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Plympton surgeries to merge
February 2017
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE • DIAL THE EXPERTS • What’s On in the area • Community Job Shop
• Money Matters • Charity news • Cross Rhythms
Two Plympton GP practices are set to merge. Glenside Medical Centre plans to merge with the Beacon Medical Group to form a practice with over 27,000 Plympton patients. If all goes according to plan the merger will take place at the beginning of April. A public meeting took place at Glenside on January 25 where patients were given the opportunity to ask questions. Dr Danny Fay from Glenside said: "Both surgeries have been well established in Plympton for many years, both surgeries have got a focus on excellence, continuity of care and providing the best general practice and primary care that we can offer for the people of Plympton.
in the future, new services, bringing together skills from both surgeries which compliment each other really well.
"This merger gives us the opportunity to enhance services for patients, to build on those things that both surgeries have that's most important at their hearts - that's continuity of care and the best things we can do for the people of Plympton.
New services planned post merger include those specialising in dermatology and orthopaedics.
"It opens the doors to enhance what we understand general practice to be
Pair on a mission to deliver compassion – and tea! See page 2
"Hopefully it will give opportunity to the people of Plympton to have a greater voice in the primary care services that are available to them."
Dr Fay and Dr Jonathan Cope from Beacon Medical talk more about the proposed merger in an audio interview online in this month's Plympton Podcast which can be heard at: www.Spreaker. com/user/PlymptonPodcast
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Helplines Age UK Plymouth 01752 665424 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 697555 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 Association 07410 977598 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 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 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 08457 909090 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980
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Tea and compassion with SolidariTEA Intrepid adventurer, Lily Stephenson from Plymstock has teamed up with her friend Rosie Johnson from Somerset to create SolidariTEA in response to the refugee crises in Europe and the Middle East.
The Serbian government has banned aid reaching those sleeping in warehouses and makeshift shelters on the snowy streets, but small volunteer organisations are still able to reach those most in need. Lily and Rosie have already spent the past four months working in a refugee camp on Chios, one of the Greek
At the end of February they will be setting off to provide a hand of friendship and compassion to thousands of refugees along the Balkan route through the power of tea! Their initiative has led them to convert a basic horse box into a mobile food dispenser which will be driven to Serbia by Harriet Tubbs, and Conrad Fielding – the brains and brawn behind the conversion: leaving Plymouth on February 13. Lily and Rosie will fly to Belgrade on February 23 and rendezvous with the truck there. Harriet and Conrad will return to the UK a few days after they arrive, after handing the truck over to the girls! And then, in Lily’s own words, ‘the adventure begins!’ The SolidariTEA Truck aims to create a safe gathering place and be a source of positive friendly faces to displaced people. A free café if you will. Chairs, tables, musical instruments, shelter, a fire pit and plenty of tea and warming soup will be provided on a daily basis. The journey will start in Belgrade, Serbia, where thousands of people are sleeping out in freezing conditions (-16 degrees at the lowest!) with no support or services.
01752 267222 01752 267131 01752 606507 01752 266079 01752 222200 01752 225553 08712 240240 01752 306330 01752 333500 01752 304774 01752 206114
Leisure Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433
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They will offer tea to people on the streets, those stuck in camps, and as an emergency response when people land on the shores of Italy and the Greek islands on tiny dinghies and illegal ships. It is often the small pleasures in life that help to keep people afloat in the most turbulent of life’s storms, and, that most British of pastimes, a nice cup of tea, is synonymous the world over with providing love and care to our fellow human beings. Having lived in Plymouth since she was nine, Lily has many friends and family in the city, and wants to share her experiences with as many of us as possible. She will be posting throughout her journey on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ refugeesolidaritea and has set up a Just Giving page for individuals to donate to help buy supplies along the way www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/solidaritea
Lily Stephenson pictured with helpers inside the converted horse box
Islands in the Aegean. It was as they went about daily camp life that they noticed how much of an important role tea played in the well being of camp residents. Their experiences there and the desperation they have witnessed on people’s faces have inspired them to return with SolidariTEA as they continue to drive south on the Balkan route towards Greece and the Greek Islands,
Vaccine reminder after steep rise in flu outbreaks
Guys and Dolls coming to Plympton
Don’t think you need a flu vaccination? Think again as flu season is only just starting!
GPs have reported seeing 6.4% more patients suffering from flu like symptoms, compared with previous weeks according to NHS England statistics. A report released by NHS England in January stated there were 122 new flu outbreaks being reported nationally in the previous week alone. Flu consultations are up by 30% since the flu season started, compared to previous years, with 82 admissions being made to intensive care units or high dependency wards.
Entertainment Theatre Royal Barbican Theatre Devonport Playhouse Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre Plymouth Pavilions Reel Cinema Vue Cinema Tourist Information National Trust Saltram Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Plymouth Arts Centre
stopping on the way to distribute hot drinks.
Flu vaccinations are also associated with reduced hospitalisations among people with diabetes (79%) and chronic lung disease (52%).
Hele's School will once again be putting on an amateur dramatic performance for the community this year. Following on from their successful production of the musical Oliver last year they will be putting on Guys and Dolls in a few weeks' time. Since September students at Hele’s have been rehearsing for this year’s musical. For two students in particular, Emily Witts and Noah Jones, this year's performance will be one of mixed emotions. A school spokesperson said: "We are very fortunate to have two students within the cast who have been a part of all musicals throughout their time at Hele's. This will be their last before they move on to studies at university."
Emily, who is a very creative and diverse actress, plans to study drama at university, working on performance skills, theatre history and stage craft. Noah, Hele's resident stage and lighting designer, will be moving on to study lighting design. "Not only has their time and involvement in extracurricular activities helped to shape and mould their career choices, it has given them a platform to gather experience within the industry", the spokesperson added. If you would like to see the production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ it is on at Hele's School from the 20 - 23 February 2017 starting at 7pm.Please contact Heles School on (01752) 337193 to reserve tickets. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Birdies and paws for a good cause Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home are holding their first ever charity golf competition on April 22 to raise some much needed funds for the animals in their care. The competition is a four ball stableford team event. Entry costs £45 per person and includes coffee and bacon roll on arrival, eighteen holes of golf and two course carvery
dinner. There will be a trophy for the winning team, prizes and a raffle. General manager Claire Sparkes says “we are very excited to be holding this event for the first time and urge all golfers to take part and help us raise some much needed funds. We are looking forward to the event and hope it will be a huge success”. For more information please visit the events page on their website www.gablesfarm.org.uk or email d.sparkes107@hotmail.co.uk
Cream teas at Woodside Woodside Animal Sanctuary in Elfordleigh is holding a charity cream tea to raise funds. The event is Sunday February 12 from 12 noon onwards and includes scones, jam, cream and 'enough tea to sink a battleship.' Entrance is only by ticket, which cost £5 each. For more information or tickets visit www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk
Claire Oatway, chief operating officer at Plymouth’s Beacon Medical Group, said: “The flu vaccination season starts in Autumn, with January generally showing a poor uptake. This might be because people think there is little point as the flu season is nearly over. “The report by NHS England suggests that we are moving into a seasonal flu cycle now where more outbreaks could be expected in the coming weeks. “January is the time of year when flu is usually at its most active within our communities, which can mean that patients who have not been vaccinated are struck down by flu. For those in the high risk groups that haven’t had the vaccination yet now is the time.” Currently of those eligible for flu vaccinations only 47.9% of under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.5% of pregnant women and 70.2% of 65+ year olds have taken advantage of a free flu vaccination nationally. Flu can be extremely debilitating and even life threatening for some individuals with long term conditions and complaints and is passed from person to person by droplets created when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs. People can also catch it by touching a surface where the virus has been deposited. Flu can spread quickly in these ways. Having the flu vaccination will not only protect the individual, it will also help stop flu outbreaks in schools, workplaces and community shared spaces. Flu vaccinations are still available for those in high risk groups; over 65s, pregnant women, carers, morbidly obese, those with a chronic medical condition. Contact your local doctor’s surgery or pharmacy for more information. Appointments can be made by calling Plympton on 01752 346634 or Ivybridge on 01752 690777.
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Table Top Sale Jan 28 and Feb 25 Saltash Wesley Methodist Church, Callington Road, Saltash. Free entry. Tables selling craft items, gifts, produce and bric-a-brac. Proceeds to local charities. Refreshments in the foyer. To book tables please ring Mark Chanter on 01752 215546. Food and Craft Market Feb 11 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke. Crafts, food by local producers, cafe, activities for children. 10am to 4pm. For further details contact Marilyn on 07890 165524. The market will be held on the second Saturday of the month in future. Coffee Morning Feb 11 Plymouth Proprietary Library, North Hill. 10am to 12 noon all welcome. The next lunchtime lecture is on February 12 from 12 noon to 1pm entitled 'The History of a Family from the Crusades to the Somme. Cost £4 with light refreshments provided to follow. Again all welcome. Language Scene Feb 15 The Language Scene provide workshops designed to build language skills and confidence for young people and adults. This is achieved through fun, creative activities rooted in performance and play. The half-term community workshop will be between 12 noon to 4 pm at Union Corner, 96 Union Street, PL1 at a cost of £4 per child. Art Exhibition Feb 16 to Feb 18 Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley. An opportunity for local artists to display and sell their work and for the public to come and browse and buy. Thursday and Friday 10am to 5.30pm and 10am to 3pm Saturday. Refreshments available with hot lunches available from 12 noon to 2pm. Admission 50p including catalogue. For details call Jill 01752 249337 or Bernie on 01752 297482 Spring Craft and Quilt Show Mar 10 and 11 Mount Gould Methodist Church from 10am to 4pm. There will be crochet and jewellery demonstrations, refreshments, raffles and haberdashery. An opportunity to see the work of the two local groups quilt groups that meet at the church. Admission £2 with the money raised to be shared between the church and Children's Brain Tumor Charity. For more information contact Pat King on 01752 240560. Car park available and 23 and 24 buses stop outside. Pampers Days Mar 23 to 25 Plymouth Natural Health and Healing at the centre 175, Outland Road. For details call Carla on 01752 770048 or 07392 307156 Spring Fayre Mar 25 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall,The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3pm. There will be several tables selling goods,including children's 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
Dahlia expert is guest speaker
Guest speaker at the Plympton Fuchsia and Geranium Group on February 14 is Brian Carlson. Brian will be speaking about pelargoniums (geraniums, as many people refer to them) in general, covering all aspects of their cultivation and wellbeing. Brian is a retired teacher who has been growing pelargoniums for more than 30 years. He has visited the club two or three times previously and is a popular speaker. Visitors are always made most welcome at this friendly and informal group. Meetings take place in the Main Hall at Harewood House in Plympton and start at 7.30pm. Meetings generally last for a couple of hours and refreshments are served half way through. Entrance to the first two meetings for new members, or those interested in joining, is free. Annual membership is just £10 with an entrance fee of £1 per meeting. For further information, call Sonia Venn (01752 514119) or Barbara Tremethick (01752 228216). 4
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Rhymetimes Central Library Every Monday and Wednesday from 11am, Every Wednesday from 2pm Crownhill Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Efford Library Every Tuesday from 10.30am North Prospect Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Peverell Library Every Monday from 2pm (booking needed 01752 305633) Every Friday from 11am (booking needed 01752 305633) Plympton Library Every Thursday from 2pm Every Saturday from 10.30am (Under 5s club) Plymstock Library Every Thursday from 2.15pm (booking needed 01752 306606) Every Saturday from 10am Devonport Library Every Saturday from 11am St Budeaux Library Every Thursday from 10am Southway Library Every Wednesday from 10am Stoke Library Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am West Park Library Every Friday from 10am to 10.30am Storytimes Central Library: every Wednesday from 2pm (storytime and crafts) Gadget sessions Get tips and advice on how to make the most of iPads, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and more. Find out how to use your library card to download free eBooks and magazines. Central Library Weekly on Tuesday afternoons 2pm to 3.30pm Peverell Library Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30 to 12 noon Plymstock Library Fourth Tuesday of the month 2-m to 3.30pm Plympton Library First Wednesday of the month 2pm to 4pm Southway Library Last Thursday of the month 2.30pm to 3.30pm Stoke Library Every Monday of each month 2-4pm Coffee Morning First Wednesday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a friendly coffee morning 10am to 12 noon. Cost is £2 that includes a second cup of coffee and homemade cake. Everyone welcome. Come and make new friends. Monthly Market Third Saturday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a monthly market with crafts, jewellery, cakes, bric a brac and books etc. 10.am - 1.pm. Good refreshments available. Free entry. Why not pay us a visit? Plympton Painting Group Second and fourth Mondays A fun thing to do! If you are interested in any sort of drawing/ painting, why not join us? We meet at Ridgeway School in Moorland Road, Plympton from 7pm-9pm. We have great speakers most times demonstrating watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels and drawing – a wide variety to suit everyone – then we have a go. Don’t worry if you haven’t got the right equipment, we can share and advise you. We are a group of enthusiastic amateurs who love to paint. Come and see for yourself at one of our meetings and enjoy the fun or ring Gill on 01752 340544. Age UK Plymouth’s William Venton Centre in Plymstock provides a wide variety of regular activities for over 50s. The activities include: Card and Board Games Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Variety of card and board games, hosted five times a week. Everything from Scrabble and Monopoly, to Mah-jong and Whist. All games cost just £1.60 Tai Chi for Beginners & Improvers Improvers every Tuesday at 10am-11am Beginners every Tuesday at 11.15am-12.15pm. Learn the basics of the Chinese Martial Art, which focuses on slow and gentle movements, combined with deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Health benefits include increasing the strength of leg muscles, reducing stress and improving balance and general mobility. Cost £3.50. Bingo Every Tuesday, 1.30pm-4.30pm. An afternoon with a friendly group costs just £4, which includes bingo tickets. Indoor Games Wednesdays and Thursdays. Activities include darts, carpet bowls, pool, all for just £1.60. Sessions run from 9.30am-12pm on Wednesdays, and from 10am12pm on Thursday. Computer Lessons Every Thursday. Free IT lessons cover a range of skills, from getting online safely, how to access the internet, or using and reading e-mails. 10am-12pm. Arts and Crafts Group Every Thursday. Do you like arts and crafts, and want to join a friendly and social group? For
Visiting historic Crownhill Fort
Plymouth residents will doubtless be aware of the large number of fortifications surrounding their city but few will have ever visited one of them. Crownhill Fort, a few miles north of the city centre, is one of the best preserved defences in Great Britain and is open to visitors on the last Friday of each month. Owners, The Landmark Trust, a charity founded in 1965 to rescue and
restore historic buildings at risk, are in the process of putting together a programme of open days featuring talks, guided tours and plenty of cannon firing. Day visitors will be able to visit recreated barrack rooms, explore 16 acres of grounds and view parts of the Fort that have not previously been accessible to the public.
£1.60 you can join in creative activities from 1.30pm-3.45pm. Busy Fingers Knitting Group Every Monday and Friday. Groups are held every Monday 9.30am-12pm, and every Friday 9.30am-12am, and costs just £1.60. Quilling Every Friday Learn a new unique skill rolling, shaping and gluing paper to create interesting designs and patterns on cards and pictures. Classes cost just £1.60, and run from 9.30am-12pm. Memory Lane Group Every Wednesday and Friday Music and singing for the memory. Carers and those with memory loss are more than welcome, and sessions run from 1.30pm3.30pm. It costs just £1.60. Chatterbox Coffee Morning Every Tuesday and Friday Good company and a chat in a friendly environment from 10am-11.30am on Tuesdays, and 9.30am-11.30am on Fridays. Cost £1.60. Reading Group Every third Monday of the month. Come along and enjoy a monthly reading Group on Mondays, 10am-12am. Cost just £1.60. For more information on any of these events please ring 01752 405632. Sparkwell WI First Wednesday of month Sparkwell Parish Hall. Guest speaker this month Mark Rendell on the topic Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Come and see what we are about. No obligation but you are most welcome. Contact Heather Harvey 01752 893 249 Plympton U3A Fourth Tuesday of the month A new group which meets at 2 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Harewood House, Plympton. There is a guest speaker at each meeting. Members have the opportunity to join a wide range of Interest Groups. Hooe’s Place Community Cafe Thursdays St John’s Church Hall, Church Hill Road, Hooe, Plymstock. Freshly cooked lunches at reasonable prices and good companionship 11.45am-1.30pm every Thursday. No 2 and 4 /4a stops outside the church every 10 minutes. Colebrook Community Centre Regular Events Monday 10am -11.30am Yoga; 12 noon to 3pm; Training Hearing Dogs; Tuesday 10am -11am Children Music; 2pm - 4pm C Friends Over 60s Club; 5pm - 8pm Devon Dogs Training; Wednesday 9.30am -10.30am Pilates; Thursday 11am -1pm Multiple Sclerosis (third week of month); 1.45pm - 2.45pm Pilates; 5pm - 7pm Dog Training; Friday 9.30am -10.30am Pilates; 11am - 1pm U3A (2nd and 4th week of month)1.45pm - 3.45pm Country Dancing 1st and 3rd week of month; Sunday 7.30am -12pm Car Boot Sale at Peacock Meadow. Also sales throughout the winter months inside and outside the community centre. For further details please call Kay on 01752 200046. Colebrook Community Centre is a totally self-funding charity. Regular Events at Woodford Methodist Community Church CHURCH AND WORSHIP: Morning Worship and Children’s Sunday Club 10.30am 2nd-5th Sunday of every month. A guaranteed relaxed service, with friendly ministers and congregation. A team of wonderful Ministers keep each week fresh and rewarding. Experienced volunteers in the Sunday Club and Creche, teach and care for children from babies to young teenagers, so you have time to be you. Prayer Team available to talk over your worries at the close of the Service. Drinks, biscuits and opportunity for friendly conversation in the hall after every service. We have grown to expect the unexpected in this modern, happy, friendly church. Monthly Early Traditional Service (followed by Messy
Ed Donohue, general manager at the Fort said: “Crownhill Fort is hugely important to Plymouth and the country and demonstrates that historic buildings can be given new uses to fund their maintenance and upkeep without compromising what makes them so special. I speak to so many people that have not
visited the Fort before and I hope that they will do so in 2017.” Admission to public open days costs £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and £12 for a family. Details of upcoming events can be seen on the Landmark Trust website at www. landmarktrust.org.uk/ crownhill-fort/ or obtained by calling 01752 793754.
Church) 1st Sunday of every month. 9.30am Traditional Service with hymn books, prayer and a sermon. This is a wonderful time of worship with the traditional contents of a Methodist Service with a modern joyful twist. Members of the Prayer Team are available for you to speak with at the close of the service. You are then invited to go into the Hall for hot drinks and biscuits. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the members of this Church and stay for the Messy Activities or just relax and have a chat over a hot drink. 10.30am - Messy Church begins with a session of arts, crafts, fun and mess in the Hall for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Hot drinks and biscuits are available and the opportunity to stay for lunch at the Church for a minimal cost. The items made are then taken into the Chapel for a very informal short Service. The children are asked about the things they have made, before heading back into the Hall for lunch, or more coffee etc. This is a great opportunity to get to know the church and the people involved in it. ‘Overflow Praise & Worship’ service 6.30pm - 8.30pm on 3rd Sunday of every month. Time in God’s presence:worshipping, giving thanks, praying and sharing what God has laid on your heart in an awesome and amazing way. Refreshments will be served during the evening. Prayer Group Tuesdays 9.15am-10.15am (In the Lounge)In all the hustle and bustle of life these days, people struggle to cope, but look to fill that gap in their lives where something is missing. That gap can be filled with the loving family of God in a local church. Giving up a bit of time for regular prayer, together with others, can help you cope with the stresses and worry that life throws at you. We provide a non-judgemental circle of friendship and welcome everyone, regardless of background, luggage and history, to come and seek our friendship. We open our doors every week, for anybody and everybody to walk in freely and pray with us. Every word spoken is treated with the upmost confidence and privacy, along with unconditional friendship. Come along and pray with us - life is easier to cope with, amongst friends. You can come in and out as you need and should you need to stay longer or talk to anyone at the end, you will not be turned away. If the doors are locked, knock on the window (room on right-hand end of the church). You do not need to attend any church to come and pray with us. For further information on Woodford’s church and worship events contact Sheila on 338517. COMMUNITY GROUPS Woodford Wives (1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm) This group of friendly women meet twice a month to listen to various speakers and meet socially. They also raise funds by holding a Coffee Bar at Harewood House and stalls throughout the year. There’s always time for a chat! Day trips away as a group of friends. In recent years they have raised much needed funds for Help for Heroes, Bowel Cancer West (Derriford Hospital) and Shekinah Mission. To find out more Telephone Anne Eames on Tel. 216643. The Linda Mortimore School of Dance Mondays 4.15pm8pm and Wednesdays 4.15pm-7pm Linda trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and teaches RAD ballet and the ISTD tap, modern and jazz. The school holds a very popular adult tap class and produces stage performances, with regular productions. Dance is a great platform for socialising, learning posture and gaining confidence. Learning to dance can lead to a career or for just having fun. Call 01752 343791 for more information. Women’s Fellowship (Tuesdays 2.30pm-3.30pm - In The Main Hall) Come and join this lovely group, with a vast programme of speakers, covering many subjects. They enjoy watching various films and slide shows, have annual outings and visits by choirs. The group also hold a regular Bring and Buy table to support designated charities. It is
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Fundraising triumph for white collar boxers Stacey and Robert Retained Plymstock firefighter Stacey Parker is celebrating the outcome of her recent white collar boxing experience at Plymouth Guildhall.
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It was a double victory as not only did Stacey win her individual bout by unanimous decision but she was also awarded the accolade of 'Fight of the Night'. Stacey, 19, said: "The time, effort and hard work I put into my training paid off. Every boxer that night did amazingly and collectively this year we have raised £3.7 million for cancer research.
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"There was so much support from my family and friends who came to watch and I couldn't have done it without them. A special thanks to my corner man and coach Gary Fields from Masters Academy who took my very first kickboxing session over a year ago and has been a great coach on this journey ever since. It's thanks to people like Gary and the rest of the team that events like this happen and raise so much money."
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She added: "I've taken so much away from this and physically I feel stronger, healthy and feel mentally able of achieving anything I put my mind to; it's been great to be involved in and I would recommend it to anyone but for me now I've got a major focus on my career as a firefighter for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service.
www.spreaker.com/user/PlymptonPodcast
Online audio this month includes:
Church boiler appeal presentation New focal point for Plympton St Maurice Police 101 non emergency report Glenside/Beacon Medical merger interviews
Follow us at Facebook.com/PlymptonPodcast for local What’s Ons plus pictures and videos of life in Plympton. Recent additions include:
Cub Award Presentation Local schools story photos Roadwork improvements and more.....
Tel: 07752 698504 | E: plymptonpodcast@gmail.com
"I will be keeping up my fitness, kickboxing and boxing at Masters Academy the same, although I will be taking time out from the ring to be sure I don't risk major injury. Thank you to everyone who sponsored my JustGiving page and to my company sponsors BB Sports Therapy and Everyone Active." Stacey has grown up in Plymstock but has strong links with the Plympton area, qualifying as a swimming teacher and lifeguard at Plympton pool and she has also been a successful candidate for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service where she is a retained firefighter at Plymstock fire station. Also taking part in the white collar boxing event was Plympton's Robert Cartlidge. Although Robert lost his bout he still came away triumphant after exceeding his fundraising target by more than 38%. He had aimed to achieve £750 in sponsorship for Cancer Research but in the event he brought in almost £1050. Robert said: "I had a fantastic time. It's an experience like no other. The whole event was great. I picked up an injury to the back of my shoulder during my bout so had to concede, but I was happy to be beaten by such a worthy opponent. The evening was a fantastic success and we all celebrated together afterwards as a family." (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
The Plymouth Shopper
5
Food waste collections the answer Plymouth’s waste management budgets, plans for fortnightly collections, improved recycling targets and overall sustainability would all benefit considerably from the introduction of a household food waste collection. That’s the view of citywide campaign organisation The Plymouth Food Waste Partnership whose year-long feasibility study was formally launched in January. The Awards for All funded study focused on the financial implications of introducing a food waste collection to Plymouth, something which Plymouth City Council does not currently offer. It considered the experience of other local authorities, local attitudes to food waste ‘recycling’ and the potential investments that would benefit the city in the long term. Project Manager, Jackie Young said: “There is evidence that many other moves to fortnightly collections have only succeeded with the support of a weekly food waste collection as this removes much of the ‘wet waste’ that would be left lingering in the bins. "In addition, here in Plymouth, we have the opportunity to transfer food waste to the Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Langage where a sustainable solution to disposal can be assured. "At the moment food waste, including peelings and leftovers, goes in to the general (brown bin) waste so, if it is left there for a fortnight it will begin to smell and attract vermin, seagulls and flies. This is not something we want for Plymouth’s streets.” The study also reviewed the costs of introducing the collection and acknowledges that some investment will be needed. However as the Partnership’s Chair, Penny Tarrant explained: “The disposal of the waste at Langage would cut the gate fees to the extent that a citywide food waste collection could be introduced with a payback period of less than two years. "Might it not be better to introduce a food waste collection rather than spending nearly £1 million on new bins? If budgets are under threat it is surely a sensible idea to introduce a service that is as sustainable and as cost effective as possible. "We believe that a food waste collection could save money and is a much greener solution. It would also help families waste less food and manage household budgets better. Our study shows this is what families want and are prepared to change their habits.” The study, which also reflects the changing dynamics of waste collection in the city and the need for comprehensive education and awareness programmes to ensure everyone knows what to do with different waste streams, also recommends the adoption of a tried and trusted Education Programme developed by local CIC Growing Sustainable Futures and a series of possible pilot projects that would test the ideas even further by focusing on local communities and Plymouth’s student accommodation. Partnership members will be meeting with city council staff in the near future to seek their commitment to introduce a citywide food waste collection as soon as possible.
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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 4 a really friendly, welcoming group with lots of stories to tell about living through different situations and stages, as Christians. Some of the members may well be in their latter years, but have fabulous personalities and lots to share. They enjoy each other’s company and are most definitely young at heart! To find out more about this wonderful group of ladies Telephone Muriel on 345284 or Pat on 348672. Rainbow Girl Guides Rainbows is a section of the Girl Guides organisation which is all about developing selfconfidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun. Our group is not running at present, but there are other groups in the area. To find a group go to www. girlguiding.org.uk and register your details. Woodford Men’s Meeting 10am (2nd and 4th Wednesday month) The Men’s Meeting, welcome any men who wish to join this convivial group. Session start with a cuppa before a speaker gives an interesting and entertaining talk, sometimes accompanied by a slide show or film, for about one hour. The meeting ends at 11.30am. A small charge of £2 is levied to cover refreshments and fees. Guest speakers, specialising in a variety of subjects have enthralled those attending. Members and friends are always welcome to give a talk on a subject of their own choice! The group share a huge range of experience, knowledge and stories - why not come and share with them? We always welcome new friends and our group currently range from middle-age upwards. Come along - you will be very welcome and have instant friendship in this cordial atmosphere. To find out more, ring Harold on 01752 337085. Pins & Needles Knitting Club 2.30pm (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month). This traditional hobby has bounced right back up in the popularity charts. People of varying ages are now picking up knitting needles and are all most welcome to come and join this group, which handproduce and send knitted goods such as jumpers, blankets and hats for poor children in two areas of Romania and are sometimes asked to produce adult hats for Shekinah Mission, asylum seekers and refugees. One of the members makes cardigans, hats and small blankets for the Neo-natal Unit at Derriford Hospital. It doesn’t matter if you have been knitting for years, or have never seen a ball of wool before - the group will openly welcome you and share their knowledge and skills! To join them, please contact Jean Milroy on Tel. 337578. Games 4 U 2.30pm-4pm (2nd and 4th Thursday of every month) A group of friendly men and women who meet during the autumn and spring school terms. The group play various board games from the easy to the quite demanding. No matter how much you need to concentrate, the club never lose sight that you are playing games and so there is always opportunity for light conversation during the tea and biscuit break! To find out more about this wonderful group telephone Joyce on Tel. 216343. ‘Woodys’ Youth Group 6pm-8pm. A new group set up for the community by the church. There is a good mix of children from 8-16 where they can test their scooter and skateboard skills on the ramps and jumps. Air-hockey also available. Youth workers work alongside members of the church and other volunteers to support this wonderful project. Primary-age children session 6-7pm and Secondaryage children session 7-8pm. BAND & CHOIR: Laira Youth Band (Thursdays 7.15pm)The Laira Youth Brass Band started in 1972 from the members of the Sunday school at Laira Congregational Church, it has performed hundreds of concerts over the years, in every corner of the City and beyond. Scores of children have passed through its ranks. Most were taught to read music and to play their instrument whilst in the Band, and many have continued their musical hobby into adult life, some choosing a professional career in music. As well as part of the band performing (amongst others) in the weekly church service here at Woodford, the Band also put on regular concerts to raise money for local charities and take part in parades and perform at special church events. To find out more call Tony Hollick on 01752 216784. DAILY SESSIONAL CHILD CARE: Woodford Methodist Pre-School (from 8am-3pm) every weekday @ Woodford. The Pre-School established in 1963 hold an Ofsted registration and charity status.They run a breakfast club in addition to the normal sessional day care during term-time.The experienced, qualified team can look after children aged from two to starting school, from 8am3pm, Mondays through to Fridays, in addition to offering a summer play scheme. Mother’s and Toddler’s sessions run Thursdays 1pm-3pm. They have links with neighbouring primary schools and can provide funded sessions for 2-4 year olds and welcome children with additional needs. The Pre-school is quality assured and has a fabulous team of mature and experienced staff. The friendly, fun and safe play environment includes a large outdoor garden, with border gates and fencing, to ensure your child is kept out of danger. They look forward to meeting you and your little one! To find out more, visit the website at www.woodfordpreschool. co.uk or call 337335. For more information about any of Woodford Methodist events, visit www.woodford-methodist. org or www.facebook.com/Woodford.Methodist.Church
Carlton Big Band at the Duke
Carlton Big Band will be appearing at The Duke of Cornwall, Millbay Rd Plymouth on the last Sunday of the month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday January 29 and continuing through the winter months on Sunday February 26 and March 26 lunchtimes.
The first event in January is a special New Year Party, as usual open to everyone, and a treat for those who like dancing or listening to swing, rat-pack and Latin music played by the popular effervescent Carlton Big Band. It’s a great chance to strut your stuff or relax and dine with the band playing great charts from Glenn Miller to Van Morrison, with Elaine Davies on lead tenor/flute and vocals and Michael Laurence
delivering some smooth Sinatra standards. Advance tickets available
Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Activities Sundays: Church service 10am to 12 noon 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Square dancing 5.30pm -9pm Mondays: Salsa classes 10am to 11am. Chatterbox 1pm to 3pm. Table Tennis 6pm to 9pm 1st Monday of the month Federation of Pensioners 1pm to 4pm (Phoenix Club) Tuesdays: Baby sensory classes 10am to 12 noon. Valannes’s Dance School Children’s Ballet & Tap 4pm to 7pm. Line dancing 7.30pm to 10pm. Tel 347227. Wednesdays: Over 60’s Club 1pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Latin Line dancing 7.30pmto 9.30pm Thursdays: Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults. Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Line dancing 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Fridays: Evergreen Club 2pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Hall and lounge meeting room for hire telephone Lesley on 07952 465836. Licenced Bar - Open from 7:30pm week days and from 12pm weekends. Soft drinks and hot drinks also sold. All welcome. Energie Fitness for Women Classes at Lister Close, Plympton Tuesday 9.30am Ladies only Legs, bums, tums Tuesday 10.15am Ladies Only Pilates Wednesday 9.15am Ladies only BodyPump Wednesday 11am Ladies Only Pilates Friday 6pm Ladies only FatBlast Saturday 11am Gentle motorised exercise Sunday 9.15am Mixed Class BodyPump For more information call 01752 340044 Plympton Moving On Stroke Club Alternate Wednesdays Meet at Pocklington Rise, George Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JL 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a small charge to cover the rent of the room, and for refreshments £2 per person. We tend to have a speaker one week, and an activity the next. Contacts Tony Stoneman 07834276371; Steve Sargent 07944691482 and Gloria Ward 01752 776978 Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome. Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Sonia on 514119 for more information Sandy’s Songbirds Wednesdays A thriving, happy mixed choir. No auditions. No need to be able to read music either.This is a fun-filled community choir meeting weekly with refreshments and raffle too. Wednesdays 10 am to 12 noon at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre in Glen road behind the Coop. For details Ring Sandy on 336953. Plympton Probus Club Second Monday of month Plympton Probus Club was formed in 1985, and enables retired and semi- retired men to meet a convivial group aged, 55 or over who meet on a regular basis. Would you consider joining us at the Plympton Library venue? We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10am, and provide opportunity to hear a variety of interesting speakers. Additionally, social lunches with wives and guests are held at various venues throughout the year. Currently, vacancies exist for new members and anyone interested, should
£7 from the Duke of Cornwall 01752 275850
contact the secretary, Gerald Hendrick, on 01752 514942. Hooe & Turnchapel Ladies Group Meets at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Speakers on various subjects, all ladies welcome. For more information please ring Plymouth 311931. Table Top Sales Second Saturday in the Month (not January) Plymstock Community Centre: Vintage, Collectables and Craft 9am to 2pm These table top sales are held in Plymstock Community Centre (top of Plymstock Broadway Car Park). A friendly and welcoming atmosphere prevails and there is something for everyone from antiques to knitted gloves and hats to books and records and jewellery. We hope to bring something new each month. Entry is 20p per person but children are free. There is a selection of hot and cold refreshments. Enquiries to Paula 01752 342321 Scottish Country Dancing Mondays at Trinity United Reform Church at Hartley. We dance between 7.30 and 10pm with a break for a cup of tea and a biscuit. We are a very friendly group and beginners will be made really welcome. Partners are not needed just soft shoes and a sense of humour. For further details contact Valerie on 01752 220241 Road to Recovery Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting every Friday at St Matthias Church Hall, North Hill. Doors open 6.30pm. Meeting 7pm- 9pm. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Family, friends, health professionals etc also welcome. Contact: Matt 07766 006 153 or Jo 07918 141715. AA Helpline: 0800 9177 650 Badminton Club Fridays Non League club meets on Friday evenings at Whiteford Road, Plymouth. Opportunities available for new members of any age over 18. We also welcome over fifties. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com Table Top Sales Second Saturday in the Month (not January) Plymstock Community Centre: Vintage, Collectables and Craft 9am to 2pm. These table top sales are held in Plymstock Community Centre (top of Plymstock Broadway Car Park). A friendly and welcoming atmosphere prevails and there is something for everyone from antiques to knitted gloves and hats to books and records and jewellery. We hope to bring something new each month. Entry is 20p per person but children are free. There is a selection of hot and cold refreshments. Enquiries to Paula 01752 342321 Messy Church at Elburton Methodist Church Messy Church is held on the first Saturday morning of every month (excluding August), from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All welcome to join us for a fun morning of arts, crafts, drama, music and refreshments. All for a small donation. Activities for the whole family. For more details contact Debbie Warley Tel: 215632. Plymouth Die-Cast Model Collectors Club First Wednesday of the month A club for anyone interested in or a collector of old toys,
• continued on page 8
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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 6 Dinky, Corgi, Tinplate etc. The September meeting will be the Club’s 24th Anniversary. Meetings are quite informal, any club business is discussed along with a good gossip over a cup of tea or coffee. The meetings are held at the Wolseley Trust Community Building, Wolseley Close, Plymouth from 7.30pm - 9.30 pm . New members are always made very welcome with no charge for a first visit. For further details or information please contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250, or check out the Club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com. Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7:30pm at Hooe and Tunchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee and biscuits. Weekly raffles and late raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for mor details. Plymouth Dance Academy Dance classes for children and adults in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Ballroom and Latin. Branches including Southway, Stoke, Mannamead, Plympton, Ivybridge and Totnes. Wedding dance lesson and Parties also available. For further info please email info@plymouthdanceacademy.co.uk. Call 01752 221049. Web: www.plymouthdanceacademy.co.uk Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays Youth music group for nine to 18 year olds. Meet at Courtlands School Eggbuckland (term time). Staffed by volunteers and teach guitars, keyboards, drums, singing and flutes and clarinets. We support local events and twice a year hold concerts in the Devonport Playhouse. The children are only charged £1 per week. www.plymouthmac.co.uk. Book Stall, Social Call Second Saturday of month Join in the games and fun at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. Books, tea, coffee and cake for sale. 2pm to 4pm.
Dr Ruth Harrell
Ruth is new Director of Public Health A new Director of Public Health has been announced for Plymouth City Council. Dr Ruth Harrell, who was previously acting as interim Director, has now been confirmed as the new Director. Ruth has worked in Plymouth as a Consultant in Public Health for two and a half years, leading on disease prevention and health protection, before she was appointed as Interim Director of Public Health last year. As the director, Ruth is responsible for a number of key areas including public health, environmental health, trading standards, civil protection, licensing and bereavement services. Ruth said: “I’m really excited to have been appointed as the new Director of Public Health for Plymouth. There is some fantastic work already taking place here to improve health and reduce health inequalities and I want to continue to build on this with the team and our colleagues and partners. “We have recently launched Year 3 of Thrive Plymouth, the city’s 10 year campaign to reduce health inequalities in Plymouth, which is focussing on helping people to make those small changes to their lifestyles that can make a huge difference to their health, and we are now planning for future years.” Councillor Ian Bowyer, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “I’m really pleased that Ruth has now been officially appointed as Plymouth’s new Director of Public Health. Ruth has done a fantastic job since she took over in October and I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with her to address health inequalities across the city and keep people safe.” Dr Harrell takes over from Professor Kelechi Nnoaham who left the council last October. 8
The Plymouth Shopper
Pensioners & fifty plus action group Can we take you for a ride? If you want to meet new friends why not take advantage of our subsidised taxi service (for anyone 50+ living locally) and wishing to come to any of our meetings, but have difficulty in getting to the meeting places - like physical problems or awkward bus connections. You can now enjoy the luxury of door to door travel, hear interesting speakers and watch a variety of cabaret acts. We meet on the second Friday of every month in the Wolseley Trust Community Building (next to Sylvia’s Café) behind the Co-op superstore in Wolseley Road, PL2 3BY, just down from Milehouse traffic lights going towards St Budeaux. We have interesting speakers chosen by members, from MPs to representatives of national and local businesses, and these free meetings are from 10.30am to 1pm. Parking is usually available and many buses stop outside the Co-op. Our social meetings are held in Kings Tamerton Community Centre, PL5 2BH (the No 16 bus stops outside) and we have a variety of acts to entertain us, from cabaret to country & western, and these meetings are from 2pm to 4pm on some Fridays. Non-group members pay £2 but this includes a very good buffet and we always have a raffle. Anyone over the age of 50 looking for good company and interesting meetings can get more information from Mrs Margaret Williams (Secretary) Tel; 01752 350498 or email; tomag42@ hotmail.co.uk Circle Dance Thursdays Yealmpton Circle Dance Group. Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, PL8 2HF. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A variety of dance styles from gentle and expressive to lively and joyful. Traditional and contemporary world music. Good for mind, body and spirit. Clearly taught and easy to learn. No partner needed. Friendly and fun. 01752 880196 for details. Dancing Duo Fortnightly Saturdays With Henry and Jeannie at Plymouth Life Centre (Central Park near Plymouth Argyle ground) for ballroom, Latin and sequence, old time and more. Time 7.45pm to 10.45pm free parking. Entry £7. Bring your own soft drinks and and snacks. Early tea and coffee available at cafe. Kreative Kidz Thursdays Pre school messy play sessions, overalls provided, different activity each week, meet new people make new friends £3 per child includes tea/coffee for adults. 12.30pm to 1.30pm To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from age 7 years. Crafts, cookery, baking, woodworking, model making, scrap heap challenge. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm.To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops activities range from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10
Gold Dust Appeal reaches its £100,000 target
Children's wards and corridors at Derriford Hospital will be getting a total makeover after the Gold Dust Appeal reached its £100,000 target on Christmas Eve. It was the perfect gift for the 10,000 children and families who use the children's wards every year. The Gold Dust Appeal was launched in late 2015 and thanks to the dedication and generosity of supporters, has hit target ahead of plan. The appeal was selected as the Trust’s chosen fundraising appeal and since the launch, individuals, businesses and community groups from across the area have all shown fantastic support. Anita Dykes, matron of paediatrics said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that we have hit our £100,000 target for the Gold Dust Appeal. When we launched the appeal, we knew it was an ambitious target, so to have completed it ahead of plan is a phenomenal achievement.
“It has been inspiring to see all our supporters across the South West, come together to help raise money for our children’s areas on level 12. Every single person who has fundraised or donated has played a vital role and has helped us raise enough funds to be able to create an environment where children and their families feel safe, secure and happy. "Together our supporters will be making a lasting difference to our patients and their families at the most critical of times, and for this, we cannot thank them enough.” per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info:wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. 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 PL2 1AL Performance Training (5-25s) Barbican Theatre’s dance and theatre workshops enable young people to build their confidence and learn new skills and techniques alongside professionals. Visit www. barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131. Sandy’s Plymtones Mondays Fun choir for men and women. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (near the Co-op), Glen Road, Plympton. 2-4pm No auditions, no need to read music - just good humour and enthusiasm needed. Contact Sandy on 336953 or 07737 461431. Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone. From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session. RASC/RCT/RLC Association Meetings for remainder of 2016 are Sept 14 and November 9 at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road Derriford at 7.30pm. The AGM will be held on January 11 2017 at the same venue and time. All ex-Corps members welcome to attend. For any welfare problems please call 01752 343 492 or write to the Army Reserve Centre Derriford Plymouth (c/o RASC/RCT/RLCAssoc) Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport. We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions. Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800. Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome. Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Marie 343386 for more information
Funds raised by the appeal will enable the creation of a bright, exciting and welcoming area for children and young people at Derriford Hospital. It will create a calm, reassuring environment to engage children with colourful, themed areas that distract them from clinical procedures and provide greater comfort and privacy for children and their families. At just two and a half years old, Leya Raper has spent most of her life on one of the children’s wards. Since the launch of the appeal, Leya and her mum, Casey, have supported and raised over £600. Casey said: “Leya is doing really well at the moment and we are so thankful to all the amazing staff at Derriford Hospital. “We know better than anyone how important the Gold Dust Appeal is, so we are thrilled that it will now become a reality and other families in a similar position will enjoy the new wards and corridors they need, as quickly as possible. “Without the children’s ward and the doctors, we wouldn’t have Leya! They kept our most precious gift alive and I will never be able to thank them enough.” Solaris Yoga Enjoy vital relaxation, strengthening and toning muscles. Pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and adult yoga held at Plymouth Swallows, St Andrew’s Cross, Church of the Holy Spirit Southway, Crownhill Fort and Jump. Please call Shilpa on 0771 1899 530 for times of classes. Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome. For more details of club activities please visit www. plymouthanddistrictkoikeeperssociety.org or ring Sandra Crocker on 01752 210118. Port of Plymouth Canoe Association Mondays , Thursdays and Saturdays May until September. Offering various introductory, taster and child ( 8-11 ) sessions throughout the spring and summer. For more information please contact Tracy Jones 01752 510653 email intro@ppca-club.org.uk or visit www. ppca-canoe-club.org.uk Special Olympics Plymouth and District The Special Olympics Plymouth and District at YMCA Kitto centre on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm £15 membership £2 each week. Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club Saturday and Thursday swimming club: Saturdays are free times 12.15 pm to 1.15 pm at Plymouth Life Centre. Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm £4 at the Life Centre. Plymouth Pisces swimming club from 11.15am to 1.15pm at the Life Centre subs £2 each week £4 membership. Highbury Trust Highbury Disco Tuesdays and Fridays subs £2 each week. St Budeaux disco £2 each week on Thursday evenings 6.30pm to 9.30pm at St Budeaux Community Centre. Age UK Plymouth Bridge Fridays Friday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at Elspeth Sitters House, Hoegate Street, Plymouth. Do you play bridge and would like to join a friendly, social group. £2 per session which includes tea and biscuits. Details phone 776881. Tots Time - St. Jude’s Mondays during term-time From 9.30 to 11.30 in the Upper Hall at St Jude’s Church on Beaumont Road, babies and toddlers are welcome with their carers at £1.50 per session. Tots Time provides toys,
• continued on page 18
5,000 new homes to be built in Plymouth in five years Plymouth has been chosen by the Government to play a key role in building starter homes. The city is one of 30 local authorities to ‘spearhead’ the starter homes scheme which will involve a £1.2 billion Government Starter Homes Land Fund. Under the Plan for Homes 2016-2021, Plymouth aims to build more than 5,000 new homes by 2021 and the council are currently on track to deliver. Earlier in the year the council submitted a £25.7 million Starter Homes Expression of Interest showing how it could potentially deliver around 1,036 homes, of which 548 would be starter homes. Plymouth City Council has been chosen as a partnership authority because of its strong track record of delivery, and potential for early delivery of starter homes.
The Romanian Evangelical Church
invites all Romanian-speaking people and their friends to the inauguration of our new worship place at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Rd, PL2 3AE, Sunday 5 March at 6.30pm.
Biserica Evanghelică Română
invită toți vorbitorii de limba Română și prietenii lor, la inaugurarea noului nostru loc de închinare la Pilgrim Church, St Levan Rd, PL2 3AE, Duminică 5 Martie la 6.30pm.
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Plympton’s Kingfisher is the best fish and chip shop in the UK - and that’s official! Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Chaddlewood has scooped the flagship Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award at the 2017 Annual National Fish & Chip Awards in London, going one better than its second-place last year. Kingfisher’s owners Nikki Mutton and Craig Maw have only owned the fish and chip shop for four years but this was the third year that they had entered it into the competition.
Starter homes aim to help first-time buyers between the ages of 23 and 40 onto the housing market, with a discount of at least 20 per cent below market value.
To secure the top spot, the chip shop had to progress through a multi-stage judging process over a seven-month period; encompassing mystery shopping assessments and audits by industry experts who reviewed everything from responsible sourcing policies to menu diversification. Customer service levels and the quality of fish and chips being served were also closely scrutinized.
The Starter Homes Land Fund was set up to prepare suitable land for quality starter home developments which can be built on by developers. The aim is to unblock stalled sites and accelerate housing construction in the next 4 years.
Nikki and Craig said Kingfisher is one of only two fish and chip businesses in the UK to have a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). The outlet offers more than 12 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish species and also uses QR codes to let customers trace the journey of their fish from sea to plate.
Plymouth City Council, has already started work to prepare a number of sites for starter homes, including the former Whitleigh Community Centre, and has acquired Colin Campbell Court, Bath Street and land at Prince Maurice Road for potential development.
Ben Bartlett, master craftsman of the Craft Guild of Chefs and a member of this year’s final judging panel, praised Kingfisher’s approach to its craft.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Ian Bowyer, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Government has shown faith in Plymouth’s ability to build much needed new homes for hard working young people.
“This year was definitely Kingfisher’s year – they stood out immediately for their extensive knowledge and experience, robust sourcing policies, forward-thinking approach and continual business growth,” Bartlett said. “With inspiring passion, they are consistently looking to improve their offering and strive for perfection – making them extremely worthy winners and the perfect ambassadors for the fish and chip industry.”
It will support the Plymouth Plan and our aim to deliver thousands of new homes for the people of Plymouth. We are prioritising development on brownfield sites and stalled sites.
Organized by Seafish, the awards were initiated in 1988 to raise standards across the industry and to reward individual ‘chippies’ judged to be going that extra bit further. Today, it’s a major social event, attracting considerable media attention.
“We are committed to ensuring more people in the city have a place they can call home and the starter homes will help younger first time buyers to get their foot on the housing ladder by being able to buy a brand new home at a discounted rate.” Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport and Planning, said: “We have worked closely with the Homes and Communities Agency and have already one of the country’s first starter homes sites being developed on the site of the former Whitleigh Community Centre. “By being named as a Starter Homes Partnership Authority, Plymouth City Council will lead the delivery of a portfolio of sites across the city which will make a real difference to local people in need of housing. We now need to get on and deliver.”
Nikki and Craig with their trophy
CUB CONNOR CELEBRATES CHIEF SCOUT AWARD
DELIVERY PEOPLE JOBS AVAILABLE
1st Plympton Cubs member Connor Myles has been awarded the Chief Scout's Silver Award. This prestigious award is given to those who complete six badges as well as all seven 'challenge awards' including adventure, outdoor and team leading activities.
Earn some extra income and keep fit at the same time without paying for a gym membership! We need reliable delivery people across the city!
BACKCHECKER JOBS ALSO AVAILABLE Contact John on 01752 225623 or john@cornerstonevision.com More info see page 31
31/03/2017
Connor received the award from Stannator of Plympton Rose Hamley at Cottle's Lodge on January 11 in the presence of his fellow pack members.
The Plymouth Shopper
9
‘It’s the best job in the world’ – why helping people move out of Devonport Lifehouse is so rewarding A Plymouth residential centre for people at risk of homelessness has been described as a dream place to work by one of its support staff. Devonport Lifehouse offers accommodation and support to its community of 72 men and women who would otherwise be homeless and equips them with valuable life skills and vocational training while they are there. Situated in the docks area and run by The Salvation Army; centre staff help Devonport’s members with a range of personal challenges — from physical and mental health
problems to relationship breakdowns — work through their issues and gain the confidence to lead independent lives. During their time at Devonport Lifehouse everyone’s encouraged to learn a host of skills, from cooking and woodwork, to computing.
Devonport Lifehouse since 1998, said: “It’s the best job in the world. It becomes a bit like a family and we all look out for each other. I always say to them ‘never be defined by your past it was just a lesson not a life sentence’ and it’s so true. “The Salvation Army is all about helping people to help themselves and that’s what really attracted me to this job in the first place. I feel like I’m making a difference to help them be the best they can be.
The Salvation Army is a provider of homelessness services throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The church and charity believes providing a bed alone won’t go far enough to solve the issues of homelessness. It is an expert in helping people who are experiencing homelessness achieve their goals and employs an experienced and skilled workforce.
“Seeing how much more confident people are when they’ve learned something new, like how to cook a meal or budget for themselves, is just fantastic.
Staff work alongside the people they help, supporting them to reach their goal, Jackie Javan whether that be employment, getting back in touch with family or beating an addiction. The Salvation Army will never give up on anyone and will give hope.
“Equally I learn so much from the people who live here too and from the volunteers who give up their time to come in and support us. Every day is different here and I’m constantly amazed by how resilient and resourceful the people in our little community are.”
Jackie Javan, who has been a support worker at the
Tristan Gaskell used to live at Devonport but is now based
Anne Frank project a ‘profound’ experience to see their response to it.
A Plymouth school has been the first in Devon to host a poignant and thought-provoking exhibition about the life of Anne Frank and her family – with students acting as guides. A group of 15 students at Stoke Damerel Community College, including the college's Modern Britain Council, were given a day's training by Tam Fowles, the South West co-ordinator for the Anne Frank Trust's ‘A History for Today’ exhibition.
“The students have engaged with it in an amazing way,” she said. “You can see how they have really taken the message into their hearts and how it has affected the way they will look at other people, and themselves, in the future.”
Stoke Damerel Community College students who trained as peer guides
"I was recommended to approach Stoke Damerel to hold the exhibition in Devon and I'm very glad I did," said Tam, who has brought the exhibition to Devon with the help of Big Lottery funding in conjunction with Hope in the Heart and the Zebra Collective. "The students have been wonderful, extremely perceptive and attentive and have taken a very thoughtful approach to their roles. "They have quickly become amazing and compassionate student guides. On a personal level for the students, becoming a peer guide helps develop their confidence and leadership skills I've been very impressed by them."
Stoke Damerel teacher Karen Burn, Tam Fowles from the Anne Frank Trust, Stoke Damerel Sixth formers Zoe Vinicombe, Nagina Magar and Ruby Tagara, Sgt Paul Laity and PC Graham Little and Stoke Damerel’s head of History Greg Winders
She added that some of the students may well go on to become Anne Frank ambassadors - part of a growing network of students from around the UK who volunteer to spread Anne’s story and message of hope in local primary schools.
taken on board some very difficult information and then shared that with other students.
"It's extremely affecting," said teacher Karen Burn, who is the college's Modern Britain coordinator. "I've been very proud of the way the students have
Stoke councillor Philippa Davey was invited to see the exhibition while it was at the college and take part in a workshop with students and said it was ‘amazing’
"It is a privilege to be part of such an important project and I know it will have a lasting impact on our peer guides and all the students who have visited the exhibition."
Sixth form student Oscar Pollard, who trained to be a peer guide, said it had been a ‘profound experience’. "Learning about Anne this way means you get to create an emotional connection with her and it changes from being about facts and figures to being a personal story which you feel compelled to share with other people," he said "It has had a big impact on me and now I understand much more about the horrors she had to bear." Year 8 student Maddie Stacey, who also completed the training, said she had found it ‘really inspiring’. "It just reminds me that we need to bring more tolerance into our world," she said.
Food and craft market in Stoke Stoke Damerell Church in Paradise Road, Stoke, a long time favourite haunt of Albert Fisher – aka ‘The Bishop’, is opening its doors for a new event starting in February.
Albert Fisher was a favourite subject for artist Robert Lenkieweicz and it is known that Albert, whose nickname was The Bishop, often took respite amongst the gravestones of the church, making himself at home in the grounds. The church which has recently undergone an 10
extensive refurbishment, including underfloor heating for the comfort of its parishioners, is to start holding an indoor monthly food and craft market, hoping to encourage local producers of foods, delicacies and local crafts.
Initial research carried out by event management company LEAP has indicated there is a need for something in the area, especially during the winter months and Annette Laurie of LEAP has been working with committee members of the Stoke Damerell Church to bring it all together.
The Plymouth Shopper
“I arrived here last April and I was in a pretty bad way. I was drinking too much and I was made homeless. I spent about a week on the streets of Plymouth then I went to the council and they put me in touch with Devonport House. “Jackie was the first person I saw when I got there and she was absolutely brilliant and my support worker, Tracey Emerson helped me so much. She taught me how to care for others and myself. “The staff were brilliant at showing me loads of stuff, like how to manage my finances, which was a massive help. They sat down beside me and helped me do my water and gas bills. I’ve never lived on my own so I didn’t have a clue.” Tristan’s experience of being at Devonport Lifehouse — particularly the care and respect shown to him by its staff — has now made him determined to train for a career in support work himself. To find out more about working at Devonport Lifehouse, contact Hannah Kendall on 01752 562170 or visit http:// workforall.salvationarmy.org.uk/current-vacancies
Jon Rhodes, head of Sports Performance at Plymouth Studio School, puts Year 10 Rhys Roffey who has been selected for the GB Taekwondo Olympic Talent programme through his paces
Sgt Paul Laity and PC Graham Little from the Diverse Communities Team at Charles Cross Police Station also came for the afternoon and were shown around the exhibition by a group of Sixth form students. “We were really impressed with the amount of information in the exhibition - so much of it is relevant to today,” said Sgt Laity. “The students were passionate and informed and I’m sure they will remember this experience for a long time to come,” he said.
The 33-panel international exhibition was on show at the college for a week in January and, once the selected students were trained, they were then able to act as peer guides to fellow students and visitors to the exhibition.
in a nearby Salvation Army supported housing project called Zion House, he said:
Olympic hopes for Rhys Year 10 Plymouth Studio School student, Rhys Roffey, has been given a fighting chance to join the next generation of athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and to follow in the footsteps of Taekwondo gold medallist, Jade Jones. Fifteen year old Rhys, who joined the school’s High Performance Sports Programme in September 2016, has been selected to join the GB Taekwondo Talent Programme for the 2020/2024 Olympics. Rhys, who has been training with South Coast Martial Arts since he was four, will attend 3 probationary sessions in Manchester over the coming months as part of the Talent Programme. The programme is designed to develop athletes for world class, senior European and Olympic performance and to enter the GB Academy. The news coincides with confirmation for GB Taekwondo that it will continue to receive funding from Sport England for its Talent Programme until April 2021. The new programme will have an added focus on developing 13- 18 years olds and on individual athlete development
The first event will be held on Saturday February 11 between 10am and 4pm and will then be held on the second Saturday of each month following. Entrance is free and there is also free parking locally. There are already a Head of Sports Performance at Plymouth range of food and craft producers, some new Studio School, Jon Rhodes said: to the venue and others long time regulars with “We’re extremely proud of Rhys and LEAP. this great start to 2017 for him. Rhys is Funds raised will go someway to paying for the a prime example of the need for early underfloor heating and refurbishment costs as development and focus on the individual well as providing an indoor venue for traders athlete when it comes to creating Olympic throughout the colder winter months. champions for the future.
Rhys started his Olympic dream at the age of 4 when he began training with South Coast Martial Arts, going on to compete nationally at the age of 10. He began training with the UK ITF Team at the age of 12 and current titles include English, National and UK Champion in the under 16’s sparring. He currently also trains with WFT South Hams Martial Arts. He also recently took silver in the under 16’s patterns and bronze in the under 18’s sparring at the ITF World Championships in Brighton. Rhys said: “I went for the assessment in October but wasn’t sure what would happen. I was so excited when we received the letter saying I’d been successful and I am through to the next stage of selection, it’s an amazing opportunity and one I’ve been working towards since I was four. ”It’s great being able to incorporate my training into the school day and to combine it with my GCSEs, whilst still being able to follow my Olympic dreams.” Other Plymouth Studio School students with their eyes firmly on the next Olympics include modern pentathlete Kay Bryson, diver Matt Dixon and women’s rugby player, Lizzy Cole, all of whom have already trained at Team GB level within their age groups. Year 10 & 12 places for students for September 2017 are available for students with sporting ambitions or who want to pursue a career in sport. To book an individual tour and meeting visit www.plymouthstudioschool.co.uk or email info@plymouthstudioschool.co.uk
A warm welcome awaits you at...
UNDERWOOD CHAPEL 128 Underwood Road, Plympton, PL7 1TD
1st Sunday of the month: Morning Service Coffee at 11.00 am, Service at 11.30 am Sundays: Evening Service - 6.30pm Mondays: Toddler group - 1.15 pm to 2.45 pm (During term time) Tuesdays: Ladies group - 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm (During term time) Transport for Ladies group available, contact 01752 336560
For more information Contact Mike on 336976 or Graham on 340528
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The Plymouth Shopper
11
Special presentation to longserving golf club secretary Derek Mills, longstanding volunteer secretary at Elfordleigh Golf Club has stood down from the post. At the club's annual meeting in January Derek was given a standing ovation by the Elfordleigh Golf Club committee, attending club members and hotel representatives alike in honour of his diligent and professional work throughout his time in the post. Derek has been a member at the club since 1984, was Vets Captain in 2010 and volunteer secretary for 11 years from 2006 until 2016. Club president, Nigel Taylor, presented Derek with a
commemorative plate detailing the presidents, chairmen, treasurers, captains and professionals who Derek had served with during his tenure. Derek was thanked for his years of service to the club and was wished a happy retirement from the role and many more happy golfing years at Elfordleigh Golf Club. Derek said: "This is a unique memento that I shall cherish forever, it will take pride of place in my trophy cabinet." Derek recounted many enjoyable times he has had at the club as a member and as secretary, recalling that he considered himself to be a great supporter of the club as it took him 25 years to win a medal!
New course for people with long-term medical conditions Beacon Medical Group have teamed up the with Plymouth Guild to bring an innovative new course to Plympton for people with long-term medical conditions.
Hele's students enjoy Les Miserables More than 40 keen theatregoers from Hele’s School in Plympton travelled the long journey to London to see Les Miserables, one of the most famous productions ever created. Looking down onto the revolving stage the students and
staff were in awe as the French revolution immersed them into the formidable narrative. It was an absolutely delightful day, being at a West End theatre reminded the youngsters that one of them could be treading the boards in the not so distant future. if you want to see some of Hele’s very own talent, why not come along to Guys and Dolls which is running from the February 20 to 23 in the main hall at the academy.
Plympton accountants celebrate milestone Michele Marsland, owner of Marslands Accountants Ltd in Plympton has celebrated 11 years in business.
The enterprise started off from a desk in Michele’s front room in 2006. Three years ago she purchased premises in Branson Court, Plympton to help with her expansion plans and in 2015 her new business associate, Zena Commander, joined her to help grow the practice. Last year Marslands took on an apprentice, Thomas Coombe, from a local school who is training in business administration internally and with the Skillsgroup, also Plympton based. They also expanded further with another part time member of staff, Helen Pope, from Plympton. Michele’s business continues to grow thanks to her loyal customer base and new customers to the business.
years. I’m very lucky that I love my job and have helped many people with business decisions over the years.
“Over the years I have established myself locally as an expert in property rentals. I pride myself on giving my clients a personal service and strive to help them save more money than the fee they pay me! I am also helping small businesses get on to cloud accounting software which is becoming increasingly popular and convenient with the internet being so accessible now.”
The initial course will run for six weeks and started on January 26 with participants attending for 2 hours once per week over this period. Late starters can be accepted part way through the course and if there is sufficient demand the course can be repeated for new joiners on a rolling basis every six weeks. Beacon Medical spokesperson Paula Varndell-Dawes said: "This course is quite generic in style. It's about managing the way you live with whatever long-term condition you have. “This is about getting more out of your life and empowering patients and people who live with a longterm condition to get the most effective treatment, to understand how their treatment works a little better, to have the understanding of healthy eating options and taking exercise. It's also about mixing with people who also have a long-term condition." The Plymouth Guild Long-Term Self Management Course is a recognised course run by people who themselves live with a long-term condition. Ms VarndellDawes added: "These people have been there and done that and they've come out the other end. This is a certified course which is recognised and is full of really
insightful and helpful information. Another interesting facet to the course is a time bank connection. Ms Vardell-Dawes explained: "We are developing something which is really unique for Plympton. This is a time bank. It's to support people who live with a long-term condition to buddy up and be befriended with someone who perhaps has insight into giving effective information but also enabling patients to get support. “It could be support to come to the course, it could be just sitting down and talking to someone in their own home, but if that individual is buddied up with the right person you are banking time. "So if the individual who is helping the person with the long-term condition wants to learn to play the guitar or needs some cooking lessons or anything at all they can bank that time and ask the time bank for some help in response." Anyone interested in offering support can contact Paula at paula.varndell-dawes@nhs.net and enquiries about joining the course as a participant with a long-term condition can be made in person at Beacon Medical's Mudge Way practice or by phoning course tutor Jan White on 01752 201892. More about the course and the time bank is online in the January 2017 audio edition of the Plympton Podcast at www.spreaker.com/user/plymptonpodcast
Anyone for (fancy dress) tennis?
Marslands donates £25 for each new client to either SSAFA or St. Luke’s – in the last 18 months £825 has been donated to the two charities. Call 01752 344582 or email Michele@marslands.co.uk to discuss your requirements and arrange a free initial meeting.
Michele is a fully qualified chartered certified accountant and a chartered tax advisor, so clients can be assured their affairs are in qualified hands. Michele aid; “Who’d have thought 11 years ago when I started working for myself at a small desk in my front room that I would end up with the house next door and others working with me! It’s amazing what you can achieve in 11 years and I thank all my clients, family and friends for their support over the 12
The Plymouth Shopper
Passers by at Plympton Tennis Courts recently might have glanced up to the sky to see if they'd failed to notice the sun after spotting many players in bright summer shirts. However, undeterred by the typical British winter weather club members had donned their bright shirts and were taking part in a Bonzer Aussie Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Plympton Tennis Club)
Loved ones in safe hands with Wyatt Brothers they can also help those who’ve lost a partner and who now fear being lonely by suggesting places which offer socialising opportunities.
For most of us, the loss of a loved one is probably the most stressful and upsetting time we’ll go through in our lives.
Wyatt Brothers Funeral Directors are available 24-hoursa-day all year round. Wyatt Brothers Funeral Directors 5-7 Durnford Street, Plymouth 01752 600437 www. wyattbrothers.co.uk
The task of immediately organising the funeral with a firm of undertakers can, in some instances, feel completely overwhelming. The last thing you want right now is the unpleasant experience of having to deal with an impersonal ‘one funeral fits all’ firm.
Soroptimists plan big charity Zumba event
Wyatt Brothers Funeral Directors in Durnford Street, Stonehouse, are different. They’re a family firm that offers an independent, caring, personal yet professional service that will ease you and your family through this difficult time.
Plymouth Soroptimists are planning to celebrate International Women’s Day with the biggest Zumba class ever on Sunday March 5 at Plymouth Life Centre.
The Wyatt brothers are identical twins John and James and they entered the business after being brought up in a family that was well used to a caring environment: “Our father was a country clergyman,” said John. “So for me, it’s the pastoral role of the job that I enjoy the most and that I feel is so important. “I’m very much a people person and I’d like to think that’s my particular skill, recognising the dynamics within a family and understanding what their needs are. It’s always going to be an upsetting time but talking about a loved one can also be helpful and uplifting,” he added. John and James began work as undertakers at an early age, when they learnt that laughter can also be a huge help at times of loss: “When we were 16, James and I used to help a local undertaker as coffin bearers. We’d be at the front and being identical twins, it always raised a smile.” The brothers are joined in the firm by office manager Cassie Knapman, a former RAF nurse who spent 10 years caring for her husband before he died with dementia. Her son-in-law, funeral director Marc McClelland, previously worked in health and social care. The team has also been expanded recently with the appointment of Richard Winfield as a funeral director. John said: "Richard, who served in the Royal Navy, is an old family friend who we have known for 15 years and we are delighted to have him on board. It means we can help even more families to cope with the loss of a loved one."
Several hundred people are expected to take part in the event which will have qualified instructors on hand and takes place between 9.30am and 11am. Youngsters aged from 14 to 16 mush be accompanied by an adult.
John Wyatt welcomes Richard Winfield, accompanied by Cassie Knapman and Marc McClelland John explains their approach as ‘informal’ during the initial meetings: “We want to minimise the stress involved as much as we possibly can, so we are friendly and relaxed during these meetings and we find that people really appreciate it. We’re not pompous, that doesn’t help people to feel comfortable at all. “I offer to meet the families in their own homes to discuss the funeral arrangements, rather than at our offices‚ although our main office is actually set out as a lounge to make any visit as comfortable as possible. But people are more comfortable in their own homes. They’re more likely to want to chat and we can get a much better picture of them and their loved one, so that the funeral is individual and not like an ‘off the shelf package’. After listening carefully, we are then able to offer choices to suit their individual requirements. “We believe that every funeral is a unique tribute for the family and we guide families to say their farewells in the manner most appropriate to them and their loved one’s
memory. And we ensure that the day passes with dignity and reflects the wishes of families and their loved one. “Ultimately, we’re here to take on all the responsibility,” he added. John said: “People are forever being told in the news that funerals now cost in the region of £7,000 or more and that’s not true, certainly not here in the South West. “It is possible to pay that amount if you wish but the choices we offer are such that it is also possible to have a dignified funeral from £1995. “Affordability is essential,” he added. “Morally, everyone should be able to have a funeral at a reasonable price. We actually quite often advise people when we think they’re considering an option which goes over and above affordability for them.” The firm can also suggest florists, places of worship for all faiths and independent or humanist celebrants as well as venues to celebrate the life of your loved one. And
Tickets are £5 to include a free bottle of water and free prize draws. Pay online at www.eventbrite.co.uk and search Plymouth's biggest Zumba class. Soroptimist International is an organisation for today’s busy women who are interested in improving the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and internationally. As well as lobbying and raising awareness of various issues, they are also hands-on in helping individuals. They achieve this through various fund-raising projects and their latest project has been providing clean water and sanitation for a village in Nepal, enabling the women and girls of that village to safely use these facilities, without the necessity of using woodland outside the village. Plymouth Soroptimists meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel. They welcome new members and anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.plymsorop.org.uk or call 01752 774401.
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More people needed to deliver good news in Plymouth The Peverell-based company which publishes the Plymouth Shopper, Cornerstone Vision, is recruiting more part time distributors to deliver community newspapers, magazines and leaflets door to door in every area of Plymouth. As well as the increasing popularity of the Plymouth Shopper, Plymouth Magazine and Torpoint Advertiser,
Cornerstone Vision are winning more and more leaflet distribution contracts with local and national companies and agencies. The company is now looking to grow its distribution team to meet the growing need. “It’s great that we have been able to develop the business,” said Cornerstone Vision’s managing director, Ian Pilkington. “Hyper-local publications, like the Shopper, are very popular with readers, and effective for advertisers. The company has had to grow to meet demand, and our Peverell office is now almost
full to bursting with our sales and customer service team, designers and distribution management team, which is great to see.”
to maintain the integrity, increase the capacity and enhance the transparency of our consistent distribution network.”
Tony Hodges has directed the development of the company’s distribution service. “Our success is due in no small measure to the hard work and effort of our distributors,” he said.
The company has vacancies for people to deliver door to door, in all areas of Plymouth, plus Saltash and Ivybridge. Applicants would be working part time on a self-employed basis.
“They provide a superb service in all kinds of weather, helping us to reach our delivery aim of ‘every leaflet through every door’. We’re looking for distributors
Anyone interested in these vacancies can contact Cornerstone Vision on 01752 225623, or by email john@cornerstonevision.com--
Star golfer Chloe receives scholarship to Georgia State A teenager golf star from Mount Gould has secured a four year scholarship at Georgia State University in America.
Chloe is currently in Year 13 at Lipson Co-operative Academy studying for A Levels in English Literature, History and Religious Studies and is performing well within her academic subjects showing a great aptitude for study at university.
Lipson Co-operative Academy sixth form student Chloe Howard has received many golf accolades throughout her teenage years.
Although at first unsure of a move to America to follow her golf career, she has the support of her family and is ecstatic at the opportunity to both study and continue her golf career in America.
In 2014, she won the South West Girls’ and Devon ladies’ championship but last year topped off her achievements with a stunning third place at the Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Competition. The talented golfer was over the moon to come away with third place after fighting off fierce competition from seven other qualifying girls. This chance to play abroad began the start of Chloe’s journey into looking further afield for her future. Lipson Co-operative Academy have a history of producing successful athletes at local, county and national levels and are incredibly proud of Chloe’s achievements.
Chloe said, “When Georgia State first got into contact with me, I was unbelievably excited; I wanted to get out there straight away! Any worries or doubts I previously had about moving away from home completely vanished and I knew from then on that it was what I wanted to do, what an unreal and life-changing opportunity I had been given.” Chloe has spent her time within sixth form at Lipson Co-operative Academy balancing her studies and golf achievements and is now ready to take on the next step.
Could you spare a few hours a week to help improve the lives of elderly and disabled people in Plymouth? Access Plymouth relies on a team of volunteers to provide a range of accessible transport services including Shopmobility mobility scooter hire, Community Car and Dial A Ride to help get residents and visitors out and about - and we need more people to help!
Her full scholarship is extensive and a true credit to her achievements over the years. It includes golf coaching and tournaments across America from Miami to Arizona and beyond, alongside all of her tuition fees for the duration of the course; an opportunity that is absolutely impossible to turn down. It must be daunting to be facing such a significant change but Chloe has said that, “It is nerve racking knowing that I will be so far away from home at these times, but I know I will get used to it and feel so welcome and comfortable, as we can FaceTime every single day, and I know 100% that I will be surrounded by amazing friends, an amazing coach, and it will feel like home in no time!” Lipson Co-operative Academy are so proud of their star golfer, for both her academic success and her sporting success, and wish her every success in her new ventures in Georgia, America.
Free International Women’s Day celebration conference in Plymouth Three of the west country’s biggest networking groups for Women in Business have partnered to create a free conference to celebrate International Womens’ Day 2017 on March 8. The theme of this year’s event will be #BeBoldForChange and the international campaign is calling on everyone to help forge a better working world - a more inclusive, gender equal world. In Plymouth, Plymouth Women in Business Network (PWIB) have partnered with SW Women in Property (SWIC), SW Women in Construction (SWinP) and legal firm Bond Dickinson.
Up to 300 people are expected to attend the conference at The Holiday Inn in the city from 1pm to 5pm which will feature up to six high-profile speakers, leading in their fields in a range of disciplines.
There will be no entry fee to the event and free teas and coffees will be served throughout the afternoon with two break-out sessions of an hour each. Delegates will be encouraged to engage with various groups from a variety of business specialisms which it is planned will include social media for business; life coaching; Royal Navy Women’s Network; 50/50 Parliament; Federation of Small Businesses; Banking; South West Women in Construction; Media and PR; becoming a Trustee/Governor.
Informal networking will take part throughout the day. There will also be an evening event which will be more informal with two key note speakers, live music, drinks and canapés. There will be exhibitions of successful women and their achievements in the South West and a celebration of the work that they do. More information about the conference can be found on social media: Twitter@ plymouthiwd2017; @plymbizwomen; @ Wip_SW; @SWWIC Facebook Plymouth Women in Business Networking; South West Women in Construction; Linked in:Plymouth Women in Business Networking. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite
We are keen to hear from volunteers who would like to work on our main reception within Mayflower East Car Park and also private car owners who would be willing to drive residents around the City under our Community Car scheme. Full support and training is given as well as repayment for mileage. Could you join our fantastic team to help provide these services? If you are interested in Access Plymouth – either as a volunteer or as a user of our services, please call us on 01752 600633 for more details. Access Plymouth is supported by Plymouth City Council, and by Plymouth Citybus for the Dial A Ride door to door minibus service.
For more details call 01752 600633 www.accessplymouth.co.uk 14
The Plymouth Shopper
Organisers from the women’s networking groups who will be hosting the women’s conference in March
City language school with ambitious plans The Parrot Group of International Languages, set up by a former IT and education specialist, Abdulghani Leily, is just one example of Plymouth’s commitment to training up and inspiring the next generation to become genuinely multi lingual, multi ethnic and multi cultural.
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Like his adopted city, Abdulghani is no stranger to experiencing major trauma as a result of war. The former Syrian refugee has been forced to rebuild his life from scratch, losing home, friends, career, and much of the progress he helped achieve as an advisor to the Syrian education department to help integrate IT in schools. He arrived in the city three and half years ago and immediately set about embracing and learning about his new culture. He studied at Open Doors Language School, and currently teaches IT and helps run a job club there. As managing director of Parrot School of International Languages, he has connected with 28 different language teachers, with the aim to teach languages using trained native speaking teachers. The language schools are open to all, but are most used at the minute by children from ethnic backgrounds other than English. Many families are so keen to fit into the culture of the UK, that they make huge efforts to ensure that their children are fluent in English, and are able to thrive in school. Sometimes this means that the children only have a vague understanding of the language of their grandparents, making communication with them difficult. The Parrot School ethos aims to give children from five to 16 a thorough grounding in both reading and writing as well as a cultural awareness of their own heritage.
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Enthusiastic children at the Saturday morning Arabic class
Roxanna Doroftei, who was a French teacher in Romania, and who now teaches a lively class of young students on a Saturday afternoon, explains that she likes to include famous Romanian literary figures in her classes, such as the poet, Mihai Eminescu. She believes that this gives her students a chance to share in the richness of their backgrounds, that could otherwise be missed by growing up in a different country. The Arabic class, running on a Saturday morning from 9am to 12, and the Farsi class, from 3-6pm on Saturdays, work on a similar idea. Abdulghani has dreams of establishing and growing curriculum to include studies on History, Geography, Business, IT, Law and International Relations and to teach it to recognisable UK standards in GCSE and A Level. There are already many syllabuses for
teaching different languages with a view to sit exams, so the precedent is there to be able to expand into teaching social and cultural studies to truly international standards. With his IT background, he is also envisioning specially equipped mobile classrooms using online based curriculum to support education for the millions of displaced children currently living in makeshift camps throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Currently all the classes are based in the East End Resources Centre in Cattedown. There is a small fee charged to cover the cost of resources and all teachers are DBS checked. Abdulghani is very happy to hear from anyone who is interested in studying or who would like to volunteer in a teaching capacity. He can be contacted on 07460072714 or by email at Abedlili@hotmail.com
Help Soapbox children’s theatre make an entrance The Soapbox children’s and arts theatre based in Devonport Park is looking to make their entrance accessible to all. At present the theatre is currently accessed by a narrow stairway which is tricky for families with pushchairs and is impossible for wheel chair users to enter.
Mum of two Lauren said: “We love coming to the Soapbox to see the shows, but getting through the door with the pram is so hard, it would be nice to get in without bumping my daughter up and down the steps”. The Soapbox is on a mission to build a larger accessible doorway at the end of the building which is reached by a ramp. In order for them to achieve this vision the Soapbox has set up a crowdfunding campaign which will run until February 2. Jaqueline Slade, creative director of the Soapbox said: “So far we have nearly £1,000, which is brilliant and we want to thank all our supporters. But in order for
“One of the most beautiful darkness to light stories I have ever read!”
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FUNER ALS from Jacqueline Slade of Soapbox and (inset) the current entrance
The Soapbox to be access free we need to raise £4,000. The great thing is if we do raise this amount we will hopefully receive match funding and this will fund large doors and a ramp”.
theatre in the region. At present, on TripAdvisor, The Soapbox is number three for children’s theatre in the world and number one in the UK.
Stiltskin Arts and Theatre CIC is based in Devonport Park and it took on the lease in 2014 to turn the Soapbox Theatre into a children’s hub. In October 2015 they received planning permission to develop and transform the building into a bespoke theatre and arts centre for children - making them the only children’s
There are many rewards for anyone making a donation. Donating £50 enables donors to become a Friend of The Soapbox and receive 10% off future shows. To donate go to www. crowdfunder.co.uk/makean-entrance-at-the-soapbox
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January started so well, the new year and all that is a perfect time to start a new healthy eating plan, to be fitter and exercise and it all started so well, but now I just want a cup of tea and some toast! Does this sound familiar?
January Blues, my new ‘healthy living’ and I just want tea and toast!
Why is it that we start these new regimes but so many of us really struggle to maintain them, it's not like we don't really know what's good and bad for us? Fair enough there is an awful lot of information out there and it can be confusing at times; eat fats get thin, have a fat free diet, low carb, high carb, sugar free substitutes or natural sugars, it is fair to see why we can be conflicted in what is really good for us. But we do not need to know the science of food and nutrition to know that a nice fresh meal of fruits and veggies, eggs or tasty fish or meat is far better than a cup of tea and buttery white toast! Ben & Jerry's temptation If I am honest the Ben and Jerry's left over from Christmas is also calling me and I know for sure that will not be helping to achieve my new year goals of reducing the waistline any time soon! So why is it that this is what I want? Why is it that when I actually know better and I understand the science that I am still tempted, or worst still I have the Ben and Jerry's and then punish myself by doing something worse like stop eating because I want to lose those pounds, I am tempted by a shake or the diet option even when I completely, 100% know that this is not the way to achieve my goals? Why? To answer this question we need to say hello to our Mind Monkeys! Mind monkeys are a psychological metaphor from Buddha who says that the mind is full of drunken monkeys, all clamouring around, causing havoc and confusion in our mind and this is a perfect metaphor we use to explain some of the thoughts and behaviours we tend to exhibit, some of the feelings we have or decisions we make especially regarding our health and wellness, these little monkeys can take all your common sense and literally throw it out of the window! Think about your life's experiences, can you pinpoint
health and you are doing an amazing job. However, for many people we follow diets that make us hungry and depressed, we feel bad if we fall off the diet so we punish ourselves. Some diets even punish us mentally by telling us that we have sinned or failed by not following the plan to the letter, we may succeed and then fail and succeed and fail. We join a club over and over and over, never really finding the answer and all of this negativity feeds those pesky little mind monkeys who convince you now that if you stop eating you will lose weight and be slimmer, these mind monkeys feed the weight loss industry but starve you of nutrition, of positivity, confidence and self worth. Tips for staying healthy So take charge of your mind monkeys right now, here are some simple tips to stay healthy this January without letting those mind monkeys cause you any trouble! • Eat fresh foods, lots of colourful veggies and fruits • If you can not pronounce an ingredient, don't eat it
By Suzanne Hubble of Plympton's Energie Fitness for Women
• Drink water, herbal teas, hot lemon water and try to hit your daily 2 litres
don't pick up the apple pick up that bar, the one with a list of ingredients you can not pronounce, that you have no idea what they do in your body but it must be a good option.
• Fats are good for you! Healthy fats should be part of your diet, do not replace a healthy fat like olive oil with a fat free alternative – you miss out on all the health benefits
Now maybe you think 'no I don't think like that' but consider how many times you are influenced: the magazine with the latest celebrity diet, the impression that the images of looking and feeling great were achieved by themselves, with a DVD in the front room was exactly how they did it and you can too.
• Be kind to yourself!
any time that you have been influenced into making decisions for your health and wellness? Maybe you can't but if I said to you to look out today you will find those influences everywhere! And they are not always influences that have your best interests at mind but ones that your mind monkeys will use against you! Take the TV advert, especially in January, there is a woman, she is smiling, she is slim and looks beautiful in every way, she laughs whilst eating a bar of what could only be described as a chunk of sawdust but she looks like she is enjoying it, she is happy, her body language is open and suggests that she is confident in her skin. Despite the fact that you have probably had that sawdust like bar before and know you will not enjoy it your little monkey of the mind, will convince you that if you want the confidence that she had, if you want to look like that, lose weight, be happy like she is then
If that were the case then why are there millions of dusty DVDs hidden underbeds, sat on shelves, unopened in the packet around the country and owned by me and you still wanting to be that slimmer, healthier person? That my friend is your mind monkey at work! For some these methods work, for some people they will have massive successes and you should celebrate and shout from the roof tops, you are responsible for your
• Sleep, get your 8 hours • Move, for so many reasons exercise is critical for long term health, do not make excuses get active! • It's all about balance, a typical diet phrase is falling off the wagon, we just don't! If you are eating healthy and exercising and you head out for a meal with friends and have a pudding, first and foremost enjoy it and then consider the balance of your day or week! If you have eaten, drunk, slept or done 99 healthy things this week one pudding will not be the end of the world. It's time to tame the mind monkey that would normally tell you that you have to wait until Monday to start it all again!
ROTARY CLUB MAKES CHARITY PRESENTATIONS Eight Plympton groups have been among eleven causes to receive a donation from the Rotary Club of Plympton in a special presentation ceremony at Boringdon Park Golf Club on January 26. Friends of Boringdon School, Plympton Cricket Club, Friends of Yealmpstone Farm School, Woodside Animal Sanctuary, Gables Farm
Dogs' and Cats' Home, Plympton Division Guides, the Friends of Hele's School and Colebrook Little Cherubs each received a slice of the money collected by the Rotary during their Christmas Santa runs. Despite one less static collection this Christmas the Club raised an impressive total of £3,832.42. President Elect, Penny Strang, who will be taking over at the helm of Plympton Rotary in
June said: "For us it's not just about raising cash, but we also relish the pleasure that we give to many folk, especially the young and the elderly, on their doorsteps. "The money raised in the nine nights that we were out exceeded our previous annual totals. We decided that 25% will go to the Mustard Tree at Derriford Hospital which is the President's nominated charity this year and 25% to the Rotary Foundation, which is the Rotary's own charity worldwide. The remaining 50% goes back in equal amounts to the eleven local charities and community groups that helped on the rounds." The other three groups within the 11 recipients were the 366 Cancer Challenge which is the Stannator of Plympton's charity for the current year, the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and the Rotary Club of Plymouth Mayflower. Following the presentations members of the Plympton Rotary Club were then treated to a fascinating talk by Cristina Corti from the Plymouth Coastal Observatory on their research which included examples of some of their work looking into coastal erosion around the South West Coast. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
CAR PARK STEPS ARE A ‘NONSTARTER’ MEETING HEARS The possibility of steps leading down from the car park by St Stephen's Place on to Mudge Way is a ‘non-starter’ a prominent local councillor told last month's meeting of Plympton Community Council. Cllr Patrick Nicholson was replying to an enquiry from a PCC member about the possibility of an offical set of steps being installed by the crossing point on Mudge Way where members of the public have worn a makeshift track in the grass bank leading down 16
from the car park.
Cllr Nicholson explained that if steps were to be installed then health and safety obligations would require Plymouth City Council to install an official walkway within the car park to facilitate people reaching the steps. This would lead to the loss of a number of car parking places which Cllr Nicholson forsaw would be unwelcome and unpopular in an already stretched parking area of the town. For that reason he felt the possibility of steps would be a non-starter from the outset. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
The Plymouth Shopper
FORMER STANNATOR SYLVIA PASSES AWAY Former Stannator of Plympton Sylvia Boulden has died.
Mrs Boulden served as Stannator during the turn of the millennium from1999 to 2000 and was a Justice of the Peace for 24 years. She was married to her husband John for more than 50 years. They celebrated their golden wedding in 2011, an event which raised more than £800 for Help for Heroes when the couple requested donations to the charity in lieu of presents. Mrs Boulden passed away on January 13.
Club chairman Mike Crocker presents the cheque to Rev'd Robert Harris
Grand boost for St Mary’s Church boiler appeal Members of Plympton Conservative Club have raised £1,000 towards the appeal for a new boiler at St Mary's Church. Club Chairman Mike Crocker presented the money to Team Rector Rev'd Robert Harris at the club recently. The money was raised through bucket collections on the bar of the club throughout the year and some admission prices to events at the club during Christmas and the New Year. This injection of £1,000 brings the total raised for the boiler appeal to almost £10,000 of the overall £20,000 needed to
replace the aged boiler at the church. Addressing a packed club as he accepted the money, Revd Harris said: "It (the church) doesn't just serve our regular congregations but so many more in the community. Before Christmas we had seven of our local schools using it. We have lots of weddings and funerals and it's good to be able to make it a warm and welcoming environment for people so thank you all very much indeed." Further donations are still being sought and can be handed into the church office in Market Road. Cheque payments should be made out to "Plympton St Mary PCC." (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Online reviews: do you trust them? As the old saying goes ‘You shouldn’t believe everything you read’ and never has a truer word been said when it comes to online reviews. Obviously as a business owner I want all my reviews to be positive as good reviews and top ratings draw in customers, and help land higher results in online searches. However, online review sites can be a murky world and should be taken with more than a pinch of salt! A BBC investigation suggested that at least 20 per cent of comments posted on review websites were bogus. It found evidence that companies were paying writers to post positive comments to boost the profile of their business.
on Amazon. And guess what? At one point, 310 out of the 335 product’s reviews received five stars (which makes you wonder what happened to the other 25!)
One restaurant got a negative review before it even opened! It happened back in 2010 to Grahamwich, a sandwich shop owned by Graham Elliot, who has been a judge on the American Masterchef. Apparently, someone read about the restaurant, skipped the part about it not actually being open for business yet, got mad after showing up and seeing it was closed, and then gave the place a one-star review on Yelp.
Even if you think you can spot fake reviews, you probably can’t. Cornell researchers created software to detect fake online reviews in a pool of 800 reviews - half fake, half real. While the software’s algorithms spotted the fakes 90% of the time, us mere mortals were down in the 50% mark.(www.cs.cornell.edu/ information/news/newsitem1455.htm)
A poor review puts more pressure on the company to boost it’s rating by amassing positive reviews and so the cycle continues.
Generating business
Video testimonial
James Lewis, of Gauthier Soho, was contacted by a fellow user of Yelp, who told him that customer reviews were vital for generating business.
A Wall Street Journal post chronicled an interesting situation in which a blogger searching for an espresso maker discovered that an Amazon customer named “T. Carpenter” had written 12 reviews on the site—all for products made by DeLonghi, where the reviewer happened to work. And: all five-star reviews.
The fake reviewer, identified as Suhayal Malik, asked for £4 for a positive review that will ‘surely bring in more profits to your business’. Mr Lewis said such people relied on receiving orders for around 50 reviews over a year, which would be posted from different profiles in a ‘massively complex system of accounts’. Mr Lewis posted the email on to his twitter account to highlight this growing problem.
In one extraordinary case, a company called VIP Deals had been reimbursing customers for their tablet case purchases if they posted a review of the product
Of course, good news is really only half the story. Disgruntled customers are more inclined to be vocal as it is the easiest way to retaliate against the company.
At Novahomes we have always looked at the estate agency review sites with a healthy degree of scepticism. I have a glowing review for a company that I last worked for more than two years ago! Hardly good consumer information. To combat the problem of fake or misleading reviews we have taken a more radical approach. We invite our customers to provide a video testimonial which allows the viewer to see a ‘real life’ review in our clients’ own words.
Property News with Matthew Curtin of Novahomes in Plymstock
We are proud of our customer service and our every growing business is the best review you can get.
Ceramic studio opens at the Clay Factory Rebecca Roberts and Kate Lyons-Miller, both ceramics graduates from Plymouth College of Art, have joined forces to share a studio at the old Clay Factory, just outside Ivybridge. Their pottery workshop is a part of RedPod Studios, a new venture, bringing artists into the historic building which was once a drying shed for the china clay dug at Red Lake, 8 miles away, up the Puffing Billy track. Rebecca and Kate are both exhibiting ceramicists, and will use the studio to create their own work. They will also be offering workshops, classes and open access/drop in sessions. Rebecca has already run family workshops, making Christmas decorations and tea-light pots, and they have plans for garden ceramic workshops, sculpting, hand building and clay modeling sessions. “We are both mums,” said Kate, “so we understand the difficulty of organizing activities to fit around family life, we’re hoping that daytime sessions, especially those ending before 3pm will appeal to people with a little time before school pick-ups”. All the studio time will be in small groups, maximum six, and larger groups can be catered for.
Plympton nursery wins top award Staff at Kiddi Caru’s Plympton’s day nursery are celebrating being presented with the Best Care and Education award by the company’s head office team.
The award was presented at Kiddi Caru’s recent management conference and came as a complete surprise to those working at the Plympton day nursery. The nursery was nominated for providing outstanding care and education and creating an amazing place for children to be. The judges viewed Plympton as the clear winner as the whole team at Plympton recognise that ‘outstanding’ is not about inspection, but about aspiring for the best possible experience for each child, every day. The high quality of relationships throughout the nursery underpin the good or better progress made by all children nurtured by staff who genuinely care for them and who support the learning of each individual effectively. Tracey Callan, nursery manager, said, “We work really hard to create a fabulous learning environment for our children as part of our everyday roles. It really moved us to receive an award for doing what we see as our jobs. I have to say a huge thank you to my team who are extremely dedicated and committed to creating such a wonderful nursery for our children.”
The studio is light filled and has wonderful views, it is well equipped with materials, tools and the potential to learn or continue to practice an absorbing and satisfying skill. But most of all it’s a place to have fun, and unleash some of the creativity that is in us all.
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For further information about Kiddi Caru visit www.kiddicaru.com or call 01752 330469. The Plymouth Shopper
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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • • continued from page 8 craft, snacks, drinks, singing, etc. For more details phone 078604573727. Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to18. Try your hand at performing, set design and construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. St Bartholomew’s Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop. co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are CRB checked, and teach Shotokan karate. With many advantages to learning karate, instructors teach traditional skills and Self-Defence with genuine applications to modern day situations. Students often say that they feel self-confident; have increased discipline, improved fitness levels and co-ordination. But above all, they all agree its great value for money, fun and a fantastic way to meet new friends no matter what age you are. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners - Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards. For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@ plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Pray Plymouth Every Wednesday morning Organised by Churches Together in Plymouth from 7am to 8am at Open Doors Language School, 14-15 ,Woodland Terrace Lane, Greenbank, Plymouth. Breakfast from 8am to 9am. Details 01752 249187. Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader. Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc. No previous experience is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition. Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@gmail. com We look forward to seeing you! Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary. Free. Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk National Trust Plymouth Centre Make the most of your Trust membership by joining the Plymouth Centre for even more activities. During the winter there are talks. This summer there are coach visits to: April to Treslissick House and gardens; May to the Trengwainton Garden; June to Mapperton House; July to Montacute House; August to Tyntesfield House and Village, September to Barrington Court. Membership is only £4 per person or £6 for two people at the same address. For more information and an application form call Russell on 01752 266608.
Home care provider’s support for homeless Home care provider, Caremark (Plymouth) has generously donated individual gift sets and a cash donation to BCHA Plymouth Temporary Accommodation and Outreach Service. At Christmas time Caremark (Plymouth) usually give all employees a Christmas gift or bonus, however this year it was decided that the money would be donated to charity. Managing director, Graham Livingston, said: “Whilst we support those in their own homes we decided it would be nice to think of those without homes this Christmas. We spoke with BCHA Plymouth Temporary Accommodation and decided to work together to help support the homeless at what can be a difficult time of year”. BCHA service manager, Samantha Platten, was overwhelmed by the generosity of Caremark (Plymouth)
Pictured from left to right are Graham Livingston, Caremark (Plymouth) managing director; Gemma Holmes, BCHA outreach support worker and Sam Platten, BCHA outreach support manager
and advised that the money would be used for customers who are in extreme crisis. The gift sets will be given to each of the current residents in the temporary accommodation to hopefully spread a little Christmas cheer. BCHA Plymouth Temporary
Aden Veterans Calling all Aden Veterans. Did you know that the Aden Veterans Plymouth Branch meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at the RAOB Club in North Hill at 7.30pm. Why not go along and meet like-minded people. Lipson Lions Junior Hockey Club Training every Wednesday 6pm until 7pm at Lipson Community College. Currently need players of all age groups and ability particularly girls. Age groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. First two visits are free. Go along and try it. Details from Samantha on 0790 555 2318. Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764. Twins, Triplets or more Support group held on a Tuesday morning 10am-12pm at Surestart Children’s Centre, 25 Manor Street, Stonehouse, (Tel 208650) or a Friday morning 10am -12pm at Sir John Hunt School, Whitleigh. An informal group open to all mums and expectant mums. A great chance to meet other mums and dads in the same situation. Mini Dance Machine Thursdays At Rees Youth Centre, Mudge Way, Plympton. Modern fun disco dance group for children. 4.15pm - 5pm for ages 4 to 6; 5pm - 6pm ages 6 to 10. £2 per session. Call Lisa 07896 105 479. Portal Writers Tuesdays The Portal writers are a helpful group of writers who are dedicated to helping first time and have a go writer. Meet Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon at Southway Community Centre, Hendwell Close, Southway. Tea or coffee. Contact Gloria Lane on 01752772686.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Every Monday Compton Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group for young people aged 14 to 23 years. Meet 7.30pm at Compton Methodist Church. Details 01752 706056.
Boxing Classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Carl’s boxing stable has opened a new gym in Colebrook training for all ages to compete or just get fit. 7pm to 8pm. Details from Carl on 07837 920150.
Breathe Easy Plymouth First Tuesday of the month Breathe Easy Plymouth, a local support group for anyone with a lung condition, their carers or anyone interested in supporting the group, meets regularly at Tothill Community Centre at 1.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Entry is free and there is tea and coffee with biscuits, then usually a speaker. All are welcome. For more details phone Anne on 01752 402310 or Christine on 01752 220919
Plymouth Play Association For hire of resources for play, recycling scrapstore and arts and crafts. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10am-2pm, Thursday 10am-7pm. Details 01752 256633.
Arrows Kids Club Thursdays Held at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall every Thursday in term time. 6.30pm-8pm for all children aged 7-11 years. (Please note the Drake Circus Mall opposite the church is open till 8pm on Thursdays.) Games, Craft, tuck shop, Bible stories .. lots o f fun. Only 50p per week.
Trinity Art Group Thursdays We are a small group of experienced artists who enjoy meeting and sharing our talents. We meet every week (ring for dates) at Trinity URC, Tor Lane, Hartley from 7pm to 9pm. If you are a beginner and would like to explore the enjoyable pastime of painting in watercolour or acrylics we
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The Plymouth Shopper
Karate Club Mondays For those aged 11 years and over at Trinity United Reform Church, Tor Lane, Hartley between 6pm and 7.15pm. Details 07967 313285.
Accommodation provide housing for over 40 single homeless people and support over 45 homeless families within Plymouth. Caremark (Plymouth) offers home care support services to almost 200 adults who wish to continue living independently at home across Plymouth.
could offer some assistance. We also welcome all levels of proficiency as our aim is to enjoy our time painting with time to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, all for £2.50 each night. Details Dave Crawford 01752 215179 Plymouth Dog Training Club meets at St Edward’s Church Hall, Eggbuckland on Wednesday evenings. For details call 01752 350788. Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available. Plymouth Croquet Club Hartley Park Reservoir, Mannamead Road. New members welcome. Equipment and tuition available. For further information contact Plymouth 666801.
Plymouth Radio Club
Second Tuesday of every month. The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth. Commencing 7.30 pm. For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07815542477. Waterfront Writers Fridays Meet every Friday during term time at The Swarthmore Education Centre, Mutley Plain 1pm to 3pm. Anyone who wishes to share or listen to poetry and prose is welcome. Visit www.waterfrontwriters.org.uk for details. Tennis Club Mannamead Tennis Club, Eggbuckland Rd welcomes new members. 4 hard courts and 2 grass courts. Coaching available. Contact info@mannamead.org.uk or phone 773652. Time Out Second and fourth Wednesday A group for individuals who are lonely and isolated. Come for a chat and make new friends. Plymstock United Church, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from 1.30pm 3.30pm. Refreshments £1. Contact Lin: 07818 254527. Eddystone Model Flying Club Provide help and free instruction for flying radio control fixed wing. Members fly 24/7 weather permitting. New members are welcome as well as experienced fliers. For details visit www.eddystonemfc.net or phone Dave on 07941 040633 or Mike on 01752 403124. Buddhist meditation classes Weekday lunchtime meditations 12.15pm - 12.45pm, Wednesday evenings - Introduction to meditation class 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday evenings - 7.30pm - 9.30pm Meditation - The Art Of Positive Thinking, Sunday mornings 11.30am - 12.30pm Find Inner Peace, Sunday mornings - Children’s classes - 10.30am - 11.15am. Held at Ashoka Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 33 Sutherland Road, Plymouth. Tel 01752 224137 www.meditationinplymouth.org
Laira Youth Brass Band Thursdays The City’s premier youth brass band meets at Woodford Methodist Church (next to the school) on Thursdays from 7.15 to 8.45 pm. Open to all youngsters from age eight upwards. Contact Tony Hollick on 01752 216784 for details. Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings. Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well established walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth. The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on 344048 or the chairman on 405132. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 3” The 3rd book in a popular series of local walks. Plymouth Inter Varsity Club We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more? You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org , look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact us direct on 07542 125575. Celtic Music with a Twist Every First Thursday Kitty O’Hanlon’s, 9pm. Three Strand Minstrels play lively Celtic acoustic music at Kitty O’Hanlon’s. Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Elfordleigh 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. Tel 01752 347503. Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Shirley on 01752 407676. The Boys Brigade Various dates For more information visit www.plymouth.boys-brigade. org.uk. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Jude’s Church Halls (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays). New members welcome. Age groups: Anchor Boys (5 to 7); Juniors (8-11) and Company Section (12-18). The Boys Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people. Contact the development team at plymouth.battalion@tiscali.co.uk or call 01579 346218. 5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time, and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6pm-7pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 11-18yrs (6.30-9pm). Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp(8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life. Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@ blueyonder.co.uk for further information
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Please send your completed entry coupon to Plymouth Ski Centre, The Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4PY by the closing date of 28 February 2017. Please answer the question and enter your name and contact details below.
Question: What two types of Fondue can you have at the Alpine Lodge? Answer:
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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • • continued from page 18 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit http//:7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk Plymouth Cycling Touring Club Meet Sundays for a leisure cycle ride. For our latest rides list and meet time/place see www.plymouthctc.co.uk or contact Graham Black 01752 606650 or Andy Prideaux 01752 345170 for more information. Plymouth West Country Embroiderers Various dates Started in 1972. A friendly group of enthusiastic needleworkers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Trainees (age 8-15) meet first Saturday each month from 11am to 3pm. Adults meet on second Thursday and fourth Saturday each month from 10.30am. We welcome experts and beginners of all ages. Contact Mary 01752 200047 for details. Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact Martin on 01752 781252 or David on 01752 402981. Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening. Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For more information visit www.pmhc.co.uk The Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford. The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926 The Rainbow Experience First Tuesday of each month Social/Support group for older lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people (50ish and over) living in and around Plymouth. Meet at Plymouth Arts Centre, Looe Street, Plymouth, (near Bretonside bus station) at 2.30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month. It provides a safe, non judgemental and encouraging atmosphere for LGBT people to meet and share experiences. For more information contact David on 07722 019423. Mums and Babies Tuesdays Mums and Babies is a support group for mums with babies from birth to eight months old. Come and meet other new mums and enjoy being spoilt by our sympathetic leaders with tea, coffee, biscuits and a listening ear. £2 a session. We meet at Hope Baptist Church Hall, Peverell Corner, Plymouth from 1pm to 2.30pm. For more information ring the church office on 01752 708090. Al-Anon Family Groups Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? A fellowship to help families and friends of alcoholics. Local meetings. Confidential Helpline 020 7403 088 www.al-anonuk.org.uk Rainbows Fridays 1st Devonport Rainbows, Salvation Army, Haddington Road, Stoke Every Friday 6- 7pm Call 01752 405027 for details. Keep Fit Classes Wednesdays 10.15am - 11.15am and 6pm - 7pm Hyde Park Social Club. KFA registered, insured, low fees.Details 01752 672685. Parent & Babies and Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays Come and join us, meet new friends during term time at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall, 10am- 11.30am. Booking recommended as places are limited. Call Anne 07791332503. Toddler Group Thursdays Plymouth Christian Centre 9.30am to 11 am, term time only £1.50 per family. Contact Liz Crudgington on 661019 for details or see the www.plymouthchristiancentre.org 20
The Plymouth Shopper
History Centre milestone The Plymouth History Centre team were celebrating on January 16 when it broke ground in Tavistock Place - the road behind the current Museum and Central Library buildings, part of which will be turned into a public square as a result of the development. Councillor Sam Davey, Deputy Lord Mayor for Plymouth put the first spade in the ground as part of the official ceremony.
Guitar Classes Guitar lessons for children aged from 6 - 12 years. Taught in small groups of 2 or 3. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3.45 or 4.30pm Fridays at 4pm Saturdays between 9.30 - 4pm For more details Tel: 01752 216456. Classes held in the Woodford area. Carers Support Group Last Tuesday of the month Are you a carer? Would you like somewhere to go for advice & info, to relax & unwind with other Carers? Come to our drop in session at St Budeaux Library 10am- 1pm on the last Tuesday of the month.
entire site will be open by spring 2020 as part of the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations. The project is expected to cost around £34m and has already secured funding from the Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England and the Wolfson Foundation.
Over the next few weeks people will start to see some very visible changes. The Museum, Central Library and St Luke’s Church buildings and the section of Tavistock Place in between them will become a construction site
Later in the spring some buildings to the rear of the Library will be demolished, paving the way for the creation of a new extension which will eventually house the collections from the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, South West Film and Television Archive and South West Image Bank. The Museum and Library, currently two separate grade II listed Edwardian buildings, will become one. St Luke’s Church will undergo extensive renovation to turn it into a high quality exhibition and events space.
Hoardings and scaffolding will be installed and a series of preparatory works will be undertaken to prepare the area for construction work.
Construction work on the History Centre is due to complete in summer 2019. The internal fit out of the buildings will then take place. The
To stay up to date with the History Centre developments visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/loveourpast or watch the latest videos on YouTube.
The event was attended by representatives from Plymouth City Council, construction firm Willmott Dixon and other key partners and stakeholders.
drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly.11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn. mckenzie1@nhs.net
Ballroom & Social Sequence Dancing Various dates Plymstock Community Centre every Tuesday afternoon 2pm until 4pm and every third Monday of the month from 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Details 01752 251313 or 01752 668017. Club Focus Camera Club Mondays Meets at the Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth. Meets every Monday from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Membership Secretary 01752 231139 Website www.clubfocusplymouth.co.uk Second-hand book stall Every second Saturday in the month 2pm-3.30 pm, at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. In aid of The Motor Neurone Disease Association Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7.30pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night. Plymouth Striders Running Club Twice weekly Meet at Widewell School, Lulworth Drive, Widewell (behind The George at Roborough). Mondays and Thursdays 6.30pm. Over 16 years and all abilities welcome. For info contact widewellstriders@yahoo.com or check out our website www.widewellstriders.co.uk Watercolour Group Every Friday 10am to 12 noon at Onward House, 55 Greenbank Road, Plymouth. To join this friendly group just come along or ring the group leader Ray on 01 752 300633 for more information. Plymouth Magic Circle Every second Thursday We are a small friendly Magic Club who meets every second Thursday at The Walrus, Athenaeum Street, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. All budding magicians are welcome to join us. For details call Ian Marley on 07979 655018. Prince Rock Dog Training Club Puppies to adult classes, obedience training, socialisation. St Matthias Church Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 7.15pm. More details phone 01752 772411. Line Dancing Tuesday Evenings. All levels, from beginner to advanced. 99 per cent country music. Very friendly club. Pennycross Methodist Church Hall, Beauchamp Rd Peverell Tel: Mike 07854 699683. Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for
Monthly hard hat tours of the History Centre construction site will begin at the end of March. The tours are free but places are limited and must be booked in advance. For full details visit the What’s On section of plymhearts.org
organisation and safeguarding. The club is operated by parents for all children and young people. The club trains every Sunday between 10am - 12 noon at Manadon Astro, off St Peter’s Road. The club cater for young people from 4-16 years and no previous experience is required. The first 6 weeks are free to new members and everyone who trains gets to play. For more information, please see the website at www.plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob on 07861 250682. Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall. Seeking to fill vacancies in all sections. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434. This year is the choir’s centenary. Community Herb Clinic Tuesdays 1-3pm Onward House, Greenbank Road. Walk-in for free general health advice or phone for appointments. Herbal medicine can be used in the treatment of any medical condition in an effective, integrated (and affordable) way to suit you. Details Sara Hills 01752 872960 www.herbs-work. co.uk Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info. Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with plotting or characterisation. The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays). South West Chamber Choir Wednesdays Marjon Chapel 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We are a friendly auditioned choir of 25 to 30 singers specialising in unaccompanied singing, with a programme of madrigals, partsongs and sacred works. We give four concerts annually as well as a weekend of sung services at a cathedral each July. A reasonable standard of sight-reading is needed to join. We welcome enquiries. www.swcchoir.org.uk Fitness and fun touch rugby Wednesdays Central Park Rugby Pitches 6.45pm-7.45pm OPM Rugby is the official Touch Rugby club for Plymouth. Come along and enjoy a great welcome. No rugby experience required. Have fun, get fit and make new friends. More details phone Ernie on 07809 209571 or www.opmrugby.com. Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from
Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults Thursdays Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. The Burrator Inn, Dousland, nr Yelverton Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon. Easy car parking at both venues. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk. Tel. 07949 839088 Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit well-respected community based Martial Arts club founded over 35 years ago. Classes at Woodview Learning Campus (off Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh) on Mondays and Coombe Dean School, Elburton, Plymstock on Fridays. Times: 7- 8pm Juniors, 7-9pm Adults. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art suitable for both Men and Women learning and working together. Enjoyable interesting, useful, physical, family-friendly activity with Child Safeguarded/DBS Nationally qualified Instructors leading to recognised gradings appropriate for students of all ages 7yrs to 70yrs. Fees with concessions; excellent value. Quality equipment including clothing available for purchase at non-profit prices. Checkout www.plymouthaikido.co.uk or Facebook Page. Contact Tre or David Worsley 403325, or Phil Smith 219355 for more information. CoGS Kids Club Wednesdays in term time For primary age children at the Church Hall of The Good Shepherd, Marine Rd, Oreston at 3.30pm. Games, cookery. craft, stories, films. For details contact Steve on 213358 or Sue on 480568. Beit Ezra Saturdays We are an informal group looking at the Jewish roots of Christianity and the place of the Jewish people and Israel today. We meet from 4pm to 5:30pm at Kinterbury House, Kinterbury St, Plymouth. For details see www.beit-ezra.org.il or email david@beit-ezra.org.il Make A Difference, Plymouth Fridays in term time Support group for parents or carers in Plymouth of children with disabilities or special additional needs either diagnosed or still going through the process. From 10am at Tamar View Community Resource Centre Barne Barton. Open to any parent or carer who can get to us. For further information please visit Make a Difference Plymouth on Facebook or call Kerry on 07599996389. Adult Children of Alcoholics Meetings Tuesdays 6pm – 7.15pm. St Barnabas Church, The Lounge (enter by separate entrance to left of surgery), St Barnabas Terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth PL1 5NN. Visit the website at www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk. National Phone 01590 610 936. Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group Second Thursday of the month The Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group aims to offer friendship and support to anyone who is affected by Lymphoma (Hodgkins or Non Hodgkins Disease), whether patient (past or present), carer, family member or friend, and meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Derriford Hospital Health and Leisure Centre from 3pm to 4.30 pm. For more information, please call Pam on 01752 785094 or Scott on 01752 661035 Plymouth Youth Cycling Various days
• continued on page 21
• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 16 Free coaching for 10-16 yr olds. Thursdays (mountain bikes) 5pm-6.30pm Life Centre and various locations across Plymouth; Wednesdays HMS Raleigh (road racing bikes). We can teach you manuals and jumps and how to ride like the Tour de France winners. No fancy gear needed. Bike, helmet and a sense of adventure! For locations and times find us on Facebook. Broadway Organ Society Third Wednesday of the month Organ concerts held at Plymstock Community Centre, top of Broadway car park. Concerts start at 7.45pm. Everyone welcome. Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse, Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more. If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www. plymouthmac.co.uk The Plymouth & District Egyptology Society First Saturday of the month We are a society of some 50 members whose passion is all things related to Ancient Egypt. Between the months of September of one year to May of the next, we meet on the first Saturday of each of those months, including Day Schools, and long weekend visits to UK and European cities to view Museum Egyptology Exhibitions, enjoying the local sights etc. The Society meets at the The Quaker House on Mutley Plain. Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture. Contact Details: janis.naylor@aol.co.uk
Fabulous fundraisers A group of fabulous fundraisers in Plymouth have welcomed in 2017 by announcing they will be raising money throughout the year to help disabled and terminally ill children in Devon and Cornwall.
Staff in the Child Maintenance Group at the Department for Work and Pensions centre in Plymouth have nominated Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children, as their charity of the year. Newlife has supported 411 children in Devon and Cornwall (Devon 310, Cornwall 101) including Sam and Beth Horton, whose relatives Sharon and Jess Wellington work at the centre. Mother and daughter Sharon and Jess said: “Newlife has helped our family and does amazing things. Now we would like to give something back to them.” The Department for Work and Pensions’ building in Plymouth employs around 850 people. Jess – who is part of the People Development Team – said: “Everyone pulls together as one big community when it comes to charity events. We have run everything from sponsored bike rides, swims and triathlons to bake sales, fancy dress days and craft fairs. We like to be as inventive as possible and really get into the spirit of things.
“The fundraising activities during 2017 for Newlife are in memory of my grandad who passed away last year. He was particularly close to Sam and we wanted to honour him in a way that would make him proud.” Sam, aged eight, and his seven-year-old sister Beth live in Eggbuckland. They have cerebral palsy and Newlife helped the family by providing a specialist car seat to keep Sam posturally supported during journeys and a seat for Beth, who has a significant right-sided weakness, so she can be comfortable and sit upright at mealtimes.
To find out more about how Newlife helps disabled and terminally ill children in Devon and Cornwall go to: www. newlifecharity.co.uk/devon or www.newlifecharity.co.uk/ cornwall. Newlife supports families through a range of services: equipment grants offer permanent provision of items like wheelchairs and walking frames for mobility and specialist beds and car seats for safety; emergency equipment loans, often within 72 hours, provide a fast response for families of life-limited and terminally ill children and those sleeping in unsafe environments; play therapy pods provide loans of sensory toys for children with complex needs; comfort capsules help families of terminally ill children make memories together. Sam and Beth Horton with their grandad Barry Wellington – the fundraising initiative is in his memory
Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Brass Academy Thursdays Want to play with one of the finest Brass Bands in Devon then why not come along and give us a try. We also have a thriving Youth Band for younger players which is supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service. Both groups practice at The Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover on Thursday evenings (Juniors 6p.m. to 7.30p.m. and Seniors 7.309.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www. soundhousebrass.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details. Stay & Play Toddler Group Wednesday mornings during term time St Mary’s Church Pre-School, St Mary’s Church Parish Centre, Market Road, Plympton. 9.15am to 11.15am. Group is run by friendly and experienced early years practitioners from St Mary’s Church pre-school that was given an overall Outstanding outcome by Ofsted (July 2011). New and expectant parents welcome. A one-off donation per week to cover costs of £1.50 per adults (children under 12 months) £2 per adult (children over 12 months). Includes refreshments. Telephone 01752 348525 Mobile No: 07527 734990. Exercise Classes Various days For over 60’s and less abled people. Plymstock United Church, Plymstock Road Tuesdays 9.30am to 10.45am and 11am to 12 noon. Thursdays Life Centre 1.45pm-2.45pm. Run by Birgitta Whight. Contact 01752 408951. Yankee Yoga Various days All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes. Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class:Yoga Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill). Contact Emily on 07478 257080 Sounds Musical Theatre Company Wednesdays Founded in 1911, we are a friendly, diverse group of people who love Musical Theatre and produce two shows a year. In March/April we perform our annual full musical production, with a musical revue in October. Rehearsals are every Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Oreston Methodist Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston. Visit www. soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk for more information. Plymouth Meet Up Group First Tuesday of the month A social group for people with disabilities. Meets at Igrow Workspace 25 Phoenix Street from 4pm to 7pm for a chat and games and a short walk to the nearby Mount Pleasant pub for a meal. £2 for members and £3 for non-members. For more information call David on 017523 268777. Central Park Dog Walkers Association Daily
Meet at 10am and 2pm every day at the Golf Cafe near Plymouth Life Centre. Very friendly and informal. For help and advice for all ages. Sunday Sale Second Saturday of the month Book stall, games, refreshments and bric-a-brac sale, 2pm to 4pm Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street, Plymouth. All in aid of Alzheimer’s Society and CHICKS’. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Thursdays Tavy Lodge Scout Centre, off Lisson Grove, Mutley. Contact 01752 666706 or 9th21stplymouthscoutgroup@gmail.com 5-6pm Beavers; 6.15-7.30pm Cubs; 7.45 - 9.15pm Scouts. Open to young people from the ages of 6 to 14. Come along and join the winter adventures. Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-to-be. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parents-to-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 Self defence classes Small but well-respected martial arts club. Classes most nights of the week at St Mary the Virgin Church, Federation Road, Laira. Classes for children and adults. For details visit www.budosocietymusashi.co.uk or call 07742 834366. Plymstock & District Art Society (PANDAS) Pandas is a small friendly group of amateur painters meeting for two hours (7.30-9.30pm) every Wednesday fortnight at the Radford Family Centre, Plymstock. Members paint and draw in all media and enjoy occasional demonstrations and models. We are not a teaching class but help each other and have programme of themed evenings. Each year our annual exhibition takes place in Plymstock Library. New members are always given a warm welcome so please contact Mike on 794281. RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) The association are hoping this year to increase the membership of RAFA, that means approaching ex-members of the RAF and serving members. If any of you know of
friends or relations who may wish to join please get in touch. Branch committee meetings will be held as usual on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Dates for 2016 Oct 26, Nov 23, and Dec 14, to which old and new members are invited, should they have any problems or wish to join up. Meetings are held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley Plain, Plymouth at 6.30 pm. For details contact the branch secretary on 07722 338090 especially prospective new members. South Devon Decorative & Fine Arts Society (SDDFAS) We are part of NADFAS, the National Association, and have over 250 members. We hold monthly evening lectures on a wide range of Arts topics, occasional morning lectures, Study Days, Tours, Visits and Concert visits. We would be pleased to welcome some new members and introductory guest visits are available. Visit www. southdevondfas.org.uk for programme information and other details. Plym Valley Branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild Third Monday of the month Meets on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at Norley Hall, 70-74 Plymstock Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, PL9 7PB. We are a friendly group of likeminded people of varying ages and skills, from beginners to the very experienced. We hold various demonstrations and/or workshops each week from flower making to how to stack a cake. For details contact Ursula Brown 07801 824517 or 661780 or Ros Hawkins 01752 408759. Website https://bsgregion6.com Dartmoor Rambling Club Enjoy the countryside and get exercise by walking and talking with our club. As well as Dartmoor we walk the countryside and coast. Wednesday walks are 8 to 10 miles by public transport and also some weekend walks- eg. Buckland Monachorum, Lydford, Hemerdon Mine, Three Barrows, River Lynher. Call Russell 01752 266608 for more info. Plymouth U3A Second Monday of the month If you are retired, looking for new interests and to make new friends, then come along to the next monthly meeting of the Plymouth U3a and listen to our speaker. We meet at The Holiday Inn from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Coffee available on arrival and an option to stay for a reasonably
priced two course lunch in the restaurant. U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is organised and run by volunteers, there are over 60 groups to find out about and maybe join, creating opportunities for continuation of learning. A non member can attend as a visitor, further information can be obtained via the welcome and promotions desk on the day, or in advance by telephoning 01752 563551, joining on the day is also an option. We look forward to meeting you. Plymouth Fishkeepers Society First and Second Wednesday of the Month. 8pm at the Hyde Park Social Club If you are interested in the hobby of keeping tropical fish and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. Interests among members are diverse, and there is without doubt someone in the society who can answer questions covering most aspects of the hobby.The society caters for newcomers to people who have been in the hobby for a long time. Just bought your first fish tank? Then Plymouth Fishkeepers Society is the place for you. Beckly Centre Regular events at the Beckly Centre at Mayers Way, Hooe Road, Plymstock include: Mondays 7pm to 9.30pm adult social group with a variety of activities including crafts, life skills, cooking quizzes bingo and outings; Thursdays 7pm to 9pm youth group providing social activities in a small friendship mixed ages and ability groups for young people with additional needs; Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 3.30pm weekend activity groups for mixed age and ability groups of children and young people with special needs offering good range of social and group opportunities; school holidays weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm holiday playscheme activity sessions for small friendship groups of children and young people with special needs. For details call 01752 484433 or 07780 662391. Plymouth Regional Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Our support group aims to offer support and understanding to Head & Neck cancer patients, their families and carers, in the Derriford Hospital Catchment area. The aim of this new support group will be to provide information and support to all Head & Neck Cancer patients, their carers, and their families. It will primarily be a social group to encourage individuals to meet up to chat in an informal and friendly venue and atmosphere. If you are a cancer patient of any type without a support group at all, you can be assured of a warm welcome with us. So why not get in touch, and come and join us? We usually meet at 10.30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month and we will try to help with transportation if needs be. Please contact Geoff Read for further details or advice. Telephone: (01752) 563 800 or email geoffnread@gmail.com The Pythagorean Society First Friday of the month held at Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road, PL2 3PY. 7 pm – 9 pm. We have a different topic each month with a guest speaker, covering a wide range of esoteric subjects. Please see our website for details www.pythagoreansociety.wordpress.net or email mail@pythagoreansociety.net Dartmoor Gliding Flying on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Call 07873 483001 for details or Google Dartmoor Flying. Goulden Girls Stitchers A patch work and quilting group who meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church on alternate Thursdays and Fridays. We are a friendly group of ladies who share our knowledge and skills. Anyone interested in joining us please contact Pat King on 240560 Fun Club Fridays in term time Fun filled club for primary school aged children from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock. Games, crafts, stories, songs, tuck shop etc. 50p entrance. Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7.30pm At Hooe and Turnchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee & biscuits.Weekly raffles and meat raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for more details. Plymouth Handball Club Thursdays Between 6pm and 7pm at Plymouth Life Centre. Come and play an Olympic sport. A fun/recreational session for adults 18+. All levels and abilities welcome. Session is £2 (1st session free) Contact Lee 07414677003, Facebook Plymouth Handball Club, email plymouthhandballclub@ hotmail.com SING Every Thursday in school term times Plymouth Community Choir at Pomphlett. Great songs, lovely people and loads of fun! Do you want to sing with us? We meet on Thursdays 7.15pm-9pm at Pomphlett Methodist Church Centre (just behind Morrisons in Plymstock). We sing songs at the soul funky/world music end of the spectrum. Visit www.singdevon.com. Or ring Pete Scott on 07896 276577. First session free! Book online or by phone. The Plymouth Shopper
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Ten city libraries face axe
Plympton and Plymstock libraries would be among just seven left in the city if a major shake-up of the service is given the green light. If the closures go ahead the only libraries left in the city would be Central Library, Crownhill, Devonport, Plympton, Plymstock, St Budeaux and Southway. Those under threat of closure are Efford, Eggbuckland, Ernesettle, Estover, Laira, North Prosepct, Peverell, Stoke, Tothill and West Park.
• Modernise or refurbish buildings where needed, including the redevelopment of St Budeaux Library, where there has not been any significant investment for a number of years • Enhance online services to offer a wider range of eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines
The city's libraries employ the full time equivalent of more than 80 staff, with a cost per library visit varying dramatically - from 93p to more than £28.
• Create a new outreach offer, providing a wide range of services in settings within communities and expanding the Home Library Service for housebound users.
People are being asked to share their views on plans to transform the way library services are delivered in Plymouth.
Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “The way people use library services is changing but we haven’t altered our library network in more than 15 years. Trying to operate 17 libraries is unsustainable, is a drain on our resources and limits our ability to offer the quality of service that we know is possible.
The proposals have led to a storm of protest and online campaigns have been launched at www.facebook.com/ SavePlymLibraries and www.change.org/p/cllr-glennjordan-stop-the-closure-of-libraries-in-plymouth The council has produced a draft Plan for Libraries that aims to modernise Plymouth’s library services over the next three years so they better meet the needs of local communities and make better use of resources. Plymouth has a network of 17 libraries but there are big differences in the services they offer and many are under-used and expensive to run. Just seven libraries account for 80 per cent of all library visits and 75 per cent of all items borrowed. Visitor numbers and lending figures are also falling – as they are nationally – and the council needs to find more flexible, cost-effective and convenient ways of providing services that can adapt to customers’ changing needs. The Plan for Libraries 2017 to 2020 takes into account feedback received during the recent Library Conversation, as well as a detailed assessment of community needs, user figures and the condition and sustainability of library buildings. The plan proposes to close 10 library buildings that are under-used and expensive to run and invest in improving the others, as well as enhance online and outreach services. It will allow the council to: • Keep busier libraries open and ensure that the majority of Plymouth residents live within two miles of a library building
“Many of our libraries are under-used with little or no scope for development but changes in technology mean we don’t need to be constrained by our buildings; services can be delivered online and out in communities. "Opening hours and library offerings are inconsistent across the city and thinly spread staff means we can’t always deliver the service our customers need. “The draft plan sets out a future for library services that will ensure all our buildings are modern and fit-forpurpose, as well as provide an exciting online offer, available 24/7 and a wide-ranging outreach service that can be more responsive to community needs. The draft Plan for Libraries is a proposal at this stage and no decisions have been made. Consultation starts on Wednesday January 25 and the council is encouraging everyone to have their say. The plan will be available online and in all libraries and there will be public meetings and drop-in sessions where people can share their views and ask questions. To view the plan and make comments visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/planforlibraries. Consultation will open at run until Wednesday April 19. Public meetings to discuss the plans will be held at the Central Library on February 2 from 6pm to 8pm; February 21 from 10am to 11.30am and April 5 from 4pm to 5.30pm. Drop in sessions will held on various dates at the other 16 libraries.
LITTER PICK BAGS 22 SACKS OF RUBBISH A litter pick pioneered by Janet Skinner and members of the Plympton St Maurice Civic Association has amassed a whopping 22 sacks of rubbish.
The Association is now considering doing local litter picks on a quarterly basis. Picture: Some of the litter pickers with sacks of rubbish collected in the Pathfields area. Picture courtesy of the Plympton St Maurice Civic Association.
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distributed to 63,750 homes across the city on a monthly basis. We welcome details of local stories, including success, awards, appointments and events. Send your items by e-mail to: info@cornerstonevision.com or by post to: The Plymouth Shopper, 28, Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY. 22
The candidates have been announced for the next Stannator of Plympton. They are Carol Penhallurick, general secretary of the Plympton Gardeners' Association, and Andrew Hill, founder of the Plympton Podcast and station manager of Plymouth's Hospital Radio station.
Mrs Penhallurick started her life in the old part of Longcause before her family moved to St Maurice when the new estate at Hele Gardens was built. She served on the Woodford School PTA for many years, spent 10 years on the committee of the 3rd Plympton Scouts where she was awarded the silver badge for long service. She later became involved in the Plympton Gardeners' Association, spending four years as show secretary and has been their General Secretary for the past 10 years. Mr Hill has lived in Plympton for the past 24 years, has been involved with Hospital Radio for 34 years and has been the manager of the station for almost 10 years. He founded the
Andrew Hill
Carol Penhallurick
Plympton Podcast in 2013 and has grown it to have more than 2000 online followers and has produced more than 40 hours of audio material related to Plympton.
The Community Council is made up of representatives from scores of organisations within Plympton, including charities, voluntary groups, Women's Institutes, Plympton U3A, churches and local city Councillors.
Nominations for Stannator are submitted to the Plympton Community Council by January 8 each year. Nominations must be seconded and submitted with a short CV from the nominee setting out their activities and achievements within Plympton and confirmation from the candidate that they are willing to stand.
The Plymouth Shopper
Those community groups are now discussing who they wish their representative to vote for and the winning candidate will be announced after a secret ballot to be held at the Plympton Community Council AGM in March. The new Stannator will take office from June 2017 for a period of a year.
POLICE INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON ‘MR HIGGINS’ Plympton Police are investigating a series of attacks on the local feline population and in particular a cat in Chaddlewood called ‘Mr Higgins’. During the past six months ‘Mr Higgins’ has been the victim of numerous acts of deliberate poisoning and in the latest attack he arrived home covered in an unknown liquid. This has caused a great deal of upset to the family who own him although fortunately he has made a full recovery. Plympton’s Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Greg Rendle, said: “I am aware of numerous similar incidents around the Kingston Drive area of Chaddlewood over the last year or so. Some of the cats have not be so lucky and have had to be put to sleep. “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone that may have information that could assist me in this enquiry. “Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Anyone identified as being responsible for this and any other incidents involving cats can expect a visit from me.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting CR/006232/17. Alternatively PC Rendle can be contaced by private message through Plympton Police’s Facebook page. Meanwhile PC Rendle is being kept busy as he is also involved in an investigation into a burglary which occurred at Woodford church overnight Thursday January 19.
The community litter pick took place around St Maurice village with the focus on the Pathfields. A party of more than 16 adults and children plus two dogs helped clear the top car park on Pathfields down to the field with pond.
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CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED FOR NEXT STANNATOR
It is believed the suspects gained entry through an unsecure fire exit door. Fortunately nothing was stolen but a small amount of damage was caused to a window. PC Rendle added: “Woodford Church is used by
Mr Higgins
numerous members of the community young and old and this is particularly upsetting for all the volunteers that give up their own time to provide various different activities to the Woodford community. “If anyone has seen anything suspicious or indeed sees any suspicious activity in the future please contact me at Plympton police station on 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting crime number CR/005594/17.”
Animal charity closes Plympton shop A Devon animal charity has closed its shop in Plympton Ridgeway, less than a year after opening it.
"Usually we like to keep a new shop open for 12-18 months but with current financial pressures the premises in Plympton was sadly costing us too much to run.
The Mare & Foal Sanctuary opened a shop in the upper end of the Ridgeway Shopping precinct in 2016 but it closed just before Christmas.
"We want to take the opportunity to thank the staff, volunteers and customers for their support over the last year."
Kate Hall, press and publicity officer for the Mare & Foal Sanctuary, said: "Unfortunately we had to take the decision to close our Plympton charity shop, along with our Brixham shop.
The charity's nearest remaining shop to Plympton is now in South Brent. (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
Plympton autism enterprise maps out its next phase
Plympton based co-operative enterprise, Working Well with Autism, has set out the next steps in its Big Lottery Funded Project with a workshop in February and plans for a conference in the Spring.
one but did give us a snapshot of service providers present at the event and showed us areas where we need to investigate further. People with autism and their carers have told us they are often puzzled by different services and how to access them and at this event everyone brought with them the commitment to try to solve that puzzle.”
At the end of last year Working Well With Autism asked the important question ‘Who’s working well with Autism’ at an event entitled the ‘Better Futures Forum’ staged at the Guildhall in Plymouth.
Wendy Hart, another facilitator, explained: "Most of the day was spent in groups looking
Thirty-one organisations working with people with autism including members of Plymouth City Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disability team came together to look at the needs of Alumni Assembly (from left) Robert Farmer (Post 16 Pastoral Leader), Katherine Norley, autistic people over the age of 16 and Erin Black, Rebekah Sheasby, Jack Gavican and Nicole Woodhall whether services already exist to meet that need.
Alumni community give students advice on planning their future Five of Hele’s School’s alumni community helped to deliver an assembly to Year 12 students on planning their future. With a range of personal experiences to call on, such as under-graduate and graduate study, vocational pathways and employment, the five guests were well-placed to help guide the current generation of Post 16 learners. The alumni gave some excellent advice, which included encouraging students to
put their own ambitions and desires first and to make the most of their time in the sixth form. Robert Farmer, Post 16 Pastoral Leader, said: “We are hugely grateful that our former students have volunteered to give up their time to help our current sixth formers. “I know the Year 12’s found this morning’s session really useful in helping to plan their futures and they have a much clearer idea about the pathways open to them.”
Autism is a neurological condition which is often hidden but can create significant impairment for those coping with the reality of having a brain sometimes referred to as being ‘wired differently’.
together with similar businesses which they knew nothing about before. Many called for this to be a yearly event.” Rob de Jong, another of the firm's directors added: “There was a great buzz in the room and so many organisations are excited about the idea of a Plymouth Autism Hub and a Plymouth Alliance that would bring together everyone working to create better services for people with autism. "We heard some harrowing stories which showed us what happens when people with autism are consistently misunderstood and left unsupported. There was a strong sense that many people with autism have huge potential and a great deal of untapped skills that could be utilised if only they were properly supported especially in the workplace.“ Over the coming weeks Working Well With Autism will be creating more opportunities to focus on autism culminating in a conference in the Spring.
One big theme to emerge during the Janet Wise, a director of Working Well event at the Guildhall was the need With Autism, who helped facilitate the for greater awareness about autism in event said: “We wanted to produce an eye the workplace and to meet this need catching visual image to help people get Working Well With Autism have created to grips with the idea of creating an audit A striking visual image was created highlighting the different a workshop. As the Shopper was going of services so we sent each organisation organisations which support people with autism to press this workshop was scheduled to a puzzle piece and invited them to bring take place on February 1. it with them. We created a near life size at case studies and discussing what is out Anyone with a personal or professional interest person which we divided into sectors and there for people with autism. There were lots in Autism in adults can get in touch with the organisations placed their pieces in the sector of discussions too about how we could do firm's website www.workingwellwithautism.org they worked. things better. Loads of people mentioned they (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) were glad to have the opportunity to come "It was a fun exercise rather than a scientific
cityplym.ac.uk/events | 01752 305300
UPGRADE THEIR STATUS COLLEGE OPEN DAY BE PART OF IT
Saturday 4 February 10am-1pm Kings Road, PL1 5QG The Plymouth Shopper
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Moorland Garden Hotel shortlisted for Family Business of the Year Award The Moorland Garden Hotel near Yelverton has been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year Awards 2017. Owned by West Country business entrepreneurs Brian and Sonia Meaden, the hotel has been garnering awards and accolades since the couple took over the property in 2011. Keeping it in the family, the Meadens are joined on the board of directors by daughter Cass Stainton. Now in their fifth year, the Family Business of the Year awards run by Family Business United magazine recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK and seek to highlight the contribution that family firms make to the UK economy. The Moorland Garden Hotel will be competing against 12 other family businesses in the South and South West. The results are to be determined through a combination of a judging panel and an online vote with all shortlisted firms in all of the regions eligible for the People’s Choice Award that is determined solely by public vote. The awards process concludes at a Gala Reception and awards ceremony that takes place in London at the prestigious May Fair Hotel in June.
Plymouth woman is first in city to be prosecuted under new microchipping regulations A Plymouth woman who failed to comply with the new law to have her dog microchipped has been ordered to pay £450 by Plymouth Magistrates court. Rosalyn Harding, of Kings Tamerton Road was served a notice on September 30 last year under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, requiring her dog to have its microchip updated with the owners details, after her dog was found straying at Marine Academy School. Mrs Harding had 21 days to comply with this notice. It was found after a check was made by Council Officers in October, on the Petlog microchip database, that she had not updated the details correctly and was prosecuted for failing to comply with the notice that was issued in September. 60 year old Harding did not attend court today and the case was found proven in her absence. Deputy District Judge Russell fined her a total of £450 including £200 in costs and £30 victim surcharge. In April 2016 it became the law for every dog owner in England to ensure their pet has been chipped, and that registered details are kept up-to-date. Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said: “It is such a shame we had to go to these lengths to seek prosecution in this case, but it is the law and we must enforce it. So my message to other dog owners is please, if you have a dog make sure it is microchipped and the details on the chip are up to date.” Nicola Horne, Environmental Protection Service Manager said: “The law now requires you to have your dog chipped, and to keep those details up to date. If the worst does happen and your dog gets lost, it is more likely to be returned quickly to you if it is chipped. We would much rather you claim your pet as soon as possible to avoid additional kennelling fees.” To check your dog’s micro-chip details you need the chip number which you can get by having your dog scanned at your local vets, and then checking with the relevant company on line. 24
The Plymouth Shopper
Derriford Hospital bus interchange now two-way Work to upgrade Plymouth’s second busiest bus interchange is now complete. The road outside Derriford Hospital has been widened to allow buses to travel in both directions – helping to reduce congestion outside the main entrance and making bus journeys to and from the hospital quicker and more reliable. Four additional bus stops have been installed and footpaths widened to provide more space for waiting passengers and separate drop-off areas have been created for taxis. Developed in partnership with Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, the scheme cost just over £2 million and was part funded through the Heart-of-the-South-West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP awarded £1.4 million, with the remainder provided by Plymouth City
Council and the Trust. Construction was carried out by the Council’s highways contractor Amey. Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport and Planning, said: “The new interchange should ease traffic flow outside the hospital and help to improve bus journey times. It also includes better, safer areas for people being picked up and dropped off and will hopefully make a difference to patients, staff and visitors. We’d like to thank people for bearing with us while the works were carried out.” Landscaping at the front of the hospital is complete and a new orchard, developed with the Derriford Hospital Environment Group, will be planted in February, providing an open green space for staff, patients and visitors. Derriford is identified in the Joint Local
Plan as a key area to deliver growth in housing and employment, with the vision to establish a new heart for the north of the city first proposed in Plymouth’s Core Strategy in 2007. Central to this vision is a transport network that can connect people to new homes, jobs and leisure and health facilities.
The Derriford Hospital Interchange scheme is part of a master plan of highway improvements on and around the city’s ‘northern corridor’, connecting with the new Marjon Link Road and complementing other schemes such as the Derriford Transport Scheme, where construction has just got under way.
Post scam warning
remaining on our priority list and by working with the police to actually visit people in their own homes we can to try to stop our residents giving any more of their hard earned money to scammers.”
Plymouth City Council’s Trading Standards Team, are working in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police to tackle the serious impact of scam mail.
Plymouth Partnership Inspector, Simon Hardwick said: “We are really pleased to be part of this project. These are elderly vulnerable people that are being financially abused so we want to act as quickly as possible to try to stop the harm. It is important that we all play a part in stopping these criminals.”
Crafty con artists have managed to scam a total £400,000 out of 195 people in Plymouth in the last two years. Nationally it is estimated scams targeting people by phone or post alone cost people in the UK an estimated £10 billion each year. Scammers use a number of tricks to rob people of their hard earned money including cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details. Plymouth Trading Standards are part of the National Scams Team which was formed as a result of a high number of postal scam victims being identified throughout the country. The National Scams Team provides lists of Plymouth residents who are potential victims. This information has been sourced through partner agencies, including the Metropolitan Police who have seized mailing lists and intercepted post before it has entered the UK postal system. To try and reduce the number of people who are likely to fall victim of a scam Trading Standards are trialling a new approach when sending out or hand delivering information at the visits. Information will be sent or handed out in an envelope which looks similar to the scam mail they receive. Research has found that scam victims are more likely to read the mail than if it was delivered in a standard council envelope. One recent victim had been responding to mailings for many years and was receiveing a large amount of post on a daily basis. The letters were a mixture of catalogues offering her the chance to win a large amount of money, provided she ordered overpriced goods or the usual clairvoyants and prize draw letters asking for administration fees.
Pictured left to right are Plymouth Partnership Inspector Simon Hardwick (Devon and Cornwall Police), Trading Standards manager Alex Fry (Plymouth City Council), and Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities for Plymouth City Council
try to get the mailings and phone calls stopped and to encourage the victim to stop sending the money. The victim said: “Life has become a lot easier since I realised that the mail was in fact scammers wanting me to pay for goods
and administration fees for winnings I would never receive. The letters were so convincing but I have never won anything in the years I have been doing it.” Alex Fry, Trading Standards manager said: “We currently have 550 people
Signs of a scam · · · · ·
The call, letter, email or text has come out of the blue You’ve never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about You didn’t buy a ticket – so you can’t win They ask you to send money in advance They say you must respond quickly, so you don’t get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide · They tell you to keep it a secret · They seem to be offering you something for nothing Protect yourself by · Never give out details such as your name, phone number or address to strangers or to people who should have this information already · Never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to strangers or businesses that should already hold your details. · Shred anything with your personal or bank details on – don’t just throw it away · If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up · Persuasive sales patter – just say ‘No thank you’ · Resist pressure to make a decision straight away · Never send money to someone you don’t know · Walk away from job adverts that ask you for money in advance · Ask friends, neighbours or family about whether an offer is likely to be a scam
Scams come in a variety of guises and we see new ones emerging all the time. However, there are common signs that indicate that they are a scam and Plymouth Trading Standards team are keen to make everyone aware so they can protect themselves and their loved ones. To get their victims hooked and responding to scams, criminals rely on loneliness, vulnerability, social isolation, shame and the fact that people don’t report that they have been scammed. The average age of a scam victim is 74, showing that criminals tend to prey on older and often more vulnerable members of society. Studies have proven that vulnerable adults defrauded in their own home lose confidence and are 2.4 times more likely to either die or go into residential care. Councillor David Downie Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities said: “These scammers deliberately prey on the vulnerable and more isolated, often elderly people and once a person sends money, their name is added to a scams list which is sold to other criminals and they are retargeted. “We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence and be misled and bullied by these relentless criminals. “If you think your parents, grandparents, partner or friends are receiving large quantities of mail or nuisance phone calls then please don’t hesitate to contact Trading Standards or Citizens advice for help on 0345 040506.”
Officers worked with adult social care to
r ppe ion o h S etit or f mp Co ners r e n i b W vem No
Congratulations to the winners of the November Shopper competition. The following five readers won six weeks unlimited gym and swim membership at the Marjon Sports Centre: Mr G Devine, Plymstock; Delaine Rutter of Greenbank; Lynn Slade of Honickknowle; Jackie Knapman of Kings Tamerton and Darren Hartley of Peverell.
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Romans 5: 3-4
Royal Navy sailor rewarded for youth work An inspirational Royal Navy sailor has been presented with an award for supporting work experience students at Plymouth Naval Base. Warrant Officer Spike Way received the Naval Base Commander’s Commendation for the excellence of his work with students from Devon which has a high number committing themselves to jobs in the Navy. The award, from Commodore Ian Shipperley (Naval Base Commander Devonport), recognises Spike’s vital, enthusiastic and informed contribution to the programme, where he has single-handedly transformed a draft schedule predominately based around dockyard visits into a multi-discipilinary activity week highlighting various aspects of Naval life. The base runs a twice-annual generic work experience week for school children from across Devon to gain an insight into Naval life. Spike first joined the programme in 2010, and has since developed, planned and hosted the schedule over four years. The citation said the outstanding success and reputation of the work experience programme can be directly attributed to the drive and enthusiasm of Warrant Officer Way, he is a true ambassador for the Naval Service. The commendation stated he is extremely proactive, plans for cancellations and exploited his wealth of contacts both in Devonport site and South Devon. He sincerely cares about the aims of the programme and packs in as many activities/experiences as possible to ensure that the students have an experience to remember. Spike also acted as official photographer providing the students with a selection of photographs taken during the visits. The award said he connects with every student and encourages them to ask questions to which he personally ensures they receive answers. At the end of each programme week Spike provides detailed, constructive feedback for every student often doing this in his own time.
Topping out...pictured from left to right Ian Bowyer, Leader of Plymouth City Council; Richard Stevens, chairman of Devon Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Plymouth Growth Board and managing director of Citybus; Phil Davies, principal and chief executive of City College Plymouth; Nick Holman, chair of governors of City College Plymouth; Chris Garcia, chief executive of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership
Key milestone for STEM Centre with topping out ceremony The building of City College Plymouth’s new Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) has reached its next significant milestone - just as the Government publishes its Industrial Strategy to deliver a high-skilled, competitive economy that will drive growth across the UK. A strong skills offer forms a key component of the green paper, and confirms that a robust skills strategy is required to respond to the needs of industry while helping to equip learners with the skills in demand from employers. Reforms to technical education will help to address regional skills imbalances, making sure shortages in STEM and higher level skills are addressed.
WO Spike Way receives commendation from Cdre Ian Shipperley
With STEM a local and national priority for addressing current and future skills shortages, the College’s new Centre will focus on the City’s priority sectors relating to STEM, to provide growth and investment in skills development, connectivity and innovation. This will
include support for job creation, particularly in highgrowth sectors, to drive productivity and promote enterprise. Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP), fixed the final screw to the highest point of the building in a ‘Topping Out’ ceremony at the College. The £13 million state-of-the-art facility is being funded by HotSW LEP, Plymouth City Council and the Regional Growth Fund, and has seen more than 200 employers involved in shaping its development. The Centre will provide a flexible learning environment that simulates ‘real work’ scenarios with industry-standard workshops, laboratories and studios. It will be equipped with hightech resources to support a broader and more relevant STEM curriculum. “Seeing the Centre of Excellence for STEM reach its full height is very rewarding and takes the project another step closer to completion,” said Phil Davies, City College Principal and Chief Executive. “Building the Centre is our, and our funders’, direct response to the skills needs of local STEM-related industries. Our team’s commitment is to train and develop the young people and adults
Foster carers celebrated at special award ceremony Foster carers from across Plymouth have been praised for their invaluable service to children and young people during a celebration for Foster Carers awards ceremony. Hosted at Devonport Guildhall, the event celebrated the outstanding continued commitment and dedication of carers and the profound difference they make to young people’s lives. Most of the carers commended at the event have been providing care to children for many years; some had committed over 40 years of their life to fostering children. Councillor Terri Beer, Cabinet Member for Children and young children said: “Foster carers are local heroes for us all and we owe them a tremendous gratitude for the job they do in often difficult circumstances. The thought of welcoming a child into your home can be daunting at first, but the fact that we’re able to celebrate carers who have been fostering for up 40 years shows how incredibly rewarding it can be. We’re incredibly proud of our foster carers and these awards are the least we can
do to thank all of these special people who have given their time to support children who needed a new home. I congratulate and thank all who received an award.” Awards were presented to the foster carers celebrating from 15 years to 40 years. Steve and Mary Upton, foster carers said: "Looking after and getting to know the children who have come in and out of our lives over the years has been a pleasure. We feel privileged to be able to make a difference, no matter how small, in their lives. Our reward is seeing them go out into the world as confident happy young people". "We feel very honoured to foster and would encourage anyone with the time and space in their home and their life to consider taking on this most rewarding role. "We would like to say how much we enjoyed Friday night. A great venue very well organised fabulous food and great company. Thank-you to all who organised the evening we really do appreciate it." There are currently more than 408 children and young people in care and there is an on-going campaign to recruit more foster carers.
When a child cannot be cared for within their family, the council’s first priority is for them to be looked after by a local authority foster carer, as they live in the area near to a child’s family and friends so it is less disruptive for a child. Fostering is a way to make a real positive difference to a child's life, providing children and young people with a stable and loving home and the support and encouragement they need to flourish and do well. Fostering for Plymouth City Council also offers full training, support and the opportunity to learn new skills. Alison Barker, service manager for Family Placement said: "At a time when the need for foster carers is at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to thank these exceptional foster carers who do exceptional things for young people who have had difficult starts. tAnyone who would like details on how to become a foster carer is asked to contact Plymouth City Council’s Fostering Recruitment Team on 01752 305175 or visit www.forsterforplymouth.co.uk.
required by our region’s employers and the economy. “As set out in the Industrial Strategy, getting technical education right is critical for the economy; it is the only way to address our growing productivity and skills gaps and offers a solution not only to the ever-changing needs of industry, but also for the people for whom a qualification for in-demand skills will be a lifeline into work. “Therefore, business involvement is absolutely fundamental to our Centre’s success and we have been working with a range of employers, from large internationals to small local enterprises, as well as business groups and employer-representing organisations. We want to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and provide support for higher-paid STEM jobs, while at the same time encourage students to remain and develop their careers in the local workforce. Our vision for the Centre is to enable more cross-curriculum learning that embeds enterprise, employability and STEM into everything we do.” Chris Garcia, Chief Executive, HotSW LEP, said: “I am delighted to see the Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM progressing well. Addressing the skills gap and enabling sustainable employment is a priority for HotSW LEP. This project, partly funded by the first round of our Growth Deal, is a real asset to the area and I am very positive about its ability to maximise economic growth.” Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Ian Bowyer, said: “The Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM is integral to Plymouth’s Local Economic Strategy and its Plan for Employment and Skills. Both highlight the need to develop the STEM-related skills to support job creation in high-growth sectors and drive the City’s productivity. It will help to ensure Britain’s ‘Ocean City’ is recognised as a world leader in STEM development.” Richard Stevens, Chairman of Devon Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Plymouth Growth Board and Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus, said: “We are an innovative region with a diverse range of businesses, encompassing industries from digital and creative to marine and manufacturing. The Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM is truly ground-breaking in the way training and enterprise are coming together to focus on the skills and employment needs of the area.” Work on the Centre, which is being built by Kier, started in February last year and is due to be completed in autumn 2017. With the full height of the five-story building now reached, work is underway developing the leading edge facilities inside. The Plymouth Shopper
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The Plymouth Shopper
ROCKFISH SCOOP TWO NATIONAL AWARDS Rockfish in Devon has fried out on top at the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards organised by Seafish. The chain of shops and restaurants - including the Plymouth eatery - was crowned with the Good Catch Sustainable Seafood Award and the Best Multiple Fish and Chip Operator Award during a prestigious ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London – an event widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry. Jointly sponsored by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), and fish supply brand Norfisk, the Good Catch – The Sustainable Seafood Award recognises businesses that have strong and robust policies and procedures in place regarding the responsible sourcing of fish and shellfish. Judges appraised how well Rockfish performed at educating and informing customers on the sustainability credentials of seafood, as well hearing how the shop plans to build on their progress over the coming year. The Best Multiple Fish and Chip Operator Award, co-sponsored by JJ Food Service Limited and Unique Seafood Limited, rewards businesses that have three or more outlets. With five establishments across Devon based in Brixham, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Exmouth and Torquay, Rockfish was assessed across a wide range of judging criteria including outlet appearance and facilities, menu development and innovation, supplier relationships, marketing and promotion activity, and staff development and training practices. Awards auditors also undertook mystery dining visits to appraise customer service levels and the quality of fish and chips on offer. Commenting on their award win after receiving the distinguished trophy from awards host, Nigel Barden, voice of food and drink on BBC Radio 2, head of communications, Laura Cowan, said: “Winning both of these awards is absolutely amazing! “We are incredibly proud that the ethos at the core of our business has put us at the top of what is an incredibly competitive industry. We are growing, but doing so sustainably, and cannot wait to share this with our team! “Sustainability is something we are passionate about, rather than something we practice to ‘tick a box’. Our access to and relationships with the local fish markets mean that our fish is landed and served the same day. “We work to educate our customers on the sustainability of the industry by varying our menu depending on what is available that day, while offering £3 portions from our takeaways once a month with a different, responsibly sourced fish each time. “With premises along Southern England, we aim to give back to the local communities that support us. We have optional £1 donations at all of our restaurants, with proceeds going to local community projects and initiatives. It is also our aim to make seafood accessible to everyone – whether it’s a family with four kids hungry for classic fish and chips, or a couple looking for some grilled monkfish - we strive to provide the best for all our customers.” Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, commented: “The aim of the National Fish & Chip Awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses and individuals in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the rest of the fish and chip industry to aspire to. “The Good Catch Award has always been a fundamental category as it represents everything that the awards stand for; ensuring a sustainable future for the fish and chip industry. Not only are Rockfish helping deliver this ambition, they are doing it across multiple establishments. They should be incredibly proud; winning two awards is a fantastic achievement.” Award co-sponsor George Clark, UK commercial manager at MSC, stated: “It’s fantastic to see so many businesses embracing sustainability. This speaks wonders for the future of our industry. “The standards of entries this year were outstanding, making the judging process quite challenging. However, Rockfish proved that the sky’s the limit when it comes to giving their customers fully traceable and sustainable fish suppers. I hope that many more fish and chip businesses follow their lead.” Samuel Stone, head of fisheries & aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “It’s been great to
see a range of promising new entries for this award, but this year, experience and understanding of sustainable seafood issues has paid off for Rockfish. For several years, they have taken steps to keep improving the sustainability of their seafood and they do a great job of communicating this to their customers and the wider public. Well done.” Award co-sponsor Steven Tilston, managing director of Maris seafood and marketers of Norfisk, commented: “As a company that is passionate about sustainable linecaught products, it’s been an honour to support an award category that shares our business values. “Rockfish demonstrated that they are true UK leaders in this field, going above and beyond to ensure a vibrant future for the wider fish and chip industry in addition to focusing on their own menu offering.” Now in their 29th year, The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. They celebrate the Great British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses through 14 different award categories.
From left: Sponsor Terry Larkin, Leticia Curbela, Emily Belcher, Andree Vacchelli, Samantha Page - Rockfish.
£1.5 million funding boost for Plymotion green travel plan Plymouth City Council has secured almost £1.5 million from the Department for Transport to continue its successful Plymotion green travel programme for another three years.
corridor and the eastern corridor. It will include free cycle training for adults, free bike safety checks and subsidised bike maintenance courses, along with advice on cycle delivery services, driver safety training, group cycling and walking events and personalised travel planning.
The council is one of 25 across the country to be awarded a share of £60 million from the Sustainable Travel Access Fund, for local projects that support access to employment, education and training by bike and on foot.
There will be a particular focus on businesses and schools, which will be able to apply for grant funding from the programme to deliver initiatives that encourage staff, students and parents to choose more sustainable and active modes of transport.
Plymouth’s funding will help deliver Phase 5 of the Plymotion programme, which will aim to increase the number of trips made to work and school by sustainable transport (in particular walking and cycling) in the city’s three strategic growth areas: the city centre and waterfront, Derriford and northern
The programme will also support the work of local employment agencies, with travel planning drop-in sessions and the Bike Links ‘Wheels to Work’ scheme, which provides bikes and cycle training to help people access training and employment. Over the three years, Plymotion Phase
5 will offer personalised travel planning to 6,000 households and 45 businesses, a walking and cycling engagement programme with 75 schools and a wider walking and cycling programme for adults and children. Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, Housing and Planning, said: “Plymotion helps people who are living, studying and working in the city to lead more active, healthier lifestyles, by making them more aware of the sustainable travel options on offer. “Promoting greener travel helps to reduce congestion on our roads, lower the city’s carbon emissions and improve air quality, as well as increase levels of physical activity. “This latest phase will help people to access education, employment and training opportunities, which will also
support the local economy.” The DfT commended Plymouth for its ‘particularly strong bid, with clear strategic narrative setting out how it will deliver against the fund’s primary objectives of supporting the local economy by supporting access to new and existing employment, education and training as well as active promotion of increased levels of physical activity through walking and/or cycling.’ It said the bid ‘also demonstrated good understanding and consideration of air quality and/or carbon emissions, as well as the provision of solutions to the challenges faced by traffic congestion.’ Plymotion Phase 5 will be delivered in partnership with sustainable transport providers in the city. For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymotion, email plymotion@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.
£1m improvements to waterfront
Works have started to protect and extend the life of buildings and structures on the foreshore east of Tinside Pool. Council leader Ian Bowyer has authorised £1,000,000 capital investment for a programme of repairs to the foreshore which has a network of winding paths, buildings and features. Surveys were carried out before Christmas to pinpoint areas of concern and these are now being addressed through stabilising and strengthening works.
Some buildings are Grade II listed and the area is designated as a Conservation Area so all work is being carried out with guidance from the council’s historic environment officers. Councillor Bowyer said: “This area is popular with local people as well as tourists and wild swimmers but its closeness to the sea – with wind, rain and saltwater – means it is always going to be vulnerable.As part of our ongoing maintenance programme, we identified a few issues and are taking action.” Following a more detailed survey, a programme of work has been put together which the Council hope will extend the life of these structures for another two decades. The council, together with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District (BID),
is working to make the waterfront a cleaner, better maintained and more vibrant destination with increased opportunities for local jobs and recreation.
Key works include structural strengthening works, replacing roof coverings, reinstating windows and doors, strengthening supports to steps and balcony, reinstating concrete fascia and nosing to balcony and repainting to buildings. The aim is to have the lower foreshore area including the beach open again by Easter. It may be necessary for some of the upper pathways to remain closed for a longer period while further works are undertaken.
Waterfront Partnership and our business members. We worked in partnership with the Council to create a Waterfront Masterplan and businesses prioritised the Hoe Foreshore as a key focus for enhancement. This announcement is fantastic news!”
The Plymouth Waterfront Strategic Masterplan identified opportunities to regenerate the Hoe Foreshore, with pop up shops hiring out equipment for relaxation and water sports (e.g. deckchairs, kayaks, and paddle boards), leisure, culture, catering, etc
Swimmers have been encouraged to use the area immediately to the east of the works area while the work is going on. Sarah Gibson, Waterfront Manager said “We warmly welcome the council’s investment in the Hoe Foreshore and the city’s Waterfront heritage. “This area has been a primary concern for the Plymouth The Plymouth Shopper
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29
MONEY MA££ERS with Steve Carey
Cheer yourself up: set a target and go for it
Help for renters Four out of ten people living with their children in privately rented homes have a tenancy of six months or less, new figures from Citizens Advice reveal. Analysis by the national charity finds one in three private renters would like their tenancy to be longer, rising to two in five amongst those with children. This amounts to almost 1.5 million households in England who need more security that they’ll be able to keep living in their own home. In recent years there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of people bringing up children in privately rented accommodation, with families making up almost four in 10 private rented households. But the private rented sector also has many pitfalls –from April 16 to January this year, 410 people turned to Advice Plymouth for help with a problem relating to a privately rented home including repairs and maintenance, problems with letting agencies, evictions and deposit disputes. A recent YouGov survey of over 2,000 private renting adults in England showed many families feel insecure in their home. Of private renters with children living with them: • Three in five said knowing they may be asked to move out at short notice made it difficult to plan for the future. • Over a third thought that if they were asked to leave their property their current notice period would not give them enough time to find somewhere else to live. • Almost half said they would prefer not to move between properties as often as they do.
By Gary Neeves of Advice Plymouth
The figures also reveal four in five private renters with children have experienced problems with the quality of their home including rodent infestations, broken heating, and no hot water: • Over half had experienced problems with damp or mould • Almost three in 10 had windows or doors which didn’t lock properly • One in five had faulty wiring. While in many of these cases the landlord addressed the problems within month, over a quarter of tenants said the problem took longer than this to resolve. And where these renters had spent their own time or money fixing a problem, half were not refunded for this by their landlord. These national statistics are supported locally with people seeking help from Advice Plymouth on a wide range of private renting issues. Advice Plymouth telephone helpline and drop in services are regularly giving advice and information to people who need support about private housing. Contact Advice Plymouth for information and advice and spread the word about the vital services offered. Tel: 03444 111 444: Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm. Saturday 9am - 1pm DropIn: Ernest English House Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Routeways branch of Advice Plymouth: 01752 668000 Age UK Plymouth branch of Advice Plymouth: 01752 256020: Mon to Fri 9am - 4.30pm.
I am writing this article on what is officially the most miserable day of the year. Apparently, the third Monday in January is the worst day of the year. The weather is miserable, Christmas cheer has abated, New Year resolutions have been abandoned and there’s over a week until payday for most of us. Despite that, I am really looking forward to 2017!. Why am I looking forward to 2017?
I intend to make financial progress this year. Without a plan, that could just be a wish or a platitude. Here’s how I make sure it isn’t. Set a goal I have set myself a target. You can do the same. Whether it’s the purchase of a new home, saving a specific amount by Christmas, paying off your debts, or just getting enough savings behind you to survive next Christmas without going into (more) debt, the process is the same. • Write down your target/aspiration/ goal. Make it a SMART goal. SMART stands for: • Specific • Measurable • Achievable or Attainable • Realistic • Timely Be specific (not ‘I’ll save some money’ but ‘Each month, I will save £xxx into my savings account’). The more specific you are, the easier it is to visualise the goal, communicate it to
others who can help you get there, and develop ways to make progress towards it.
Make it measurable. Put an amount on it, so you can gauge your progress as the year goes by. This can act as a cause for celebration (I’m on or ahead of target), or a kick (I’m falling behind). Make sure you break down the progress into small steps. Achievable goals can be big goals, but it may be disheartening if you focus on the huge gap between where you are now, and where you want to be. Remember, even Mount Everest is only conquered one step at a time. But be realistic. There is no point setting a goal that will only be met if you win the lottery. This will defeat you very early on. I imagine most of us would think ‘saving £1m by 31/12/2017’ is unrealistic, but could we try £10, or £100, or £1,000? Put a timeframe on it. Without it, you’ll be under no pressure, as you can mentally put back the deadline time and again. • Develop a plan. This is where a specific goal can really help. Set out those small steps and the criteria you’ll use to ensure progress will meet your objective by the date you have set. • Communicate it to those around you who can help, or who will be affected by your plan. For example, if you intend to save money by cutting the number of take away meals you buy, let your family know that this is going to happen. Maybe they could even
help by cooking once in a while! • Review progress regularly. Once a month is usually often enough. Too frequent and you don’t allow enough time for your plan to have an impact. Too long an interval, and you won’t be able to take corrective action if things are going astray. This may seem like generic advice, but every financial adviser I have ever interviewed tells me that setting a goal and developing a plan is by far and away the BEST way to hit your financial goals. Go for it, and make 2017 the year in which it happens for you. Steve Carey, Numbers UK Ltd 01752 226084 www.numbersukltd.com
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Each month we offer local businesses, charities and other organisations the chance to advertise their positions totally FREE of charge. The Community Job Shop feature is only available to advertise part-time and voluntary posts and must contain no more than 50 words including contact details. Please note that all advertisements must be submitted with a full name and address for verification purposes.
PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION (PEA) carries out practical conservation throughout Devon and Cornwall during weekdays and weekends. Projects include tree-planting, hedge-laying, coppicing, dry-stone walling, wildlife pond creation, species surveys, and beach cleans to name a few! Get involved, gain skills and experience in countryside management and conservation! www.pea-volunteering.co.uk 07749 818160 CARE WORKERS - Peninsula Care Devon have positions of employment available working as Community Care Workers in the areas of Ivybridge, Cornwood, Yelverton, Horrabridge and Dowsland. There are Full and part time positions available and at differing times of the day. So if you are interested or just want to make an inquiry, please give us a call on 01752 695448 and talk to a member of the team or Email us on peninsulacaredevon@btconnect.com WORK FROM HOME - Mels Magic makeup team are looking for individuals who would like to earn some extra money selling a well known brand Avon, we are offering £350 worth of products for free. Hours to suit, discounts on your favourite band , great commission. Why not become a representative or sales leader today you don’t even have to go door to door and you have your own personal on line shop please contact Mel 07950006144 for more information on this great opportunity. EXPERIENCED CLEANERS - £8 an hour. Regular work, with the same clients, in the same place and at the time each week. Ability to fit your work life around
family and other commitments. You pick the hours, the places of work and we do the rest. Call Plamen on 07414 675998. DOMESTIC CLEANER - Up to 14hrs/wk Need experience and car. Tel 369933 CLEANERS FOR PRIVATE HOMES - If you have good job or personal references and preferably a car and DBS (Police Check), we have clients who will appreciate you. Choose how many hours you want to work. You can do regular or occasional jobs or both – it’s up to you. To earn £8.50 an hour (Blitz:occasional) cleans £10 an hour) please call 01752 395900. VOLUNTEER – required to assist/accompany disabled lady, either to drive her to school to collect daughter; driving/accompany her to gym/swimming; accompany her on walks ives Hartley. One or two afternoons per week. Ring Liz on 01752 656 136 PART TIME HOUSEKEEPERS – wanted by Bright & Beautiful Plymouth. Eco-friendly domestic cleaning company looking for cleaners with good references, a love of housekeeping, driving licence and a car. Fully employed role, holiday pay. Hours occur between 9-5, Mon - Fri. Please call Lucy 07927 405428. VOLUNTEERS WANTED – We are looking for dog lovers to look after other peoples dogs while they are away. This is not a job but a very rewarding hobby. Expenses paid. Please contact Jennifer 01752 769453
STYLIST WANTED – Local hair salon has an opportunity for a stylist to rent a chair. Hours negotiable. Please telephone 01752 771100 Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5pm. VOLUNTEERS – YMCA Plymouth are looking for volunteers to help run a Charity shop in Fore Street, Saltash which will hopefully open at the beginning of September. The shop will be open 1000-1600 Monday to Saturday and we require about 19 volunteers (4 each day) to help either in the shop or sorting items in the back. If you can offer any help then YMCA Plymouth would love to hear from you. We will be preparing the shop throughout August for opening in September. Please contact Jim Tomlinson on 761004 to discuss or email vacancy@ymcaplymouth.org.uk. JONELLS SALON ST BUDEAUX – Beautician and nail technicians required, flexible hours, daytime and evenings, contact Lisa for more information 01752 364 700 VOLUNTEERS - Royal Voluntary Library Service Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds on weekdays between 10am 12pm. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton Thursdays 9.30am to 3.30pm on 01752 792857 for further information. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Want to meet new mums? Passionate about ante/post natal services? Already a member of National Childbirth member and want to do more? Want to support more groups in your area?
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Want something to make your CV stand out? We’re an enthusiastic groups of Parents wanting all those things too, and we’d love to welcome you! We need volunteers, Committee Members and specifically a new Treasurer. You can get involved as much or as little as you like, but need to be able to commit a minimum of 2-4 hours every 4-6 weeks to attend meetings. Support will be given. For more information, please contact Linda Ludlow, branch coordinator plymouthandwestdevon@nct.org.uk or look at the website www.nct.org.uk/Plymouth or like the Facebook page NCT Plymouth to message. VOLUNTEER GARDENERS WANTED – College Road Primary School is a primary school situated in the heart of its community in Keyham, Plymouth. We are looking for volunteer gardeners to help children and the staff learn how to grow and maintain its allotment area. If you can spare any time and have some gardening knowledge or experience we would be extremely grateful for your help. Please contact Sam Brown in the school office on 01752 567660 We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare, therefore volunteers will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. DISTRIBUTORS WANTED – Cornerstone Vision, publishers of The Plymouth Shopper, are looking for new distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area. Transport an advantage, own phone number essential. We are particualrly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas maybe available. Please email John@cornerstonevision.com or call 225623
All local businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals organisations and groups 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 the 10th of the month prior. We are happy to publicise vacancies FREE for up to three months. 30
The Plymouth Shopper
THE CHRIS COLE
By Dave Simpson Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth In case you hadn’t noticed we are a month into 2017 already, Christmas now seems a distant memory and New Year is in the rear view mirror. So how are those resolutions coming along? It is such a cliché to read articles about New Year’s resolutions in January and I am so glad that Chris avoided that subject in his article here last month! It is however much rarer to read articles on the subject later in the year. I did a quick internet search into the most popular New Year’s resolutions and what I found was interesting, if a little predictable. Apparently the top four are; quit smoking, make better financial decisions, life or self-improvement and at number one, yes you guessed it, lose weight. Not exactly ground-breaking research on my part but if you had anything on that list then you are not alone. What I find interesting about that list is that they are all very much long term goals and yet as I mentioned earlier, New Year’s resolutions are talked about once or twice in January and generally forgotten about by February. In fact I don’t think I have ever met
Experience
slowly but surely give up on the resolution entirely.
A resolution revolution anyone who is still following their New Year’s resolution by the summer! It seems as though the world loves good intentions but isn’t so sure about fully realising those intentions.
my New Year’s resolutions were I told him I did not have any.
Perhaps we need a bit of a resolution revolution. You see I am all for making personal resolutions. A healthy drive to improve oneself is a good thing. In fact I actually really like the fact that New Year represents a new and fresh start. It is from that sense of a new chapter that New Year’s resolutions are born. When we have a sense of a blank page in front of us it is almost inevitable that we want to write on it something better than we have previously.
The reason why I did not have any was because in my heart I didn’t want to set myself up to fail. If truth be known there are plenty of things I could have set, but a sense of the shame that would come when I failed to realise my resolution stopped me from even trying. There is great wisdom in words written thousands of years ago in the book of Lamentations in the bible which I believe point to a better way of making personal resolutions. It reads, ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.’ Two things stand out to me from this quote:
So why do we find it so difficult to see A fresh start is available every day, not our resolutions through to completion? just for New Year! I am no different to anyone else when it It is all well and good seeing New Year as comes to this. a clean slate In fact when Chris Cole, is the founder of Cross Rhythms charity. He is also a Fellow but when a colleague of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Listen to his Cross Rhythms things start to asked me on go awry it is Experience programmes on 96.3FM or online at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/ my first day easy to feel plymouth. Also, download Cross Rhythms Plymouth app from Google back to work defeated and for 2017 what Play and the Apple app store.
When I learn there are ‘new mercies’ for me every morning I can start to look at each day with a fresh perspective and move on from when things don’t go as planned. If your new year’s resolution was to quit smoking and today you are reading this having just had a cigarette, you don’t have to be bound up in guilt and shame but instead you can know that there is mercy for you start a fresh tomorrow. You don’t have to go it alone, help is at hand. We all need help to achieve resolutions. If you are quitting smoking you may have help from a GP, if you are trying to lose weight then perhaps a personal trainer is there for you. The incredible message in this quote is that God himself is there to help us. Far from portraying a picture of a God who is quick to condemn us for messing up, the verse says God has steadfast love for us and mercy for us every single day. What incredible news it is to consider that God wants us to win in life! He wants us to achieve and offers us a new start when things have gone wrong. This in fact is the message of the Christian faith, that God wants to help humanity and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ there is the offer of forgiveness and a real fresh start to our lives.
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31
Seven editions reaching 64,000 homes
Courageous student honoured at college awards ceremony Local woman Abigail Ashton, 38, took home two awards at City College Plymouth’s autumn Student of the Term celebration. The Student of the Term Awards recognise and reward students who are making a positive contribution to their course, the college or the local community. There is an overall winner for each of the college’s curriculum areas, and these are all put forward for three further, special awards: the Principal’s Award, the Governors’ Award and the Students’ Union Award. Abigail, who lives in Keyham, was honoured with both the Hair and Beauty Student of the Term, and the Principal’s Award, for her continued strength, perseverance and determination despite personal challenges this year. Mark Trewin, director of creative, cultural and digital industries, said: “Abigail is such a positive individual despite the difficulties she has faced this year. Her husband suffered a life-changing motorcycle accident that left her juggling a lot of responsibilities. She manages to handle being a full-time student, run the family home, look after her husband and care for her two children.
City College Plymouth students, who have been participating in the Prince’s Trust personal development programme, have been awarded certificates by the Lord Mayor at a special presentation. The students were commended for completing the twelve-week scheme designed to help young people gain new skills, meet new people and make a positive difference in their local area.
Her hardworking attitude and perseverance are truly admirable. I am pleased to be able to reward her efforts with this award; she is a real asset to the College.” On receiving her award, Abigail said, “I am so pleased just to be considered for an award let alone win two; to be recognised in this way is very humbling. It hasn’t been easy, but I love my course and studying at the College. Having my studies to focus on during this difficult time has really helped to ground me and keep me moving forward.”
Award winner Abigail Ashton with Mark Trewin, director of creative, cultural and digital industries
Held in PL1, the college’s training restaurant, the awards evening was attended by each of the 15 Student of the Term winners and their families, their nominating lecturers, college staff and governors.
As part of the initiative, the students gave over 100 hours of their time to support the community, which included refurbishing a music and games room at Hamoaze House - a day centre supporting those that have been affected by drug and alcohol abuse. The team from City College also supported Derriford Hospital Children’s Cancer Trust, after being contacted by a six-year-old boy who wanted to help those less
OPTICIANS
Students recognised by Lord Mayor for community work fortunate than himself. The students approached local companies to donate gifts for the children to open on Christmas Day. “The team worked really hard to get businesses on-board with this project and had a fantastic response,” said Cheryl Powell, Case Officer at City College. “This project has helped to build the students’ confidence and communication skills, all while giving back to the community. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved and hope to see them all continue to grow and give.”
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