The Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North February 2020

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Derriford & North

February 2020

Play parks across the city are receiving a £300,000 boost from the council See back page

KEEP FIT, EARN MONEY

Details of the Mayflower 400 commemorative events planned in 2020 See page 5

Want to keep fit and earn money at the same time? Distributors and checkers needed for the Plymouth Chronicle!

See page 18 for more details.

ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Community Job • Community Shop Directory • Cross Rhythms • Dial the Experts Experience

Head of School Alison Pearce and Aaron Meredith, chief executive of the Inspire Academy Trust, join with pupils to celebrate their success

Ernesettle school among best in the country

Ernesettle Community School has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted. It is the first primary school in the South West to achieve top status and one of just a handful in the whole of the country.

The news is especially welcome as it comes under the new 2019 framework which focuses on academic achievement ‘flowing from a broad and rich curriculum.’

On launching the new Ofsted framework last year Amanda Spielman, Chief Inspector at OFSTED said: “The new framework is about looking beyond data and test results to get under the skin of how schools are preparing pupils for their next stage in life. We want to make sure that good results flow from a broad and rich curriculum.”

The school, which is part of the Inspire Multi Academy Trust, was visited in November by a team of three Ofsted inspectors.

They spent time at the school, met with staff, the trustees and the students who total just under 500. Inspectors also took deep dives

into reading, history, mathematics, physical education and music to take a closer look at the curriculum in action.

The report awards the school outstanding status in all areas - the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and Early Years provision.

Quotes from the report included: ‘The quality of education is outstanding’ ‘During their time in school, all pupils make exceptional progress’ ‘Leaders and teachers go above and beyond to ensure that pupils achieve great academic success’ ‘Pupils are remarkably well prepared for secondary school’ ‘Behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary’ ‘Teachers provide a curriculum that enables pupils to flourish’ ‘There is a wealth of expertise within the school’ Commenting on the inspection results, Alison Pearce, Head of School at Ernesettle Community School, said: “We’re naturally

thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the hard work put in by everyone involved with the school. It is really good news for the whole community who are engaged with what we are doing here.”

The inspectors also acknowledged the role played by the Inspire Academy Trust in looking beyond Ernesettle to support other schools in Plymouth. Earlier this year it was appointed as a National Support School and has been leading improvement at Tor Bridge Primary.

Aaron Meredith, chief executive of the Inspire Academy Trust, commented: “The inspection shows that a formula for high quality education exists in Plymouth, which is right up there with the very best in the country.

“I’m extremely proud of the continued success of Ernesettle Community School and, with the support of my Trust board and team, we are looking forward to improving education for many more primary school children here in Plymouth.”

For more information on Ernesettle Community School visit www.ecs.plymouth.school.uk

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Boost for heart patients treated at Derriford Patients needing heart surgery in Plymouth are the first in the UK to benefit from new hi-tech heart-lung machines following a wider £4 million investment in cardiothoracic surgery over 10 years.

Superstar Tom Jones to perform on The Hoe

Global superstar Tom Jones will perform on Plymouth Hoe in June as part of the line up of events during the Mayflower 400 commemorative year.

Tom’s 50+ year career has remarkably gone from strength to strength. Along with sustaining his popularity as a live performer and recording artist for five decades, he garnered at the age of 75, the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame.

As he celebrates a landmark 80th birthday this summer Tom continues to delight fans across the globe, his distinctive voice and iconic records earning him a place as one of the best loved artists.

With more than 100 million record sales under his belt, hits including It’s Not Unusual, Kiss, Delilah and What’s New Pussycat remain firm favourites with his fans.

Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice.

With numerous tours the world over under his belt coupled with a legion of fans, his extraordinary career was recognised in 2006 through his knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen and a string of prestigious music awards.

The concert at Plymouth Hoe on Friday June 19 will feature a collection of Tom’s most popular hits across the decades, including his latest albums.

Pete Smith, Cabinet member for Culture at Plymouth City Council said: “We’re delighted that Plymouth Hoe has been chosen for what will be an incredible night of music. Seeing Tom Jones on Plymouth Hoe in 2020 adds to our incredible programme of events in the city as part of the Mayflower 400 commemoration year.”

Tickets are now on sale at £39.50 plus booking free from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.lhqtickets.com

Parent Cafe invite Southway Community Group is inviting parents and carers to their weekly Parent Cafe to enjoy chat, make friends and learn new skills with regular workshops while the little ones play in the small play area.

The Parent Cafe is held on Thursdays in term time between 1pm and 2.30pm at the Southway Youth and Community Centre in Hendwell Close.

Cost is £2.50 including unlimited tea and coffee, with other refreshments available to purchase.

Five new Quantum heart-lung machines will mean improved safety for patients undergoing heart surgery. Heart-lung machines - also known as cardiopulmonary bypass machines - take over the work of the heart and lungs whilst the heart is operated on.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has eight specialists, known as perfusionists, operating heart-lung machines supporting over 1,000 surgical procedures a year.

These typically include coronary artery bypass grafts, heart valve replacements and repairs.

In 22 years, the Cardiothoracics Department at Derriford has operated on 25,000 heart patients.

Gerry Webb, head of clinical Perfusion at Derriford, has been instrumental in securing the equipment for the Trust.

He explained: “Heart-lung machines are required to support the circulation of patients undergoing heart surgery.

Cardiothoracics in Plymouth has always been forward thinking in terms of our safety profile but this investment brings us to a new level. The new machine gives the perfusionist much more control and flexibility over patients’ physiological

parameters and helps provide optimised access to the operating site for the surgeon.

“To facilitate a safe operating

environment for the surgeon, we manipulate the patients’ temperature, blood pressure, blood volumes, blood oxygen and carbon

dioxide levels. This can be a very complex undertaking and the new technology allows for the intricate calculations that are necessary when, for example the patient’s temperature is altered, to be performed automatically.”

The new machines will acquire data and link it to other sources such as the patient’s anaesthetic record - with more sophisticated analyses for the perfusionist, anaesthetist and surgeon. Complex calculations which would previously have been done manually will be done live and in real-time.

Currently, after cardiac surgery, a summary of what happened in theatre is written in the patient notes. Using the new system, the surgeon and anaesthetist will be able to relate all episodes of drug administration or procedure timings more precisely, and collect data ‘in a much more substantive way than it was before,’ according to Gerry.

Colette Wells, service line cluster manager for Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery said: “Heart-lung machines are absolutely critical to the reliable provision of heart surgery in the region and the department is delighted to have received such a large investment in these new state of the art machines.

“I’m very excited to have the support of the Trust, and for our forward-thinking Cardiac Surgical Team to be at the cutting edge of technology.”

Students join forces with Plymouth Raiders to launch the new Active Ageing initiative

Phil added: “These sessions will be completely free, including the food, and people are welcome to come on their own or with a couple of friends.”

There is currently no requirement to book the sessions in advance, just turn up on the day.

More information is available from Phil Hughes, who can be contacted by calling 01752 778342 or e-mail phil@plymouthraiders.com

City College Plymouth students have teamed

up with the Plymouth Raiders to help keep the mature members of the community in shape and to help combat loneliness with a new initiative called Active Ageing.

Active Ageing, which is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, invites older members of the community to come along to the College’s sports hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays to play walking basketball. Walking basketball has seen a steady uptake across the country, with people of all ages joining in with this slower, lower-impact version of the game.

Plymouth Raiders coach Paul Nicholson is leading the sessions, which started in January.

He is being assisted by a group of students all studying sports-related courses at the college. In addition to helping the players on the court, the students will also be on-hand for some postmatch fellowship. While the Raiders have been holding walking basketball sessions for a few years, this is the first time students have been invited to assist with coaching.

Phil Hughes, community foundation manager at Plymouth Raiders, said: “Walking basketball is a great way for older members of the community to maintain their fitness. It’s a low-impact cardio workout that can burn up to 250 calories in a onehour session, it can improve your heart and lung function, and boost your morale and energy levels.

“In addition to the health benefits, we want these sessions to be an opportunity for participants to meet new people, enjoy some lively

Volunteer helpers are needed for Mayflower 400 Special Olympics conversation and potentially make new friends. It is as much about the fellowship as it is about the fitness.”

The Tuesday sessions run from 9.45am to 11.30am. Play lasts for about 45 minutes, after which participants are invited to enjoy conversation over coffee and cake.

Thursday’s sessions, which run from 11am to 12.15pm, include a light lunch. The post-game refreshments are served in the college’s PL1 Restaurant by hospitality and catering students.

Special Olympics Plymouth and District are appealing for volunteers to help with the international games as part of the Mayflower 400 Commemoration.

The games are taking place from April 3 to 5 and around 450 athletes, 100 coaches and hundreds of family members will be coming to Plymouth from the Netherlands and other locations in the UK associated with the Pilgrim Fathers.

Training for volunteer helpers starts in February and people interested can registers on the group’s website at www. sopd.org.uk

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Ned the Jack Russell is hero of Mark’s new book Primary school teacher Mark Jarvis is celebrating the launch of a new children’s book which features a canine hero based on Ned, his pet Jack Russell.

Mark, from Oreston, has been a teacher at Widey Court Primary School for 26 years, but has now established a reputation as an author as well.

Ned and The Chocolate Cheats was published by Troubadour at the end of January and has already had a great response from adults and children alike.

Mark said: “Many of the children at Widey Court have already bought the book and I know there are many other schools around the country where the book is being used - including Coleraine in Northern Ireland, Shrewsbury, Wrexham and at least three other schools in Plymouth.

“The book addresses many different issues and can be used in a variety of ways. In the story, Ned comes across stray, homeless dogs.

There is also the issue of animals eating chocolate!

“There are many environmental issues that are discussed. These range from global warming, to protection of endangered animals There might also be questions about organised crime, gang membership, MI5 and Interpol.

“Use of modern technology also plays an important part in the story.

And since Ned and Jeff travel across the world, children can track their journey, perhaps using Google maps, or indeed poodle maps!”

The story starts in Plymouth when Gizzmo, the technologically talented cat from next door, tells Ned about a robbery at the local shop. Ned immediately gets his person to take him for a walk to investigate. Although he and his person mean well, in attempting to solve this mystery, they become embroiled in the mysterious world of MI5 and the battle against organised crime.

The reluctant heroes race across the world, to thwart a dastardly chocolate related plot.

He has set up a petition on change.org to rally support for his campaign and wants Parliament to take action.

Jon said: “Nearly 60 per cent of all public transport journeys are made by bus. In many parts of the country, buses are basically the only public transport there is.

“Many people rely on bus services to get to work, to get to their hospital appointments, to visit their friends and relatives, however bus fares have gone up by 60 per cent over the last decade making travelling by bus increasingly unaffordable.

“As the cost of bus travel has increased, passenger numbers

3

Residents must sign up for garden waste collections this year Residents in Plymouth are being asked to sign up for garden waste collections in 2020.

As announced in October, the service is changing to ensure that it is more efficient and the Council is now encouraging residents to register to continue to receive the service.

Collections will still be free and fortnightly, running from April to October. All the usual trimmings, clippings, twigs and branches up to 7cm wide that are currently collected will still be picked up. Any big branches, rubble or soil will still have to be taken to one of the household recycling centres.

Online registration is quick and easy using a computer, tablet or smart phone. Free computers are available for anyone to use in libraries across the city.

In order for collections to start in April, residents are urged to ensure they’ve registered by the end of February.

Garden waste can also be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres or compost at home. The council has teamed up with GetComposting.com to provide Plymouth residents with reduced cost compost bins.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “This new system will help to make garden waste collection much more efficient and will deliver a much better service for residents.

“We know from the data we have that only half of residents used the service last year so when people register for their collection, we’ll be able to plan our rounds to send crews to the right parts of the city.

“This will help to reduce fuel emissions saving time, money and crucially, will reduce our carbon footprint.”

Register now at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ gardenwaste

Mark Jarvis pictured with Ned, his pet Jack Russell

Can they foil their enemies’ plans - and will their foes recieve their just desserts?

Ned, the canine hero, is based on Mark’s real-life companion who was the inspiration for the thrilling tale.

‘My dog Ned has accompanied me on most of my travels, and we have had many shared experiences. I began to wonder one day what

Councillor’s campaign to protect bus services Budshead councillor Jon Taylor has launched a campaign to protect local bus services and cut bus fares.

February 2020

have fallen. With the decline in passenger numbers, the pressure on local authorities to step in and subsidise ‘socially necessary’ services has increased.

“However, after a decade of local government cuts, councils no longer have the resources to subsidise our underfunded bus services.

“As a result, we are losing vital bus services as routes become commercially unviable and people resort to cars or are simply left isolated.

“Rail and roads, cycling and walking already have a national strategy. Why should buses continue to be the poor relation?

“We need a national bus strategy, backed by central Government funding, to cut fares and protect local bus services.

Jon Taylor pictured with Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy MP

if Ned could travel with me to other countries and what if Ned could talk, and tell me about our experiences? That would be the dream.

So I started writing,” added Mark.

Ned and The Chocolate Cheats is suitable for children aged nine and 10 is available from Waterstones, Amazon, Troubadour and many other places at £7.99.

Lions’ Ladies quiz night boost for special school

Plymouth Lions’ Ladies held a successful Quiz Evening at the Royal British Legion Club in Crownhill to raise funds for a specialist piece of equipment for Woodlands Special School.

The Scoot (pictured below) enables children with physical disabilities to move around freely and join in play with other children outside.

A total of 19 teams took part and the incredible sum of £710 was raised. This will enable Woodlands to purchase one Scoot and will provide a good start towards the funding of a second Scoot, which would be ideal so children can interact with each other while out to play.

The quizmaster for the event was Phil Bees, who put together a very challenging and enjoyable programme of quiz categories in addition to a music round, dingbats and a picture round. Phil gave his time freely as the quiz was for charity, and he enjoys doing it.

Many thanks to him.

The evening was organised and run

by Kathy Turvey and Pam Greenwood, who are grateful for all the help and support they received.

They will be happy to hold another similar event in the future.

4 February 2020

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

Plymouth Railway Circle Various dates All meetings take place at St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell starting at 7.30pm.

Admission charge £1 (members), £2 (visitors). Visitors are very welcome.

Feb 17: Railway Impressions: Master Shots - Capturing the very best in Railway Images. The photographic competition is taking a break this year, but our regular team of prize winners is going to dazzle us with a short selection of those photographs they consider to be their very own master shots. Featuring Paul Maycock, Bernard Mills, Stuart Hammond, Steven Andrews.

Mar 2: A Swiss Railway Evening with John Fissler. John explains the NRLA (New Rail Links through the Alps) strategy and operation which includes the Lötschberg, Gotthard and Ceneri base tunnels on SBB/ BLS routes, and follows this with a look at the new Rhatische Bahn infrastructure construction, including the Albula tunnel and second Hinterrhein bridge.

Part 2, by popular request, is a second screening of John’s Rhätische Bahn video showing steam and historical traction including the steam-driven rotary snow blower on the Bernina Bahn. John’s work as professional engineer for BR and successor companies, as well as roles of Area and Divisional S&T engineering, helps him to deliver a detailed commentary.

Dino-Saw Feb 12 to 14 Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park. Join baby Dino on an adventure: an immersive theatre show for babies, toddlers and woddlers from Stiltskin Theatre Company at the award winning children’s theatre, The Soapbox. Suitable for six months+ and their big people! 11.30am and 1.30pm. Bookings and details at www.stiltskin.org.uk Soup and Sweet Lunch Feb 15 Organised by the Friends of Ford Park Cemetery from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Tickets from the Cemetery Office (weekdays only) on Plymouth 665442.

Elephants Feb 19 to 22 A sharp black comedy with a tender heart presented by the Samaritans Theatre Company at the Red House Theatre, Plymouth School of Creative Arts in Millbay.

Evenings 7.30pm, tickets £11, concessions £10, students £6; Saturday matinee 2.30pm tickets £9. Call the Box Office on 01752 291309. Not suitable for children under 14.

Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Feb 19 Guest player is Steve Hubble from Dorset – so come and listen to some good live music.

Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock 7.15pm.

Admission £5 including tea/coffee. Free parking. All welcome. For details call 01752 706712.

Annual Art Exhibition Feb 20 to 22 Trinity United Reformed Church’s 31st annual exhibition. Artists welcome to submit work. Open from 10am to 5.30pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am to 3pm Saturday. Entrance 50p per person with refreshments available throughout the day. Hot lunches will be available from 12 noon to 2pm. All artists are welcome. Exhibit form and details at www. trinityurcplymouth.org.uk. Details from Jill 01752 249337 or Bernie 01752 297482.

Plymouth Area Police Choir Feb 21 St Bartholomew’s Church, Yealmpton at 7.30pm. In conjunction with ‘Girl’s Night Out Choir.’ In aid of 1st Brixton and Yealmpton Scouts. For details contact Bob Sheldrake 01752 406995.

CIVIC Feb 20 to 22 Presented by Barbican Theatre’s FUSE Diverse Dance at the Melville Building, Royal William Yard. A riotous stomp through the stories of Plymouth, its people and the Civic Centre. Showcasing a mix of dance, new writing, old film footage and stories from people like you. Tickets from www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

Not to be missed

Polar Bear Explorer Until March 1 Set off on an exciting journey across Plymouth’s waterfront this winter, in search of the 20 polar bear cubs hidden in businesses from the Barbican to Royal William Yard. Download your trail map from the Visit Plymouth website or pick it up from a participating business. Learn lots about climate change along the way and by finding the cubs, you’ll be in with a chance of winning some brilliant prizes!

Gins & Fins Feb 29 National Marine Aquarium. Dozens of local and regional gins to be sampled, food, live music and singers, specialist talks, goody bag including gin glass, eco companies selling their products - even mermaids in the aquarium tanks! Cost £20 including £5 donation to Ocean Conservation Trust. Tickets include admission to the National Marine Aquarium which means the attraction can be enjoyed by adults without having the children around.

Tickets can be purchased from www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/73854965189 Jon Culshaw Mar 14 Comedian, impressionist and star of BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringer’s, Jon Culshaw, accompanied by legendary comedy producer and author Bill Dare, bring their acclaimed show, The Great British Take Off to the Red House, Theatre, Millbay. An evening of unscripted, spontaneous comedy and conversation as politicians, sports personalities and celebrities are all up for a roasting. Jon reveals the secrets of mimicry, and together with Bill he also reveals some of the mishaps and mayhem of life behind the scenes in television and on the celebrity circuit.

Doors open 7pm, show at 8pm. Details and tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com

Plymouth Bike Night Mar 19 The first bike night of 2020 on Plymouth Hoe, starting at 5.45pm. All proceeds to local charities.

Men’s Day Out Mar 28 Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2020! Join hundreds of men on the move, supporting St Luke’s and helping us to be there for more families who need us at the toughest of times. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, the walk kicks off at 10am and follows a planned route taking in some of Plymouth’s most famous

sights, including the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe waterfront. Walkers then return to Albion’s ground in time to see their not-to-be-missed clash with their Richmond rivals. Registration is still £32, which covers the logistical costs including t-shirt, pasty, pint and entry to the rugby match - it’s the additional money raised through sponsorship that makes the real difference to patient care in the community. Places at this popular event are always in big demand, so beat the scrum and register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For details or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice.org. uk/mensdayout/

Carlton Big Band Feb 23, Mar 29 Duke of Cornwall Hotel, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Tickets available from The Duke of Cornwall or on the door.

at Harewood House starting at 7.30pm. Guests are always made most welcome and reasonably priced refreshments are available half way through the meeting. There is also a raffle.

Plymouth Bike Night Mar 19 The first Plymouth Bike Night is on The Hoe Promenade starting at 5.45pm. All proceeds go to local charities.

Parliament, Women and the Vote Feb 25 Plymouth branch of the Historical Association event at Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University starting at 7pm. A talk by Dr Mari Takayanagi, using itemsfrom Parliament’s archives and art collections to explore the story of Parliament, women and the vote. Tickets from plymouth.ac.uk/arts-institute or call 01752 585050.

Wind in The Willows Mar 11 to 14 Presented by the award Winning Sounds Musical Theatre Company at Devonport Playhouse. A riotous new musical comedy, a timeless story of woodland adventure, hi- jinks, villainy and true friendship.

Appealing to all ages with its catchy tunes, charming characterisation of the infamous Mr Toad and friends in their encounters with the devious Wild Wooders.

Book online www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or call 07395159955.

Samaritans Annual Literary Event Mar 19 Kitley House Hotel from 9am to 6pm. .Motivational literary event at which five different speakers and authors talk about their books and their journey through their challenges. Raising funds for the local Samaritans branch. Tickets from www.helmtickets.com/ events/5214

Simon Evans Mar 5 Simon, one of the stars of Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week brings his new show to the Red House Theatre, Millbay. Doors open 7pm, show at 8pm. Details and tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com Women’s World Day of Prayer Mar 6 Mount Gould Methodist Church, doors open 10am, service starts at 10.30am and finishes 12 noon. The service this year is set by the women of Zimbabwe with the message “Rise!Take up your mat and walk.“ Plymouth Flower Club Mar 6 Trinity Church Hall, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth starting at 1.45pm. Tracy Johnson, who is an area demonstrator, will be giving a demonstration entitled Wild About Flowers. Guests are welcome at a charge of £7 per person. Further details can be obtained from Sue on 01752 265242.

Plympton Fuchsia and Geranium Group Mar 10 Guest speaker is John Nicholass from the British Fuchsia Society. John is very knowledgeable and even the more experienced gardeners will find his talk interesting. The meeting takes place in the Main Hall

Table Top and Crafts sale Mar 14 Kings Tamerton Community Centre 10am until 2pm.

Refreshments available, £5 per table. To book a table ring 01752 298178 or 07955 962213.

Living Sustainably in a Modern World Mar 14 Emmanuel Church, Mannamead 11am to 5pm. A day of talks, workshops and stalls to discuss and debate how we can live sustainably in a modern world. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk Plymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club Mar 18 Chris Stanbury, will play a wide variety of music from Big Band, songs from the Shows, 60s & 70s and much more at Broadway Community Centre, Plymstock 7.15pm.

Admission £5 including tea/coffee. Free parking. All welcome. For details call 01752 706712.

RSPB Plymouth Mar 18 Indoor meeting at Trinity United Reform Church, Tor Lane, Hartley, Plymouth, starting at 7.30pm. Talk by Ian Gasper on ‘Birds of Patagonia.’ Entrance for non members £4, refreshments and raffle.

Plymouth Area Police Choir Mar 20 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 7.30pm.

In aid of the Organ Restoration Fund. For details contact Marilyn Goldsborough on 01752 564847.

Musicality Mar 21 Plymouth Pavilions hosts the annual event where 500 young musicians from across Plymouth unit to celebrate their love of music at the city’s two, annual youth ensembles concerts from 1.30pm to 8.30pm.

Tickets from www.Plymouth Pavilions.com and from The Pavilions Box Office on 0333 772 7727.

Spring Fayre Mar 28 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall, The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3pm. There will be several tables selling goods,including childrens toys, gifts, jewellery and beads, bric-a-brac, etc.

Refreshments will be available. There are still a limited number of tables to hire at £5. To book call 01752 362161.

Spring Fair May 2 St Edward’s Church, Eggbuckland from 2pm to 4pm.

Stalls, Brass Band, Morris Dancers, food and drink and much more.

February 2020

@PlymChronicle

5

Get on board the Mayflower 400 commemoration!

Mayflower 400 is a year-long national and international commemorative programme marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s historic voyage from Plymouth to America.

The 12 month programme in Plymouth includes

wide ranging events from largescale public art installations, cultural exhibitions and live shows to community dance performances, theatre, creative works and sports.

Many events will be free and there’s something for everyone. Signature events and highlights in 2020 include: Mayflower 400 Community Sparks Throughout 2020 Community workshops, events, music, theatre, dance and storytelling throughout the year.

Mayflower 400 Get Active Programme January – December In association with Argyle Community Trust, the programme offers people the chance to try a new sport or activity throughout the Mayflower 400 year to help them stay active with a different focus each month including fitness classes, football, netball, rugby, hockey and more.

Plymouth Trails February With 2020 marking the 400th year since the sailing of the Mayflower, the Mayflower Trail guides visitors around Plymouth’s historic Barbican and gives a glimpse of Plymouth in 1620, stopping at historic properties and streets.

The trails will launch in February 2020, with events bringing the route to life through the year.

For the full experience, download the interactive Plymouth Trails app and choose from the three core self-guided trails – Mayflower, Hoe or City Centre, with more to come from our trail partners.

The Plymouth Trails app will be available to download for free on both Apple and Android devices via mayflower400uk.org/app Some Call It Home March 24-25 Created by Music Director Robert Taub, Some Call It Home is a moving orchestral and visual experience. An ensemble comprised of musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will play this new piece of work by two internationally recognised composers: Jonathan Dawe and Jane O’Leary (a direct descendant of a Mayflower passenger) Mayflower Sports Week March 21-29 In association with Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Albion and Plymouth Raiders, celebrate all that is professional sport in Plymouth. Home fixtures will feature community activity and themed workshops.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir April 5 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s 50th season begins with a performance of Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony at Plymouth Guildhall.

The work evokes the great power of the oceans and the choir will be joined by soprano Catherine Hamilton and baritone Julian Rippon. Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens and Elgar’s Sea Pictures complete the programme.

Special Olympics Mayflower 400 Games April 3-5 Hosted by Special Olympics Plymouth & District (SOPD) at Plymouth Life Centre. Athletes from other Special Olympic groups including America, the Netherlands and the rest of Great Britain, will take part in a range of sports.

Mayflower Ocean Festival Week May 4-10 A week of ocean activity. Watch the start of the OSTAR and TWOSTAR yacht races or enjoy family fun at Pirates Weekend Plymouth, the shanty festival and at a range of other exciting events.

Marking the end of the week, Pirates Weekend Plymouth returns for 2020. This award winning family friendly event will see an array of Pirate themed activities across the historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour, including tall ships, pirate activities and fun for all the family.

Opening of The Box May 16 Plymouth’s flagship cultural visitor attraction, whose opening programme includes the national commemorative exhibition, ‘Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy’.

University of Plymouth Choral Society May 23 The first of four classical concerts led by Plymouth Music Accord, the University of Plymouth Choral Society will perform The Mayflower Pilgrims – a cantata about the Atlantic crossing by Clive Jenkins. It will take place at St Andrew’s Minster.

Plymouth and District Organists’ Association June 3 The second in a series of classical concerts for Mayflower 400 will take place at St Andrew’s Minster with an organ recital by Richard Line, plus premières of works by Plymouth composer Clive Jenkins and Harvard University organist Carson Cooman.

Plymouth Symphony Orchestra June 17 The third in a series of classical concerts for Mayflower 400 in Plymouth presents an allAmerican programme featuring pianist Joanna MacGregor in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue by Plymouth Symphony Orchestra in the historic surrounds of the Plymouth Guildhall.

This Land June 16-20 Theatre Royal Plymouth’s first ever transatlantic community production. Directed by Alan Lane, This

Land is performed by a 150 strong community cast – 120 citizens from Plymouth and 30 members of the Wampanoag Tribe from Massachusetts, USA. Elizabethan House July The Elizabethan House on New Street is undergoing a major restoration. Built just before 1600, it is the best example of an Elizabethan merchant’s house in Plymouth, and is one of few buildings from the time of the Mayflower still standing today.

With the restoration work due to complete in the summer, there will be opportunities to visit the House and learn about the architecture, archaeology and restoration. These exclusive, limited tours will commence in July 2020. Keep an eye on The Box social media channels to keep up to date with the restoration and how to book on to the tours when the work is complete.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir July 5 The highlight of Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s 50th anniversary year, where they present the world premiere of Plymouth-born composer Paul Foster’s The Lodestone of Love, a largescale oratorio for choir, soloists and orchestra at Plymouth Guildhall.

Settlement July 6 – August 2 Settlement is a Native American led performative encampment in which over 27 acclaimed indigenous artists from across North America will activate Pounds House and surrounding grounds in Plymouth’s Central Park. With practices ranging from performance, social engagement, installation, film, poetry, dance and immersive theatre, the wide range of contemporary Native American artists that will share their work for Settlement is unprecedented.

Daily programming will present a series of workshops, performances, installations and talks.

‘Roots Up!’ by Street Factory July 25 People across Plymouth will take part in a free, mass street dance reaching from the Barbican and the Hoe led by award-winning community dance company Street Factory in a bold and contemporary interpretation of the Mayflower story.

The 400 August This light-hearted and irreverent piece of theatre performed by renowned comedy/clowning

Mayflower 400: find out about the events in 2020 commemorating the journey of the Mayflower

mayflower400uk.org

theatre company Le Navet Bête at The Plymouth Athenaeum, looks at Britain’s special relationship with the USA – from 1620 through to today, following the hilarious attempts of four people trying to flee their past lives.

Flower and Quilt Festival, Plymouth September 9-16 A stunning array of flowers and quilts will be displaying in the beautiful surrounds of St Andrew’s Minster in a festival exploring the Mayflower’s voyage.

The exhibition will consider the themes of freedom, faith and personal liberty that informed the original journey and will recognise the impact on Native American communities, addressing themes of colonialism and migration both in 1620 and today.

Wampum: Stories and Shells from Native America September 1 – October 31 The ‘Stories and Shells’ exhibition is a nationally touring exhibition that will acknowledge the cultural connection to the Wampanoag people who met the Mayflower and ensured the survival of the English settlers. It will include the commissioning of a new wampum belt, made exclusively by the Wampanoag people of the Mashpee and Aquinnah nations.

Mayflower Week September 14 - 20 – including public commemoration event September 16 Marking the anniversary of the date the Mayflower sailed on 16 September, Mayflower Week will bring a programme of spectacular events to the city’s waterfront: Mayflower Ceremony September 16 This four-nation civic ceremony will see a 1,000 person choir perform a brand new piece of bespoke music which tells the story of the Mayflower in an entirely new way, along with representatives from the UK, US, Netherlands and Wampanoag.

Royal Marines Rehabilitation Triathlon September 17 Traditionally held in Lympstone but transferred to Plymouth for this extra special year, injured serving and former tri-service men and women will compete with a swim at Tinside, cycle ride and static row on Plymouth Hoe promenade.

Mayflower Muster September 19-20 An exciting two-day festival celebrating the city’s military heritage in partnership with the UK, US and Dutch Armed Forces, including live displays, interactive demonstrations and a host of fun activities for families.

Illuminate November 29-29 The closing event of the Mayflower programme and an even bigger festival of light, including a nationally commissioned piece of art connecting the national Mayflower partnership

For further information on the Mayflower 400 commemorative programme in Plymouth and a full list of events go to mayflower400uk. org/plymouth More Mayflower 400 news on page 17 Latest news from The Box on pages 12 to 14

COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

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

DRIVER WANTED Saturday early morning delivery driver/deliver required. Must have own vehicle. Also newspaper deliverers required in Elburton, Plymstock and surrounding areas. Contact Elburton News on 01752 403871.

HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 0800 9230 039 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/

6 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Fine dining for a fine cause Popular Plymouth brasserie, Barbican Kitchen, is gearing up for its annual Dine & Donate event series for 2020, in support of local charity, Elder Tree Befriending.

From now until February 29, diners at the restaurant will be able to choose from a highquality set menu, crafted by owners and celebrity chefs Chris and James Tanner, whilst also donating much needed funds to one of the South West’s most worthy causes.

Dine & Donate is now entering its fifth year at Barbican Kitchen, with over £5,000 raised for charity since the event first began in 2016. This year’s Dine and Donate gives diners a choice of one, two and three course set menu options, for both lunch and dinner. Donation envelopes with be provided to diners at the end of their meals for contributions to the charity.

Supporting over 1,400 people over the age of 50 across Plymouth, Elder Tree Befriending provides a valuable friendship service for vulnerable and socially isolated members of the Plymouth community. Delivering over 86 innovative health and social engagement activities, the charity provides its beneficiaries with the opportunity to form new and lasting friendships. The charity also works to help the elderly continue to live independently in their own homes, as well as supporting over 135 people who suffer from MCI and dementia related illnesses.

Chris Tanner, owner and chef at Barbican Kitchen, said: “Dine & Donate has been a great success over the past couple of years, with our diners helping us to raise over £5,000 since it began.

This year we are immensely

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

COMMISSION PAID SALESPERSON The Emotional Logic Centre charity has a children’s book series designed to make sense of emotions to prevent anxiety and mental illness and help autistic children to communicate. Materials for schools and businesses also. We need someone on a mission to promote this. Contact hello@emotionallogiccentre. org.uk or 01752 892455.

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

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

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

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

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

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

Elder Tree Befriending service will benefit from the Dine & Donate fund raising

Chris and James Tanner at the Barbican Kitchen

proud to support our chosen charity, Elder Tree Befriending.

As an organisation that provides a network of social activities and support to those that may find themselves alone and isolated, especially at this time of year, it’s an incredibly worthy cause.

We hope our diners will help us to raise even more money this year; lets make it the best Dine & Donate yet.”

Robbie Nairn, chief executive of Elder Tree Befriending, said: “This new partnership between Barbican Kitchen and Elder Tree Befriending is brilliant news for our beneficiaries and volunteers and we are absolutely delighted to be supported by Chris, James and the team. It has the real potential to significantly enhance our activities in support of local communities across the city and will make a real difference to some of the more socially isolated and vulnerable older people in Plymouth.”

Barbican Kitchen will also

be holding a special lunch exclusively for the beneficiaries of Elder Tree Befriending.

Bringing together the variety of social groups that are spread across Plymouth, the dining experience is a chance for the charity’s community to come together and enjoy some good food, and equally good company.

Dine and Donate will run until February 29, excluding Friday February 14 Valentine’s Day. Prices and opening times are as follows: Lunch: Monday – Friday: 12 noon – 2pm and Saturday: 12 noon – 2.30pm Dinner: Monday – Friday: 6pm – 7.30pm and Saturday: 5pm – 7pm : 1 Course: £12.95, 2 Course: £15.95, 3 Course: £18.95 To reserve a table and help support Elder Tree Befriending, visit www.barbicankitchen.com or call 01752 604448.

Visit www.eldertreeplymouth. co.uk to find out more about the charity and its work.

as their own health and wellbeing.

“Both the council and the hospital have an important role in improving the lives of Plymouth residents and the information we gather is being used to build a better picture of how people feel about the city and where we need to consider better targeting resources.”

The aim is to repeat the survey in future years to track the city’s progress towards the vision to become one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone and whether the city is working together to achieve this.

Areas covered by the survey include: Your city – perception of Plymouth and levels of volunteering across the city Your local area – feelings of belonging, feelings of safety and community involvement.

Your life – personal health and wellbeing.

Organisers are encouraging anyone who receives a copy of the questionnaire to complete it online, alternatively it can be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided by 14 February.

Residents views sought on life in Plymouth

Plymouth residents are being asked: What do you think about where you live?

Over 8,000 questionnaires are dropping on doormats across the city as part of a randomly selected sample of Plymouth residents.

The short questionnaire is designed to find out about what people think of Plymouth, how they feel about their local area and how they feel about their life now.

The survey, which is a jointly-funded venture between Plymouth City Council and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS

Trust, will give the organisations a citywide perspective, looking at views of residents across all wards and different areas of the city and between different groups of people.

This follows on from the 2018 City Survey, which was used to help make more informed decisions and better understand how people feel about Plymouth.

Councillor Leader Tudor Evans said: “I’d urge anyone who gets one of these surveys to fill it in as it will give us a snapshot of what our residents think about their city, their community as well

Lowdown on Healthwatch at Moor’s Edge U3A

David Kinross from Healthwatch Plymouth was guest speaker at the monthly meeting of Moor’s Edge U3A. He explained about the organisation’s aims of giving people a voice about local health and social care services. Healthwatch was formed as a result of the 2012 Social Care Act and have five officers and 20 volunteers who cover all aspects of healthcare from hospitals, GPs, emergency care, pharmacies, dentists, care homes, care at home and opticians.

They gather information from individuals, make visits to service providers and prepare reports which enable concerns to be raised with decision-makers in order to effect improvements in services.

Groups have been involved in various activities in the last month. The Photography for Fun members visited Princetown Visitor Centre to view their collection of photos and links with Conan Doyle. Arty

Crafty have been busy making various items involving crocheting, knitting and embroidering. The Wine Tasting Group met just before Christmas to sample seasonal food and drinks.

The Darts Group met once again for a pleasant lunch at the Burrator followed by three games - an improvement in scores has been noted. The Garden Visits group visited Saltash to see the imaginatively decorated Christmas trees at St Nicholas Church and followed this by shopping and lunching at Tamar Nurseries. Recently a group went to Buckland Abbey for mulled wine followed by a Mummers play telling the story of Sir Francis Drake defeating the Spanish Armada performed by the Dartmoor Border Morris.

After this the large crowd went to the orchard to take part in the Wassail, tying toast in the trees and sprinkling cider to ensure a good harvest.

Weekenders enjoyed Christmas lunch at Leandras

and have recently sampled Greek cuisine at Meze Grill on the Barbican and also had a cream tea at the Duke of Cornwall. Members of the Music Events group attended a concert by the South West Philharmonic & Chorus at St Andrews - as well as listening to the Dart Valley Stompers at Plymouth Jazz Club.

The Science and Technology Group met to hear talks on the smartphone, the nuclear power industry and test sites in the British aircraft industry and the Book Club have been reading The Salt Path by Raynor Winn.

Groups also meeting regularly are Bridge for Beginners, Scrabble, Walking and Singing for Fun. Moor’s Edge U3A meet on the second Thursday of the month at the Woolwell Centre at 2.30pm.

Diary Dates: February 13 Speaker Elizabeth Ducie on Movie Moments; March 12 Speaker Don McIntosh of Tally Ho Coaches; April 9 Speaker Alan Bricknell on Plymouth Shops

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Plans show exciting designs for an upgrade to the old tramway running through the Forder Valley Local Nature Reserve, which will link Longbridge Road to the new Forder Valley Link Road scheme.

A second part will create a brand new, high quality walking and cycling route along the Seaton Valley linking between Crownhill and Poole Farm and Forder Valley Road.

Future plans involve a link from the community park to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Science Park and Brest Road.

The scheme has been submitted for planning approval with a decision expected to be reached by the end of March.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and Environment, said: “What excites me most about these plans is that they will make some of the city’s most beautiful green space so much more accessible.

“This is just the start for Derriford Community Park - there is so much more to come and I’m really looking forward to being involved.”

Derriford Community Park is a 147 hectares greenspace in the north of the city, south of Derriford Hospital.

It contains a large area of previously inaccessible farmland, and three designated Local Nature Reserves - Forder Valley, Bircham Valley and Seaton and Lower Bircham Valley.

Poole Farm is also at its heart.

The design of the new paths has been carefully considered and aligned with the Local Nature Reserve management plan to avoid impact on sensitive habitats. It uses a no-dig approach to avoid impact on tree roots but despite this, up to 161 trees will require removal.

All high-quality trees have been avoided and 20% of the trees ear-marked for removal are Ash and because of Ash Dieback, would need to have been proactively removed and replaced as part of the current programme for Ash Dieback Management.

Over 1,000 new trees will be planted within the Community Park to mitigate against trees impacted as part of the cycle path build.

This is in addition to the 5,000 new trees that have been already planted in the park over the past two years.

Over 9,000 volunteer hours have been given to the project to date and the community are invited to visit the park through Poole Farm’s volunteer and events programme.

The new network of paths is being funded by a £1.7m Transforming Cities Fund grant from the Department for Transport.

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Busy year ahead for Plymouth Morris dancers Plymouth Morris have a busy year ahead of them as they celebrate their 50th anniversary and take part in the Mayflower 400 programme.

To mark the anniversary Plymouth Morris will be performing at a number of events in May including a 5am dance at sunrise on May 1 on The Hoe and an all-day dance on May 16 with Plymouth Reunion Morris.

Other highlights include a Mayflower 400 Morris Marine Muster between September 4 and 6 as well as hosting of the Fools and Animals Unconvention between October 23 and 25 when groups from all over the country will be taking part.

The group will be holding a 50th annual ceilidh at The Woolwell Centre at 7pm on February 29, accompanied by the Dartmoor Pixie Band. They will also take part in the Pudsey Day of Dance in Tavistock in November, when around 200 dancers will be involved.

The group have been recruiting new male and female dancers and hold regular practice sessions on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Plymouth School of Creative Arts in Millbay.

For more information visit the website at www.plymouthmorrismen.org.uk

@PlymChronicle

Crownhill’s dads-only play group helps new fathers gain confidence Men in Plymouth are being given the chance to spend quality time with their babies and young children while building confidence as fathers without their partners around at a special dadsonly playgroup.

The stay and play group in Crownhill runs one Saturday a month and is designed to give the dads an opportunity to go to a group they may normally not be able to attend due to work commitments during the week.

It is also a chance for them to meet other dads and spend one-to-one time with their child which they may not often have.

Run by Nicky Wooderson of Blossoming Bumps and Babies, the group offers theme-based activities for the children to do but there is no pressure for the dads to join in, instead they can play or read to their child on their own.

Nicky said: “There is no expectation to join in with any activities, just to enjoy the quality time with their child without any pressures.

“I had spoken to many mums who were sad their partners were unable to attend many of the baby groups they went to during the week and were apprehensive to

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go to the predominantly all-mum groups on their own.

“The dads I spoke to didn’t have much or any time on their own with their babies due to work commitments and mum being present most of the time, so wanted something they could do with no pressure.”

She added: “We know that dads tend not to be as social as mums and some lack the confidence on their own to manage the day to day routine of looking after a baby.

“So I wanted to offer them that chance in a contained and friendly atmosphere where there was no pressure to do anything they didn’t want to, but spend their time getting to know their baby, interact and play with them without anyone looking over and questioning or judging their actions.”

Dads that go to the group are offered a bacon roll, refreshments and cake. Mums can also go along but they are asked to sit in another room whilst the dads are with the children.

Nicky said this has been successful with mums being able to have a break, chat with other women, but still be on hand if needed - especially those who are breastfeeding. They can also take part in pampering sessions whilst the dads play.

She’s hoping to have something booked in every month and is looking for other small businesses to offer their services for free.

The group is held once a month at Crownhill Family Centre from 10.30am to

12 noon and costs £5 to cover overheads and food.

Nicky added: “It’s going really well.

We’ve gone from just four dads up to 11 with children aged from six weeks up to about 18 months.

“We have siblings that come along too and I make sure there are activities for them to do as well. I would love to build it up more and reach out to further dads around the city. I don’t make any money from it, I’m just passionate about supporting the parents.”

And Nicky certainly knows what she’s doing when it comes to babies and the early years of parenting. Not only does she have four children herself aged 11, 12, 14 and 19, she has worked and volunteered for the NCT since 2012, qualifying as an antenatal practitioner with a HND in Antenatal Education in 2014.

The 47 year old then went on and trained in more specific areas including baby massage, neonatal experience, twins and multiples, water births, and introducing solids. In 2016 she was runner up in the National NCT Star Awards for Practitioner of the Year and Practitioner Behind the Scenes for her voluntary work with the organisation.

She still works for the NCT as their signature antenatal facilitator and baby massage instructor, and started up her Blossoming Bumps and Babies business in 2018 to reach the families that NCT did not.

Last year she trained as a Birth and Postnatal Doula to support new families

Dads enjoying time with their babies at the new playgroup

and as well as baby massage courses, she has also started a New Parent course and New Additions Antenatal course for parents who want a ‘refresher’ for second and subsequent babies.

Nicky also runs Starting Solids workshops with Mini First Aid or Daisy First Aid businesses where parents are taught about starting solid foods and basic first aid for babies and children.

If that doesn’t keep Nicky busy enough, she’s also taking over the Plymouth and Ivybridge branch of the Positive Birth Movement which relaunches in February; is booked up to learn pregnancy massage; and is currently part-way through studying for a degree in Childhood Practice at Plymouth Marjon University.

So it’s little wonder Nicky, from Newton Ferrers, has just been nominated for three Venus Awards for mums in business. She has just found out she has been shortlisted for the Inspirational Woman, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, and Business Mother awards.

She said: “It was such a surprise. I’m so overwhelmed and pleased. I have no idea who nominated me, and it’s really exciting.”

Any dads who would like to go along to Nicky’s stay and play group should contact Nicky through her Blossoming Bumps and Babies Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ nickywoodersonantenatalpractitioner/

Plymouth schools are making good progress Ofsted’s Chief Inspector of schools has praised Plymouth’s education leaders and teachers in his annual report.

The annual report is the overview by their Chief Inspector of the inspections they have undertaken in 2018/19 and shows that nationally 5560 schools were inspected, 19 of them in Plymouth) Councillor Jon Taylor Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation said: “I’m really pleased that we have seen an improvement in Plymouth’s schools.

“Of course having a good local school and knowing your child can reach their potential isn’t just about the Ofsted grade it has. Parents want to know what the whole experience is like, whether their child will be safe and have their needs met and how well their child might do.

“Plymouth has been praised by the Regional Director for the way schools and partners have tackled the challenges children face and the determination leaders have to improve. Last year we met with

Ofsted leads and agreed a plan to work with schools, the DFE and them so that we could all collaborate to learn what really works and overcome difficulties together.

“We’ve visited other schools in the region and beyond, focused on support for learning and some schools have formed new partnerships. Plymouth City Council leaders will continue to work with our hard working school leaders and partners to continue the improvements. There’s a lot to do but we’re going in the right direction.”

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New signs will point the way to Plymouth’s Mayflower attractions

New signs will be put up along the A38 to entice more people to visit Plymouth for the Mayflower 400 year and beyond.

A total of 16 new signs are be installed early this year and will feature The Box which is due to open in the Spring, as well as some of the more familiar locations.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “These signs need updating - not just for Mayflower, but to reflect all the great changes that are going on in our city. The Box is nearly finished and Mayflower400 is now underway.

“This is not flashy stuff but it is important and it takes time to negotiate and deliver. We’d like to thank Highways England for helping us point people in the right direction - literally.”

Highways England manages the A38 as part of its motorway and trunk road network, and the Council has been working with them to develop and agree new signs, including a larger Welcome to Plymouth sign on the westbound approach to the city.

Some of the existing designs are in a poor condition or outdated and do not effectively promote all the attractions, including The Box, Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium and Mayflower Steps.

Highways England formally approved the tourism destinations for the A38 signage update - for the Mayflower Steps, The Hoe Seafront, Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium, The Box and Saltram as well as key facilities such as Derriford Hospital, the Park and Rides at Coypool and Milehouse, the ferry port and, of course, Plymouth Argyle The company has also assisted in surveys and vegetation clearance ahead of installation work, which, subject to weather, will start in February. Most of this work will take place at night under lane closures to reduce inconvenience to drivers.

A delegated decision is being signed this week giving the go-ahead for a Council contribution of £1.567m to be funded through corporate borrowing. The package also entails updating local signs.

Around 100 signs on the city’s road network will be replaced following a thorough review of major routes in and out of the city.

Signs will be updated and more brown tourism signs installed along key strategic routes, from the A38, the Torpoint Ferry and the A379 at Elburton. Around 500 signs will also be cleaned in the spring.

The package also includes work to improve street furniture such as seats and sign posts in and around Looe Street to help it look its best for visitors and locals enjoying the planned Mayflower trail.

10 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Argyle Community Trust offering young people chance to take part in National Citizen’s Service programme this summer Young people aged from 15 to 17 are being offered an opportunity to take part in the National Citizen’s Service (NCS) programme for three to four weeks during the summer months, having fun and building up credibility and employability skills on their CVs at the same time.

NCS is run in the city by Argyle Community Trust and Groundwork Trust. Todd Hanrahan is the manager for NCS at Argyle Community Trust and knows first-hand how good it can be.

“I took part in the programme in 2011, and as well as really enjoying myself and all the activities, I went straight into an apprenticeship based on the skills I had learned and my volunteer work with NCS during that Summer.”

Todd, from Southway, attended Sir John Hunt school at the time and amongst all the activities he organised a fundraising day. NCS strengthened his CV and he was offered an apprenticeship with Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership, where he worked for four and a half years organising games in local schools.

Lauren’s title bid

In 2017 Todd joined Argyle Community Trust on the NCS team, and 18 months ago was appointed as the local NCS manager.

“NCS played a big part in me getting these opportunities, it can do the same for anyone who takes part,” said Todd.

During this year’s summer programme young people will take part in a wide range of activities which includes: – Five days away from home, taking on adrenaline-fuelled activities like rock climbing, canoeing and archery, followed by a few days’ rest.

– Living independently, learning essential life skills from local business leaders and charities, gaining confidence in public speaking, communications skills and budgeting – all of which looks great on a CV. – Working with a team to devise a community project based on an issue they are passionate about. Using new-found skills and confidence developed on NCS they can feel proud by making a real difference in their community.

At the end of the programme, they take stock of all they’ve achieved – overcoming challenges, developing into new and exciting territories, and having experiences they never thought possible.

They’ll get to celebrate their triumphs with their fellow NCS-ers at a great end-ofprogramme event before exploring all the opportunities NCS opens up to them.

All of the above is included in the cost for the whole course of just £50. For families who need help with that, a total of 170 £50 vouchers have been made available by the

Todd Hanrahan: ‘We want as many young people as possible to have this opportunity’

Plymouth Drake Foundation, contact Caroline Perry on (01752) 764455 for further details.

“We want as many young people as possible to have this opportunity,” said Todd, “so please get in touch to find out more. It’s a

fantastic experience!”

Further information can be found at: www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk and click ‘book NCS’ for more details, or call Todd on 01752 562561 ext 4.

said: “Building links with the community is so important these days and it is something that we are extremely enthusiastic about at Tamar House.

“Loneliness is all around us and is something that every one of us can address.

It is not about money - but giving of time.

“We have linked with St Matthew’s so that we can build a connection once a fortnight.

We take it in turns for the children to come to Tamar House, or for us to go to the school to take part in their lessons and free play.

“The residents at Tamar House are extremely pleased to meet the children in their school and spent the morning playing and learning with the children.

“The preschool children are aged between three and four years old, so therefore it is important for them to have these connections with all ages so they develop important life lessons.”

One resident said: “I feel like they give me life, they are so beautifully bright and I cannot wait for the next visit.”

Care home and primary school join forces to benefit young and old alike

A 17-year-old Plymouth girl is bidding to become Miss Prom UK.

Lauren Howell, who lives in Crownhill, has already experienced success in beauty pageants, having been crowned Miss Teen South Devon in last year’s Miss Teen Great Britain competition. She raised over £1,000 for charity as part of her efforts to win the title.

Lauren is currently studying Art and Psychology A levels at Plymouth High School for Girls as well as studying Business at Devonport High School for Boys.

The Miss Prom UK pageant involves public speaking, interviews, fund raising, charity awareness as well as public appearances and catwalks. The finals are held online and Lauren is currently in the top five, based on her entry form, why she wants to enter and photographs.

Lauren said: “The finals are held online and the results put on social media mainly because it is an introductory pageant set up to ease girls into pageant land. The criteria for the final judging covers publicity, charity fundraising, appearances and photogenic.

“Taking part in last year’s pageant really meant pushing my boundaries by making myself more confident in public speaking and talking to people about my story and the charity work.

“Last year I raised £1000 for Together for Short Lives, a charity that helps children in end of life care, as well as their families. I did it by organising my own charity quiz night as well as running the Plymouth Half Marathon.

“Since entering the Miss Prom UK this year I have made donations to the Foodbank many times and volunteered at events.”

Lauren said that if she wins the title she plans to share her experience by talking to school groups and highlighting the benefits of entering a prom.

A care home and primary school in Derriford are forging close links which bring valuable benefits to young and old alike.

Children from St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School are regular visitors to Abbeyfield Tamar House - and the residents love to welcome them. And residents have returned the compliment by visiting the school too.

A spokesman for Abbeyfield Tamar House

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12 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Outside The Box - it’s all change as Tavistock Place is transformed Tavistock Place has changed beyond recognition as work on Plymouth’s awesome cultural project, The Box goes into the final furlong.

The contractors recently handed over two parts of the Box complex to the team, ready for the ‘reload’ of over two million fascinating objects to get underway early in the New Year.

Outside, what was once a back road is being transformed into a new public square with granite pavements and trees.

The arts complex is set to be the biggest cultural opening in the UK this year Plymouth’s momentous Mayflower year - and the build has involved conserving, updating and extending the former museum and library and re-imagining St Luke’s Church, as well as creating the spectacular cantilevered ‘Archive in the Sky’.

A detailed report sets out some of the benefits The Box has brought to the city before it has even opened. The figures from Willmott Dixon, the contractors, are impressive: • 79 per cent local spend for suppliers and materials • 16 apprentices employed • 1,300 waged training weeks on site • 60 new industry qualifications across the site workforce • 28 work experience placements facilitated • 11 jobs created through the National Skills Academy for Construction • 32 career events hosted, engaging with over 1,000 students • Worked with the Prince’s Trust and Supporting Women into Construction Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We have always said that the Box should be a game changer for the city and it’s brilliant to see the construction phase alone making such a difference to so many people and to our businesses.

“We made it clear in the Willmott Dixon contract that we wanted this phenomenal project to provide real life experience and examples for young people interested in developing their skills and qualifications and they have absolutely delivered.”

The report also details the challenges which have led to the team asking the council for an extra £2 million to complete the project, bringing the council’s total contribution to £22 million.

conservationists had anticipated, with the scale of the task only clear when the figures were stripped back.

Internal rot was discovered in the core of many of the figureheads. Many had to be dried out and timbers treated. In some the damage was so far gone that sections had to be cut out and replaced with new carvings.

The rot added a further £500,000 to The Box’s price tag and is one of a number items that the council is being asked to fund as the construction phase ends.

Additional work was needed on the site at North Hill, particularly strengthening the structure and condition of St Luke’s Church, which was in a far worse state than expected. Complex remedial works had to be carried out to ensure the structural integrity of the building.

Council leader Tudor Evans (centre) pictured in Tavistock Place with Paul Brookes, interim CEO of The Box (left) and Coun Ian Bowyer, shadow leader

“We have always said that The Box should be a game changer for the city and it’s brilliant to see the construction phase alone making such a difference to so many people and to our businesses” COUNCIL LEADER TUDOR EVANS

The latest approved budget for The Box is £44.452m and is made up of £40.531m capital and £3.91 million revenue.

Restoring the national collection of ships’

figureheads turned out to be much more expensive than expected. The incredible ships’ emblems - some of which date back to 1830 - proved to be more fragile than

Mayflower 400: an amazing year of events in 2020 commemorating the journey of the Mayflower.

Highlights in Plymouth include: Get Active Programme: January – December Various locations across the city

Some Call It Home: 24 – 25 March Theatre Royal Plymouth

Mayflower 400 Community Sparks: Throughout 2020 across the city

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir: 5 April Plymouth Guildhall

Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy.

Spring The Box Mayflower Sports Week: 21 – 29 March With Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Albion and Plymouth Raiders Mayflower 400 National Supporters and Sponsors

This Land: 16 – 20 June Theatre Royal Plymouth

mayflower400uk.org/events

Complex negotiations with South West Water about drainage to the south of the site also led to more costs. The Council worked with the water company to install new infrastructure - drains capable of holding surface water and reducing flood risk.

The new scheme was not part of the initial capital programme and now includes work to vastly improve the public space to the south of the site.

The design timescale unfortunately did not quite tally with programme for the improvement scheme at Charles Street so final resurfacing for the Charles Street scheme was delayed slightly to enable drainage work to be carried out.

These connections are now finished and drainage work on Tavistock Place includes a new underground attenuation tank and connections to the new drainage is underway.

Councillor Evans added: “We are in the final furlong and while no-one wants to see costs go up, we are too near to the end - and the start of something quite incredible - to scale back on our ambition.

“We want this to be as brilliant as it can be.

We began demolition in January 2017 and two years later we will be beginning the reload of the city’s collections. For a project of this scale, it’s pretty good going.”

Shadow leader Ian Bowyer added: “To not give financial support at this stage would be unthinkable. This project is already changing lives in Plymouth.

“The figureheads have captured the public’s imagination and have put this city on people’s radars across the country. We need to hold our nerve.”

The latest update also confirms that the Box will open on Sundays, giving thousands of Plymouth families and holiday makers a great place to visit all year round, whatever the weather.

Galleries will open to the public six days a week, while on Mondays the venue will be reserved for school visits as well as corporate hires.

For more information visit www.theboxplymouth.com

February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Opening date of May 16 announced for The Box

13

The Box - Plymouth’s £44 million multidisciplinary arts and heritage museum space - will open on May 16.

Originally three separate buildings, its ground-breaking design has completely transformed, extended and combined Plymouth’s former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library buildings and St Luke’s Church to create a cutting-edge, interactive cultural centre with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive, learning and research facilities, and the first public square to be built in Plymouth since 2004.

The Box will open with 12 new exhibitions showcasing contemporary art alongside Plymouth’s rich heritage, ambitious touring exhibitions alongside the city’s permanent collections, natural history alongside maritime history, interactive exhibits, giant art installations, immersive film and photography exhibits, as well as activities for children.

The Box is moving 2,177,516 objects into the building before it opens. The heaviest is a two and half tonne ship’s figurehead, King Billy. The smallest is a feather-winged beetle, the size of a full stop.

The Box’s collections tell the stories of a nation and include the UK’s most significant collection of explorer materials, the Plymouth Bomb Book, evidencing the most destructive raids of WW2 and proof that Devon apparently invented the Cornish pasty.

The Box also holds the UK’s largest regional film and television archive (250,000 individual films), while the newest addition to its collections will be a full-scale replica of a female mammoth that has been made in Minnesota.

The Box brings together six outstanding collections, including objects from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, archives from the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, film and photographs from the South West Film and Television Archive and South West Image Bank, furniture, texts, Old Master drawings and art from the Cottonian Collection, and incredible animal specimens from the Plymouth Natural History Collection.

This rich blend of collections will enable stories of international and local significance to be told through immersive experiences and amazing objects.

Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “At the heart of The Box’s ethos is the conservation, heritage and preservation of Plymouth’s rich history and heritage.”

Nicola Moyle, head of heritage, art & film at The Box, said: “The Box will be renowned for its engaging and highly immersive exhibition programme. The programme will integrate the contemporary and the historic to bring the past to life through the present. It will showcase international visual arts and media, as well as Plymouth’s rich heritage through ambitious touring exhibitions, new commissions and the city’s permanent collections.”

Nigel Hurst, head of contemporary Art at The Box, said: “We are thrilled to be launching The Box’s opening contemporary art exhibitions, which are part of the new museum’s unique programme that gives internationally acclaimed contemporary artists the opportunity to respond to The Box’s collection and Plymouth’s social history.

The three major exhibitions in the opening programme are: • Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy will be the largest commemorative Mayflower

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£20 Kehinde Wiley’s Ship of Fools: A three-channel film work

by Obama’s official portrait painter. It is the first digital work by the internationally renowned painter

works by Antony Gormley, Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes and Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha.

• Kehinde Wiley: A three-channel film work - the first digital work by this internationally renowned painter.

Ramona Peters with the Wampanoag Cooking Pot in progress. Image courtesy of SmokeSygnals, Mashpee, USA

exhibition in history with over 300 objects.

Co-curated with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee, it will turn history on its head.

• Making It: International contemporary art exhibition featuring newly commissioned

Nine permanent galleries will showcase The Box’s incredible collections, they include: • Figureheads: A magnificent display of 14 monumental ships’ figureheads, collectively weighing over 20 tonnes • 100 Journeys: Great explorers and their discoveries, from Drake to Scott and beyond • Mammoth: Plymouth’s incredible natural history collections featuring 1,000 pickled marine creatures and a full-size mammoth replica • Our Art: From Reynolds to Lenkiewicz: a show case of Plymouth’s art collection • Media Lab: Interactive room featuring the UK’s largest regional film and television archive • Cottonian Collection: Illuminated manuscripts, Old Master drawings and fine art • Active Archive: Public access to The Box’s huge archive containing some of the city’s most fascinating documents • Photo Album: A showcase of objects, memories and photographs from Plymouth’s past For details visit www.theboxplymouth.com Tamar, one of the ship figureheads.

Photo credit Wayne Perry

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14 February 2020

Construction work begins on the new Forder Valley Link Road Main construction work will get under way on the Forder Valley Link Road on February 10, marking a major milestone in one of Plymouth’s biggest ever road projects.

Enabling works have already been ongoing to clear and prepare the site, relocate utilities and create an access road to take construction traffic between Novorossiysk Road and the site offices and car park at Poole Farm.

The first phase of main construction will include earthworks for the main carriageway and the new embankment and retaining wall off Novorossiysk Road, as well as the start of work to build the bridge.

BT will also be building a second new chamber on the southern side of Novorossiysk Road and South West Water will be carrying out sewer diversion works just north of the existing Forder Valley Road/Novorossiysk Road junction.

To enable works to be carried out safely there will be a lane closure on the downhill side of Novorossiysk Road but two-way traffic will be maintained by using one of the uphill lanes (there will be one lane of traffic in each direction).

The lane closures – which will be in place from 7pm on Sunday 9 February – will be the same as those used intermittently during the enabling works but will now be required 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The closures will remain in place for the duration of the project, which is due to be completed in the summer of 2022.

The footway on the downhill side of Novorossiysk Road will also be closed, with a signed diversion via the uphill side.

Further traffic management measures will be introduced later in the project, the next phase of which will include the temporary closure of Forder Valley Road between the Novorossiysk Road junction and Fort Austin Avenue from the autumn. Regular updates will be issued during the project to let people know about upcoming changes.

The Forder Valley Link Road will connect William Prance Road in Derriford and the Forder Valley Road/Novorossiysk Road junction, via a bridge over the Bircham Valley.

It will create a much-needed alternative link between the A38 and the north of the city, avoiding the often heavily congested Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road.

This will help reduce journey times to and from key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and the Plymouth Science Park and improve bus service reliability.

The project also includes safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians and will be complemented by improvements to the Forder Valley (Leigham) roundabout.

Together with the Derriford Transport Scheme, Derriford Hospital Interchange, Marjon Link Road and the planned widening of the A386 between Woolwell and The George, this major new infrastructure will be key to unlocking growth in the north of Plymouth, where 4,300 new homes and a new district development of shops and community, leisure and health facilities are planned over the next 15 years.

Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has been appointed as main contractor for the project, with works procured through the Scape Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework.

Full details on all the Forder Valley transport improvements can be found at www.plymouth. gov.uk/fordervalley.

@PlymChronicle

Two striking works of art commissioned by The Box Two new public art commissions by internationally acclaimed artists Antony Gormley and leading Portuguese installation artist Leonor Antunes have been announced by The Box - Plymouth’s new £40 million cultural attraction.

The two artists are the first names to be revealed from The Box’s ambitious contemporary art programme for its inaugural year in 2020. Both artists are creating works as part of the museum’s opening exhibitions that will stay in The Box’s permanent collection and provide legacy by becoming part of the fabric of the city.

Leonor Antunes is creating a remarkable fused glass design for the East Window of St Luke’s Church to be installed in February.

Antony Gormley’s imposing new public sculpture LOOK II, will be installed on the West Hoe Pier in May 2020.

Nigel Hurst, head of Contemporary Arts at The Box said: “These two commissions will not only form a key part of Making It, one of The Box’s inaugural exhibitions, but also provide the city of Plymouth with lasting legacies from the launch of The Box and Mayflower 400 commemorations. Antony Gormley’s Look II and Leonor Antunes’ window for St Luke’s Church both provide compelling reasons to

Artist Leonor Antunes and (below) her creation for St Luke’s Church

Work under way on LOOK II, Sir Antony Gormley’s new work for Plymouth

celebrate life in this unique city and to visit Plymouth.”

Sir Antony Gormley, famed for his Angel of the North creation, said: “I am delighted by the site and honoured that this work has been commissioned by Plymouth to look out over the sea that has played such an important part in forming the outward-looking character of these islands.”

Influenced particularly by female craftsmanship and creativity, Leonor Antunes’ new window is inspired by the end pages of the 1726 book Insects of Surinam by Maria Sibylla Merian, a famous German female naturalist and explorer of her time.

Sir Antony Gormley

The book is part of The Box’s historically significant Cottonian Collection. Merian was one of the first naturalists to observe and paint insects directly and is considered one of the most significant entomologists in history, and a favourite of Sir David Attenborough.

Volunteer opportunities at The Box Would you like to volunteer at The Box? The city’s brand new museum, art gallery and archive is set to open in the spring and people are being invited to get involved.

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to something you’re passionate about and gain industry experience. Three different volunteer opportunities are currently available, all of which involve providing support to The Box’s visitor facing teams.

Gallery Guides will be based in The Box’s galleries, helping visitors to interpret the exhibitions and collections on display and find their way around the building.

Archives and Research Support Volunteers

will assist visitors with their research enquiries, including helping them to access the reference library and online collections database.

Learning Volunteers will provide support to The Box’s programme of school workshops and family activities. Full training will be given for all the roles and shifts will be flexible across the seven day week.

To find out more, subscribe to The Box’s mailing list by visiting www.theboxplymouth.com, submit an email address in the newsletter sign up button at the bottom of the page and select ‘Volunteer News’ as one of their preferences.

For any other queries about volunteering email theboxvolunteering@plymouth.gov.uk

£5,000 funding boost for Mayflower exhibition The Friends of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery (FPCMAG) have secured a £5,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The Foundation is a UK-based trust that supports arts, education, youth, community, health, welfare and environmental projects. Established in 1958, it donates over £70 million to a wide range of projects across the country each year.

The grant will be used to support the conservation, transportation and installation of three historic objects that will be displayed in The Box’s ‘Mayflower

400: Legend and Legacy’ exhibition. These are ‘The Departure of the Mayflower,’ a 1920 painting by artist Bernard Gribble coming from a private lender; a John Eliot bible, published in 1661, on loan from Kings College London and a drawing by artist and map-maker John White printed by the Flemish-German engraver Theodor de Bry in 1590 on loan from the National Maritime Museum.

To find out more about The Box, the ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’ exhibition visit www. theboxplymouth.com

THE FAMOUS FIVE © 2017, Hodder & Stoughton Limited.

You can too on the Night Riviera Sleeper, between London and Penzance, now with refurbished cabins and extra comfort.

Book now at GWR.com/sleeper Only guide dogs allowed in cabins. Due to engineering works taking place 14 – 23 February 2020, the Night Riviera Sleeper will run between Plymouth and London Paddington only on these dates.

16 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

YMCA launches free football coaching for local children Local youth charity, YMCA Plymouth, has kicked-off a new football coaching club, offering girls and boys aged from four to seven years weekly coaching, for free.

Do you need to refresh your postal or proxy vote signature?

Some postal and proxy voters in Plymouth will be receiving letters asking them to provide a fresh signature.

Signatures often change over time and, by law, councils must ask postal voters to ‘refresh’ their signature every five years.

Residents who are postal or proxy voters whose signature held on record is more than five years old, will receive a letter, with a form to sign and return in a pre-paid envelope.

Letters are being sent to fewer than seven per cent of postal and proxy voters and residents who don’t receive one don’t need to refresh their signature this year.

Signed forms should be returned as soon as possible but by February 20 to avoid a reminder.

The Y:Kickers club is delivered by the YMCA Football Coaching Academy, which offers a number of coaching programmes for children, in partnership with YMCA All Saints FC. Vic Hibbert, chairman of YMCA All Saints FC, said: “Supporting young people to get into football and enjoy its benefits are what we’re all about as a club. For a long-time we’ve wanted to offer an entry-level session that’s accessible to all children in the local area.

We’re extremely happy to now be in a position to launch this free club for local children.

“Helping young people to maintain a healthy lifestyle is one of our key aims at YMCA. We know that sport is a great way to get young people active and establish a positive life-long habit. The Y:Kickers sessions are unfunded, but as a charity we feel it’s important to offer sessions that have no barriers and get children engaged from an early age.”

YMCA Plymouth’s football club was established in 1906, making it one of the longest running clubs in the city. Currently, they run eight coaching sessions a week for children aged between four and 11 years, in addition to a number of successful girls and boys teams within the Devon Junior Minor League.

Barry Sellers, YMCA head coach said: “We’re really excited to see new children come along and give these sessions a go. Y:Kickers sessions are led by FA qualified coaches and built around the developing players’ agility, balance and coordination. We also follow the FA DNA programme, developing players’ skill and helping them to progress.”

The Y:Kickers sessions take place at YMCA Plymouth every Saturday from 9am to 10am.

To find out more visit ymcaplymouth.org.uk/ ykickers

The CMOStores.com team based at Burrington Way, Plymouth

Honicknowle business shortlisted for award Fast-growing online builder’s merchant CMOStores.com, based in Burrington Way, Plymouth, has been shortlisted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in its prestigious national awards.

The awards, which celebrate the success of small businesses, received hundreds of entries from across the South West, with CMOStores.com being one of just five companies in the region shortlisted in the Digital/E-commerce Business of the Year category.

The FSB Celebrating Small Businesses Awards recognise and celebrate the huge contribution that smaller businesses make to the UK.

Successful entrants in the Digital/E-commerce category were required to demonstrate they had the resilience needed for the fast-paced nature of doing business online as well as delivering an outstanding customer journey, showing responsiveness to customers’ needs, with the business results and growth to match.

CMOStores.com will take part in the regional finals on February 26 with an awards ceremony being held at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton. If successful, the company will go forward to the UK finals in London in May. Andy Dunkley, chief executive of CMOstores. com, said: “This latest achievement is

another important milestone in the business’ development. We now have a 100-strong team in Plymouth, a turnover of £38.6m and, most importantly, we are successfully serving thousands of loyal customers across our six e-Commerce platforms.

“We are proud to have met the judges’ criteria, showing that we have used digital innovation and e-commerce to achieve growth, exceptional customer experience and increased financial performance.

In 2019 over 2,000 small businesses entered the awards, with only around 100 progressing to the national stage.

Council budget to prioritise social care and tackling climate change Plymouth City Council is investing more on vital care services over the next year despite having to find more than £12 million through savings, additional income and grant income changes to balance its books for 2020/21.

An extra £5 million funding is being allocated to meeting the rising demand and cost of protecting vulnerable children in Plymouth and more than £4 million to meet extra costs for adult social care.

More funding is also being allocated towards keeping the city clean and helping tackle climate change.

The council is also continuing to deliver an ambitious £93 million capital investment programme to support the local economy, safeguarding and creating thousands of jobs.

It includes the replacement of much of the council’s fleet with more environmentally friendly vehicles to help reduce the Council’s carbon footprint. This includes investing in more than 50 electric vehicles and installing charging points around the city.

A report to the Cabinet says the costs for providing social care for adults and vulnerable children continues to rise.

These costs include the need to pay those who provide social care services with a living wage and meeting the rising demand for complex care support. This minimum wage is increasing to £8.67 an hour from April 2020, which is further to the increase to £8.21 an hour last year.

It says the council faces continued uncertainty in future funding due to delays in the Government announcing the local government funding settlement and is having to assume that the revenue support grant funding it receives from the Government will continue to decline.

In 2010/11 it received £123 million a year in revenue support grant. For this coming year it will receive £9.7 million and it is likely to receive none in following year.

There is also no confirmation on the future funding the Council has relied on in recent years, including the New Homes Bonus, paid to local authorities delivering housing growth.

However, the Council has been successful in growing the size of the city and the number of households contributing to Council Tax with an extra 682 houses.

The report says the council has continued to make savings and has only accepted additional costs in the budget in exceptional circumstances, with the assumption that departments absorb increased cost of service demand and inflation through proactive management action and efficiencies.

No decision about Council Tax levels have been made yet though the Government is assuming authorities will partially cover the increased costs of supporting older and vulnerable residents through a two per cent precept on bills.

The council is due to set its budget and Council Tax levels on February 24.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We’ve lost a huge proportion of our funding in recent years due to the Government cutting our revenue support grant, equating to around 60p in every pound.

Imagine losing this much from your household income.”

February 2020

@PlymChronicle

American expats team up to launch Plymouth Postcard Project marking Mayflower 400 Two American-born Plymouth residents, Bobby Inman – a Plymouth based barber from Tennessee with a passion for Plymouth and its history, and Matt Thomas – a painter and curator from Seattle who is co-owner of RAAY, are looking for postcards from Plymouths across the world to showcase in the Plymouth Connection Postcard Collection.

The postcard project, to be launched as an exhibition as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations at RAAY (Royal Adelaide Art and Yoga) - the former Royal Adelaide Arms pub in Stonehouse, aims to create a sense of connection between the Royal Adelaide Arms as it was and RAAY as it now is (an art gallery and yoga studio) During the 1980s and 1990s, over 250 postcards were sent to the Royal Adelaide Arms pub from friends, family and pub regulars - many of whom were sailors and naval personnel, and postcards were received from all over the world – Scandinavia, Egypt, the USA, New Zealand, Portugal – even some that had been sent from ships. Many of these postcards at one time would have been pinned to the cork walls in the bar of the pub.

Re-igniting the tradition of people sending postcards and the connection the pub has with this holiday and travelling pastime, project coordinators Bobby Inman and Matt Thomas of RAAY, aim to display hundreds of postcards from various Plymouths across the world.

They also hope to display handmade postcards that depict

individual people’s memories of what ‘their’ Plymouth means to them.

Project co-ordinator Matt Thomas said: “Around the time we were first cataloguing and digitising the RAAY postcards, Bobby was exploring online all the places around the world named Plymouth, and when we put the two things together, the idea for the Plymouth Connection Postcard Collection was born.”

With over 25 years in Plymouth between them, Bobby and Matt are hoping to gather new stories and memories and develop links with as many of the Plymouths across the world through the Plymouth Connection Postcard Collection and being part of the Mayflower 400 commemorative year.

To be part of the exhibition, simply send your Plymouth postcard or handmade postcard to Plymouth Connection Postcard Collection, RAAY, 9 Adelaide St, Plymouth PL1 3JE or email PlymouthPostcards@gmail.com All postcards submitted to the exhibit will be displayed in the gallery and will be on show during late spring 2020 as part of the Mayflower 400 year of events. Cards will be added to the show as they arrive, so they can be sent throughout the year.

The Plymouth Connection Postcard Collection received funding from Mayflower 400 Community Sparks - a partnership between Mayflower 400, Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, The Box, Plymouth and Vital Sparks supported by Arts Council England.

Getting the Mayflower Trail in train Brass totems telling the fascinating story of Plymouth and its incredible Mayflower connections could soon be installed along a trail in and around the Barbican.

A planning application has been submitted to install nine 1.8 metre high monoliths at key locations, each with their own incredible story.

The trail is one of the key projects to mark Mayflower 400 and is designed to give visitors and local residents a glimpse of Plymouth in 1620, stopping at historic properties and streets.

If the monoliths are granted permission, they could be installed in the next few months.

The trail starts at the Mayflower Steps and as well as the physical

totems, a children’s activity pack is planned as well as school resources.

Deputy leader Peter Smith said: “This is the hardware for the trails.

People will be able to walk around our amazing Barbican and read all about it!

Clearly this is a historic area, so the monoliths have been designed to take this into account.”

Buildings earmarked to have a totem nearby include: Prysten House, St Andrew’s Minster, West Pier, Plymouth Fish Market, The Parade, and 94, Vauxhall Street As well as these physical installations, there will be an interactive Plymouth Trails app with self-guided trails around the city. The Plymouth Trails app will be available to download for free on both Apple and Android devices.

Artist’s impression of one of the new Mayflower Trail totems

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18 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

The wonder of unconditional love THE

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager of Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience At the time of writing this my wife is pregnant with our first child. Anyone who has been through a pregnancy will know it is a unique and profound process.

I can remember when my wife first found out she was pregnant. We were both so excited and amazed that we would soon be welcoming our child into the world.

For many women the first few weeks and months of a pregnancy can be difficult with many getting bouts of morning sickness and other effects. Thankfully my wife didn’t experience any of this which, combined with the fact that it takes a little while for any bump to show, left her thinking am I really pregnant? Is this really happening?

After all, all we had to go on was a line on a plastic pregnancy test!

As things progressed a bump started to appear and, in what seemed like no time at all, she could feel the little one moving around. A bizarre experience I’m sure when it first happened!

Gradually as baby grew I could feel him or her (we still don’t yet know what we’re having!) kick and move around by placing my hand on the bump.

It is remarkable the deep sense of connection I felt from these tiny movements

and I know my wife feels the same.

We both have such an immense love for the little one despite having not yet seen them, held them or heard their voice.

I think it is the closest I have ever felt to genuine unconditional love.

Unconditional love is sadly all too rare in the world we live in. We can often derive our value from what we do, how successful we are in terms of money, our job and life accomplishments.

There can so often be an underlying sense that we are only lovable and Dave Simpson valuable based on what we bring to the table.

You may have had a difficult upbringing or hard life experiences that have reinforced this in your life.

To be honest even though I had incredible

parents who expressed unconditional love towards me I know I can so easily turn to my own efforts, work and performance to try and prove my worth to others and try to gain affection. It is a very human trait and yet one which is ultimately tiring and unfulfilling.

It is not to say that taking pride in work and accomplishing things in life is a problem but when these things form our underlying value as people it is a weak foundation for life.

There is a significant scripture which you may well have come across which talks of God’s connection to us as humans.

It reads; “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

God knows us better than anyone and has seen, known and loved each of us right from

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our conception.

As I embark on becoming a parent I know that the love I have for my child is not based on anything they can do for me.

I already love them now before they have even been born.

In other words this child is loved purely because they exist.

That is the reality for each of us too. We are God’s children loved purely because we are here.

The more I consider this truth it changes so much in my life. It changes how I see myself and others, what I do and how and why I do it.

Initially it may seem as though unconditional love is a free pass to do what you want with no regard for the consequences. Although this could not be further from the truth.

The more I know how much God loves me the more I want to do the things that please him. The more I know how valuable I am the more I want to do the things that are good for me. The more I know how valuable other people are the more I want to treat them well and extend the love I receive with others.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM, online at bit.ly/crplymradio or on app: bit.ly/CRPlymAndroid or bit.ly/ CRPlymiOS

Objections to Central Park ponds plan Plans by Plymouth City Council to deal with drainage issues in Central Park have been received as a damp squib.

Original plans to create a large lake have been replaced by proposals to create two smaller ponds along with extensive landscaping and viewing options.

A number of individuals as well as the Friends of Central Park have formally objected to the plan on the basis that it is principally focused on solving the problems caused by broken gutters and blocked gullies.

Andrew Young, chair of the Friends, commented: “It fails to consider the more significant issues which are preventing the park as a whole from realising its full potential and, indeed, will add to future difficulties in that respect.”

The scheme will continue the new swale below the Home Park football ground and make two more ponds at Barn Park. The new southern pond will be on the right going up Jubilee Row and the northern pond will be between the football pitch banks and Coronation Avenue.

The Friends of Central Park have objected to the scheme. They say it cannot be maintained and there are better ways to stop the flooding caused by broken gutters and blocked gullies.

They refer to the long-standing desire for a lake and say the planned scheme will make that very unlikely in the future.

Plymouth City Council’s Natural Infrastructure Team have stressed the benefits that the scheme will bring for biodiversity as well as solving the drainage problems.

Comments on the planning application reference 19/02038/FUL have to be received

by January 28.

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20 February 2020

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Crownhill Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11am and 2.15pm - 2.45pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for under 5s.

Lions support bereavement service

Chatterbooks Tuesdays, 4pm - 4.45pm Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

Book Group Second Thursday of the month, 2.15pm - 3.15pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Family games session Saturdays 10am-3pm. Join other families for a variety of games every Saturday.

Lego Club Saturdays 2pm-4pm. Do you have a big imagination and like making things? Why not join our Lego group for families?We provide the Lego, you provide the building skills!

Craft group Mondays 10am-12noon. For anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet or any other crafts. Bring along what you’re working on or drop in for a chat. Share your skills or learn something new in a friendly and fun setting.

Times Tables Club Weds (every 2 weeks) 4pm-5pm. Join us every other Wednesday to make and play games to help you learn your tables!

Feel Better with a Book Mondays 2.15pm-4pm. Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small friendly group.

Estover Library Knit and Natter Second and last Monday of the month, 10.30am 11.30am For anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet or any other crafts. Bring along what you’re working on or drop in for a chat.

Plymouth Bereavement Counselling Service has received a boost from the local Lions Club.

George Poad, president of Plymouth Lions Club presented a cheque for £250 to Tracy Dixon of the Counselling Service.

The donation is to assist with the service’s general overhead commitments and has received match funding from The Friends of The Bereavement Counselling Service.

The service provides counselling from therapists with specialist knowledge and

Ernesettle Toddlers Group Meets Wednesday mornings 10am-11.30am at St Aidans Church, Ernesettle during term time. email awoolcock@hotmail.co.uk for more info.

Memory Café Thursdays, 10am - 12pm Drop in for a reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Events at Mainstone Community Centre Beginners line dance class 6.15 pm -7.15 pm Thursday evening. Cost £4; Bingo every Wednesday night,cost £6; healthy activities hour, Monday 11 am to 12 noon.

Free to all ages, all abilities.

Lego Club Thursdays, 4pm - 5pm The Lego is supplied, you supply the imagination and building skills.

Writers Group On the second and last Thursday of the month, 6pm - 7.30pm For anyone with an interest in writing stories or plays.

Drop in.

Family History Group Fridays, 2pm - 4pm Get help and advice on tracing your family history.

Knit and Natter Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm. Do you enjoy knitting?

Come along to our weekly group and meet new people who enjoy a chat.

Family History Help Saturdays 10.30am-12 noon. Drop in for help and advice on tracing your family history.

IT for beginners Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm. Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to “Learn My Way”. Our staff will be on hand to help.

Southway Library Work Club Mondays, 9.30am - 11.30am Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Feel Better with a Book Tuesdays, 10am - 11.30am Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small, friendly group.

Book Group First Tuesday of the month, 2pm - 3pm First Wednesday of the month, 4.45pm - 5.45pm Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

experience. It assists people who are experiencing ‘complex grief’ and also those people who have suffered a traumatic bereavement. This may include the death of a child, violent death, suicide or an unexpected/sudden death. Traumatic loss and complex grief can have a profound effect and can prevent people from being able to function normally. Sometimes they may see no hope for the future. Pictured (from left) are Lion Roy Russell, Tracy Dixon and Lion President George Poad.

Rhymetime Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Reading Café Last Saturday of the month 10.30am-11.30am. Meet up last Saturday of the month to have a cuppa and talk about what you’ve been reading.

Rhymetime Tuesdays 10.15am-10.45am. Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Twice weekly Meet at Widewell School, Lulworth Drive, Widewell (behind The George at Roborough). Mondays and Thursdays 6.30pm. Over 16 years and all abilities welcome. For info contact widewellstriders@yahoo. com or check out our website www.widewellstriders. co.uk Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Memory Café Tuesdays 10am -11.30am. Drop in for reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

IT for beginners Tuesdays 11am-12noon. Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to “Learn My Way”. Our staff will be on hand to help.

at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall, 10am-11.30am.

Booking recommended as places are limited. Call Anne 07791332503.

Code Club Tuesdays (term time only) 4.30pm-5.30pm. Code Club is a national network of volunteer-led after school coding clubs for children. Children follow modules of projects to learn about and develop coding skills using Scratch, HTML & CSS and Python.

Chatterbooks Fridays 4pm-5pm. Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

Gynae Girls Cancer Support Group Last Monday of the month Meet at 6.30pm at The Invicta Hotel, Osborne Place, Lockyer Street, Plymouth, PL1 2PU. Chat in a safe environment with refreshments, all new attendees will be made most welcome or you can call Julie or Rachel on 07754665832 or email: gynaegirlscsg. plymouth@gmail.com to touch base with us in the first instance.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays Youth music group for nine to 18 year olds. Meet at Courtlands School Eggbuckland (term time).

Staffed by volunteers who teach guitars, keyboards, drums, singing and flutes and clarinets. We support local events and twice a year hold concerts in the Devonport Playhouse. The children are only charged £1 per week. www.plymouthmac.co.uk Dancing Duo Fortnightly Saturdays With Henry and Jeannie at Elm Community Centre in Estover (near Asda) for ballroom, Latin and sequence, old time and more. Time 7.45pm to 10.45pm free parking. Entry £6. Bring your own drinks and and snacks. For more information call Jeannie Clark on 01803 325905 or visit the website at www.dancingduo. co.uk Coffee Morning and Book Stall Thursdays Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10am to 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and a chat. All welcome.

Plymouth Dog Training Club Meets at St Edward’s Church Hall, Eggbuckland on Wednesday evenings. For details call 01752 350788.

Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening. Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For details visit www.pmhc.co.uk Parents, Babies and Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays Come and join us, meet new friends during term time

Coffee Afternoon Thursdays Mainstone Community Centre hold a weekly coffee afternoon every Thursday at 2pm Lets Work It Out! Mondays Weekly drop-in at the Efford Youth and Community Centre (Blandford Road PL3 6HU). Friendly help and support for all ages and abilities in a relaxed environment Mondays 2-5pm. Basic computer skills, job searching and CV/application writing, voluntary/ work placements and training courses, benefits advice and free tea and coffee! Starting March 14.

To find out more call Becky on 07933916513 or email letsworkitout@mail.com Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-tobe. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parentsto-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 The Filling Station, Yelverton Every fourth Thursday Top up spiritually: we are not a church but an informal way of expressing the Christian faith at monthly meetings. Everybody is welcome. Meet at Clearbook Village Hall at 7.30pm. For details visit www.thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Les and Di Wood 01822 854877.

Singing 4 Fun Thursdays We welcome new members. St Pauls Church, Torridge Way, Efford from 2pm to 3.30pm. For details call Janette 07854 850830.

Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events. Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start.

Socially, we will be enjoying ‘High Tea’ at Yelverton Golf Club and our date for Xmas Lunch has been set for December 15. Details of our Groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

Whitleigh: Tea, Toast and Timebanking Wednesdays 10-12.

Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Share a cuppa and a chat with local people. Everyone welcome. 01752 875916 Whitleigh: Mini Allotment Group.

Alternate Wednesdays 12-1pm. Four Greens Community Trust Hub, 15 The Green, Whitleigh. Come and potter in our little garden. No experience necessary. 01752 875916 Bingo at Leigham Community Hall Fridays at 1pm. Refreshments available.

Barnardo’s Children’s Centre, Whitleigh Monday: Parenting Groups. Call 875933 for more

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY February 2020

information; Garden Time - come and play outside 11.30am to 12.30pm Tuesday: Sensational Babies sensory experience for pre-walkers 9.30am to 10.45am; Bump Buddies - for pregnant ladies and partners 1pm to 2.30pm. Booking essential.

Wednesday: Garden Time - come and play outside 11am to 12 noon; Thursday: Midwife clinic appointments only 9.30am 4pm; Latch-On group 10am to 11.30am; Step by Step for children with additional needs 1pm to 2.15pm; Friday: Community cafe 9.30am to 11am. For more information call 01752 875933.

Regular Events at William Sutton Village Hall, Crownhill Mondays: New Age Kurling for over 50s 12.30pm to 2pm; ACT Community Theatre group 7pm to 9pm; Tuesdays: Knit & Natter 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Wednesdays: Lace making 7pm to 9pm (except summer holidays); Fridays: Yoga 10am to 12pm (except school holidays); Saturdays: Bingo 2pm to 4pm; Katie Su School of Dance Mondays 10am to 11am and 4pm to 6.30pm; Wednesdays 4pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Every second Sunday 11am to 1pm Plymouth O Gauge model railway group.

Derriford Townswomen’s Guild Second Tuesday of the month at 2pm (except August) We meet at Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive Drive, Derriford, Plymouth. Visitors are very welcome to come to our meeting to see if they are interested in joining our Guild. We usually have a speaker and if you decide to join our guild we also have a gardening club, craft group and social studies group. A coffee morning is held each month and there is also a scrabble group and bridge club. For further information you can contact our Secretary Jenny Homeyard on 01752 781291.

Sensational Babies Tuesdays and Wednesdays A baby group with some sensory experiences for prewalkers. Tuesdays at Whitleigh Children’s Centre 9am to 10.45am; Wednesdays at Southernway Children’s Centre 9.30am to 10.45am.

Car Boot Sale Every Sunday George Park & Ride PL67HB Sellers 7am Buyers 7.30am. Cars £7 Vans £10-£15.

Refreshments and toilets on site. All funds raised go to Colebrook Community Centre which is a totally self funding charity. For further details please contact Kay 01752 200046.

Plymouth Miniature Steam Plymouth Miniature Steam is a group of like minded enthusiasts who have an interest in steam engines, model engineering , or any interesting engineering artefact or machine, the club runs a miniature railway in Pendeen Crescent, Southway. for the benefit of members and the local community, Pictures of our activities can be seen on our website (www. plymouthminiaturesteam.co.uk). Some members are able to build their own miniature railway engines and traction engines as well as a wide range of other large scale models, these are often seen in use at the railway, the club caters for both junior and senior members of all abilities and can train new members in engine management and construction. We run an apprenticeship scheme for junior members under 18, and welcome new members of all ages that want to get involved and learn new skills. Contact Rob Hitchcock on 01822 852479 for further details.

Flamenco Beginners Lessons Thursdays Friendly and social group with a passion for Flamenco and Spanish culture. Lessons are for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome as we use a range of levels where students can develop their technique through hand and arm movements and foot tapping. Flamenco is a fun way to exercise whilst learning this fiery and emotional dance. Meet at Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Sevillanas Rumbas & Castanets 7-8pm Compas of 12 & Rumbas. For details call Mercedes on 07848836630 or FB Mercedes Romero Flamenco Salsa and more.

Plymouth Inter Varsity Club (IVC) Part of a national network of similar clubs across the UK - most cities and large towns have an IVC branch.

It promotes social and cultural events, with events organised by its members for its members, including pub nights, meals out, theatre visits, film nights, parties, book club, pub lunches and country walks. Prospective new members of all ages are always welcome, with current membership age 50+. For more information visit the national IVC website at www.ivc.org or the Plymouth IVC website by typing ‘plymouth ivc’ Plymouth Philatelic Society.

Meet at St Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell

Plymouth’s litter hero in fresh appeal

21

Local litter hero Oleta Forde has spoken about her time as a Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHeroes Ambassador, and what she’s managed to achieve so far for Plymouth.

Oleta applied to be a part of the unique environmental charity programme because of her passion for cleaning up and fighting the blight on our community that is litter pollution. Oleta decided to enroll for the programme because, in her own words: “At the time I had recently started my community volunteer group, Plymouth Beach Clean, encouraging people to clean our coastline and protect our ocean. I became a #LitterHeroes Ambassador because I knew I would be stronger being supported by Keep Britain Tidy, pushing me to continue to encourage those in my community to care for our environment.”

Having been a #LitterHeroes Ambassador for 17 months, Oleta feels that being a part of the programme has really helped to improve the litter issue in Plymouth. We asked Oleta what has been the highlight of her time as one of Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes Ambassadors.

“Last June, I was thrilled to be invited to the Palace of Westminster with other #LitterHeroes Ambassadors to celebrate the Great British Spring Clean. This opportunity to meet with other Ambassadors from across the country and celebrate everyone’s achievements, not only over the month of the Great British Spring Clean, but also over the last year since becoming #LitterHeroes Ambassadors.”

Oleta explained what people can do to help. “To support my role as a #LitterHeroes Ambassador and bring change in our community, I would like to ask people to spread the word about Plymouth Beach Clean.

“People may be refusing, reducing, reusing and recycling waste but there is still litter in the ocean washing up on our shores every day with the tide. We offer a simple way to get involved in on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9pm. Events include displays from local and visiting speakers, an annual auction and competition nights.

At some meetings there will be a dealer present. Visit www.plymouthphilatelicsociety.co.uk for details or contact David on 01752402981.

Country Dance Plymouth Meet on Tuesdays, 8pm -10pm in Trinity United Reformed Church Hall, Torr Lane, Hartley. Wide range of country dances, from the 17th century to the present day, beginners are most welcome and partners not needed, good exercise for the body and mind. Please call 07866980752 for more details.

RASC / RCT Association (Plymouth Branch) Branch meeting times have again been changed, the start time will now be at 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening (bi-monthly). The first meeting in 2020 will be the AGM on January 15 (7.30pm) at the Army Reserve Centre as normal. The Corps Annual Dinner will be held at Boringdon Park Golf Club, Plympton on January 31 (7pm for 7.30pm).

Fishing Club Local club have salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing memberships available on Rivers Plym and Tavy. Contact 07866 315195 or see website searching for Plymouth and District Freshwater Angling Association.

Ford Park Cemetery Gardening Club Third Sunday of the month The Club meets outside the Visitor Centre at 11.30am and is always looking for new members. If you have a few hours spare, why not go along and join them.

Devon Family History Society Fourth Tuesday of month Come along to our meetings and hear interesting and varied talks. Occasionally, we hold members evening where people can give a resume on their family history.

If anyone is hitting a brick wall, members will offer advice on how to resolve it. Meetings take place at Sturgeon Hall, Mutley Plain, (parking is free),starting at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are available. Any queries on membership or meetings please contact markparkman@icloud.com My Health, My Way Various dates Free four week courses running throughout 2019/20.

Helps participants develop knowledge, skills and confidence to self-manage the challenges of living with a health condition. Workshops are delivered by

Litter Ambassador Oleta Forde

protecting our ocean.”

If you would like to know more about Oleta’s progress as a #LitterHeroes Ambassador, you can find out about what she’s up to via her website www.plymouthbeachclean. co.uk and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ plymouthbeachclean), Twitter (twitter.com/ plymbeachclean/) and Instagram (www. instagram.com/plymouthbeachclean).

The Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHeroes Ambassador programme – developed to create a network of volunteers across the country - is made possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery. There are now more than 250 #LitterHeroes Ambassadors who are working with the charity and in their local volunteers who are also living with a long-term health condition themselves. For more details contact Lorraine Grave at Improving Lives Plymouth on 01752 201892 or visit www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk Rambling The Plymouth branch of the National Ramblers welcomes new members on any of its extensive programme of walks. Details from the website plymouthramblers.org.uk. A less extensive programme is offered by the local Dartmoor Rambling Club, including Wednesday walks using only public transport. Phone John Skinner on 01752674230 to be s ent a printed programme. Both groups love meeting new people and enjoying a chat as we walk through interesting places on seacoast, moor and river valley etc.

RSPB Plymouth Local Group We hold regular walks and coach trips throughout the year and talks on birds/wildlife from September to March, so if interested in birds please have a look at our website for programme details. Google RSPB Plymouth. New members always welcome.

Plymouth Morris Meet on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Plymouth School of Creative Arts, Millbay, Plymouth (the big red building near the entrance to Brittany Ferries). We are now inviting male and female dancers to join us in time for the Mayflower 400 commemoration in 2020. See website for more details www.plymouthmorrismen. org.uk. All welcome.

Rambling The Plymouth branch of the National Ramblers welcomes new members on any of its extensive programme of walks. Details from the website plymouthramblers.org.uk. A less extensive programme is offered by the local Dartmoor Rambling Club, including Wednesday walks using only public transport. Phone John Skinner on 01752674230 to be sent a printed programme. Both groups love meeting new people and enjoying a chat as we walk through interesting places on seacoast, moor and river valley etc.

RASC/RCT Association (Plymouth Branch) Bi-monthly branch meetings take place at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road, Derriford on March 11, May 13, July 8, September 9 and November 11 starting at 7.30pm. The annual general meeting will be on January 13 2021 at the same venue. The Corps Annual Dinner will be held in late January 2021. The Branch needs

communities – inspiring and supporting new and existing #LitterHeroes to take action, and helping clean up our country together.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “While we should all care for the environment on our doorstep, there are some people who go above and beyond – supporting and inspiring others with their passion and infectious enthusiasm.

“That’s why we are delighted that Oleta is supporting our cause as a #LitterHeroes Ambassador. Thanks to support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we are now able to give a helping hand to some of these amazing individuals as they inspire others and take action to clean up our country.” your support, please make the effort to take part and help keep the Branch alive.

RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) Dates of branch meetings for 2019 are as follows: Oct 23 and Nov 27. Meetings are held at held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth and start at 10.30am. Other dates for future events include: Sunday Sept 15 at 11am for ‘Battle of Britain’ Service at St Andrew’s Minster, Royal Parade (all welcome); Saturday December 14 at 12 noon, annual Christmas lunch at Raffles Club. We look forward to meeting members old and new. Please try to come along to these meetings and show support to your Branch and the committee and help to keep the branch alive!

RSPB Plymouth Local Group We hold regular walks and coach trips throughout the year and talks on birds/wildlife from September to March, so if interested in birds please have a look at our website for programme details. Google RSPB Plymouth. New members always welcome.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Your local sanctuary for most types of unwanted domestic pets. Good homes always needed - have a look at lovely animals, and what we do on www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk. We don’t destroy any animal unless it’s beyond veterinary help or dangerous and we have special units for elderly residents. Please don’t allow your pet to breed, ask us for friendly advice, or about our spay and neuter scheme for owners on benefit instead. Based in Elfordleigh. Tel 01752 347503.

Flamenco Dance Lessons Thursdays Lessons for beginners but more experienced dancers are welcome Plymouth School of Creative Arts (dance studio) 6-7pm Beginners - for adults and children. Learn the basics. 7-8pm Open Level - all abilities welcome and wishing to progress their Flamenco technique. For details contact Mercedes on 07848836630.

MS Society Third Thursday of the month at Colebrook Community Centre, Peacock Meadow, Plympton, Plymouth between 11am - 1pm. Refreshments and usually a guest speaker. MS sufferers and their carers are all welcome.

• continued on next page

22 February 2020 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • continued from previous page Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group Fridays If you are at least 50 years old living in the Plymouth area and looking for somewhere to go, we invite you to come to our regular monthly meetings, currently held at the Oak Villa Sports Club, Ferndale Road, Plymouth, PL2 2EL from 2pm to 4pm. At least once a month there is a social meeting with live music and a buffet, costing just £2. Also free monthly darts and target bowls meetings, there is no charge to come to these meetings. All these meetings are from 2pm to 4pm, and is always on a Friday. Also monthly lunches at local restaurants and hotels. So anyone looking for good company and somewhere to go , can just come to one of the meetings or contact Margaret Williams on 01752 350498.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Mondays and Thursdays Meet at the Woolwell Centre, Darklane, Woolwell, Plymouth, PL6 7TR from 6.30pm to 8pm. Friendly club offering all running abilities, over 16s welcome. Details visit www.plymouthstriders.co.uk

Your guide to community events in your area

Details of other city-wide community groups can now be viewed online at www plymouthchronicle.co.uk Organisations wishing to update their details or submit a new entry should send the information to info@ cornerstonevision.com

Award winning community interest company moves to Derriford Beach Schools South West, a community interest company which provides outdoor learning sessions to primary school children in the South West is locating their base to Plymouth Science Park in Derriford.

The ambitious company has won a number of awards including the Western Morning News Community Contribution Award 2017 and Green Apple International Environmental/ Education Awards 2016/2018. They were also finalists in the Rural Business Awards Education category 2018.

The company has big plans to grow and offer their sessions across other parts of the country and are locating to Plymouth Science Park to support the next stage of their business growth.

Tess Stuber at Beach Schools South West said: “Since we established almost seven years ago we have provided outdoor educational opportunities to primary school children all over the west country. These sessions have a profoundly positive impact on their educational outcomes, health and wellbeing and view of their world around them. We’re delighted to be locating to Plymouth Science Park as we continue to expand our geographical coverage.

“The science park offers excellent conferencing facilities for training, development and events as well as the chance to network with the prestigious businesses based on the site.”

Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park said: “We are delighted to welcome Beach Schools South West to the park. We are a leading centre for innovation and excellence, and our tenants have a desire to share knowledge, expertise and grow. We’re looking forward to working with Beach Schools South West and inspiring and educating future generations to value the natural environment.”

To find out more about Beach Schools South West go to www.beachschoolssouthwest.co.uk

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Plymouth History Festival returns in May Plymouth History Festival will take place between May 8 and May 31 this year.

The popular annual celebration of the city’s heritage has been running for eight years.

It’s coordinated by The Box and supported by Plymouth City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Since the History Festival started in 2013 thousands of residents and visitors have taken part in hundreds of events, learning and discovering more about Plymouth’s history through talks, guided walks and tours, performances, family activities, exhibitions and displays.

Celebrating Plymouth is always the central theme. In 2020 the programme will also connect with the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations.

During the opening weekend the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Pirates Weekend Plymouth and the start of historic yacht race, the OSTAR Original Single-Handed Transatlantic Race will take place.

Later in the month people will be able to see the start of The Imagination Museum: Mayflower 400’ - a series of inspiring performances that use movement, text and music to explore the Mayflower’s historic journey.

Local organisations, societies and individuals can now submit their entries for the programme - especially for events that will take place from May 11 onwards.

To submit an event either request, complete and return a booking form via museumevents@ plymouth.gov.uk or send through the title,

date(s), start and finish times, venue address, booking information, contact details and event description. The deadline for submissions is midnight on January 31.

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader said: “The History Festival has been a big success each year and we’re hoping 2020 will be the best yet.

We’d love some of the events to connect with Mayflower 400 and other related themes such as journeys, democracy, legacy, imagination, humanity and cross-cultural collaboration.

“There are other important anniversaries in 2020 that could provide food for thought too, including 75 years since the end of the Second World War, 80 years since the Battle of Britain and 125 years since the National Trust was founded. It will be great to see what everyone comes up with.”

A festival website will go live shortly. In the meantime stay up-to-date with news about the festival on Facebook and Twitter.

Together for Childhood Going into 2020, we’re a lot clearer on what steps we need to take to support community members to understand what sexual abuse is, to recognise that it can be prevented, and what they can do if they have concerns about a child.

It’s because we’ve spent time exploring what people living and working in our pilot site area of Ernesettle already know about child sexual abuse, and some of the steps they take to prevent it. It has been really encouraging to learn that 95% of respondents think tackling child sexual abuse is very important and 73% think child sexual abuse can be prevented.

We want to support the whole community to think about how groups and agencies, both locally and across the city, can work with them to keep children and young people safer.

It is never a child’s responsibility to keep themselves safe from abuse, and through Together for Childhood we’re helping communities understand that it is every adult’s responsibility. We learned through our community survey how confusing it can be for people to know who to contact if they have a concern or how agencies work to prevent abuse.

To make this better, we are developing training that will help them spot the signs of sexual abuse, and know what to do if they have a worry about a child. In listening to their concerns we’re now building their confidence to know how to handle a concern or disclosure, no matter how historic it may be.

We’re also talking to people locally to find out what agencies can do to be more visible and accessible.

We know that most children who are sexually abused know their abuser and often they won’t understand that what is happening to them is abuse. However, what our survey told us was people thought children were at more risk online and from strangers than from people they know. So, although most had spoken to their children about stranger danger, only one fifth had

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.

Children pictured are models Credit Tom Hull

talked to their children about sexual abuse.

People told us they may not be having those conversations because they think their children are too young or are worried about scaring them. It’s why we are giving parents age-appropriate ways to talk to their children to help keep them safe.

Our PANTS campaign in the city is a great example of this – it’s giving parents the tools, resources, language, and confidence to have simple conversations with their children that may help protect them.

Making the connection that talking about the PANTS rules with their children or listening to them when they say they don’t want a kiss from a relative are all ways parents are in fact talking about sexual abuse with their kids – in a child friendly way.

We’d like to thank the people of Ernesettle for their time and effort in helping us to complete this piece of research, which will help continue to develop Together for Childhood and ultimately help us keep children across the city safer.

Working together, we’ve come a long way with Together for Childhood.

To celebrate all of the ground-breaking work taking place in Ernesettle over the last 12 months, we are having a celebration event on Wednesday February 26 between 12.30pm and 2.30pm at the Parkway Social Club, Ernesettle.

Anyone wanting to attend, or find out more, can contact Jacky Wood on 07976065308 or pop along on the day.

Follow us on Twitter @TFCPlymouth or on Facebook via Together for Childhood Plymouth (Ernesettle).

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.

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.

February 2020

@PlymChronicle

23

Morlaix Drive preparation work is set to begin

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

Preparation work for improvements to Morlaix Drive are set to get under way in February.

Morlaix Drive is currently a narrow, 300 metre stretch of road that links Brest Road with Derriford Hospital and provides access for the ambulance station, the Thornberry Centre and the hospital’s large multi-storey car park. It is, in parts, too narrow for vehicles to travel along in both directions.

Improvements include widening the road to allow for the flow of two-way traffic, including buses, and an upgrade of the existing narrow footway to a shared pedestrian and cycle path.

Although the main scheme will start later in the year, contractors will be moving in from the beginning of February to get the site ready for construction.

Preparation work will involve felling trees along the southern side of Morlaix Drive so that the widening of the road is possible. In all, around 40 trees will be removed along with surrounding shrubs and vegetation.

They will be replaced by 57 small to large trees, 100 whips (branchless, plants that often flower) and low level, mossy understorey ornamental planting.

A variety of tree species will be planted next to the widened road to create a colourful arboretum, with sensitive lighting for bats and new bat and bird boxes.

Any trees that can’t be replanted on site with be placed in the nearby Bircham Valley Nature Reserve, where further biodiversity improvements may include restocking woodland, thinning and re-stocking/re-planting with more diverse species and undertaking ongoing tree maintenance.

The main purpose of the Morlaix Drive Scheme is to provide better bus access to Derriford Hospital and improve reliability for bus services in the north of the city, complimenting the recently built Derriford Hospital Interchange and Marjon Link Road schemes.

This will, in turn, encourage more people to leave their cars at home when they are visiting or working at the hospital, thereby reducing pollution.

Morlaix Drive will need to close to all vehicles (excluding ambulances and access), but work will be limited to day time working during the weekends only. Work will take place on Saturdays and Sundays until March 1, between 8am and 5pm.

Morlaix Drive is one of a number of infrastructure improvements needed to allow sustainable growth in the north of the city to happen. It will become a key route for buses, allowing direct access to the hospital via the new Forder Valley Link Road for services from the east of the city.

At the moment, traffic often queues along Brest Road at busy times of the day and the opening of the Forder Valley Link Road means that traffic and bus routes are set to change in the area in the next few years.

To help with this, the junction of Morlaix Drive with Brest Road will have new traffic lights and the northbound Brest Road entry on to Derriford Roundabout will be for buses and emergency vehicles only.

Traffic travelling to Derriford Roundabout from Morlaix Drive will be able to do so via William Prance Road, which was recently upgraded as part of the Derriford Transport Scheme.

Pedestrian crossings and bus stops will also be upgraded.

Staff and visitors to the hospital will still be able to use Morlaix Drive. The southbound exit from Derriford roundabout onto Brest Road will remain open to all vehicles.

The project is being funded using £3.3m of funding already awarded by the Department for Transport through the National Productivity Investment Fund with the Council contributing around £1.4m from developer contributions.

USEFUL NUMBERS

Helplines

MEDIFEST event supported by naval medical staff based at Derriford Hospital Royal Navy medical staff from Derriford Hospital gave up their time to take in the inaugural MEDIFEST event in Plymouth.

Also supporting the event was Royal Navy Surgeon Commander Jo Keogh, Commanding Officer of the Joint Hospital Group (South West), based at Derriford Hospital, six medical staff have given up their time to attend and take part in the inaugural MEDIFEST Plymouth.

There to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects within the clinical services, the event was run over two days, day one allocated for students and day two open to the public at Plymouth’s Guildhall.

MEDIFEST was organised by the STEM Coordinator for Plymouth City Council, Tina Brinkworth, with the assistance of Devonport High

School for Girls. The event showcased a number of paramedical careers with up to 1,000 students from across the city attending Friday’s event.

The aim of MEDIFEST was to raise awareness and broaden horizons of young people to research careers in a range of medical and allied professions and science, especially pharmacy where there currently is a shortage in the south west.

The interactive exhibition was designed to bring the community together to explore ways to pursue a healthy lifestyle and disseminate vital public health messages as well as provide opportunities for the Universities, Medical Practitioners, Sports Companies and Businesses to share current practice and projects. MEDIFEST also showed the importance of medical history in medicine today, promote science careers and how to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

“I am delighted that the Joint Hospital Group were invited to support the inaugural MEDIFEST Plymouth,” said Surg Cdr Jo Keogh. “It presented a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people in the city and to demonstrate how STEM subjects can transfer to a wide range of careers.

“A number of my staff attended the event and discussing their personal experiences as well as providing practical demonstrations to those attending.”

CLIMATE CHANGE, NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT TO BE DISCUSSED

Plymouth Green and Science Book Club will be discussing three books at their next meeting.

They are: The Case for the Green New Deal

by Ann Pettifor, On Fire by Naomi Klein and Junglenomics: Nature’s Solution to the World Environment Crisis by Simon Lamb.

Everyone is welcome to go along and discuss the three books and it is not necessary to have read all three or any of them.

Discussion will be facilitated by author Simon Lamb, who is happy to share his e-book version free of charge to students on request by e-mailing him at junglenomics@aol.com.

Simon said: “If the mass of scientific evidence is to be believed, it is no exaggeration to say that we are approaching last chance saloon; that unless the world gets its act together pretty soon it faces an era of despair and decline.

“But I will argue that with nature’s guidance it is not too late to turn it instead into one of hope and rejuvenation.”

The free event is open to all and is taking place on March 30 between 6.30pm and 8pm in Room 405, Babbage Building, University of Plymouth.

The room has disabled access - if the ground floor door is locked ring 01752 588400.

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 01752 666777 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

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

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

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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

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

24 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Play park funding gets big boost Further funding for several city play areas is being celebrated.

The second phase of Plymouth City Council’s Improving Outdoor Play programme, originally announced in 2018, promised that 38 Plymouth play parks would be refurbished.

With 26 either complete or ready to start and eight in consultation and planning, the project has received further funding of £318,000 in external funding.

This additional income means that a number of parks will or have already benefited from a higher spec upgrade than originally envisaged.

One of the play areas that will benefit is Bernice Terrace in Lipson, where council leader Tudor Evans and deputy leader Pete Smith went to lend a hand with the refurb.

Councillor Smith said: “This is a project that matters to people in all parts of the city so I’m delighted by the extra funding. I’ve followed the programme with interest since the beginning and I can’t wait to see children enjoying the new facilities.”

Details of the projects are funding are: • Section 106 funding will go towards sites at Redwood Drive, Victoria Park and Honicknowle Green • A grant from the Ministry for Homes, Community and Local Government will help fund Bladder Meadow, How Street, Carlton Terrace and Strand Street • The Postcode Lottery have contributed a grant towards improvements at Milford Lane • Local charity Whitleigh Big Local made a significant contribution towards Lancaster Gardens • Babcock put money towards improvements at Teat’s Hill.

In all, the council looks after and maintains over 130 play areas across the city.

To find details of the play areas go to www. plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ findplayground

Efford & Lipson ward Councillor Brian Vincent, Council leader Tudor Evans and deputy leader Pete Smith help to install a roundabout at Bernice Terrace

Woodfield Primary celebrate Ofsted rating

over 22,000

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

2020

Play parks across the city are receiving a £300,000 boost from the counci See back page l

Head of School Aaron Meredit Alison Pearce and h, chief executiv the Inspire e of Academy Trust, join pupils to celebrate their successwith

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homes in Derriford and North edition

The March edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on March 6 with a copy

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).

Chronicle

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deadline of February 24. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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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 report stated that ‘Respect lies at the heart of the school’s work and pupils know that their views matter and that staff will listen to them. Pupils enjoy their lessons, work hard and achieve well. Staff help pupils to develop the personal qualities that will help them to learn well.’

The Inspector noted that ‘Teachers have high expectations and pupils aim to reach these. Leaders provide staff with the skills they need to do their job well. Staff are conscientious and share leaders’ desire to improve. Everyone works towards the same goals. As a result, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education when they leave Woodfield.’

The report also praised school leaders

carers were also considered as part of the inspection process.

The report noted that leaders protect staff wellbeing and that staff appreciate this and that the strong staff team works well with others in schools across the trust.

Chair of Learning Academies Trust, John Butcher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this Ofsted report which very clearly celebrates the fantastic work the staff of Woodfield do day in and day out for the children in their care.”

When Ofsted have judged a school to be good, they will normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good. This is called a Section 8 inspection of a good school or nonexempt outstanding school. This is the first Section 8 inspection since the school became part of the Learning Academies Trust in 2016.

Previously the school had received a good judgement in 2013.

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and the local advisory board for having a ‘heartfelt commitment to helping pupils to get on in life’.

Headteacher Ciara Moran said: “I am immensely proud of this report. We are thrilled that the inspector recognised so many positive things about our school.

Woodfield is a place where children are happy and can thrive and this report is a real credit to the staff who work so hard to make our school so special”.

The hard work of everyone at the school shone through in the report which also praised the school saying that ‘Pupils are proud of their school and their achievements.

Teachers make learning interesting. Pupils work together well. The school’s work prepares pupils to be good citizens in the future.’

An Ofsted inspector visited the school in October and spoke with pupils about their work and school life as well meeting with members of the local advisory board, senior leaders and staff. Views from parents and

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Staff and pupils at Woodfield Primary School in Whitleigh are celebrating their latest Ofsted inspection report, after inspectors judged that the school continues to be a ‘good’ school.