Plymouth Chronicle West April 2023

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Welcome to Programme The

Suzanne joined the One You Programme (OYP) four-week healthier lifestyle programme in June 2022. She was particularly interested in losing some weight.

“Previously I’d attended a slimming club, but I didn’t seem to do very well with it” said Suzanne. “But since joining the One You Programme I found I was able to start losing 1 pound in weight per week.”

The OYP emphasises taking a sustainble approach to weight management, and promotes a holistic understanding of people’s wellbeing, which includes promoting physical

activity and general mental wellbeing. Although the core programme takes only 4 weeks, health practitioners remain in contact with people afterwards, and Suzanne reported she had lost 6 pounds when Livewell made the 8-week-follow up call “I think I’ve found an eating pattern which works for me” said Suzanne. “If I’m not hungry at breakfast then I will have a healthy brunch at 11:00. I will have my biggest meal in the evening, and if I have I need a snack in the meantime then I will have some salad or occasionally some popcorn.” When Livewell made the

12-weeks-after follow-up call

Suzanne said she continued to utilise the top tips she learnt on the OYP, and was feeling more ‘mindful’ and aware of her eating habits. She’d also been reducing her alcohol consump tion, and felt that her anxiety levels were decreasing. She stated she was hoping to increase her physical activity in the future. When Livewell made the 6-months-after follow up contact Suzanne was happy to report that she had now nearly lost a stone in weight through sustainable lifestyle improvements.

highly skilled health coaches from Livewell Southwest. The group programme consisted of an initial 1-1 telephone assessment, four weekly group classes including topics on nutrition, becoming more active and looking after your mental health and wellbeing, and a final 1-1 follow-up phone call. The residents in attendance were all extremely interested in the information and helpful tips that

To book your place on the One You Programme please contact 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net

programme said: “The course was a great success. All the residents clearly enjoyed the group discussions, and it was great to hear them sharing the positive changes they had started to make as a result. We collected really positive feedback from residents, and it will help us plan for how we can deliverthis course to more residents in future.”

Feedback from an attendee:

between Plymouth Community Homes and Livewell Southwest is great, and we feel lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in this programme.”

Men on the move making miles matter for St Luke’s

A mass gathering of kind-hearted men strode through the streets of Plymouth, paying tribute to lost loved ones, enjoying a unique camaraderie and showing their support for the charity that provides specialist end of life care for local families.

More than 2,000 men of all ages braved chilly temperatures and a persistent drizzle to turn out for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 2023 Men’s Day Out on Saturday March 11. With most sporting distinctive event T-shirts, and some wearing eye-catching fancy-dress, they set off to walk a 12km (7.5 mile) route through the heart of the city, beginning and ending at the Plymouth Albion rugby ground at Devonport.

The thousands of pounds raised by the sold-out event will help St Luke’s continue its compassionate care, free of charge, for local people with terminal illness in their last months, weeks and days of life. As well as expert medical care, at home, at Derriford Hospital and at the charity’s own specialist inpatient unit at Turnchapel, the hospice teams provide valuable emotional and practical support for patients and their relatives and friends when they need it most.

Companionship

St Luke’s patron Mark Ormrod, Royal Marines veteran, Invictus Games athlete and motivational speaker, was at the start line at Albion with his daughter to cheer the crowds on their way.

“If I had my legs I would be out there with them,” said Mark, a triple amputee.

Amid all the fun, banter and companionship of the day, participants had the chance not only to share precious memories of friends and family members who have died, but also to talk frankly about the pain of losing a loved one to terminal illness and the realities of bereavement. It’s well recognised that men struggle to reach out for support and being together on the move offered a rare opportunity to speak freely with others who really understand.

Four generations from one family were on the move to remember Shirley Roberts from Derriford, who died at St Luke’s Turnchapel specialist inpatient unit in January 2017. Her husband, Andy Roberts, her father Dave France from Saltash, and from Crownhill, her son Mark Green and his 13-year-old son Oliver were walking together in her honour, as well as in memory of John, Shirley’s stepdad.

“St Luke’s was a massive help to me when I lost my wife. Death is a taboo subject – it shouldn’t be, but it is and Men’s Day Out opens up conversations. Taking part you get to chat to people,” said Andy.

Sam Moore, 24, from Stoke was taking part in Men’s Day Out in memory of his Nanny Ann and Auntie Jackie, walking alongside

his dad, his uncle and his brother.

Acknowledging the power of togetherness during the event, he said: “The struggles you got through, everything is better as a team. It’s like a sigh of relief and such a weight off your shoulders to get it all out. And the fact St Luke’s is out there for everyone is brilliant.”

Martin Warran from Ford was taking part in memory of his wife, Lesley, walking with his grandson Jason Gee and a group of friends and family, all wearing bright striped umbrella hats. Lesley died last November, surrounded by her loved ones.

Martin said: “My wife wanted to pass away at home and we had St Luke’s coming in for about eight days. She was very comfortable with all of us around her,” added Jason, who appreciated the chance to walk and talk with others who have lost a loved one, while having a great day out. It’s a right good laugh, a bunch of lads getting together, and you know you are not the only person feeling it.”

Amid a host of volunteers helping to make the event possible, nurse Tracy Edwards from St Luke’s Urgent Care Service was out and about selling raffle tickets to boost the charity’s funds.

Grieving

She said: “Men’s Day Out is about blokes coming together who are perhaps facing recent loss. There are a lot of men grieving and sometimes they don’t know how to deal with those emotions or express how they are hurting. While they are walking they feel they are doing something to represent the person who has died.

“They get to be with other men and have that support. I feel proud to see them walking around the city in their St Luke’s T-shirts.”

Penny Hannah, St Luke’s head of fundraising, hailed the event a huge success. She said: “It’s incredibly heart-warming to see so many men put their best feet forward to support St Luke’s, especially in such cold and drizzly weather. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, to our sponsors Jem Scaffolding Ltd for their generous support, and to all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time to make sure the day ran smoothly.

“In previous years Men’s Day Out has raised enough to provide 160 families with a full package of care and support at home. This time it looks like we’re going to exceed that target, which is especially welcome at a time when we’re facing fast-rising costs.

“The kindness of our community never ceases to amaze me. It’s what has kept us going for more than 40 years, helping people with terminal illness make the most of every precious day, with the people who matter most to them. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Photos by Paul Slater

Martin Warran from Ford and grandson Jason Gee

All dressed up with somewhere to go!

Andy Roberts, Dave France, Mark Green and 13 year old Oliver

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

The Magic Box

Until Apr 22

A fully immersive theatre experience for babies and toddlers with beautiful characters, lighting, sound, bubbles and puppets at The Soapbox Theatre, Devonport Park. For details visit www.stiltskin.org.uk/ soapbox-childrens-theatre-devonport-box-office

Charity concert

Mar 31

Plymouth Area Police Choir join forces with the Girls Night Out Choir at St Bartholomew’s Church, Yealmpton at 7.30pm. Raising funds for local Scouts attending the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. Tickets £7.50, £5 under 18. Contact Richard 07775603189/Bob 07970846992

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session. Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! The award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show. Tickets at www.dinomania.co.uk/ events/dinomania-tour-plymouth.php

Spring Fayre and Plant Sale

Apr 1

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm. Details 01752 665442.

Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Apr 2

Magician Magical Bones brings his show to The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with awe-inspiring and high energy magic. Tickets from www.tickettailor. com/events/comicalentertainment/784365

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir

Apr 4

Easter concert ‘Be Thou My Vision’ featuring well loved music for Passiontide at Holy Cross Church, Newton Ferrers at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 on the door in aid of church funds.

Plymouth Careers Fair

Apr 5

Free event at the New Continental Hotel 10am to 2pm provides opportunity for job seekers to meet local and national employers face-to-face and apply directly for hundreds of available vacancies. attendees can expect to find a wide range of roles and opportunities, including entry-level positions, management roles, apprenticeships, graduate positions, franchise opportunities, part-time and full-time positions, flexible working options, and even work-from-home jobs.Details at www.ukcareersfair. com/event/plymouth-careers-fair

Easter Table Top Sale

Apr 8

Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. With Easter crafts, tombolas and more. Free entry. Tables (pre book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

Plymouth Eco Market

Apr 8

Interactive sustainable event hosted at Devonport Guildhall from 10am to 3pm. Over 30 local businesses will be providing craft workshops, yoga, meditation

and massages. Plus two local food suppliers and everything included in the day is sustainable and vegan.

Spring Concert

Apr 14

South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII will present an evening of beautiful choral music at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The programme features the premiere performance of the full and completed ’Requiem’ by Hugh Walkington, one of their own very talented members. The programme also takes the audience on a discovery of contemporary choral music from across Europe and the USA. FREE entry with a retiring collection. Levowan XII performs regularly at St Peter’s where the bright acoustics provide the perfect listening experience for their audiences. The choir has a large repertoire and enjoys singing classical works and discovering new music to share with others. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Children’s Book Sale

Apr 15

Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 1pm.

Richard III Society

Apr 15

The Devon & Cornwall branch of the Richard III Society will present a visual presentation of past Coronations, starting with King Edgar in the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 1 pm. Parking is free and anyone interested in medieval history is invited to attend. Further information from the secretary on 01752 31685.

Model Railway Exhibition

Apr 15 and 16

Organised by Saltash Rotary Club at the restored Saltash Station Building – Isambard House – by kind permission of Saltash Town Council. There will be five 00 scale model layouts, pictures from local artists, Brunel Heritage talks, crafts trade stand and a ride-on loco provided by Plym Valley Railway. Admission is free with refreshments available. For ease of parking a shuttle bus provided by Community Enterprise PL12 will run hourly from Saltash Leisure Centre to Isambard House and return. Details at www. saltashrotary.org

Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum

Apr 26

Sponsored by Plymouth Samaritans at the Restore Church in Milehouse from 10am to 2pm. The forum will provide the opportunity to bring together wellbeing hubs from across Plymouth and providers with a link to mental health issues. The event is being funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will also support a local gardening project for men with mental health issues.

Coronation Cream Tea

Apr 29

Visitor Centre, Ford Oark Cemetery from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are selling fast so anyone wishing to attend should either visit the office during working hours 10am to 3.30pm or call 01752 665442 to book a ticket.

Spring Fayre

Apr 29

St Bureaux Parish Church Community Hall, Higher Street, St Budeaux from 11am to 2.30pm. Table top sales and refreshments. Admission 20p.

Hear Better ‘Mini’ Exhibition

May 4

Free hearing loss exhibition designed for individuals and hearing professionals to find out more about the latest technology and local support available to assist people with hearing loss in daily life. To be held at the Copthorne Hotel from 10.30am to 3pm. There will be an NHS Re-tube clinic and British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter from 10.30am to 1pm. For more information contact Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth 01752 201899.

Past Coronations Exhibition

May 7 to 18

Exhibition at the Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays and 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Occasionally events can be cancelled through unavoidable circumstances so it is worth checking beforehand (tel. 01752 665442).

Set the Stage

May 13

Sounds Musical Theatre Company return to Devonport Playhouse with Set The Stage, a show stopping concert of songs from blockbuster movies and stage shows. Matinée 2.30pm or evening 7.30pm.Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395159955.

Adults: £12, Over 65s £11, Under 16s £6. Check out Facebook or Instagram pages for more information about the company.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.uk

Plymouth Pirates Weekend

May 20 and 21

Swashbuckling fun for all th family around the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront. This popular event is one of the highlights of the year in Plymouth and draws thousands of people to the waterfront to enjoy the spectacle.

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals

May 24 and 25

A spectacular line-up of some of the world’s best professional dancers will be at Plymouth Pavilions with performances each night at 7.30pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For details visit www. strictlytheprofessionals.com

Plymouth Motorshow

June 3 and 4

Annual two day car show at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club from 10am to 6pm is open to vintage, old classics and sport cars including high performance car rally vehicles, kit cars and modern cars of interest of all motor sport clubs and motor cycles. Children’s entertainment, a family fun dog show (courtesy of Paws4Proceeds) an assortment of live local bands, food and of course, bar. Overnight camping is available for vendors and car show entrants.

An Evening with Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

Jun 11

The legendary ski jumper - the first and only competitor to represent Great Britain at the Winter Olympics is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Models and Railway Exhibition

Jun 17

Five model railway displays along with numerous built scale models kits including aircraft, sci-fi, ships and military vehicles. Plymouth Tothill Community Centre from 10am to 4pm. Traders will also be selling railway and modelling items. Tombola during the event and hot and cold food on sale. Disabled access and plenty of parking. Entrance fee: adults £2, family £5 and concessions £1. Children under 12 free.

Send details of your event to info@cornerstonevision. com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

Strictly Come Dancing - the Professionals returns to Plymouth Pavilions in May

Busy Plymouth mum changed her life with On Course South West

PRIDE & JOY

The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Our services include:

• hedge & shrub maintenance

• tree work

lawn care & grass cutting

• creation of flower & veggie beds

• shed & greenhouse work

• general garden tidying

pond care

fencing & gates

• patios, decking and general landscaping work

A busy mum found a whole new career path thanks to the training on offer at Plymouth City Council’s adult learning service, On Course South West.

Maggie Graham had four small children and wanted to both support her children’s learning as well as improve her employability. In 2008 she signed up for the Children’s Care and Development Level 2 course with On Course South West, which gave her the confidence to be a volunteer at a school, become a school Governor and complete more training.

She then became the Parent Support Advisor at the school and continued to train, undertaking Level 3 qualifications that helped her become the Chair for Whitleigh Big Local.

Maggie was offered a Family Learning Tutor post at On Course South West and then began working to support mums and babies at Trevi, including a secondment to run a house for women who had fled domestic abuse, homelessness, or had alcohol and drugs dependencies. In May 2021, Maggie returned to On Course as a Learning Advisor, and she now enjoys teaching courses covering a range of topics such as crafts and wellbeing, cooking, floristry, foraging, and budgeting.

Maggie said: “I would recommend On Course South West to everyone, as we are a nurturing service, making sure we support our learners to fully reach their goal and visions. It gave me the confidence to want to learn more, train more and even work for them.”

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “This is an absolutely brilliant success story. The hugely varied courses on offer at On Course South West mean there’s something for everyone, whether you’re simply looking to get creative and try something new, or want to upskill and develop yourself by gaining qualifications that will lead to exciting new job opportunities, just like Maggie has done.”

Mark Trewin, Principal of On Course South West added: “Maggie is a perfect example of how the training and support at On Course South West can really change someone’s life. We are here to help people progress, upskill or simply start a new hobby. We are small and friendly, courses are flexible and most of them are free! We also offer bespoke courses to employers to support them with CPD and opportunities for lifelong learning. We are delighted Maggie chose to come and work for us and is now here to support our current learners.”

To discover more about courses on offer, On Course South West visit www. oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

Stoke Village gets its post box back after high-profile local campaign

Royal Mail has finally reinstalled a post box in Stoke Village, following a two-year campaign by Luke Pollard MP and local councillors that went all the way to Parliament.   Luke and Stoke Labour councillors Jemima Laing, Tom Briars-Delve and Sally Cresswell convinced Royal Mail to u-turn on its original decision not to replace the post box after the original was removed in 2021.

Hundreds of Stoke residents signed Plymouth Labour’s petition calling for the post box’s return, which Luke presented to Parliament in July 2021. Even the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, added his support to the petition.

Stoke’s Labour councillors took the post box campaign to the City Council’s Conservative-dominated Planning Committee, fighting a retrospective planning application that could have jeopardised the post box’s return and greenlighted “future acts of vandalism” according to Councillor Sally Cresswell.

The original post box was removed without planning permission by a kebab shop owner in 2021.

Luke Pollard said:  “Through teamwork and persistence, Stoke finally has its post box back. This is a big win for residents and local businesses, including the hundreds of people who signed my petition. They should never have had

Greenwich Hospital Sheltered Housing

Managed by CESSAC

Provide affordable rented self-contained flats for former Royal Navy & Royal Marines, WRNS, QARNNS, RN National Service, RFA or RNXS aged over 60, their spouses, partners, widows & widowers.

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Enquiries to: ian.wilson@cessaha.co.uk

Or download an application from: www.cessaha.co.uk

their post box removed in the first place.

“I’m grateful to Royal Mail for listening to the campaign that I ran with Stoke’s three Labour councillors. It was a team effort and I’m glad we got it over the line for our community. I’ll keep fighting for Plymouth’s community infrastructure, big and small”.

Jemima Laing, Labour councillor for Stoke ward, said:  “It really is thrilling to see a post box back in its rightful place in the centre of Stoke Village.

“It’s been very gratifying to see our local MP, the councillors and the local community working together to get this vital bit of infrastructure reinstated in this busy retail centre in the middle of Stoke ward.”

Spreading kindness...

...Cubs and Beavers helping the homeless in Stonehouse

Cubs and Beavers in Stonehouse have been spreading kindness and showing a true Scouting spirit.

The youngsters from 1st Stonehouse Cubs and Beavers have been working on their world challenge badge and chose to support a local pop up church which helps homeless people in Plymouth.

They designed kindness boxes filled with essentials such as hygiene products for local homeless people and didn’t forget Plymouth’s homeless dogs either including treats to be given out to them. They included messages of love and kindness on their designs and invited two ladies from the pop up church to receive the boxes.

Norma and Kelly from the church gave the Cubs and Beavers a talk about what

they do and why. The young people enjoyed meeting them and finding out exactly what they do for the homeless. They learnt that the pop up church not only tries to supply essentials but also gives out food, drink, advice, support, kindness and friendship.

It is the second time 1st Stonehouse Scout Group has supported the local pop up church. Last year two of

their Scouts collected over £100 worth of products and made up individual hygiene bags for men and women and donated them in person to the pop up church.

1st Stonehouse Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are located on Union street and like to be active within their local community, they have been involved in many local projects, including the Respect festival, The Hatchling

project and The Gathering. They also have been involved in litter picks at Victoria park. They are a very active group who also enjoy going on camps and hiking.

Victoria Radmore, the Cub Scout Leader Akela for 1st Stonehouse Scout Group said: “We have a great bunch of young people in our group and we have many fun adventures together.

We have a fantastic

group of leaders who provide an amazing array of activities and experiences for everyone. I am very proud to be apart of 1st Stonehouse Scout Group and look forward to new adventures with the group.”

For more information on the Scouting family email 1ststonehouse. plymouth@gmail.com or to find the nearest local group go to scouts.org.uk/groups

COUNCIL AGREES FUNDING INCREASE FOR ADULT SOCIAL CARE PROVIDERS IN PLYMOUTH

Plymouth City Council has agreed an increase in fees to the city’s adult social care providers to recognise the rising cost of providing care for vulnerable adults.

The council is awarding an 8.5 per cent rise for care homes and supported living provision and up to an 11 per cent increase for domiciliary care providers, which help adults to live independently in their own homes.

The aim is to ensure providers receive a fair fee so they are able to fully cover their costs and provide good quality support for the people they look after.

The funding increase takes into account the costs involved in ensuring the city’s most vulnerable adults and older people are cared for safely.

This includes the new National Living Wage, which is going from £9.50 to £10.42 per hour in April 2023. The council is committed to ensuring that hard working care staff across Plymouth benefit from the increased funding with rises in their hourly rates.

Councillor John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We have faced extremely tough decisions this year in order to balance the council’s budgets and providing

adult social care is the biggest financial commitment that we have. For every £100 we receive to fund services, £44 is spent on caring for adults who need our help.

“It’s vitally important that our city’s most vulnerable adults receive high quality, consistent care and the decision to increase funding will help care providers and their staff to manage the increasing costs they face, but also encourage people to join the care profession.”

There are a range of job opportunities across the sector and more details can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ workincare

Luke Pollard MP pictured with local councillors Tom Briars-Delve, Jemima Laing and Sally Creswell

Cubs and Beavers with their kindness boxes

Jobs boost as Babcock secures multi-million pound contract

Babcock has won a multi-million pound order from the UK Ministry of Defence that is expected to create nearly 100 new jobs. It is the first private sector investment success for the newly-formed Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

The contract will see Babcock working with Devon-based defence vehicle designer and manufacturer Supacat on an order for 70 high mobility transports (HMT 400 series).

The deal will result in Babcock expanding its operations in the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport’s South Yard tax site.

The contract award for an undisclosed sum could lead to as many as 240 of the light armoured vehicles, should operational requirements demand.

Named ‘Jackal’ by the British Army, the HMT 400 series is a supremely versatile vehicle with unparalleled cross-country performance. Originally, developed in the 1990s, the Jackal builds on the success of Supacat’s original All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP).

The HMT platform vehicle has also proven itself internationally and is in service in Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Estonia. Further export opportunities are currently being explored, bringing further investment to the South West.

Tom Newman, chief executive of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “This order is fantastic news for both Babcock and the local community in Plymouth. As a world-class engineering partner, we are delighted to be taking a key role in the production of this new phase of the Jackal platform, a truly British designed and manufactured vehicle.

Foreign investment is driving high value jobs in Plymouth

Plymouth-based companies are attracting millions of pounds of foreign investment creating and securing quality jobs, with more investments on the horizon.

Statistics collated by Plymouth City Council’s Economic Development team show that across the last five years, £332m worth of foreign investment – mainly from American parent companies – came to city businesses, across 33 projects.

“We are proud to be playing our part in supporting the British Army’s Land Industrial Strategy by securing critical industrial skills and capabilities and enhancing social value, including the creation of 90 new jobs.

“This new contract shows how British industry can work collaboratively to rapidly respond to defence requirements and deliver in short timescales. The HMT 400 series is also not only a battle-proven vehicle but a fantastic export asset in its own right, and our chosen build location in the Freeport zone of Plymouth will enhance its export prospects.”

Nick Ames, chief executive for Supacat,

BASICS volunteer doctors thanked by grateful patient

A Plymouth man who suffered a fall at home and was treated by volunteers from BASICS Devon was so impressed with the response that he is now raising funds for the charity organisation.

The team from BASICS were first on the scene responding to the emergency at Barrington Sowden’s home in Milehouse. They found him injured and unable to move on the floor.

Barrington explained what happened: “I spent 14 years in the Royal Navy and was an active member of the then Devonport Field Gun Crew where I sustained a back injury in 1978, which meant I had to be medically discharged from the Navy in 1986.

“I have continued to have major back problems since and underwent my first back surgery in 1995. At the beginning of 2022 I noticed loss of power in my right leg and in November I fell down the stairs.”

Dr Tony Golding-Cook

and paramedic Conor Colby responded to the call out, whilst on duty in the BASICS Devon rapid response vehicle.

Barrington recalls those moments: “I called the ambulance, and this was my first contact with BASICS Devon as they came to my aid in a matter of minutes.

“I was so taken by their professionalism and caring attitude that I wanted to know more about the service which they explained while we waited for the ambulance. At the same time they informed me that they would remain with me until the ambulance arrived, no matter how long that was.’

The BASICS Devon volunteers were able to administer vital pain relief to get Barrington up off the floor and feel more comfortable.

“I felt at that moment that I wanted to do something for this voluntary organisation, so I decided there and then that as the chairman of the Kingsmen Harmony Club, I would

said: “This is an enormously important contract win for us. Primarily it further evidences our customer’s confidence in our HMT 400 product after 20 years of service. Furthermore it gives us a platform to secure potential export orders and thereby shows how investment in UK products can provide benefit to the wider UK economy.”

The contract further builds on Babcock’s well-established relationship with Supacat, having worked together to meet the demand for Afghanistan when over 600 vehicles were assembled at Devonport within a three-year period.”

All together the investment helped secure 1,460 new jobs.The pipeline for next year looks promising with 23 projects worth £5m and the creation of 8,000 jobs on the cards, of which 3,500 are high-value graduate jobs, with 74% coming from the marine sector.

Council Leader Richard Bingley said:

“Foreign investment in Plymouth is booming. We made it a firm commitment to open Plymouth to global business and drive more high-value jobs to the city. I agree with the recent news, Plymouth should not be underestimated.

“Despite the pandemic and the aftershock on the global economy, we are making sure that we are grabbing opportunities that come our way.

“A typical investment project can take a few years to land as companies will keep a close eye on macroeconomics and the global market place before making a final decision. These huge investments are made by global companies who have faith in the knowledge, skills and technology that we can create here in Plymouth.”

Recent major investments in the city, have included £120m from Meta/Plessey and £70m from Becton Dickinson along with Amazon £10m and Barden £8m.

choose BASICS Devon as my charity and we are now in the planning process for a concert in September of this year.”

Amie Bull, fundraising manager of BASICS Devon was also out observing that day. She said: “As soon as we arrived at Barrington’s house, the doctors just wanted to establish what had happened, how he felt and most of all to relieve his pain.

“He is such a lovely man and a pleasure to talk to whilst we waited for the ambulance to arrive.”

Dr Golding-Cook said: “We are just so glad we could be there for Barrington. We are thrilled that he wants to support us and are really excited about the concert. He is clearly a talented musician and we cannot wait to share all the details with our supporters.” The concert will be held in September 2023 and details once bookings are open, will be shared on Kingsmen - Barbershop Harmony Chorus - Kingsbridge, BASICS Devon social media and at www.basics-devon.org.uk/events

Barrington Sowden pictured with Dr Tony Golding-Cook

Supacat’s Jackal - 70 will be built at Devonport

Pelé’s historic visit remembered

The shirt worn by world famous footballer Pelé has gone on display at The Box 50 years after he played in Plymouth  Pelé’s iconic number 10 football shirt, worn when he played at Home Park 50 years ago on March 14, 1973, went on display at The Box on March 14. The date marks 50 years to the day when the man considered by many to be the world’s greatest footballer and his Santos FC team played a friendly against Plymouth Argyle – and lost 3-2!  Os Santásticos were in town as part of an international tour and it proved to be a night to remember for the 37,000 fans who saw the match. Argyle raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time with goals from Mike Dowling, Derek Rickard and Jimmy Hinch. Late goals from Pelé and Edu made it 3-2 in the end. The game was the chance of a lifetime for many to see some of the biggest footballing stars on the planet.

At the end of the match Pelé gave his shirt to Plymouth Argyle defender Johnny Hore, who has now kindly loaned it to The Box. Visitors can see it on display from until April 23, alongside a shirt worn by substitute Vicenté. Vicenté was brought down in the box late in the game, leading to the penalty Pelé scored.

Two match day programmes dating from March 14 and 31, 1973 will also feature in the case. The March 31 programme is a ‘Santos Souvenir Special’. It’s one item from 85 boxes of material that have just been transferred to The Box from the Plymouth Argyle Heritage Archive. The material, which is a brilliant addition to the city’s public archives and will be available for research, includes an almost complete run of home and away programmes spanning 1945-2022.

“We’re really excited to be marking the

50th anniversary of this unforgettable football match by displaying these iconic shirts and really grateful to Argyle legends Johnny Hore and Derek Rickard for loaning them to us until the end of the Easter holidays,” said Adam Milford, senior engagement and learning officer at The Box.

“We hope fans will come in and take a look at this reminder of one of the world’s footballing greats, and a match they or people they know may have even been at. 37,000 people saw the game when it took place, it would be amazing if we got that many visitors while the shirts are on display!”

The Box will also celebrate the anniversary of Santos’ visit to the city with a brand new

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episode of its ‘The Box on Screen’ series. The episode features clips from the match as well as some other brilliant archive footage of Plymouth Argyle over the years. It can be viewed at www. youtube.com/c/theboxplymouth

More items from the recently acquired Plymouth Argyle Heritage Archive will be displayed in The Box’s Active Archives gallery this summer.

The Box is open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Admission is free and there’s no need to book. More information is available online at www. theboxplymouth.com

COUNCILLORS VISIT BIG BARNE BARTON REGENERATION PROJECT WITH CONSTRUCTION WORK ALL SET TO START

Plymouth councillors joined housing provider Clarion Housing Group and local residents on the site of an award-winning regeneration project in Barne Barton to mark the imminent start of work to construct more than 200 new affordable homes.

Clarion is working with contractor Lovell to transform its 1960s Barne Barton housing estate – once the largest naval settlement in the country – into a multi-million pound new mixed-tenure community comprising solely of vital new affordable homes for local people.

Cllr Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, and St Budeaux ward members Cllr Pat Patel, Cllr George Wheeler and Cllr Sally Hayden visited the scheme as part of a special stakeholder event marking the £22m project’s latest milestone and building work beginning this spring.

Following the approval of a revised planning application earlier this year, work is now set to start on building 204 quality and sustainable new houses and apartments for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership sale.

The ambitious Barne Barton project will transform the layout and design of the previous estate to create a thriving new community with a variety of housing types better suited to the needs of residents, who will be rehoused when the homes complete.

Clarion’s plans, which were shaped in partnership with the council and a dedicated residents’ steering group, will also deliver new community spaces and a pedestrianised ‘green route’ into the city centre.

Clare Miller, chief executive of Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to have come together with trusted partners and residents of Barne Barton to mark the beginning of the most important phase of this transformative project – the building of vital new affordable homes.

“We have a long history in Plymouth, providing homes and shelter to those who need it most. Our redevelopment of Barne Barton begins another chapter in that history, and we are incredibly proud to be working with the council, development partners and the local community to finally turn our shared vision into a reality.”

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “I was delighted to hear that Clarion is celebrating planning permission for continued works in the Barne Barton area. I have worked closely with all housing providers in the area and am excited to see the transformation in this closeknit community.

“Quality of housing has been a problem in this area for some time and I fully support all that Clarion is doing to improve the offering for my constituents.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, added: “The regeneration of Barne Barton is a long-anticipated project and I know it has taken many people many years to get to this point. Key to the success so far has been community engagement. This regeneration is for them and we must never lose sight of that. Today is just the start and I look forward to returning here to see wonderful new houses transformed into homes.”

Clarion Housing Group will deliver the new homes, designed by architects Clifton Emery Design, in phases with the first 39 homes completing by summer 2024.

The housing provider’s Barne Barton project is hoping to secure a ‘Building with Nature’ Design Award, an external recognition for green and sustainability standards. Building with Nature is the UK’s first evidence-based benchmark for sustainable infrastructure, created in partnership with planners, developers and other key stakeholders.

Plymouth residents who will be 18-years-old by May 4 are encouraged to register to vote now and make sure they have eligible photo ID in time for this year’s local election.

With the deadline to register only a few weeks away on April 17, Plymouth City Council is encouraging all those eligible to vote to make sure that they take the opportunity to have their say in the election.

Registration is quick and easy and can be done online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/registervote and only takes a few minutes.

When registering, applicants can also apply for a postal vote. This means that during an election they will automatically be sent a ballot paper, so they can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station.

Once registered applicants will be placed onto the electoral register – which means they won’t need to register again, unless moving house.

In addition, unlike parliamentary elections, students living in Plymouth, studying away from home, can register to vote in local elections in both their home town as well as Plymouth.

Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said: “There are thousands of students and young adults in Plymouth that aren’t registered to vote, but care about our great city and want the opportunity to shape its future. We don’t want them to miss out. Their views are important.

“Registering to vote is quick, easy and has a number of benefits – not only can you take part in the democratic process, but it will also help with future credit checks. Helping with mortgages, loans or even a mobile phone contract.”

Those registered to vote, and plan to cast their ballot in person, will also have to show eligible photographic ID at polling stations from May. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge. Unfortunately, student ID is NOT an accepted form of ID.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can nregister for a postal vote by April 18, or can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificateor by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25

First time voters encouraged to register as soon as possible –and sort out

The shirt worn by Pelé is among items on display at The Box

Local councillors join Clarion executives and development partners on the site

Proposals to bring buzz and bands back to Guildhall now submitted

Plymouth’s Guildhall could be going back to the future with plans that will help to bring back gigs and more events now submitted to planners.

Plymouth City Council has submitted an application for planning and listed building consent, with changes they hope will bring back the buzz and the bands to the building that has seen Bowie, Queen and The Who perform there.

The design has been carefully put together to make sure any upgrades minimise impact on the Grade II listed building where possible. It is also designed to create space for a variety of other uses, such as other entertainment events, conferences, training, weddings and hot-desking.

Changes proposed:

For the Great Hall – measures to improve lighting, audio visuals and sound. Trusses to be installed allowing AV, light and sound equipment to hang from the ceiling. Acoustic panels and curtains will be installed to improve the sound quality and will be coordinated with existing ventilation grilles, chandelier lighting. A new modular stage to offer more options – catwalk, smaller stage or theatre in the round to attract a wider variety of users and events

Entrance – a disabled access ramp installed at the front, the main doors refurbished and security gates removed

Lifts – the existing lifts refurbished. Accessible platform lifts installed to the lobby stairs and 1st floor tea bar area improving accessibility for all users

Toilets – refurbished and remodelled and an increase in number

Lounge Bar and Drake Room Bars – the existing bars replaced with a longer versions and more space for serving, including lower counter areas to support people with disabilities

Drake Room – a free standing lighting truss and acoustic panels to be hung from the ceiling improving the acoustics and AV flexibility for events

Kitchen area in the main hall to be equipped to enable more flexible catering for events. The kitchenettes and tea bars will also be upgraded and refreshed

Astor, Charter and North Rooms – upgrades to lighting, glazing and furniture. A moveable acoustic wall will be provided between the Charter and the

Devonport Police Station is to get a front desk

Astor room to enable events to run at the same time

Mechanical and electrical – a heating and ventilation strategy is being designed to improve the customers’ experience of the building. A separate programme will see the installation of a new air source heat pump.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Shayer said: “We have this amazing building, but we need to make more of it. There has been lots of discussions with event organisers and promoters so that the improvements work for them as well as ensuring the building’s amazing interior is not compromised.

“We see this an investment – not just in the city, but the city centre, a feel good factor for residents of all ages who can enjoy a wider variety of events – and it will bring in an income for the council.”

The Guildhall, was originally built in the 1870s but reduced to a shell during the Blitz.

It was one of the few damaged buildings to be restored rather than rebuilt, with the restoration continuing through most of the 1950s.

Historic England describe it as a ‘rare and unusually rich example’ of an unaltered `Festival of Britain’ interior and there are some glorious touches including an impressive black and white marble staircase in the centre. There’s a mural depicting famous sons of Plymouth and the city’s maritime history and three stunning 1950s chandeliers.

The project is expected to cost £3.9m comprising £2.45m which was allocated in the council’s capital budget in March 2021 and £1.5m from the Future High Streets fund.

Asbestos cancer sufferer receives life-prolonging treatment through legal victory

Gary, a former foundry worker, has been diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and is now receiving life-prolonging immunotherapy treatment thanks to a legal case led by Wolferstans Solicitors.

With the help of Liz Makin, a specialist asbestos solicitor in Wolferstans’ Personal Injury team, Gary was able to identify the source of his asbestos exposure and make a claim against his former employer’s insurance company, who admitted liability.

Gary now lives in New Zealand, where the necessary treatment for his cancer is not publicly funded. However, Wolferstans Solicitors worked with his doctors to secure the evidence required for Gary’s treatment and an interim payment of £50,000 was made to Gary within a few months, which allowed him to begin receiving the necessary life-prolonging treatment. Further payments totalling £80,000 have since been

received. Payment for the treatment is in addition to compensation due for the rest of the claim.

Fortunately, recent scans have shown that Gary’s treatment has been successful, and doctors have recommended longer gaps between cycles. In Gary’s future settlement, Wolferstans will request that funds for this ongoing treatment is provided, even after the settlement of the rest of the claim is reached.

Gary’s case is unusual, as he is the primary carer for his two grandsons. His settlement will include additional compensation for them, for the care he will not be able to give them during his illness and after his death. For now, the treatment he is receiving means that he’s having quality time with them, staying in better health for longer, which means a great deal to them all. Gary is further comforted by knowing his family will be taken care of financially, even after he is gone.

Liz Makin said: “We are delighted to have been able to secure early interim payments for Gary, which have enabled him to access life-prolonging treatment not available in New Zealand. We are now working towards achieving a settlement that will secure his and his family’s future. He and his wife are a lovely couple and it’s always a pleasure to have an early morning call with them in New Zealand.”

Wolferstans’ expertise in this complex crossborder case has allowed Gary to access the treatment he needed to prolong his life and to provide for his family’s future. Gary’s story highlights the importance of seeking legal advice for workplace-related illnesses and injuries, and how the right legal support can make all the difference in fighting for justice and securing a better future.

If you, or someone you know, have suffered an injury or loss, and require legal support, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation. Our No Win, No Fee approach means that there is no risk to

Devonport Police Station is to get a front desk in the next 12 months, following an announcement by Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

Devonport is one of 17 police stations across the two counties which will have front desks, enabling the public to speak to officers face to face.

This will add to the nine stations which already had front desksincluding Charles Cross and Crownhill in Plymouth.

Six stations have had front desks opened since November and six more will be opening before the end of 2023. Actual dates have yet to be confirmed.

Devonport Police Station was opened in 2012 after local officers moved out of their previous buildings in Marlborough Street and Beacon Park. It has never had a front desk before - members of the public had to call using a special phone on the outside of the building.

Any meetings with police officers then had to be pre-arranged.

you and that you will only pay if your case is successful. In mesothelioma claims such as Gary’s, there will be no deduction from compensation at all.

Don’t let your personal injury claim go unheard, contact us today and let us fight for the justice and compensation that you deserve.

Alison Hernandez

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Ground-breaking £21m upgrade for Brickfields

A ground-breaking agreement will see more than £21 million invested in the under-utilised Brickfields site in Devonport to provide a permanent home for the Plymouth Argyle Academy.

Plymouth Argyle, the Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC and Devonport Community Leisure Ltd (DCLL) have struck a deal which will see £21m invested in rejuvenating Brickfields with a focus on community health, wellbeing, and raising aspirations.

As part of the plans, Argyle will provide multi-million pound investment towards the project, which will see wholesale redevelopment of Brickfields to install top class facilities for the Argyle Academy, including a covered pitch and other amenities which are of the standard required to apply for Category 2 status in the future.

Further detail on the site’s future layout will be revealed in due course, but the initial agreement operates on the principle that the Academy centre will include:

• An improved suite of playing pitches including three grass football pitches, and replacing an existing grass rugby training pitch with a new 3G pitch

• A new purpose-built Academy building, including classrooms for scholars, office space for Academy staff, changing rooms, a gym, and a parents’ lounge

• A new floodlit 3G football pitch to replace a poor condition (currently closed) hockey pitch

• A new, covered 3G football pitch

• Conversion of the existing 60m x 40m rubber crumb pitch to two PlayZones exclusively for public use

• Better site access, public realm and parking

• Opening up the site for community paths

The site will also become the permanent home of the Argyle Women’s first-team.

Andrew Parkinson, chief executive and trustee of the Argyle Community Trust said: “This is a significant milestone in the club’s proud history, and provides great excitement for the future of Argyle, with the prospect of a

For the club’s part, the £11m investment will be provided by existing shareholders, with a further £7.3m coming via the Argyle Community Trust through sport and community development grant funding.

The remaining investment will be provided by Plymouth City Council, funded by savings made on the site by handing management responsibility to Argyle. The council will retain ownership of the site, leasing it to the parties involved on a long, nominal rent, similar to the arrangement currently in place at Harper’s Park, where Argyle’s firstteam train.

The extensive schedule of works is due to begin at Brickfields early in 2024, subject to necessary approval.

permanent academy base taking us one step further in our strategic vision to see the club attract, retain and develop the region’s best young talent.

“Regenerating the site to provide firstclass facilities for our Academy and other elite sports addresses a need, not only for Argyle, but other stakeholders, including Plymouth Albion RFC. “The proposal will also provide significant benefit for the Devonport community, allowing the Argyle Community Trust to use redeveloped facilities to manage a thriving community hub, providing members of the public with access, support, and equipment to reduce health inequalities and promote wellbeing.”

The wide-ranging offering will significantly exceed what is presently available for the community at Brickfields, including education and employment programmes, adult education, wellbeing support, a dedicated space for youth services, a soft play centre, new, affordable gym, and a community café.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council, said: “This is an extraordinary deal that will unlock millions of pounds of investment to provide incredible facilities to nurture talent in this city as well as expand the offer to local people.

“We have been talking extensively to the people who use Brickfields, as well as groups and individuals in Devonport, about what facilities and activities they want to see. At the moment the entire site is not being used as well as it should be.

“We have a plan for sport that the city’s clubs and organisations helped create and this proposal really fits the bill. Together we are working to increase participation –opening up opportunities get more people involved in sports and physical activity.

“But this is also about pride; locating the Argyle Academy in Brickfields strengthens the links between the city and Argyle, as well as creating a sense of aspiration for the young people living nearby. We will not see a deal of this scale for many years to come.”

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“This is an extraordinary deal that will unlock millions of pounds of investment to provide incredible facilities to nurture talent in this city as well as expand the offer to local people”

COUNCILLOR PAT PATEL

Plymouth gets connected

Connect Plymouth is now up and running offering new, more sustainable ways to get around the city.

People got the chance at a special event at the Piazza to try out electric bikes and learn about how easy it will soon become to get from A to B using the greener forms of transport.

The event attracted plenty of people wanting to find out more about how the schemes work in practice, when the e-bikes will be ready to hire and to hear more about car clubs and e-chargers.

Docking stations have been popping up all over the city and when fully operational, Beryl Bikes will have a 500-strong fleet of electric bikes for hire from over 90 sites across the city.

There will be an additional 300 parking bays across the city with electric vehicle charge points provided by Wenea. The council has awarded a contract to Co Cars to run a fleet of electric car club vehicles within Plymouth.

Initially there will be 28 docking stations – or Beryl bays – with 125 bikes ready to ride and more due to come online throughout the rest of the year.

Kate Palmer, Beryl Scheme lead for Plymouth, said: “We’re extremely delighted to be launching our scheme in Plymouth, a city with a

clear and exciting vision to promote sustainable travel.

“Our e-bikes are a really fun and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas,

enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys.

“They’re also great for commuting, allowing people to arrive at work clean and ready to go, and for

carrying heavier loads such as shopping.

“By swapping the car for an e-bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also helping to reduce congestion and harmful carbon emissions, so why not give it a try.”

Nic Eversett, managing director of Co Cars said: “We’re passionate about creating less congested and polluted environments by offering alternatives to the private car. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Plymouth City Council on this exciting project.

“Because our cars are shared, they are used far more efficiently – around 35 per cent of the time compared to just four per cent for private cars. Our members can also save thousands every year as they only pay for the time they drive plus mileage.

“Cars are bookable 24/7 by app from as little as half an hour to a few days. As well as Plymouth, they are also available from locations across the South West.”

Connect Plymouth is the new name for the network of facilities –which were formerly called mobility hubs. It is part of the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

José Contreras, head of Wenea UK added: “Wenea is delighted to be part of Connect Plymouth, an initiative that vastly improves access to sustainable transport modes around the city.

“By delivering 150 chargers to Plymouth, supported by our userfriendly app, we are removing a critical barrier holding residents back from using electric vehicles. This will cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and create a more enjoyable transportation experience in Plymouth.”

In March 2020 the council received £51.2m capital funding from the Transforming Cities Fund. This builds upon the £7.6m previously awarded in 2019.

A fleet of 500 electric Beryl bikes will soon be available to hire in Plymouth

Co Cars have been awarded the contract to provide electric cars for hire in Plymouth

Could you deliver the Plymouth Chronicle?

SOUNDS MUSICAL THEATRE PREPARE FOR THEIR SPRING SHOW

Sounds Musical Theatre Company are all set to return to the Devonport Playhouse to perform their annual spring concert review

‘Set the Stage’ showcasing well known songs from stage and movie hits.

The award winning company has a long history of popular performances spanning well over 100 years with few interruptions in their show schedule. Only two World Wars and the pandemic put rehearsals on ice.

Sounds Musical are now rehearsing for ‘Set the Stage’ an innovative compilation of well-known songs from stage and screen with

Charlotte Pascoe as director and performer.

This is her first role as director with the company. She said: “It’s has been a fantastic experience so far putting together this review, making the most of our members’ talents. As a group we are working collectively to put together something special for all audiences, young and not so young, exploring such fantastic music.”

‘Set the Stage’ is on May 13 with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The review also features an innovative whole ensemble song and dance routine from

City College Plymouth wins top award for addressing future skills needs for the maritime sector

City College Plymouth’s commitment to skills for industry saw it win the coveted Future Skills category at the prestigious Maritime UK Awards in Hull.

The college won the award for its extensive work engaging with local employers to develop a highly relevant and adaptable curriculum that has been designed to meet the skills-needs of the maritime and engineering sectors.

Recognising the significance of the maritime industry for the city and wider region, Jackie Grubb, City College’s chief executive, collaborated closely with staff and stakeholders to integrate the maritime sector into the college’s ambitious strategy. This has included substantial investments in facilities and courses that are essential for enhancing the skills of the maritime workforce.

Leading the implementation of the strategic action for the maritime, manufacturing, construction and built environment sectors is Lance Chatfield, the executive of Technical Innovation at the college. Lance expressed his delight in the college’s recognition for its efforts to engage with employers.

Lance said: “Students and employers are central to everything we do at the college and we make every decision with careful consideration of the benefits for both of these groups. We are continually finding new ways to connect with our vital employers, whether it’s through one-to-one discussions with individual employers or large celebratory events.

The emphasis on skills development for the maritime industry has resulted in the establishment of a new teaching facility

situated in close proximity to the waterfront and among some of the leading maritime employers. Additionally, new university-level courses have been introduced, aimed at equipping the present and future workforce with vital skills.

The awards bring together marine employers, training providers and other stakeholders from across the UK, all of whom are committed to driving growth for this area and to celebrate a thriving sector that is worth £116bn to the UK economy.

A Chorus Line, choreographed by Victoria Lambden. Claire Anderson has provided invaluable musical accompaniment for six years and once more takes on the role of musical director.

The company are now looking forward to ’business as usual‘ continuing their rich history in Plymouth’s amateur music scene. Their website and Facebook page Sounds Musical Theatre Company provides more information. Tickets for Set the Stage can be obtained from www.ticketsource.co.uk or by calling 07395159955

BIG MODEL EXHIBITION AT TOTHILL CENTRE

Two of Plymouth’s modelling clubs have joined together to arrange a model exhibition at Tothill Community Centre on Saturday June 17 from 10am until 4pm.

IPMS Plymouth model club will be displaying a multitude of different built scale models including aircraft, military items, dinosaurs, cars, sci-fi models, figures and ships.

The models will range from miniature to larger scales which are available to purchase from model shops or online. There will also be a trader selling kits during the day.

Five model railway layouts will also be running in various gauges during the event and items for sale can be purchased from Chris’ Crafts who will be supporting the event.

The Tothill Centre cafe will be open selling hot and cold items and there will be a Tombola raffle in the models display room during the event.

Entry £2 adults, families £5 with children under 12 free and concessions £1. The venue is disabled friendly.

Further details are available from Dave Watson 07899 956008 or contact him via e-mail at spotwatson1954@gmail.com

SALTASH EXHIBITION

Saltash Rotary Club is organising a model railway exhibition at the restored Saltash Station Building – Isambard House – on April 15 and 16.

There will be five 00 scale model layouts, pictures from local artists, Brunel Heritage talks, crafts trade stand and a ride-on loco provided by Plym Valley Railway. Admission is free with refreshments available.

For ease of parking a shuttle bus provided by Community Enterprise PL12 will run hourly from Saltash Leisure Centre to Isambard House and return.

Details at www.saltashrotary.org

Photo:  Laurie B Film and Photography

Cikty College chief executive Jackie Grubb and Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation at the college with the award

New shine for Pearl Assurance building

One of the city centre’s most prominent buildings is next in line for a facelift.

The landlords of Pearl Assurance House on the corner of Armada Way and Royal Parade have been offered a grant of up to £49,900 towards the cost of cleaning the façade of this imposing 1950s building as well as carrying out repair work.

Scaffolding has already gone up and the cleaning work will start in the next few weeks. The upper floors are being cleaned across a total of 14 shop frontages. The grant offer relates to all floors of the building facing onto Armada Way, Royal Parade and Courtenay Street.

Decades of grime and dirt, together with algae will be cleaned off revealing the light Portland Stone that was widely used in the post-war rebuild of the city centre.

The spring clean is part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) for Plymouth. So far, it has funded work to facades across 16 frontages on Old Town Street and New George Street and provided £86,000 to repair The Athenaeum, where work is expected to start next week.

The Council’s role has been as the lead partner to Historic England, to negotiate with property owners, process grant applications, issue the grant offers and to monitor work on site.Both the Pearl Assurance building and Dingles were built as cornerstones to Armada Way, and were designed to reflect the height and scale of the nearby Plymouth Guildhall. The Pearl Assurance building is more decorative than Dingles, with embellished columns and carved stonework.

Councillor Mark Shayer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said: “It’s so good to see the brightness, clean lines, and

stone shine out like it did 50 years ago when I first came to the city. A spring clean on a mammoth scale and hugely welcomed. “The difference these projects are making is huge. They are totally transforming the stunning buildings that make Plymouth’s City Centre unique. It’s been really popular with our residents and businesses.”

Simon Hickman, Principal Inspector of Historic Buildings at Historic England South West said “Pearl Assurance House is one of Plymouth City Centre’s key buildings, marking one edge of the Civic Square.

“The corner of the Pearl Assurance building matches the corner of Dingles (now House of Fraser) opposite, and Thomas Tait, one of the architects of Sydney Harbour Bridge, was involved in its design. Getting it cleaned and repaired will show that it’s a landmark to be proud of.”

Chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre

Start a new career in child and family social work

Graduates and people looking for a career change are being invited to ‘Step Up to Social Work’ and join Plymouth City Council’s Children’s Services team.

Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time, highly-rewarding training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of child and family social workers.

Company Steve Hughes said: “It is great to see these historic buildings get a facelift and combined with all the other improvements is good news for the city centre and our businesses.”

The Plymouth City Centre High Street Heritage Action Zone programme –‘Reinvigorating the Abercrombie Estate’ – is a four-year programme celebrating, enhancing and adapting the city centre’s post-war heritage and making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time.

The Heritage Action Zone project is managed by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Culture, with support from The Box and Plymouth Octopus Project.  It’s part of a £95 million government-funded programme which is being delivered by Historic England to unlock the potential of 60 different high streets across the country.

PLYMOUTH NAMED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST UNDERRATED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Plymouth has been named as one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world by a global media and hospitality company.

Plymouth ranks seventh out of a 14-strong list of destinations and is the only one in the UK in the global list rated by Time Out’s local expert editors and writers. Other destinations include locations in Mongolia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Australia, Vermont, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

The list aims to inspire travellers to discover places which ‘pack a punch in terms of food, culture, and experiences’ but are often overlooked.

Time Out’s UK Editor, Huw Oliver, explained why Plymouth was selected. He said: “Plymouth doesn’t cross a lot of people’s minds when it comes to planning a seaside getaway or a city break, but it should: you get two for the price of one here.

“It’s got culture in spades, with The Box

offering world-class exhibitions in a beautiful setting and the Market Hall dazzling with its ‘immersive art dome’.

And that’s not to mention all the amazing food and drink, from classic fish and chips to England’s oldest gin distillery, plus quite possibly the UK’s best outdoor pool in the Tinside Lido.

“It offers an idyllic weekend away, right on the stunning Devon coast, and best of all, you’ll likely have a lot of it to yourself.”

U-TURN ON CHARGES FOR LEISURE CAR PARKS - BUT COST OF PARKING INCREASES IN CITY

Parking charges will not now be introduced at a number of leisure car parks in Plymouth following opposition by local ward councillors.

Earlier this month it was announced that Plymouth City Council would be asking residents for their views on introducing minimal parking charges at Mount Batten (on-street and car park), Jennycliff, Devils Point and Strand Street car parks – all of which are currently free – with the revenue being reinvested into improvements in each car park.

In addition, the consultation would have

included proposals on introducing a small charge at the Life Centre (£1 for 24 hours parking) for customers of the centre, to help prevent non-users from migrating to the Life Centre car park, creating challenges for centre customers.

As part of the initial engagement, ward councillors expressed their concern on the proposals, therefore the Cabinet Member for Transport has decided they will not move forward.

Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “As part of our wider budget programme, we highlighted that we would look at ways we could help address the increase in operating costs of parking in the city.

This proposal was exactly that. It was one idea. We committed to listening to views and that started with us engaging with councillors. It is clear that introducing charges at our leisure car parks would not be a viable option, therefore the proposal will not be moving ahead.”

Meanwhile on and off street parking charges in the rest of the city will rise by 10 per cent from April 1. Hourly on street parking charges will rise from £2 to £2.20 and all day parking from £15 to £16.50. Off street parking chargesa across the city will rise by a similar amount. Residents parking permits will rise from £41 to £45.

It is designed for people who want to become a social worker, but do not have a degree in social work. Successful applicants train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience in a local authority, receiving support with training costs and a bursary of £19,833 over the duration of the programme. Applications are open now. Applicants eligible for the programme, which includes financial support alongside training, will be individuals with experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults, and who can demonstrate emotional resilience and potential for success.

Step Up To Social Work aims to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds resulting in a workforce that represents the society that it serves.

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Plymouth, and our team of social workers play a vital role here in helping to support vulnerable children and their families.

“If you’re looking for a new career where you can really make a positive difference to people’s lives, please consider stepping up to social work and joining our passionate and determined Children’s Services team.”

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:  “I’ve been truly inspired by the social workers that I’ve met. The passion and support they provide for children and families is a real testament to the profession and it is what makes it such a rewarding career. To attract more great social workers we’re helping councils, including Plymouth City Council, with recruitment and retention, along with better support for social workers with new early career development.”

The Step Up programme is backed by a £25 million investment by the Department for Education to support 700 individuals to enter the social work profession in local authorities across England in 2024.

This will be the eighth cohort of Step Up since 2010, since then the programme has successfully supported over 2,300 social workers to enter the profession across England.

For more information visit susw.eu-careers.pocketrecruiter.com/

FIRST LOOK AT PLANS FOR CITY’S NEW £10M ADULT CARE FACILITY

An artist’s impression has revealed how a new £10 million adult care facility in Plymouth could look.

Plymouth City Council is investing in a brand new adult social care service, which will support adults with learning disabilities by offering a combined day and respite service in one central location.

The state of the art, modern and accessible building is being designed specifically to support people with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs.

It will include 12 en suite bedrooms and six selfcontained apartments with their own courtyard gardens to offer short respite breaks.

The facility will also include different spaces for activities such as sensory rooms, art rooms, gardens, and a kitchen.

Located on the site of a disused depot on Outland Road, which was once home to the council’s parks department, the facility will benefit

Artist’s impression of the new adult care centre

from easy access to Central Park as well as strong transport links throughout the city.

Councillor John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “As a councillor

LIONS BOOST FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Two local charities have been presented with cheques from the Lions Club of Plymouth thanks to the generosity of shoppers at Plymouth superstores.

During the run-up to Christmas, Lions Club members organised collections from shoppers at Tesco and Morrisons stores to support Children’s Hospice South West and Brain Tumour South West Research Plymouth University.

The donations made by shoppers visiting these stores contributed a total of £2,400 and presentations were made by Lions Club President Lion Jill Owen in the presence of the Lord Mayor

President Jill Owen explained how the event is organised and how over the years changes have been made meet with present day requirements and to thank all the people who made donations totalling the substantial figure in view of the recent cost of living crisis.

The Lord Mayor responded with grateful thanks to groups like the Lions Club who give time to support the needs of local worthy causes.

for Peverell Ward, I’m extremely pleased that we’re transforming a disused piece of land at the edge of Central Park into a centre of excellence which will benefit Plymouth residents by improving our

existing adult social care offer, with the proximity to the park an added bonus for residents, visitors and staff.

“We are delighted to share how this fantastic new facility may look, along with more detailed plans that showcase the thought that has gone into this project to ensure that it will successfully meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable residents, supporting them and their families.”

Once built, the centre will replace the current daytime support offer at The Vine in Whitleigh and the respite provision offered by Colwill Lodge in Estover.

An online consultation is running on plymouthconsult.objective.co.uk/kse/

Demolition of the existing depot buildings on the site is currently being carried out. A full planning application will be submitted later this year, ahead of the procurement for the construction of the new facility.

US fried chicken chain is coming to Plymouth

Popeyes, the American fried chicken restaurant, is opening its doors in Plymouth.

The new restaurant will officially open on April 6 at 10 New George St, in the heart of the city centre.

Popeyes is renowned across the globe with nearly 4,000 restaurants in 30 different countries. The Plymouth restaurant is the first to open in the South West and follows hot on the heels of openings in Cambridge, Reading and Cardiff.

The fast-growing chain arrived in England in November 2021, and has since opened 13 new restaurants, with a further 18 scheduled for 2023, including the first in Scotland and Wales.

Chicken fans in Plymouth will be able to experience Popeyes world famous ‘shatter crunch’ for themselves once they get their

hands on the menu, including the iconic Popeyes chicken sandwich.

Tom Crowley, chief executive at Popeyes UK commented: “When we landed in the UK in November 2021, we asked people all over the UK to ‘believe the hype’ attached to the huge cult following Popeyes already has in the USA.

“It’s safe to say they’ve done that, with overnight queues for all of our openings to date. There’s no doubt that Popeyes has been enthusiastically received on UK shores. “We’re proud to be bringing Popeyes to the vibrant city of Plymouth. We’ve wanted to launch in the South West since we landed in the UK, and Plymouth was an obvious choice of location for us to do that.”

PAMPER DAY TREAT AT SUNFLOWER CENTRE

Women at Plymouth’s Sunflower Women’s Centre were treated to a special pamper day – thanks to Plymouth Soroptimists.

The event was organised to make International Women’s Day - and was the fourth one arranged by the Soroptimists.

The day saw almost 50 ladies receiving top to toe treatments including haircuts, manicures, pedicures and facials.

All the beauty treatments were given by a team of volunteers from GHQ Salon and Training Centre in Plymouth and Greenhouse Spa with Soroptimists pitching in to help out.  Tea and coffee were provided throughout the day with a packed lunch supplied for everyone.

The invitation to attend the pamper day was extended to women at the Plymouth Refuge and the women that access the services at Sunflower Women’s

Centre. Lunch donations were kindly provided by Morrisons Plymstock store and the Co-op at Crownhill.

Sue Miller of Plymouth Soroptimists with Vicki Stacey of GHQ organised the beauty treatments with other members co-ordinating refreshments for the day.

Sue Miller said: “This was a real Soroptimist team effort in the planning and delivery of the pamper day.

We are extremely grateful for everyone that provided support and products on the day with particular thanks to GHQ without whom we could not have held the event.

Also we owe thanks to Morrisons, the Co-op and Greenhouse Spa.  The ladies who attended had a wonderful pampering experience and really enjoyed the day, some commenting that it was the best day ever.”

of Plymouth Councillor Sue Dann accompanied by her consort husband Councillor Chris Marvin at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour to the representatives of each charity.

Lions presentation (from left) Tasha Carroll from Brain Tumour South West Research, Lions President Jill Owen, Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann and Annabel Roberts from Children’s Hospice South West

Chocolates and the meaning of life

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Allegedly we’re approaching spring time although it doesn’t seem like anyone has told the weather! As I write this March is well under way but the temperatures are still as cold as midwinter.

It feels somewhat ironic as my last article reflected on the significant changes that take place in Spring. Perhaps it is much warmer and more seasonal as you are reading this.

One of the major markers of Spring time is the long Easter weekend. For those in school this is accompanied by the Easter school holidays and for almost all of us we enjoy more than our fill of chocolates. Chocolate and Easter are synonymous in our culture. As my daughter grows older we especially love doing an Easter egg hunt with her. Placing the eggs for her to excitedly discover later is a real joy of parenting. Informing her that she can’t eat them all at once is somewhat less enjoyable for all involved.

My daughter is three years old so as you can imagine we don’t try to hide the small Easter eggs in especially difficult

places. Most are obvious and are found in a matter of moments but, as I’m sure is the case for many of you, we still manage to find some months later.

My daughter actually managed to find one when we were out in Central Park around late Spring last year.

She had been happily playing in some grass when she turned to me and said ‘Daddy, I found an egg’. I didn’t believe her as she had been saying this line almost on repeat since her own Easter egg hunt.

Although this time she had really found one laid by a rock. Though it was wrapped well in foil, this being a number of weeks after Easter itself, I wasn’t going to let her eat it. A decision which didn’t go down too well with her.

No one else had unearthed this treasure but because my daughter was expecting to find Easter eggs around every corner she somehow managed to find it.

In our daily lives we all too easily lose

sight of what is out there to be found.

If we’re honest with ourselves I think in some way or another we’re all searching.

Not necessarily searching for Easter eggs but searching for purpose, for our identity and value, for real tangible meaning in our lives.

In my personal search for these things Easter means a great deal.

The message of the Easter tradition is that of God coming to Earth as the person of Jesus Christ and dying the death of a criminal on a cross and 3 days later being resurrected back to life.

This article doesn’t afford me the word count to fully elaborate on the significance of all of that. You will have to do some searching of your own!

What I will say though is that in my experience this is more than a story. I believe it. I believe that God created me, loves me and took all my brokenness, pain,

mistakes and frailty on the cross so that I may know and be fully known by God. I believe He was raised to life three days later to prove I have a hope of life beyond death as well.

I believe all of this is true for you too. The message of Easter isn’t merely a story to hold on to but an invitation to walk with God every day.

To live a meaningful life with Him in which, if you’ll let Him, he will transform, heal and change you. He’ll enable you to love yourself and those around you well. As I have searched this is what I know I have found.

Now by all means, please disagree with me as much as you like. That is the beauty of the freedom we enjoy.

However, even if you disagree I would encourage you to go searching yourself. Just like my daughter in the park, you never know what you might find. Only this time it would be safe to try.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

Thousands enjoy National Marine Park open weekend

Giant eels and King and Queen Neptune welcomed thousands of people to enjoy a fantastic free weekend at the National Marine Aquarium organised by the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park for the people of Plymouth as a thank you and to celebrate achievements over the past year.

Over 3,700 tickets were distributed to targeted community groups through the Marine Park Rangers and Gateway Hubs: Mount Batten Centre, Mount Edgcumbe, Plymouth Active and the National Marine Aquarium.

A further 2,900 tickets were won via a public ballot, which saw over 9,000 entrants in the lead up to the weekend.

The event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann and Roger Maslin, chief executive of the Ocean Conservation Trust. Guests were treated to a theatrical display led by the Barbican Theatre and lots of marine themed activities including face painting.

Stilt walkers, King and Queen Neptune, presided over their marine kingdom throughout the weekend, whilst visitors were encouraged to watch their favourite aquatic wildlife feast during punctuated feeding times.

Throughout the open weekend, the team behind Plymouth Sound National Marine Park were on hand to gather feedback from visitors as part of the public consultation to inform future plans.

To help promote sustainable travel to the event, Plymouth CityBus provided free bus rides for children with an accompanying fare-paying adult. Although the free service was aimed at those who were lucky enough to secure free tickets, others were able to use

the offer throughout the weekend to visit the wider National Marine Park.

Ahead of the open weekend, the Gateway Hubs – Mount Edgcumbe, National Marine Aquarium, Mount Batten Centre, and Plymouth Active, were each asked to nominate an individual who goes above and beyond at their organisation to become a winner of a golden ticket experience.

Each nominee was rewarded with a golden ticket to experience the snorkel at the aquarium activity at the National Marine Aquarium across the weekend.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for

Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council said: “We are delighted that we could offer so many tickets for free, so that the people of Plymouth could enjoy time together learning about our National Marine Park. It was an exciting weekend for everyone involved.”

Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Tudor Evans, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the people of Plymouth to play an instrumental part in the next five years of the National Marine Park.”

The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project has been made possible

thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, with £9.5 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The open weekend took place during National Lottery Open Week, which provides offers to National Lottery players as a thank you for their support helping to fund good causes.

Dave Simpson

The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Pat Patel, Aquarium staff and National Marine Park volunteers at the start of the open weekend

Golden ticket winners John Baddick and Chris Wright snorkelling

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Garden & Landscaping

College supports local school with design and technology aims

City College Plymouth staff have been supporting local school children with a project that will see the pupils’ creation installed at a famous Plymouth landmark.

The college has been working with 10 and 11-year-old pupils at Mayflower Community Academy to design and build bird hides to be used by visitors to the famous Drake’s Island. The pupils have been designing and building scale-model bird hides as part of a design and technology project on frame structures, which has also served to teach the children about local businesses.

As part of the project, the children were treated to a visit to Drake’s Island where they met local entrepreneur Morgan Phillips, who has been delivering on his plans to make the island accessible to all. To support the children and to further their learning, the school contacted the college for help in improving the pupils’ work by teaching them some advanced skills.

Curriculum lead and development officer for Construction and the Built Environment, Terry Such, said: “The college was very happy to support Mayflower Community Academy with this project. The school stated how important it was to them to enhance the curriculum outcomes in design and technology and to promote potential career

opportunities to these pupils.

“We have been really impressed with the quality of their work - some future carpenters and designers among the group. It will be even more exciting to see their designs turned into real structures that will be used by thousands of visitors to Drake’s Island.”

When it came to designing their bird hides, the pupils were given a set of strict criteria. They were told that the hide must be built of sustainable materials, accommodate up to four people, provide protection from the weather, be a permanent structure and blend with the natural environment.

Once the design process was completed, the pupils were invited to weekly workshops at the college where they could practise

their new woodwork skills by building scale models of their hides. These were then presented to the Drake’s Island team, several architects and the pupils’ families who all voted for their favourite design.

This will now be turned into a real bird hide with the support of the University of Plymouth before being installed on the island in April.

Mayflower Academy headteacher, David Sammels, said: “This has been such a special project for our pupils. Not only have they had the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art workshops and experience expert tuition from the college’s lecturers, they’ve created something that will be utilised by thousands of people.

“What a fantastic opportunity for them all. We know how much they have enjoyed it and we hope to have opened their eyes to possible careers they might not otherwise have considered.

“We can’t wait to see the bird hide in place. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in our aims to raise our pupils’ aspirations.”

The college has said it is looking forward to supporting Mayflower Academy with future projects. Schools are welcome to get in touch with City College Plymouth to discuss potential collaborations by e-mailing info@city.plym.ac.uk

TOP YOUNG DANCE COMPANY COMING TO PLYMOUTH

The National Youth Dance Company’s 10th anniversary tour is visiting Plymouth this summer.

The country’s flagship company for young dancers, which is run by Sadler’s Wells, will visit The House in Plymouth on July 15 with their new work Novacene, choreographed by guest artistic director and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Wayne McGregor.

During the dancers’ time with NYDC, they are offered a unique insight into the dance profession, living and working closely together as a company, alongside staff and the artistic team.

The year-long experience within the company provides members with the necessary skills and techniques to find career opportunities and raise aspirations, self-esteem and confidence. The dancers are mentored during four intensive residencies in school holidays to create and rehearse the new piece. With 35 dancers, aged between 16 and 24 years old, hailing from 19 towns, cities and villages across England it’s a nationwide company.

Over the last 10 years NYDC has worked with over 6,000 young people through workshops and projects across the country. Over 300 young people have joined the company, creating 10 full length dance productions by internationally renowned choreographers.

For more information visit www.nydc.co.uk

One of the pupils with her bird hide design

Youngsters at one of the City College workshops

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Preparations for The Coronation

Plymouth residents are being encouraged to start planning community celebrations for the King’s Coronation bank holiday weekend in May.

The Coronation will see people across the UK come together to celebrate and the national programme will include the procession and service at Westminster Abbey on May 6, a ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ across the country on May 7 (with a concert taking place in Windsor in the evening), and ‘The Big Help Out’ community activity on the bank holiday, Monday May 8.

Street parties are a great way of celebrating the event together and Plymouth City Council is making them easier to organise by lifting the fees for street closure orders between May 6 and 8.

Guidance for residents on how to organise a street party can be found on the Visit Plymouth website at www.visitplymouth.co.uk.

Another way for communities and neighbours to come together is by taking part in The Coronation Big Lunch, on May 7. Information on how to get involved is on the Coronation Big Lunch website at www.edenprojectcommunities. com/the-big-lunch

LIGHTING UP CENTRAL PARK

Twenty new street lamps have been installed in Central Park.

The new lamp columns have been put up along paths through the park from Outland Road, running between the putting green and the playground before crossing onto Jubilee Row down towards Barn Park corner.

It means there will be a well-lit east to west route across the city’s biggest park as well as the existing north south route for walkers, strollers, joggers, skaters, pram pushers and cyclists.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “Central Park is hugely popular and we want people to feel safe. While spring is around the corner, it still gets dark fairly early. We hope these lights will encourage more people to walk or cycle across the park.

“Our Active Travel programme is all about small measures that can make a big difference to get more people walking and wheeling instead of driving. What better way to do this than by investing in street lights in Central Park?”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, chair of Plymouth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Commission added: “Members of the VAWG Commission were very keen to ensure this popular park was better lit to help people feel safer. It’s great to see this has now happened – especially more lights near the clock tower, which we raised as a particular issue.

The lights are LED and to help mitigate the impact of light on nocturnal species, two bat boxes are being installed.

This project cost £117,000, with £95,000 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund which is designed to help Plymouth’s walking and cycling network be more connected, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive. The remainder comes from the Central Park improvement budget.

Western Power are finalising the project and the lights now come on at dusk.

Plymouth to host Europe’s first-ever Undokai event

Barbican Theatre has announced that Plymouth is hosting the UK and European premiere of the Future Undokai Project, which will be known as Plymouth Undokai 2023, with events and games running across the Spring.

The project will culminate in two weekends of games at the end of April, including the final ‘Plymouth’ version of events taking place at Brickfields Sports Centre.

The Future Undokai Project is a  groundbreaking Japanese initiative exploring the future of intergenerational community sports and how communities might design new multi-player physical games. And Plymouth is home to it’s UK and European premiere!

The Plymouth Undokai project is all about bringing people together to have fun and play games. Participants will get to play traditional Undokai games - similar to what might be played at a school sports day, fair or carnival but with a twist and a bit of tech mixed in - and also create and play brand new games just for Plymouth!

Creating and playing your own games that fuse traditional sports with future tech is a unique aspect of Undokai and organisers can’t wait for Plymouth to get involved.

There will be two main ways of taking part in the Plymouth Undokai:

As a Player - someone who plays the traditional games and the new games made in Plymouth (for ages 8-88). This is ideal for:

• People who want to have fun and play games

• People who like mixing with lots of different people

• People who really enjoy sports day at school

• People who like beach or park games

• Groups such as football clubs, scouts, guides, cubs, brownies, boys brigade, girls brigade, young carers, home school groups, Duke of Edinburgh groups.

As a DeveloPlayer - someone who helps cocreate the new games and events in Plymouth and then joins in with the players to play them!  This is ideal for:

• Community Leaders

• Dancers/choreographers/movement artists

• Sports Coaches

• Teachers

• Students

• Tech whizz kids

• Gamers

Plymouth Undokai will take place over two weeks in April with three main ways to get involved:

PLAY IT: JAPANESE STYLE

April 15 and 16 at YMCA Centre in Honicknowle  Play traditional undokai games designed and

led by the team from the Undokai Association who are coming over from Japan. They’ll include games such as tug of war, relay races, long rope jumping, centipede racing and more fun activities. They will also mix in a little bit of tech in the afternoon! For: ages 8-88. Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre.co.uk

DEVELOP IT: CO-CREATE THE PLYMOUTH GAMES

April 21 at University of Plyouth and April 22 and 23 at Brickfields Sport Centre  As a DeveloPlayer people get to rewrite the rule book! This is a seriously cool opportunity for them to design and create a new series of games with the Undokai Association team from Japan while they are in Plymouth. Students and leaders from University of Plymouth’s Arts Institute and i-DAT who are working on Games Design and Games & Experience Design, will be on hand to incorporate their innovations and tech ideas into the games as well. Then on the final day 200 people will be at the centre to play the games created by the DeveloPlayers.

April 21 at University of Plymouth - an ideas lab where all particpants will meet and run through ideas and maybe do a few testers.

April 22 Brickfields Sport Centre - the main DeveloPlayer day. Get stuck in and co-create six to eight games for people of all ages and abilities to play the day after. It’s a hackathon with a twist!

April 23 at Brickfields Sport Centre - PLAY IT

Plymouth style. The final day of Plymouth Undokai when 200 people will come together to play the games developed over the two previous days  For ages 10+ Tickets: Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre.co.uk

PLAY IT: PLYMOUTH STYLE

April 23 at Brickfields Sports Centre

Get into teams and play the new games developed in the DeveloPlayer sessions and be the first ever players to try them out! It’s going to be so much fun and is as much about taking part as winning (although there will be medals and awards at the end of course!)

For: ages 8-88. Tickets: pay what you decide; on sale now at barbicantheatre. co.uk

Plymouth Undokai is hopefully the first annual event. In Japan, there are 70,000 Undokai events a year - with 10 million people taking part.

Laura Kriefman, chief executive and artistic director, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth said:  “Why can’t we, as a city, invent our own sports? Imagine inventing, here in Plymouth, the next ‘football’ or ‘curling’! I am so excited to be able to bring this amazing project to our city and see what games Plymothians want to make, to play together. We have our fingers crossed that this is the first year of many for Plymouth Undokai. I look forward to the laughter and the amazing games we invent.“

A number of taster ‘play days’ have been in held in communities across the city in January, February and March (at University Of Plymouth, Keyham and Devonport) in the lead up to the main events in April when teams from Future Undokai Association in Japan will be in Plymouth. Barbican Theatre will also be holding a conference and conversations event at Plymouth University as part of Plymouth Undokai (more information on the conference to be published shortly).

Participants who took part in one of the taster sessions

New Employer Hub launched to support Plymouth businesses

Led by Plymouth City Council, Skills Launchpad Plymouth has unveiled a new online Employer Hub designed to bring together localised solutions to help address recruitment, employment, workforce skills and training challenges.

Aimed at helping local small to medium sized companies as well as offering additional support for larger businesses, the Employer Hub provides advice, guidance, and access to information setting out clear options to help employers better navigate the complex skills, training and employment landscape.

During the launch event held at Boringdon Park Golf Club, business leaders firmly endorsed the value and benefits of the new Employer Hub service.

Jonathan Keable, Leader of Plymouth’s Federation of Small Businesses said: “We really understand that local employers are struggling with significant skills gaps and skills shortages which is impacting on their ability to attract, recruit and retain people with the right skills.

“So launching the Employer Hub could not have come at a better time. I have been championing the Employer Hub development as we recognise particularly for our smaller employers, that understanding this complex and every changing skills and employment landscape is hard, and you don’t know what you don’t know!

“Through city-wide partnership working, we have co-designed this new online resource, aimed at helping local employers, of all sizes and sectors, to tap into a full menu of recruitment solutions and support, and impartial information, advice and guidance for all things skills and training relating to the city and regional opportunities.”

Paul Turner, chair of Plymouth’s Employment and Skills Board, and Human Resources director

at Princess Yachts said: “This new online go to, one-stop-shop will help businesses to get better informed, to navigate more options and help to connect with the right people and organisations locally.

“The city’s Skills Plan ‘Skills 4 Plymouth’ sets the ambition to deliver a responsive, single skills system that meets the needs of local employers, and where local people across all ages and communities can access skills, jobs and support for career progression right on their doorstep.

“In response we have delivered and are developing ‘Skills Launchpad Plymouth’ which we consider to be a key enabler. I am delighted that the Employer Hub is now live and encourage local businesses to access and find out more.”

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “Building on the huge success of Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub and Adult Hub which support our local residents to connect with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs, I am really impressed that local employers are now able to tap into such a wealth of localised information, advice and guidance to better address their recruitment, skills and training needs.”

The Employer Hub is funded by the Interreg FCE C-Care project, delivered by The Plymouth Charter supporting Skills Launchpad Plymouth. For more information visit www. skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/employer-hub.

Interactive signs highlighting plastic pollution issues go live in Plymouth

The Environment Agency is on a mission to tackle plastic pollution with the launch of interactive ‘Source to Sea’ posters across Plymouth.

Residents and visitors can now scan poster QR codes at multiple locations to find out how single-use avoidable plastic items - like nappies, packets, wet wipes and sanitary products - impact marine life when incorrectly flushed down the toilet or discarded in the open environment.

The eye-catching posters, which can be found on railings, bollards and lamp posts at the Barbican Waterfront and Hoe, University of Plymouth Hospital (inside only), city centre, and Mutley and Saltash Passage areas, enable people to have text message mobile phone chats about plastic types, the journey of plastic through drains and rivers, and their impacts on ocean health.

There is also an engaging quiz and opportunity to share opinions on plastic pollution.

Environment Agency plastics and sustainability team project lead Lucy Smith said: “Every year over 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the world’s ocean from land, rivers and marine activities. And around 967kg of plastic waste has been removed from Plymouth in recent months according to our

partner database, thanks to community-led litter pickers.

“With the help of these interactive posters, we hope to clampdown on poor waste disposal habits by encouraging people to think how the health of our planet is shaped by our actions.

“It can be really confusing knowing what type of waste goes where. We hope this project will engage people in a fun way and help break down complicated issues into straightforward action. Every individual can play a part in ocean health, and every positive action counts.”

The initiative is one of many projects

being funded by the three year cross channel Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution project - a partnership of 18 organisations, including Plymouth City Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the University of Plymouth - which aims to identify and target plastic hotspots, embed behaviour change in local communities and businesses, and implement effective solutions and alternatives.

The posters encourage people to properly dispose of their waste and step up daily avoidable plastic habits by following the waste hierarchy - avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle.

The posters will be in place for 12 months, after which the interactions will be evaluated to help inform future initiatives to prevent plastic pollution. The project builds on Environment Agency goals and commitments outlined in its five year plan to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment.

As a regulator, the Environment Agency prevents waste plastic entering the environment by cracking down on waste crime and poor waste management. As an influencer, its ambition is to promote better environmental practices that result in a reduction of plastic waste.

Pictured at the Employer Hub launch (from left) Paul Turner, human resources director at Princess Yachts and Chair of Plymouth’s Employment and Skills Board, Emma Hewitt, Skills Lead at Plymouth City Council, Frances Brennan, Plymouth Charter, Cllr Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Children and Young People and Jonathan Keable, Leader Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses

All set for Armed Forces Day

Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day returns to Plymouth Hoe this summer with an epic programme of events, activities and entertainment.

The exciting line-up was revealed at a launch event marking 100 days until Armed Forces Day on June 24. It will include music, pageantry, fly pasts, exciting service displays, service charities and fun for all the family. The launch was hosted by 29 Commando Regiment RA at the Royal Citadel.

Lieutenant Colonel Kieran Phillips, Royal Artillery Commanding Officer, presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, with the Armed Forces Day flag. Members from Babcock, Plymouth City Council and representatives from each Military Service, veterans, cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes also attended.

The launch saw members of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery abseil down the walls of The Royal Citadel, carrying the Armed Forces Day flag and title sponsors Babcock’s flag.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sue Dann, jumped at the opportunity to bravely abseil down the 70ft high Citadel wall.

The flags were passed to the 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines, who flew them from their Offshore Raiding Craft (ORCs) in a thrilling on-water display. The ORCs travelled at high speed in an arrowhead formation across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, which is expected to see over 40,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the family-fun event.

This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment, demonstrations and parades. There will also be a flyover of iconic aircraft over Plymouth Sound before heading on to Cornwall who are hosting the national celebration this year.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council, said:

“Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out, filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, but also a hugely important opportunity for the people of Plymouth to show support to our Military, reservists, veterans, cadets and their

Advertise to over

23,000 homes in Waterside & West

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

families, thanking them for the great work they do.

“It is also great to see the spotlight on the Southwest this year, when celebrating this significant day; with the national event being hosted in Falmouth. It brings a great opportunity for our communities to come together to celebrate and show our continued support to our Armed Forces.”

Lt Col Kieran Phillips said: “I’m delighted that we can launch this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day with the magnificent Royal Citadel as our backdrop – this has been home to Gunners for over 300 years and to the Commando Gunners for the last 60. It is a great opportunity for us to continue to play our part in the Plymouth community that means so much to.

“This Plymouth Armed Forces Day will be just as spectacular as those that have gone before; and is a brilliant annual moment for us, our families and our veterans to come together with our wider Plymouth family.”

The May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Waterside and West will be published on April 21 with a copy deadline of April 10. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city. We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Last month’s answers

Across: 5 Focaccia, 7 Stir, 8 Objectionable, 9 Owned, 11 Credit, 13 U S A, 14 Violin, 15 Hedge, 17 Temperamental, 20 Cost, 21 Spritzer.

Down: 1 Farewell, 2 Acute, 3 Majorca, 4 Yielding, 6 Orb, 7 Sea, 10 White-hot, 12 Eternity, 13 Undress, 16 Smart, 18 Pet, 19 Ale.

Gables has been helping the regions unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. We take in and care for nearly 1000 cats and dogs every year.

We are a non-euthanasia charity, which means no healthy animal in our care is put to sleep. We receive no Government funding so rely completely on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies. We need your help to care for unwanted and aban doned animals in your local area.

Any donation, large or small, would make a significant difference to the work we do and will help to protect our future.

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the publication.

Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann bravely abseiled down the Citadel wall

Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann pictured with officials and military representatives