right direction, whether that is towards training opportunities or current job vacancies.”

Find out more about the campaign at visitplymouth.co.uk/geddonintourism.

R E C R U I T M E N T O P E N D AY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021 Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1.1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people.

We are pleased to announce we will be holding a Recruitment Open Day on Saturday 25th September 2021 from 08:00 – 12:00pm at Newport Street, Plymouth PL1 3QG. The Open Day will allow visitors to explore the site, meet the team and gain a better understanding of what we do. We have vacancies for both skilled, semiskilled and unskilled candidates who will be provided with in-house training to help them progress their skills and career prospects.

We currently have vacancies covering the following areas, at all levels: • • • •

Carpentry Engineering Composites Assembly

• • • •

Metal Shop Paint Shop Support Roles Management and Leader roles

Come along and meet the team at our recruitment open day event to be held at: Princess Yachts, Newport Street, Plymouth PL1 3QG From 08:00 - 12:00pm, Saturday 25th September 2021 Please bring your CV to the open day and if you cannot attend, you can also apply for the above vacancies online now, at www.princessyachts.com/ recruitment or email us at cvteams@princessyachts.com Please feel free to let your friends and family know about the event and encourage them to come along.

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September 2021 5 @PlymChronicle

New urban rangers introduced as part of nature project

Wearing PPE on all jobs to keep us and our customers safe

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Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

Plymouth’s vast array of local nature reserves will get new dedicated urban rangers as part of a new project.

The Plymouth Natural Grid will support the ongoing Green Minds project in helping to make nature more accessible to residents across the city.

It will create 22 new jobs, including five urban rangers, who will work across and care for council and National Trust sites across the city.

The rangers will also deliver skills, training and learning opportunities for young people, with Kickstart placements (for people not in employment, education or training) and shortterm accredited learning programmes.

Nature conservation will be at the forefront of the project, with improvements across our 13 protected sites that focus on rewilding and nature restoration.

There will also be a programme of community engagement to ensure that Plymouth’s more deprived urban areas are connected to their local nature reserve.

The scheme is part of an 18-month partnership between the council, National Trust and Real Ideas Organisation and is funded by a £1.2m grant from the Green Recovery Challenge fund.

The money will not only support the new jobs but restore and connect wildlife sites across the city and open up opportunities for local communities to get engaged and become nature advocates.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is a very green city, with nature reserves right on the doorsteps of thousands of residents.

“What’s so exciting about this project is that for the first time, we will be able to make sure that each reserve is as accessible; is as bio-diverse and is as well kept as the next, allowing us to help springboard the city’s postpandemic nature recovery from Ernesettle, right across to Saltram.”

Jez McDermott, general manager for the National Trust at Saltram said: “We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Real Ideas with funding from GRCF. “This project is a great boost right across the city for training and employment within the natural environment. A city wide project, our joint urban ranger team will engage communities and young people whilst delivering a range of exciting and innovative nature based solutions, including at Saltram and Plymbridge woods.”

Ed Whitelaw from the Real Ideas Organisation said: “Nature conservation is about our collective future, it is therefore right that young people are at the centre of Plymouth’s Natural Grid, as both our future environmental leaders and the biggest stakeholders”.

The Plymouth Natural Grid is one of 90 nature projects across England to be backed by the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

More information on the scheme can be found at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureand greenspaces/plymouth’snaturalgrid To find your nearest Local Nature Reserve go to : www. plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ localnaturereserves

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European Union European Regional Development Fund

Slimming World members raise over £9,000 for Cancer Research

September 2021 7 @PlymChronicle

Enjoy more Magical Mayflower moments!

More magical Mayflower moments are taking place in Plymouth over the next few weeks - everything from a global conference to street parties.

Slimming World consultants Lauren Fidler (left) and Bex Hele. Lauren runs groups in Compton and Mount Gould while Bex also runs groups in Compton

Scores of Slimming World members in Plymouth have helped raise She hit the headlines herself in 2019 when she lost seven stones over £9,000 for Cancer Research - by donating clothes which are and was nominated for Slimming World Young Slimmer of the Year.

Lauren, who lives in Mannamead, studied marine biology at now too big for them.

Every year The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw nationally helps raise millions of pounds for charity, including Cancer Research UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

With the difficulties caused by COVID restrictions, Slimming World consultants in Plymouth decided to organise their own mini version of the fundraiser.

Leading the initiative was Lauren Fidler, 24, who has been a Slimming World consultant for two years and now runs 12 groups in Compton and Mount Gould.

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Plymouth University and worked as a data officer at the Marine Biological Association, before giving up the post last year to work full time as a Slimming World consultant.

Lauren said: “Slimming World has raised millions of pounds for charity over the years and I felt it would be good to do something locally this year. I contacted other Slimming World consultants across the city - including Ford, Eggbuckland, Keyham, Plympton and Plymstock and in just one week in July we were able to collect 270 bags of good quality clothing.

“The bags were collected by Cancer Research and then distributed to their shops to raise much needed funds. They have told us that the clothes that we all donated will help raise nearly £9,400.”

Mark Badcoe, area manager for Cancer Reasearch UK said: “We are absolutely Slimming World thrilled to once again consultant collaborate with our Mandy Coles who friends at Slimming runs groups in World Plymouth.

Eggbuckland “I want to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate Slimming World consultant the Plymouth Bethan Lamerton Slimming World who runs groups group members who in Plymstock have so generously supported this campaign - once again! We couldn’t raise our vital research funds without the support of local people, supporting their local Cancer Research shops and playing a part in bringing forward the day when all cancers are cured. We will put their gifts to good use!

“We always need good quality stock for our shops.

This year more than most. It is anticipated that one in 10 of Brits intend to holiday in Devon and Cornwall this summer, so it’s a fabulous opportunity to clear out the old and fill our shops,” added Mark.

Slimming World consultant Debbie Malone who runs groups in Plympton

Highlights include The Hatchling on August 14 and 15 and Roots Up! by Street Factory on August 19, while Adelaide Street stages three events and the Devon Family History Society host the Mayflower International Genealogy conference online where speakers from all over the world will share their passion and knowledge of all things Mayflower.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “All around the city some incredible events are taking place many of which have are happening thanks to Mayflower 400 funding community funding.

“The pandemic may have skewed the timetable for some Mayflower events but it has not stopped people from being creative, having fun and coming together.

We need more of this!”

SEPTEMBER September 4 - Mayflower Morris Muster by Plymouth Morris Men at Piazza. From 10am there will be walking tours, comprising Morris dance teams from across the UK, which will take in Plymouth’s maritime heritage and historic hostelries, interspersed with dancing at various Waterfront locations. The day culminates in a massed display of Morris dancing on the Piazza at 4pm.

- Mayflower Madness Festival in Ernesettle at Budshead Manor Ruins - Mayflower Community Fun Day at Devonport Park with American music, marvellous mutts in the dog show as well as Mayflower themed flower planting and dancing. Organised by the Friends of Devonport Park.

September 5 - Gifford Place Jewish Cemetery audio trail launch by Ripple Theatre and Synagogue. Listen online or at the cemetery as part of the Jewish Heritage Days. From 11am to 3pm. To book call Jerry Sibley on 07753 267616 or phccaretaker@yahoo.co.uk - Mayflower Lunch Devonport Park hosted

by Friends of Devonport Park September 11 – 1620 Symposium by Plymouth Archaeological Society September 18 - Respect Picnic in Victoria Park with Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council - Adelaide Street party by Adelaide Angels For details visit www.mayflower400uk.org

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8 September 2021

8 September 2021

Student nurse in line for three top awards

Tinside Lido

Council plan to operate city’s leisure facilities

Plymouth City Council is set to consider major changes to the way its leisure facilities are managed when its contract with operator Everyone Active expires next year.

A report discussed by Cabinet members in August recommends that when the contract ends in March next year, the operation of Brickfields Sports Centre, Mount Wise Pools, Plympton Swimming Pool, Plymouth Life Centre and Tinside Lido be transferred to a new local authority trading company (LATC), set-up and owned by the council.

It follows a detailed review of different options available, taking into account the significant impact of COVID-19 on the leisure sector and independent financial advice that it would be unlikely for a commercial tender to deliver best value in the current market. It is estimated that over five years, an LATC model would be the most cost-effective for the council.

Most importantly, the report says the company would be best placed to run facilities in a way that will meet the council’s new strategic priorities for the city and the physical activity needs of its communities.

As well as tackling health inequality in the city and supporting its most vulnerable residents, the council is committed to making the most of Plymouth’s natural environment and the role it can play in helping people to stay active and well. The future use of Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Pools, for example, is an integral element of the National Marine Park vision for the waterfront.

Under the new leisure management proposals, separate business cases would also be developed for much-needed capital investment in improvements at Plympton Swimming Pool and upgraded facilities at Brickfields, including a review of its green spaces.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Our current leisure contract was set up a decade ago and

@PlymChronicle

we’re looking at a very different landscape now, not least because of the massive impact of the pandemic on the sector right across the country.

“As we take our next steps we want to make sure we’re running our facilities in a way that will best meet the health and wellbeing needs of our residents, as well as our wider priorities and aspirations for Plymouth.

“We recognise the valuable links that can be made between our fantastic green and blue spaces and helping people stay active and well and we’ve made a number of commitments to make better use of our local environment – including Tinside and the rest of our spectacular waterfront.

“We also want to make much-needed investment and improvements to ensure our leisure facilities are fit-for-purpose not just now but for future generations.”

Plymouth Labour has offered a cautious welcome to a proposal for the new trading company .“This is a move in the right direction but there are a number of issues on which we will be seeking clarity,” said Cllr Sarah Allen, Plymouth Labour’s spokesperson for HR, Leisure and Parks “This plan partially reflects the recent Labour-led administration’s ambition to bring these services back in-house and echoes our commitment to have better connections between our city’s green park spaces, the newlycreated National Marine Park and our sports and swimming facilities,” said Cllr Allen, who is a councillor for Peverell ward.

“It is vital all relevant groups and communities are involved and engaged as this new company is developed, we need to know how this will work in practice and, importantly, what the advantages will be to the residents of the city.

“We will also need to understand exactly what this will mean for the staff involved.”

The council has been briefing Everyone Active and other key stakeholders on the recommendations and if they are approved, further details will be announced in due course.

Plymouth Life Centre pool and slide

Plymouth University has made the final in six categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards – with one student named in no fewer than three.

The national awards celebrate excellence in all specialties of student nursing, and the University’s teaching, innovation, and student endeavour have all been recognised.

Joy O’Gorman, who has just finished her third year, has been shortlisted for Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Nurse of the Year: Adult, and Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.

Student, Hannah Graham, has been shortlisted in Student Innovation in Practice thanks to her work promoting autism awareness and improving the experiences of autistic service users.

And the University has been shortlisted for Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year, led by Sandy Knowles, and Teaching Innovation of the Year, based around Hannah Ames’ idea of Twitter revision quizzes during lockdown.

The winners will be announced in November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Louise Winfield, head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth, said: “The last 18 months has thrown nursing and its challenges into the public eye more than ever

Joy O’Gorman

before. So to see Plymouth’s hard work shortlisted in six categories recognising the best of student nursing in the UK is just amazing.

“We’re so proud of everything our students, staff and partners do every day to help make our students’ experience a great one, so thank you to everyone involved, and well done to all the teams shortlisted.”

Joy O’Gorman, who is UNISON’s national student nurse lead, worked with the BBC to create video diaries on nursing students’ contributions in the pandemic, and was selected for

the Council of Deans of Health Student Leadership Programme.

She said: “I’m so shocked to have been shortlisted in three categories, and need to thank UNISON for nominating me for Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.

“Like all nurses, I’m passionate about patient care, but I’m equally keen to put the student voice at the heart of the profession, so I’m really touched to have been recognised in this way. I’ve just qualified and am loving every second, so it’s wonderful, and very unexpected, news.”

along an artery. The clot is then pulled out with a special device. Not all patients who have a stroke are able to have a thrombectomy, but when it is possible the outcomes can be spectacular with many patients able to make a full recovery.

Time is critical, however, with patients standing the greatest chance of returning to normal if they are treated within three hours of the stroke. In an area such as Devon and Cornwall, where patients may need to travel many miles to get to the team at Derriford, the ability to cut the time between having a scan and being sent for treatment can make all the difference.

The Brainomix software can flag patients on the system in less than a minute where previously it might have taken 20 minutes or more. It also helps to standardise care by objectively analysing the data and ensuring all patients who could benefit are identified early.

“Nothing beats seeing a seriously ill stroke patient conscious and talking again just a few hours after a thrombectomy.

“Every member of our highly capable team has a voice and wants to push the boundaries when it comes to patient care,” said Dr Mukonoweshuro. “Using the Brainomix software means more people can access the best treatment.”

Artificial intelligence helping save lives of stroke patients Artificial intelligence is saving lives of stroke patients at Derriford Hospital.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has joined a multi-centred regional assessment to use Brainomix software to help stroke patients and save lives.

Every year, around 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke and Brainomix software uses artificial intelligence to interpret scans and identify the right treatment, faster.

This gives stroke teams vital extra minutes to treat patients and ensure the best possible outcomes. UHP working in collaboration with other trusts in Devon and Cornwall is one of five networks in the UK within this programme of works.

The system is in wide use nationally with over 50 UK centres and over 8,000 cases processed per month.

Having heard about the advances in artificially intelligent software for identifying stroke patients, the team at Derriford discovered Brainomix and secured funding for a three year trial as part of the prestigious national AI in Health & Care Award.

“Brainomix is game changing,” said lead consultant at Derriford Dr William Mukonoweshuro. “Its real strength, for me, is how quickly it identifies patients from all over Devon and Cornwall who will benefit from a potentially life-saving thrombectomy.”

A thrombectomy is where a blood clot is removed by pushing a flexible tube

10 September 2021

10 September 2021

Big Issue seller Clive Rowe - now planning to do GCSEs and go to university

@PlymChronicle Mother of four Caley Mead from Devonport - due to study midwifery in September

Emotions run high at City College Plymouth as determined adult students achieve their goals There were some emotional moments at City College Plymouth when students were invited to the campus to collect their GCSE and level 2 BTEC results.

This academic year, the college supported almost 900 students through GCSEs in English, maths, biology and chemistry, with some studying GCSEs as part of their full-time study programme, whilst others were returning to education later in life.

Aged 16 to 62, together the students achieved an overall pass rate of 99%, with 58% gaining a higher pass. The college is experienced in supporting students of all ages, some of whom haven’t been in education for many years.

Clive Rowe, the 58-year-old Big Issue seller is a popular character in Plymouth and beyond. Often joined by his much-loved pooch Geezer, Clive has been selling the magazine outside the Theatre Royal since 2016.

Having fallen in love with the theatre environment, Clive started getting involved in acting and that led him to City College Plymouth to study for his GCSEs with the view of progressing to university in the near future.

Having faced so many challenges in his lifetime, including homelessness, poor self-confidence, bipolar disorder and various barriers to education, Clive was delighted to gain grade 5s in English and maths.

Clive said: “I was hopeful for at least a grade 4 in maths, but I was ecstatic to see grade 5s for both as I wasn’t sure whether I would get a grade 4 in English. I’m not sure I’ve taken it in yet.

“The lecturers at City College are absolutely fantastic. I have always received excellent support from them; they genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. I’ve made some really good friends on this course - you get people from all different backgrounds and they just want to help each other. It’s such a friendly environment here at City College.

“I’m now looking to study an Access course but having also gained a grade 5 in English, I feel I have even more options now, and I am really hopeful for the future.”

Mum of four Caley Mead from Devonport is due to study midwifery in September, but the 32-yearold needed to gain a grade 4 or above in both English and maths in addition to completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

On finding out she had gained a grade 9 - the highest grade possible - in English, Caley modestly said ‘there must be some mistake’.

Caley, whose children are aged 13, 6, 4 and 11 months, said: “It hasn’t always been easy doing two GCSEs, an Access course and having the children.

“My youngest was only one month when I started my English course, and trying to juggle breastfeeding alongside my Access lectures was tricky at times. But I knew I had to get it done.”

Caley opted to do her maths GCSE entirely online and chose to do the express course, meaning she only started studying for it a couple of months before the assessments were due to take place.

“One of the good things to come out of the

Michael Quantrill from Plympton - plans to study Conservation Biology at the University of Plymouth

Mobina Shah from Estover - now planning to do an Access to Engineering Diploma

pandemic - possibly the only good thing in fact - is how much more accessible education is becoming. If you have children or if you are working, being able to access your studies online means so many more people can now complete these qualifications.

“If you don’t have a grade 4/C in English or maths already, it is free. You really have nothing to lose, and the staff at the college are very supportive and helpful, so if you’re thinking about it, just go for it.”

Nineteen year old Mobina Shahi, from Estover, has a passion for learning that has kept her motivated since moving to the UK from Iran in September 2019.

Within days of arriving in the country, Mobina had enrolled on a English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course. Due to her incredible determination, Mobina quickly worked through her ESOL course, going on to complete Functional Skills courses in maths and English.

Having completed her maths Functional Skills and feeling more confident with her English, Mobina started studying for GCSE maths earlier this year.

As an aspiring engineer, a grade 4 in maths was crucial, but Mobina, who was joined by her parents, was delighted to achieve a grade 8.

Mobina said: “I haven’t always found studying in a different language easy, but I love learning and that has kept me motivated. I have had an excellent time here at City College. My lecturers, particularly Heather, have been amazing.

“I’m now planning to do an Access to

Engineering Diploma and I can’t wait to get started.”

Mobina, who also completed Level 2 Functional Skills in English, was awarded the English and Maths Student of the Year at City College after impressing her lecturers with her self-motivation and exceptional work ethic.

After retiring early from factory work, Michael Quantrill from Plympton decided instead of putting his feet up he would jump back into education. With a keen interest in the natural world and preserving the planet, Michael wanted to do his bit so started an Access to Science course at the college. He opened his GCSE results in the hope of achieving the grades he needed to study Conservation Biology at the University of Plymouth.

“At 63, you think you’ll be sitting with your feet up and enjoying retirement but I wanted to do more. I really wanted to explore my interest in the natural world but never thought I would be able to return to education.

“I’ve enjoyed my return to education and I believe you are never too old. All I can say is you just have to give it a go. I didn’t think I’d be where I am now, collecting my results and continuing my education but it is thanks to the College.

“My tutors have been great, so supportive. They have kept me motivated throughout the pandemic and I can’t thank them enough for helping me achieve the grade I needed.

“I look forward to developing my knowledge further and potentially playing a part in protecting the planet.”

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Photo by Steve Haywood. Image courtesy Theatre Royal Plymouth

Theatre Royal case study shows vital role of culture in high street recovery A new report has underlined the value of culture to the country’s high streets - and Plymouth’s Theatre Royal is highlighted as a perfect example.

The report, published by the Arts Council, showed that 69% of people believe having cultural spaces such as theatres, museums, libraries and music venues on their high street makes their local area a better place to live.

The report called ‘A High Street Renaissance: How arts and culture bring people and pride back to our high streets’ was published in early August and based on research carried out in June across the country.

The report shows that successful high streets are multi-functional and the presence of cultural venues on the high street is key to high street regeneration.

When people were asked what they would like to see more of on their high streets, culture was the joint most popular answer, alongside shops and ahead of pubs, bars and restaurants.

Findings also show that 62% of adults agree that cultural experiences on the high street give them a sense of pride about their local area, and that many people want the high streets’ presence of culture to expand, with half of adults (50%) keen to see more cultural experiences where they live.

With year-on-year high street footfall declining by 43.4% in 2020, the report also gives several examples of how cultural venues can bring visitors back to village, town and city centres, helping to support economic growth and prevent high street decline.

Using Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) as one case-study, the findings show the theatre: • Generates footfall: TRP encourages greater footfall to the high street by bringing new patrons to the area each year. In 2018-19, nearly 324,000 trips to the theatre were made to watch shows; roughly 35% of whom were first time visitors.

• Influences spending: The theatre’s

New chief executive is named Theatre Royal Plymouth has announced that James MackenzieBlackman will succeed Adrian Vinken as its chief executive in January.

Currently chief executive of Eden Court Highlands, Scotland’s largest single-site performing arts venue, James Mackenzie-Blackman’s previous roles include executive director of Matthew Bourne’s award-winning dance company New Adventures, executive director of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and six years in a variety of roles at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith.

James grew up in Plymouth and cites his time with Theatre Royal Plymouth’s long-established Young Company as a life-defining experience.

He said: “It is the honour of my career to take on the leadership of the organisation that defined the path my life would take. I told my careers advisor at 15 years old that one day I wanted to run the Theatre Royal – and 26 years later that ambition has become a reality. Throughout the recruitment process I was deeply impressed by the continued ambition for the city of Plymouth, the role

that the theatre plays in the cultural life of the region and equally the recognition of the work still to do in the years to come. It will be a great privilege to build on all that Adrian and his colleagues have achieved.”

Nick Buckland, chair of Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “Finding a new chief executive for the iconic Theatre Royal Plymouth to follow Adrian Vinken’s outstanding tenure was never going to be easy, but after an exhaustive process I’m delighted that we’ve been able to appoint James.

Adrian Vinken, who has led Theatre Royal Plymouth for over 30 years said: “I remember James from my early days at TRP when he was a member of our Young Company and particularly an unforgettable trip to Poland to perform our production of Korczak in Warsaw and Gdynia. I have watched with pleasure his rapid career development over the years and couldn’t be happier than to be handing over the reins of the theatre to him. James

is a shining example of TRP’s talent development in action so he already has

the Theatre Royal’s DNA in his blood.”

own economic impact assessment (2018) revealed that TRP contributed almost £36 million to the economy of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. An Arts Council England study of the economic impact of all UK theatres, in 2012, revealed that Theatre Royal Plymouth had the third highest impact of all 541 theatres in the UK at the time • Increases civic pride: A Willingness to Pay (WTP) analysis of TRP revealed that residents of Plymouth have greater levels of pride in their local theatre relative to the norm for theatres the UK. Plymouth residents who had visited the theatre were willing to pay 11.1% above the mean average for attendance, while those who had never visited TRP were willing to pay 10.3% above the mean to financially support the theatre.

• Assists High Street COVID-19 recovery: Theatre Royal Plymouth received £2.4 million from the government’s £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund, and the theatre has used that support to engage with patrons and to bring them back to the theatre and its high street.

Phil Gibby, area director, Arts Council England, South West, said: “The evidence in this report shows the positive effect creativity and culture has on local communities and economies. As we emerge from the pandemic, cultural organisations will play an essential part in bringing visitors back into our shared spaces and high streets. I for one can’t wait to visit Plymouth in a few weeks to see Trigger’s much anticipated The Hatchling – where a dragon will explore the city centre streets, and take flight from the Hoe on Sunday night. Now that is something to get us out of the house.”

Adrian Vinken, CEO, Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “This report highlights the huge part cultural venues play for our high-streets, particularly in a post-pandemic climate where attracting footfall and generating spend is going to be key in rebuilding after the last 18 months.

“As the only ‘Number One’ theatrical auditorium located between Bristol and New York(!) TRP has a uniquely large region to serve with an accompanying broad programming remit. As such it routinely draws annual audiences of over 360,000 from throughout a 100-mile radius and its huge economic impact on its city centre has been recognised for decades. It has served to redefine Plymouth’s modern identity, firmly establishing the city as the cultural capital of the far south west.”

September 2021 13

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Latest veterans’ self-build underway Work is about to begin on the Stirling Project, Plymouth’s latest veterans selfbuild scheme.

Based on the site of a former residential care home on Honicknowle Green, the project will see eight previously homeless veterans involved in the construction of 25 selfcontained affordable homes to rent.

The start on site has been made possible through a partnership between the Plymouth City Council, housing association LiveWest and veterans’ charity Alabaré, who in 2019 merged with the Community Self Build Agency.

Taking inspiration from the successful Nelson Project, 12 of the new homes will be built, and lived in, by former service personnel who have been previously homeless or are in need of housing.

During the course of the build, the veterans will earn construction qualifications and skills which will help them gain employment once the project is complete.

The Alabaré team specialise in providing support to the veterans throughout the project to help them rebuild their self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing, enabling them to live successful, independent civilian lives in the new homes they have built. The support provided by Alabaré has been funded thanks to a grant from Plymouth City Council.

Adrian, a veteran who has joined the Stirling House Alabaré Veterans Self-Build team, said: “This is a unique opportunity for me to learn new skills and to have a fresh start and to seek new challenges ahead.”

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Home and Communities, said: “We are so proud to be able to support this the Stirling Project, Plymouth second veteran’s self-build project “Plymouth is a service city and we owe so much of the character and vibrancy that we have in the city to the many former and serving military personnel who live here which is why it’s so important we deliver to help those who have served their country through projects such as these.”

“I look forward to watching the project and individual veterans go from strength to strength as the project progresses.”

Russell Baldwinson, executive director of Development for LiveWest, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners on such a flagship scheme for Plymouth, supporting the further regeneration of the city.

“The Stirling House project will provide much-needed housing for a wide range of people and will also offer something unique and special, where during the construction period ex-service personnel will have the opportunity to train and build on the scheme supported by Alabaré.

“We are proud to be bringing forward highquality build and design which focuses on the wellbeing of residents making it an exemplar project.

“We are looking forward to this exciting development progressing over the coming months and seeing the veterans gain some valuable experience in construction and jobbased skills.”

up to

On site at the Stirling Project (from left) Graham Devine, director of LHC Design; Russell Baldwinson, executive director of Development for LiveWest; Adrian, veteran; Debbie, veteran; Cllr Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council; Tim, veteran; Major (Ret’d) Ken Hames, chief operating officer for Alabaré Veterans Self-Build; Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moorview and Adrian, veteran

Major (Ret’d) Ken Hames, chief operating officer for Alabaré Veterans Self-Build, said: “This is our second veterans self-build in Plymouth and we are pleased to be in partnership again with Plymouth City Council and LiveWest.

“As a veteran myself I understand the difficulties some veterans face transitioning to civilian life. This scheme offers the right support, challenge and training to help veterans toward full time employment and independent living.

“It also demonstrates a wider objective to bring an inspired vision of growth and regeneration to the Honicknowle Community.”

The project will be built on the site of the former Stirling House, a former residential care home, owned by the Council, which had been empty for several years.

The scheme follows on from the completion of the Nelson Project in October 2017.

This multi award-winning scheme saw the

construction of a 24-home development that includes 12 self-build homes for military veterans and 12 mixed use affordable homes, including supported housing.

Totnes-based, Coyde Construction, has been contracted to build the Stirling House scheme which has been designed by architects Form Design.

Of the 25 homes, 19 will be one and twobedroom flats together with two, three and four-bedroom housing.

Once complete, all of the homes will be let by LiveWest at a subsidised social rent, in order to provide support for households in high need.

The large four-bedroom house has also been designed as a wheelchair adapted property, helping to address the significant shortage of such properties across the city.

The project will benefit from grant-funding from government housing agency Homes England.

A new Home Office scheme will relocate locally employed staff who worked for British forces, often in dangerous and challenging situations, during the conflict in Afghanistan.

The staff, who will move with their families, provided roles such as translators, interpreters or clerks.

Their work undoubtedly contributed to saving British lives and, in recognition of the commitment and bravery shown since 2013, they will be entitled to build new lives in the UK. Plymouth is just one of a number of cities joining the scheme and our involvement supports the city’s strong connections with the Armed Forces and further boosts our credentials as a welcoming city.

During the first 12 months in the UK, the staff and their families will be supported through an integration package to assist in adjusting to their new life in the UK, including finding employment.

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An artist’s impression of the Stirling Project

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Although the language skills of the primary applicant are likely to be pretty advanced, support will also help family dependents so that attending schools and community activities is quickly possible.

After completing the five years limited leave, they can apply for permanent residence in the UK, ensuring that they can settle permanently in Plymouth and continue to build their lives and future.

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Plymouth is set become part of this scheme.

“These people are heroes. The courage they have shown in helping our troops among complex communities in Afghanistan is rightly being rewarded and I look forward to welcoming them here to Plymouth to join our warm armed forces family.”

Participation in the scheme follows on from a similar project run between 2014 and 2016 which saw 16 households welcomed to Plymouth.

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14 September 2021

14 September 2021

Plymouth tickled pink!

@PlymChronicle

Council launches new campaign to recruit more home care assistants Plymouth City Council is launching a new dedicated campaign to encourage more people to consider working in the home care sector.

Views wanted on latest road plans for Woolwell Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, bus passengers and nearby residents are being invited to view updated plans to tackle one of Plymouth’s worst traffic bottlenecks.

The Woolwell to The George scheme aims to alleviate congestion at the notorious pinchpoint between Woolwell Roundabout and The George, on the A386 Tavistock Road.

More than 30,000 vehicles use this section of road each day and there are often queues and delays at peak times, caused by traffic having to merge over very short distances.

Under the plans, Tavistock Road will be widened to provide a dual carriageway and Woolwell Roundabout will be replaced with a signalised junction. A new junction will also be created at Woolwell Crescent to allow traffic from Woolwell to turn right onto Tavistock Road and travel north.

In addition, there will be new and upgraded footways and cycleways and safer crossing points to support active travel, as set out in the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. A second level will also be added onto the George Park and Ride site to provide an extra 300 to 500 parking spaces.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “The A386 at Woolwell has been a well-known hotspot for congestion for some time and this is only likely to get worse as the city grows.

“This improvement scheme will help to keep traffic flowing, reduce delays (and no doubt people’s blood pressure) and make the road safer for everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians.

“It is also an important part of our programme to provide better links to and from the north of the city and will complement other major transport investment nearby, such as the Forder Valley Link Road.

“A lot of work has gone into developing the preferred design for the scheme, taking into account feedback from local residents, businesses and the wider public. We are keen to hear people’s comments and questions before the details are finalised and work gets underway next year.”

To view the plans and give feedback, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/wttg. The closing date for comments is September 12.

Plymouth turned bright pink on August 20 as a thousand participants came together to walk across the city, raising vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Faces both familiar and new were welcomed to its hotly anticipated mass participation fundraising event, Midnight Walk, following the sponsored walk’s cancellation last year because of the pandemic.

So popular was the event in aid of the compassionate care the hospice provides across Plymouth and surrounding areas that it was a complete sell-out.

Setting off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium, everyone followed either a five, 10 or 15-mile route taking in many Plymouth landmarks, including Smeaton’s Tower and the Barbican.

And when the challenge got tough, moral support came in abundance from the spectators who cheered them on from their front gardens and the passing motorists who tooted their horns in solidarity.

The event, sponsored by GA Solicitors, saw many participants walking in memory of lost loved ones, having fun and making new memories as they

celebrated the lives of people special to them who will never be forgotten.

Head of fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “After the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s Midnight Walk due to COVID-19 safety measures, this year’s event felt even more special. For some taking part, it was the first opportunity they have had to reunite with family and friends since losing a loved one during the past 18 months, which have been so incredibly tough for everyone going through bereavement. It was also important for us to remember the five people whose lives were tragically taken in Keyham, and think of their loved ones, too.

“We are so grateful to everyone who took part.

Sponsorship money raised helps keep our team on the road 365 days a year, giving their compassionate care to patients in the comfort of their own home and supporting their families – all of which helps make our community a kinder place for people living and dying with terminal illness and for those close to them as well.

For more information about St Luke’s specialist end of life care visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk

Home care or domiciliary care assistants are vital to support people to improve and maintain their independence, enabling them to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.

However, a shortage of staff in this sector means there is increased pressure on hospital wards and care homes as people are unable to return home. This lack of staff comes on top of the increased pressure that the health and social care sector were already under due to the effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic In 2020 the City Council joined forces with Devon and Torbay Councils to launch the Proud to Care campaign, aimed at recruiting more people across the entire health and social care sector to ease the pressure on hospitals.

Since its launch almost 300 people have been offered employment through Proud to Care’s applicant placing service, while thousands more have applied directly for the hundreds of jobs advertised on the Proud to Care jobs board.

However, despite the numbers recruited there is still a significant gap in the domiciliary care market in Plymouth, which is why the council is now launching a new dedicated campaign which focuses solely on recruiting staff in this area. Localised support for applicants will be coordinated through Skills Launchpad Plymouth including help for individuals to prepare for interview in a care setting, the opportunity to gain entry level care skills to build confidence, and advice to overcome barriers to starting work including access to financial support for work clothing, initial travel to work costs as well as guidance on benefits calculations.

The new campaign will focus on the benefits of a job in home care which includes promoting the flexibility to choose the sort of hours that are right for the applicant. All as well as flexible hours other benefits include; paid holiday on top of the hourly rate, paid mileage and travel time.

Trudy Phillips, who has been working as a home care assistant for 14 years, said: “I have loved the flexibility of the caring role and have continued to provide care and support to my clients alongside working in the office. I joined the care industry with little experience and received full training and support to help me provide the best care possible. I find promoting independence and caring for clients in a dignified manner very rewarding, it gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am supporting clients to achieve their goals and remaining within their own home.”

Strategic commissioning manager Caroline Paterson, who works closely with the city’s domiciliary care providers, said: “Our providers are really keen to highlight that working with people to enable them to maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. A job where you really feel you have made a difference to someone’s day.

“All home care Assistants receive excellent training and will be supported if they choose to study for any of the professional qualifications available. Work is available all day, every day, seven days a week and therefore assistants can work flexibly at times that fit in with their lifestyle to provide that perfect work/life balance.”

Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/workinhomecare to find out more about working in home care and the comprehensive support available.

September 2021 15

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Top comics to appear at Marjon’s Quad Theatre Leading comedians will soon take to the stage at The Quad Theatre, Plymouth Marjon University.

Comedy fans from Plymouth and beyond will be able to enjoy some of the big names in the 470 seat black box theatre as top comedians will perform at The Quad Theatre as part of their UK tours.

The shows currently confirmed are: Gary Delaney: September 3; Mark Watson: October 14; Seann Walsh: October 16; Sindhu Vee: November 21; Andy Parsons: November 25; Clive Anderson: March 13 2022; Kerry Godliman: March 25 2022; Gyles Brandreth: May 22 2022 and Rich Hall: May 28 2022.

Gary Delaney, star of Live at the Apollo is first up at The Quad Theatre, appearing on September 3 at 8pm. One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft.

The comedy shows are a joint venture between Marjon and Comical Entertainment which was established by Andrew Smallridge and James Maunder in the light of the fact that few live comedy shows were available locally in Plymouth and across the South West.

They now bring top comics to Plymouth,

Tom Daley to receive city’s highest honour

New home for performing arts school

An established performing arts teacher in Plymouth is looking forward to the curtain opening after moving to new, larger premises.

Launceston and Paignton in pursuit of their mission to become ‘the home of comedy in the South West’. Tickets are competitively priced and student concessions will be available to Marjon students for some shows.

Tickets can be booked on Comical Entertainment’s website where comedy fans can subscribe to a newsletter offering exclusive deals and early bird access to the most popular shows.

The Quad Theatre will host a range of touring comedians, ‘audience with’ shows, theatrical productions and exhibitions.

It is also home to Marjon’s Acting and Musical Theatre students, who rehearse and perform there. Sarah McAdam, director of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “The Marjon Arts Centre has already seen some fantastic productions, gigs and exhibitions over the last few years and we’re really excited about being a cultural hub for our students and the local community.”

Andrew Smallridge, director at Comical Entertainment, said: “We are glad to have found a new home for our comedy and spoken word shows. We believe our partnership with The Quad Theatre at Plymouth Marjon University will enable Comical Entertainment to build on our success and go from strength to strength.”

For tickets and more information visit www. comicalentertainment.com

Kerry Godliman

Devon Theatre Arts has agreed a six-year lease for Unit 1, 69 Upland Drive, Derriford, with landlord LCP Management Ltd. The parade is now fully let.

Louise Sharplin, an experienced teacher who is opening the new school, said she was excited to officially re-open next month after completely refurbishing the 896 sq ft studio.

“Moving to Upland Drive meant having to start again as I had to invest in mirrors, floor and other equipment associated with dance classes, but I’m glad to do it as I’m now in a better building and location than where I was before,” she said.

“I love the space and so do my students and we are excited for our future here. We officially re-open in September and will be offering classes for all ages in all aspects of theatrical dance.”

George Watson, LCP asset manager, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Louise to this popular neighbourhood centre and it’s great to see the final unit available there has now been signed up.”

Upland Drive parade comprises eight retail units with rear servicing. Occupiers include a convenience store, carpet retailer, beauty salon, hairdresser and take-away.

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Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley is set to be awarded Plymouth’s highest honour after councillors meet on September 13 to formally agree to offer him Freedom of the City.

The honour has been proposed to recognise his amazing sporting achievements, which include competing in four Olympic games, as well as the role he has played as an ambassador for Plymouth.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “Plymouth has been supporting and cheering Tom on since he burst on to the national stage at just nine years old and we are all hugely proud of everything he has achieved. Tom has achieved so much and I know he will continue inspiring a new generation of young athletes who want to follow in his footsteps.”

Only 44 individuals and organisations have been awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of Plymouth since 1917. It recognises those who have provided ‘eminent services’ to Plymouth and gone the extra mile to enhance the city’s reputation.

(Image credit: the Tom Daley Diving Academy)

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16 September 2021

16 September 2021

Members of Moor’s Edge U3A plan first face-to-face meeting Moor’s Edge U3A are preparing to have their first face-to-face members’ meeting for more than 18 months.

Since COVID restrictions contact with members has been through emailed newsletters and the committee has met on Zoom as have some of the groups.

History was one of the groups which maintained a full programme of monthly Zoom meetings with presentations and discussion of a wide variety of topics from the Corn Laws to Breton attacks on Plymouth with a sprinkling of information on previous pandemics!

Photography for Fun have also managed to share and discuss a selection of their photos on Skype covering a number of themes. The Science and Technology members have used Zoom to present and discuss topics including Volcanic Eruptions on Iceland, The NASA Mission to Mars and The Mayflower Autonomous Ship.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, other groups have started activities. The Garden Visits members met, in groups of six, visiting the Plymouth Garden Centre, Lukesland at Ivybridge, Mount Edgecombe and The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum.

More recently they have been to Fast Rabbit Farm at Dartmouth which is a garden tucked away in the countryside - with welcome refreshments provided. They also attended the Horrabridge Hidden Gardens event and were amazed at the delightful results produced by local residents, some of whom garden on steep slopes. Future visits will be to Wildside at Buckland Monachorum, Anvil Cottage and Windmills, South Hill near Callington and Tamar Nurseries, Saltash.

The walkers met in May for a leisurely walk across Roborough Down to Long Ash. In June they met at Ivybridge to walk through Longtimber Wood along the west bank of the River Erme and in July they went to Bovey Tracey to walk through woods on a very hot day.

The Weekenders Group have also met in groups of six and enjoyed some delicious meals at Yelverton Golf Club, The Wet Wok, Dartmoor Diner and the Lopes at Roborough and recentl, a group went to the Cosy Club in Plymouth.

Other groups are preparing to get together again, including Singing for Fun which will meet at Roborough Methodist Church.

Face to face Members’ Meetings will be resuming in the Woolwell Community Centre on Tuesday September 14 at 2.30pm when the speaker will be Pamela Magill on the subject of Curiosities of the West Country.

In future, meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month with the annual meeting taking take place on October 12 when Steve Bailey will be talking about the charity Provide Devon.

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WW2 pilot guest speaker at Plymouth sight loss group A former WW2 RAF pilot has shared his wartime experiences with the Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group at their latest call on August 25.

Harry Garthwaite, who now lives in Newcastle and celebrated his 101st birthday in June, clocked up almost 2,500 flying hours, flew 23 different aircraft types including the Hurricane, the Spitfire and an abandoned German trainer, and was mentioned in dispatches.

Although his flying days ended in February 1946 when he was demobbed, Harry remains an aircraft enthusiast and a keen member of his local RAF Association.

Harry is affected by dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a sight loss condition that affects his central vision.

AMD is a form of macular disease, the UK’s biggest cause of sight loss.

The Macular Society, a leading sight loss charity which funds Harry Garthwaite medical research to beat macular disease, suspended all face-to-face support services when the coronavirus first struck last year. Since then the charity has provided a range of telephone and online support services, all of which are available to anyone affected by sight loss, their family or friends.

Sadly, five years ago, and after 67 years of happy marriage, Harry’s wife died. In addition, the necessary restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic have resulted in Harry having less contact with people. But, a chance telephone call provided him with the opportunity to regain some social contact.

Harry said: “I was invited by an RAF Association friend of mine to share some of my wartime flying experiences with the members and volunteers of the Wem Macular Society telephone support group. They made me feel so welcome. I really enjoyed talking to them and we had a very in-depth discussion about how, during the war, people helped each other, very much as we are doing now.

“After that talk, the Macular Society got in contact with me to ask if I would be interested in speaking to more of their members and volunteers at some of their other telephone support group meetings across the country. I was surprised but also absolutely delighted because it means that by helping in this way I can reciprocate the community support spirit that I have experienced in my life.”

Judy Pride, senior regional manager for the charity, said: “We are delighted to welcome Harry as a guest speaker to our group call. I have absolutely no doubt that he will be very popular and we very much look forward to hearing his stories.”

Judy added: “Whilst the majority of social restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic have eased, people’s health and wellbeing Members of Plymouth Philharmonic Choir performing at The Garden House remain our priority. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who Photo Howard Perks needs our support continues to receive it - we are still on the end of the phone and would strongly urge anyone to call us if they do need our assistance.

“The telephone groups offer help in understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that our face-toface support groups do. They also help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

The Plymouth Macular Society telephone support group is one of more than 400 such groups organised by the charity. The group is run by local volunteers and hold their calls at every Wednesday morning.

Family members and friends of those affected are also welcome to attend.

Macular disease currently affects nearly 1.5 million people in the U.K. and many more are at risk. It can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.

Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. participants and audience members’ beautiful surroundings with glorious Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form One of Britain’s finest gardens, delight. weather would always be special, but of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over The Garden House on the Like a drought-stricken plant, voices all of this, and on a day which saw the the age of 50. outskirts of Plymouth at Buckland For more information about additional support services available need to revive, strengthen and flourish further relaxing of restrictions, meant Monachorum, recently hosted locally, please contact Judy Pride on 01264 560 229/0794 737 3244 or again. To begin that process it was a very that the words sung, took on greater members of the Plymouth email judy.pride@macularsociety.org appropriate choice, by musical director significance in the Chorus of the Hebrew Philharmonic Choir who gathered Christopher Fletcher, to select works from Slaves by Giuseppe Verdi ‘When will grief on the front lawnto sing in an the aptly named A Sprig of Thyme by John and lamenting be over … Hear the voice idyllic setting.

Rutter. of thy people at last.’

For head gardener Nick Haworth, The folk songs requiring a narrower From what was once the vicarage, gardening means selecting the vocal range and with their familiar singing down the valley to Buckland best forms and cultivars to ensure melodies, were straightforward to sight Monachorum church, the afternoon diversity of seasonal interest – always sing and provided time for brains to get ended with the chorus ‘And the Glory innovating, always refining. Harmony back into gear with the intricacies of of the Lord’ from Handel’s Messiah. It’s and counterpoint like the work of a good musical notation and dynamics! In line doubtful that the tear in my eye at the choir. with the words of the first folk song The end of such a joyful couple of hours Plymouth Philharmonic Choir are Bold Grenadier ‘I am going a walking could be attributed to the very high used to performing concerts of three or by the clear crystal stream to see cool pollen count! more major choral works a year with a waters glide and hear nightingales sing’ The choir is preparing to start full orchestra and nationally renowned the choir enjoyed a stroll in the shade rehearsals on September 9 (further soloists. Training and nurturing voices through the arboretum to the lake, where details will be available in due of current and new singers, blending bird song took over the accompaniment. course on the choir’s website) www. to create sublime harmony and being An afternoon spent in the most plymouthphilchoir.org ). at peak perfection on concert days for

Gardens are perfect setting for choir’s outdoor performance

September 2021 17

@PlymChronicle

Award winning film maker celebrates his degree success

An award winning filmmaker and cinematographer from Mannamead is among students who have graduated from Plymouth College of Art this year.

Sonny Layton, who is 22, was among scores of graduating students from the college’s photography courses as well as its film and screen arts and digital media production courses.

Sonny set himself apart during his time at Plymouth College of Art with his exemplary eye for lighting, image composition, camera movement and timing. His journey with the college began almost 10 years ago when he first got involved with its Saturday Arts Club aged 11, before studying media at further education level at the dedicated Pre-Degree campus, followed by undergraduate study at the Higher Education campus.

BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts lecturer, Dr Neal Kirk, said: “Each year that Sonny studied with us, he set himself a new personal challenge, from learning sound and editing, to animation, creating a short horror film and his final major project, a music video. Sonny’s graduate projects demonstrate an impressive range, each dripping

Sonny Layton

with attention to detail that position Sonny as a soon-to-beunleashed force in the creative moving image industry.”

Sonny’s low-key biographical animation of his father’s travels around Europe ‘1977’ won the Animation award at the Royal Television Society Devon & Cornwall Student Television Awards 2021, with the judges commenting on how mesmerising and original the short was.

Sonny said: “My final project was a music video for the song ‘Shower Thoughts’ by local musician, Lil Dip. I wanted to challenge myself and have wanted to make a music video for a long time. As a result of the project, I want to continue collaborating on music videos, as well as taking on freelance work in videography and editing.

“Now that I have graduated, I plan to continue my freelance career and am looking for paid work as a videographer and editor which is where my skills primarily lie. I can’t wait to get started in the industry and continue creating and improving my craft.”

Plymouth Skills Bootcamp offers free training opportunity for young people

With economic uncertainty and apprenticeships becoming more and more competitive to gain, Plymouth’s Focus Training Group is offering a free solution for this as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs Scheme with the Electrical Skills Bootcamp.

“Our Skills Bootcamps are unique, giving people the chance to upskill or retrain for free over a short period of time, with a clear line of sight to a job at the end.”

The course is now complete, and the learners are now with employers on work trials to gain an apprenticeship.

A similar project was carried out in Amy, one of the learners, said: “I their centre in Exeter with successful have loved this course! I started with outcomes for many on this training. a tiny amount of knowledge about The scheme is a free 12 week the industry, and I now feel like I have Electrical Bootcamp programme, giving gained essential skills to help me 12 candidates an insight into what it gain an electrical apprenticeship. My is like to be an electrical apprentice Jamie Rail, managing director of Focus confidence has grown so much and within the construction industry, Training Group, welcomes MP Gillian Keegan, the the Skills Bootcamp surpassed all training them with basic knowledge to Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills for a my expectations. It has been a really tour of the Exeter Skills Bootcamp allow them to get ahead of the game positive experience.” to gain an apprenticeship within this Ian has also completed the course industry. to see the difference the government and is delighted to have secured an The opportunity will provide launch of Skills Bootcamps has had apprenticeship position. Like Amy he also candidates with sector-specific skills and on allowing people aged 19 and over commented that he came to the course fast-track them to an interview with a who are seeking work to retrain or gain knowing very little and has left it and local employer with the view of gaining employment. immediately gained employment. an apprenticeship.

She was able to see the candidates in “The Skills Bootcamp was amazing, I The government has invested into the action and chat with them about the past learnt the basics of the electrical trade to National Skills Fund to help adults to experiences and what this scheme means put me in a good place when applying for train and gain the valuable skills they to them to enable to take a different path apprenticeships which the Focus Training need to improve their job prospects. The or to progress into an apprenticeship.

Group have helped me get. Going on the Focus Training Group already support The Minister said: “I want to Skills Bootcamp is worth it and I would local employers with the training of congratulate everyone for completing recommend it to anyone looking to get apprentices so welcomed this new their courses. I wish all those who took into the industry.” initiative and created a Electrical Skills part and worked so hard the best of Due to the success of the Exeter Bootcamp course to support the scheme.

Bootcamp another one will be taking luck for their next steps and encourage The Minister for Apprenticeships place in the Plymouth Centre. For further anyone looking for a new opportunity and Skills, Gillian Keegan, visited information please contact Heidi.e@tftg. to see how a Skills Bootcamp could help Bootcampers at the Exeter training centre them. org or call 07702858201.

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18 September 2021

More CCTV cameras to be installed across city

New CCTV cameras are being deployed across Plymouth to keep communities safe.

Residents will be better protected and criminals easier to prosecute with new CCTV cameras across the city.

The installation of thirteen new, 4G CCTV cameras is already underway. These stateof-the-art cameras do not need a digital fibre connection and use 4G to transmit the live feed back to the monitoring centre.

The locations of the cameras are chosen by a partnership group made up of representatives from the council and the police and include fly tipping and littering hotspots.

There will also be additional footage from the 50 new body-worn cameras that will be worn by the council’s civil enforcement officers. These cameras are to capture evidence if an offence occurs, particularly in fast-moving, volatile situations.

This is in addition to three new permanent CCTV cameras placed around The Hoe to deter anti-social behaviour and two mobile cameras that will be used by environmental enforcement officers in fly-tipping hotspots Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member for Governance, HR, IT, and Community Safety said: “We committed to introduce more CCTV cameras to deter crime and to create safer communities for our residents, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

“I am delighted to see this commitment fulfilled. With the cameras already in place, the fifty new body camera for our Civil Enforcement Team and the CCTV still due to be installed, Plymouth will be safer for our law-abiding residents.”

Work is ongoing to modernise the current CCTV system, with 12km of copper for fibre optic cables and 10 cameras now replaced.

18 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

Appeal for help after discovery of dogs being kept in appalling conditions in Plymouth home Gables Dogs and Cats Home were recently called to help with yet another suspected puppy farm, located in a seemingly typical family home in the centre of Plymouth.

When they arrived they immediately knew they were dealing with a serious situation by the putrid smell that greeted them as they approached the property.

After accessing the house, two female adult dogs were found crammed into tiny cages among piles of rubbish and junk in a dark, filthy room. Both dogs had no food or water and were left sitting in months’ worth of their own waste.

Their claws were overgrown, the pads on their paws were burnt from standing on the urine-soaked floor of the cages and they were both severely underweight. To make matters worse, both dogs were nursing litters of very young puppies. Without adequate food or water the strain on these poor mothers was clear; they were giving everything of themselves to ensure their puppies survived.

Another eight severely underweight dogs, suspected to be the father and a previous litter, were found running loose in another filthy, rubbish strewn room. They also had no food or water and weren’t given any access to the outside world. This room had been used as their toilet, resulting in all eight dogs’ long hair being heavily matted with their own waste.

All 19 of the dogs and puppies were signed over to Gables so they could receive the urgent care and attention they desperately needed to save their lives. After arriving at Gables they were provided with much needed food and water, and all ten adult dogs began to gain weight in a matter of days. The adult dogs had their severely matted coats shaved off and they were bathed, clipped and groomed by Dee, from Designer Pets, and her daughter. They removed an incredible 5kg (the equivalent of five bags of sugar) of urine-soaked, muck-covered hair from all the dogs, who were relieved to finally be able to move freely.

All of the dogs and puppies will need to be neutered or spayed before looking for

Plymouth Soroptimists boost fund for Nepal school girls’ toilet block A £400 boost to funds to provide a girls’ only toilet block for a secondary school in Nepal has been achieved from a cream tea and raffle.

Plymouth Soroptimists, ‘Soroptimisters’ and guests gathered at club president Mary McNaughton’s home to enjoy home-made scones and cakes.

Thanks to generous donations by members to the cream tea, raffle and other planned events, it’s hoped that the club will very soon raise the £2,000 needed to complete the toilet block in the Shri Prabha Higher School, Nepal.

The block will house four toilets, a changing room, an incinerator and shower. At present girls often miss several school days whilst they are menstruating as the school doesn’t have the necessary facilities for them.

Mary McNaughton said: “The cream tea afternoon was a great success, with a significant sum raised towards the £2,000 we need to complete this project. It was a wonderful sociable way to raise money for this very worthwhile project.”

To find out more about Plymouth Soroptimists and the support they give to women and girls, visit www.plymsorop.org.uk, www.sigbi.org or tel: 01752 774401.

Rescued...the dogs safely in the Gables van

their forever homes. Some of them will need dental work, ear treatments and hernia repairs; and they will all require medical baths as part of the essential healthcare they have never received before.

Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “I have attended several rescues throughout my career and no matter how many times you do it, that ‘smell’ is indescribable. It was so bad inside the house that I actually thought I was going to lose my lunch and had to step outside more than once; unlike these poor dogs, who weren’t allowed to go outside for a breath of fresh air.

“It really brought home how these poor dogs had needlessly suffered every day. As well as the obvious physical neglect and lack of care given to these dogs, they had never been socialised outside of the home so were extremely nervous and scared of anyone new.

“Fortunately they are now in our care and our priority is to give them all the love, attention and support they need to go on to

Members of Plymouth Soroptimists at the cream tea fundraiser

have much happier futures.”

Taking on a large group of dogs in one go can be daunting at the best of times and with the current financial situation this certainly was not an easy decision but Gables simply couldn’t let these poor dogs down. It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £5,000 for all the essential treatment and ongoing care the 19 dogs and puppies need.

If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help ‘Shih Tzu Shambles’.

Anyone who would like to help to ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to ‘Shih Tzu Shambles Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ shihtzushambles to donate online.

Pioneering one-stop-donations-shop helps city provide united response to Covid

Uniform Shop has no USP

There is nothing for sale in the Children’s Uniform Shop Plymouth (USP) which is up and running again for a second time.

Launched last summer, more than three thousand school uniform garments were provided free-of-charge to about four hundred families. Now, the USP has made a welcome return. The project, which is jointly run by Plymouth Vineyard Church and Redeemer Church Plymouth, has opened up in the former Lawson’s shop (near M&S) until August the 26th for people to drop off donations and chose children’s uniforms for the new school year. The shop will be open between 10am & 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, it is also being supported by some of Plymouth’s city councillors enabling children to receive (new) pencil cases and rucksacks.

Donations of clothing will be welcomed.

For more information visit the shop or www.uniformstoreplymouth.co.uk

ARC Volunteers - Jo Asplin, Phil Loft and Karena Jolley.

Eggs donated by St Ewes Farm, via The Hive UK.

The Aid Redistribution Centre (ARC) launched in January radically improved the way donated food is being collected from supermarkets; stored and redistributed across the city. Since then it has effectively and efficiently provided more than seventy tons of food to local charities and causes.

Acting as a central point from which food could come and food could go, it has changed the way local food banks; community projects and voluntary organisations work for the better and for ever.

The ARC has evolved rapidly and today it’s not just about food: more than sixty diverse organisations are being supported, for example, the (newly established) Hygiene Bank with toiletries; the Uniform Store with clothes for school children and Brambles Pet Food Bank with... pet food.

Meanwhile, as word has spread about its role, donations are arriving every day from all manner of businesses, such as, sun cream & sleeping bags from Service Design Solutions Engineering Consultants; kitchenware from national retailers and eggs from local farms.

Ayshea Cross, the Plymouth Food Aid Coordinator, says all donations are passed on; “The challenge is to be creative, we recently had, for example, thousands of black flower buckets donated by the Coop. The Arc gave several hundred to gardening projects supporting people with loneliness and isolation and sent loads more to refuges living in Greece via a Plymouth-based humanitarian charity OHOB.” An unexpected outcome of the project has been the willingness of people to work together. For example, drivers from the Coop, en route to the ARC, are now stopping off at Marsh Mills and delivering Sainsbury’s donated goods as well as their own.

Furthermore, as project volunteers coming

to the Arc are finding out about the other organisations so donations are being passed directly between the groups, speeding up the process.

“Blankets donated by Suited To Help, came into the Arc,” says Ayshea “and then our volunteers immediately passed them on the volunteers from the soup run who were in the Arc to collect food for that night’s soup run.

Several hours later, those same blankets were spotted out on the street with a person who was homeless.”

The evolving collaboration has also led to changes across the voluntary and community sector with the ARC now acting as a one-stopdonation-shop for organisations; businesses and charities to both give and receive. This, in turn, has had a significant impact on the sector saving time and money and enabling volunteers to do what they do best – supporting local people: “Being able to offer a whole range of items to a whole range of projects makes for greater efficiency. A lot of these smaller grassroot groups have been started by individuals who saw there was a need for helping people and just got on with it: connecting into the ARC enables all of us to work better and support more people.”

The ARC has rapidly established itself as a fundamental part of the city’s solution to supporting people through Covid and triumphed as a centre of excellence for efficiency and connectivity.

The ARC has received funding from the National Lottery and the Government-funded Covid Grant. The project is supported by Food Plymouth CIC; the Plymouth Food Aid Network and Plymouth City Council. To find out how you can support or to donate items email: ayshea@foodplymouth.org

Come along and raise your voice at our annual general knees up!

After a very long wait POP will finally be kicking off our face-to-face meetings again with a networking extravanganza; a fab lunch and our AGM. POP’s AGM will take place on the Tuesday the 9th of November and we will be hoping to make up for lost time with a fun-filled session! The theme of the day is “Voices” and we want to hear from ‘unfamiliar’ people and projects, giving them the chance to be better heard. If this sounds like your project then please get in touch with us at info@plymouthoctopus.org or phone 395131. We’d like to introduce you to our wonderful members and the work POP does so that we might find ways to amplify your voice across the city.

To book your place: bit.ly/POPAGM2021

COMMUNITY RESEARCHERS NEEDED POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ and we are looking for people to be trained as ‘interviewers’.

We would particularly like to invite ‘younger’ people to participate.

Contact info@plymouthoctopus.org for more information.

Helpline Numbers:

Efford Community Network

Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125

Neighbourhood Networks continue to support individuals in their communities.

If you or your organisation would like to volunteer text 07411 949 742.

20 September 2021

20 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

Don’t give up too soon - Tom proved that!

THE

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience At the time of writing this the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing.

One of the highlights of the games in my opinion was watching Tom Daley get Olympic Gold along with his diving partner Matty Lee in the men’s synchronized 10m platform diving.

I can’t deny that a significant part of this is because Tom is a Plymothian and being a born and raised Janner myself I feel a measure of pride in anyone from Plymouth succeeding on the global stage.

However the main reason why I found his achievement so profound is because of the journey he has been on to get to gold. This was not his first Olympics. It wasn’t even his second or third Olympics but his fourth Olympic games.

In all the preceding tournaments he had come close to gold but not close enough, winning a bronze medal in the 10m individual platform diving in 2012 and a bronze in 2016 in the 10m synchro.

If we try for something we really want and

don’t get it on our first attempt, I’m sure most the lesson it is in not giving up, I discovered a of us would dust ourselves down and try again. song on Cross Rhythms Plymouth by JJ Heller After two attempts don’t go our way there are called ‘Don’t Give Up Too Soon’. It is a profound many of us who may consider song with a beautiful message giving up on whatever it is encouraging listeners to keep we’re aiming for. After three going and press on beyond the failed attempts I’m sure the difficult seasons we all face in vast majority of us would have life. a really hard time going again It may be you are reading this for a fourth time! article and finding day to day The fact Tom picked himself life a real challenge. Perhaps up on three separate occasions you have faced tragedy in recent over 13 years to push on to days or you just can’t shake a fourth Olympic games and negative thoughts and feelings finally win the gold medal he about yourself. had been aiming for his whole Tom Daley’s gold in Tokyo life is truly inspiring. helps shows us all the value in It’s not like Tom had it easy not giving up too soon on our either. His father, who had dreams and ambitions. The song been a significant support in

by JJ Heller goes a little further his diving career, died in 2011 to speak to people who are Dave Simpson just a few days after Tom’s 17th simply feeling like they want to birthday and just over a year give up on life itself. Her words away from the London 2012 games. encourage us to keep going and they remind As I was considering Tom Daley’s story and us of our profound God given value, which no

COULD YOU FOSTER A TEENAGER? Foster for Plymouth – Plymouth City Council’s foster carer recruitment service – is launching a new campaign to encourage local people to be foster carers, in particular to foster older children and teenagers.

Foster for Plymouth want to highlight the positive benefits of caring for older children and will aim to encourage those interested in fostering, to specifically consider this age group.

Pam and her husband Glynn have been fostering for 14 years and particularly enjoy caring for teenagers.

They have looked after many teenagers over the years and have helped them overcome difficulties in their young lives.

Pam said: “Fostering teenagers is challenging but extremely rewarding. Building a relationship is the key to managing difficult situations. They need to know that you have got their backs and will fight their corner.”

Jacob (not his real name) is 16 years old and has been with Pam and Glynn for three years. He said: “I don’t know where I would be without Pam and Glynn. They have stuck by me through everything and I really believe they care about me. They involve me just the same as if I was one of their birth children. I love living with them and I am confident that I can manage independence with all I have learned from them.”

Foster carers can be single or couples; with or without children, retired, unemployed or working. What matters most is that potential carers have time, space, commitment, patience, a caring nature and skills to work with children and their families.

Fostering can be for as little as a few weeks or a few months until a child is able to return home to their family or longer term until a child grows up and is able to move on to independence.

Councillor Dave Downie the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children, Young People and Families said: “It’s often difficult to place teenagers with local carers and one of the reasons for this may be that some people who are considering fostering believe that they will be more difficult to look after. But in many ways that’s not the case – and fostering a teen can be an incredibly rewarding experience. They are more independent, so need less direct care – but they are still often vulnerable youngsters who need stability and a loving home to help them flourish at a crucial stage in their development.”

Full training and support is given to foster carers, who are matched to one or more of the different foster care schemes, depending on what suits their lifestyles and commitments. Carers are paid an allowance which reflects the real cost of looking after a child.

Pam added: “Foster for Plymouth provide a great network of support through its foster forum, there are lots of other carers you can speak to and share advice with, it is like a mini community that is there to support you on top of all the other help you receive from support workers. The training is fantastic. I really believe we wouldn’t be the foster carers that we are without the training that we’ve done.”

Anybody interested in finding out more about Fostering for Plymouth can contact the Fostering Team on 01752 304067, email fostering@plymouth.gov. uk or visit the fostering website at www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk

There’s still time to join the learning destination of choice Enrolment is underway at City College Plymouth where thousands of new students are taking their first steps towards their dream careers - and there is still time to join them.

There has never been a better time to apply for one of the hundreds of full-time, part-time and university-level courses offered at the South West’s top college, whether the ambition is to be boss of the boardroom, leading the fight against climate change or seeing one’s name in lights.

By studying at this innovative and forward-thinking college, students will be preparing for success in either the workplace or higher education, with so many routes open to you as a result of the high-quality, employer-led courses and apprenticeships that focus on developing skills just as much as teaching the underpinning knowledge.

The college is in the process of investing millions to develop its digital systems, including opening a new digital village which will incorporate a learning lab, the Maths Centre for Excellence, and will also host both inperson and virtual events open to students, staff and local employers.

September also sees a raft of new South West Institute of Technologybacked university-level qualifications that have been developed to support both those looking for long-term careers in the manufacturing, digital and engineering industries and local employers.

Both school leavers and career-changers will benefit from ongoing

partnerships with local businesses and organisations, who will offer valuable work experience opportunities, and the College is looking to offer more once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the recent cohort of Sail GP interns.

As always, the college is also welcoming adults to get involved whether that is to improve or gain GCSE qualifications, learn new skills by studying part-time, or achieve a long held career dream by studying an Access to HE course or one of the college’s own Gold-rated universitylevel courses.

Marketing and student recruitment 0fficer, Ellen Cotter, said: “City College has always been a safe choice for those looking to gain the skills they need to enter a particular career, and our industry-experienced staff are why our achievement rates are among some of the best in the UK. “However, we don’t want to simply be the safe choice anymore, we want to transform futures through an exceptional, employer-led curriculum, cutting-edge facilities and by ensuring our students’ wellbeing is considered with every decision the college makes. Students leave us happy, highly skilled and motivated to play their part in supporting the local economy.”

The college Information team is available to call on 01752 305300 between 9am and 5pm for those looking for more details about courses and apprenticeships.

circumstance can take away.

Whether you are persevering to achieve great things like gold medals or just pressing on to keep going from one day to the next, may these words from the chorus of JJ’s song encourage you: Please keep waiting for the morning Don’t give up too soon Jesus cares for every sparrow I know he cares for you Oh, please don’t give up too soon There are so many encouraging songs like this one on Cross Rhythms Plymouth. If you have never tuned in before or if you feel you need something to lift your spirits tune in on 96.3FM in Plymouth or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/ plymouth.

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

Whitleigh man caught on CCTV fly-tipping CCTV footage recorded on a home security system has led to the conviction of a fly-tipper, who was also made to pay nearly £1,000 in fines and court costs

Andrew Blackwell, aged 48 of Budshead Road in Whitleigh, appeared before Plymouth Magistrates Court to plead guilty to his crime.

The court heard how in January 2021, a resident of Ganges Road in Stoke found a pile of waste dumped in the back lane behind their property. The items included a TV aerial, MDF, wood and an old paint pot.

The resident, who has their own CCTV system, checked the footage from that day and saw a car pull up, a man get out and unload the waste before getting back in this car and driving away.

After the incident had been reported to the council, an enforcement officer ran the registration number of the car visible in the footage through the DVLA. Blackwell came back as the registered keeper.

Blackwell was then contacted and admitted to dumping the waste. He was issued a fixed penalty notice for £400, but despite reminders, it went unpaid leading to a summons to court.

In his defence, Blackwell claimed that he stopped to unload the car because the waste was leaking. He also claimed to suffer from IBS and that at the time of the offence, he needed to go to the toilet.

The magistrates fined Blackwell £720, but reduced it to £480 because of his early guilty plea. They also ordered him to pay £400 in costs to the council along with a £48 victim surcharge, giving him a bill of £928. He will now carry a criminal record Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “This little tale just goes to show that you never know who is watching.”The defendant thought he’d get away with dumping his stuff in a random back lane; he thought he was above the law. But guess what? He wasn’t.”I’d like to thank the public-spirited resident who provided us with the CCTV footage and hope that this result will give them an enormous sense of satisfaction.”

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

J & M ARCHITECTURAL 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

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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

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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

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22 September 2021

Council fast-tracks support for people with terminal illness

22 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

Lord Mayor praises Ernesettle initiative

Plymouth City Council has delivered on its commitment to make it quicker and easier for people diagnosed with a terminal illness to apply for disabled facilities grants, Blue Badges and disabled driver parking spaces.

Disabled facilities grants help people make essential changes to their home, for example widening doors, installing permanent ramps or providing accessible bathrooms.

Grant applications will now be fast-tracked for anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness or life-limiting condition with a prognosis of less than two years to live. A dedicated case officer will also be on hand to support the process and ensure that the adaptation is delivered as smoothly as possible, with the aim of completing works within seven weeks.

The council has also reviewed its policy on disabled driver parking spaces to include specific arrangements for Blue Badge holders with a terminal illness. These drivers will not be expected to demonstrate difficulty in finding a parking space near their home and applications will be processed within one day, with the aim of installing the bay within seven days.

The website has also been updated to make it clearer that people with a terminal illness may be able to apply for a Blue Badge and that these applications are fast-tracked.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member responsible for health and adult social care, said: “We want to help make the process as stress-free as possible for those who have been given a terminal diagnosis and their families during what is a difficult and often very upsetting time. I’m really pleased that we have been able to deliver on this commitment so quickly and hope these small changes will help to make life just a little easier for those who have been diagnosed.”

For more information about disabled facility grants visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/housing/ adaptyourhome/disabledfacilitiesgrant.

Information about Blue Badges can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ bluebadgesanddisabledparking/bluebadges.

Key role for Labour leader Tudor Evans Councillor Tudor Evans, the Leader of the Labour Group on Plymouth City Council has been elected to the Board of the Local Government Association (LGA).

Cllr Evans is one of a handful of senior councillors from across the country to join the board and described it as ‘a big deal’.

“It is a great honour for me to be able to represent Labour at the very highest level, it really is a big deal,” said Cllr Evans, who is a councillor for Ham Ward in the city.

The LGA is a politically-led, cross-party organisation which works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government.

It comprises 328 of the 333 councils in England and includes district, county, metropolitan and unitary authorities along with London boroughs and the City of London Corporation.

Cllr Evans said that the election, which means he becomes one of the most senior figures in local government, means Plymouth City Council ‘has representation at the highest level’.

“The board makes decisions on behalf of all its members and is responsible for maintaining good relations with the government and opposition parties.

“I’ll be lobbying on issues of concern and using it as a platform to raise issues not just in Plymouth but also the rest of the South West, which isn’t always on the government’s radar.”

This month at Together for Childhood we held our very own community event to highlight the amazing work being done in Ernesettle, which has been recognised by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

The event, which was held at St Aidan’s Church, saw people come along to take part in our craft stalls and other outdoor activities led by our partners Barnardo’s.

Community Group, Tea and Toast, who have been working with us to further develop community cohesion were also involved as they showcased games they enjoyed playing as children to help build inter-generational links.

Special guests, Lord Mayor Terri Beer and Talk PANTS mascot Pantosaurus, were in attendance as well as representatives from Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership, River Trust, Emotional Logic and Timebank.

During the afternoon, members

of the community were recognised for their involvement in a special photography project, sharing what healthy relationships mean to them. Photos taken by participants of the Photo Diaries project over the last 12 months were on display to help demonstrate that small activities can make a big difference to promoting trust, honesty, respect and communication.

In light of the tragic events that took place in Plymouth in August, the event also provided a safe listening space for those who wanted to talk.

Impact and development manager at the NSPCC in Plymouth, Shelley Shaw said: “It was great to see so many members of the community come out to the event.

“Together for Childhood relies on the community, and without them we simply wouldn’t be able to carry out the partnership work that we do.

As well as welcoming familiar faces, it was great to meet new community members interested in our activity

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. in the area and to start building relationships that we hope will continue.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all of those who came, as well as to our partners who helped make the day such a success.”

Earlier this year, Lord Mayor Terri Beer elected to support the NSPCC as one of her charities of the year, and she was delighted to be out in the community with the Together for Childhood team and reflected: “This was a very positive event; it was good to see the development of the project and the engagement of the

community in activities for children.”

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.

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

Adults with a concern about the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC’s Helpline for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or help@ nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline. org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year.

City College awarded funding to help students study abroad

City College Plymouth has made a successful bid to be part of a scheme that can offer students the chance to study abroad for free.

City College is to receive over £45,000 as part of a £110million budget through the Government’s Turing Scheme, which could enable students to travel to places such as Taiwan, China and the USA to take up work and study placements. The Turing Scheme, which will support some 40,000 students, has been set up to replace Erasmus and seeks to boost social mobility.

To be awarded funding, educational institutions had to put together a proposal clearly setting out the aims, objectives and impact of their projects and the possible international partnerships that will be formed as a result.

The college’s Turing International Mobility programme will build on 30 years’ experience of delivering European and global learning and work placements, benefiting hundreds of students and

staff whilst sharing knowledge and experience with the carefully selected host organisations.

In this first phase of City College’s Turing programme, BTEC students will engage with vocationally specific project activities, contributing to the achievement of their qualifications, gaining valuable experience and broadening their horizons and knowledge in a new cultural setting.

During the 2021/22 academic year, BTEC level 3 sport students will undertake a 15-day mobility trip to Bangkok, Thailand. They will carry out coaching activities involving various sports specialisations from the UK and Thailand, and take fitness sessions with young people in the host organisation, directly supporting their learning and gaining unique practical experience and skills.

A further six BTEC Level 3 business students will visit a partner institution in Taipei, Taiwan. They will work with their partner Taiwanese students on a variety of business challenges, engaging in

team-building, market research and new work experiences, culminating in presenting a business pitch. They will gain new perspectives and experience to boost their vocational studies, and also enhance their CVs and future employment prospects. The two partner host colleges have a reputation for the excellence of their training provision and have been selected to enhance and strengthen the college’s relationships and international network.

Jackie Grubb, City College Plymouth chief executive and principal, said: “I am delighted our students will be able to benefit from the experience of studying abroad at no cost to themselves as this will have a positive impact on the city and wider region.

“Student mobility will be crucial post pandemic, and students from all backgrounds should be offered the chance to develop technical and personal skills, build their confidence and experience other cultures.”

Triage tent will help make city centre safer in summer

A triage tent to help those injured during a night out on the tiles or suffering from the effects of too much alcohol is being deployed on Saturday nights as part of a range of measures to keep people safe.

The pop-up medical tent has been put up outside the Theatre Royal to make sure people are seen quicker and receive treatment for minor issues there rather than being taken to Derriford emergency department by ambulance or police car. As well as Saturday nights, it will be there on additional nights during high demand periods over the summer and beyond.

Over the first two weekends the team dealt with 45 people ranging from suffering from the effects of too much alcohol to cuts. They were brought in to be treated by police officers and Street Pastors, who were then able to get back out patrolling, knowing the person is in safe hands.

The tent is the result of partnership working between Plymouth City

Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon Clinical Commissioning Group who have funded the scheme.

Sgt Dave Moore, the city’s licensing officer said: “It’s been great for us. If we have to take people up to hospital that’s our teams off the streets for hours.

It means we can carry on with our duties and patrols. It also frees up our colleagues at South West Ambulance Service and it means those who need help get treated quickly.”

The tent is staffed by trained paramedics from the Alliance Pioneer Group, meaning no staff from either the hospital or the ambulance service are taken away from their core work.

The paramedics are able to treat people straight away in a safe and calm environment. In a few weeks the tent will be replaced by a safe zone bus, which will be on standby for action into the Autumn and key nights such as Bonfire night and the Christmas party season.

September 2021 23

@PlymChronicle

Successful IT firm’s expansion plans Plymouth Science Park-based IT support company, Rowe IT, which has been located at the Park for four years, has announced it is expanding its business and office space.

YMCA Plymouth launches cutting-edge immersive spin studio and new gym Unveiling one of the South West’s most advanced cycle studios and a new ‘smart’ gym, YMCA brings the future of fitness to Plymouth.

Based on Honicknowle Lane, YMCA Plymouth’s new studio is hosting a pioneering immersive fitness class called THE TRIP™ a fully immersive workout experience that combines a 40-minute multi-peak cycling workout with a journey through mesmerising digitally created worlds.

Complete with a cinema-scale screen, huge sound system and 75-metres of colour-changing moving LEDs, these classes will take workouts into another dimension. Classes are delivered by live instructors, taking motivation and energy output to the next level, while burning serious calories.

Sue Raven, group fitness coordinator at YMCA Plymouth said: “Doing THE TRIP™ in our new Immersive Studio is a workout like no other. The stunning visuals, pumping music, live instructor and people around you truly make it something special. It’s a fun and exhilarating exercise class that’s better than anything else around.”

The new gym boasts all-new kit from the treadmills to the dumbbells, including smart machines with apps like Spotify and Netflix.

Plus, the gym features an impressive functional area including; assault bikes, air

runners, reaction walls and a ‘Queenax Rig’ featuring monkey bars, battle ropes and other accessories.

It’s not just the innovative facility that makes YMCA Plymouth a unique place to get fit, as being members at YMCA Plymouth also means that they are giving back to the community as they exercise. Being a charity, its non-profit model means membership surplus is invested back into local services that support vulnerable people.

Services supported by YMCA Plymouth’s members include its disability sports clubs, cardiac rehabilitation work and youth services, such as education for disadvantaged young people.

The regeneration works on the centre have also included new changing rooms and toilets as well as a new reception area. The current phase of works have been funded by The People’s Postcode Lottery and social investors, Resonance.

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth said: “We’re extremely proud to bring these new high-quality facilities to our community. At YMCA Plymouth we pride ourselves on our friendly, personable approach, putting people and our community first. That’s ultimately what this regeneration is all about building a better YMCA that’s fit for the future of our community.”

Find out more about YMCA’s immersive spin studio and gym at: ymcaplymouth.org.uk/fitness

Investment at the Science Park and a growing South West tech sector has seen home-grown business Rowe IT establish themselves in the market place and enjoy year-on-year growth.

Rowe IT delivers a range of complex IT-based solutions to clients across the South West, including the UK Hydrographic Office and Met Office, and since moving to the Science Park, the business has seen over 60 per cent growth year on year.

The company is expanding its office space at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford to include additional meeting rooms and collaboration zones, where ideas can be developed and strategies built to support their growing workforce.

Since being established as a small team four years ago, Rowe IT has been an advocate for supporting local talent. They employ a team of 29 professionals, the majority of whom are University of Plymouth and University of Exeter graduates. They have also set up a graduate apprenticeship scheme to support people who want to work in the IT sector, with their first apprentice starting in September.

Rowe IT manager, Hannah Rowe said: “Our quality expert services, as well as the supportive community at Plymouth Science Park, has enabled us to grow the Rowe IT business. The ability to access additional, purpose built space within the Park has supported our strategic growth and development. We’re looking forward to seeing what the next four years hold as we continue to work alongside the like-minded businesses based at Plymouth Science Park.”

Business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, Fay Davis, said: “Tech is the fastest growing sector in the South West and Rowe IT is one of the region’s thriving tech firms, and certainly one to watch as they embark upon the next stage of their business growth.”

To find out more about Rowe IT visit www.roweit.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS 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 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 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

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24 September 2021

24 September 2021

@PlymChronicle

New website shows off Plymouth’s Advertise to vibrant cultural and creative sector over A new digital platform has launched in Plymouth designed to promote, celebrate and explore the culture sector in the city.

Madeinplymouth.co.uk has been born as the creative and cultural community prepares to emerge from more than a year of lockdowns and a forced shutdown of much of the sector.

Artists, creatives, businesses and organisations can finally start to see the light at the end of a long dark tunnel, with events, gigs, shows and exhibitions now starting to appear again.

Made in Plymouth tells the stories of the people and groups working incredibly hard to help culture thrive again.

It has been created by Plymouth Culture, the support agency for the city’s cultural sector and has three main aims: • To attract people to take part, visit and enjoy cultural venues and events in Plymouth • To show off and celebrate the sector’s people and their work • To give a positive representation of Plymouth’s culture, attracting people to the city and persuading artists and creatives to stay It also includes a comprehensive guide to cultural venues in Plymouth as well as a curated listings service that welcomes contributions.

Hannah Harris, chief executive of Plymouth Culture, said: “Now is a critical time for culture and Made in Plymouth is designed to celebrate, support and shout from the rooftops about the amazing work that has taken place during the Covid crisis as we emerge from lockdown.

“We want to let as many people as possible know about the amazing array of cultural events taking place in Plymouth but we also want to speak to the future artists and creatives that will continue to build the city’s reputation as a cultural hub.

“Made in Plymouth will profile the people in the sector and show their journeys –providing inspiration to a new generation and telling the rest of the world what we’re capable of” Organisations and individuals are being urged to get involved too. They can upload events from the website’s What’s On page and let the Made in Plymouth team know about their work, so it can be featured.

Hannah added: “We hope Plymouth will tell us what’s missing – the places and stories Made in Plymouth should be telling, so we can truly be a beacon for the amazing work taking place in the city.”

Plymouth Culture is supported by its funders including Arts Council England and Plymouth City Council and works with partners across the city.

For details of the wide range and variety of cultural activities in Plymouth go to www.madeinplymouth.co.uk

City Culture: Street Art in Stonehouse with artist Joe Greenaway Photo by Brett Lockwood

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.

The October edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on October 1 with a copy deadline of September 20.

City Culture: Barbican Theatre Rebels puppet parade Photo by John Allen

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).

For more information, or to talk to one of our sales advisors, call

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Chronicle Plymouth

September 2021

New website highlights Plymouth’s vibrant cultural and creative sector For details See Page 24

# PLYMOUTH TOGETHER Adult students have been celebrating their GCSE successes at City College Plymouth For details See Page 10

Derriford & North

A student nurse at Plymouth University has reached the final in three categories of national awards See Page 8

ALSO INSIDE:

• Dial the Experts • Local news and views

• Cross Rhythms Experience • Useful numbers

Tickled pink again!

Plymouth was a sea of pink as hundreds of people took part in the popular Midnight Walk in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth on August 20 • Story and pictures page 14

City Culture: Theatre Royal’s Funky Llama club night Photo by Dom Moore

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