The Plymouth Shopper November 2015

SHOP LOCAL SAVE POUNDS

Compton & Crownhill

GOING FOR GOLD

£100,000 appeal for Children’s Wards p9

8,000 copies delivered in Compton, Crownhill and Manadon New interactive website launched

Plymouth Plan: have your say

November 2015

Win tickets to see the Magic of Motown at the Pavilions See page 15

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

• DIAL THE EXPERTS • What’s On in the area • Community Job Shop

• Advice Plymouth • Charity news • Cross Rhythms

ROYAL VISITOR AT DOCKYARD- PAGE 19

Plymouth residents are being encouraged to have their say on the Plymouth Plan which will help shape the city over the next 15 years.

Vouchers on pages 3 and 5

A new interactive website has been launched which is designed to help users get to the issues they are interested in just by clicking.

For more details see the special feature on pages 12 and 13.

Top national award for students

City Centre • Prince Rock • Cattedown • Devonport • Efford • Stonehouse • Plymstock

Prince Rock Nursery

Open Day Wednesday 11th November from 1.30pm - 4.30pm

20-24 Lucas Terrace, Prince Rock, PL4 9LD Giving Voice Awards 2015 winners from Marjon’s Give Voice pictured with Sir George Cox, president of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

A group of Marjon students have won a prestigious national award for their efforts in raising awareness of the lifetransforming work of the speech and language therapy profession.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) presented the Marjon Give Voice’ student group with a national Giving Voice Award.

This prestigious accolade recognises the students’ creative commitment to raising awareness of the cost-saving, life-transforming work of the speech and language therapy profession.

Earlier this year the group organised a

series of events both on campus and in the city centre to provide the local community with a greater understanding of how speech and language therapists help people with communication needs. In addition to these activities, the students wrote, performed and recorded an inspiring Giving Voice video which they uploaded onto YouTube to spread their message even further.

One of the Marjon Give Voice student winners, Lucy Singer, said: “It was a great experience bringing the class’s ideas and talents together to create an event which spread across Plymouth to reach such a wide and enthusiastic audience. The Giving Voice team were all very supportive and were always available to offer advice and ideas.”

First week FREE* for anyone registering their child on the day

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FREE 1ST WEEK WITH THIS ADVERT* *OFFER APPLIES TO NEW PARENTS ONLY. ANYONE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE OPEN DAY, PLEASE PHONE THE NURSERY TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING AND STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS OFFER PROVIDED THE BOOKING IS MADE BY 31ST OCTOBER 2015.

Rev Gemma USEFUL making numbers history after 700 years of male priests 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 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (debt advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 01752 666777 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Association 07410 977598 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 08457 909090 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth 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.

2

The Plymouth Shopper

Two churches in Stoke and Devonport now have a female priest for the first time in more than 700 years.

History was made in October when the Revd Dr Gemma Burnett received her licence as priest-in-charge of Stoke Damerel Parish Church and St Aubyn’s Church in Devonport.

Hundreds of people, including many clergy from Anglican and other denominations, attended the ceremony conducted by the Bishop of Exeter the Rt Revd Robert Atwell.

Gemma is Number 46 on the board of Rectors which hangs on the church wall at Stoke Damerel Church - the first dating back to 1310.

She is looking forward to the challenge of being involved with two busy parishes, which have been without a priest for two years.

“I want to make the churches more accessible to people

Revd Dr Gemma Burnett pictured with the plans for the refurbishment of Stoke Damerel Church of all ages, all backgrounds and all lifestyles,” said Gemma, who is 32. “I want it to be a place where people - especially families - can come and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere.

“Many people live busy and stressful lives and the church is a place where people can come and find fellowship, peace and solace.

“I have been given such a warm and loving welcome by everyone involved in the two churches and I want to extend that to people living in Stoke and Devonport.”

Gemma grew up in Northern Ireland, studied at Cambridge for a degree in theology and also completed her ordination training there.

She spent three years in Bromley completing her curacy before being involved in youth work at Salisbury Cathedral.

She has arrived at Stoke Damerel Church at an exciting time in its development. A major building project is due to

start shortly which will enable the church to be used for a wide variety of community uses, including concerts and other events.

New flooring, seating and lighting will be installed to provide more flexible facilities.

“The parish centre is already used by a number of community groups and organisations and we also have a popular community cafe,” said Gemma.

Gemma will certainly be busy on Sundays taking services at Stoke Damerel at 8am and 11am and one in between at St Aubyn’s at 9.30am. “I usually cycle everywhere, so it will certainly keep me fit,” she said.

She believes in reaching out to the community and has already made contact with many locals while walking her dog Dylan in Devonport Park.

“I also enjoyed watching the rugby on the TV in a local pub in the village,” she said.

Students catch the insect bug at BBC presenter’s show BBC presenter and naturalist Nick Baker has joined forces with a renowned puppeteer to create a new live show about bugs which Stoke Damerel Community College students were lucky enough to be among the first to see.

Nick has worked with William ‘Todd’ ToddJones - famed for his work on films like Labyrinth and Who Framed Roger Rabbit to come up with the show called Bugged.

Year 7 and 8 science students were treated to a performance of the production, which looks at the world of entomology through a clever combination of puppetry and technology.

“Todd and I have been talking about doing this show for a long time,” explained Nick, known for his appearances on The Really Wild Show and Nick Baker’s Weird Creatures. “What we want to do is to embed scientific facts via entertainment in a creative way.”

Todd brings to life Gil - an enormous rhinoceros beetle puppet - who helps Nick introduce the audience to the fascinating world of creepy crawlies.

And throughout the show Nick - who lives on Dartmoor - uses a number of high-power microscopes hooked up to a live feed and projector to enable the audience to get a close-up view of bugs including praying mantises, stick insects and woodlice.

“I’ve been interested in bugs since I was a child - I think all kids are - and I’ve just never grown up!” joked Nick, who plans to take the show to venues across the UK. “We use technology to make little things big and to shine a light on the creatures we just take for granted.

“The reception from the students has been amazing. I hope they had fun and it got them thinking a bit more about bugs and the world of insects and invertebrates.”

More than 200 students were in the audience and science teacher Lucy Orrell said: “The students really enjoyed themselves in between enthusiastic shrieks of ‘urgh!’ and ‘yuck!’”

“It was a fantastic opportunity to see an innovative and unique show which brought the world of bugs to life for students and teachers – we’ll all remember it for a long time.”

Presenter Nick Baker is dwarfed by the image of an insect projected onto the screen via a live feed

Leading care provider embarks on recruitment drive Mears, the leading provider of home care and support services, is embarking on a recruitment drive in Plymouth for care workers.

Mears has multiple support worker positions available and is looking for a range of full-time, part-time and shift workers to help people in and around the Plymouth area.

Mears provides services to people who require extra support to help them continue living at home. It assists individuals of all ages, including disabled people, individuals with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, or those just needing a little bit of extra help at home.

Elysha Evans, recruitment officer for Mears in Plymouth, said: “Our employees in Plymouth come from all backgrounds and previous careers, and many find enormous job satisfaction from working so

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3: 5-6

closely with people and knowing that you make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives. Our care workers help people with a variety of everyday tasks we take for granted, such as bathing, shopping, cooking and cleaning. But the focus is also about helping individuals to get out and about within their local community, whether it’s a trip to the library, a swim at the local pool, a visit to the hairdresser, or simply going for a walk.

“Support workers range widely in age, from 18 to over 65, and come from all walks of life. Previous experience is not necessary, as Mears provides full staff training, plus ongoing support to progress and develop your career.”

Anyone interested in working for Mears in Plymouth can get in touch by contacting elysha.evans@mearsgroup.co.uk or 01752 764210.

r ppe n Sho etitio r fo mp Co ners er n i b W tem Sep

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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS

The Treat Oct 31 Emmanuel Church in Mannamead will be putting on a double treat as an alternative to Halloween from 5.30pm for the youngest. These events will take place inside the church.

Rather than ‘beasties and ghosties’, there will be fun and games, with lazer lights and a misty hazy tunnel to negotiate, together with puzzles and some mystery food and drink. The first event takes place at 5.30pm for 0-7 year olds & their families, and this is followed at 6.30pm by a larger event for the bigger children and their families.

Events at Mainstone Community Centre Oct 31 Family Halloween Party.Tickets available from Carol on 708370; Nov 15 Christmas Fair.Free entry and parking.

11am to 3pm; Nov 20 Plymouth Clarion Male Voice Choir free entry. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Family Night. Tickets available from Carol on 708370 Commemoration Service Nov 1 A service at Emmanuel Church, Mannamead at 3pm for those who died in the last year in the parish. The service would be equally suitable for anyone who wants to remember a loved one whenever they died and they are most welcome to attend. Members of the congregations of Emmanuel and St Paul’s Efford, together with those that have conducted the funeral services will be present. There will be tea and cake served afterwards to which all are invited.

Cards for Good Causes Nov 3 to Dec 16 Multi charity Christmas card shop at the Guildhall, Plymouth.

Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Cards for Good Causes keeps its operating costs to a minimum, ensuring that at least 70p in every £ from card sales goes to the respective charities.

The shop is staffed by local volunteers.

Annual Band Concert Nov 4 Fund raiser for the Royal British Legion Plympton and District at St Mary’s Church, Market Road, Plympton at 7.30pm.

Featuring Soundhouse Brass Band. Guests will include Lord Lieutenant of Devon and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth. Tickets £6 can be purchased from the Royal British Legion Club in Market Road, Plympton. Tickets also available on the door on the night.

Scratch Faure’s Requiem Nov 7 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke. Rehearsal 2pm. Concert 7pm. All choirs welcome. Call 01752 564847 for details.

RASC/RCT/RLC Association Nov 11 Branch meeting at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road, Derriford at 7.30pm. The Association annual meeting will be on January 16 at 7.30pm with the annual dinner on January 29 at Boringdon Golf Club, 7pm for 7.30pm. Details 01752 769169.

For any welfare problems please call 01752 343492.

Coffee Morning Nov 20 Organised by the newly established Plymouth Area Osteoporosis Support Group. 11am-12.30pm, Central Library Drake Circus. Tea, coffee and biscuits. Please come along and meet the committee.

Christmas Craft Fair Nov 20 and 21 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke. Free entry.

11am - 4pm - lots of interesting stalls with gift ideas for Christmas and a cafe. (Anyone interested in having a table please contact Marilyn Goldsbrough on 01752 564847).

Christmas Fair Nov 21 Pennycross Methodist Church, Pridham Lane, Peverell 11am-1pm Held in aid of Children’s Hospice SW and church funds. Various stalls and light lunch.

Christmas Bazaar Nov 21 Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley, Plymouth.

11am - 2.30pm Stalls, refreshments and ‘new to you’ boutique.

50% of proceeds go to the Mercy Ships (International Hospitals).

RAF Association Plymouth Branch Nov 25 and Dec 16 Future branch committee meetings will be held at ‘Raffles’ Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth, at 6.30pm.The association Christmas Dinner will also be held at ‘Raffles’ on Saturday December 12 at 12 noon. Three courses, £17pp, Tel: Branch Sec asap on 07588830230 for further info.

Coffee Morning Nov 28 St Gabriel’s Church Hyde Park Road, Peverell 10am to 12 noon.

• continued on page 6 4

The Plymouth Shopper

Rhymetimes Central Library Every Monday from 11am Every Thursday from 2pm Crownhill Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Efford Library Every Tuesday from 10.30am North Prospect Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Peverell Library Every Monday from 2pm Every Friday from 11am (booking needed 01752 305633) Plympton Library Every Thursday from 2pm Every Saturday from 10.30am (Under 5s club) Plymstock Library Every Thursday from 2.15pm (booking needed 01752 306606) Every Saturday from 10am Devonport Library Every Saturday from 11am St Budeaux Library Every Thursday from 10am Southway Library Every Wednesday from 10am Stoke Library Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am West Park Library Every Monday from 10am to 10.30am Storytimes Central Library: every Wednesday from 11am (storytime and crafts) North Prospect Library: every Thursday: 2.15pm to 2.45pm Gadget sessions Get tips and advice on how to make the most of iPads, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and more. Find out how to use your library card to download free eBooks and magazines.

Central Library Weekly on Tuesday afternoons 2pm to 3.30pm Peverell Library Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30 to 12 noon Plymstock Library Fourth Friday of the month Plympton Library First Wednesday of the month 2pm to 4pm Southway Library Last Thursday of the month 2.30pm to 3.30pm Stoke Library Third Monday of each month 2-4pm West Park Library Second Wednesday of each month 2 to 4pm Kreative Kidz Thursdays Pre school messy play sessions, overalls provided, different activity each week, meet new people make new friends £3 per child includes tea/coffee for adults. 12.30pm to 1.30pm To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from age 7 years. Crafts, cookery, baking, woodworking, model making, scrap heap challenge. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm.To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops activities range from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10 per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info:wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Baby and Toddler Group Friday mornings in term time St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross 10am until 11.30am. Large selection of toys, a craft table and the session concludes with nursery rhymes and action songs.

A charge of £1.50 for one adult and accompanying child/ children and £1 for extra adults covers all refreshments and craft materials. We hold occasional activity mornings and tabletop sales in the church hall to support Children’s Hospice South West.

Carers Hub & Active Life 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Join a gentle health walk around historic Plympton. Are you a carer? Would you like to feel healthier, happier, meet people and have some fun? This walk is open to carers and the person they care for (if they wish to come). We meet at 10.30am outside Plympton Library and the walk ends with the opportunity to purchase refreshments and have a chat (session finishes at approximately 12.30pm). Well behaved dogs welcome! For details contact Larissa Milden at Plymouth Guild’s Active for Life service on 01752 201891 Performance Training (5-25s) Barbican Theatre’s dance and theatre workshops enable young people to build their confidence and learn new skills and techniques alongside professionals. Visit www. barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131.

Determined Darren runs to raise money for Rehab Unit Plymouth estate agent Darren Lawson, who suffered a serious head injury in a skiing accident last year, will be pounding the streets in November to help raise funds for the Plymouth medical team who have played a huge part in his recovery.

Darren, managing director of Mansbridge & Balment, has set a target of raising £2500 for the Plym Neurological Rehab Unit at Mount Gould Hospital.

He will be taking part in the Plymouth 10k on November 15 - and fittingly the popular event is sponsored by Mansbridge & Balment.

Darren said: “The team at the Rehab Unit nursed me back into the land of the living. These wonderful souls cared for all my needs, showered me, taught me to walk – and talk properly – kept my spirits up, fed me well and gave me a fighting chance to make the excellent progress that I’ve made following my skiing accident and subsequent brain damage injuries.”

Darren said that if he had not been treated at the Rehab Unit at Mount Gould - which has 15 beds for the treatment of adults with acquired brain injuries - he would have had to be hospitalised in Bristol.

“Imagine if we weren’t blessed with the fantastic staff and facilities at the Plym Neurological Unit. In my case, being unable to work through

St Budeaux Square Club Meets last Wednesday each month.

Next events November 25 and December 16. All events are 11am to 3pm with full three course meal - entertainment & discussions. Entrance fee £5 all in open to senior citizens of St Budeaux to join please phone 01752-365246 Community Cafe Every Thursday in term time Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road between 10.30am and 2pm Community cafe run by learning support students of City College Plymouth, serving tea, coffee and cakes baked and prepared by the students Sandy’s Plymtones Mondays Fun choir for men and women. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (near the Co-op), Glen Road, Plympton.

2-4pm No auditions, no need to read music - just good humour and enthusiasm needed. Contact Sandy on 336953 or 07737 461431.

Family Events at Elburton Methodist Church Messy Church is held on the first Saturday morning of every month (excluding August), from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All welcome to join fun morning of arts, crafts, drama, music and refreshments for the whole family. Toddler Group meets every Friday during term time from 1.30pm to 3pm. A small friendly group with lots of activities for the children, it’s a chance to chat and make new friends. For more details of both events contact Debbie on 215632 Tuesday Coffee Morning St Pancras Church, Honicknowle Lane, Pennycross. The church cafe is open from 10 am until 12.30 on Tuesday mornings, selling coffees/teas/cake/biscuits, also locally produced organic honey and preserves.Come along to chat, read the newspaper or join in at the puzzle table. There is a small selection of books to borrow and leading up to Christmas there will be a Traidcraft stall, selling fair trade tea/coffee, Christmas cards and small gifts.

Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone.

From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session.

RASC/RCT/RLC Association The remaining meeting for 2015 will be 11 Nov all at the army reserve centre Derriford at 7.30 pm. The association’s general meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 January 2016 at 7.30pm. The corps annual dinner will be on Friday January 29 2016 at the Boringdon Golf Club Woodford Plympton (7.00pm for 7.30pm) full details later For any

the injury, I would have had to rent a place in Bristol - the nearest equivalent specialist unit.

“I would have probably missed out on my family’s daily visits to my bedside and all the cuddles - which I found to be motivational and inspiring.”

To support Darren visit http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ DarrenLawson

welfare problems please call 01752 343 492 or write to the army reserve centre derriford plymouth (c/o RASC/RCT/ RLCAssoc) The Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group Second Friday of the month A growing group of people (over the age of fifty) who meet at the Wolseley Trust Community Building in Wolseley Road next door to Sylvia’s Café, behind the Co-op and Lidl superstores and just down the road from Milehouse traffic lights, from 10.30am to 1pm. We have guest speakers ranging from local members of Parliament to companies like South West Water. We would also welcome anyone over 50 to our social events on most Fridays at the Kings Tamerton Community Centre, Plymouth when we have singers, choirs and musicians entertaining us, from 2pm to 4pm.For more information please contact the Secretary Mrs Margaret Williams on 01752 350498 Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport.

We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions. Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800.

Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome.

Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Marie 343386 for more information Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary. Free.

Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk Community Clubs at William Sutton Memorial Hall, Shelley Way St Budeaux Gardening group Mondays 10.30am to 1pm open to all to come and enjoy some gardening on the grounds of the hall. Free coached football sessions for young people aged 7 to 18 years old on Wednesdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Ready2Work Work Club open to all. Fridays: 1pm to 4pm

• continued on page 6

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Council helps win funding to help more go online Around 1,000 more people in Plymouth will be helped to get online as part of the city’s continuing mission to get more people – and services – internet savvy.

Plymouth City Council is one of four councils nationally to be awarded £112,000 from the Big Lottery Fund as part of a ‘test and learn pilot’.

The project has two strands – to get more people comfortable using the internet as a way of accessing services and to encourage local services to work together to make things easier for this to happen.

In Plymouth, the initiative is led by Citizens Online, a national charity the council has been working with for some time. It involves partners such as Jobcentre Plus, housing associations, health, private businesses and the voluntary sector.

In Plymouth, three digital champions will be employed to continue providing support to those who lack the confidence and skills to use online services and the project will support others who want to act as digital champions.

This innovative approach makes Plymouth one of the leading locations for actively tackling digital exclusion.

An estimated 10.5 million people in the UK lack the skills to go online – almost 49 per cent of disabled people and 42 per cent of people with a household income of less than £12,500 a year do not use the internet at all.

The project will also look at where the council and other partners need to make changes to ensure that people using the internet to access services will be able to do so easily.

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

• continued from page 4 Christmas Fayre Nov 28 St Boniface Church, Percy St, St Budeaux. 10am to 12 noon.

Delicious snacks, tea and coffee, wonderful Christmas Raffle, cake stall, gifts, lucky dip and many other stalls. Admission 25p on the door.

Christmas & Toy Fayre Nov 28 Onward House Community Centre, 55, Greenbank Road, Plymouth 2pm to 4pm. Raffle, refreshments and much more.

To book a table phone Alison on 07884191870.

Ladies Night Dec 4 Christmas shopping and pampering event organised by NCT Plymouth & West Devon Branch at Crownhill Family Centre from 7pm to 9.30pm. Pampering treatments, special guests, stalls, Christmas raffle with great prizes. Entrance £3 in advance or £5 on the door.

RWindband Christmas Concert Dec 5 Saltash Wesley Church 7.45pm. To follow straight after the fireworks display of the Saltash Christmas Lights Callington Road, Saltash. A fantastic selection of festive music including: Stowaway on Santa’s Sleigh, A Winters Night, Snow Day Celebration and a Wonderful Christmas Time. An extremely talented Saltash ensemble led by the infectious enthusiasm of local conductor Ruth Ballantyne. Refreshments will be served. Tickets available in advance: Adult £5, U16 £2.50 On the door: Adult £6, U16 £4, U10 Free - max 2 per AdultAdvance tickets from: Piglets, Saltash or 01752 844017 Christmas Concert Dec 5 Minster Church of St Andrew, Royal Parade, Plymouth.

University of Plymouth Choral Society & Sinfonia. Simon Ible, conductor, Laura Mitchell, soprano; Angela Simkin, mezzosoprano; Ross Scanlon, tenor; Christopher Cull, baritone.

Featuring Pergolesi: Magnificat in B flat major; Mozart: Missa Brevis No.2 in D minor. Plus carols for audience participation.

Tickets: £15, £13 Call 01752 58 50 58 www.peninsula-arts. co.uk Christmas Concert Dec 12 Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover at 7.30pm.

Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Academy Christmas Concert. This is always a jolly time, so come along and enjoy all the festivity of Christmas with two bands carols, Christmas music and fun. Tickets £7 Children under 12 £5. from band members or contact Alan on 01752844108 Christmas Carol Service Dec 20 Hyde Park Road, Peverell 3pm to 4pm mince pie and teas.

Carols by Candlelight Dec 15 St Matthias Church, North Hill, Plymouth. Plymouth University Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm. University of Plymouth Choral Society Simon Ible, musical director. Members of the public are invited to join students and staff of Plymouth University in this traditional service of carols and readings.

BIRD WALK IN FORD PARK CEMETERY There will be an autumn bird walk in Ford Park Cemetery on Saturday November 21.

The walk starts at 10am at the Visitor Centre.

Refreshments will be available in the Visitor Centre after the walk. Suitable footwear is recommended.

Chairman of the Trust, John Boon, who is leading the walk, said: “November is a great time for birds in Ford Park Cemetery. We hope to see winter thrushes such as Redwings, Mistle Thrushes and Fieldfares that love the hawthorn and yew berries we have in abundance.

“At this time of year the Cemetery is one of the most reliable places to find Black Redstarts, so will be searching for them, as well more common species such as Buzzards, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Meadow Pipits.”

Want to play for Keyham Kolts?

Keyham Kolts junior football team need new players, boys and girls in school years four and five. Please come along to Devonport High School for Boys on a Thursday evening between 6pm and 7pm. Contact Scott 07886382126 6

The Plymouth Shopper

Dance Yourself Fit Every Friday morning 10.30 to 11.30 at St. Budeaux Community Centre.If you want to get fitter or simply love to dance, come along and join our friendly class.for details contact Jackie 01752 950306 Solaris Yoga Enjoy vital relaxation, strengthening and toning muscles.

Pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and adult yoga held at Plymouth Swallows, St Andrew’s Cross, Church of the Holy Spirit Southway, Crownhill Fort and Jump. Please call Shilpa on 0771 1899 530 for times of classes.

Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome.

For more details of club activities please visit www. plymouthanddistrictkoikeeperssociety.org or ring Sandra Crocker on 01752 210118.

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

Port of Plymouth Canoe Association Mondays , Thursdays and Saturdays May until September. Offering various introductory, taster and child ( 8-11 ) sessions throughout the spring and summer. For more information please contact Tracy Jones 01752 510653 email intro@ppca-club.org.uk or visit www. ppca-canoe-club.org.uk Special Olympics Plymouth and District Saturday and Thursday swimming club: Saturdays are free times 12.15 pm to 1.15 pm at Plymouth Life Centre.

Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm £4 at the Life Centre.

Plymouth Pisces swimming club from 11.15am to 1.15pm at the Life Centre subs £2 each week £4 membership. Tamar View disco 7pm to 9.30pm once a month Monday evenings.

Highbury Disco Tuesdays and Fridays subs £2 each week.

St Budeaux disco £2 each week on Thursday evenings 6.30pm to 9.30pm at St Budeaux Community Centre. The Special Olympics Plymouth and District at YMCA Kitto centre on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm £15 membership £2 each week. Plymouth Boccia Mondays from 11am to 12 noon at the Life Centre £2 each week.

Wednesdays from 10.30am to 11.45am at the Life Centre £2 each week. Saturdays from 10am to 11am at the Jan Cutting centre £3 each week

REFEREES WANTED IN PLYMOUTH Willing whistle blowers are wanted in Plymouth as a community football league looks to recruit men – and women – in black.

Charles and Boris Johnson for its community efforts.

Leisure Leagues – Europe’s biggest and most successful providers of 5 and 6-a-side football – are running courses for budding referees. The league donates all its profits to charities and good causes and has received praise from Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Prince

The induction evenings will take place at Devonport High School on Sundays over the next few weeks and anyone interested in the free lessons can ring 0333 123 2340, email referees@leisureleagues.net or visit www. leisureleagues.net/Become-A-Referee.aspx

construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. Ford Baptist Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop. co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page

Wheatley. Admission £3. Contact Bill 01752 667484, Sue 01752 651004 or Dorothy 01752 260193.

Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are CRB checked, and teach Shotokan karate. With many advantages to learning karate, instructors teach traditional skills and Self-Defence with genuine applications to modern day situations. Students often say that they feel self-confident; have increased discipline, improved fitness levels and co-ordination. But above all, they all agree its great value for money, fun and a fantastic way to meet new friends no matter what age you are. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners - Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards. For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk

National Trust Plymouth Centre Make the most of your Trust membership by joining the Plymouth Centre for even more activities. During the winter there are talks. This summer there are coach visits to: July to Berkeley Castle in Gloucester, August to Dartmouth for their Regatta, September to Chedworth Roman Villa.

Membership is only £4 per person or £6 for two people at the same address. For more information and an application form call Russell on 01752 266608

Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader. Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc.

No previous experience is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition.

Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@gmail. com We look forward to seeing you!

Age UK Plymouth Bridge Fridays Friday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at Elspeth Sitters House, Hoegate Street, Plymouth. Do you play bridge and would like to join a friendly, social group. £2 per session which includes tea and biscuits. Details phone 776881.

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.

Tots Time - St. Jude’s Mondays during term-time From 9.30 to 11.30 in the Upper Hall at St Jude’s Church on Beaumont Road, babies and toddlers are welcome with their carers at £1.50 per session. Tots Time provides toys, craft, snacks, drinks, singing, etc. For more details phone 078604573727

Plympton Probus Club Second Monday of month Plympton Probus Club was formed in 1985, and enables retired and semi- retired men to meet a convivial group aged, 55 or over who meet on a regular basis. Would you consider joining us at the Plympton Library venue? We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10am, and provide opportunity to hear a variety of interesting speakers.

Additionally, social lunches with wives and guests are held at various venues throughout the year. Currently, vacancies exist for new members and anyone interested, should contact the secretary, Gerald Hendrick, on 01752 514942

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 1.30pm start, also The first Sunday in every month at 2pm start. Entrance is £1.50,which includes tea, coffee,and biscuits. We are a friendly crowd and would like to see some new faces. City Bus No 16 stops right out side the community centre. Call Brenda on 206204 for more details.

Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to18. Try your hand at performing, set design and

Coffee Morning and Book Stall Thursdays Crownhill Methodist Church hall from 10am to 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and a chat. All welcome.

For details ring Carroll on Plymouth 960746.

Tothill Sequence Dance Club Saturdays Up to date dances at Tothill Community Centre every Saturday from 7.30pm to 10pm. Leaders Peter and Dorothy

The firm has been lauded for its treatment of referees, and they can be assured they will be backed by the strongest discipline structure in the country.

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.

Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764.

Twins, Triplets or more Support group held on a Tuesday morning 10am-12pm at Surestart Children’s Centre, 25 Manor Street, Stonehouse, (Tel 208650) or a Friday morning 10am -12pm at Sir John Hunt School, Whitleigh. An informal group open to all mums and expectant mums. A great chance to meet other mums and dads in the same situation.

Mini Dance Machine Thursdays At Rees Youth Centre, Mudge Way, Plympton. Modern fun

• continued on page 8

Diana’s creative talents featured in new book Diana Mazuru from Stoke is an illustrator and graphic designer who graduated three years ago from Plymouth University with a BA in Illustration.

She has recently partnered with a writer in producing a beautiful retelling of an old story, The Gingerbread Man. She said: “I hadn’t had much work as an illustrator since I graduated so I jumped at the opportunity to illustrate a children’s picture book.

With 36 pages and a front and back cover design, it was quite an undertaking.

“The story is funny and clever with the traditional twist at the end. The more I read The Gingerbread Man, the more I fell in love with it. There is so much life in it. With trial and error, the characters slowly developed and manifested themselves, the scenes unfurled themselves and became clear and bright with colour.

“It took me about a month of full time work to do the final illustrations alone and a few more weeks to do the typesetting and prepare the book for print. I was often working on two or three illustrations at the same time, painting one while waiting for the others to dry. I use watercolours, dip pen and ink.

“My favourite character in the book is actually the fox. She is inspired by my wonderfully expressive feline friend, Tilly. The fox was such a joy to paint that I was sad when the illustrations with her were finally complete.

“I couldn’t help myself but to do one more illustration with her and thus the back cover with the fox driving off in the transit van was created.

“The cow was the only character in the story who had nothing special attributed to her in the text itself.

I had an idea of giving her a few items of clothing. She really stands out now and is the most fashion conscious character in the book with her black leather studded coat, the little trilby and Dr. Marten boots.

“My freedom as the illustrator allowed me to take the ideas already in the text and to push them even further. For example, the number plate on the van reads GBM for Gingerbread Man. “The book has had some wonderful reviews. Parents have told me that it has become their child’s new favourite bedtime story, calling for it to be read again and again.

“A wonderful comment I received from the author, Neil Trigger, was: ‘I just do pictures. You make worlds.’

To get your copy of The Gingerbread Man by Diana Mazuru and Neil Trigger, visit Amazon. It would also make a lovely Christmas present!

Talented illustrator Diana Mazuru

An architect’s impression gives an aerial view of the new building

Work on state-of-the-art STEM Centre to start in spring 2016 Detailed plans for a new fivestorey multi-million pound science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) building have been submitted by City College Plymouth.

The 51,000 sq ft development on the Kings Road site includes a new three-storey atrium which will link the STEM development to existing college buildings. It will accommodate 450 students and staff.

Construction of the new building will enable the college’s Goschen Centre to be closed and the transfer of some 1600 students, mostly part time, and staff to Kings Road.

The state-of-the-art STEM Centre is designed to inspire and train learners in key priority growth sectors for the city.

The college will receive £2.7m funding for the project from the Regional Growth Fund, while Plymouth City Council has set aside up to £4m funding towards the development.

A view of the building from the current college entrance

The new building will occupy land currently used mainly for visitor parking and the proposals include plans for 200 parking spaces in Stonehouse Creek to be allocated to college staff and students.

If the plans are approved by City Council planners work on the new development is expected to start in February 2016 and be available for education purposes by September 2017.

Deadline for comments on the proposal is October 27.

A church for LIFE not just for Sundays

Stoke Damerel Church is being transformed to meet the needs of the 21st century and beyond - just as the building has changed and developed over its 800-year history to meet the changing needs of the people it serves.

It is believed to be the oldest church in the Plymouth area and has been very

significant in the history of the city. No-one knows exactly when a church was first built on the site, but it is believed to have been in the 1200s with alterations and additions over the following years. A plaque just inside the main door records the names of Rectors over seven centuries, starting with Henry

Figure 1 Visual showing level floor and a light interior with a combination of chairs and short pews (which are moveable)

Figure 2 Visual showing level floor and a light interior with a combination of chairs in the round and short pews moved to the side

Le Megre in 1310.

Generations of Stoke families have connections with the church, and they are getting the chance to find out more about it at an event later this month.

People interested in the future of Stoke Damerel are being invited to an Open Day on Saturday 28th November between 10am - 1pm to see displays illustrating the proposed changes to the interior.

There will be a chance to talk to the architect, vicar, churchwardens and others about these plans. The involvement and interest of the local community will be greatly valued and all comments and suggestions much appreciated.

Most of the present building dates back to the 18th century when the church building was made wider to accommodate the growing local population, workers drawn to the area by the chance of jobs in the nearby dockyard when the wars in France caused an increase in ship building.

History has left the 21st century parish of Stoke Damerel with a church building far bigger than it now needs. Its future is at

risk if it stays purely as a place for worship. The way the church is run and paid for also has to change in order to preserve the historic and heritage aspects of what is a landmark Stoke building. The hope is that the building’s full potential will be unlocked so it can serve the wider community, without risking what already makes it so special to Stoke and the wider city.

Approval has been given for the church to move forward with plans drawn up by Le Page Architects to create a light, airy, multi purpose public area of 400 sq metres including a smaller worship space. “We have a big and beautiful ancient building, used for worship three hours a week. We need to turn it into something useful, a space we can all use for a variety of activities, a space that can be enjoyed by more people and a more diverse group of people than at present” said Marilyn Goldsbrough, Churchwarden.

The plans include an under-floor heating system, a new lighting and audio visual scheme, a limestone floor and flexible seating. The work will be done in two stages with the heating, lighting,

flooring and seating being part of Stage One and a small kitchen, increased storage, organ repairs, redecoration etc to follow in Stage Two. It is hoped Stage One will be completed by late Spring 2016.

Whether you are someone who wants a parish church for the family occasions of baptism, wedding or funeral, someone who attends at Easter, Christmas, Harvest Festival, someone interested in history and architecture, a regular worshipper or just curious about what is going on locally, the Open Day is the chance to find out more and to have your say. There will be the usual excellent Stoke Damerel hospitality with tea, coffee, home-made cakes and biscuits.

In today’s secular and

multifaith society, when church attendance is low, surprising numbers of people still want to see church buildings maintained. The buildings provide inspiration and peace, are testaments to exquisite craftsmanship and the memory of a community.

This is especially true of Stoke Damerel with its many reminders of years gone by.

Creating an economically viable public space while maintaining the building’s integrity as a place of worship will safeguard and conserve the church for future generations.

Open Day: Saturday 28th November 10am – 1pm, Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke PL1 5QL. For more information contact Church Wardens 01752 564847, 01752 347309.

Figure 3 Present interior showing uneven floor, dark interior and immoveable fixed pews

The Plymouth Shopper

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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 6

Popular Christmas Fayre at Ford Park Cemetery Ford Park Cemetery’s popular Christmas Fayre will take place on November 28 in the Visitor Centre and Chapel. There will be various stalls, crafts, homemade bakes, tombola, Body Shop stall and lots more.

This year there will be two special guests at the event.

For the first hour there will be a surprise visitor for the children, while the other special guest will be there all day.

There will be something for all the family, along with refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies and cream, teas and coffees. Christmas draw tickets will be on sale with a top prize of £100 and many other attractive prizes.

Anyone wishing to purchase a table (cost £10) please contact the Cemetery Office (weekdays only) on 01752 665442 for further details. There will also be the opportunity to purchase or order your Christmas wreathes.The fair gets under way at 11am entry is 20p.

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 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.

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

The present exhibition ‘Devonport High School: the Early Years’ continues until November 22 and is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

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.

The annual Christmas Carol Service will be on Wednesday December 2 starting at 6.30pm. The choir from Hyde Park School will provide the entertainment.

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.

Tickets for this event cost £5 and can be purchased in advance from the Cemetery office.

The weekend of December 5 and 6 sees the return of the popular ‘Illuminated Christmas Village’ - a magical Christmas wonderland in miniature. The event is open from 2pm to 5pm both days and entry is free (donations welcome).

On Saturday December 5 there will be a wreath making workshop, where participants will be able to make their own Christmas wreath to take home. It takes place at the Visitor Centre between 10am and 3pm and costs £15.

Bring food to share for lunch, but tea coffee and biscuits will be provided.

To book a place contact the Cemetery Office between 10am and 3pm or after hours speak to Maggie Heath on 01752 480267. All are welcome - but places are limited so early booking is recommended.

Meanwhile the Christmas Draw will take place on the afternoon of December 6 starting at 3pm.

Faure’s Requiem at Stoke Damerel Trefor Farrow will once again be taking up his baton to rehearse a Scratch Faure’s Requiem at Stoke Damerel Church in Paradise Road on November 7.

All choirs and singers are welcome to rehearse from 2pm onwards, followed by a refreshment break and the concert at 7pm, with Sidnee Ponsford in her debut solo, singing Pie Jesu.

Participation is £10 and the concert is £5, tickets at the door. Further details can be obtained from Marilyn Goldsbrough on 01752 564847 or marilyngoldsbrough@ hotmail.com. All proceeds to Stoke Damerel Church restoration fund.

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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. Details Dave Crawford 01752 407047 Country Music Venue 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.

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.

Monthly Soup lunch for all the community Last Wednesday of the month Lovely homemade soup, cake, tea & coffee all for £3 at the St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green, off Crownhill Road, Higher St Budeaux. from 12.15 - 2 p.m. A warm welcome awaits all those who come. Have a go at the quiz if you want, browse the jigsaw library or just enjoy the company.

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 Community Activities Various dates Evening events at Keyham Community Sports Hall, Drake Primary School, Saltash Road. Monday: Karate classes suitable for children/families and adults. 5pm to 8pm; Tuesday: Keep fit classes. Making exercise fun and easy to do. 6.15pm to 7.15pm; Wednesday: Yoga classes.

Beginners/intermediate - first tester session free. 7pm to 8.30pm. The Community Sports Hall has spaces available for hire, for further information contact Roy Burt Sports Development Coordinator at the school on 01752 567649.

Circle Dance 2nd, 3rd and 4th Mondays of the month. Yealmpton Circle Dance Group. The Regency Room, Kitley House Hotel, Yealmpton. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A variety of dance styles

Top architect for RIBA lecture RIBA South West and Plymouth University are hosting the first ever Plymouth Annual Lecture with the renowned architect Jamie Fobert.

The lecture will take place on Tuesday November 10 from 5.30pm to 7pm in the university’s Portland Square Stonehouse Theatre.

Award-winning Jamie Fobert Architects has established a reputation for innovative and inspiring architectural design in the residential, retail and arts sectors. Working with diverse clients, from cultural organisations such as Tate and Kettle’s Yard to luxury retailers such as Givenchy and Versace, the practice has demonstrated a consistent approach to resolving client ambitions and site complexities into a tactile architecture of volume, material and light.

For booking information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riba-plymouthbranch-annual-lecture-with-jamie-fobert-plymouth-university or contact claire.bower@riba.org from gentle and expressive to lively and joyful. Traditional and contemporary world music.Good for mind, body and spirit. Clearly taught and easy to learn. No partner needed.

Friendly and fun. 01752 880196 for details.

Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available.

Plymouth Croquet Club Hartley Park Reservoir, Mannamead Road. New members welcome. Equipment and tuition available. For further information contact Plymouth 666801.

Keep Fit Classes Wednesdays Jackie Hamlin’s ladies keep fit class Wednesdays 10.15am - 11.15am or 6pm - 7pm at Hyde Park Social Club KFA registered, insured, low fees. Contact Jackie on 01752 672685. All proceeds to Alzheimer’s Society.

Laira Youth Brass Band Thursdays The City’s premier youth brass band meets at Woodford Methodist Church (next to the school) on Thursdays from 7.15 to 8.45 pm. Open to all youngsters from age eight upwards. Contact Tony Hollick on 01752 216784 for details.

Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings.

Plymouth Radio Club

Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well established walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth.

The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on 344048 or the chairman on 405132. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 3” The 3rd book in a popular series of local walks.

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.

Plymouth Inter Varsity Club We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more?

You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org , look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact us direct on 07542 125575.

Second Tuesday of every month.

The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth. Commencing 7.30 pm.

For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07815542477.

Time Out Second and fourth Wednesday A group for individuals who are lonely and isolated. Come for a chat and make new friends. Plymstock United Church, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from 1.30pm 3.30pm. Refreshments £1. Contact Lin: 07818 254527.

Eddystone Model Flying Club Provide help and free instruction for flying radio control fixed wing. Members fly 24/7 weather permitting. New members are welcome as well as experienced fliers. For details visit www.eddystonemfc.net or phone Dave on 07941 040633 or Mike on 01752 403124.

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) The club aims to offer support and understanding to Laryngectomees, and their families and carers. We also extend this invitation to all Head & Neck Cancer sufferers.

Please get in touch and come and join us. Club Members usually meet up at 10.30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month. One month we meet at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital and the following month we take a trip somewhere – anywhere! Please contact Geoff READ on (01752) 563 800 or email him on geoffnread@ gmail.com.

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 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

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.

Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Shirley on 01752 407676.

Weekly Bingo Thursdays Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Jude’s 7pm.

Entrance £1. Tea and biscuits 20p. Draw tickets on sale.

• continued on page 14

Going for Gold!

£100,000 appeal target to transform children’s wards at Derriford of a motorbike business. A team parachute jump is planned next spring and a bake off at Derriford Hospital in November.

The children’s wards at Derriford Hospital are set to be transformed if the Gold Dust Appeal target is reached within 18 months.

There are also a number of volunteering opportunities throughout the next year, including collections, awareness events and for those who’d like to get more involved a ‘Gold Dust Representative’ volunteering role.

Full training and 1-1 support is offered. Organisers are looking forward to hearing from you!

Gold Dust is aimed at raising £100,000 to transform the children’s wards, creating a bright, welcoming environment on level 12 at Derriford Hospital. This will include tactile, colourful and interactive displays for patients and their families.

Launched last year it now has a new fundraising manager – Emma Cronin – and a new look and activities and support are gaining momentum.

From the start, Anita Dykes, Matron for Paediatrics, has been the ‘face’ of Gold Dust. She said: “Having looked after children for more than 20 years I know how important a positive hospital experience is so Gold Dust is particularly close to my heart.

“We are offering children the opportunity to be part of this transformation as we will be using some of their artwork and suggestions. This is really important as it is the children who have to spend time here and we want the environment to be as welcoming and cheerful as possible.”

The family of two-year-old Lucas Carhart got behind the appeal after he had to spend one week in Level

If you would like to get involved and help to fundraise for Gold Dust, visit the Gold Dust page at www. plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/GoldDust and like it on Facebook.

The Carhart family handing over their cheque to Anita Dykes, Matron for Paediatrics and (above right) toddler Lucas pictured during his time in the High Dependency Unit at Derriford

12’s High Dependency Unit when he contracted meningitis. Granddad Neil plus parents Nikki and Jon Carhart-Williams all got behind the fundraising effort. Organised by the Plume of Feathers pub, in Pool, Cornwall, it included a 24-mile sponsored charity walk, a car boot sale, an auction and a cake sale.

More than £800 was raised.

Nikki said: “Our family will be eternally grateful to Level 12 staff for

the care, support and compassion they gave us during a very traumatic event. Lucas was 18 months old when he was admitted to HDU with meningitis.

“I truly believe it was due to the rapid diagnosis and treatment Lucas received that he is with us today. The whole team brought such light into a dark situation. We wanted to give something back to the department as a ‘thank you’. We

will continue to promote and support Gold Dust in the future as they gave our son a future.”

One of the youngest star fundraisers so far has been nine-year-old Ellie Cornish, who has raised almost £500 for the Gold Dust Appeal, by completing a sponsored seven-mile walk between her home and Derriford Hospital and holding a bake sale at her school – Chaddlewood Primary.

Ellie’s mum, Lisa, said: “We want to continue supporting the charity as much as we can. Ellie has luckily never needed hospital treatment but wanted to help a local cause so this seemed perfect.”

Anyone can join in supporting Gold Dust. Free fundraising packs giving ideas on activities can be downloaded from the Gold Dust website, including quick and easy ideas to organise some festive fundraising at home, work or at school. Apart from individuals and schools other fundraisers Ellie Cornish and her mum Lisa present so far have included a rugby club (Ivybridge) and the owners their cheque to Anita Dykes

cityplym.ac.uk

01752 305300

CITY ACHIEVERS

BE PART OF IT

Find out about our range of full-time study programmes and chat to local employers, including Babcock, about their Apprenticeship vacancies

COLLEGE OPEN DAY 7 NOVEMBER I 10AM - 1PM I KINGS ROAD

The Plymouth Shopper

9

Charities meet over tea in Lord Mayor’s Parlour Representatives from two of Plymouth’s charities met for tea in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour. They were there to collect cheques from the city’s Lord Mayor’s Charity raised during the tenure of the former Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Fox. In all a grand total of £5950.96 was raised during Mike’s period as Mayor which divided equally between three charities with a city link.

Before being presented with their cheques the represented enjoyed tea and biscuits and took the opportunity to ‘share notes’.

Both Eunice Halliday of the Foodbank and Dania Shaw from Alzheimer’s Society said there were popular misconceptions about their work. Eunice pointed out that many felt that they were giving food to people who wouldn’t help themselves. But an increasing number of working people were looking in for food parcels.

“We have supported over 7,000 people in the last year with food, toiletries and other provisions. It’s never just about food but

Story and photo

by Roy Perring also a listening ear and possible advice.”

Dania said that many thought Alzheimer’s was a condition affecting old people when it can affect anyone at anytime. 3,500 people in the city have been diagnosed and the figure is rising.

Both charities received cheques for £1983.65 and a third charity Help for Heroes is due to receive the same.

Mike Fox who chose the charities when Lord Mayor said he had wanted to help across the city.

He chose Help for Heroes because of the city’s status as a garrison town, the Foodbank due to the fact that many were Former Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Fox presenting cheques to representatives from Plymouth Foodbank and the Alzheimer’s Society suffering because of austerity measures which will include a reduction in tax credit and Alzheimer’s because he wanted to do something for the elderly.

The money is raised throughout the year from events including a carol service and a charity dinner, with people given tours of the Lord Mayor’s Residence at Elliott Terrace on The Hoe also invited to make donations. Individuals and organisations also made donations to the charity fund.

FathersHouseSW

Sat 21st November 2015 7:30pm Sun 22nd November 2015 10:30am at The King’s, Tavistock

Sun 22nd November 2015 7:30pm The Worship Centre, Estover, Plymouth

I

Listen to Ian & Marj Rossol on Chris Cole’s Art of Living programme

2nd November - 10am 10th November - 10am 14th November - 5pm 19th November - 10am

Podcasts • Newsletter • Event details For more information info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

10

A brand new employability passport to help young people with their future careers has been officially launched.

Representatives from Plymouth schools and businesses were at Devonport Guildhall to formally mark the rollout of the Passport after a successful pilot scheme last year involving several schools, led by Devonport High School for Boys and Eggbuckland Community College.

The passports will give employers more information about students other than just qualifications, including attitude, punctuality and communication skills. The passport, developed by schools working in partnership with Plymouth City Council, is also being embraced by local businesses that recognise its value to provide better opportunities to create smooth transitions into future employment.

Ian & Marj Rossol

an and Marj Rossol are based at All Nations Church Leicester.

They have a national and international ministry to the body of Christ. They desire to see each person released into their God-given supernatural birthright and heritage – rooted in the love of the Father, growing in the grace of Jesus and overflowing with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

New employability passport will help open up the world of work

The Plymouth Shopper

It’s intended to embed work skills into the curriculum through real life projects and work placements and greater engagement between businesses and schools. This will demonstrate to prospective employers, or higher education providers, the work and employability skills that students have gained.

Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans said: “It’s really important that our young people not only have good academic qualifications but they are also able to demonstrate some important life skills like organising, managing time and problem solving for potential employers as well.

“Introducing a young people’s skills passport, so that our young people are job ready after leaving school was one of our pledges to the people Plymouth, so I’m really pleased that we are now able to offer our young people more than just academic qualifications in Plymouth.

“The really exciting part of this passport is we are able to link schools with business initiatives such as Building Plymouth and the 1000 Club and that means we can create more opportunities for our young people to work with businesses who can validate their skills.”

The passports require the young people to take part in activities both individually and in teams and both inside and outside of school to develop skills such as communication, planning and time management, and to explore the world of work and possible career paths. Successful completion of a passport will provide the student with a record of

achievement and as such as will give more information about students than just their exam qualifications, and show prospective employers the work and employability skills that students have gained.

Plymouth’s 1000 Club, a network of over 1500 businesses, encourages students to work towards the completion of the passport.

Elaine Budd, the 1000 Club Coordinator said: “Plymouth’s local employers and educators have confirmed the need for more young people to be instilled with attitudes and skills that make them ‘job ready’. The 1000 Club was established to support businesses to create more opportunities for young people and this is a very important initiative to ensure that young people are able to compete in a very competitive job market.”

The Passport will offer three levels of awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold depending on levels of achievement, with progression between levels. Activities from existing initiatives, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, can be considered as evidence for different challenge areas within the Employability Award.

The Careers Education, Information and Guidance Network (CEIAG), who led the development of the Passport, designed the

Pictured with students from Devonport High School for Boys and Eggbuckland Community College are Steve Jones, Bailey Partnership, Lynn Harris, careers coordinator at Eggbuckland Community College, Council Leader Tudor Evans and Sue Moreton IAG coordinator at Devonport High School for Boys

award to help students to not only reach these standards, but to recognise the skills they are developing, and receive recognition for those achievements. Plymouth and Devon Chamber of Commerce is also behind the passport, Cate Taynton, operations manager (Projects) for Plymouth and Devon Chamber of Commerce said: “Developing the skills of the next generation is a key lobbying focus for Plymouth and Devon Chamber and Chambers of Commerce across the country.

“Nurturing the business leaders of tomorrow and preparing young people for the world of work are necessary steps in filling the skills gap. Soft skills like communication, teamwork and enthusiasm are just as important as academic qualifications to employers, and with this in mind the Chamber is pleased to support this new initiative that will support young people in developing these important work place skills.”

Eighth anthology of young people’s writing launched Plymouth’s future authors, poets and playwrights have been celebrated at the launch of a special ceremony.

The eighth anthology is packed with around 100 pieces of written work written entirely by the children and young people of Plymouth.

This year’s anthology theme of starlight has framed our local brightly shining stars alongside their partners in Plymouth Massachusetts, as this is the first of the Mayflower 400 anthology set of five that will run right through until 2020. The publication now features the work from children on both sides of the Atlantic.

Earlier in 2015, school pupils were invited to submit their

creatively written pieces, for consideration and over 500 did! The successful young authors were presented with their very own copies of the anthology from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr John Mahony, along with book tokens.

The event this year also saw the announcement of the winner of the Young City Laureate competition 2015 that provides an opportunity for young people over the age of 16 to write for the city, for special events. This year’s winner was Jessica Holloway.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “Yet again I’m amazed by the talent and creativity of our young people.

Some of the pieces of work featured in this year’s anthology are absolutely breath taking. I know that some of the young people who have contributed this year will have a fantastic career ahead of them.”

Young City Laureate winner Jessica Holloway pictured with other young writers, along with the Lord Mayor and Bertel Martin, director of the Plymouth International Book Festival Pupils from Oakwood School (in blue) are Isabel Ashton and Abigail Finnie with the assistant head Sally Cresswell Pupils in brown from Beechwood School are Poppi Weeks, Becky Birchall and Katie Parratt together with assistant head Laura Warren

The anthology is funded by Plymouth City Council and is part of autumn literacy based events that will see many schools and colleges across the city taking part in a range of activities to raise the profile of literacy and English, from the Young City Laureate to the Young Motion Plymouth film awards.

Bertel Martin, Plymouth International Book Festival Director said: “I am pleased Plymouth City Council and Literature Works, the literature development agency for the south west, have continued to support this exciting opportunity. It is great to be able to promote the writing talent of Plymouth through this award.”

Copies of the Plymouth anthology will be sent to all Plymouth schools and libraries for everyone to enjoy.

‘Be the best that you can be at ND!’

The Lord Mayor presents an anthology to one of the youngsters at the ceremony. Below: Young writers from Beechwood and Oakwood Schools

Next Step Evening Monday 9 November 2015 6pm for a 6.30pm start in the Main Hall Interested in joining Stoke Damerel Sixth Form?

Meet the subject leaders and find out more at our A Level and BTEC exhibition Car parking in the Business Park

Notre Dame Plymouth Childcare - Open To Everyone

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The Plymouth Shopper is a series of community newspapers distributed to 62,000 homes across the city on a monthly basis.

We welcome details of local stories, including success, awards, appointments and events.

Send your items by e-mail to: info@cornerstonevision.com

7 Ofsted registred childcare settings offering Full day, Pre schools, holiday clubs and under 2 years care.

We have free funded places available for 2,3 and 4 yr olds.

Eggbuckland 01752 796079

Widewell 01752 788345

29 Bellamy Cl, Plymouth (holiday play sessions available)

1 Tiverton Cl, Plymstock (children from 18 months)

Goosewell Rd, Plymstock

Trevorder Cl,Torpoint (children from 18 months)

Goosewell 01752 403394

Plymstock 01752 481152 Stokingway Cl, Plymstock

Torpoint 01752 812970

Plympton 01752 337817

Hillcrest Cl, Plympton Full day care. (holiday play sessions available open 50 weeks a yr, 0-8yrs)

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 3rd December 2015 4.30pm - 6.30pm

Crownhill 01752 769606

Crownhill Fort Rd, Plymouth.

Full day care. (open 50 weeks a yr, 2-6yrs)

From September 2015

the Crownhill branch will be open 7.00am - 6.00pm daily, 50 weeks a year

01752 788 345 - Administration Office jackandjillschildcare.co.uk

t:

01752 775101

w: ndonline.org @ndplymouthsixth /NotreDamePlymouth The Plymouth Shopper

11

Get involved in shaping Special Feature

the future of where you live People across Plymouth are being asked about the land in the city as the next phase of the Plymouth Plan gets underway.

Residents are being asked to

take a good look at their own neighbourhood, as well as the whole city, to give their views on what land should be set aside for homes, which land should be protected as green space and which infrastructure is needed to make this happen, including roads, schools and health services.

Plymouth Plan Part One has now been approved as the one strategic document for the city and sets out what Plymouth should be like by 2031. Plymouth Plan Part Two is asking the questions where and how this should be delivered.

The Plymouth Plan:

Out & About

12

The Plymouth Shopper

Each toolkit provides a snapshot so that people can get a feel for what may be needed. It includes statistics and facts so that they can see: • Who lives in their area?

• Which land is going to be considered for development in the future?

• How their local health care facilities compare to others?

• Does their neighbourhood have its fair share of open space?

• Are people who live in their area healthy?

• Is there a crime problem in their area?

• Does the area have good public transport links?

To help make it easier for people to comment, the city has been divided into eight areas and the Council has put together Plymouth Plan toolkits to give people a breakdown of what they need to think about.

Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure Mark Coker said: “This is where we get to the nitty-gritty. This is about applying the goals of how we want this city to reach its potential and where we need to build homes, create jobs and improve people’s health and opportunities.

The Council is hoping community groups will have conversations across the city and use the toolkits for lively discussions about what is important to residents and what they would like to see in their area for the future.

“We all recognise we need new homes, we all know that roads have to be planned and built and there is so much more to do before we have a city where we all enjoy the same outstanding quality of life.”

The Plymouth Plan team is setting out its stall at Plymouth City Market every Friday morning to talk to local people about the toolkits.

Events are being planned around the city and the Plymouth Plan team wants to work with and hear from community groups willing to run an event or workshop.

Groups can apply to the Plymouth Octopus Project for free training and guidance on how to host an event and how to really understand the toolkits. On receipt of comments, the group will be entitled to receive £50.

All information about the Plymouth Plan and the toolkits covering each

area is on www.plymouth.gov.uk/ plymouthplan and comments can be made online.

Comments can also be made on the Plymouth Plan Facebook page or on Twitter @PlymouthPlan or email plymouthplan@plymouth. gov.uk Paper copies of all the toolkits will be available to view in all our libraries as well as the 1st Stop Shop in New George Street.

Anyone interested in setting up a consultation should get in touch with pop@zebra.coop The consultation runs until 8 January 2016.

Special Feature

What does the plan say about around here?

The South West Toolkit covers:

Ford, Keyham, Morice Town and Stoke In this area:

 Stoke is a key conservation area of the city  There is a lot of dense terraced housing  Devonport and Alexandra Park are of city-wide importance  Three in ten children are classed as living in poverty

 Anti-social behaviour is the highest type of crime reported  There are five GP surgeries in the area  A lot of people cycle to work  Deprivation is relatively high in the area  There are almost double the

amount of allotments per person than the average in the city  More people have degrees in this area than other areas of the city  We know of six sites which may come forward for development in the future

The Central Toolkit covers:

Efford, Greenbank and University, Higher Compton, Lipson and Laira, Mannamead, Mount Gould, and Peverell and Hartley In this area:

 A new history centre is being planned for the city on the current Central Library site  Nearly 50 sites have been identified for possible development in the future  There is a lot of accessible green space in the area which may not be protected

 A lot of students live in this area  Nine per cent of residents provide unpaid care to either family or friends  4,325 people who live in the area work in education  The amount of people with no qualifications is low compared to the Plymouth average

 Not a lot of crime is reported in Compton  A lot of the households in the area are likely to recycle  Unemployment is low in the area  The amount of people who privately rent is higher than the Plymouth average

The North Toolkit covers:

Eggbuckland, Estover, Glenholt and Derriford East, Derriford West and Crownhill, Leigham and Mainstone, Manadon and Widey, Southway and Widewell In this area:

 Over 50 sites are expected to come forward for development  While there is a lot of green space in the area, a lot is inaccessible and there are not a lot of allotments in the area  25 per cent of the population

has no qualifications  68 per cent of properties are privately owned  Steep hills make getting around challenging  People in Crownhill are likely to recycle

Live here?

Work here?

Play here?

Click here!

A new interactive Plymouth Plan website has been launched to help users get to the issues they are interested in just by clicking.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, Councillor Mark Coker said: “We wanted the plan in one place that people can access from home and from work, but needed to make it easy to navigate as well as keeping it simple and informative.

“It works on many levels.

Developers can click through to pages detailing policy that will be relevant to them. Investors can see how we plan to grow the city and keen sportsmen and women will be able to click onto policies which set out how we will support our champions as well as our grassroots teams and those who want to keep fit.”

The interactive site has been developed by local gaming company Mutant Labs.

Neighbourhood planning manager Hannah Sloggett added: “We wanted to make it funky and fun but also get some pretty important information across.

“We are keen to help people see the link between having a plan and seeing change on the ground. It is not always easy to see the connection but the major regeneration at Millbay for instance, would not happen without having a plan in the first place. We want people to get involved right from the start.”

The whole site is linked to Twitter and Facebook and people will be able to share and like information.

To visit the interactive plan visit: www.theplymouthplan.co.uk

 Other than the City Centre, a lot of the city’s jobs are in this area  Confusing roads make getting around difficult

There’s much more detail about all the areas in the toolkits and online. Get involved and #HaveYourSay on these statistics and the land in your local area!

GET INVOLVED!

www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthplan /PlymouthPlan •

@plymouthplan The Plymouth Shopper

13

MONEY MA££ERS with Tony Jopson

Citizens Advice Plymouth are hoping to build a local network of campaigners to influence change at local and national levels and are currently looking for volunteers to support our Settled and Safe campaign in the community, writes Alanna Jones.

The Citizens Advice service is well known for the advice it provides to people with a whole range of issues including dealing with debts, understanding the benefits system, getting to grips with civil court proceedings and dealing with housing problems.

We are less well known for the efforts we make on behalf of our clients to influence change and raise awareness of common problems and basic rights.

In the last year we have worked with the local authority to identify problems with the process of assessing people’s ability to pay for adult social care services, we have promoted awareness of scams, how to avoid them and what to do when you do get caught out.

We have identified common employment problems and are working towards legislative change to protect people from bullying and harassment in the work place and we are actively working with the council and other organisations to make improvements to the private rented housing sector.

We also collate much of the evidence we get about the problems people face to make recommendations to the council when they are looking at policy development.

Over the next year we would like to focus more on our campaign work, particularly in supporting people to influence change in the areas that particularly affect their lives.

We have spent the summer talking to people in the community about the things that most need changing. We spent time

Volunteers needed for community campaigns

talking to people who already volunteer for us and for other organisations and also to people who do not normally volunteer for us, either because of where they live or because they are employed.

Particular concerns that people talked about were: • Local infrastructure: traffic, public transport and parking and isolation of older people • Rogue Landlords and Letting Agents fees and awareness of renters rights • Benefit delays and cuts • Support for people with disabilities • Awareness of employment rights • Consumer rights awareness • Tackling the need for foodbanks The most common issue across the different areas that we went to was around private rented housing, so we are looking for people to support our Settled and Safe campaign. For more information on the campaign, visit the Policy research and campaigns section of www.citizensadvice.org.uk .

We are looking to recruit 12 volunteers from across the city to work in their local communities to generate support for the campaign by getting people to share their stories about private renting experiences, complain about bad letting agent practices and raise awareness of renters rights.

If you are interested in volunteering as a community campaigner, please contact Rob Bourne on 01752 676092.

Universal budgeting improvements will be needed So ‘Universal Credit’ (UC) is starting to bite throughout the country. It hasn’t hit Plymouth yet but is planned to do so at some stage, first in postcodes PL2 and PL4 I believe, possibly in 2016.

The introduction of Universal Credit aims to encourage people back into work by financially incentivising them to obtain a job. It also seeks to simplify the benefits system by introducing a single benefit, which replaces all the following existing benefits: • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Housing Benefit • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support Once a claim is made for Universal Credit any benefits that it replaces will stop and claimants will start getting Universal Credit instead.

A major change is that the previous benefits are paid at various times and frequencies during a month, whereas UC is just one monthly payment. So instead of multiple smaller receipts at different times in a month, a UC claimant will have one larger sum of money to manage.

UC also requires claims to be made online so internet access is crucial.

As with any welfare reform, those parts of the country where UC has been introduced have invariably experienced teething problems. As well as problems caused by

the delays between one benefit stopping and UC (not immediately) replacing it, UC places a lot more responsibility on the claimants to manage their household budgets.

Many of us have probably heard of the students who ‘blow’ the majority of their maintenance loans on partying during Fresher’s Week having received a huge slug of money into their bank account that is supposed to last them all term!

Well, similar issues have faced recipients of UC; many UC recipients in the North West, where UC was piloted, have got into rent arrears because they are unable to manage their monthly budgets. Suddenly having money in the bank is evidently too tempting for some claimants not to rush out and spend! But what happens when the rent is due?

I can only urge readers who may shortly need to claim UC to brace themselves and to apply a more disciplined approach to managing their personal household budgets. Once funds are received (possibly in advance of bills) set aside the monies you will need for the regular monthly bills (such as rent, rates, light and heat), maybe in a separate ‘savings’ account so that it is there later in the month when these bills become payable.

Help is available; there may be a CAP Money budgeting and money management course available near you. Go to www. capmoney.org.uk and search your area for a course. If there isn’ t one and you want to attend one email me and I will see if I can get one set up in your area.

Alternatively budgeting assistance can probably be obtained from the other organisations listed below.

If you do want to know more about UC the helpline number is listed below. If you do have debt problems please seek independent, professional and confidential help. Apart from ourselves, there are other also organisations that you can contact: Universal Credit helpline 0345 600 0723 Christians Against Poverty (Plymouth) 0800 328 0006 (freephone) CAP Money website: www.capmoney.org.uk Plymouth Focus (money advice centre) 01752 669785 Citizens Advice (Plymouth) 01752 520052 Tony Jopson, FCA Insolvency Consultant, 246 Peverell Park Road, Plymouth Telephone: 01752 775068

Building youngsters skills to help career prospects

We will give full training including working with traditional and social media and event planning.

‘Thin blue line in danger of disappearing under cuts’ Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans has called for an urgent meeting with top police officials to discuss proposals to close two police stations in the city.

Devon and Cornwall Police announced plans to close police stations and offices across their area in the next five years in a bid to save £29m from its current budget.

Plympton and Beacon Park are in the line of fire for closure together with a property store.

Councillor Evans said: “We know only too well how hard it is to provide essential services with a dwindling pot of money, however the scale and the savagery of these proposals across the region has come as a shock to us – and I’m sure to residents living in the east of the Plymouth and in neighbourhoods around Ham and Beacon Park 14

“Closing Plympton leaves the city with no visible police presence in the east of the city and shutting Beacon Park means that a vital community link has been lost.

“This is a lot of pain for a million quid – under this government the thin blue line is in danger of disappearing altogether. This does have implications for our residents – even just to see a police car or an officer near these buildings sends out a reassuring message.

“I would also like to know why the police, who we work so closely with to improve life for our residents, thought it was acceptable to not tell us about these plans.”

Councillor Evans also called on the city’s MPs to put pressure on the government to provide more funding.

“Everywhere we look, publically funded services are being hacked to pieces – what more has to happen for our MPs to start questioning how little this city is getting.”

The Plymouth Shopper

Plymouth Argyle chief executive Martyn Starnes and club captain Curtis Nelson (centre) pictured with youngsters on the Skills Aid programme

A successful scheme designed to support young people in Plymouth to gain important employability skills, with the support of volunteer mentors is back for a second year.

Skills Aid Plymouth (SAP) is a joint project between Plymouth City Council and Plymouth’s Rotary Clubs, who have provided the majority of the volunteer mentors working on the scheme.

It is designed to help pupils understand and gain important employability skills which will improve future chances – in an

increasingly competitive jobs market – and broaden their career options.

The second programme was officially launched at Plymouth Argyle where a group of 20 young people aged 14 to 15 met their new mentors over some team building and a few footie skills.

The event marked the first of ten exciting business hosted event days involving local companies from wide-ranging sectors.

Plymouth Argyle chief executive Martyn Starnes said: “Having supported the Skills Aid Plymouth programme last year we are delighted to have the chance to

help a new cohort of students to gain vital employability skills and to also learn about the whole variety of careers here at PAFC.” Thirteen year old Leo took part in the first SAP and said that he felt he’d gained confidence since being on the project: “We learnt a lot about work. We also saw that the jobs that are available are not just the obvious ones.

“Every business needs lots of different skills, such as communication, team work, planning, good time keeping and leadership. I think the whole experience helped us realise what we need to do to get the jobs that we would really like.”

The schools taking part this year are Sir John Hunt and Eggbuckland Community College.

Ten students most likely to benefit most from the scheme have been put forward by both of the schools.

An additional feature of this year’s Skills Aid is the introduction of the Employability Passport into the programme. This will enable the students to receive endorsements of the employability skills gained from each of the businesses they visit. In addition the students have been assigned personal mentors for one year, who will not only help them with practical learning tasks but will also accompany them on business visits.

WIN TICKETS TO THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN’S REACH OUT® 2015 SHOW Friday 4 December 2015 at the Plymouth Pavilions Novel available at www.thepurpleveil.com

Celebrating 50 years of UK number one hit singles, the Magic of Motown is coming to town with its all-new Reach Out 2015 Tour and we have 3 pars of tickets to see the show to give away.

Simply answer the question at the foot of this article and send in to win!

The Magic of Motown 2015 Reach Out Tour brings to the stage 36 chart toppers back-toback in one critically-acclaimed production.

Direct from the USA, The Magic of Motown promises five-star performances that will authentically revive the style and sophistication of everyone’s favourite musical legends.

This year the show will include more number one hits than ever before. Classic hits from the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and The Supremes are packed into the twohour spectacular.

As well as dazzling dance moves and

glittering costumes galore, the elusive, authentic sound of the original artistes is recreated as the spectacular production celebrates its twelfth year on this tour.

You can guarantee that the score will be – with a nod to the great Stevie Wonder – uptight. . . alright and out of sight!

The first three entries drawn in our exclusive competition will win a pair of tickets to the show. To enter please answer this simple question: Where is the The Magic of Motown from?

To buy tickets contact: Plymouth Pavilions www.plymouthpavilions.com

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Entry Coupon Please send your completed entry coupon to The Magic of Motown Competition, The Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4PY by the closing date of 30 November 2015. Please answer the question and enter your name and contact details below.

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TUNE IN on 96.3FM or listen online at www.xrhyth.ms/crplymouth

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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • • continued from page 8 Pennycross Friendship Group Thursdays The group meet every Thursday at 2pm in the Pennycross Methodist Church, Pridham Lane off Beauchamp Road, Peverell. Interesting speakers and outings. New members always welcome. For details 01752 362099.

The Boys Brigade Various dates For more information visit www.plymouth.boys-brigade. org.uk. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Jude’s Church Halls (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays). New members welcome. Age groups: Anchor Boys (5 to 7); Juniors (8-11) and Company Section (12-18). The Boys Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people. Contact the development team at plymouth.battalion@tiscali.co.uk or call 01579 346218.

5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time, and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6pm-7pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 11-18yrs (6.30-9pm).

Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp(8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life.

Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@ blueyonder.co.uk for further information 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit http//:7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk 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 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.

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.

Plymouth West Country Embroiderers Various dates Started in 1972. A friendly group of enthusiastic needleworkers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Trainees (age 8-15) meet first Saturday each month from 11am to 3pm. Adults meet on second Thursday and fourth Saturday each month from 10.30am. We welcome experts and beginners of all ages.

Contact Mary 01752 200047 for details.

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

Mums and Babies Tuesdays Mums and Babies is a support group for mums with babies from birth to eight months old. Come and meet other new mums and enjoy being spoilt by our sympathetic leaders with tea, coffee, biscuits and a listening ear. £2 a session.

We meet at Hope Baptist Church Hall, Peverell Corner, Plymouth from 1pm to 2.30pm. For more information ring the church office on 01752 708090.

16

The Plymouth Shopper

Audition success at Barbican Theatre Over 120 young people from across the city attended the Barbican Theatre’s Company b dance auditions.

Barbican Theatre opened its doors and welcomed creative motivated young people to audition for a place in the theatre’s renowned resident companies; Company b Theatre & Company b Dance.

This unique award winning theatre nestled in the heart of the Barbican was bursting at the seams with the sheer numbers of young people wanting to train, rehearse, perform and be part of a company of like-minded people.

One auditionee from Company b Theatre said: “It was buzzing. I’ve never taken part in anything like it, there were people rehearsing all over the building. It was tough, but also so much fun”. I am really hoping I get offered a place!”

Both companies train and rehearse with some of the best dance and theatre practitioners working regionally, including Artistic Director Mark Laville and Dance Director Jules Laville. The young performers will also work with other inspirational regional and national artists like Richard Chappell, Mars Tarrab, Company Chameleon, Le Navet Bete, 2 Faced Dance, James Wilton and Bryony Kimmings.

Barbican Theatre’s artistic director Mark Laville said: “The standard has been astonishingly high. We’ve been blown away by their enthusiasm and motivation; these young people are a credit to our city.”

For the young people who are not selected for either company they are offered other opportunities, either within the theatre’s Performance Training programme or to one of the other dance

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.

Sequenced Dance Saturdays St Gabriels Church Hall, Hyde Park 7.30pm to 10pm Modern Sequence Dancing Tuesdays and Wednesdays Sequence dancing for all. Further details 01752 493311.

Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening.

Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For more information visit www.pmhc.co.uk The Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford.

The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926 The Rainbow Experience First Tuesday of each month Social/Support group for older lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people (50ish and over) living in and around Plymouth. Meet at Plymouth Arts Centre, Looe Street, Plymouth, (near Bretonside bus station) at 2.30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month. It provides a safe, non judgemental and encouraging atmosphere for LGBT people to meet and share experiences. For more information contact David on 07722 019423.

Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall. Seeking to fill vacancies in all sections. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434.

This year is the choir’s centenary.

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 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.

and theatre groups in the city. This is part of Barbican Theatre’s commitment to provide every young person who attends with relevant progressive pathways.

“We work really hard to ensure that as many young people as possible are made aware of the Barbican Theatre’s professional, affordable and accessible performance training. We do this through school assemblies, workshops

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.

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.

Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7.30pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Twice weekly Meet at Widewell School, Lulworth Drive, Widewell (behind The George at Roborough). Mondays and Thursdays 6.30pm. Over 16 years and all abilities welcome. For info contact widewellstriders@yahoo.com or check out our website www.widewellstriders.co.uk Exercise for Over 60s Tuesdays and Thursdays 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.

Watercolour Group Every Friday 10am to 12 noon at Onward House, 55 Greenbank Road, Plymouth. To join this friendly group just come along or ring the group leader Ray on 01 752 300633 for more information.

Plymouth Magic Circle Every second Thursday We are a small friendly Magic Club who meets every second Thursday at The Walrus, Athenaeum Street, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. All budding magicians are welcome to join us.

For details call Ian Marley on 07979 655018.

and networking community hubs” said Becky Miles, Barbican Theatre’s dance practitioner.

Over the next few months, Company b will be busy creating their first performances for the Spring 2016 platforms.

Watch Barbican Theatre’s website www. barbicantheatre.co.uk for details of these original performances in the new year.

Prince Rock Dog Training Club Puppies to adult classes, obedience training, socialisation.

St Matthias Church Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 7.15pm. More details phone 01752 772411.

Line Dancing Tuesday Evenings.

All levels, from beginner to advanced. 99 per cent country music. Very friendly club. Pennycross Methodist Church Hall, Beauchamp Rd Peverell Tel: Kathy 07780 931456.

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.

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 Mums and Babies Group Tuesdays From 10 am till 11.30 am at Hope Baptist Church Hall, Peverell Corner, Plymouth. Mums and Babies is an informal group which offers support and friendship to new and old mums with babies up to 8 months old. Our sympathetic group leaders will spoil you with endless tea,coffee and biscuits whilst you relax. There is a charge of £2 per session. For details ring the church on 01752 708090.

Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room. Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Jelly Tots Baby & Toddler Group Fridays 9.30am to 11 am at St Budeaux Baptist Church (during Term Time). £1.50 per Family www.stbudeauxbaptist.org.uk 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.

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

The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays).

• continued on page 18

HEATING

THE CHRIS COLE

Experience Inspiring stories of courage fear has a power to immobilise and destroy life. I often hear people ask ‘why does God allow suffering’ and whilst I genuinely understand the question, I have to understand the purpose of the cross; my own conversion experience and like millions across the globe point to Christ’s suffering to realise what He achieved within His own free will to redeem mankind It was stunning, similar to the Pride of from spiritual death.

This verse is read Britain TV programme which celebrates I believe in eternal life and I also believe out in our churches the best in humanity and I think should that without free will there is no such thing at Christmas, but be compulsory viewing for all since it as true love. Christ, in His humanity, had Christmas makes no challenges a cynical world with what is the freewill choice of not going to the cross, sense without Easter. best in humanity. but for the sake of us all, he did. That is Ultimately, He is the This is best demonstrated by people why he is the ultimate hero. greatest and toughest in horrendous circumstances, finding Just before His crucifixion and prayer human and divine something redemptive out of hellish in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus soldier. Not just experiences and courageously turning addresses Peter’s violence. Matthew 26 because of what He these negatives to the good. On the wall v 52 – 54. Then Jesus said to him, “Put endured through His crucifixion, but what of a young person’s home was a sign that your sword back into its place; for all those He spiritually achieved in disarming Satan said “God gives his hardest battles to his who take up the sword shall perish by the as Jesus Christ descended in to hell itself toughest soldiers” which I really respect, sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal and took back the ‘keys of death’ but see it more a case of “God doesn’t to My Father, and He will at once put at Book of Revelation 1.

Verse 17 -19 “When give the hardest battles to His toughest My disposal more than twelve legions of I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead soldiers, He creates the toughest soldiers angels? How then will the Scriptures be man. And He placed His right hand on fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way? through life’s hardest battles”. Believe me, me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first neither am I advocating masochism.

It takes real courage to live selflessly and and the last and the living One; and I was that is why we need God who in Christ is Cross Rhythms is currently interviewing dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, selfless and a servant of all. That is why some courageous people who have had and I have the keys of death and of we need His power to live life even when a spiritual experience with God and they Hades. Therefore write the things which we don’t recognise those moments when are powerful stories because it takes real you have seen, and the things which are, he is holding us up. courage to face the truth of ourselves and and the things which will take place after I believe Jesus encourages us to the circumstances we find ourselves in as these things. become fully human with His Love as the part of the human race.

In these increasingly insecure times, foundation. By the way, I love As I’ve often said if I wasn’t Christmas. It celebrates His doing what I’m currently doing I’d birth, heralding the good news Chris Cole, is the founder of Cross Rhythms charity.

He is also a Fellow probably be working more with of freedom for everyone who Gilead Foundations (rehabilitation) of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Listen to his Cross Rhythms trusts Him as Saviour through Charity, a social ministry that Experience programmes on 96.3FM or online at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/ His life, culminating in His death Cross Rhythms collaborates with. plymouth. Also download Cross Rhythms Plymouth app from Google Play on the cross and resurrection, Why? Because there is nothing which we celebrate at Easter. and the Apple app store.

I recently watched a wonderful programme about child heroes celebrating how these young people were selflessly giving up their own aspirations to care for others.

more inspiring than witnessing people succeed in life coming out of horrendous difficulties and through courage and selflessness fighting against the odds, winning and building something positive in their lives.

We only see the outer person, but God see’s the heart. We don’t know people’s story and therefore that is why we’re called not to judge without first discerning and lovingly understanding the facts.

The law deals with injustice and grace the cause of the offence. Ultimately, in Christian understanding, it is God who judges all.

A personal conviction and spiritual faith in Jesus Christ enables a person to see the world in a way that helps process some of the massively painful situations that life throws at us all. This isn’t about creating a positive mental attitude, although that can help, but it is about focusing on the Cornerstone of Christianity which is Christ’s death and resurrection on the Cross in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.

At Christmas we focus on the statement in the book of Isaiah 9 v. 6 “For a child will

be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”.

VITAL CONTRIBUTION OF FAITH GROUPS IN SERVING SOCIETY Churches and faith groups from across Plymouth have launched a powerful new report in association with UK charity Cinnamon Network, providing clear evidence of the large scale social action impact and economic value these groups are having in the local community.

The Cinnamon Faith Action Audit for Plymouth was launched at an event in the City’s Council Chambers hosted by Churches Together in Plymouth and is the most detailed and comprehensive report of its kind to date.

“We wanted to do this survey to build on our understanding gained from a previous survey in 2010.

Seeing how the work in Plymouth has changed in this time, and comparing Plymouth with other parts of the country should help us be more strategic and identify areas to target.”

All types of faith groups who meet a wide range of social needs including homelessness, social isolation, debt and addiction, were invited to take part in the Plymouth Cinnamon Faith Action Audit in early February this year.

also focused on the need for stronger partnerships to develop between the voluntary sector and the City Council, Police and other agencies in order to ensure help was being given ‘where and when needed most’.

Faith groups often have community based assets that include buildings as well as social networks and skilled volunteers which can be made available for the benefit of the wider community – such as helping with the collection and redistribution of aid for the Syrian refuge crisis.

Among other crucial statistics the survey reveals that the time alone given by churches together and other faith groups through social action projects in the city was worth over £8 million, impacting 120,000 people.

The report highlighted that at a time when budget cuts, changes to benefits and rising housing costs are affecting many in our city, there are groups of committed and faith-driven individuals who are stepping into the gap to support projects such as Foodbanks, Street Pastors, Christians Against Poverty, and Shekinah Mission.

Cinnamon Network’s aim in undertaking the Cinnamon Faith Action Audit nationally was to take a pragmatic approach and recognise that the new government will face a challenge in reducing the deficit.

On a national level this puts time given by UK faith groups into their communities at over £3 billion a year, supporting 48 million beneficiaries.

Faith groups employ over 400 paid staff to oversee projects and activities which are supported by nearly 4,000 volunteers.

Cinnamon Network’s vision is to see local churches and other groups respond to this growing issue in partnership with others.

Local sponsor for the Plymouth Cinnamon Faith Action Audit Chris Clewer said: “It was a privilege to have so many of the churches and faith groups who took part in this audit, members of the police, local agencies and city councilors join us today as we launched this exciting new report.

The report also disproved the stereotype of churches and faith groups predominantly working with women and children as it identified that paid staff and volunteers were actively working with people from all ages and with men and women in almost equal measure.

Cinnamon Network hope that the evidence provided in this report will inspire a greater confidence that faith and faith-based social action is a force for good in society.

The event which not only launched the research itself,

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263 Beacon Park Rd, Plymouth 01752 787600 15 Stuart Rd, Pennycomequick 01752 222003 28 Pomphett Rd, Plymstock 01752 492122 15 Fore Street, Totnes 01803 863448 15 Fore Street, Kingsbridge 01548 853116

At a time of austerity across the UK statutory provision looks set to be increasingly limited for the foreseeable future, creating widening gaps in services.

For more information about Cinnamon Network visit: www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk The Plymouth Shopper

17

• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • • continued from page 16 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 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 Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk.

Tel. 07949 839088 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.

Coffee Afternoon Thursdays Mainstone Community Centre hold a weekly coffee afternoon every Thursday at 2pm Regular events at the Crown Centre, Stonehouse Monday and Tuesday Basic Computer course 9.30am to 11.30am free; Tuesday Art for all: try out a new skill 10am to 12 noon Tuesday Coffee morning; Thursday morning Spreadsheets and other computer skills; Thursday 2.30pm to 4.30pm Brush up on English; Friday afternoon 1.30pm to 4pm Job Club; First Friday of the month 4.30pm to 6pm Messy Church.

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. Details 07752 351234 Market Stalls First Saturday of the month College Road Primary School, Keyham 1.30pm to 3.45pm.

Clothes, jewellery, cards, cakes, knitted goods, toys, and more. Details 07948 315198.

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.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details.

Devonport Park Community Choir Mondays A friendly mixed group of singers meet in the Pavilion Cafe in Devonport Park every Monday evening from 6-7.30pm.

Cost is £3 per session. No previous experience necessary.

For more details telephone 318087.

Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly.11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn.mckenzie1@nhs.net 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.

18

The Plymouth Shopper

Apprentice Ashley’s star performance The first ever Sports Development apprentice taken on by Plymouth City Council has just been named Apprentice of the Year in the Council’s 2015 Star Awards.

Joining Plymouth City Council in 2014, Ashley Piggott had applied for the apprenticeship vacancy through Skills Group, a locally-based independent training provider.

Ashley, 22 from Devonport, has always been interested in sport, particularly football, and after completing his GCSEs started working for Granby Island Community Centre in Devonport as a recreational assistant. However, the pay was not very good so he found work as a taxi operator. When he saw the sports development opportunity advertised he jumped at the chance.

Skills Group training coordinator, Anna Harvey, put Ashley forward for the role at the council. She said: “All employers are looking for the best candidates to bring innovation and new ideas to their organisation.

From the moment I met Ashley he showed a real determination to succeed and a drive to learn new skills. His desire and willingness to improve has helped him to stand out from the crowd.”

Plymouth City Council’s sports development manager, Louise Kelley, who is Ashley’s supervisor, said: “Over the last year Ashley has been involved in the planning, promotion and delivery of a number of projects, including the Plymouth Games rounders event, Ping!

Plymouth – a mass participation table tennis programme – and a weekly multi-sports session at the Devonport Adi-zone for young people aged eight to twelve years.

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.

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 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 Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit well-respected community based Martial Arts club founded over 35 years ago. Classes at Woodview Learning Campus (off Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh) on Mondays and Coombe Dean School, Elburton, Plymstock on Fridays. Times: 7- 8pm Juniors, 7-9pm Adults. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art suitable for both Men and Women learning and working together. Enjoyable interesting, useful, physical, family-friendly activity with Child Safeguarded/ DBS Nationally qualified Instructors leading to recognised gradings appropriate for students of all ages 7yrs to 70yrs.

Fees with concessions; excellent value. Quality equipment including clothing available for purchase at non-profit prices.

Checkout www.plymouthaikido.co.uk or Facebook Page.

Contact Tre or David Worsley 403325, or Phil Smith 219355 for more information.

CoGS Kids Club Wednesdays in term time For primary age children at the Church Hall of The Good Shepherd, Marine Rd, Oreston at 3.30pm. Games, cookery. craft, stories, films. For details contact Steve on 213358 or Sue on 480568.

Beit Ezra Saturdays We are an informal group looking at the Jewish roots of Christianity and the place of the Jewish people and Israel today. We meet from 4pm to 5:30pm at Kinterbury House, Kinterbury St, Plymouth. For details see www.beit-ezra.org.il or email david@beit-ezra.org.il Make A Difference, Plymouth Fridays in term time Support group for parents or carers in Plymouth of children with disabilities or special additional needs either diagnosed or still going through the process. From 10am at Tamar View Community Resource Centre Barne Barton. Open to any parent or carer who can get to us. For further information please visit Make a Difference Plymouth on Facebook or call Kerry on 07599996389.

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. For details visit www.thefillingstation. org.uk or contact Les and Di Wood 01822 854877.

Rainbow Singers Saturdays Come and join our happy band of rainbow singers sharing singing, fellowship and prayer. We meet at St Gabriel’s Church at 10.15 am most Saturdays. For more information please call 01752 262600 Organic Gardening course Thursdays New course started in May based at Keyham Green Project.

Thursdays 9-30am-3-30pm. The course will help teach learners about organic gardening and develop design skills in a beautiful green space in the heart of Keyham. Places are limited: please ring Sandie Morrison on 569340 to book your place email kgpcentre@hotmail.com or for more details about Permaculture email Tess Wilmot.eclipse.co.uk 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.

Whilst working on these projects I have seen Ashley develop as an employee and grow in confidence.

“The whole team are really proud of Ashley and what he has achieved.

We are lucky to have such an enthusiastic, hardworking apprentice who is definitely a STAR in our eyes!”

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Plymouth Youth Cycling.

Various days Free coaching for 10-16 yr olds. Thursdays (mountain bikes) 5pm-6.30pm Life Centre and various locations across Plymouth; Wednesdays HMS Raleigh (road racing bikes).

We can teach you manuals and jumps and how to ride like the Tour de France winners. No fancy gear needed. Bike, helmet and a sense of adventure! For locations and times find us on Facebook.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse, Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more.

If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www.plymouthmac.co.uk The Plymouth & District Egyptology Society First Saturday of the month We are a society of some 50 members whose passion is all things related to Ancient Egypt. Between the months of September of one year to May of the next, we meet on the first Saturday of each of those months, including Day Schools, and long weekend visits to UK and European cities to view Museum Egyptology Exhibitions, enjoying the local sights etc. The Society meets at the Swarthmore Centre on Mutley Plain. Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture. Contact Details: janis.naylor@aol.co.uk Exercise Classes Various days 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 1.40pm-2.45pm.

New Extend Movement to Music classes for the less able Mondays at Miles Mitchell Village Hall 11am to 12 noon and Thursdays 2pm to 3pm at St Bartholmew’s Church Hall. Run

by Birgitta Whight. Contact 01752 408951.

Rainbow Group Tuesdays The group meets at Mount Gould Church from 4.45pm to 5.45pm for girls aged from five to six and a half. For more information contact 07913697767 Sounds Musical Theatre Company Wednesdays Founded in 1911, we are a friendly, diverse group of people who love Musical Theatre and produce two shows a year. In March/April we perform our annual full musical production, with a musical revue in October. Rehearsals are every Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Oreston Methodist Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston. Join us from November onwards for rehearsals for the Pyjama Game. Visit the website www.soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk for more information.

Sequence Dancing for All Saturdays St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Hyde Park Peverell, 7.30pm to 10pm. With tea and biscuits. Everyone welcome.

Yankee Yoga Various days All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes. Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class:Yoga Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill).

Contact Emily on 07478 257080 Singing for the Brain Mondays The Alzheimer’s Society hold Singing for the Brain on every Monday, ( not on Bank Holidays ) at the William Venton Centre, 8 Memory Lane, Plymstock. Do you enjoy singing?

Why not go along and increase your well being with our singing for the brain programme specifically designed for those living with dementia. Carers are welcome too. Join them every Monday between 2pm and 3.30pm.

• continued on page 20

Students join the Royal visitor on HMS Albion The Royal Naval amphibious assault ship HMS Albion received the royal seal of approval when she was visited by Her Royal Highness in Plymouth.

Her Royal Highness toured the warship to receive an up-date on the work in dry dock. During her visit she met workers and also helped inspire a group of young guests to study science and maths and take jobs on similar engineering projects.

The two-year upgrade and upkeep in Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard, began in April and includes key upgrades to greatly enhance the ship’s capability for the Royal Navy to perform in future challenging and demanding operational situations.

The joint MOD/Babcock strategy to encourage students to study science, technology, engineering and maths (jointly known as STEM) was announced during the visit with a launch event for over 120 students with engineeringrelated challenges for them in the huge dry dock and teachers from across Plymouth, on-board HMS Albion.

Babcock managing director warships, Mike Whalley, said: “As the UK’s marketleading engineering support services company Babcock has a big interest in encouraging young people to consider careers in engineering and are proud to announce the joint STEM strategy with the Royal Navy for the Devonport site.

“The aim of the strategy is to encourage more young people to take up STEM qualifications by providing interactive, focused and also fun learning opportunities with local primary and secondary schools and further education establishments.

HMS Albion’s refit will involve 300 people, including 20 Babcock apprentices making the ship the perfect location for young people interested in cutting edge engineering to get involved in STEM-related activities. The STEM project will help refresh Babcock’s pool of talented engineers on Royal Navy projects, requiring 60 graduates and 100 apprentices a year.

Commodore Ian Shipperley, Devonport Naval Base Commander, said: “We are delighted her Royal Highness Princess Anne has visited Albion in the naval base

Princess Royal on the bridge of HMS Albion

to reacquaint herself as lady sponsor of the ship. The refit is going very well. She is also very interested in the STEM initiative.

“Bringing children onto a warship is the best way of bringing engineering alive because engineering is traditionally seen as a dry subject in the way it is taught in the classroom.

Surely no potential young engineer can fail to be inspired by seeing as fascinating a project as a warship under refit’’ Georgina Knight, 15, of Plymouth High School for Girls, visited HMS Albion, and wants to become an engineer. She said: “I’ve enjoyed doing the activities today involving engineering puzzles. It was really good to see the warship and all the

work on it. I was interested in seeing all the pipe work.’’

Melissa Kuo, 17, of Devonport High School for Girls said: “I have improved my teamwork skills doing these engineering challenges today on the ship. My school encourages us all to study science.’’

Over 100 alterations and additions will be completed on HMS Albion as part of the upkeep, while the major maintenance programme will include the overhaul of all engines and a complete strip-down and extensive work on all systems.

This upkeep period will see more than 20,000 sq metres (equivalent to three football pitches) of tank blasting and preservation undertaken, over 40km of

Students taking part in a science lesson on board HMS Albion

new electrical cables installed, and in excess of 1.5km of new pipe work. HMS Albion is scheduled to leave Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard to start sea trials in mid

2017. When she returns to the fleet following sea trials, HMS Albion will replace sister ship HMS Bulwark as one of the Royal Navy’s key capital ships.

Have a safe winter - use professional tradesmen Plymouth City Council’s Public Protection Service is reminding people to use professional tradesmen when having any work carried out on their heating appliances and chimneys this winter.

In the last year, at least 68,000 homes in the UK escaped deadly gas incidents because qualified engineers switched off dangerous appliances. Nearly half of these incidents were caused because a gas appliance had not been regularly serviced and had been left in a poor state.

Councillor Philippa Davey, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities said: “It is absolutely vital that people have their heating equipment and chimneys checked regularly to ensure they are safe. We want to highlight the importance of only using professional people to carry out work and not to rely on unqualified friends or family members. We recommend using a business that is a member of the Buy with Confidence Scheme.

People think nothing of booking their car in for its annual check but totally overlook a boiler which is working nonstop ensuring heat and hot water is always available.”

Jonathan Samuel, managing director for Gas Safe Register, said: “We know from our own investigations that one in six gas appliances in the UK are unsafe, meaning far too many people are victims of preventable gas related incidents.

These simple top tips will help everyone to stay gas safe: • Get all of your gas appliances safety checked once a year by a registered engineer and sign up to a free reminder service at www.StayGasSafe.co.uk • You can use an engineer that is a member of Buy With Confidence scheme www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk • Check for warning signs that your appliances aren’t working correctly, such as a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue one, black marks on or around the appliance

and too much condensation in the room.

Lots of households in the South West use solid fuel appliances. A good chimney is essential to the continuing efficient and safe operation of all solid fuel burning heating and cooking appliances.

Chimneys should be regularly checked or surveyed to ensure that they are structurally sound, well-maintained and able to cope with the demands of modern heating appliances.

Chimneys and flues serving solid fuel appliances and open fires should be swept at least once a year. They should be swept before the start of the winter as birds may have nested the previous spring. Do not burn wet or unseasoned wood as this will leave excessive deposits increasing the risk of fire. A professional

chimney sweep should also be able to identify potential problems with the chimney liner.

Adam Raw, another member of the Buy with Confidence scheme, said: “When the days get shorter and the evenings are cooler people tend to light a fire without thinking about the last time the chimney was swept. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of having a professional sweep attend the property before the fire is lit for the first time.

“A chimney fire can be devastating, even more so if it is a thatched property.

“This is our busy time of year and you may not get your chimneys and flues cleaned as fast as you would like but it is worth the wait – better safe than sorry.”

“Our Trading Standards Officers make detailed checks on these businesses to ensure they have the necessary qualifications. They also ensure they have good customer care and that all staff members have criminal record checks (Disclosure and Barring Service Check).

A full list of local traders can be found on the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or you can call 01752 304147.

Karen Bryant from Select Appliances, who is a member of the Buy with Confidence scheme, said: “It is imperative that gas users understand how essential it is to keep their appliances serviced by a properly qualified gas engineer.

Always check the ID card The Plymouth Shopper

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The French Connections Plaque unveiled to mark Napoleon’s link with Plymouth

Twinning visit to Brittany marked with presentation of Napoleon picture During the recent annual twinning visit to Brittany, Marilyn Goldsbrough, chair of Plymouth Brest Twinning Panel presented a picture of Napoleon on HMS Bellerophon in Plymouth Sound by Jules Girardet to Reza Salami, deputy mayor of Brest on behalf of the twinning organisation.

A plaque to mark the amazing 10 days Napoleon Bonaparte spent captive in Plymouth Sound was unveiled today – exactly 200 years since his arrival in St Helena on 16 October 1815.

Mr Salami subsequently visited Plymouth to meet the Lord Mayor, members of the Royal Western Yacht Club, Cllr Brian Vincent, Sarah Gibson of the Waterfront Partnership, and representatives of Plymouth Morris, Maids, Plymouth Pipe Band and other dance teams, in order to present an invitation for the City of Plymouth to take part in the four yearly maritime festival BREST 2016.

The monument – a piece of stone from St Helena embedded in granite from Dartmoor prison – where thousands French prisoners were held during the Napoleonic wars – was unveiled by Alain Sibiril, Honorary Consul of France in Plymouth and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth together with Mrs Kedell Worboys, St Helena Government UK representative.

The United Kingdom, and in particular Plymouth as a twin city, is an official country guest alongside Russia, the USA and Portugal. A large surface area of exhibition space is to be reserved for each country.

Mr Salami also announced the success of a recent European grant application submitted by both cities, which has awarded 500,000 euros for a joint educational project with secondary school pupils.

Napoleon was held in Plymouth onboard HMS Bellerophon from July 26 to August 4 1815 following his defeat at Waterloo while the British Government decided his fate.

Thousands of people from Plymouth and much further afield, came to try to catch sight of the ‘Fallen Emperor’; a man the British had been fighting for some 22 years.

He was sent into exile on the South Atlantic Island of St Helena. Napoleon and the Bellerophon left Plymouth Sound and he was transferred to HMS Northumberland for the long voyage south. He died on 5 May 1821, in exile, on St Helena.

At a moving ceremony overlooking the Sound where thousands rowed out in boats to see Napoleon, Monsieur Sibiril told the crowd the day was also about the enduring peace between the two nations. He said: “2015 is an appropriate time to commemorate the enduring peace which has prevailed between our two countries as friends and allies. These stones and plaques will not only be another historic landmark for our maritime city but are intended to help ensure our close relationship endures.”

The plaques on Madeira Road have been funded by Alain Sibiril with the help of Plymouth City Council,

Unveiling the plaques...Alain Sibiril, Honorary Consul of France in Plymouth and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth together with Mrs Kedell Worboys, St Helena Government UK representative

the Franco-British community, St Helena Tourism and Brittany Ferries.

Representatives from HMS Northumberland, together with officers from the French Navy, were also guests at the ceremony – along with another rather large guest – the Brittany Ferries vessel, Pont Aven – appeared in the Sound and blew its horn in appreciation.

The volcanic stone embedded in the Dartmoor Granite comes from Longwood House, Napoleon’s home on St Helena, which was transported to Plymouth by the French Navy and Brittany Ferries.

It bears the inscription ‘May our hearts be open to friendship and our arms reach across the sea to unite our two nations is inscribed on the plaque,’ written by Mrs Melisande Fitzsimons, a French poet living in Plymouth.

• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR • continued from page 18 Beckly Centre Regular events at the Beckly Centre at Mayers Way, Hooe Road, Plymstock include: Mondays 7pm to 9.30pm adult social group with a variety of activities including crafts, life skills, cooking quizzes bingo and outings; Thursdays 7pm to 9pm youth group providing social activities in a small friendship mixed ages and ability groups for young people with additional needs; Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 3.30pm weekend activity groups for mixed age and ability groups of children and young people with special needs offering good range of social and group opportunities; school holidays weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm holiday playscheme activity sessions for small friendship groups of children and young people with special needs. For details call 01752 484433 or 07780 662391.

Contact and Conversation Tuesdays Every Tuesday at 2pm at St Barnabas Church, next to the doctor’s surgery off Stuart Road. Contact, conversation, tea and cakes. Everyone welcome, free to all.

Plymouth Meet Up Group First Tuesday of the month A social group for people with disabilities. Meets at Igrow Workspace 25 Phoenix Street from 4pm to 7pm for a chat and games and a short walk to the nearby Mount Pleasant pub for a meal. £2 for members and £3 for non-members.

For more information call David on 017523 268777.

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

Plympton Moving On Stroke Club Alternate Wednesdays Meet at Pocklington Rise, George Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JL 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a small charge to cover the rent of the room, and for refreshments £2 per person. We tend to have a speaker one week, and an activity the next. Contacts Tony Stoneman 07834276371; Steve Sargent 07944691482 and Gloria Ward 01752 776978.

20

The Plymouth Shopper

Emmanuel Tea Break Fridays New members welcome to join our club for mainly over 60’s, meeting at Emmanuel Church Hall, Mannamead, on Fridays at 2pm. A varied programme of indoor activities and occasional trips out. For more details call Richard on 707894.

Sunday Sale Second Saturday of the month Book stall, games, refreshments and bric-a-brac sale, 2pm to 4pm Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street, Plymouth.

All in aid of Alzheimer’s Society and CHICKS’.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Thursdays Tavy Lodge Scout Centre, off LissonGrove, Mutley. Contact 07527687804 or 9th21stplymouthscoutgroup@gmail.com 5-6pm Beavers; 6.15-7.30pm Cubs; 7.45 - 9.15pm Scouts.

Open to young people from the ages of 6 to 14. Come along and join the winter adventures.

Reading Group Third Tuesday of the month Like reading? Like to share your views on books? We are a small friendly group who meet at Tothill Community Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2pm for approximately 1 hour to discuss chosen books and swap other reading experiences. You would receive a very warm welcome to any new mambers. Please ring 01752 513197 for details.

Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-to-be. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parents-to-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 Community Coffee Morning Fridays 10am-12pm Enjoy delicious English and Romanian home made cakes, a great cup of tea or coffee, and of course, some good company. Everyone welcome.

Ford Baptist Church, Alfred Road, Plymouth, PL2 1QB

SOUPER new way to support community projects A brand new event launches in Plymouth in November, designed to create instant grants to help good ideas and projects across the city get off the ground.

Taking place at Devonport Guildhall at 7pm on Thursday November 12, the event is Plymouth’s take on the now legendary Detroit SOUP, and will be the city’s first ever micro-granting dinner where people will come together for an evening of food, fun and entertainment and the chance to vote for their favourite idea to walk away with the donations from the door.

People coming along to Devonport SOUP will be asked to make a £5 donation at the door, which will give them soup, salad, bread and a vote. During the evening four people will pitch their idea to the audience, who will then vote for their favourite. The presenter with the most votes receives all the donations made on the evening to use to get their idea off the ground.

Devonport SOUP will be run by Devonport Live, in partnership with RIO and with support from the RSA South West, along with a number of community and voluntary sector organisations in the city.

Clint Jones, development manager for Devonport Community First Partnership said: “What I love about

the SOUP concept is that it is not just about funding projects – it’s about bringing people together and making connections and doing something fantastic for your neighbourhood. SOUP is a brilliant way to redevelop, reorganise and reimagine where you live – the projects that get funded are up to you!”

Ed Whitelaw, from RIO and the RSA South West Chair said, “At the RSA we’re interested in social change and we’re always keen to find ways of supporting the work of our Fellows such as Clint.”

Projects can be anything from art installations to filling a pothole to starting an exciting new business.

If you have an idea that you think will change your neighbourhood, or the wider city, for the better, and you’d like to be in with the chance of presenting at the first ever Devonport SOUP just to go www.devonportsoup.org and submit your idea.

Deadline for submissions is Friday October 30 with shortlisted projects being informed by Friday November 6.

Devonport SOUP, Plymouth’s first ever microgranting dinner, takes place on Thursday November 12, from 7pm at Devonport Guildhall. To submit an idea to present, or to register for tickets visit www. devonportsoup.org

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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

CARPENTERS ALLWOOD INSTALLATIONS Trading Standards approved company Bespoke joinery • doors • staicases • bars Box frame windows • counters • PCstations.

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All associated plumbing,electrical & tiling Tel 07704448835 01752348648 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

CLEANING SERVICES MAJESTIC CLEANING - CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY

• Professionally Trained & Insured • Furniture Moved with Fast Drying Times • Approved by Trading Standards & Woolsafe • Sourced via Age UK • Advanced NCCA Member • Call for a FREE Survey Office: 01752 242899 Mobile: 07725 998818

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

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

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Unit 8, Darklake View, Plymouth PL6 7TL Tel 01752 250801 Mob 07891 909846 email hydeparkelectrical@yahoo.co.uk STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 15 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work • Very competitive prices/ high quality work. Will beat all other reasonable quotes • Call Steve 07894 208842

FITNESS

ZUMBA

Ditch the workout, Join the Party!!!

Every Tuesday 5-6pm St Budeaux Community Centre.

Wolseley Rd, besides Lidl car park. £4 per person. Hour long sessions.

Call Daphne on 07789228124

FLOORING & LAMINATE 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 Man for all Seasons • Grounds and Gardens Garden Landscape Design • Horticultural Consultancy • Fully Insured Call the office on 01752 564631

Oasis Landscapes We are a friendly landscape gardening company.

From patios and stone walling to tree surgery and hedge trimming we provide everything you need.

Tel : 01752 946 526 mobile: 07486 058 597 email: info@oasissouthwest.co.uk

GUTTERING TOTALLY GUTTERED Broken, Blocked or Dirty Gutters?

Call 07467 297363 Gutter Repair and Replacement also Available 62 Weston Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4NW

IT & COMPUTING 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

LOCK SMITH

All Hours Locksmith - 24 hr Locksmith • Lockouts • Lock Changing/Fitting • Specialist UPVC Door & Window Repairs • Replacement Glass • Free Quotes 2E Victoria Place, Plymouth, PL1 3LP Tel 01752 777844 Mob 07989 599969

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

A.S. DECORATING & MAINTENANCE Specialising in full room skims/decor • Maintenance • Repair • Plastering • Flooring • Tiling • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting 9 Hereford Road, Whitleigh, Ply. PL5 4HG Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129 Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.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

PLASTERING 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 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

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

VAT FREE PLUMBER

OFFERING OAP’s 20% DISCOUNT UNTIL 2016 Local, friendly & reliable. 30+ years experience.

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Clive Gavin and Son Plumbing and Heating 01752 959236 - 07803 320 755 B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job to small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk 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 07879 404282 Web www.moorheat.co.uk PINK PLUMBERS Fast, Friendly, Reliable and tidy service by your local FEMALE plumber.

Specialist in small to medium jobs (NO VAT) 01752 412070 07540 956436

MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES 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

A. PRITCHARD PLUMBING & HEATING

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

Tel 01752 203354 Mob 07968 949558 RENEWABLES HYDE PARK ELECTRICAL LTD

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Unit 8, Darklake View, Plymouth PL6 7TL Tel 01752 250801 Mob 07891 909846 email hydeparkelectrical@yahoo.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE RESOLVE

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ROOFING LES PIKE • Emergency roof repair specialist • Concrete tiles • Natural slate • Lead valleys • Flashings All building & construction work undertaken.

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Tel: 01752 787708 Mob: 07977949898

DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES

All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects.

Pitched or flat roofs • GRP (fibreglass) •lead-work • uPVC Fascias & guttering • Roof-lights A fast & friendly service. Competitive rates.

Call or email Neil for a free estimate 07543363225 • 01752216765 • devonshireroofing@live.co.uk

WASTE REMOVAL KSR Licensed Disposal REMOVAL OF WASTE Cheap rates for OAPs, Scrap Metal Cleared For a FREE Estimate, CALL Kevin: 07810 450940 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

Now taking bookings for our 2016 Dial The Experts. Interested?!

Contact Korneel on 01752 225 623, via korneel@cornerstonevision.com, or simply text ‘DTE’ and the best time to call you to 07731 319 249 The Plymouth Shopper

19

Apprentices climb to new heights...

Skills Group Sport & Leisure students have been awarded funding from Sportivate to try out new sporting activities, and have chosen climbing at the Life Centre in Plymouth.

England, a national organisation that is committed to helping people and communities ‘create sporting habits for life’. In Plymouth, Sport England work with Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit to reach as many young people as possible.

In October a group of 13 Skills Group students attended their first climbing session, something none of the learners had ever tried before. It was the first of five weekly sessions, during which the students will receive professional rock climbing instruction. The aim is that they will all develop confidence, competence and a lifelong interest in rock climbing.

Georgia Finch, a Skills Group sport and leisure student, said: “The Skills Group course has involved lots of different sporting activities, helping us to decide what we’d like to specialise in. I’ve been abseiling before but not tried climbing. It was brilliant!

Sportivate is a £56million National Lottery funded initiative that is part of the London 2012 Olympic legacy. It aims to give more young people the chance to discover a sport they will love. The funding is distributed via Sport

“The facilities at the High Sports centre are really good – there’s a 16 metre climbing wall and a bouldering wall where you get to hang upside down and when you fall there’s a nice soft landing!

“I’ve always been into football – and played for Morley Rangers from when I was 7, but now I love the gym.

I’m always up here using the Life Centre gym, and I’m planning to train as a personal trainer.”

Skills Group Sport & Leisure trainer, Dave Shurmer, said: “Skills Group has been working closely with the Council’s Sports Development Unit, looking at how we can support their participation programmes. The Sportivate funding is enabling us to open up a new activity to our own students, using a specialist facility in the city.

Sam Burnett, the owner of Burnett Autocare, Stonehouse, explains why he is keen to employ apprentices in his business.

“These students are embarking on a career in the sport and leisure industry, and the Skills Group learn2work course is preparing them for an apprenticeship and employment in this exciting sector.

Sam’s interest in cars was what got him started on the apprenticeship route. Sam said: “Being a mechanic is something that I’ve always had a passion for; I’ve been ‘tinkering’ with vehicles since I was 14 years old.

“I am very grateful to the council and Sportivate for this opportunity to broaden the range of sports they could go on to coach in the future.”

“The apprenticeship allowed me to train in a working garage, where I learnt alongside experienced mechanics.

It gave me the confidence and skills to take my learning to the next level. I decided to train as an MOT Assessor, which I am now fully qualified in.”

Skills Group offers ‘learn2work’, a course designed to prepare young people to take on an apprenticeship in child care, construction, engineering, hairdressing, and sport and leisure.

The company also delivers apprenticeships in business administration, care and early years, automotive and teaching and education.

Skills Group student Georgia Finch tackling the bouldering wall at Plymouth’s High Sports

Local businessman says apprenticeships are the ‘best thing’ for his garage

The training provider currently has over 180 vacancies across Devon and Cornwall, which can be seen on its dedicated recruitment website, at www.apprenticeships4me.com.

Apprenticeships enable young people to ‘earn while they learn’, gaining nationally recognised qualifications alongside training in their chosen industry.

“Upon completion, apprentices leave with improved job prospects and a wealth of industry experience under their belt, making them very appealing to prospective employers.

Sam continued: “Doing an apprenticeship was the best thing that could have happened to me. Apprenticeships

open up the opportunity to get into the trade, whether that is plumbing, electrics or mechanics, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken the opportunity to apply for one. Now, as a business owner, I’m seeing the benefit of apprenticeships from the other side.

“When I opened the business, the first thing I did was take on an apprentice. It was the best thing for the garage - watching my own apprentice grow and seeing the massive advantages he is bringing to my business.

“It’s also great to be able to work in partnership with City College Plymouth. They provide him with the skills he needs during his one day per week in the College workshop, which I can then reinforce when he’s back in the garage for the other four days.

“We have been able to train our apprentice as we would like, with our strong work ethic, and he gets the added benefit of learning and earning a wage at the same time.”

To find out more about City College’s apprenticeships and the automotive course options starting before Christmas visit the Open Day on Saturday November 7, 10am - 1pm, at Kings Road, or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/ events or call 01752 305300 for more information.

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.

VOLUNTEER DOG LOVERS - Would you like to look after a dog for a week or two? Dog lovers wanted to care for nice dogs whilst owners are away. This is not a job but a very rewarding hobby contact Jennifer,Terry or Carolyn on 01752 769453 RESTAURANT MANAGER – College Road Primary School is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join the school team, to focus on making its lunchtime fantastic for all students. Some tasks will be completed within the school and some within the kitchen environment. £7.85 per hour, 10 hours a week, 39 weeks per year (pro rata). More information on www.collegeroadschool. co.uk to apply please send CV and covering letter to college. rd.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk

cosmetics? Do you have the passion and drive to succeed? If yes and you want to start earning 20% commission and free make up right away. Call Gemma on 01752 564639 / 07989 972734 GENERAL - Companion required for young at heart lady aged 70. 4-5 hours per week, £10 per hour. To visit and occasionally take out. Must be reliable. Genuine replies only.

More details Anne on 01752 783694.

HAIRDRESSERS - Marnies Hair & Beauty is looking for two fully qualified hairdressers with own clients to join the team at a well stocked happy salon 50% split chair rental S/E in Colebrook Village, Plympton. Hours to suit. Call Marnie on 331777 or mobile 07979 345262.

CLEANERS FOR PRE-VETTED PRIVATE HOMES – You choose how many hours a week you want to work between 10 and 20 and who you’re happy to work for. If you are mature, have good references and preferably a car and DBS (police check), we have lovely clients who will appreciate you. To earn £8 an hour please call Marc on 01752 395595.

VOLUNTEER TREASURER TRUSTEE Required by Greenshoots Preschool, a Charitable Company supported by a close team of trustees (volunteers). Role will involve attending meetings, and, with support, oversee financial affairs. Some accounting experience needed.

Enhanced DBS check paid for. For further information, contact Rebecca on 07966681038 or mlle.bex@googlemail.com.

VOLUNTEER - Plymouth Natural Health and Healing is looking for a receptionist at the centre. No experience is necessary, training will be given. Travel expenses will be paid.

PNH&HC 175 Outland Road, Plymouth PL2 3PY, please contact the Chairman on 01752 210279.

VOLUNTEERS - Greenacres care centre are looking for volunteers to assist our activity leader with entertainment and activities for our elderly clients. For more information phone Julie on 01752 674111

GENERAL - Are you interested in make up or

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Memory Matters SW, dedicated to improving the lives of those living with

dementia needs volunteers to support craft activities, games, making tea , socialising and generally helping members have fun. Plymouth Activity day clubs run on Mondays and Fridays 10-4.If you can spare some time please contact us on 01752 692264 or kate@memorymatterssw.co.uk or visit www. memorymatterssw.co.uk VOLUNTEERS - Plymouth Play Association and Scrapstore currently has vacancies for volunteers to help in our scrapstore, shop and warehouse or to collect scrap in our van. We also need more people to sit on our management committee. Please contact our manager, Lesley, via manager@plymouthplay.org or call (01752) 256633 for more details.

VOLUNTEERS - Needed at Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) in the city centre, for Reception Duties and/or Food Parcel preparation. Can you spare 3 hours once a week or fortnight any weekday (except Tuesday) 10am-1pm. Call 01752 265 952 or email pat_dcrsc@ btinternet.com for more information.

COMPANION – Companion help for lady 70 to visit and occasionally take out (day or evenings). 3 to 4 hours per week, £10 per hour. Genuine replies and references. For more information call 01752 783694 for Anne TIMEBANKING - With timebanking you volunteer your time when and how you want. Do a small job for someone, earn time in the bank. Use that time to have something done for you or gift the credit to someone else.

Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

It’s safely sharing your time and talents locally:penny@ timebanksw.org.uk 01752 395131 www.timebanksw.org VOLUNTEERS -YMCA Plymouth requires volunteers to run its coffee bar three nights a week for just a few hours.

Evenings required are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you are interested please contact Vic Hibbert, HR Manager on 01752-761004 or e mail vic.h@ymcaplymouth.org.uk VOLUNTEER -Volunteer needed with a clean driving licence to drive a transit van for three hours on a Sunday.

Please call Claire or Tracy at the Cats Protection on 01752 255193.

GENERAL – Would you like some extra cash or saving for something special .Work from home. Be your own boss. Choose your own hours to fit round family commitments or employment. Would like up to 80% discount of products ,15% discount from Dorothy Perkins then look no further I need you!! for more information please contact Mel 07950006144

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 Tony@cornerstonevision.com or call 225623

All local businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals organisations and groups are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is the 10th of the month prior. We are happy to publicise vacancies FREE for up to three months.

22

The Plymouth Shopper

‘Inspiring’ dementia croquet sessions at Stoke Damerel The president of the Swiss Croquet Association said he was ‘inspired’ by a visit to a dementia croquet session at a Plymouth secondary school.

David Underhill from Swiss Croquet was invited by Andrew and James Creasey from charity Jiminy Wicket to make the journey from Geneva in October to see one of the sessions at Stoke Damerel Community College for himself.

“I was going to just meet Andrew and James in London but I’m so happy I changed my plans and came to Plymouth,” said David. “I want to go back to and do something with some of the international schools in Geneva now. It has really inspired me - seeing how much the students and the older people get out of it is wonderful.”

This is the third year the Creasey brothers had visited the college to help prepare a new set of Year 7 and 8 students for the sessions which take place once a month in the college’s sports hall.

The students were given a training session by Andrew and James before playing croquet with more than 20 visitors from local care homes as part of the Creaseys’ Through Hoops to Hope project.

Through Hoops to Hope was born when the Creaseys’ father, Maxwell, was diagnosed with dementia and James began to search for an enjoyable way for them to spend time together.

“Your students are just incredible as always,” said Andrew. “They get to know a bit more about how the mind of a senior with dementia may be working and it gives them a tolerance and understanding. It’s beautiful to see.”

Gina Hill, Manor Court Care Home’s hospitality manager, said the sessions were ‘extremely valuable’ for the five residents she accompanied this time.

“It’s so good for them to have that interaction and also the exercise,” she said. “One of our residents just cast the frame she normally uses aside and got stuck in - it’s lovely to watch.”

Year 8 student Aaliyah said she had been “a bit nervous” about being involved for the first time.

“But then you realise there is nothing to be scared of,” said Aaliyah. “They’re just like other people - it’s just they forget things sometimes. They’re very interesting to talk to.”

Stoke Damerel was invited to become one of 21 Dementia Pioneer Schools as part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia in 2012.

A group of Year 7 students enjoy a chat with one of the visitors

Jiminy Wicket’s Andrew Creasey, Swiss Croquet Association president David Underhill, Stoke Damerel principal Carol Hannaford and James Creasey, also from Jiminy Wicket

Awards in the School/College category and earlier this year Education Secretary Nicky Morgan joined one of the croquet sessions, which she described as a “pleasure”. “The students took to working with the older people like they’d been doing it for years,” said PE teacher Jodi Le Page, who runs the sessions in the College.

“They were holding their hands for support, they involved guests who were in wheelchairs and they weren’t fazed by some of the guests who had quite severe needs,” said Miss Le Page.

Since then the College has worked to embed dementia education across the curriculum from running the croquet sessions to designing dementia-friendly games in Maths.

“One of the best things I heard was that Manor Court guests had so much fun last time that they’ve had to purchase and set up their very own croquet set in their living room!

In May 2014 the College was the winner in the Alzheimer’s Society’s first ever Dementia Friendly

“I was so proud of the students and we are all looking forward to the next event after the October half term.”

Playing a game of croquet with one of the visitors to the dementia croquet session

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AS WELL AS YOUR 5 A DAY - EXERCISE THE CORNERSTONE VISION WAY! Become part of the successful Distribution Team, delivering the Plymouth Magazine, Plymouth Shopper, the Torpoint Advertiser and leaflets as part of your exercise regime.

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Our backcheckers are an essential part of the team making sure the products are going through each door in the correct manner, etiquette and timing. Giving peace of mind to customers and the dedicated distribution team.

The roles suit all ages ( 18+ to 80’s) even our recent recruit David, a 70+ year old marathon runner and endurance runner; he is currently enjoying his hobby of hours walking every week whilst getting paid.

One mum insisted that her son and daughter help her, giving them exercise and an example that the mobile premiums have to be earned.

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23

Seven editions reaching 62,000 homes

Mark makes a move into a totally new world of work Working for a removals company can take its toll - as Millbridge’s Mark Gears found to his cost.

Josh Bentley from Stoke – otherwise known as DJ Joshie B – was one of the acts who performed at the gig, which was a warm-up for the Funky Llama Festival on Plymouth Hoe in June.

Over the years Mark had come to appreciate antiques and other collectables and during the last ten years had been acquiring a wide range of items for himself.

“A few years ago I recognised that I could not stay in the removals business for ever and if I didn’t make a change it

Josh’s success is double cause for celebration at Funky Llama Club

The festival is the annual centrepiece of the theatre’s Funky Llama community project, which provides innovative events and creative support for people with different abilities.

He spent 23 years with one of the country’s leading removals businesses until a serious shoulder injury which required surgery led to a totally new direction in his life.

Mark, 42, spent 17 weeks off work after the operation on his shoulder at Derriford Hospital and during that time he decided that it was time to for a big change in his working life.

A special gig organised by Theatre Royal Plymouth at the city’s Varsity Nightclub to showcase the musical talents of young adults with learning disabilities has proved a big success, with one DJ being offered a regular slot at the venue as a result of the event.

Josh’s offer came ahead of the latest major event, the Funky Llama Club Night in October, also being held at Varsity. It’s the third annual Club Night and the first time it’s being held at a mainstream venue.

Mark Gears and the new shop in Wilton Street

would be too late to make a difference,” said Mark.

The shoulder injury proved the catalyst and coincided with Mark noticing that a corner shop in Wilton Street - two doors away from his home - had become available.

“It’s an ideal size and location and decided that it was now or never and handed in my notice in September,” said Mark.

He opened his new antiques and collectables

business called ‘Then and Now’ soon after and hasn’t looked back since.

Victorian, Edwardian and more modern items on display in the shop.

“It’s a big risk giving up a job where the money came in every month without fail to run a business with no guarantee of how much money will come in.”

This includes a big selection of clocks and watches, porcelain, silver, jewellery and die-cast toys and models.

But Mark has no regrets and has already made a positive start. He uses social media extensively to advertise his latest acquisitions and also has a huge selection of

He welcomes enquiries from buyers and sellers alike and can be contacted on 07913 824303 or visit the shop at 18 Wilton Street, which is currently open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm.

For Josh, who’s one of the dozen acts who’ll be performing at Club Night, the offer of a weekend DJ-ing slot is a big step towards realising his dream: “I feel very proud that Varsity have invited me to DJ,” said Josh, who has mild Asperger’s Syndrome and dyslexia.

“I would like to work in music for a living and now is the time to go further with it.”

Josh, 28, is one of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s mentored artists in partnership with Plymouth Music Zone. He is currently studying music production at Deep Blue Sound Studios: “I’ve always loved music and I first started learning how to DJ when I was about 18. I enjoy doing it as a hobby but I want to dedicate myself to it and do it as a job.”

Josh was spotted at the gig night by resident Varsity DJ Callum Laird: “I really enjoyed what Josh did,” said Callum. “DJ-ing is all about getting the mix right and making the music sound brilliant – and Josh was very good. I was really impressed.”

The offer of a regular slot has come from Varsity

Bella’s Pet Supplies

OPENING TIMES

Mon–Sat 9:30am-5:30pm

Josh (right) pictured with Varsity’s resident DJ Callum Laird Photo Laura Joint

manager, Leigh Greening: “When I saw Josh at the warm up gig I just thought there was something about him,” she said. “He has a presence on the mic and is very entertaining. I think he’s got something to give. It’s now just a case of having a chat with him and sorting out a Friday or Saturday evening slot.”

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The Plymouth Shopper is Delivered to over 62,000 homes in Plymouth with Seven local editions. It is published by Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY. We welcome your news, views, pictures, events and job vacancies, Call 01752 225623 or email info@cornerstonevision.com

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