The Plymouth Shopper April 2014

Plympton

SHOP LOCAL SAVE POUNDS

11,000 copies delivered in Plympton and Chaddlewood

City going global for growth

Big plans to ‘supercharge’ the local economy

Plymouth’s plans to go global as well as supercharge the city economy have been outlined in a key review of its local economic strategy.

The document, sets out the direction the city must take and how it should use the Mayflower 2020 as a flagship opportunity to help achieve its goals of becoming ‘one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone.’

The review, which has been led by the Plymouth Growth Board, was carried out over a number of months, involving key city stakeholders to look at challenges and future opportunities.

• Continued on next page

Award for Derriford trio

Winners...Maggie Phillips, Debbie Watson and Nick Pugh

Three Derriford Hospital managers are among only 54 people in the UK to win a Serco Pulse Award for their inspiring leadership and commitment in 2013.

services and responsible for 600 staff.

Her commitment is outstanding. She won’t leave the hospital until she knows everything is in order and she ensures patients are given the best possible experience.

They fought off 280 other strong contenders in the judging rounds. Only those Serco employees who really stood out from the crowd for making an exceptional contribution or performing an outstanding act in 2013 received an award.

Nick Pugh is now partnership director for health, but before that he was contract director at the hospital.

Maggie Phillips is contract manager for the hospital, overseeing Serco

A talented chef in a previous life, he is a visionary who has shown exceptional leadership in bringing together a team to deliver a service that benefits patients and the client.

• continued on next page

April 2014

IN THIS ISSUE See page 15 for details on how to enter Nothing beats the excitement of a day at the races, watching the horses

We’ve teamed up with Newton Abbot Racecourse to offer our readers the chance to win one of ten pairs of Paddock Enclosure tickets to the racecourse on Monday 16th June.

Whether you’re a regular at the races or a complete horseracing novice, once you’ve enjoyed a day at the races, we’re pretty sure it won’t be your last!

If you’re not one of the lucky winners, you don’t have to miss out. Visit www.newtonabbotracing.com to book your tickets or call 01626 353 235.

•thunder DIAL towardsTHE the winningEXPERTS post.

• What’s On in the area

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: Q: What is Newton Abbot Racecourse’s website address?

• Community Job Shop Entry Coupon

Please send your completed entry coupon to Newton Abbot Racecourse Competition the Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY by the closing date of Friday 30th May 2014.

• Legally speaking • Local history feature • Cross Rhythms Experience

RAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS WELCOMED - SEE P2 Q. What is the website address for Newton Abbot Racecourse A ...........................................................................................................................................

Name:

Terms and conditions:

There are 10 pairs of Paddock Enclosure tickets available in total. The first 10 correct answers drawn at random will win a pair of Paddock Enclosure tickets.

Address:

The tickets are only valid on Monday 16th June 2014. Tickets are not transferable and there is no cash alternative.

All winners must be aged 18 or over.

Postcode

The winners will be contacted w/c 2nd June. If the winners do not respond or cannot be contacted by 6th June, they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be contacted.

Tel: Email:

Tickets will be held at the racecourse for collection on the gate on 16th June.

Winners will need a form of identification to collect their prize.

Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive marketing information from Cornerstone Vision or Newton Abbot Racecourse

Winners agree for their names to be published and any photographs taken on the day to be used for publicity by Newton Abbot Racecourse.

Vouchers on page 3, 5 and 12

USEFUL Earlier train plan is numbers welcomed in city Emergency Numbers Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard Police general enquiries Derriford Hospital Electricity, Western Power Distribution Gas, Transco (gas emergency service) Water, South West Water Environment Agency (emergency) RSPCA

999 or 112 101 08451 558155 0800 365900 0800 111999 0800 1691144 0800 807060 0300 1234 999

Helplines Age UK Plymouth 01752 665424 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 697555 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 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 222221 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 204090 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

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

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 0870 300 0040 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 0870 300 0040 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623 Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

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The Plymouth Shopper

Business leaders, politicians and local councillors have welcomed news that First Great Western is consulting on plans to start running earlier trains from London to Plymouth.

The company has announced a consultation on a timetable change that will introduce a new service leaving London at 7.06am and arriving in Plymouth at 10.37am.

Currently the first train from London arrives in Plymouth at 11.17am so the new service would be 40 minutes earlier and have a 10 minute faster journey time.

If it is supported during the consultation with key stakeholders, the earlier train would start running when the next winter timetable is introduced from December 2014.

The City Council has been lobbying hard to secure an earlier train as the current timetable makes it hard for business people to travel from London to Plymouth and back and have enough time to do a full day’s business.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “It is superb news that an earlier train is now being actively considered as it would be a significant step towards improving train services for Plymouth.

This will be a joint investment of around £13 million in trains serving the South West with the Department for Transport (DfT) funding the additional standard class capacity and FGW funding a refresh of the first class environment.

All the work to convert the carriages and to refresh the first class environment will be done in the UK, with the work to the first class carriages being undertaken at the First Great Western depot in Laira.

This breakthrough has followed two other recent campaigning successes. Alison recently waved off a highly requested new 21.35pm service from London Paddington to Plymouth, and it was also confirmed in December last year that free WiFi will be available on all their services by the end of 2014.

Alison Seabeck MP said: “I am delighted, after continually pushing First Great Western and the Department for Transport on this issue, that they have now confirmed there will be added standard seating capacity to Plymouth. Far too often passengers in standard class have head to sit or even stand in packed carriages while Alison Seabeck MP... space and seats were going wasted in First welcomed news of extra Class. Now there will be a redistribution seating of seating, hopefully giving much needed space to passengers who travel in standard class.

“This is an important decision for Plymouth’s economy as it would make it easier for business travellers to come to Plymouth, do a day’s business and get back to London in a reasonable time. We know for a fact that the current timetable puts people off from coming to Plymouth.

“We are responding to the consultation on behalf of Plymouth to say we are 100 per cent behind the proposals and will be talking to other stakeholders that are part of this consultation exercise to maximise support across the region.

“We will also continue to talk to First Great Western about further improvements to services to and from Plymouth. In future franchise negotiations we would want to see the introduction a London to Plymouth train arriving at 10am.”

Meanwhile, after continued campaigning to increase capacity on rail services from London to Plymouth, Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, was delighted to hear that First Great Western and the Department for Transport have confirmed that work will soon begin on increasing standard class capacity through converting some of their first class carriages.

The work, which will deliver almost 3,000 more standard class seats a day for customers across the network, will also include a refurbishment of the first class carriages.

Award for hospital trio • continued from front page

Debbie Watson is a domestic supervisor, responsible for a 200-strong team who clean wards and departments.

Debbie’s positive attitude, fairness and ability to motivate her team make her stand out as an exceptional leader.

Valerie Michie, managing director of Serco Healthcare, said: Maggie, Nick and Debbie are passionate about doing the right thing for our patients, customers, colleagues and the communities we serve. Huge congratulations to them. They are very deserving winners.”

All the winners of these employee recognition awards attended a national awards ceremony at the IMAX – Science Museum in London in March to celebrate their achievements with 300 other guests.

“Along with potential improvements to timetabling, free WiFi and the eventual re-opening of the Dawlish line in April, this announcement is a sign of much needed improvements in rail services to our region, which will help our economy grow and give passengers a far more enjoyable journey.”

‘Great Expectations’ team is honoured

A team of healthcare professionals from Plymouth who run a ‘Great Expectations’ programme for parents-to-be have been named as runners up in Team of the Year category of the British Journal of Midwifery Awards 2014.

The team, part of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, were shortlisted down to the final three and were pipped at the post by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Midwife and Great Expectations co-ordinator Leeshia Walton said: “It was amazing to be shortlisted. We have put so much hard work into creating Great Expectations and we’ve had really positive feedback from parents about the difference it has made to them. For all that to be acknowledged nationally is fantastic.”

Great Expectations is a six week antenatal education programme for pregnant women and their partners/ supporters. It is broken down into six weekly sessions, which follow the chronology of a pregnancy and birth.

This starts with key aspects of a healthy pregnancy such as not smoking, nutrition, emotional attachment and activity and goes right through to ‘10 days and beyond’, the healthy child programme.

Feedback is a key part of the programme and the feedback collected and evaluated has demonstrated that women and their partners/supporters feel more informed about the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and how this can impact on the health and development of their baby.

They also feel more prepared to make informed choices about their pregnancy and birth. The parents and supporters also reported feeling more confident about being with their baby and responding to their needs, after the course.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

r ppe ion o h S etit or f mp Co ners y n i a W bru r Fe

Plymouth is going for global growth

• continued from front page

And it recommends focussing on six ‘flagship’ areas: Ocean City Infrastructure, Digital Economy, Business Growth and Investment, Learning and Talent Development, People, Communities and Institutions; and Visitor Economy and Culture.

Within these areas, a number of big ticket opportunities are highlighted which have the potential to transform the city and seal its role as the key urban driver for growth across the South West peninsula.

They include: • A Marine Industries Production Campus at South Yard as part of the City Deal • A City Centre Diversification Programme to create a modern fit-for-purpose city centre.

• An expansion of the hugely-successful Tamar Science Park Phase 5 – now renamed Plymouth Science Park • An Innovation Centre, in the city centre bringing in new investment to support high-value, knowledgebased growth.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This refresh is about taking what we have and sharpening our focus on where we think we can make the most impact.

“It looks at opportunities that we as a city must not ignore. Mayflower 2020 may seem like a long way off, but has the potential to put Plymouth on the world stage and work is already well underway to make sure we play a starring role.”

The review, which was due to be discussed at a Council Cabinet meeting in March, is a significant refresh of the Local Economic Strategy which was first launched in 2006.

As well as big infrastructure projects the review recognises work needs to be instil confidence, growth and skills among Plymouth’s population, as well as local businesses.

Plans include building on the work of the Growth Acceleration and Investment (GAIN) network to bring together resources from across the city to help businesses looking to expand; a skills matching service to integrate and simplify existing employment support and a focus on Plymouth’s new status as a Social Enterprise City, working with residents, communities and organisations to drive economic growth and community regeneration.

Chair of Plymouth Growth Board, Paul Woods said: “At the heart of this review is the recognition that we as a city need to work together to create the best possible business environment to enable our firms to reach their growth potential.

“To raise our relative economic standing, requires more enterprise, more innovation, and for our businesses to ‘think big’ in terms of tapping into new markets.

“Plymouth is the ‘engine’ of the South West Peninsula economy and through this review we have made it clear that we have the ambitions to drive economic growth well-beyond the city’s boundaries.”

Professor Julian Beer, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional Enterprise) at Plymouth University, and a member of the Growth Board, said: “The Local Economic Strategy is aligned to the strengths of the city and to the City Deal, and focusses upon the opportunities we have in the coming years to really transform Plymouth’s prospects. GAIN is central to supporting these ambitions and the University, along with its partners, looks forward to bringing these to fruition.”

The strategic review will form a key building block in the emerging Plymouth Plan, which will help shape the city’s growth and development.It will also feed into the wider economic plans for the region as part of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership strategy developments.

Congratulations to Karen McGill of Beaumaris Road who won the first prize of a children’s laser party for 12 children courtesy of Jump. Three runners up prizes of family day passes for two adults and two children were won by Jackie Stitson, Roy Mooney and Tracy Davey

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01752 407999 All Aspects of Legal Work Buying or Selling Your Home Litigation • Landlord & Tenant Commercial Conveyancing Wills & Probate • Crime Engineering • Employment Approachable local independent firm for high quality advice at competitive rates TEL: 01752 309090 FAX: 01752 309092 www.fklaw.co.uk email: enquiries@fklaw.co.uk

Wishing all our customers a happy Easter 2014

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The Plymouth Shopper

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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS

Southway Playcare After School and Holiday Club Southway Community Centre, Southway PL6 6TB. After school club from 3pm £5 per hour; holiday sessions 8am to 6pm £18 per day; 10am to 6pm £12; 8am to 3pm £12; 10am to 3pm £8. Ofsted Reg No EY398796. Daily sessions throughout the summer holidays. For details contact Hayley or Wendy on 01752 703581.

The Imaginators Various dates Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Fun, free sessions for pre-school children and their parents/carers. 10.30am to 11.30am on Wednesdays during term time. Advance booking is essential on 304665.

Plymouth Before the Great War Until May 4 The first of a series of First World War Exhibitions at Ford Park Cemetery which looks at how the people of Plymouth were living before the beginning of the Great War. Exhibition is free of charge, although donations are welcome. The exhibition is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm (4pm if there is a walk organised). Refreshments are available at these times.

Comics, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Fair Apr 5 The Bread and Roses, Ebrington Street on 12pm to 4.30pm.

This will be a chance for fans who want to sell/swap their unwanted comics or/and action figures. Six places available.

Films to be shown are The Amazing Spider-Man and The Hobbit (Pt 1) although this could be subject to availability.

Free entry.

Adoption Information Morning Apr 5 Families for Children, Southgate Court, Buckfast TQ11 0EE. To book a slot call 01364 645480 or email mail@ familiesforchildren.org.uk, or turn up on the day.

Good Food Market Apr 6 Royal William Yard The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West. Visit www.royalwilliamyardnews. wordpress.com Devonport Apollo Choir Apr 10 and Apr 14 The Devonport Apollo Choir will perform the Crucifixion by John Stainer at St Gabriel’s Church at 7.30pm and at St Mary the Virgin, Bickleigh on April the 14th at 7.30pm. The soloists are John Stevens, Tenor and John Bowden, Bass. Jeremy Clark is the organist.

Rainbow Project Spring Fayre Apr 11 and Apr 12 At the home of the Chairperson Bee Pugsley of 7, Furzehatt Way, Plymstock, PL9 8LP at 10.30am. The Fayre will have many stalls, including Jewellery, books, DVDs, clothes, Bric a Brac, jigsaws & children’s toys. Hot lunches are served from 12 noon to 2pm, followed by cream tea with homemade scones. The Rainbow Project has been working for 20 years to help Romanians who are in need. They work in Transylvania areas helping children from 3 to 15 years, who live in the Preventorium at Ilisua to prevent them from catching tuberculosis. There are 93 children in the home. There is a school in the grounds and a new hospital unit bulit to European Standards with the Rainbow Project helped to finish.

Table Top Sale Apr 12 Kings Tamerton Community Centre 10am to 4pm. £5 per table. Contact 366 247 for further information Plymouth Railway Circle Apr 14 Slideshow/talk entitled ‘Hungarian Rhapsody’ by Richard Green featuring mainline electrics, diesels, steam, trams etc.

St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell at 7.30pm £1 members £2 visitors Love Divine Apr 15 and Apr 16 Presented by the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir on April 15 at 7.30pm at Sherwell United Church, North Rd Plymouth. Tickets £5 to include refreshments, available from Anne Kalas Tel 01752 339738 or from the Church Office 01752 266163.

Also on April 16 at 7.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church, Plymouth. Retiring collection for Charity. The programme is a composite one, put together by the Musical Director, Jenny George, comprising music and readings often heard at Passiontide. The Choir will be singing items from The Messiah, Faure’s Requiem, Crucifixion, Olivet to Calvary and Rossini’s Stabat Mater, together with music by Mendelssohn, Karl Jenkins, Howard Goodall and Paul Mealor. These items,

`• continued on page 6 4

The Plymouth Shopper

Rhyme Times Central Library Monday from 11am; Thursday from 2pm Crownhill Library Tuesday: 2.15pm to 2.45pm Efford Library Tuesday: 10.30am to 11am Ernesettle Library Saturday: 11am to 11.30am Estover Library Tuesday: 3.30 to 4pm Laira Library Wednesday: 10.30am Peverell Library Monday from 2pm; Friday from 11am Plympton Library Thursday from 2pm;Saturday from 10.30am (Under 5s club) Plymstock Library Thursday from 2.15pm St Aubyn (Devonport) Library Saturday from 11am St Budeaux Library Thursday from 10am Southway Library Wednesday from 10am Stoke Library Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am (term time only) West Park Library Monday: 10am to 10.30am Story Times Central Library: every Wednesday from 11am (storytime and crafts) Crownhill Library: first Saturday of the month from 11am Plymstock Library: every Saturday from 10.30am (age 4+) Tothill Library: first Tuesday of the month from 3.45pm to 4.15pm Colebrook Community Centre Regular Events Monday 10am-11.30am Yoga; Tuesday 2pm - 4 pm C Friends over 60s group; 7.30pm-9.30pm Sugarcraft; Wednesday 2pm - 4pm Be Happy over 60s group; 7pm-8.15pm Martial Arts; Thursday 11am -1pm Multiple Sclerosis 3rd week of the month; 1.45pm - 2.45pm Pilates; 5pm-7pm Dog Training; Friday 9.30am - 10.30am Pilates; 11am - 12noon Singing for beginners; 1.45pm-3.45pm Country Dancing every 2nd & 4th week of the month; 6pm7pm Dog Training; The centre is available to hire for regular classes and birthdays for further details please contact Kay 200046.

Regular Events at Woodford Methodist Community Church Morning Worship and Children’s Sunday Club 10.30am every Sunday.

Visitors welcome to the enjoyable weekly morning service.

We can always guarantee a relaxed service, with friendly ministers and congregation. A team of wonderful Ministers, keep each week fresh and rewarding. Experienced volunteers in the Sunday Club, teach and care for children from babies to young teenagers, so you can have time to be you. Drinks, biscuits and opportunity for friendly conversation in the hall after every service. For details contact Paul on 403270 or Sheila on 338517.

Café Church Fourth Sunday of the month 4pm followed by communion at 6pm.

Interested in Christianity, but not ready to go into a church - then come and give this a try. Music from local church musicians, creative activities for the youngsters and open, friendly discussion for all and plenty of drinks and cake.

There is a brief service in the chapel at the end, for anyone who wishes to participate. Do come along to this very relaxed form of church. Contact details as for Morning Worship above.

Woodford Wives First and third Monday of the month at 7.30pm.

This group of around 40 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. In 2012 they raised £2,000 for Help for Heroes. In 2013 they raised £2,070 for Bowel Cancer West (Derriford Hospital). This year, they are raising money for Shekinah Mission. For more information contact Anne Eames on 216643.

Short Mat Bowls Every Monday and Wednesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm. New members of any age, both men & women, welcome. If you have always wanted to ‘Give It Go’ - spare woods (bowls) are available to use whilst you try it out. Special footwear is not required, just sensible shoes or trainers. No joining fees or commitment, just £2 per session, which includes tea & biscuits. Please just pop in to see what it’s all about. More info from Roy on Ply 518766 / Mob. 07758 558648 or take a look at www.WoodfordSMB.co.uk.

Linda Mortimore School of Dance (RAD Ballet) Mondays 4.15pm to 8pm, Wednesdays 4.15pm to 7pm.

Linda trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and teaches the RAD ballet syllabus and the ISTD tap, modern and jazz syllabi. The school also holds a popular adult tap class and produces stage performances, with putting

Spend Easter with the monkeys There is a lot going on this Easter weekend at Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary in Looe.

The Sanctuary is run by charity Wild Futures and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Sanctuary rescues monkeys from the pet trade many who suffer from being kept as pets.

It currently has 37 monkeys and the sanctuary is recognised for its enclosure design, space and specialist care provided for the monkeys.

The Sanctuary gives an intimate insight into a working Sanctuary and there is lots to do for the whole family. Visitors can take a tour of the monkey enclosures where they can hear stories from expert keepers and stroll around the woodland gardens, a haven for native wildlife.

Alternatively there is the chance to have a cup of tea and cake at the

treetop café or take the children down to the play area where they can swing like the monkeys.

Over the Easter weekend there will be lots of fun and games to get involved with. On April 19 its Earth Day so at the Sanctuary there will be lots of Earth Day activities such as recycling and plant workshops and earth warrior face painting.

on regular productions. For details call 01752 343791 or 07790 658866.

Prayer Group Tuesdays 9.15am to 10.15am In all the hustle and bustle of life these days, more and more people are struggling to cope. People are looking to fill that gap in their lives where something is missing. We feel that 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 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. If the doors are locked, knock on the Lounge window (room on righthand end of the church). For more information contact Paul on 403270 or Sheila on 338517.

Women’s Fellowship Tuesdays 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Come and join this group of lovely ladies, with their vast programme of speakers, covering many subjects. The group enjoy watching various films and slide shows. They are a really friendly, welcoming group who have lots of stories to tell about their lives through different situations and stages, as Christians. They have regular outings, which include visits to choirs and enjoy each other’s company.

The group also hold a regular Bring and Buy table to support designated charities. For details call Muriel on 345284 or Pat on 348672.

Rainbows Wednesdays 5.30pm Woodford’s 2nd Plympton Rainbows Group is a GirlGuiding section for girls aged five to seven and is all about developing self-confidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun. For details contact Monica Methven or Rachel Moran on 07854 286945.

Woodford Men’s Meeting Second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 10am The Men’s Meeting, gives a cordial welcome to any men who may wish to join this convivial group. A time for tea and coffee usually starts each session 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. To find out more and request a programme, ring Harold on 01752 337085.

Pins and Needles Knitting Club First and third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm 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 hand-produce 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 come and join them, please contact:- Margaret on 346751 or Jean Milroy on 337578.

Weightwatchers Thursdays from 6pm A supportive group, which will help and encourage you on your journey to achieving your desired personal weight. For more information, telephone Jane on Tel. 01752 241740

On Easter Sunday youngsters can take part in all of the Easter activities such as an egg hunt at noon. Also find Murray the Monkey for the secret password and they can win a prize in the shop.

For more information on opening times please go to: www. monkeysanctuary.org

Laira Youth Band Thursdays 7.15pm The Laira Youth Brass Band started in 1972 and has performed hundreds of concerts over the years. As well as part of the band performing (amongst others) in the weekly church service 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 go to (www.facebook.com/lairayouthband) or telephone Tony Hollick on 01752 216784.

Games 4U Second and fourth Thursday of the month 2.30pm to 4pm A group of very friendly men and women who meet during the autumn and spring school terms to play various board games from the very easy to the quite demanding. For details call Joyce on 216343.

Glow Kidz Fridays 4.15pm A fun disco with glow sticks, dance, music and fun in the dark!This is a safe environment for the youngsters to burn off some energy and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Only £3 per session. For more information, contact Michella on 07974 885057 Pumbasize Saturdays 9.30am A fun dance-style exercise class for people in their latter years. Also ideal for people wanting to get fit or recovering from injuries. This one hour session will have a combination of pilates, fun dance and gentle fitness. An enjoyable, low impact exercise class which will be lots of fun. Only £4 per session. For more information contact Michella on 07974 885057.

Woodford Methodist Pre-School Every weekday from 9am to 3pm.

Established over 50 years ago the Pre-school looks after children aged from two to five years. The experienced, qualified team run daily sessions in addition to offering a Summer play scheme. Mothers and Toddlers sessions run Thursdays 1pm - 3pm. They have links with our neighbouring primary schools and can provide funded sessions for 3 + 4 year olds and welcome children with additional needs. Visit the website at www. woodfordpreschool.co.uk or call 337335.

Community Monthly Coffee Morning First Thursday of the month 10am to 12 noon A new event that has only been running for a few months, but has already developed into a friendly group of regular attendees. The ladies hosting this event welcome everybody to come and have a hot drink and a delicious cake for only £1.

Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Activities Sundays: Church service 10am to 12 noon 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Square dancing 5.30pm -9pm Sunday: Car boot sale 10 - 2 at Countyman’s Choice farm shop in add of charity for Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre telephone Tony on 07855 586971 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

`• continued on page 6

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Neighbourhood meetings Chance to have your say

A warm welcome awaits you at...

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Family Service Coffee at 11.15am, Service at 11.30 am to 12.15 pm Mondays: Toddler group - 1.15 pm to 2.45 pm (During term time) Tuesdays: Ladies group - 2.45 pm to 4.00 pm (During term time) Special Easter Family Service - 20th April, 11.30am (coffee at 11:15am)

Dates of neighbourhood ‘Have Your Say’ meetings are as follows: Colebrook, Newnham and Ridgeway Monday 21 July 7pm Colebrook Community Centre, Peacock Meadow, Plympton

For more information Contact Mike on 336976 or Graham on 340528

Devonport Thursday 17 April 5.30pm, Welcome Hall, Fore Street

Sundays:

East End Wednesday 11 June 6.30pm, East End Community Resource Centre, Cattedown Road

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Greenbank and University Wednesday 30 April 6pm 2nd Floor Roland Levinsky Building Morice Town Wednesday 16 April 6.15pm, Salvation Army, Balfour Terrace Plympton St Maurice, Underwood & Yealmpstone Saturday 1 March 10am, Plympton Library Southway Tuesday 29 April 6.30pm, Southway Library

Tel:01752 203354 Mob:07968 949558 pritchardplumbing@btinternet.com All major debit & credit cards accepted.

Turnchapel, Hooe, Oreston and Mt Batten Tuesday 27 May, Hooe Baptist Church, Hooe Road

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Getting to know your neighbours at a special barbecue Is there a sense of community where you live ?

How well do you know your next door neighbours ?

This can be difficult with so many multi- occupancy dwellings and residents often short term; if students usually one year and that only part of the year..

Where neighbours know one another a greater sense of community can grow and this helps to make the community itself a more friendly place to live in.

Recently the Mutley Greenbank Trust and University of Plymouth Students’ Union have been working together to find ways to bring people together in an informal way, and are planning a ‘getting to know one another’ community event.

This will be a Sunday Barbecue in Moor View Park (off Mutley Plain) between 12 noon and 4pm on April 27 and there will be live music, breakdancers, cheer leaders, games such as boules and kubb, community art, face painting and even knitting ! Everyone is 08:42:14 welcome. A similar event was held in Moor View Park last September.

Jeanne Hinton of the Mutley Greenbank Trust said: “If any readers have a positive experience of bringing people together in a neighbourhood that would be good to hear about. Come and join us at the barbecue.”

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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS `• continued from page 4

`• continued from page 4 interspersed with appropriate readings, will help to tell the story of Passiontide, culminating in the Joy of Easter.

Easter Fun Apr 19 Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Corner, Peverell Park Road 2pm to 4pm. All the activities are free with a small charge for refreshments. There will be crafts, a story, songs, toys and an Easter Egg Hunt!

Celebrate Easter Apr 19 A children’s event for youngsters aged eight and under at Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Park Road from 2pm to 4pm. here will be chocolate decorating, crafts, refreshments, toys, story time, rhyme time, a colouring competition and an Easter egg hunt. All the activities are free with a suggested donation of 20p for refreshments.

Sunday Barbecue Apr 27 A community event in Moor View Park, off Mutley Plain from 12 noon to 4pm. Barbecue, live music, breakdancers, cheer leaders, boules, kubb and other games, community art, stallholders and more. A Mutley Greenbank Trust and Plymouth University Student’s Union joint event. Everyone welcome. No charge.

Gardening Talk Apr 28 Graham Titchmarsh will be giving a talk and presentation on the famous Vietch Nurseries at 7.30pm at Plymstock United Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston. Non Members welcome £1. Contact number 01752 403652 Plymouth Railway Circle Apr 28 Slideshow/talk by Peter Gray entitled ‘Memories of the Great Western & Southern in Devon’ featuring his photographs and stories behind them in steam days. St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell at 7.30pm £1 members £2 visitors Tamerton Foliot May Carnival May 3 The carnival is taking place in Wadlands Meadow, Tamerton Foliot and will preceded by a line up of walking floats in Cunningham Road at the top of the village. The procession will be led by the Liskeard Silver Band, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, the May Queen, May Princess and flower girls and the floats to the meadow for the carnival. The carnival will be a family-orientated event with lots of stalls and activities.

Plymouth Railway Circle May 12 Member’s slide show/digital/cine evening. Presented by members featuring Rails UK 1989, Kent, Norfolk Buxton, London, Trams & trains of Paris among others. St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell at 7.30pm £1 members £2 visitors RASC/RCT/RLC Association May 14, Jul 9, Sep 10 and Nov 12 The Association will hold meetings on the above dates with the AGM on January 15 at the TA Centre, Brest Road, Derriford, Plymouth at 7.30pm. New members welcome.

Plymouth Short Film Festival 2014 May 17 Plymouth Arts Centre is delighted to be hosting the inaugural Plymouth Short Film Festival. The festival builds on the rich tradition of film in the city which has seen pioneering festivals such as START, upSTART, STARTington, SW Showcase at Encounters and the Plymouth Exchange with Plymouth Massachusetts. The Plymouth Short Film Festival is a chance to watch some amazing short films, and for filmmakers to showcase their work and be eligible for prizes. The Festival organisers are now accepting submissions. Details at www. plymouthfilmfestival.co.uk. Entries will be accepted up until April 20.

Barbican dance spectacular A dance show at the Barbican Theatre will help to demonstrate integration through culture - as well as raise funds for charity.

‘Dance Around The World’ is being hosted by Natasha’s Bollywood Dance School on Friday April 4 at 7 pm.

The programme has exciting and colourful dances for every taste. The Dance Spectacular, will help to raise funds for Plymouth & Cornwall Cancer Fund. Tickets cost £6. Contact: Anil Koshti on 07933781847 or email: anil@koshti.plus.com 6

The Plymouth Shopper

6pm to 7pm. Latin Line dancing 7.30pmto 9.30pm Thursdays: Line dancing 7.30pm to 10pm. Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults. Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Fridays: Evergreen Club 2pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Hall and lounge meeting room for hire telephone Lesley on 07952 465836.

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.

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.

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 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 of fun. Only 50p per week.

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.

Pennycross Sequence Dance Club Meets at the Holy Family Church Hall, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Mondays 6.30pm beginners class with step by step instruction. 7.45pm sequence dance. Fridays at 7.30pm for sequence dance.

Baby & Toddler Group Every Friday Lipson Vale Primary School between 9.15am and 10.30am.

New families welcome. Please call Kate Timonthy or Elaine Bromhead on 01752 224801.

Uplifting appeal by Energie!

Energie Fitness for Women in Plympton has teamed up with Against Breast Cancer and BCR Global textiles to help raise vital funds for improving detection and survival of breast cancer and to help small businesses in Africa through the textile trade.

Over the last few months women from all over Plymouth and the surrounding areas have been depositing unwanted bras into the bra bank located in the ladies only fitness club on Lister Close in Plympton. So far they have collected nearly three stone in bras!

When a bra is deposited in the bank it is whisked away by BCR Global Textiles and sent to the other side of the world, where traders support their families by selling textiles locally, helping to keep many families out of poverty and of course textiles from going to landfill.

For every tonne of bras collected BCR also donate £1000 to Against Breast Cancer research to support their valuable work.

Energie Fitness for Women have chosen Against Breast Cancer as their charity for collection as many of our members are survivors of this disease. We want to do what ever we can to fight this disease and

wishes to share or listen to poetry and prose is welcome. Visit www.waterfrontwriters.org.uk for details.

Friendly Luncheon Club Tuesdays & Fridays Tuesday 12.30pm & Fridays 1pm each week. For details and bookings call 01752 606317.

Tothill Daytime Sequence Dancers Wednesdays Tothill Daytime Sequence Dancers meet at the Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Judes, Plymouth Sequence Tea Dance 2pm to 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Stoke Luncheon Club Thursdays At Stoke Youth and Community Centre in Blockhouse Park between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. Two course lunch is served at 12 noon and costs £4.50. Meals cooked to order, so advance booking is essential. Call 01752 563338, if answer phone kicks in please leave contact number.

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

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.

Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764.

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

For details or to make a lunch appointment call 606317.

Health for all the family Every Thursday 9am to 5pm Hyde Park Pharmacy, Hyde Park Road, Peverell offers a walk-in homeopathy clinic for free consultation, advice & recommendation from our registered homeopaths.

Appointments not always necessary. Homeopathy can treat most common ailments. It is especially effective for treating children and is completely safe for treating illnesses arising during pregnancy. It has also proved very useful during the menopause, reducing hot flushes and stabilising moods.

Call Hyde Park Pharmacy on 663216.

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.

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.

Waterfront Writers Fridays Meet every Friday during term time at The Swarthmore Education Centre, Mutley Plain 1pm to 3pm. Anyone who

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 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. Contact Dave Crawford 01752 407047 for details.

Whist Drive Tuesdays and Wendesdays Kings Tamerton Community Centre want adults of all ages to come and join us in a game of whist. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 1.45pm start, also The first Sunday in every month at 2pm start. Entrance is £1.50,which includes tea, coffee,and biscuits. We are a friendly crowd and would like to see some new faces. City Bus No 16 stops right out side the community centre. Call Brenda on 206204 for more details Country Music Venue

want to thank all the women who have so far donated.

If you have any unwanted bras then please drop them into the club where there is a permanent bra bank.

Energie Fitness will also be taking their Bra Bank out on location over the coming months so keep an eye on their twitter feed @energiePlym for details.

First Friday every other month At the Aggie ‘Opry’. Agaton Club, St Budeaux. Top country acts being booked. Details 01752 362240.

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.

Modern Sequence Dancing Club Saturdays Tothill Community Centre. All welcome. 7.30pm to 10pm.

Details 01752 338110.

St John Ambulance Mondays: Cadets – For children aged 10-18 years at St Gabriel’s. New members are always welcome to all the groups. For details about Cadets and Adults contact Neil on 07880 723248.

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.

Family Time First Saturday of the month All welcome at the free family cinema club from 10 am with tuck shop & coffee bar at St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road, Higher St Budeaux.

The films, all suitable for 5 to 11year olds, finish at 12 midday and are followed by family time in the games hall & cafe until 2 p.m. For further information please contact Lyn on 01752 706728 Monthly Soup lunch for all the community Lst Wednesday of the month Lovely homemade soup, cake, tea & coffee all for £3 at the St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road, Higher St Budeaux. from 12.15 - 2 p.m. A warm welcome awaits all those who come. Have a go at the quiz if you want, browse the jigsaw library or just enjoy the company.

Saturday Dances Various dates City College Plymouth with Dancing Duo Henry & Jeannie 8pm-11.15pm. Entry £7 on the door. April 5 - Spring Flowers are blooming; April 19 - Easter Dance; May 3 - Oklahoma Hoedown; May 17 - Lilactime Dance; May 31 - Disneyland Magic; June 14 - The swinging sixties; June 28 - Flaming June - If we’re lucky; July 12 - Summer Ball and Birthday Bash; July 26 - Summer Holiday Coffee mornings Last Wednesday of the month Run by the Highbury Trust Community Support Service, Outland Road between 10.30am and 12.30pm. All members of the public welcome to attend. For details 01752 753711 Laira Youth Brass Band Thursdays The City’s premier youth brass band meets at Woodford Methodist Church (next to the school) on Thursdays from

`• continued on page 8

Plymstock residents saddened as popular store closes

We’ll miss our Co-op!

The Co-operative supermarket on Plymstock Broadway closed its doors to customers for the last time on Saturday March 8, after being described as a ‘failing’ store, writes Eliza Stevens.

More than 40 members of staff lost their jobs, with only a minority being re-deployed to other branches.

The store has been beset by problems in recent years, with a limited range of goods available at times due to malfunctioning freezers. Some locals shed few tears at the shop’s demise, explaining that they preferred to shop at Lidls or Morrisons for price and choice.

Susan Gregory ‘I’ll miss it’

However, the general feeling is of concern for the future of the Broadway as a whole and for

Trevor Higgins, HomeworX ‘It’s sad for the community, pensioners love it’

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the needs of elderly customers in particular.

Rumours abound about likely replacements, from Waitrose to Wetherspoons.

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Regular customer Donna Wicke said: “It’s appalling; they are taking away customer choice. Wetherspoons would attract a bad crowd; they have already ruined trade in Plympton.”

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Helen Jilkes agreed: “It’s dreadful. I have shopped at the Co-op all my life, I come in daily to top up, I like their brands and old people can get deliveries.” Susan Gregory added: “I’ll miss it; it’s handy and very much part of the community.”

£20

Glen Britton shared her fears: “When the Co-op goes, it’ll be like a ghost town, just charity shops and banks.”

Annie Gears, co-manager of the fruit and veg shop, who lives and works on the Broadway said: “It was a massive blow when Woolworths closed. I have to go into town for things like birthday presents, it costs me and my son £6.50 on Sophie Broughton ‘I nip out the bus. I like to from work for my lunch’ shop day to day, it’s cheaper and you waste less. We want something to open that will bring customers in.”

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Donna Wickes ‘I shop here twice a week’

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£80

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Danni Graham of Lidstones ‘We don’t want it to go’

Trevor Higgins, owner of HomeWorX and ex-Co-op employee agreed: “The Broadway will struggle. It is difficult for shops to keep going with rent and rates so high, but this could be a real opportunity for an upmarket supermarket.”

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£30

Driving force was behind fund-raiser for Woodside

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Not quite the story you’d expect but thankfully, the four Lions pictured are very friendly and the hen and the goat are perfectly safe at the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust.

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Said Sanctuary manager Debbie Haynes: “Members of the Association of Professional Driving Instructors (South West) kindly completed the Lions Club of Plymouth 12 mile sponsored walk on Dartmoor and raised £140 for our animals. The Lions do an enormous amount of fundraising for charity and we greatly appreciate their time and generosity.”

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Pictured (rear) are Chris Weekes and Andy Morrison of the Association of Professional Driving Instructors with Lion’s Club President Ted Clarke and Lion John Curtin.

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Debbie Haynes is pictured with hen Dorothy and Little Bill, the goat!

The Plymouth Shopper

7

Future of the high street to be discussed at Plymouth conference The future of the high street will be a key theme at the Plymouth Business Improvement District Conference due to be held on Thursday April 3 at Council House in Plymouth’s Civic Centre.

The event is being jointly hosted by the Plymouth City Centre Company and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

The conference will include a keynote speech from Brandon Lewis MP, Minister for Local Government and High Streets and presentations from the Plymouth City Centre Company, Plymouth City Council, Destination Plymouth and BIDS Scotland.

John Parmiter, Partner at Peter Brett Associates will be presenting on the future of the high street and how it is too important to leave unaided.

The conference will give businesses the opportunity to debate the big issues facing the city including Plymouth as a destination, proprietors and BIDs, shaping the High Street, new technologies and loyalty to High Streets and Plymouth Wi-fi on the High Street.

Doug Fletcher, chairman of the Plymouth City Centre Company said: “We are extremely delighted that so many high profile speakers will be attending the BID conference. This is an ideal opportunity for businesses to influence the future of Plymouth City Centre.”

Suzi Cumberland, events manager for Plymouth Chamber of Commerce said: “Plymouth Chamber is pleased to be a part of this event, addressing the future of the high street and providing support for retail businesses in the city to share their views on major city issues.

“Plymouth Chamber is committed to supporting businesses by improving the conditions for living and working in Plymouth and the South West Peninsula and we hope to see many businesses at the conference on April 3 to identify the key issues to be addressed as we move the city forward to reach its potential.”

The conference will include break-out sessions where attendees will have the chance to debate topics in small groups.

All businesses which pay an annual levy to the Plymouth City Centre Company or are a member of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce will be entitled to a free ticket with a second priced at £30.

Tickets are available for other organisations with prices ranging between £65 and £130.

Sponsored swim for Chestnut Appeal On Sunday August 10 the Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer is holding its third annual Breakwater to Plymouth Hoe sponsored swim.

The 2.2 mile swim across Plymouth Sound to Tinside Beach has over the last couple of years attracted both local swimmers and swimmers from across the UK. The Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer is a charity that supports men with prostate cancer and their families across Devon and Cornwall. The Chestnut Appeal has funded six specialist prostate cancer nurses and brought the latest in technology to the area.

Registration for the swim is £35 which covers the cost of organising the event. Your fundraising will help us continue our work supporting prostate cancer patients, purchasing equipment and funding specialist Prostate Cancer nurses.

Entry to the Breakwater Swim includes a medal on completion of the swim, full water safety support from Event Water safety, an event swim cap, water and an end of swim snack.

8

The Plymouth Shopper

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS `• continued from page 6 7.15 to 8.45 pm. Open to all youngsters from age eight upwards. Contact Tony Hollick on 01752 216784 for details.

Plymouth Forum This friendly retirement group welcomes new members.

We offer a range of leisure activities to keep you active in body and mind and make new friends. Activities include coach outings, coffee mornings, longer and shorter walks, illustrated talks, music for enjoyment, book & poetry reading, table games (words or numbers), talks on landscape, lunches. All this for £25 a year membership. Come along to a coffee morning held every Thursday at Sherwell Church Hall, North Hill, 10.15-11.45am. Call Russell on 01752 266608 for more info.

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 666810.

Plymouth Unitarians Sundays Do you long for a church which accepts that there is value in all the great religions but allows its members to decide what to believe? Do come along and decide if it is right for you. Sunday at 11am at the Unitarian Church, Notte Street.

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, PL2 2EL. 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.

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.

Plymouth Electronic Organ and Keyboard Society Meets 3rd Monday of the month Parkway Sports and Social Club, Ernesettle Lane, Ernesettle, Plymouth at 7.30pm. Players and listeners more than welcome to join our friendly club for an evening of music.

Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) Last Thursday of each month.

DCRS is a charitable organisation in need of volunteers, as well as any second-hand clothing, linens and small kitchen tools. Please call 01752 265952 or pop into 7 Whimple Street for more information.

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.

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) aims to offer support and understanding to Laryngectomees, and their families and carers, in the Plymouth area. Are you a Laryngectomee, or do you know someone who is? We also invite any other Head & Neck Cancer patients to become members of PLC. Why not get in touch and come and join us? Club Members usually meet at 10.30 am on the second Tuesday of each month. One month we meet at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at Derriford and the next month we take a trip somewhere… anywhere! For further information, please contact Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 07745 819 828 (text only).

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 Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well established walking organisation offering regular walks

Chippy celebrates haul of awards Visitors to Kingfisher Fish & Chips in Plympton will be no strangers to an award-winning fish supper and the chippy’s latest accolade means that they can be confident they are helping to protect the world’s oceans too.

Kingfisher has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, an international certificate of sustainability and traceability. It gives customers assurance that fish labelled with the MSC’s blue fish-tick is sustainably caught. The award comes just a month after Kingfisher was a finalist for the Good Catch National Fish and Chip Award, which recognises the most sustainable chippy from entrants across the UK. The MSC’s sustainability standard is considered to be the highest in the world, and Kingfisher is one of only a handful of fish and chip shops in the UK to have the certification to allow the use of the ecolabel on the menu.

Craig Maw, owner of Kingfisher Fish & Chips said: “This is absolutely fantastic to be MSC certified, we are so very proud. We work very hard to ensure we source the very best ingredients for our fish and chips and MSC certified fish is the very best.

“At Kingfisher we have always promoted sustainable fishing, and made it a pledge to only serve sustainable fish which can be traced back to the boat. MSC certification is proof of our commitment to sourcing sustainable fish. Fish and chips is such a fantastic iconic British delicacy we need to make sure there is plenty available for generations to come”.

George Clark, UK commercial manager for the MSC said: “Plymouth has a long-held connection with the sea and Kingfisher is making it easy for customers to make a responsible choice when they choose fish. By choosing MSC certified fish at Kingfisher, Plymouth customers are helping to protect the oceans for future generations.”

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.

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 February to the end of April we will practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. No previous dancing experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Shirley on 01752 407676.

Bellies Hips & Thighs Special classes for ladies wanting to work specifically on these areas. Light exercise combined with a special hip and thigh diet. Free, easy parking and no course fees. City Centre on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm at Abbey Hall behind St Andrew’s Church; Crownhill on Wednesdays between 6.15pm and 7.15pm at Church of the Ascension, Crownhill. Also men’s classes for overweight, unfit men.

Cost £3.50 per session. Details 01752 777935.

Plymouth Intervarsity Club Last Tuesday of the month Plymouth Intervarsity Club is a club dedicated to meeting people, making friends and having fun in the form of social, cultural and sporting events. Look at our website www. plymouthivc.org.uk or come along to our club night, the last Tuesday of each month. Phone Patrick 01752 338292 or 07964565338 for details.

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 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.

Craig Maw of Kingfisher

The MSC want to encourage more and more restaurants to get MSC Certification, which is open to any business which serves fish. Kingfisher was one of the founding members of a new ‘ROC Group’ set up to make the certification process easier and the MSC hopes it will open up MSC certification to thousands more restaurants.

Ruth Westcott, the founder said: “MSC certification is the gold standard for sustainability but I believe lots of restaurants can achieve it. There are huge benefits to getting the MSC ecolabel on the menu and it is vital if we are to transform the way the world’s oceans are fished.”

More information about Kingfisher’s sustainability story at www.kingfisherfishandchips.co.uk Plymouth Proprietary Library Writers Group First Saturday of the month Located in the oldest library in Plymouth the group covers a wide range of genres in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Encouragement is given in creative writing at all levels in the ambience of the oldest historic institution in the city (Est 1810). Full benefit of literary events and facilities is given to library members. Group meets 10am to 12 noon.

For details call 01752 660515.

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.

Starlite School of Dance Ballet and Tap classes for beginners for children from 3 years on Thursdays from 4pm at Plympton Masonic Hall.

Disco/Freestyle classes for beginners aged from 6 years teens on Fridays from 7.30pm at Plympton Masonic Hall.

Contact 01752 216456 Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact Derek on 01752 360551 or David on 01752 402981.

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 We meeting at Mount Gould Methodist Church and are looking for boys aged 5-15 years and meet on Fridays 5.30pm-8pm. Our programme is full of fun and variety.

Boys take part in games and competitions, excursions,

`• continued on page 16

Spotlight on Childcare

It’s been a ‘Good’ start to the year for one Plymouth nursery as its latest Ofsted report praises its leadership, management, staff and facilities.

‘Good’ start to the year for Pennycross nursery

The Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School in Pennycross has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating in the latest report carried out on site. The inspectors said the nursery’s observation, assessment and planning procedures are consistently effective which means a clear picture of each child’s development is evident.

“We were particularly pleased to see that the range of fun and developmental activities we provide were noted and that inspectors mentioned how happy, independent and stimulated the children are.”

“Staff nurture babies and are attentive to their needs, babies smile and babble happily in response to staff, which shows that they benefit from consistent key persons as carers.

The inspection included observing children in their indoor and outdoor activities, having discussions with managers, staff and parents, sampling children’s records of development, policies and procedures and checking the safety and supervision of the children.

“Parents are highly complimentary about the nursery provision. They comment on the care of the staff and confirm that communication is very good. Parents say that children are ‘happy and excited’ to go to nursery.

They are pleased with their children’s good progress, such as in their vocabulary and counting skills.”

The report also stated that staff have strong partnerships with parents, which effectively promotes continuity of care and learning for children and that staff promptly identify any aspects of children’s development that require further support.

Rachel Kessell, manager of the nursery at Springhill Green, said: “We are thrilled with the results of our latest Ofsted report and feel proud that all the work we put into monitoring children as well as caring for them has been praised.

Ofsted inspector Julie Wright said of the nursery: “Children make independent choices as they freely explore and discover a wide variety of activities.

They have time to play independently and to join in more structured activities and they develop confidence, competence and learn to express their needs well.

established in 2002 with the aim of making high-quality, affordable childcare available to families living, working or studying in the South West.

The Day Nursery’s aim is to provide children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

The Pennycross nursery is open each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm, or until 7pm on request, for 51 weeks of the year, closing between Christmas and New Year, and all bank holidays.

For more information or to register visit www.mamabear. co.uk or call Claire Godfrey on 07435 965604.

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Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family run childcare organisation which was

Foster Care Fortnight in May Foster Care Fortnight takes place between May 12 and May 25 this year.

Foster Care Fortnight, the Fostering Network’s annual campaign aimed at raising the profile of fostering, provides an opportunity for fostering services up and down the country to get out into their communities and speak to potential new foster carers.

stable and caring home for these vulnerable children.

If you’re new to fostering, find out more of what fostering is and what foster carers do to see whether fostering is for you.

Fostering is not easy, you need to have the energy, patience and dedication to care. But it gives you the opportunity to make a huge difference to children’s lives.

In 2014 the campaign will be extra special because the Fostering Network will also be celebrating 40 years as the leading charity for all those involved in foster care throughout the UK.

With a huge shortage of foster carers across the UK, more foster carers are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.

The annual awareness raising campaign aims to encourage a diverse range of people with the right skills and qualities to foster to come forward to meet the needs of children in care.

‘Get in the frame’ was the theme for Foster Care Fortnight 2013. The focus of the event was to encourage more people to foster and think about what it takes to give a child a loving home.

On any one day there are more than 62,000 children living with foster families across the UK. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 8,600 foster carers are needed this year alone to provide the supportive,

For more information about how you can get involved in fostering, or how you support the work of the Fostering Network go to the Foster Care Fortnight website at www.fostering.net/could-you-foster

Learning and fun rolled into one!

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The Plymouth Shopper

9

Wi-Fi boost for West Park job seekers

Council to invest £11m in children’s centres

Members of the West Park Library can now connect their electronic devices to the internet for free as Wi-Fi is now available.

Plymouth is set to invest just over £11 million into six new contracts to provide much-loved communitybased services for 0 to five year olds from children’s centres across the city.

Some of the first users to take advantage of this facility are the jobseekers attending the work club where members meet every Wednesday between 10am and midday.

The Work Club, which is run by Plymouth City Council’s Library service in partnership with Working Links, has been running since September and has already helped some members find permanent work.

Around six jobseekers attend every week and are given advice on writing a CV, setting up email and universal job match accounts, filling in application forms, setting up businesses and job searching, as well as help to develop their basic IT skills and interview techniques.

The West Park Work Club is also supported by Plymouth Community Homes who provide free photocopying and refreshments.

Deputy Council leader and local ward councillor Peter Smith, who has helped the Work Club buy equipment with £500 of his community grant, said: “Having Wi-Fi makes

Wif-Fi at West Park Library...Councillors Nicky Williams and Peter Smith pictured with Stephen Westcott, a member of the Work Club and Dawn Haydon, group manager (west) for Plymouth Library Service (left) and Anne Howard who co-ordinates the Work Club.

it easier than ever for all our customers to go online.

“Libraries are better able to equip people with the necessary skills to learn more about their own devices and how to get online, connect with their communities and help themselves.”

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People added: “With the massive increase

in people using electronic devices like smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices it’s really important that we keep up with this and help support communities where we can.

“Offering this free service will be beneficial for people of all ages to help keep, what can be extortionate, costs down.”

Annual survey highlights quality of work undertaken

Plymouth University among the global elite for research Plymouth University has been ranked among the global elite of higher education for the quality of its research across a number of scientific fields.

The annual QS World University Rankings by Subject aim to identify the top 200 universities in the world in certain subject areas based on their reputation and research citations.

The 2014 rankings show Plymouth among the top 100 universities in the world for the quality of its Geography research, in the top 150 for Earth and Marine Sciences and in the top 200 globally for the Environmental Sciences.

The positions all represent improvements on previous years, demonstrating the continued efforts made to ensure all research undertaken in Plymouth possesses both influence and impact.

Professor Simon Handley, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environment at Plymouth University, said: “This is fantastic news for the University, and a clear

indication of the world leading expertise in evidence right across the Faculty.

universities that they regard as producing the most outstanding graduates in a given discipline.

“By continuing to develop our programmes of world class research, and research informed teaching, we are developing enterprising and inspired graduates who will play a key role in meeting the global scientific and environmental challenges facing not just this, but also future generations.”

They also inform the overall QS World University Rankings, which highlight the top 4% of universities globally, and in which Plymouth featured for the first time in 2013.

Plymouth was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2012, in recognition of its marine and maritime teaching and research, while the pioneering research programmes run through the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences are widely regarded both nationally and internationally.

The QS subject rankings were launched in 2011, and compare more than 2,000 higher education establishments around the world. They are developed through responses taken from some 70,000 academic experts and graduate recruiters worldwide.

Academics identify the leading universities within the field and area of expertise, while employers name the

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The Plymouth Shopper

New chapter for library services in Plymouth Plans to transform the way library services are provided in Plymouth look set to take a step forward.

Cabinet members are considering a three-year action plan to comprehensively review the library service and identify ways it can better meets the needs of its customers, as well as local communities.

The plan aims to deliver the council’s pledge to ‘protect and enhance libraries’, by finding innovative and more cost-effective ways of providing the services today’s customers want and ensuring libraries remain fit for purpose into the future.

All we expect from you is enthusiasm and an open mind... why not give it a go? Be someone who can say ‘I’m glad I did’ rather than, ‘I wish I had’ Come along to one of our ‘taster’ sessions on any Thursday afternoon from 1pm till 2pm at Working Links, Cobourg House, Mayflower Street For more information, telephone 01752 672007 or text ‘BOSS’ to 60060 or email stephen.shill@workinglinks.co.uk

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• Devonport Job Centre • Old Tree Court Job Centre • Efford Library • St Aubyn Library • St Budeaux Library • Ernesettle Library • Working Links Offices, Mayflower Street • Central Library

A report to the Council’s Cabinet at the end of March explained how this investment will prompt new working arrangements that will mean more joined up services with health and other providers so that families with young children will have access to even more services on their doorsteps.

Plymouth’s children’s centres are extremely successful and act as hubs in the community for families with young children (from pre-birth until they go to school).

They provide access to services including: childcare, midwifery, health visiting, support for children with special educational needs, family and parenting support, specialist services, Job Centre Plus and general advice.

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re extremely pleased that we can continue to invest in our children’s centres which provide crucial, effective and convenient services for local families with young children. We’ve taken this opportunity to look at how we can work more closely with health and other services, for example Health Visitors and Family Support Services.”

Cabinet approved the contract awards, which commits the Council to £3.783m per year for the next three years – a total investment of £11.350m into children’s centre divided between the six areas.

The new contracts are part of a major overhaul of the management of Plymouth’s 16 children centres, which will see back-office functions clustered into six geographical areas. This approach will save £2.88m over three years with minimal changes for parents and children using the centres, whilst making the necessary savings after savage Government cuts.

After an extremely competitive bidding process with an exceptionally high standard of bids, based on strict criteria including safeguarding and cost, contracts are set to be awarded to the following organisations: • The Children’s Society will manage cluster 1 including Nomony, Plumtree (combined with Woodford) and Plymstock and cluster 4 including Four Woods and Tamar Folk • Action for Children will manage cluster 2 including Green Ark and Manor Street • LARK will manage cluster 3 including Morice Town, LARK Children’s Centre and Popin Barnardo Services Ltd will manage cluster 5 including Sweet Peas, Crownlands and D.E.L.L and cluster 6 including Whitleigh, Southernway and Plymbridge.

The report goes on to say that staff working at each of the centres will transfer to the organisations awarded the new contracts from July 2014 under TUPE protection.

The majority of the savings will come from a reduction in management across the centres and some administrative staff, plus other savings from governance arrangements and combining resources for less duplication.

The council carried out a thorough seven week consultation with parents, staff and others using the centres last year to involve the public in this service redesign. Parents said they were happy to meet in community settings and church halls, as long as venues were local and accessible. As such, there will be a change of location for Sweet Peas, as the current building is not cost-effective and the centre will make its new base within the community where it already delivers a range of activities.

The report also details new governance arrangements that will combine two centres in Plympton – Plum Tree and Woodford. However, this is a paper exercise only and parents will continue to be able to visit both locations so will feel no change in reality. Where there is a change in provider at a centre, any childcare setting (nursery or pre-school) will continue under the current arrangements to ensure consistency of service for families.

The decision by Cabinet to award the six contracts is now subject to call-in by scrutiny and a legal stand-still period required following a tendering exercise of this value.

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Most articles on homes and gardens at this time of year will be based on tips we can all do ourselves to make our homes even more perfect than the ones we see in magazines – everything from knit your own cushions to create your own downstairs loo in a disused cupboard.

There are guides on the internet, pictures of smiling homemakers in beautiful whitewashed cottages holding armfuls of fresh vegetables just picked from their allotments.

Whilst I’m all for a return to the homespun and homemade (cake mainly!) and am always looking for ways to make the pounds stretch further, I’d prefer to be a voice of reason against yet more to do lists of things we think we should be doing but havent quite got around to.

Most reasons to not DIY I found online centred on the possibility of death or serious maiming by either falling off the roof you were trying to fix, third degree burns from attempting to solder copper pipe together to fix the hot water supply, carbon monoxide poisoning or electrocution.

Other reasons not to DIY may well centre on threatened divorce as the volume of not quite finished jobs and proportional nagging increase just as the amount of hours in the day and energy and enthusiasm levels decrease.

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The Plymouth Shopper

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not to DIY e question!

By Karen Pilkington necessary tools, which then lie around gathering dust at the back of the shed.

TIDY HANDS

Speaking of sheds, Dave May of Beacon Shed and Fencing, let me know that one of the best ways of protecting your shed from the elements is to install guttering to take the rain water away – makes so much sense seeing as we live in the soggy South West.

Allotment services for all your allotment needs from planning to planting.

He also said, helpfully that decking needs a good base to make it last – in case you were thinking of picking up a pack or two and sticking it straight onto the wasteland you’ve been trying to pass off as a lawn for the last few years.

Tel: 01752 603737 Mob: 07789 894656 Email: tuckerstephen68@hotmail.co.uk

Dave’s advice is, don’t waste your money and make sure the base your decking is laid on is professionally fitted – by you if you can do it, or by a professional.

45 £ m Fro

Speaking of professionals, I was amazed by the afternoons work Man for all Seasons did for us last Spring. Our overgrown front garden was pruned within an inch of its life – something we’d always been too scared to do incase we killed the lot, but which has resulted in such a good framework for us to actually enjoy gardening in.

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Susan Tompsett of Our Pride and Joy fully agrees. She says, “the important thing to remember is that a garden is a work in progress. No-one can wave a magic wand and transform your pride and joy into something that looks like it belongs in the Chelsea Flower Show ! Our advice – enjoy the journey!!”

Susan is well aware that gardeners have been incredibly busy coping with the aftermath of all the storms, waiting impatiently until the ground has dried out enough to walk on, and then determined to tackle the garden Spring clean with gusto.

after

before

But if two weeks off work with backache is not on your to do list, then I would suggest getting in some help to do the heavy work, leaving you the time to enjoy the journey.

And speaking of enjoying the journey, once the hard graft has been done by the tradesman you have brought in to help (guys, this is just as attractive to the women in your life than the sight of a sweaty filthy you attempting the same feat with accompanying swearing and shouting at the children to keep away as you’re busy!)

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You get to enjoy the process of making everything look better.

So my to do list looks like this: • Book tradesman to replaster, fix roof, put up new shelves, sort out the back door and reseal the double glazing.

• Get in plumber and electrician to avoid certain or possible death!

• Replace falling down shed with new shiny one, with guttering supplied.

• Start work on dingy back garden using someone more suited to hard manual labour.

• Have oven professionally cleaned. (best present ever for wife/mother/auntie/ grandma/home lover as everyone hates this job!)

• Take time to go shopping for paint, wallpaper, delicious new homeware, plants and seeds and maybe even some rubber gloves and detergent to be part of making a well kept house into a well loved home without getting overwhelmed by all those big messy jobs.

01752 698145

The Plymouth Shopper

13

MONEY MA££ERS with Steve Carey

What did Chancellor’s budget mean for you?

The Chancellor got himself into hot water only last week, by claiming that people enjoy paying 40% tax because it makes them feel successful.

He had a job to do in his speech to claw that back!

I write this article as the Chancellor is speaking. Much of what he announced was heavily trailed, but there were a lot of detailed changes that came as a bit of a surprise.

Family finances The increase in tax thresholds and Nantional Insurance Contributions (NIC) limits had been announced in advance. The increase to £10,500 for next April was widely expected, but is welcome nonetheless. If he wants to make us happy next year, he’ll have to do more than that, so maybe we’ll get a preelection boost in March 2015.

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The big surprise was in the treatment of savers. The ISA limit is to increase to £15,000, and there is no limit on the separate types of ISA within that. The amount of premium bonds you can hold, is also increasing to £50,000 in equal steps over the next two years, and the number of £1m prizes is to double.

He has abolished the 10p tax rate for the first £2,280 of savings income from April 2015.

Then you might earn up to £12,780 tax free, if you can arrange your income accordingly.

He has announced further help with fuel prices but this felt like a minor amount, which many of us will not notice.

The previously announced child care tax relief has been extended to £10,000 of child care costs. This could be worth as much as

£166.66 per month, from April 2015.

If you are married or in a Civil Partnership, you’ll be able to transfer up to £1,000 of your allowance from April 2015, so long as neither party is taxed at higher rates.

Pensions There is a cut in the amount we can save into pensions each year, from £50k to £40K, and a reduction in the limit of pension pots which attract tax reliefs. Most of us do not save more than £40,000 a year into pensions, but in theory it could affect some members of final salary sacrifice schemes if they get a promotion or a large pay rise.

There will be much more flexibility in how you take your pension once retirement age is reached. This requires a separate Act of Parliament. One thing stood out – you’ll be able to take your whole pension as a lump sum if your total pension pot is less than £30,000.

Business taxation There was really good news for businesses this time. In addition to the employment allowance, worth up to £2,000 per year for every employer, there was good news for exporters and those investing in plant and equipment. The 100% tax deduction was limited to £250,000 of expenditure, but that has been doubled from April 2014, and extended to April 2015. Hopefully, some of our bigger employers will be able to invest in their local factories.

that person doesn’t earn more than £41,865.

This should help local young people, but may put 21 year olds at a disadvantage compared to their younger friends.

In summary

More help was announced for exporters, and there is a continued effort to persuade banks to lend more to SMEs.

A generally good news budget, with freezes in some duties, reductions in others (Bingo anyone) and small increases in tax allowances. The big issues for our area remain, and more general help with the cost of living increases will have to wait until some of the budget proposals have their medium term impact.

Employers NIC will be abolished on wages paid to under 21s from April 2015, but only if

So keep the belts tight and make sure you’re keeping watch on any unnecessary spending.

Donations sought for two arts-based projects Donations are being sought for two arts projects aimed at helping two very different groups in Plymouth.

Plymouth Arts Centre has launched a fundraising campaign to raise money to run creative activities for disadvantaged families in the community and also to enable young artists to travel outside of the South West to expand their knowledge and inspire their art.

Any donations received before the end of May 2014 will be worth double as the Centre can claim match-funding from Arts Council England.

• Competitive Rates • Mature Delivery People • Fully Audited • Comprehensive Management • Extensive Back Checking

For more information call us on:

01752 225623

www.plymouthliving.co.uk info@cornerstonevision.com

Creative activities for children from 2 to 13 years have run for some time at Plymouth Arts Centre at their home in the Barbican where they have been very popular, but the team want to be able to take these activities out into the local community, including areas of Efford, Barne Barton, Stonehouse and Devonport.

Evidence demonstrates that creative activity supports learning and brain development.

Importantly, taking part in these activities together strengthens the bond between parents and children and gives parents the confidence to play with their children in this way in the future, which otherwise might be difficult for them.

Each session costs £225 to run and can take up to 20 children and their parents or carers.

As part of their support programme from young artists, Plymouth Arts Centre is also appealing for funds to offer bursaries to fund travel and accommodation costs.

Artists in Plymouth are often professionally

14

The Plymouth Shopper

isolated and need the opportunity to interact with and learn from other artists nationally, but cannot afford to do this.

The cost of each Bursary is £225 which will pay for an artist to attend an event such as the Frieze contemporary art fair in London and to share their knowledge with their peers on their return to Plymouth.

Until the end of May, Plymouth Arts Centre can claim match-funding from Arts Council

England, making a donation of £10 worth £20.

Donations can be made in person at Plymouth Arts Centre at their venue at 38 Looe Street, Plymouth PL4 0EB, by debit or credit card over the phone on 01752 206114, or online at www. plymouthartscentre.org.

If you would like to discuss making a donation, or supporting Plymouth Arts Centre in some other way, please contact Kate Foster on 01752 206114.

Nothing beats the excitement of a day at the races, watching the horses thunder towards the winning post.

Whether you’re a regular at the races or a complete horseracing novice, once you’ve enjoyed a day at the races, we’re pretty sure it won’t be your last!

Entry Coupon Please send your completed entry coupon to Newton Abbot Racecourse Competition the Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY by the closing date of Friday 30th May 2014.

Q. What is the website address for Newton Abbot Racecourse A ...........................................................................................................................................

Name:

We’ve teamed up with Newton Abbot Racecourse to offer our readers the chance to win one of ten pairs of Paddock Enclosure tickets to the racecourse on Monday 16th June.

If you’re not one of the lucky winners, you don’t have to miss out. Visit www.newtonabbotracing.com to book your tickets or call 01626 353 235.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: Q: What is Newton Abbot Racecourse’s website address?

Terms and conditions: There are 10 pairs of Paddock Enclosure tickets available in total. The first 10 correct answers drawn at random will win a pair of Paddock Enclosure tickets.

Address:

The tickets are only valid on Monday 16th June 2014. Tickets are not transferable and there is no cash alternative.

All winners must be aged 18 or over.

Postcode

The winners will be contacted w/c 2nd June. If the winners do not respond or cannot be contacted by 6th June, they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be contacted.

Tel: Email:

Tickets will be held at the racecourse for collection on the gate on 16th June.

Winners will need a form of identification to collect their prize.

Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive marketing information from Cornerstone Vision or Newton Abbot Racecourse

Winners agree for their names to be published and any photographs taken on the day to be used for publicity by Newton Abbot Racecourse.

The Plymouth Shopper

15

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS `• continued from page 8 sponsored and fund raising events and much more. They can learn various skills to take them through their childhood and hopefully assist in their adult life. Some activities we offer are: sports, cooking, craftwork, music, computer work, interactive challenges and the year’s highlight - indoor or outdoor camping (8+). Contact Hugh Porter on 01752 667513 or email porterbb@blueyonder.co.uk Mini Matts Parents & Toddler Group Mondays St Matthias Church Hall on the corner of Clifton Street & Bedford Park. 1.30pm to 3pm £1 per family per session. (during term time).

Plymouth Healing Rooms Mondays Christian based prayer for healing, open to everyone. Every Monday from 7.30pm – 9pm. The Chiropractic Centre, 152 Mannamead Road, Plymouth. Details 07941 670794.

Plympton Natural Healing Drop In Centre Fridays Healing and relaxation at Harewood House, Plympton from 7pm to 9pm. A non-invasive process promoting balance and equilibrium. No appointment necessary. All welcome. For details call 01752 343539.

Music Makers Music and Dance pre-school classes with lots of props and fun! 10.30-11.30 am term time at Tues - St. Edwards Church Hall, Eggbuckland; Weds - Plymstock Methodist Church; Thurs - Hope Baptist Church Peverell.

Parties available. Call Rebecca 07734250247 or Katy 07748303517 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.

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.

Drake Probus Club Third Tuesday each month Are you a retired professional or businessman? If so we have a number of vacancies for membership. We invite you to come along to a meeting of the club at the Royal British Legion Club Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 9.30am for 10am.Our programme includes guest speakers at each of our monthly meetings. Other club activities, where wives and partners are very welcome, happen regularly, include monthly pub lunches and outings to places of interest during the summer months. Just come along. For further details please contact Jim Gettings on 661450 or Richard Hill on 318704.

Jujitsu – Tamerton Club Mondays and Wednesdays. For anyone aged 6 and above.

The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.45pm – 9.30pm, at Saint Mary’s Church Hall in Tamerton Foliot (Church Row Lane, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth PL5 4NZ) Anyone interested in joining can contact 07866 720361 or come to one of the classes. Beginners are always welcome.

The first week is free. More information and exact time of classes can be obtained by visiting the website www.jujitsu.uk.com Adults Ballroom & Latin Practice Dance Sundays 6.30pm to 8.00pm £2.50 (except bank holidays) Good floor and music! Pilgrim Church Hall, St Levans Road, Milehouse. 01752 283828 Junior Dance Classes Saturdays 10.30am Ballroom & Latin. 11.15am Rock n Roll. 11.15am under 8’s Mini Movers. 12 noon Disco Freestyle & Street.

1pm Medal class. 2pm Cabaret. 3pm Cheerleading. Mount Gould Methodist Church Hall Faringdon Road PL4 7PY. Details 01752 283828.

Surgery Third Saturday of the month Councillor Nicky Williams holds surgeries for the residents of West Park, Honicknowle and Ernesettle on the third Saturday of every month from 10am at West Park Library. Call 07500 122 719 if you wish to make an appointment to see her.

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 at 10 am till 11.30 am. For more information ring the church office on 01752 708090.

Yoga for Adults 16 16

The The Plymouth Plymouth Shopper Shopper

City Centre event raises awareness of domestic abuse Plymouth Soroptimists organised and hosted a day of action and awareness-raising of domestic abuse to mark International Women’s Day in March.

There was heightened awareness of the day following reports that there were over 7,000 cases of domestic abuse in Plymouth last year.

In partnership with the local Women’s Refuge, Sexual Assault Referral Service (SARC), Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS), Plymouth Fawcett Society and with the support of Plymouth Social Inclusion team, a display was set up in the city centre.

Councillors joined the team in talking with members of the public and £75 was raised by the sale of white badges asking men to pledge their support to stop violence against women.

The display consisted of 104 pairs of women’s shoes in police evidence tag bags with emotive titles, to demonstrate the impact of domestic abuse on families.

Soroptimists also funded an art workshop enabling children in the local refuge to be engaged with the day and they were represented by a display recording that 67 children were helped by the refuge last year.

Thursdays Are you interested in feeling good, sleeping well, being excited about life? Come and give yoga a try in a friendly group of all ages and abilities. Beginners are very welcome. Every Thursday 6.30-8.00 in St Andrew’s Primary School,Citadel Road. Contact Heather 408006.

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 Stoke Councillor’s Surgery Last Friday of month Stoke councillor Jill Dolan runs a regular monthly surgery on the last Friday of every month at Stoke Library, Albert Road, starting at 2.30pm. No appointment necessary - just walk in and ask which room Jill has been allocated.

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.

Swallows School of Gymnastics Blunts Lane, Derriford. Gymnastics for all ages and ability levels from 18months old and upwards in school term time.

Summer holiday courses open to all children aged 4 to 11 years-old. For information on all activities, please telephone Plymouth (01752) 782345.

Parent and Toddler Playgroup Thursdays (during term time) At the Reading and Recreational Hall, Butt Park Road, Honicknowle, from birth to school age. £1.50 per child per session - to include a snack. From 10am until 11.30am.

For more details please contact Judith on 01752 789190 or Jane on 01752 774205.

Emmanuel Tea Break Fridays New members welcome to join our club for mainly over 60s, meeting at Emmanuel Church Hall, Mannamead, on Fridays at 2pm. We have a programme of varied indoor activities.

For more details call Mike on 669408.

Singing for the Brain Thursdays A singing programme to enable people with dementia to express themselves through music. Carers are welcome, with refreshments provided. The sessions are also supported by volunteers. Meet every Thursday between 2pm and 4pm at Catherine Street Baptist Church PL1 2AD. Call Tracey Rousell at Plymouth Alzheimers Society on 01752 608900 or Paul King 01752 608909 Yoga Class Tuesdays Join us in exploring yoga postures, breathing techniques, concentration and relaxation from 7.30 pm to 9pm in the Main Hall, Lipson Vale Primary School , Lipson. For more information contact Gill on 07896 345680 or email gillyoga@supanet.com 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 and accompanist needed. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434.

Make a Difference Plymouth Support Group Mondays

Clare’s Law was also adopted this year to coincide with International Women’s Day.

It was a positive and well supported day with feedback from all involved who want to start planning for next year.

An incidental benefit was getting the various organisations to exchange ideas and resources and it is hoped that enhanced working relationships and cross referrals will be achieved.

For parents or carers of children with additional needs or disabilities - either diagnosed or going through the process.

Runs every Monday morning during term time from 10am at the Barne Barton Resource Centre, but open to anyone who can get there. Group is run by Kerry McManus, a mum of an additional needs child. For further information visit the group’s Make a Difference Plymouth page on Facebook 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 Snack N Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and lonely from 11am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner at St Andrew’s Church.

Community project run by trained counsellors and a student in training. Go and have coffee, tea, chat and a slice of home-made cake. All for 50p per session.

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.

St Budeaux Tennis Club The Club has vacancies for new members, both senior and junior. Come along for free visits and see the facilities.

Three all weather courts (two floodlit). All standards of play from beginners to league level. Cost only £60 a year for adults and £15 for juniors. Coaching available. For details call 01752 365526 or e-mail dwilliams66@toucansurf.com Exercise Classes for over 60s Wednesdays Keyham Methodist Community Hall 10.15am-11.15am Exercise classes for the over 60`s and registered disabled.

Gentle exercises to music aimed at improving your core muscles and balance. Followed by a cuppa and time to chat and make new friends. For details call Bridget on 408951.

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 Plymouth Local Exchange Trading Scheme (LETS) Every second Saturday of the month (except August ) New members are always welcome. Meet in the Unitarian church hall in Princess Street from 2pm till 3.30pm. We exchange goods and services using our own currency ‘the plum’. For further details phone 706582 or visit the website www.plymouthlets.org.uk 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.

Attik Dance Classes Attik Dance have launched a new dance class for adults with disabilities who want to improve their skills in dance. This is a fully inclusive community class suitable for adults with disabilities or additional needs, with some experience of dance.

If you or someone you know maybe interested please book a place by calling Attik Dance on 01752 395134, or by emailing clair@attik.org.uk. First class free! Attik 360 Improvers: Tuesdays 3pm to 4pm at the Devonport Guildhall, Plymouth: £3.

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 Plympton Natural Healing Centre Fridays Free healing and relaxation service at Harewood House, Plympton from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. A non-invasive process promoting balance and equilibrium. No appointment necessary. For details call 01752 837383.

Plymouth Community Choir Mondays Choir meets from 7pm to 8.45pm at Salvation Army, Armada Way, Plymouth. New members welcome. Details from Alison on 01363 774324 (www.alising.co.uk) .

Yoga for Health and Well Being Fridays A gentle yoga class for men and women on Fridays 6pm-7pm at St Peters Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane.

Plympton. PL74PG. Come along and destress, stretch and tone. Complete beginners and experienced welcome.

Please wear comfortable clothing.Bring a yoga mat if you can. Mats can be ordered. Enquiries:contact Cathy Jefferson.

Mobile:07961 873115 or email: cathyjeffersonsing@hotmail. com Whist Drive Wednesdays Plymstock Parish Hall, Church Road, Plymstock at 2pm every Wednesday.

Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7.30pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Countrymans Choice Farm Shop, nr Endlseigh Garden Centre the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night.

Caterpillar Music Various dates Looking for fun for little ones? Fun music making, exciting activities, amazing puppets, fantastic instruments. Local classes now: Monday at Elburton Methodist Church; Tuesday at Colebrook Community Centre, Peacock Meadow; Friday at Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane Hartley. We also offer exciting birthday parties. Please contact Natalie on 01752 395019 or visit www.caterpillarmusic.com Widewell 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 Exercise for Over 60s Tuesdays and Thursdays

`• continued on page 18

AERIALS AND TV REPAIRS SIGNAL AERIALS - Freeview specialist • Registered digital installer • TV & Video tuning • Multi room distribution • Wall mounting • Sky repairs • 16 Agaton Road, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 2EW Tel 01752 361858 Mob 07816 668675

BUILDERS BETTER BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

Home Improvements

• Bathroom Design & Planning • Kitchen Design & Planning • Installation Service • All Home Improvement Work Undertaken • Tiling • Electrics

Tel: 01752 218178 Mob: 07834 616594

PAUL JOHNSON ROOFING & BUILDING New roofs • Repairs • General Building work • Fascias • Guttering • All work guaranteed Competitive rates • FMB Award Winner

Tel 01752 364 466 Mob 07767 835879

pnjohnson@hotmail.co.uk www.pnjohnson.co.uk

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

T.CLARKE BUILDING & ROOFING Roofing & building maintenance contractors all jobs done from a slipped slate to house renovation.

Trading standards approved.

Tel: 01752 267567 - Mob: 07967150441 terryclarke2009@hotmail.com

CARPENTERS ALL WOOD INSTALLATIONS Bathrooms • Bedrooms • Kitchens • All associated plumbing, electrical and tiling work • Bespoke joinery work • Box frame windows • Doors & staircases • Counters/Bars/Computer Stations/ Reception Desks. Tel 01752 348648 07704 448835 www.allwoodinstallations.co.uk

TS CARPENTRY Kitchens • Roofs • Refurbishment • Doors • Windows • Bedrooms • Staircases • Floors • Decking • New Builds • Bathrooms • Extensions 263 Bampfield Way, Plymouth PL6 6SZ Tel: 01752 212042 Mob: 07813 115891 CARPET FITTER • Experienced carpet fitter • Reliable, friendly service • Free estimates, No obligation Call Paul anytime: 01752 417533 or 07885254042

CLEANING SERVICES MAJESTIC CLEANING - CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY

• Professionally Trained & Insured • Furniture Moved with Fast Drying Times • Approved by Trading Standards, Age Concern & Woolsafe • Advanced NCCA Member • Call for a FREE Survey Tel: 07725 998818 Home: 01752 242899

CURTAINS & BLINDS CAROLINA BLINDS & CURTAINS Quality at discount prices Free measuring & fitting • Huge range of blinds & curtains • Vertical • Venetian • Rollers • Pleated etc.

Tel: 01752 698787 carolinablindco@hotmail.co.uk

www.carolinablindsandcurtains.co.uk

ELECTRICIANS CTC ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic electrical work • Showers • Sockets • Security Lighting • No Job too Small 162 Holmwood Avenue, Plymouth PL9 9EX Tel 01752 405514 Mob 07774 430451 HYDE PARK ELECTRICAL LTD

Solar Panel and Electrical Engineers Fully registered and Insured Unit 8, Darklake View, Plymouth PL6 7TL Tel 01752 250801 Mob 07891 909846 email hydeparkelectrical@yahoo.co.uk

FLOORING PB LAMINATE AND WOOD FLOORING Laminate and Wood Flooring Supplied & Fitted Choose in the comfort of your home or visit our showroom.

Floors to suit all designs & budgets.

89 Christian Mill, Crownhill, PL6 5DS or call 01752 774411

GARAGE DOOR SERVICES PLYMPTON & SOUTH HAMS GARAGE DOORS – Local family business; repairs and servicing, new garage door installations, remote electric operators for new and existing doors, electric gate automation, electric/manual roller shutters.

Free estimates and surveys. Tel 01752 348488 www.psgdoors.co.uk

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Driveway and Patio Cleaning Residential & Commercial cleaning services Block paving • Tarmac restoration • Wood & Decking cleaning/re-staining • Driveway/Patio cleaning 07968096808 / 01752 515887 www.alldrivescleaned.co.uk BUDDS TREE SERVICES All aspects of tree-care, hedging and planting services.

Call us today for free, friendly advice.

24 hour call out: 07833130639 or 01752 698145 Email: david@buddtreeservices.co.uk www.buddtreeservices.co.uk MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Gardening services and maintenance, landscaping, fencing, lawn care in Plymouth & surrounding areas. Garden waste disposed of.

Commercial and domestic. Free quotes.

Fully insured. 01752 564631 - 07967 805112 luke@plymouthmanforallseasons.co.uk R.J.B GARDEN SERVICES LTD Landscaping • Decking • Fencing • Patios • Turfing • Garden Maintenance • Hedge & Grass Cutting 43 Faringdon Road, St Judes, Plymouth PL4 9EP Tel: 01752 319510 Mob: 07985 040658 Email: rjbgardenservice@gmail.com

GLASS & GLAZING BEACON GLASS & GLAZING Local Family Business • Double Glazing Repairs and Maintenance • Locks, Handles & Hinges • Misted Sealed Unit Replacements • Silicone and Rubber Replacements • Letterboxes • Cat Flaps FREE ESTIMATES 01752769832 / 07846475217 www.beaconglassandglazing.co.uk

GUTTERING TOTALLY GUTTERED Cleaning • Clearing • Repair Replacement • Guttering 62 Weston Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4NW Mob 07540 267429

IT & COMPUTING

Moorheat Plumbing and Heating Solutions Boiler Upgrades & Repairs • Heating Installation Boiler Servicing £45 incl. VAT • Landlord Safety Certificates • No Call Out Charge Tel 01752 705042 Mob 07768 231106 Web www.moorheat.co.uk

GASWORKS SW

CUTEC Need IT support for your business?

Cutec specialises in offering a complete range of business IT services. Visit our website for more information. www.cutec.co.uk - 01752 231760

Bathrooms, wet rooms, Worcester approved installers, servicing, repairs, installation of all gas appliances, plumbing, gas fires, chimneys, flues, fully insured, gas safe registered Tel: 01752 408391 Email: gasworksbiz@blueyonder.co.uk

LANTERN COMPUTERS Ltd

MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

Computer repairs/upgrades and parts, Virus removal, data recovery, websites and hosting.

We are fast, friendly and provide a good value service often same day. Est. 2008 01752 690536 • www.lanterncomputers.co.uk

All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • No job too small • No VAT • 24 hour emergency call out • Senior citizen discounts.

Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

LOCK SMITH All Hours Locksmith - 24 hr Locksmith • Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting • Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs • Replacement Glass • Free Quotes • 7 Polzeath Gardens, Plymouth PL2 3SZ Tel 01752 777844 Mob 07989 599969

PAINTERS & DECORATORS A.S. DECORATING & MAINTENANCE Interior/Exterior Decorating • Maintenance • Repair • Plastering • Flooring • Tiling • 50 Camborne Close, Plymouth PL5 4PE Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129 Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.asdecoratingandmaintenance.co.uk ERB PAINTING & DECORATING

• Wallpapering • All aspects of decorating internal & external • Plastering • All general maintenance undertaken • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis@erbpaintinganddecorating.co.uk

PET SERVICES

Mr Gas Boiler breakdown • Boiler Servicing • Boiler repairs • Landlord certificates • Boiler changes • All domestic gas appliances serviced and repaired. Gas safety checks. Mark Rodd 07767 366667 info@mrgas.org

A. PRITCHARD PLUMBING & HEATING

Gas Safe Registered • Boiler Changes • Central Heating Systems • All Plumbing Work • All Work Guaranteed

Tel 01752 203354 Mob 07968 949558 ROOFING LES PIKE • Emergency roof repair specialist • Concrete tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings All building & construction work undertaken.

45 Years experience in the building industry.

Tel: 01752 787708 Mob: 07977949898

SHEDS & FENCING

Precious Paws - Professional Groomer

BEACON SHED & FENCING CENTRE

Fully insured • Friendly and reliable service Highest quality products • Pick up and drop off 22 Edgecumbe Park Road, Peverell, PL3 4NL 01752 510458 £5 OFF Full Groom with this advert

Manufacturer of heavy duty top quality sheds, gates, trellis & closed board panels. Size doesn’t matter!

Hand built to customer specifications.

PLASTERING

VETERINARY

A R PLASTERING AND BUILDING SERVICES INTERNAL: Including skim over artex • EXTERNAL: Including sparring and rendering COVING • High Quality Workmanship Friendly and Reliable 25 Years Experience Tel: 01752 211869 Mob: 07843527074 Email: arplastering@hotmail.co.uk MJB PLASTERING

• Internal & External • Reliable • Clean • High quality service at affordable prices Mat Bradley - Time served Tradesman Tel: 07716 728258 Home: 01752 211649 mjb-plastering@hotmail.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES PLUMBER OFFERING 45% DISCOUNT UNTIL JULY 2014 VAT free + 25% discount on labour and materials. Local, friendly & reliable. 30+ years experience. Numerous references on request.

Genuine 24hr emergency service. Free quotes and advice.

CLIVE GAVIN AND SON PLUMBING AND HEATING 01752 959236 07803 320 755

Call Dave on 01752 360777 4a Pemros Rd, St Budeaux

EDMUND SHILLABEER BVSC MRCVS

Your local caring vet, Est. 1970 10 Peverell Park Road, PL3 4NA Also at Elburton, call 01752 662 312 www.edmundshillabeer.co.uk

WINDOWS & DOORS DAVE LORD WINDOWS AND DOORS Windows, doors and conservatories. Established 1991. Member UK Trades Confederation and Certas Home Pro Insurance Back Guarantee.

257 Old Laira Road, Laira, Plymouth PL3 6DG. Tel 01752 221567 Mob 07714 329129 Email: lordy22@hotmail.co.uk BEST QUALITY WINDOWS Doors, windows and all aspects of UPVC undertaken Tel: 01752 607373 Email: bqw1@ymail.com www.bestqualitywindowsltd.net Quality House, St. Levan Road, Ford, PL2 3AF

Don’t forget to mention Dial The Experts when you contact one of these advertisers The Plymouth Shopper

17

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • `• continued from page 16 Life Centre Thursdays 1.30pm to 3pm in the Dance Studio.

Plymstock Tuesdays 9.30-10.30 and 10.45-11.45 Gentle exercises to music aimed at improving your core muscles and balance. Followed by a cuppa and time to chat and make new friends. For details call Bridget on 01752 408951.

Tots Time - St Judes Mondays Looking for somewhere to take your toddler? Tots Time provides crafts, toys, bikes, snacks and singing for all 3 year olds and under, and a friendly welcome for their carers.

Monday mornings during term time from 9.00 to 11.30, St Judes Church on Beaumont Road at a cost of £1.50. Just turn up! Call 01752 224178 for more details.

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.

Korean War Veterans (BKVA) Second Tuesday of the month For the benefit of men and women of all ranks who served in the Korean War 1950-53, or for the benefit of their widows and dependants. Branch meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 11.45am at Raffles, 5 Ermington Terrace, Mutley, followed by an excellent ‘pub lunch’ at 12.30 There is a large car-park opposite. New and old faces will be made most welcome, especially so the wives of present and past Korean Veterans.

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.

Traditional English Dance (Morris) Wednesdays The Plymouth Morris Men meet at the City Bus Social Club Milehouse every Wednesday from 8pm till 10pm from Now until May the 1st when their dancing out season starts. They are looking from some men help take forward the Sherborne dance tradition. It is great fun and a good way to keep fit and have a great social life. To find out more contact us via the website www.plymouthmorrismen.org.uk, phone Dan on 07794 848 425 or just turn up and give it a try. No previous experience necessary.

Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for 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.

Silent Meditation Fortnightly: Silent Meditation in the Christian Tradition.

Compton Methodist Church, Revel Road, Plymouth. An open group for new and experienced meditators. 7pm for 7.30pm (no admittance after 7.30pm). For further information please contact bev@pcfcd.co.uk or tel 07775 602330 Off Key Singing Group Mondays and Fridays For people who love to sing in the shower!Mondays 6-7pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Fridays 11-12noon at Colebrook Community Centre, Plympton (Peacock Meadow) only £2.50 per week Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Dartmoor Rambling Club Exercise by walking and talking, with our club. Wednesday walks 8 to 10 miles by public transport. Weekend walks 8 to10 or 10 to 12 miles by car share or public transport.

Dartmoor, countryside, coast. eg. Fox Tor, Crow Tor, Bore Hill, Dewers Tor, Teignmouth, Cadover, Three Barrows.

Call Russell on 01752 266608 for more info.

National Trust Plymouth Centre Make the most of your NT membership and join the NTPC for even more activities. During the winter there are talks given at Saltram and lunches and other activities. In the summer there are coach outings to NT properties, houses and gardens. The walk group has walks on the first Saturday of the month (4 miles), ending with a pub lunch.

18

The Plymouth Shopper

Plymouth wins £300,000 funding to bring home Sir Joshua Reynolds items Plymouth has won over £300,000 in grant funding to bring home incredibly important items by historic portrait painter, Sir Joshua Reynolds.

the outcome of a further application to the Purchase Grant Fund at the V&A. £63,000 match funding for the acquisition has been awarded by The Art Fund, while the Friends of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery are well on the way to raising the final £10,000.

Staff at the City Museum and Art Gallery are celebrating after successfully securing £326,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the acquisition of Reynolds’ first self-portrait, used by the artist to advertise his Plymouth Dock studio in the mid 1740s.

Meanwhile the self-portrait and sketch book can be seen on display in the Cottonian Collection at the City Museum and Art Gallery from now until after Easter. Both items provide a fascinating insight into Reynolds’ early career and artistic development and are an excellent complement to early portraits of the artist’s father and sister already in the Museum’s collection.

The funding will also help to acquire a fantastic sketchbook compiled on his ‘Grand Tour’ to Italy from 1750 to 1752.

Reynolds was born in Plympton St. Maurice in 1723 and went on to become one of the most important artists of his generation.

He studied in London and then established a studio in Devonport (known at the time as Plymouth Dock) before travelling around Italy studying the Great Masters.

Nerys Watts, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “As the foremost portrait painter in 18th-century England, Sir Joshua Reynolds works are true masterpieces and are still known and loved throughout the world.

“Today’s HLF investment helps the Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery move a step closer to securing two significant On his return to England he artefacts that will shed light on became a highly successful the man behind the paintbrush artist, the first President of A self-portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds and allow local people and London’s Royal Academy and visitors alike to learn about and Painter to the King, George III. enjoy Reynolds legacy.”

“This is an absolutely incredible piece of Plymouth’s A season of special events will take place in early history returning home and our Museum’s staff and the 2015 in celebration of the pending acquisition as well Friends of the Museum should be extremely proud,” as to mark the centenary of the historically important said Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Smith.

Cottonian Collection, which includes other early works “Sir Joshua Reynolds is one of Plymouth’s most

by Reynolds. famous historical figures. He created an amazing body More details about the artist and his life at can be of work and campaigned tirelessly throughout his found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/sirjoshuareynolds or life to raise the standing of the arts in Britain,” added by going along to a special ‘History Bite’ talk/tour at Councillor Smith. “His contribution, paintings and the the Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday May 28 legacy he left behind are something we can be really at 1pm called ‘Sir Joshua Reynolds and his Artistic proud of. We are so pleased to have been able to Career’. Admission to the 30-minute talk is free but secure the funds to prevent these important works from advance booking is advised via the Museum Welcome going abroad and to help bring Plymouth a step closer Desk or by calling 01752 304774. towards becoming a true centre of excellence for the Opening hours for the Museum and Art Gallery are study of Reynolds and his early career.”

10am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm The success of this funding bid brings the acquisition on Saturday. Admission is free. a major step closer and all fingers are now crossed for For an application and information, call Rusell on 01752 266608.

Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with your plotting or characterisation?

The Plymouth Writers Circle meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer school holiday).

Table top sale and coffee morning Every second Saturday every other month St Budeaux Methodist Church, Victoria Rd 10-2pm, £5 per table. Free entry with a small donation for epilepsy and Autism charities. April/June/August/October.

Dance & Exercise Sessions Thursdays Learn a new skill and develop a talent that also helps you exercise and keep fit. Step Dance is for Men & Women.

Sessions are £5 per person or £4 person block booking paid in advance. Starts April 11 and every Thursday 7.45pm to 8.45pm in Harewood House, Plympton. For more info about this fun way to exercise and also develop your dance skills contact Janet or John on 07778 105739.

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 Plymouth Life Centre Community Table Tennis Club Thursdays Adult only table tennis every Thursday from 8pm to 9pm

and 9pm to 10pm, must be over 16 unless by invitation. Run

by ETTA Plymouth Development Coach Mike Naylor, the club offers friendly, fun and affordable table tennis sessions that cater for all abilities. There are 15 tournament tables with two robot feeders that are fun but challenging coaching aids where you can take the 20 ball robot challenge. All equipment is provided, there is no need to book so just turn up on the night and see Diana. Prices are £3 per hour or £5 for 2 hours. For further information contact Mike on 07792 849945.

Tamar Canoe Association Thursdays (and various Wednesdays & Sundays) A friendly, fun and local Canoeand Kayak Club based under the Tamar Bridge at Saltash. We offer trained coaching at levels 1 upwards in disciplines such as general skills, surf, open canoe & sea, as well as leisurely paddles up the estuaries. Club nights are Thursday @ 7pm April to end September. We also arrange Sunday trips around local rivers (all year), camping/kayaking tips away, white water (Sundays in winter) and pool sessions (winter) and social activities throughout the year. Beginners courses Wed Evenings for six weeks Session 1 April 2 Session 2 May 28 & Session 3 July 9 or two Sundays July 13 and 20. Canoe England Go Canoeing Free day taster in June Tel: (01503) 264468 or www.tamarcanoeassociation.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.

Plymouth Squirrels Squirrels collect nuts. Sometimes these get out of control.

We collect things and have the same problem. Do you?

Perhaps we can help. We meet at 7pm at Pilgrim Church,

St Levans Road. Easy Parking. Future dates September 11, October 9, November 6, December 4; January 1 and 29, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 21. Details 07752 351234 Kizomba Sundays and Wednesdays Kizomba (African tango) is the new dance craze sweeping the nation.A slow beautiful dance suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Singles, couples and groups of friends and more men needed. Sundays at the Marina Bar, Barbican.

Wednesdays upstairs at The Treasury. Classes for absolute beginners start at 7pm. First class is free. For more information call 07771 588478.

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 7.30-9.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www.soundhousebrass@hotmail.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Emma 07596193009 (Youth Band) for further details.

Cogs Kids Club Wednesday term time Church Hall of The Good Shepherd, Marine Road, Oreston at 3.30pm. For primary school age children with games, cookery, craft, stories and films. Contact Steve 213358 or Sue 480568.

Jelly Tots (babies and toddlers group) Fridays term time A group for babies and toddlers between 9.30am and 11am term time. Starting September 13 at St Budeaux Baptist Church, Fletemoor Road. £1.50 entry. All welcome - just turn up.

Exercise Classes Thursdays and Tuesdays For over 60’s and less abled people. St Margaret Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Tuesdays 9.30am to 10.30am and 11am to 12 noon. Thursdays Life Centre 1.30pm-3pm. Run

by Birgitta Whight. Contact 01752 408951.

Pensioners & Fifty Plus Pensioners Action Group Second Friday of the month The Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group meet on the second Friday of each month at the Wolseley Trust Community Building, 27, Wolseley Close, Plymouth. starting at 10.30 am until 1 pm, there is easy access, parking is available, and on many bus routes. .We often have guest speakers on topics of interest to our members and are currently arranging social events. Anyone over the age of 50 would be very welcome, bring a friend. Please join our group and help us to fight for the rights of today’s pensioners. For more information please contact Tom Williams on 01752 350498 or email tomag42@hotmail.co.uk 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.

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.

Coffee Morning and Book Stall Thursdays Crownhill Methodist Church 10am to 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and a chat. All welcome. For details ring Pat on Plymouth 700404.

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.

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Plymouth’s second History Festival will take place in May, following the success of the first-ever event in 2013.

Plymouth History Festival 2014 will take place from May 1 to May 31 and aims to bring a number of historical events in the city under one banner. It’s a celebration of Plymouth’s unique heritage!

This year’s programme features exhibitions, displays, family-friendly activities, talks, presentations, guided tours and walks plus a series of special events.

Activities take place in many different locations including the city centre, the Hoe, the Barbican, the Royal William Yard, the Millfields and in many of the suburbs. Venues range from church halls and guildhalls to civic buildings and historic houses.

Many events are free, although a number require advance booking. Contact details for all the event venues can be found on the History Festival website at www. plymhistoryfest.wordpress.com This year’s Festival is also one of a number of ways in which the city will be commemorating 100 years since the start of the First World War and celebrating 100 years since the three towns of Plymouth, Devonport and East Stonehouse became one.

Family activities during the festival include Salty Seadogs at Elizabethan House on May 10 and May 11. Local musicians ‘Tobacco Road’ will play their sea shanties while visitors will be able to join in with some fun activities including decorating a giant cardboard pirate ship and pirate figures and make pirate hats.

An early-evening walking treasure hunt for all the family is taking place in Plympton on May 15. Meet at Plympton Library at 6pm. The library is also the venue for a children’s quiz between 10am and 3pm on May 17 based on the local history exhibition on display at the library.

Meanwhile Saltram House will host an event called Things with Wings on May 22. This is a fun tour for children aged 6-11 discovering decorative objects and paintings with a ‘wings’ theme in the house.

Devonport Guildhall welcomes another enterprising tenant Plymouth-based social enterprise Devonport Guildhall has recently welcomed its newest tenant into the Grade I listed building.

Roz Birch, Devonport Guildhall’s newest tenant and director of Growing Sustainable Futures, said: “We’re really excited to be joining the socially enterprising hub of Devonport Guildhall. It is a fantastic building with an amazing heritage for Plymouth and already has so many wonderful organisations doing great community work based here. We wanted to be part of the energy and share in the collaborative and cooperative nature of what Devonport Guildhall offers.”

Claire Burgess, commercial manager at Devonport Guildhall said: “We’re really pleased to be welcoming another worthwhile organisation whose roots are embedded in sustainability and enterprise, the ethos that we as an organisation share. We look forward to the rewards that a relationship between Devonport Guildhall and Growing Sustainable Futures can bring.”

Devonport Guildhall is a social enterprise managed and developed by The Real Ideas Organisation (RIO), a South West based CIC. RIO is a pioneering

Helpful reassuring advice about dementia matters is now available to download as a new feature on the Waypoints Care website.

The specialist dementia care home and respite breaks provider has created its own guidance on a range of issues about the condition to download from the new ‘Dementia Library’ section at www.waypoints-care.co.uk

Roz Birch, director and sustainable schools sdviser of Growing Sustainable Futures, moved into their new office last month, joining other social enterprises and charities RIO, The Blurt Foundation, Cornwall People First, Zebra Cooperative, Iridescent Ideas and Plymouth Social Enterprise Network.

Growing Sustainable Futures is a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to offering children, young people and organisations the opportunity to build a sustainable community together, and find solutions to live in a brighter future that is becoming more and more ecologically, economically and socially uncertain.

Helpful advice on dementia at Waypoints website

Guidance is available on: • When to seek a medical opinion • Diagnosing dementia • Dignity in care • Therapy of talking and social interaction; and • The benefits of respite care breaks Roz Birch from Growing Sustainable Futures outside Devonport Guildhall at her desk in her new office

social enterprise which applies imaginative, ethical business thinking to schools and education, places and regeneration and creative commercial ventures.

Devonport Guildhall is RIO’s main office, and also acts as a hub for the local community, regularly hosting a wide variety of events for the public. It is also a licensed wedding venue and is an ideal setting for corporate and private functions. The building is also open to the public six days a week as a visitor attraction and along with Devonport Column gives an experience into Regency Plymouth.

Devonport Guildhall offers various-sized office spaces to other ethical and socially-conscious organisations, as well as short and long-term hot desking facilities. If you would like to find out more about what Devonport Guildhall can offer, email guildhall@realideas.org, visit www.devonportguildhall.org or call 01752 395028.

Waypoints Care group operations director Carl Bradley said: “We recognise that feeling as informed and prepared as possible can make a positive difference when first diagnosed with dementia or planning how best to live with the condition. ‘“We hope that our new website ‘library’ section is a useful and reassuring resource for people with dementia, and for carers, relatives and friends. We expect this resource to grow in response to common questions and concerns raised by those who have been touched in some way by dementia.

“More people are looking after relatives with dementia in their own homes and this can be a daunting and isolating experience.

“Having free easy online access to information you can trust can be reassuring and help people make informed decisions about ongoing care.”

Waypoints has specially designed quality dementia care homes in Plymouth, Devon, and Verwood, Dorset. A further home is being built this year at Upton, near Poole in Dorset.

Cookery group flourishing

Action packed fund raiser

The March meeting of the Plymstock Evening Townswomens Guild opened with the normal business of events and reports, including news that the cookery group is flourishing with 13 members.

Two enterprising students from City College Plymouth are putting on an actionpacked event in aid of St Luke’s Hospice and Devon Freewheelers on April 30.

Trudy Rodgers, 44, and Tracy McMenamin, 47, the brain-child behind Bee-Bop Plymouth Hop, are mature students studying for a Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College.

Bee-Bop Plymouth Hop is a 40s and 50s themed event, where guests will dine on an American style table buffet whilst being entertained by ‘Miss Cherry Bomb,’ a 40s/50s cabaret singer, ‘Miss Georgina Gale’, a burlesque artist, Company B a renowned jump-jive band, and Surf & Rock ‘n’ Roll, DJ Benjamin Michael, who will keep the rockabilly vibe going until the evening winds down.

Trudy, 44, said: “When the opportunity came up in our event management module on our Foundation Degree, we thought that it would be great fun to organise a good old fashioned kind of event within a very popular and thriving scene that is growing in Plymouth.”

It was good to hear from a much missed member Hilda Keast, to whom members sent their best wishes.

Details of future Federation events were outlined and Secretary, Joan Woodley, read her annual report, while Sally Stevenson brought members up to date with an account of the year’s financial position.

Following the business, event news, and Federation

information had been covered, the new Committee including three new members was confirmed.

Val Bygrave handed over the Guild’s chain of office to the incoming President, Mo Wood. Mary Ball advised guild members that she will be doing a sponsored knit with the Lions Club on behalf of the Chestnut Appeal, Mind and Prostate Cancer.

The next meeting at the Plymstock Community Centre at 7.30pm on April 9 will feature a ‘pop-up’ sales table, as well as a talk by Trevor Eves on ‘Sailing in the Baltic.’

Visitors are welcome to go along and make new friends.

For any further information please phone 01752 405072.

Tickets cost £18 each and can be purchased from the College by calling 01752 305701.

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • Badminton Club Fridays Non league club meets on Friday evenings at Whiteford Road, Plymouth. Players wanted, of any age over 18. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com

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.

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

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

Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit club - Martial Arts based at Whitleigh Schools campus (off Lancaster Gardens). Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art for Men and Women. Sessions Monday and Fridays (Juniors 7+ and Adults) 7-9pm www. plymouthaikido.co.uk or contact David/Tre Worsley Tel: 403325; Phil Smith 07795026939.

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.

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Plympton Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild First Monday of the month (except January) Any interested ladies are welcome to join us for meetings with speakers, events, tea and biscuits! 2pm at Harewood House, Plympton. Call Joan on 01752 336167 for more information.

The Filling Station, Yelverton Every fourth Friday Top up spiritually: we are not a church but an informal way of expressing the Christian faith at monthly meetings.

Everybody is welcome. Meet at Yelverton Golf Club Golf

Links Rd, Yelverton at 7.30pm. Nov 22 ‘For Such a Time As This’ with John Swanstone. For details visit www. thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Les and Di Wood 01822 854877.

Yoga classes Tuesdays Onward house Community Centre 55, Greenbank Road, Greenbank from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Contact ‘AmyTucker Yoga’ on Facebook or email amytuckeryoga@gmail.com . If you are interested come along to our friendly group beginners welcome.

Classique Dance Studios Based in Stoke we have classes available for all ages starting from three years old in ballet, jazz, musical theatre, cheer leading, and street dance. Classes run from Monday to Saturday. After February half term we are starting ‘A Day Of Dance’ every Saturday for children from 6 to10 years which includes musical theatre group, cheer leading, street dance, ballet and jazz classes from 10.30am-3.30pm.

Anyone interested in joining Classique Dance Studios or the new ‘Day Of Dance’ on Saturday’s please email classiquedancestudios2014@gmail.com www.classiquedance-studios.com 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 Penlee Local Art and Craft Group Wednesdays Meet at the Diggin It Meeting Room at Penlle from 12 noon until 2pm. All welcome. This is a group for all levels of artistic or craftworkers to make friends and socialise, exchange ideas and perhaps even organise local exhibitions. Small contribution to room hire needed depending on numbers. Please telephone Teresa if you are interested on 07955 476727.

Singing 4 Fun Thursdays 2pm - 3.30pm We welcome new members. St Pauls Church, Torridge Way, Efford from 2pm to 3.30pm. For more details contact Janette 07854 850830 The Plymouth Shopper

19

Gardens open up to help raise funds for St Luke’s Some of the most beautiful gardens in Devon and Cornwall are about to open their gates in support of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

The St Luke’s Open Garden Scheme will run from April to October and feature a diverse selection of 25 gardens, many of which are not normally open to the public and so offer a unique and private insight into garden planning and planting schemes.

The scheme has now been running for four years and last year alone raised over £31,000 for St Luke’s.

New individual gardens this year will feature in Launceston, Modbury and Holbeton. Popular village walkabouts in Calstock, Gunnislake, Trehunist, Colebrook and Yelverton offer the opportunity for the larger garden community to come together, listen to expert advice from owners, buy plants and enjoy delicious cakes.

The largest of the walkabouts will take place in Kingsbridge where over 20 gardens will be on offer, centered around the popular Kingsbridge Community Garden.

Wool needed for Knit Wits

A care home in Plymstock is collecting wool for its Knit Wits club. Residents at Selkirk House in Church Lane are looking for donations of wool so they can continue to knit blankets for the cats and dogs at Woodside and Gables Cats and Dogs homes as well as other charities. Back in September residents joined in with the Big Knit to help fund raise for Age UK. If you would like to donate wool, drop it in at the home or call 01752 492850.

St Luke’s are also very proud to feature Trematon Castle, Saltash as part of the programme. Taking place on 1 June, St Luke’s will have the exclusive first viewing of the garden which has not been open to the general public for a number of years.

Home of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners Isabel and Julian Bannerman, Trematon Castle features a small Norman stone keep, and a grand Georgian house. The steeply wooded grounds have narrow paths and are a delight to explore. The gardens have been recently rejuvenated with deep luxurious borders and new exciting planting schemes.

Refreshments will be served by the swimming pool allowing you the chance to sit back and enjoy spectacular views across the Tamar.

The first Open Garden of the season will take place this

Sunday April 6 at Gnaton Hall near Yealmpton between 2pm and 5pm. Admission is £5. Gnaton Hall is a Grade II Listed Building with extensive and well established gardens containing many fine examples of magnolia trees and rhododendrons. Explore over five acres of grounds which include woodland walks, terraced lawns, water and bog gardens, wild flower banks and a sheltered private walled garden area. This popular venue in the St Luke’s Open Garden Scheme also offers teas and cakes served on the terrace. Parking is free on the day. There will be a selection of plants for sale and well behaved dogs, on leads, are welcome.

St Luke’s Community Fundraiser, Wayne Marshall said: “We are very excited about this year’s Open Gardens and have carefully crafted the programme to ensure our supporters get a

Gnaton Hall...open Sunday April 6

St Luke’s are looking for volunteers to spare a few hours to help out at each garden. If you can offer your support, please call 01752 246594.

To find the nearest St Luke’s Open Garden, ask your local garden centre for a brochure, pop into a local St Luke’s charity shop or view it online at www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/opengardens.

Mount Batten battered by the storms As ferocious storms, high tides and winds of up to 80mph swept across the South West in February, most of us in Plympton and Plymstock were lucky to escape with only minor damage: smashed greenhouse glass, roof tiles missing and trees blown down, writes Eliza Stevens.

Watching footage of those in Somerset whose homes were underwater, we were grateful to be warm, safe and dry. As spring sunshine appears, we are left in the wake of the storm with gardens to tidy, replacement bus services to Exeter and the need to swerve to avoid new potholes.

But Plymouth City Council faces a far greater challenge in setting things to rights, with a multi-

million repair bill for restoring our city’s historic waterfront.

The worst of the damage this side of the Plym was in the Mount Batten area, where the breakwater took a pounding.

This historic structure was built to protect the waters of Plymouth, at a cost of £20,000. It was completed in 1881 and has withstood everything the seas have thrown at it since, being re-furbished and opened to the public in 1995.

The foundations of

the 915ft long walkway are sunk 20 feet below the low tide mark and remained steady, but the breakwater was not left unscathed.

Some of the biggest waves submerged the Pier (as it is sometimes known), ripping up the paving, overturning benches and tearing the huge South West Way marker from its foundations.

£42 million leisure complex plan for Bretonside bus station

Plymouth’s vision to create a welcoming entrance to Britain’s Ocean City is taking a significant step forward with plans for a new coach hub and a new leisure development in the city centre.

Millions of pounds could be pumped into both the West End and the eastern part of the city centre, as part of a major investment package proposed by British Land, the owner of Drake Circus and the UK’s largest listed retail landlord.

The Council’s Cabinet has been briefed on the project and shown the proposals to transform the tired site at Bretonside bus station with a leisure scheme valued at £42 million.

‘Drake Circus Leisure’ includes a 12-screen cinema complex, 13 restaurants as well as parking for over 400 cars. The development will see extensive improvements to public areas with features, installations seating and planting. The scheme would transform the link from the city centre to the Barbican and the Waterfront, making it far more attractive and easier for visitors and shoppers to move from one to the other.

A fly-through of the plans on the Drake Circus You Tube page at www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0u0n-72EZM As part of the proposals a new multi-million pound coach hub is envisaged on the site of the soon-to-bedemolished Mayflower West car park, in the city’s West End. There will also be public parking for cars.

The agreement will means that both Bretonside and the West End of Plymouth will see investment worth millions of pounds, which in turn will generate a new level of interest in both areas. It will also create almost 350 operational jobs and around 260 construction 267 jobs.

Councillor Tudor Evans said: “This is a company with a The Plymouth Shopper

proven record of delivering in Plymouth and for Plymouth and while it is early days, this looks an incredibly exciting prospect.”

“Our city centre supports over 14,000 jobs and 14 per cent of the work force, but we need to need to mix things up a bit, bring more business and a wider offer into the city centre – which in turn brings in more people to shop, eat and enjoy what we have here.”

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for finance said: “For a long time we have recognised that Bretonside has long passed its sell-by date. We also want to keep shoppers coming into the West End. These two schemes have the potential to address both of these.”

The Council’s cabinet members were also given an outline of how the new-look coach hub might look. The terminal would be a hub for intercity coach services with bays for long-distance coach services, waiting room, booking office, toilets and significant improvements to the look and feel of the streets around the site as well as more parking. Locating the bus hub in the West End could lead to an extra 200,000 people visiting this part of the city centre.

The proposal also includes an ‘innovation centre’ in one of the empty buildings overlooking the site which could get a new lease of life as a centre for start-ups firms run by graduates. It is a joint venture between the Council and Plymouth University to transform Taylor Maxwell House with facilities for fledgling businesses in a central location. This builds on an already successful partnership between the Council and the university at Plymouth Science Park in supporting start-ups and accelerating businesses with growth ambitions.

Professor Julian Beer, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional Enterprise), said: “The new innovation centre will offer a pathway into the city’s economy and marketplace for

the damage occurred. With indomitable British spirit, local people have chosen to simply skirt the barricades and carry on enjoying the breathtaking views across to Cornwall, whilst taking a little extra care about where they put their feet.

Pebbles from surrounding beaches littered the nearby paths, along with the covings from sea walls.

This popular spot for walkers and anglers has been This concrete bench was ripped off its mounts in the storms fenced off since

Multi-screen cinema and restaurants planned

20

chance to see some of the most beautiful gardens in our area. This year we are proud to feature more gardens in Cornwall than ever before. Every garden that opens for St Luke’s becomes a real community event involving not just the garden owners but support from their friends, families, local residents, garden centres and local businesses. It’s great for the local economy too, with visitors exploring the surrounding areas and visiting local shops, pubs and restaurants. You can be a keen gardener or just looking for a way to spend a relaxing weekend afternoon with your family, whatever your reason for visiting these gardens, we must not forget that it all raises vital money to provide free care for local people who need us most in the last months, weeks and days of life.

Rocks and debris scattered across Mount Batten during the storms

An artist’s impression of the new Bretonside leisure complex

talented graduates and young entrepreneurs, and will work in tandem with our Formation Zone incubation spaces here on campus, the Science Park, and the GAIN network.

“From our experience of running the hugely successful Innovation Centres in Cornwall, such creative ecosystems offer a great opportunity for businesses to work together and develop joint pitches and expertise.”

Councillor Lowry said: “City centres evolve and must constantly change in order to thrive. These are exciting times for Plymouth and its retailers and I hope they are encouraged by the new levels of interest from significant investors who believe in Plymouth. We are working really hard as a city to attract inward investment and are meeting a lot of interested parties – this is just the start.”

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Transport added: “Visitors and passengers who come to Plymouth need a good impression from the moment they disembark. This new bus hub will help us achieve this.”

A Plan for Plymouth City Centre was presented at the Cabinet and gave details of how the Council and partners are delivering initiatives and actions, investing significantly in the city centre with projects that are truly transformational.

Plymouth’s historic past and rich cultural offer is enjoying a £73 million investment from city partners including the Council, Plymouth University and Plymouth College of Art and Design.

North Hill is attracting new visitors enjoying arts and cultural events in new state of the art facilities thanks to a £36 million investment in the Levinsky’s faculty of arts (including Peninsula Arts gallery), the University’s new £7 million performing arts building and the College of Art’s new £8 million creative workspaces.

Also in the pipeline is Plymouth’s History Centre. It’s a £24 million project to transform the existing museum into a cutting-edge interactive visitor attraction.

Doug Fletcher, Chair of the City Centre Company said: “I am delighted to see the City Council prioritising the City Centre given its importance to Plymouth. The Plan for the City Centre is to be welcomed and in particular it is pleasing that the West End is being prioritised with a new coach station and Council premises becoming major new anchors and driving vital footfall.”

Other measures include: • Council to move some staff to premises in New George Street later this year • 340 city centre businesses including shops and cafes could be eligible for business relief • New signs for visitors • £7 million regeneration scheme for Plymouth Theatre Royal – including transforming the area around it, creating clean, open spaces • The historic Derry’s Clock gets pride of place in a new-look piazza • Improvements to Frankfort Gate, including repairs, maintenance work and clearer space and seating • New play area for city centre • Investing in shopper and visitor facilities – the Armada Way toilets have won accolades in the Loo of the Year award two years in a row • The entire city centre will be a giant WIFI hotspot • Shoppers and visitors will be able to access the internet on their smart phone, laptops or tablets for free on the go For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ homepage/newsandviews/planforcitycentre.htm

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21

A German spy in Plymouth...

Long before the First World War, there were German spies operating in Britain. One such spy was Max Schulz who was arrested in Plymouth in 1911. He was said, at the time, to be living on a houseboat, The Egreton, on the River Yealm.

Some newspapers of the time doubted whether Schulz was a spy at all. The Derby Daily Telegraph of Tuesday August 22 1911 reported:

the interests of the state. What the prisoner attempted to do was nothing more nor less than journalistic enterprise. The AttorneyGeneral said that the defence was destroyed by the fact that one of the letters contained a cipher. The prisoner was sent to obtain firsthand information. The jury found the prisoner guilty. In passing sentence of twenty month’s imprisonment in the Second Division, the Lord Chief Justice said he was thankful that the relations between England and Germany were most friendly and amicable at present. He was sure that no-one would condemn or repudiate practices of which the prisoner had been guilty more strenuously than the leading men of Germany.’

Writer Derek Tait reports on the discovery and trial of a German spy in Plymouth in 1911. Derek has had many books published including Plymouth at War; Images of England: Plymouth; Saltash Passage; Memories of St Budeaux; Plymouth Hoe; Mount Edgcumbe; Plymouth Tales From the Past; Plymouth Through Time; Saltash Through Time and Rame Peninsula Through Time. Derek’s website can be found at www. derektait.co.uk

‘According to the ‘Berliner Tageblatt,’ the man Schulz, who has been arrested at Plymouth on a charge of espionage, is identified with a young man who disappeared some years ago from an institution at Frankfurt, where he had been placed by his parents. Schulz has had a university education and for some time earned a living as a tutor. The correspondent thinks that a sense of misguided vanity may have led him to masquerade as a German spy.’

The authorities, however, took the matter very seriously and Shultz was sent to trial.

On Thursday August 31 1911, the North Devon Journal reported: ‘At Plymouth on Tuesday, Max Schulz, who is

stated to be an ober-lieutenant in the German army, was committed for trial at the Exeter Assizes on charges under the Official Secrets Act, it being alleged that he had offered large sums of money to a solicitor named Duff and another man named Tarren for the supply of information, as to the state of the ships

Plymouth at the time of the trial of Max Schulz in 1911

An historic photograph of Max Schulz in court in Plymouth of the Home Fleet, and the opinion of English naval officers on the possibility of war between England and France on the one hand and Germany on the other over the Moroccan affair.

The prisoner was refused bail and the bench also declined to allow a sum of £110, held by the police, to be handed over to Schulz for the purposes of his defence.

A number of documents found on the accused and the cipher code in his possession were described and evidence was given as to the importance of the information, which his questions to the two chief witnesses were intended to elicit. When committed for trial, Schulz stoutly denied the charge and reserved his defence.’

The story was reported up and down the country and on November 3, it was reported that Schulz had sent letters and telegrams to a man called Tobler in Ostende requesting money for information.

Tobler had written back: ‘Confidential works and reports are what is wanted and what you must procure at all costs if our relations are to continue. Your constant telegrams will undoubtedly lay you open to suspicion and endanger your safety and your business.’

Documents in code were found in Schulz’s possession. He claimed that he was a journalist looking for new stories.

By Saturday November 4 1911, newspapers all over Britain were reporting ‘Officer Sent to Prison.’ The Aberdeen Journal of that day reported: ‘The trial opened at Exeter yesterday of Max Schulz, described as a lieutenant in the German Army, charged with espionage at Plymouth. The prisoner pleaded not guilty. For the defence, Mr Lawrence submitted that the information given to the prisoner was not such that publication would be detrimental to

Schulz was released from prison in Bristol in April 1913 and thanked the authorities for his kind treatment while at Bristol and Exeter.

Meanwhile, a British spy, with a very similar sounding name, Max Shultz, was sentenced, along with others, in Leipzig, Germany for espionage, just one month later, in December 1911.

The British spy received seven years penal servitude.

Both cases featured heavily in the British press at the time and it would be very easy to confuse the two especially as Schulz’s name was regularly reported as ‘Shultz.’

Incidentally, the photo of Max Schulz in court comes from the Evening Telegraph and Post of Wednesday August 30 1911 and this is the first time it’s been published in over 100 years.

The Royal Naval Barracks in Plymouth before the First World War

Post your job vacancy here

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.

VOLUNTEERS - Green spaces are essential in a big city. Moor View Park, just off Mutley Plain, is one such green space, recently awarded the Green Flag for upkeep and community events. Volunteers needed to help build on the ongoing vision for this park . Email jeannehinton@ talktalk.net or ring 674885.

GENERAL - Warehouse operative required For local steel stockholder. Main duties will include picking orders, goods inwards & general warehouse duties. A forklift licence would be an advantage but not essential. This is a part time position. Please email your cv to amanda.hancock@ avonsteel.co.uk VOLUNTEER - Could you be a volunteer for a carer who cares for someone with Dementia? Do you have patience, empathy and time to spare? If so you could be just who we are looking for. Training and on going support for you. If so Please contact Ellie Cannon for further details on 01752 256020 VOLUNTEERS - Plymouth YMCA are seeking volunteers to assist in their coffee bar. Help is required between 1200-1400 weekdays or some Saturdays/Sundays.

The work will involve serving customers and assisting the cook. If you are interested please call Vic Hibbert, HR Manager on 01752-761004 or e mail on vic.hibbert@ plymouthymca.co.uk GENERAL - H & H Healthcare Ltd are looking for experienced care workers to cover a wide range of homecare shifts. Early mornings are in high demand

so a flexible approach is needed. Must drive and have roadworthy car. CRB checks will be carried out before commencing work. Please contact Hazel on 01752 344233 or email hh.healthcare@yahoo.co.uk GENERAL - Handyperson required by a residential home Monday – Friday 8am-1pm. Job description on request. Seniorcare assistant required by a residential home to administer medication Saturday and Sunday Morning 7.30am-2pm. NVQ3 required plus a Medication training certificate. Please send CV to margaretb@ keychange.org.uk SUPPORT WORKER - Exciting opportunities have arisen to join Lifeways Plymouth as a Support Worker.

You will be required to work some unsociable hours on a shift basis within the Plymouth and surrounding areas. In return we offer a competitive salary, training and much more. To apply please contact Sue on 01752 777222.

HOURLY HOME CARE WORKERS Sunshine Care requires Hourly Home Care Workers to work in Plymouth and surrounding areas. Are you a driver? Shifts available are 1500-2300 or to suit your flexible lifestyle 1700-2300. You must also be available to work every other weekend. For this position own transport and flexibility is essential. Please Call Craig or Angie on 01752 237588 for further information or to request an application form, you can also apply online at sunshinecare.co.uk where you can view our full range of vacancies and services.

Live In Care Workers Live In Care Workers required; Can you work for a minimum

of 2 weeks at a time covering Plymouth, Cornwall, Exeter Devon,Bristol, Birmingham and other areas in the South West? You will be living 1-1 in clients own homes, Travel & food allowances accounted for and we provide a 4 day intense induction that exceeds regulatory standards. Please Call Craig/Angie on 01752 237588 for further information or to request an application form, you can also apply online at www.sunshinecare.co.uk Agency Care Workers We have flexible shifts to suit your lifestyle on a week to week basis. Drivers desirable but not essential. Mornings, evenings, nights and weekend shifts available in Plymouth, Cornwall and Devon. Pay is from £7.76 to £13.71. Please Call Craig/Angie on 01752 237588 for further information or to request an application form, you can also apply online at www.sunshinecare.co.uk Home Care Enablers We are looking for people who can provide a short term intervention to help aid and support service users. This will include covering an absence of a regular carer, providing some support to someone being discharged from hospital and the prevention of a further crisis. Minimum 6 months care experience. NVQ 2 essential (within 6 months of start date). Hours of Work 4pm-11pm Monday-Sunday; generally 3 days one week 4 days the alternate week, this is to work in conjunction with other day enablers.

GENERAL – Children’s Hospice South West are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work in their shops in Plymouth (City), Plymouth (Mutley Plain), Totnes

and Tavistock. If you would like to gain experience in different areas of retail and could spare a few hours email plymouthshop@chsw.org.uk or pop into your local shop

MUTLEY – Retail Volunteers needed for Plymouth cats protection charity shop 91 Mutley Plain, Plymouth. Come and join our fun team of cat lovers, telephone Claire 255 193 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 Sharon@cornerstonevision.com or call 225623 VOLUNTEERS – Royal Naval Pre-school Learning Organisation (RNPSLO) are looking to recruit volunteer trustees to assist in the management of the charitable organisation operating childcare sites in the Plymouth area open to service and civilian families.For more information contact J.Jenkins 01752 341963 or email jackandjillschildcare.co.uk

GENERAL - Weekend worker wanted for a small care home, dealing with one client. Autism experience preferred but not essential, but must have experience in dealing with learning difficulties.Saturday work at the moment, night and day shifts. Good rates of pay. Contact Linda on 01752 212168.

Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop 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.

22

The Plymouth Shopper

Vital role for volunteers in helping others

By Chloe Severn of Advice Plymouth

Scott Adams wrote that there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.

Seeing this quote pinned to a noticeboard recently led to a consideration of how those volunteering at our Advice Service create ripples across Plymouth and beyond.

We rely on volunteers to make our service run smoothly. The job can be interesting, emotional and rewarding.

volunteers and treats volunteers the same as paid staff so there is no hierarchy or distinction within the organisation. This creates a friendly, enjoyable and rewarding atmosphere in which to work. We offer full training and clearly defined job roles so that you will always fully understand your role and function.

On a day-to-day basis, volunteers might help someone in thousands of pounds of debt, an abusive relationship or dealing with an employment issue.

Volunteers at Advice Plymouth are able to help people improve their emotional wellbeing by helping them begin the process of dealing with troublesome issues every day.

For more information on volunteering with us, please contact, Chris Burnett on 01752 201766 or chrisburnett.plymouthguild@adviceplymouth.org. uk. Or at Plymouth Guild, Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA

Volunteers at Advice Plymouth generally perform the function of ‘Information Assistant’, in this role, following appropriate training, the volunteer acts as the first contact for clients coming in to the drop-in.

Advice Plymouth, funded by Plymouth City Council, provides a free, confidential and independent advice service to the residents of Plymouth.

From this role, some volunteers progress to undertake more comprehensive training and may become gateway assessors. Gateway assessors answer calls that come through on our helpline, directing and advising clients on the information they need. We also need volunteers for other roles in the service such as administrative roles.

The service, based at Ernest English House, brings together four organisations with unique specialities: Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK, Routeways and Plymouth Guild.

Advice Plymouth is now on Twitter @Advice_ Plymouth

Some people volunteer a morning of their time to work through shredding, scanning or photocopying; this is a vital support to advisors and caseworkers.

The public can access Advice Plymouth in a number of ways.

The benefits of volunteering are well documented, it has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce stress. Recent reports have shown that volunteering can lower blood pressure and could make us live longer. Through volunteering, most meet good friends and make long-lasting connections in the community.

If you are considering volunteering some of your time to help others in the community, consider volunteering with us. Advice Plymouth values

Drop-in at: Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am – 1pm Telephone on: 01752 520052 or 08444 111 444 Lines open: 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon Online at: www.adviceplymouth.org.uk

Poor living conditions at house in Stoke lead to council intervention Plymouth City Council have issued an Interim Management Order (IMO) against a city landlord and taken over the management of a large house in Stoke due to poor living conditions.

Following a small fire in the property housing officers discovered that it was being rented by eight tenants but was not licenced as a house with multiple occupants (HMO).

The IMO was issued when the landlord failed to apply for a licence or put forward a programme of planned works to address the problems.

Potholes, tilting paving slabs, displaced gravel, uneven pavings are all literally waiting to trip you up.

The Council’s housing team are working with Property Links, who are in the process of carrying out an inventory of the property before essential works are agreed and carried out.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Community Development said: “We are working hard to get tough on rogue landlords to improve support for tenants in Plymouth.

“On this occasion the house was being rented by a number of people of all ages, some having lived there for many years.

“We need to make sure that basic living conditions are provided for everyone – could you imagine if it was an elderly relative that was paying to live in a property that was unsafe, dirty and didn’t even have running hot water? It’s a disgrace and we need to stop it now!”

The action being taken by the council is intended to protect the existing tenants to prevent them from having to seek alternative accommodation.

I have yet to meet a client who would not have happily handed back their compensation in return for not having been injured in the first place.

So what should you do if you have an accident in the street? The first thing is to make an accurate record of where the accident happened. This is not always easy if you are in pain or unable to move, but if there are friends or family around they should be able to help. Try and get contact details from any potential witnesses. Note down the location, if you are outside a house take down the name or number.

Later on you might be asked about what sort of shoes you were wearing, what the weather was like or whether you were carrying anything, so it would be a good idea to make a mental note. If the accident happened at night check what the street lighting was like and whether any lights were not working.

The next thing will be to find out who is responsible for the upkeep of the pavement. If you were on privately owned land, say on the forecourt of a shop, then the landowner would be responsible under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957.

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A trip or slip in the street often results in no more than bruising to your dignity, but what happens when things become more serious? Some injuries can be life altering- I have known people who have never fully recovered and have lost promising careers as a result.

There is a myth that the majority of tripping victims are just in it for the money. Another misconception is that these types of claim are easy to bring and a few phone calls will result in a cheque in the post. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Take as many photos as possible. Not just of the hazard that caused the accident, but the surrounding area as well. It’s a good idea to place a recognisable object alongside the hazard to put the photo in context.

A 50p piece leant up against the side of a pothole is a good example.

Become a Leaflet Distributor delivering The Plymouth Magazine, Plymouth Shopper & leaflets as part of your exercise regime.

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Important steps if you suffer a trip or fall...

The recent wet weather has played havoc with the roads and pavements. Walking round most parts of town has now become a high-risk activity.

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Contact: Tony on 01752 225623

By Tim Quinn of Howard & Over Solicitors

In addition, the property did not have sufficient fire precautions for a house of its size, was in poor condition and some tenants did not have running hot water or adequate bathroom facilities.

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Legally Speaking

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If you were on the public highway it would be the local highway authority, which would mean Plymouth City Council or Devon or Cornwall County Council depending on where your accident happened. A claim against the Council would be brought under the Highways Act 1980. There are significant differences between the two types of claim. The Highways Act provides specific defences for local authorities which often means it’s harder to bring a successful claim against a council than it is against a private land owner.

If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident seek legal advice as soon as you can, because unlike wine, claims don’t get better with age.

Howard & Over LLP Offices at 114/116 Albert Road, Devonport, Plymouth and 254 Dean Cross Road, Plymstock Tel: 01752 556606 Also at 61 Fore St, Ivybridge Tel: 01752 690123 The Plymouth Shopper

23

Seven editions reaching 62,000 homes David Parlby steps down after more than eight years at the helm

THE CHRIS COLE

Chamber chief to retire David Parlby, chief executive of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, has announced that he will be retiring from the role at the end of July.

Experience

Since his appointment as part-time CEO in December 2005, David has overseen a long period of significant change at the Chamber. During his tenure paid membership has grown from 500 members to over 700,the staff complement has more than doubled to 15 and annual turnover has risen from £350,000 to £800,000.

Under his stewardship the Chamber is now engaged in a very wide range of city activities and groups which direct and influence the development of the local economy.

It is widely recognised as providing top quality project delivery with recent examples including the Digital Plymouth programme, Better Together and through the Plymouth and SW Peninsula Deal, promotion of the GAIN Growth Hub and international trade.

David has played a major part in lobbying for improvements for the city, most notably in the field of transport connectivity, putting the case for Plymouth to MPs, Ministers and the Prime Minister himself for improved rail services for the South West.

Through his efforts the Plymouth Chamber is recognised as a well-run Chamber by the British Chambers of Commerce(BCC) , having secured formal accreditation in its first year of membership of BCC. He has also made major contributions to the development of the Chamber movement in the South West through his involvement on the Board of South West Chambers.

David said: “I have hugely enjoyed my eight years at the Chamber and believe that as the leading business representative organisation in Plymouth the Chamber has made many important contributions to the

development of Plymouth’s economy.

“With the strong Board and superb Chamber team, the Chamber is in very good shape. However, I turn 60 in August and wish to pursue a number of other business, community and leisure interests which are not possible to do while running the Chamber. I wish Plymouth well and look forward to seeing the substantial progress made over the past few years continuing and indeed accelerating.”

Paul Woods, Chair of the Chamber said: “David has made a superb contribution to the development of the Chamber over the past eight years. He has provided high quality strategic leadership, making him and the Chamber very well respected throughout the city.

“The Board and I are fortunate in having a very strong base from which to build to attain our vision of the Chamber being the ‘Go To’ organisation for all businesses in Plymouth. We look forward to working with David in connection with his future business interests and hope that his golf will now improve through retirement!”

The Chamber will announce details of the succession arrangements for David in due course.

Wishing all our customers a happy Easter 2014

01752

Searching for the meaning of life...

It is an amazing privilege for us at Cross Rhythms to broadcast music with a life-affirming message every day, twenty four hours a day, especially into Plymouth where the now international ministry of Cross Rhythms began.

I now understand that there are no such things as perfect people or perfect families, but there is a Perfect God. One of my favourite tracks of all times is by U2 taken from the 1987 album Joshua Tree called ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.’ I appreciate it because, for me personally, it conveys the mystery of the Christian Faith as an ongoing journey of maturing ‘revelation’.

If we think we arrive in knowing it all as Christians, then there is always another mountain to climb on this journey of trying to understand what true love and the meaning of life is all about. Such is the process of spiritual revelation and maturity.

What you do find on the Christian journey, however, is an increased sense of security in His love for you as a person.

Through the experience of doing life with God He builds substance into your faith in Him as

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24

The Plymouth Shopper

In the Christian religion and theology, revelation is the revealing or disclosing of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with the Holy Trinity, through the Holy Spirit and the Inspired Word of God. The Wardrobe in C S Lewis’ ‘The Lion Witch and Wardrobe’ represents an experience with Jesus Christ as the Door into this spiritual reality.

It is also an important responsibility for us who broadcast to ensure that we are not just proclaiming spiritual theory, but are endeavouring to work this out in our own ‘walk with Jesus Christ’.

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you cling to, trust in and rely upon Him. He is not only on the journey with you, but also cares for you even when you go through the ‘dark night of the soul’. Without free will and free choice there can be no such thing as genuine love. The book of Job in the Old Testament is confirmation of this spiritual reality.

Narnia represents the spiritual environment that all Christians should aspire to live in according to Jesus and His teachings. Unfortunately for many who experience the ‘grace of Jesus Christ’s redemption’, we can go through the wardrobe, but often don’t explore the realm of Narnia where the true authority, peace and ‘battle’ of spiritual life take place.

This revelation is not just information to the head, but also a revealed wisdom imparted to an open heart submitted to His purposes. As inspired scripture says “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”. Proverbs 4 v 3. Understanding the natural world is amazing, but it will never answer the ‘meaning of life’ question because this is the realm of authentic spiritual faith. A genuine kiss cannot be defined without an understanding of true love.

So I agree with U2, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for, but I want to find His heart and face. I know that every life matters to God and that we all have purpose and destiny in this intelligently designed universe.

So, excellent spiritual truths from this band of Christians impacting those who ‘dig a little deeper’ into the message behind the music – “You broke the bonds. And you loosed the chains. Carried the cross of my shame Oh, my shame, you know I believe it”. I recommend you check out the lyrics for yourself .

In conclusion, ‘Now this is Eternal life, that they may know the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.’ John 17 v. 3. At Cross Rhythms we believe in life both before and after death.

Chris Cole, is the founder of Cross Rhythms charity. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Listen to his Cross Rhythms Experience programmes on 96.3FM or online at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

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