The Plymouth Chronicle Waterside and West February 2020

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Waterside & West

February 2020

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

KEEP FIT, EARN MONEY 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.

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

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

It’s puppy love!

Students from Stoke Damerel Community College have presented two cuddly companion puppies to residents of a local care home after a fund raising bake sale raised a total of £240 • Story and photos on page 3

2 February 2020

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New Wellbeing Hub opens at Stirling Road Surgery Stirling Road Surgery in St Budeaux is making health and wellbeing support more accessible to with the opening of a Wellbeing Hub.

Plymouth student Ricky, 12 picks up second award

Stoke Damerel Community College student Ricky Blight, who received a special police award in October for his research work into young people’s perceptions and experiences of knife crime in Plymouth, has collected a second award - this time from the British Youth Council (BYC).

Ricky, 12, was presented with the BYC’s Personal Development Award for the whole of the South West region, at an event in Exeter in January, when he was chosen from a final shortlist of five.

Both awards are in recognition of Ricky’s contribution as a member of the Plymouth Youth Parliament, which he only joined as a non-elected member in 2019. He is now standing in the forthcoming Plymouth Youth Parliament election and hopes to be voted in as an elected member by young people in the city.

In choosing Ricky as the winner of the South West BYC Personal Development Award, the judges said it was “amazing to see how much he had already achieved” and that his “desire to stand in the upcoming elections shows his dedication to promoting and encouraging youth voice.”

The BYC award looks for three particular attributes - a young person who has challenged themselves to overcome barriers to being involved; a long-term involvement showing dedication; and achievements that would have been hard for them since they started on their journey, such as public speaking and meeting new people.

Ricky was nominated by Jenny Way, of Plymouth Youth Parliament. She said: “For someone that has only been attending the group since last year, Ricky has done extremely well - first the police award, and now, to be picked as the winner of the South West region from all the entries, is amazing.

“He has become a key member of the team and a valued member. He is a very hands-on member of the group and is always the first to offer to take on new pieces of work - for instance the knife crime campaign. And he really pushes himself to achieve a high level of outcomes.”

Ricky said he was ‘pretty surprised’ to win the BYC award and added: “I think the award I received from the Police made a difference, but it was still a surprise.

“Being a member of the Youth Parliament has definitely helped with my personal development.

I am really pleased that I joined it and the work I have done so far has given me the confidence to try to become an elected member. I like being able to speak on behalf of young people, so they have a voice.”

Ricky’s election campaign focuses on knife crime and community safety. If elected, he will receive £250 to spend on knife crime work. “If I am elected, I would spend the £250 producing leaflets and encouraging groups of young people to create something artistic around knife crime. That is a really good way of raising awareness about knife crime and the impact it has on people’s lives.”

Director of specialist services at Stoke Damerel Community College, Simon Kelly, said: “Ricky has worked hard for the Youth Parliament and he truly deserves this recognition. The whole school is extremely proud of him.”

Launched by partners, including Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and Colebrook Southwest this is the latest in a series of a dozen Wellbeing Hubs that have been commissioned to open their doors over the next two years.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “I am delighted to be opening another Wellbeing Hub in the city, they are such a key part of supporting people in their own communities to make life choices that will improve their health and wellbeing.

“At a time where health and social care budgets are stretched to their limits, the coming together of our communities to provide services on people’s doorsteps is more valuable than ever.”

Stirling Road Wellbeing Hub will offer a range of services to help improve health and wellbeing outcomes for its community, some of which will include: • Housing, legal benefits, debt support, care advocacy • Counselling, befriending and other support groups • Employment and volunteering • Education, training, learning and digital inclusion • Healthy lifestyles and health promotion • Social and peer support activities • Arts, crafts and therapeutic activities Dr Ed Parry-Jones, clinical lead, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group,

Councillors, council officials and other key partners at the launch of the Wellbeing Hub

said: “The opening of Stirling Road is a fantastic development. I work as a GP in this community and see on a daily basis why a hub like this is needed and the difference it will make. We need to be doing more to support people to stay healthy and well.

“The staff at the surgery are excited about this new development and keen to get involved.”

Dawn Eastley, community engagement services manager from Colebrook South West said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work on this exciting new development with Access Healthcare and

Plymouth City Council. We have worked in the local community for the past 5 years and are looking forward to building even closer links with organisations in the area and beyond to improve the wellbeing of residents in St Budeaux and Barne Barton.”

The Wellbeing Hubs are a feature of Plymouth’s joint integrated commissioning strategy agreed by Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group.

It is hoped that enabling more people to get the right type of help earlier will ultimately reduce pressure on social care and health services.

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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February 2020

3

New first class library opens its doors in St Budeaux

Residents must sign up for garden waste collections this year

Built on the site of the old library in Victoria Road, the new library is a modern, flexible space with a wide selection of books, free computer and Wi-Fi access, a dedicated children’s space, meeting rooms for hire, a garden and events and activities for all ages.

Deputy Council Leader Pete Smith said: “This is absolutely fantastic for the people of this area and the city. We’ve created a first class library which is bright, open and welcoming for residents. It has more books, more computers, a fantastic children’s library and lots of space to sit, read, study and use the free Wi-Fi.” The council is committed to making sure that all its libraries and services are first class to best support and serve every community in the city and in order to support that promise to residents a new libraries service charter has been created.

The charter promises to: - Promote a love of reading.

- Help residents get online.

- Increase access to cultural activities.

- Help residents lead happy and healthier lives.

- Listen to service users Faye Hambleton, Service Director Customer Service: “Our libraries are about so much more than just books: they are social spaces at the heart of our communities. They are places for people to come and learn new things as well as being a place for people to come and spend some time. Some of the regular activities at the new library will include Rhymetimes, Lego and Coding clubs for children, job clubs, IT help, the popular Memory Café for adults and lots more.”

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

Cllr Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council cuts the tape to open the new library

A brand new purpose built library has officially opened its doors in St Budeaux.

The site will eventually be part of a mixed development that will also include 24 new affordable homes, four of which are wheelchair accessible.

Find out more about new the library at www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries/ findlibraryandopeninghours/stbudeauxlibrary

A member of the library team reading to youngsters

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

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.

Students present cuddly companion puppies to care home residents Stoke Damerel Community College students have presented two therapeutic cuddly toy puppies to a local care home, after a college bake sale raised over £240.

The students decided to raise the money after noticing at a previous visit to Two Trees Care Home that interactive cat cuddly toys were a source of comfort and companionship for the residents.

All the cakes were home-made and the students sold them during their break and lunch time.

Teacher Jodi Le Page said: “The cake sale broke all college records!

Each puppy costs £120, so to raise enough money to buy two was a real achievement.”

Special mention must go to Year 9 student Amelia Shearer, who made 45 cup cakes!

The presentation went down a storm, when the students paid a special visit to Two Trees in Milehouse Road in January.

Care home manager, Catherine Robertson, said: “These companion pets are very calming, you only have to see the effect they have when residents stroke them.

“They also get the residents reminiscing and talking about the pets they used to have, which is lovely to see.

“When we learnt that the students had done a bake sale to buy two more, it just melted our hearts.”

Happy resident with one of the companion pets

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 3: Richard Jones: 50 years with Heritage Railways.

Richard reflects on the railways with which he has served through a photographic and narrated journey.

His presentations reflect his vast experience in professional service to some of the smaller and larger heritage railways. Digital presentation.

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.

Fiction Reading: Painter to the King Feb 4 Levinsky Gallery, University of Plymouth 7pm to 8.30pm. Amy Sackville is a British award-winning fiction writer and teacher of creative writing at the University of Kent. Her most recent book Painter to the King, was published in 2018. The story of painter Diego Velázquez, from his arrival at the court of King Philip IV of Spain, to his death 38 years and scores of paintings later. Amy will be reading from this widely acclaimed novel and will discuss its themes. For tickets and information call 01752 585050.

Harry Potter Book Night Feb 6 Plymouth Central Library, Armada Way, Plymouth 3pm to 8pm. A Harry Potter themed night of mischief activities, games, competitions and prizes. Dress up as your favourite character with prizes for the most inventive and original costumes.from 4pm to 5pm Harry Potter themed Hello World session followed by showing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (12A) booking advisable (tel. 305901) 40 places available.

Plymouth Flower Club Feb 7 Trinity Church Hall, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth starting at 1.45pm. Sue Griffiths, will be giving a demonstration entitled Do Roses Grow On You? Guests are welcome at a charge of £7 per person. Further details from Sue on 01752 265242.

Plympton Fuchsia and Geranium Group Feb 11 Meetings take place in the Main Hall at Harewood House in Plympton at 7.30pm and generally lasting for a couple of hours. Guests are always made most welcome and reasonably priced refreshments are available half way through the meeting. There is also a raffle.

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.

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 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

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/

writing, old film footage and stories from people like you. Tickets from www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

we can live sustainably in a modern world. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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

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.

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.“ 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 high-quality 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 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

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.

Chris and James Tanner at the Barbican Kitchen

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

Devonport High students bid for glory in prestigious UK maths challenge Students from Devonport High School for Boys will be joining other aspiring mathematicians from across the UK in the national finals of a prestigious maths challenge.

The final, taking place in London on February 4, is run by the UK Mathematics Trust and the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, supported by LetterOne. Teams from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will compete in a range of challenges in a bid to win the prestigious title.

The team consists of Somsubhro Bagchi (team captain), Robert Liu, Aidan Ricketts and Lalit Kathiresan as well as their teacher, Tay Huq. Two of the team, Somsubhro Bagchi and Robert Liu, will be participating in the challenge for the third time this year.

Over 1100 schools and colleges entered the competition and the best 88 have qualified to take part in the fiercely testing grand finale. First and foremost, the teams will fight for the kudos of being crowned the best school or college maths team in the UK but they will also receive a trophy, presented by University Challenge contestant and famous maths teacher - Bobby Seagull - as well as book prizes and medals.

Somsubhro said: “A lot of the time people talk about maths as something that is useful for life, and that is true, but I actually like maths because it’s fun. In fact it’s beautiful. It’s like asking what

The team from Devonport High School for Boys

use a painting has - it doesn’t have to have any particular use.”

Maths teacher Tay Huq has entered students into the challenge for 12 of the 14 years he has been teaching. His teams have reached the national finals on most of these occasions and one team even achieved eighth place, some feat

in an elite competition that brings together the brightest young minds in the country.

This year Tay hopes for a top 10 finish, although he is happy with what his team have already achieved: “Teaching is the most rewarding job I’ve ever done and I love taking students to this competition,” he said.

Jean’s ‘joy-filled’ exhibition in Devonport FathersHouseSW

NEXT EVENT. ..

Peter Mockford 15th February The King’s, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ at 7:30pm

16th February The King’s, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ at 10:30am The Worship Centre, Estover, PL6 7LF at 7:30pm Find more about Peter Mockford on the Father’s House website www.fathershouse.org.uk

Peter Mockford at Father’s House Listen to the Art Of Living programme featuring Peter on 5th & 14th February at 10am 1st February at 5pm Tune In on 96.3FM or listen online at bit.ly/crplymradio

Visit our website to find out more: Podcasts • Newsletter • Event details For more information info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

Local artist Jean Mintoff is staging an exhibition of her work at Devonport Guildhall in March.

Jean has lived in Plymouth for five years and is secretary of the Plymouth Watercolour Society, a member of the Breakaways Art Group in Oreston and a member of the Drawn to the Valley group of artists and regularly exhibits with these groups.

But this is the first time Jean has staged a solo exhibition in a major venue.

Jean paints mainly in acrylics, but sometimes in oils, watercolour, mixed media or pastel. She enjoys painting a wide variety of subjects.

Jean said: “This exhibition of my paintings, entitled ‘Joy’, celebrates the joy to be found in life and in the world around. In this age of doom and gloom, we are constantly bombarded with all sorts of things which so easily drag us down and cause us to despair or lose hope.

“I am as much aware of this as we all are, but my aim in this exhibition is to show that there is still hope and there

One of Jean’s paintings

is much good in this world, much beauty and much that can bring us joy if only we have eyes to see it.”

Jean is a committed Christian and sees the world through the eyes of faith.

She added: “The universe

itself and the world we live in is so amazing and has such beauty; its landscapes and seascapes so awe-inspiring, diverse weather conditions and the quality of light adding to the awesome wonder that can be found almost

anywhere on earth.

The plants, flowers, animals, birds and other creatures are so intricately and wonderfully made that we are often totally amazed at the wild-life films we see.

“Even the creations of man, buildings, machines and technology itself can cause us to wonder. In addition, we were created for fellowship with one another and the love of mothers, children, sisters, brothers and friends all contribute to the enjoyment of our lives on earth.

“Work too can be a source of joy to many, especially that which is creative in some way or helps, cares for and enhances life for others.

Most of these vastly differing themes can be found in my work. I have had a lot of joy in painting these exhibits, and I hope those who visit the Exhibition will find a taste of joy too.”

The exhibition takes place from March 4 to 17 and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Closed Sundays.

Admission is free.

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.

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 you 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.

Students learn contemporary dance from the professionals Lauren’s title bid 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.

Year 8 students at Stoke Damerel Community College have taken part in a workshop with Exim Dance Company.

During the two-hour workshop held in the New Year, the students developed their technical and performance skills through contemporary dance.

Dance teacher at the college, Naomi Adams said: “I have never seen a group of students engage this much in a workshop before! They were asking questions, challenging themselves and adapting movement where suitable.

I was extremely proud of what the students achieved in such a short space of time.

“Not only was this workshop an opportunity to develop their dancing, but to challenge, reflect and take pride in their work,” she added.

Artistic Director at Exim Dance, Laura Nightingale, was also impressed: “The maturity and respect within the room really helped support an enriching environment. It was very hard to select one student who stood out, as all the students in the workshop were fantastic.”

Exim Dance are an award-winning Plymouth-based professional dance company known for their fresh and vibrant approach to making dance accessible to all. The company tours nationally and internationally and has an extensive programme of outreach and education work.

Naomi said: “They are a fantastic dance company and we are looking forward to working with them again very soon.”

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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

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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.

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14 February 2020

Preparations begin for Forder Valley Interchange improvements Initial preparations for road improvements at the Forder Valley (Leigham) Roundabout are now under way.

Site clearance work began on January 20 to enable final ground surveys to be carried out and get the site ready for construction work later in the year.

This will include removing trees and vegetation around the roundabout and on both sides of Forder Valley Road.

Between 80 and 100 trees will need to be removed, along with shrubs and undergrowth, with around 300 new trees being planted on and off-site to replace those lost.

Landscaping plans for the scheme will see improved planting that will better blend the verges of the highway into meadow grasslands, then into tree and shrub planting at the woodland edge before merging with the existing mature woodlands of the Forder Valley.

A more diverse range of grasses and wildflower species for the meadows will provide excellent habitats for insects and invertebrates and the woodland edge will be planted with native species of trees and shrubs, providing food and shelter for the local wildlife.

The first phase of replanting will begin next month and will include planting a section of hedgerow containing around 100 trees to help enhance a wetland area at May’s Marsh – just to the south-east of the Forder Valley Interchange site.

The new 300 trees are in addition to the 14,500 trees that will be planted as part of the neighbouring Forder Valley Link Road scheme.

The site clearance works will take around eight weeks to complete. To do this safely, some lane closures will be needed but only during off-peak hours (9.30am to 3.30pm) between Monday and Friday, with the occasional Saturday.

The lane closures will be in various locations as the works progress, starting with a one lane closure on the Delamere Road entry to the roundabout. The short merge from the roundabout onto Forder Valley Road will also be reduced to one lane.

The traffic management programme will depend on progress and the best way to keep up-to-date with the lane closures is by signing up to receive scheme updates by emailing fvlrcomms@balfourbeatty.com. You can also sign up to receive a weekly Roadworks Roundup.

The Forder Valley Interchange scheme will create extra road space and improve traffic flow, upgrading and extending the merge from the roundabout heading northbound on Forder Valley Road and providing an additional lane on the southbound approach to the roundabout.

It will relieve the congestion and queueing that currently extends back onto the roundabout and down the A38 westbound off-slip and add value to the Forder Valley Link Road. Walking and cycling facilities will also be upgraded.

@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

February 2020

@PlymChronicle

15

Empowering Parkinson’s patients at home with a new technology-based service People with Parkinson’s could see their care transformed thanks to a new service involving wearable technology.

The project, entitled ‘Parkinson’s Disease Home Based Care’ and led by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and the University of Plymouth, will see patients use a wrist-worn device known as a Personal Kinetigraph (PKG®) as part of a new scheme to help them and a specialist team monitor their condition at home.

Developed by the Global Kinetics Corporation, the PKG monitors movement symptoms of Parkinson’s and processes them through a proprietary algorithm.

Supplemented by a questionnaire that asks patients to detail non-motor symptoms such as changes in mood, patients will wear the PKG for six-day stints, enabling them and their care team to identify and implement any required changes to therapy.

The specialist Parkinson’s team can then work remotely, ensuring that help – including calls or clinic appointments – can be offered when it is needed.

Current guidelines suggest that people with Parkinson’s should receive specialist review at least every six months, whatever the stage of their condition, usually provided by a consultant and community Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist (PDNS). But a recent audit of patient experience, conducted by the project team, found that 46% have consultant appointments delayed by more than six months, and 60% have not seen the community nurse within the last year. Some regions of the UK don’t have the specialist

The wrist-worn device known as a Personal Kinetigraph

service, and 50% of vacant PDNS posts are due to long-term sick leave or resignation.

Project manager Mathew Swabey at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: ”After two very successful training sessions with Plymouth patients we are looking towards expanding this exciting project for all Parkinson’s patients in Devon and Cornwall” The project has received £75,000 funding from The Health Foundation and £15,500 from a Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network Service Improvement Grant, and will initially be delivered to 150 patients in Plymouth city,

West Devon and East Cornwall, as a pilot. If successful, the team hopes the system could be rolled out across the UK. Another key element, and a priority for The Health Foundation, is that the service will also work better for healthcare staff, removing some of the frustrations and isolation of working in the current system, and resulting in enhanced wellbeing.

Project lead Dr Camille Carroll, consultant neurologist at University Hospitals Plymouth and associate professor at the University of Plymouth, said: “The UK prevalence of

Parkinson’s disease will increase by a fifth by 2025, so the challenges associated with the existing service puts a lot of pressure on nurses, and attending clinics is arduous for both patient and carer as it presents logistical and physical challenges that add to burden and distress.

“We want to help people with Parkinson’s to live the best lives they can for as long as they can, and this project aims to empower patients to take control of their own condition.

“The new project is designed to reduce the burden of attending hospital clinics; improve motor and non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms; ensure appropriate and timely contacts to health-care services; and result in improved quality of life for people with Parkinson’s and their carers.

“If successful, the intervention will prove a means of providing a resilient and sustainable service faced with the future demands of a condition that is increasing in prevalence and complexity.”

Parkinson’s patient John Whipps, from Looe, is taking part in the pilot and said: “Using the PKG is simple and gives the specialist an easy and quick way of monitoring my Parkinson’s disease remotely.

Hopefully the new service design will make life easier for others like myself living with the condition.”

His wife and carer Sue said: “One of the hardest things with Parkinson’s is trying to decide when your partner needs their extra doses of medication. The PKG results help take the guesswork out of that, which is really valuable for ensuring the best care possible.”

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16 February 2020

@PlymChronicle

Council budget to prioritise social care and tackling climate change

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.

How Stoke Damerel Community College’s innovative approach is putting student wellbeing at the heart of school life Stoke Damerel Community College has developed a pioneering approach to mental health awareness, which includes an in-depth study to identify and respond to issues facing students during their time at the college and after they leave.

The findings of this long-term audit are helping staff to quickly spot potential mental health concerns among students and ensure early intervention with appropriate support.

The survey began with the class of 2013. The college says that as a result, they have gained a clearer view of where and when certain anxieties and issues might arise.

Director of Student Welfare at the college, Rachel Miller, said: “This insight is invaluable in helping us to equip students while they are at the college, and for the years after they leave us to start work or higher education.”

The work is seen as particularly important within the context of the wider community. Out of the 43 neighbourhoods in Plymouth ranked in the indices of multiple deprivation, Stoke Damerel Community College serves the top four out of five neighbourhoods.

Inequalities of health are a big Rachel Miller concern.

The Director of Public Health’s annual report for Plymouth in 2016 showed that Stonehouse, Devonport and Stoke had significantly higher rates of poor mental health, self-harm and suicide. Some 11,000 residents are affected by mental health issues (40% of these are young people), 47% of which are from the area the school serves.

Mrs Miller said: “Our audit of wellbeing covers the full school career from Year 7 to Year 13, so we are able to track wellbeing. Where we can, we also follow that on after students leave, through community response.

The college was therefore aware that a number of lives were lost among our former male students within a

few years of transitioning from school. We also know that other former students had either left higher education or their work because of emotional and mental health issues. So we needed to look at how we could help and build resilience.”

She added: “From our survey, we have been able to identify what some of the major problems are - these include parental mental illness, caring responsibilities and addictions. By identifying potential issues, we can ensure early intervention, which is the key. It has also enabled us to bring in new initiatives to make our students better prepared when they leave, so we are providing them with the tools for them to move on and progress. This is a sustainable, long-term approach.”

Training plays a big part in early intervention at the college. Every member of staff has regular mental health awareness training, including training in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), and the pastoral team and 20-strong welfare team undergo additional training to become a trauma-informed school. The college has also supported two staff to gain CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) degrees on day release, and three staff members have had specialist ‘STORM’ suicide prevention and self-injury safeguarding training.

Lara Sinclair, Vocational Qualifications Manager at the college, said: “This is such an important time in the students’ lives, and it can also be a time of challenges - transition to higher education or to work is a big challenge.

“But what if, at the same time, they are under pressure to contribute financially at home once they are 16, but they want to stay on in education? What

if they help with younger siblings, which affects their ability to attend college? The cost of university is a massive cause of anxiety, and personal relationships are another issue at this age. Sometimes, young people will fall out with their families and end up leaving the family home. So then, they face the issue of homelessness.”

The college has hosted regular Mental Health First Aid training sessions for two years. The college’s mental health work is featured with a full chapter in a book to be published soon, Mental Illness in a Parent and Building Children’s Resilience. The chapter, written by Stoke Damerel Community College Principal Anita Frier, outlines the school’s trauma-informed practice; its close work with agencies such as health providers, police and the NSPCC; and the co-locating of the school nursing service and Barnado’s on the school site. It also looks at how the college has created a culture and a ‘whole curriculum’ approach through special assemblies and tutorials, mentors for individual support, curriculum enrichment and dementia awareness.

Miss Frier said: “Our ‘Who Cares?’ project developed and piloted by the college - is a great example of our innovative approach. All our Year 8 students undertake the project over a period of six weeks. It includes films of dramas written and performed by our students, acting out some of the scenarios faced by young carers who live with someone with a mental illness. The project has now been shared nationally.

“Through ‘Who Cares?’, we have become a Mental Health Aware school. It has become embedded in our culture and is something we - staff and students - are very proud of.”

And Mrs Miller added: “We have developed a caring approach around mental ill health, which says that it’s good to discuss how we feel. Our student peer listeners are right at the heart of this and play a hugely important role in supporting younger students.

“Because supporting mental illness is such a priority here, the college has ring-fenced the welfare team budget. Students need to feel safe and secure every child really does matter.”

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.

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

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Home Improvements, Refurbishments, Alterations, Shelving, Storage Solutions, Flooring and Doors.

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20 February 2020

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Devonport Library RIT for Beginners Mondays, 2pm - 3pm Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to ‘Learn My Way’. Staff will be on hand to help.

Lions support bereavement service

Little Fish Toddler Group Wednesdays Organised by Devonport Baptist Church at the Devonport Live Cafe from 10.30am to 12 noon during term time. Open to all with no charge (refreshments are available from the café), all our staff and volunteers are fully DBS checked.

Hello World - Coding and Making Mondays, 4pm - 5pm Coding and digital making for children aged 8 to 13. Including: Scratch, CodeCombat, MakeyMakey, Micro:bit and more. No booking required.

Knitting Group Wednesdays The Real Friends knitting and crochet group meets every Wednesday in the function room in Devonport Park 2pm-4pm. It’s free. If you like knitting or you just want to make new friends do come and join us.

Work Club Wednesdays, 9am - 1pm Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Rhymetime Wednesdays, 10.30am - 11am Saturdays, 11am -11.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers. Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Lego Club Thursdays 3.30pm-4.30pm. We supply the Lego, you supply the imagination and building skills.

Writers Group 3rd Saturday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm.

Devonport Libraries writers group - for anyone with an interest in writing stories, poems or plays.

North Prospect Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 2.15pm - 2.45pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Hello World - Coding and Making Thursdays, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Coding and digital making for children aged 8 to 13. Including; Scratch, CodeCombat, MakeyMakey, Micro:bit and more. No booking required.

Book Group Monthly, last Saturday of the month, 10.30am 11.30am Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading.

Each month, there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Work Clu Mondays 10am-12. Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Chatterbooks Every other Tuesday 3.30pm-4.30pm. Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged between 8 and 12.

St Budeaux Library Skills for Tomorrow Mondays 10am-11am A weekly session where you can learn essential digital skills like how to use email, the internet, being safe online or using social media.

Lego Club Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Do you have a big imagination and like making things? Why not join our Lego group?

Rhymetime Wednesdays 9.15am-9.45am Saturdays 10am-10.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular storytimes for the under 5s.

Homework Club Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm.

Come to the library to do your homework! Use our computers to do your homework online or use our study space. Library staff will be on hand to help you find out information.

Craft Group Thursdays 1pm to 3pm.

Starting February 27. Craft group for adults. Bring your own project, share skills or learn something new in a friendly setting.

Film Show First Thursday of month 2pm-4pm Aimed at adults. Please speak to library staff for more details.

Memory Cafe Fridays 10am-12noon

Tuesday lunch club: make a donation towards costs.

Fifth Tuesday Drop in: the kettle will be on! Everyone welcome. For details contact Revd Tim Buckley on 01752 666544.

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 Drop in for reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Hello World - Coding and Making Fridays 3.30pm-5pm After school club for anyone interested in coding and digital making. For 8 to 13 year olds.

Games Morning Saturdays 11am-12.30pm Join us for our weekly games morning! Play board games or bring your own!

Family Film Show First Saturday of the month 2pm-4pm Free family film show. Speak to Library staff for more details.

Regular Events at St Budeaux Community Centre Monday Zumba 7pm to 8pm; Wednesday St Budeaux Water Colour Group 10am to 12 noon; Weekly Lunch Club 12 noon to 1.30pm; Bingo 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Thursday DC Disco for disabled 6.30pm to 9.30pm; Friday St Budeaux Library Memory Cafe 11am to 2pm; Bingo 6.30pm to 9.30pm St Budeaux Square Club Activities Monthly lunch club second Thursday each month 11.30am to 2.30pm to various destinations; last Wednesday of month A Gathering 11am to 4pm speakers, entertainment three course freshly cooked meal £6. Starting April monthly coach trips to varying destinations; Knitting & Crochet class second Tuesday of month 2pm to 4pm; Astorians Dance Band last Wednesday of month 7pm to 10.30pm.

Youth Club Wednesdays during term time For youngsters aged 7 to 16 meeting at St Budeaux Methodist Church. Details Plymouth 511857.

St Budeaux Latch-on Group Wednesdays Tamar Folk, The Barn, Barne Barton 11am to 12 noon. Offers breastfeeding support to parents both ante-natally and post-natally. Trained professionals and peer supporters are on hand to help mothers overcome any feeding difficulties or to offer support in continued breastfeeding. Contact your midwife, health visitor or check out the website for more information www.plymouth-latchon.org.uk Blaze Family Fun Morning Second Saturday of the month St Budeaux Baptist Church, Fletemoor Road from 10.30am to 12.30pm

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.

Regular events at Weston Mill Oak Villa, Ferndale Road Monday Line Dancing from 7pm; Karate from 7pm; Tuesday Companion club for 45 years and over 1pm - 4pm; Junior Kickboxing 6pm -7pm; Wednesday Salsa from 7pm Thursday Junior Kickboxing 6pm-7pm; Sunday Music quiz with raffle from 9pm. Further details Tel 01752 363352 St Budeaux Tennis Club The Club has vacancies for new members, both senior and junior. Come along for free visits and see the facilities. Three all weather courts (two floodlit). All standards of play from beginners to league level.

Cost only £95 a year for adults and £15 for juniors.

Coaching available. For details call 01752 365526 or e-mail dwilliams66@toucansurf.com Regular Events at William Sutton Memorial Hall, St Budeaux Mondays: Stumblers and tumblers, parent and toddler group 10am to 12 noon See Facebook Stumblers and Tumblers and PM for more details.

Wednesday Dance Exercise (ElderTree) 10.30am to 12.30pm; Better Together Friendship Group (ElderTree) 12.30pm to 1.45pm Thursday Billy’s Community Café 10am to 1pm; William Sutton Walkers Walking Group 10am 12 noon; Computer Club 10am to 12noon; Plymouth (St Budeaux) History Group 10am to 12pm; Monday to Fridays Academy of Dance Freestyle Dance School 3.45pm to 9pm Academy of Dance, is a freestyle dance school based in Plymouth. We take part in national competitions, boys and girls welcome. See Facebook and PM for details!

Adult Exercise/Fitness Sessions at the William Sutton Memorial Hall Wednesdays Circuits 6pm Thursdays Muay Thai (Thai style Kickboxing) 7.15pm; Fridays Kettlebells 6pm. See Facebook Bodhi Fitness and Wellbeing and PM or via text 07912628812 or email: info@bodhiltd.org for more details. For information about William Sutton Memorial Hall facilities contact 01752 211247, 07890257621 or Email: communitycentres@colebrooksw.org Barne Barton Coffee Morning Wednesdays (term time) For parents of children going through the process or already diagnosed with special needs or disabilities.

If interested ring 01752 365658.

St Michael’s Open Church Project Every Tuesday St Michael’s Church, Albert Road from 10.30am to 3.30pm. First and third Tuesdays craft day; bring something to do and some lunch to share. Second Tuesday coffee and cake in aid of charity. Fourth

Councillor Advice Surgeries Saturdays Meet your local St Budeaux Councillors Bowie, Winter and Wheeler. Every Saturday 10.30am to 12 at the St Budeaux Library St Budeaux Square. If you have a problem with Council Services or wish to discuss a matter in your area please drop in for advice.

St Budeaux Writers’ Group Fortnightly on Thursdays Meetings are held every fortnight at St Budeaux Library on Thursday evenings 5.30 to 6.30pm. For more details, email sallytenbury@yahoo.com.

There are writing themes each meeting, but if there is anything that writers would like to bring to the meeting, then they can do so.

Stoke Christian Centre events Memory Cafe second and fourth Mondays of month from 2pm. If you have a relative or friend, with memory loss or dementia, then we would love you to come & join us. The café is very informal and includes music, art and other activities. Contact: Rev Alison Richardson on 01752 562982. Contemporary Worship for everyone with the Worship Band at 6.30pm on every fourth Sunday of each month.

Sure Footing - Strength & Balance Exercise class Thursdays 10.30am-11.30am. Multi Purpose Room, Brickfields, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4N. Cost £4.50 per class. Sure Footing classes offer chair based, chair supported and standing exercises with a focus on strength & balance. The Otago Exercise Programme is used for the prevention of falls. The class is suitable for people with reduced mobility, at risk of falling and those that have fallen and rehabilitating. To book a place and for more details call Rosie 07581 510498 or email activeartsforlife@gmail.com Fun Fitness Sessions Various dates In the gym and in the park for children, teenagers, families and pram fitness. Call Fizz for more details 07976568477 Fizz Fitness Gym 180 Albert Rd, Plymouth Community Cafe Every Thursday in term time Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road between 10.30am and 2pm Community cafe run by learning support students of City College Plymouth, serving tea, coffee and cakes baked and prepared by the students.

Baby and Toddler Group Friday mornings in term time St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross.

The group runs from 10.00 until 11.30am every Friday during term-time in the church lounge. There is a large selection of toys, a craft table and the session concludes with nursery rhymes and action songs.

A charge of £1.50 for one adult and accompanying child/children and £1 for extra adults covers all refreshments and craft materials. We hold occasional Tabletop Sales in the church hall to support the Children’s Hospice Southwest.

Nifty Needles Quilting Group We are a small friendly quilting group who meet every Monday morning 9.45am - 12.30pm (Bank holidays and August excluded ) at St Budeaux Church community hall, The Green, Higher St Budeaux. Beginners and more experienced quilters welcomed. For details please contact Mary 01752 702247.

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

St Pancras Playtime Thursdays St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross.

10am to 11.30am term time only. An activity morning for pre-school children and their carers. Lots of fun, craft, messy play, singing and dancing. £1.50 per session which includes a healthy snack for the children and tea/coffee for adults.

Regular events at St Budeaux Baptist Church Tuesday 1pm to 3pm Senior Friendly Club 5pm to 6.15pm Noughts & Crosses primary age children’s club; Wednesday 7pm to 9pm craft group; Thursday 11am to 1pm lunch club once a month afterwards fellowship time; Fridays 9.30am to 11.30am Jelly Tots toddler and parent group. Sundays 10.30am Service & Explorers for children monthly family service.

Red Velvet Cinema Every other Wednesday.

Come along and watch a Classic film, such as Casablanca or Some Like it Hot, then share your memories of the film and where you saw it over tea and cake. We aim to take you on a trip down memory lane through conversation & companionship. If this sounds just the ticket then join us every other Wednesday at 10.30am at the Mayor’s Parlour in Devonport Guildhall. For more information 941342.

Lunch Club Tuesdays and Fridays An invitation to lunch at Welcome Hall Centre, Fore Street, Devonport. 12.30pm Tuesdays, 1pm Fridays.

Friendly company. For details or to make a lunch appointment call 606317.

Country Music Venue First Friday every other month (not December) At the Aggie ‘Opry’. Agaton Club, St Budeaux. Top country acts being booked. Details 01752 362240.

Monthly Soup lunch for all the community Last Wednesday of the month Lovely homemade soup, cake, tea & coffee all for £3 at the St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road, Higher St Budeaux. from 12.15 - 2 p.m.

A warm welcome awaits all those who come. Have a go at the quiz if you want, browse the jigsaw library or just enjoy the company.

Community Activities Various dates Evening events at Keyham Community Sports Hall, Drake Primary School, Saltash Road. Monday: Karate classes suitable for children/families and adults. 5pm to 8pm; Tuesday: Keep fit classes. Making exercise fun and easy to do. 6.15pm to 7.15pm; Wednesday: Yoga classes. Beginners/intermediate - first tester session free. 7pm to 8.30pm. The Community Sports Hall has spaces available for hire, for further information contact Roy Burt Sports Development Coordinator at the school on 01752 567649.

Whist Drive Wednesdays Kings Tamerton Community Centre want adults of all ages to come and join us in a game of whist.

Wednesday afternoons at 1.30pm start, also The first Sunday in every month at 2pm start. Entrance is £1.50,which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. We are a friendly crowd and would like to see some new faces.

City Bus No 16 stops right out side the community centre. Call Brenda on 350145 for more details.

Rainbows Fridays 1st Devonport Rainbows, Salvation Army, Haddington Road, Stoke Every Friday 6- 7pm Call 01752 405027 for details.

Playtots Baby & Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays in term time St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. Plenty of space for children to pay and parents, grandparents and carers to meet and make friends. Good variety of toys, crafts, snack, story and rhyme time all included in these fun sessions. From 9.30am to 11.30am. Just come along or contact Lyn on 01752 706728 for more details.

Jelly Tots Baby & Toddler Group Fridays 9.30am to 11 am at St Budeaux Baptist Church (during Term Time). £1.50 per Family www.stbudeauxbaptist. org.uk Devonport Park Community Choir Mondays A friendly mixed group of singers meets at St Aubyn’s Church, Chapel Street, Devonport, PL1 4GJ, Monday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm. Cost is £3 per session. No previous experience necessary. New members please call Kate on 01752 564286 to check venue and holidays.

Carers Support Group Last Monday of the month Are you a carer? Would you like somewhere to go for

Plymouth’s litter hero in fresh appeal

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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 advice & info, to relax & unwind with other Carers?

Come to our drop in session at St Budeaux Community Centre 10am- 12 noon on last Monday of the month.

Beit Ezra Saturdays A Messianic Fellowship, meets on a Saturday (Shabbat) at Engage, St Levan Road, Milehouse, Plymouth PL2 3BG from 4pm to 6pm. Contact: 01752 922014 Friendship Club Alternate Wednesdays For the over 55s at King’s Tamerton Community Centre. Meet new friends, bingo, raffle, tea and biscuits, and every month from May until September a trip to the coast. For details ring Ida 01752 368841.

Coffee Morning First Saturday of each month at St Budeaux Methodist Church Hall, offering free coffee, cake and chat. Also the chance to play board games such as Scrabble, Triominoes, Rummikub etc and even a game of table tennis. Join us each month from 10am-12 noon.

Devonport Folk Music Session Stoke Inn Third Sunday of month Stoke Inn [opp Co-op] 2pm-5pm. Parking at the pub or free public car park in Church Street. Bring your voice, your instruments, your friends. Singers and listeners all welcome.Food menu available. Details stokeinnplymouth.co.uk 01752 515749 Buses 34, 70 - nearest stops on Devonport Road. TrainDevonport Station See www.flaxey-green.co.uk for details Playtots Baby & Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays in term time St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. Plenty of space for children to pay and parents, grandparents and carers to meet and make friends. Good variety of toys, crafts, snack, story and rhyme time all included in these fun sessions. From 9.30am to 11.30am. Just come along or contact Lyn on 01752 706728 for more details.

Godly Play Club Tuesdays St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road. From 4pm to 5pm for 4 to 11 year olds. An imaginative approach to storytelling using 3D figures and then doing some ‘wondering’ about the story. Children can choose which artwork they would like to do and each session is always followed by a feast! All children welcome to this free club. email lyn. crews@talktalk.net to book your child’s place.

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 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 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

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.” 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 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

• continued on next page

22 February 2020 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • continued from previous page 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 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.

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,

Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth have been working closely with babywearing consultant, Kizzy, from Babywearing South West.

Babywearing is becoming increasingly more common in the UK with many parents choosing to ‘wear’ their babies to help them settle and also as an alternative to a pushchair.

As a group of day nurseries, Tops Day Nurseries are finding that more and more children are used to being carried at home, and therefore are expecting the same 1:1 care in the nursery environment. On a legal 1:3 / 1:4 ratio this can be particularly challenging for the staff team and distressing for the young child.

Children’s physical, neurological and psychological development is nurtured through positive relationships and strong attachment. The use of slings/carriers

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.

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

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.

Tops Day Nurseries advice on babywearing and childcare

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.

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.

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Double success for Babcock at prestigious national competition Babcock has received two prestigious accolades at a ceremony in London from The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.

Devonport Dockyard’s Hannah Orchard, junior naval architect, scooped the Derek Kimber Medal after she undertook a week’s course at Hawkhirst on Kielder Water in Northumberland last year and impressed the judges with her team building skills and leadership qualities. She then took part in an interview with the Education and Charities Committee and was announced as one of the winners.

This award, given to the third placed candidate, originates from the late Derek Kimber OBE, who was Prime Warden of The Worshipful Order and a noted shipbuilder, with a particular interest in apprentice training.

The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights Committee also acknowledged Babcock for the high level of training and support provided to apprentices, and as a result, presented them with ‘The Company Prize’.

Each year, dating back to 1945, The Worshipful

Company of Shipwrights has held a competition called The Queen’s Silver Medal. Originally, a silver medal was awarded to the Shipyard Apprentice of the Year but now there are five prizes on offer: The Queen’s Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Derek Kimber Medal, Certificate for Most Notable Endeavour and The Company Prize.

The competition calls for nominations from every known dockyard in the United Kingdom. A select few nominees are then invited to undertake the week’s course and evaluation that Hannah attended, followed by the challenging interview process, after which the winners are announced.

Mike Homer, managing director of Devonport Dockyard, said: “To be awarded two prestigious, national accolades from The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is a very impressive achievement. It is fantastic that we have such dedicated, talented individuals like Hannah building strong and prosperous careers with us. Well done to Hannah, and everyone involved for their hard work and efforts, which led to this national recognition.”

enables caregivers to meet the individual needs of a child, while providing a safe and secure environment, building those positive relationships and attachments, whilst also continuing to be able to complete other tasks at the same time.

Tops Day Nurseries are dedicated to ensuring colleagues are able to utilise a number of training opportunities, therefore all new and existing colleagues will have all necessary training provided to use the Babywearing carriers.

Carrying using a sling has many benefits for both the wearer and the child, however it can be overwhelming to choose the right one as well as learning how to carry in a comfortable and safe manner.

Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth are in Bretonside, Devonport, Efford, Prince Rock and Stonehouse.

Hannah Orchard with her award

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February 2020

On track with a new track!

23

The athletics track at Brickfields is being relaid so that the city’s athletes can keep on running!

New Commanding Officer for HMS Northumberland Devonport Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland has a new Commanding Officer. He is Commander Thom Hobbs, who took over at the end of last year and is looking forward to a busy year ahead for the ship.

“Having served for over 20 years in the Royal Navy, it is a tremendous privilege and a great honour to take Command of HMS Northumberland. The ship’s company have worked incredibly hard over the past year, with a deployment as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the USA a particular highlight.

“2020 will be another challenging but exciting year for us all and I have no doubt that the team will rise to every challenge and continue to deliver as they have done through 2019.”

The 400-metre track surface has reached the end of its life span and has deteriorated over the last few years, with cracks appearing. The track attracts over 18,500 runners a year with significant use from schools, the universities, and MOD. It is also home to the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and the Armada Network (representing 11 local running clubs) frequently hire it.

Council leader Tudor Evans has fired the starting gun for the project by allocating nearly £600,000 for the project within the council’s capital programme.

He said: “If we don’t do the work, the track will be unusable. A city of this size needs an all-weather athletics track and field facility.

“This is not just for the super-fit club runners and athletes.

This facility is about making sure we have somewhere for our

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

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Deputy leader Pete Smith and Julian Egan, contracts manager at Everyone Active with some rather worn out track.

young people to try out sports and get into habits that will last a life time.

“We are trying to improve people’s

health across the city and providing decent facilities that people want to use is pretty important.”

The work, which is

expected to last for three months, needs to be carried out when the ground is free of frost.

Commendations for Plymouth sailors Seven sailors from Plymouth have been recognised for their efforts with Commendations presented by Commodore Rob Bellfield, Commander of the Devonport Flotilla.

First up was Able Seaman Emma Gosford, who works for the Fleet Hydrographic Unit in the Naval Base. She was rewarded for her time spent deployed on board RFA Mounts Bay in the Caribbean as the Meteorological Observer, on Operation Barytone, the UK’s response to Hurricane Dorian which devastated the Bahamas in 2019.

Emma was rewarded for her commitment to the relief operations and determination to assist her shipmates was exemplary, routinely going the extra mile to make a difference.

She was regularly out on deck helping the deck team move and load the relief stores onto the

Able Seaman Emma Gosford is presented with her award by Commodore Rob Bellfield

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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 Members of the Refit Support Group pictured with Commodore Rob Bellfield and their awards

helicopter and small boats.

Of special note, was one day where stores were being moved up to the main deck, she was out with the deck team in the heat for nearly 10 hours.

This work was all done of her own volition, to help her shipmates and ensure that aid got ashore to the people of the Bahamas.

The other Commendations were given to six members of the Refit Support Group, Chiefs Mark Rae and Lee Cunningham, Leading Seamen Clare Brewer and Rhys White, and Able Seamen Joshua Burdett and Chloe Hutchings.

They all work together as part of one of the Type 23 Frigate Warfare department.

During 2019 they worked together to implement a number of sustainable and innovative cost saving measures within the T23 upkeep programme.

Alongside their core work in the Refit Support Group with ships in refit the department impressively generated additional capability to support Fleet time units throughout the Flotilla when required as well as enduring support to HMS Bulwark and HMS Monmouth.

In conjunction with day to day work the department has been at the forefront of RSG’s outreach activity in support of charitable organisations over the last 12 months, notably with a local children’s sailing charity.

The entire department spent many hours replacing all lines on four yachts and deep cleaning of all of the charity’s vessels.

The department also supported a larger national veterans’ charity by taking part in a 300- mile cycle ride, with two members cycling and the remainder driving the support vehicles.

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

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24 February 2020

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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 and the sources of 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

Brave Ellie skydives for St Luke’s Hospice Ellie Naughton - terrified of heights

A seventeen-year-old girl from Plympton is terrified of heights - but that is not stopping her from jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

Ellie Naughton, who is a sixth former at Scott Medical and Healthcare College in Stoke, has been a volunteer at the hospice for the past 18 months and has seen at first hand the work it does in caring for people who are living with a life-limiting illness. She also has personal experience of loss, having recently lost an auntie to cancer.

In March, she will be doing a skydive in Exeter to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity: “I really don’t like heights, but maybe this will cure my fear!” said Ellie.

“St Luke’s is such a good cause. Noone really knows what they do until they

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The Waterside and West Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Stonehouse, Mount Wise, Devonport, Stoke, Keyham, Millbridge, Milehouse, Beacon Park, Pennycross, Ford, North Prospect, Ham, Weston Mill, Barne Barton and St Budeaux.

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actually go there and see the difference they make for families.”

Ellie volunteers once a week at the hospice, chatting with patients and learning from staff. On her fundraising page, she writes: “Volunteering at St Luke’s Hospice has given me the opportunity to work with amazing staff members at the hospice and care for the most inspirational individuals.

“The work that everyone does at St Luke’s is nothing short of extraordinary, therefore I want to help them by raising money through doing this skydive.

“This opportunity is terrifying as well as exciting and I couldn’t think of a better way to show my support for this charity.”

Ellie was inspired to do the skydive by another St Luke’s volunteer: “He celebrates his 70th birthday in 2020 and he has done a skydive before. He said if I

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did one, he’d do it again, too.”

Ellie hopes to go to the University of Plymouth next year to study Paramedic Science: “But if that doesn’t work out, then I would like to work in the field of end-of-life care.”

Scott Medical and Healthcare College is a small and specialist state school in Stoke, where students can learn specialisms and experience work placements alongside the core curriculum. Headteacher Martyn Cox said: “We are all very proud of Ellie for the voluntary work she does at St Luke’s, and for having the courage to do a skydive.

“We encourage our students to play a positive role in our community, and this is a great example.”

You can support Ellie by visiting her donation page at https://leapforstlukes. everydayhero.com/uk/ellie

Chronicle Plymouth

February

2020

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

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ALSO INS

It’s puppy love!

• Out and About • Community Directory • Dial the Experts

IDE:

• Community Job Shop • Cross Rhythm s Experience

Students from Stok e Damerel presented Community two cudd ly College have of a local care home companion puppies after a fund to residents a total of £240 raising bake sale raise d • Story and photos on page 3