Chronicle Plymouth # PLYMOUTHTOGETHER
April 2022
Gables Dogs and Cats Home appeal for help to treat broken hearted Staffie cross Hockey For details see Page 3
City College Plymouth has been awarded the prestigious Google Reference College status See Page 9
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Gym manager Adam Domyslawski has raised over £5,000 for a city charity with a 12-hour fitness challenge See Page 16
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• Cross Rhythms Experience • Dial the Experts • Useful numbers
All set for the big day!
Thousands of people will be flocking to The Hoe for Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 25. The ever-popular event returns after a break of two years due to COVID restrictions • See page 3 for details
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2 April 2022
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COVID WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE US NEW CHALLENGES You may know someone who has had COVID-19 in the last few weeks, or even had it yourself.
Rates are very high in the city again, with more than 1,100 cases per 100,000. We know fewer people are testing now and reporting so true rates across our community will be even higher. The high rates are once again causing issues for some businesses and organisations due to the number of staff who are off work. Some people with COVID-19 are fortunate to experience symptoms similar to a cold but many people feel very unwell and need two or three days in bed. Some people complain of feeling the effects of the virus for several months afterwards. While our rates in Plymouth are higher than the England average, there is no indication that there is anything different happening in the city, compared to elsewhere. We have a combination of BA1 and BA2, two omicron variants and there are no new ‘variants of concern’ being seen. However, the high rates continue to impact the NHS due to the measures needed to care for patients in hospital who have COVID-19 and the numbers of health workers having to stay off work. The good news is that the vaccine appears to be doing a good job of reducing severe illness. The vaccine programme is now being supported by a spring booster vaccine is now being offered to people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed. We knew from our experience of COVID-19 over the last two years that it was far from over – the
Government’s Living with Covid document does flag that we are in for some uncertain times – but this current high rates have shown this to be the case even more quickly than many of us had expected. None of us wants COVID-19 to continue dominating our daily lives in the way it has done for so long. However, the current position shows we need to continue to take it seriously and to keep asking ourselves whether we are doing what we need to in order to stay safe.
How we can live with COVID-19
By Dr Ruth Harrell
Director of Public Health for Plymouth
Help keep rates as low as possible: The higher the COVID-19 rates in our community, the greater the risk of more people getting seriously ill and the NHS being put under even more severe pressure, as well as further disruption to our daily lives, whether school, work or leisure. This means it makes sense to always consider simple measures that can go a long way to reducing the risk to yourself and those around you: wearing a face covering in crowded, indoor spaces, washing your hands frequently and letting fresh in when meeting indoors – or even better, meeting outside. Staying at home when sick: While there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home if you do have it, but also any time that you feel ill. Getting tested: Testing is being scaled back from 1 April and the PCR test centres in Plymouth have now closed. After 1 April, PCR testing will only still be available for various at-risk groups and social care staff. Paid-for tests will be available for everyone else. At the moment free lateral flow tests are still available from libraries in Plymouth, as well as online through the Government website. Getting vaccinated and boosted: The vaccine is very good at preventing severe illness if you get COVID-19. If you haven’t had all your vaccines yet, there are walk-in sessions being held in locations around the city. The Government has now launched a Spring booster campaign for people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.
Where to get your vaccine If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van. The mobile van will be visiting the following locations: • Monday 28 March: Davie Hall, Mutley (11am to 6pm) • Wednesday 30 March: Peverell Library (midday to 5pm) • Thursday 31 March: Plymouth Market (11am to 5pm) • Monday 4 April: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm) • Wednesday 6 April: St Budeaux Library (9am to 4pm)
• Thursday 7 April: Frankfort Gate (11am to 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations. Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups. Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ get-tested.
HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19. NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on March 24.
April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Armed Forces Day is back after two year absence Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will return to Plymouth Hoe this summer after a two year absence due to the pandemic.
The exciting programme for the event was revealed following a launch on March 17 hosted by 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at the Royal Citadel. Captain Chris Morris presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Terri Beer, with the Armed Forces Day flag before a ceremonial firing of the gun from the Citadel’s battlements. The hugely popular, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday June 25. This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment and parades. There’s lots of live music to enjoy too, including a free evening concert headlined by ‘From The Specials’, starring Neville Staple who’s famous for his 2-Tone legacy. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, 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 for all members of the Armed Forces and their families, and to thank them for their hard work and dedication. “Plymouth is incredibly proud of its military history and there’s much to celebrate this year. “It was very fitting to host the launch at the Royal Citadel as this year the Commando Gunners will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a parade through the city centre in May.” Armed Forces Day will start with the RAF and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service at 9.10am, followed by the main activities beginning at 10am. The Parade of Standards, which is open to all veterans, will see veterans and cadets parade
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Veterans and cadets will take part in the Armed Forces Day Parade of Standards
across the Hoe Promenade at 11am. There’s plenty to experience throughout the day. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army all in attendance. They will be hosting activities, displays and military vehicles in their own specific ‘villages’. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Coastguard Rescue Service and Dartmoor Search and Rescue will also be there on the day. More than 70 organisations and charities will be represented within the Veterans’ Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, offering support and advice as well as information from training providers. To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, there will be a dedicated Falklands veterans’ parade, with any veteran that was involved in the conflict invited to join. The arena programme promises plenty of entertainment and thrills, with the
Devonport Services Rugby Team showing off their skills, Field Gun tournaments and displays from local cadets and the City of Plymouth Pipe Band. The entertainment continues into the evening with a free music concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, taking place on stage from 5pm to 10.30pm. Performances include: Military Wives Choir; Ocean City Sound Barbershop chorus; Local powerhouse duo Roulette; Absolutely Elton, an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John; From The Specials – The Neville Staple Band. This year the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines, will also take place in Plymouth for the first time ever on Thursday June 23. This tough competition will see outstanding tri-service athletes take part in a swim in Tinside Lido, cycle time trials across the Hoe and a static rowing challenge before crossing the finish line. For all the latest information about Armed Forces Day, visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk.
Mark Ormrod presented with Freedom of the City Former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE, has been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Plymouth by the Lord Mayor.
marched onto the parade ground on prosthetics to collect his tour of duty medal. Today, Mark is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, a peak Mark was presented performance coach and with his official scroll Lord Mayor Coun Terri Beer the author of the award and medal at a special presents Mark Ormrod winning auto-biography ceremony at the the with his official scroll Man Down. He’s won 11 Council House. medals, including four Being awarded the golds at the Invictus Honorary Freedom of Games and is a source the City is the highest of daily inspiration honour the city can for the thousands of bestow and is awarded people who follow him to ‘persons of distinction’ on Social Media.He is who have shown a relentless charitable exceptional service or fund-raiser and last year achievement. was awarded the Pride of It recognises those Britain Fundraiser of the who have provided year award in recognition ‘eminent services’ to of the hundreds of Plymouth and gone the thousands of pounds he extra mile to enhance has raised for charity by the city’s reputation or undertaking remarkable feats of endurance. improve the lives of people less able to help themselves. Mark The Lord Mayor Councillor Terri Beer said: “I am delighted to is without doubt one of Plymouth’s most inspirational residents. afford Mark Ormrod the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. He On Christmas Eve 2007 Mark was blown up by an improvised has worked tirelessly to fund raise for charities that support our explosive device whilst on a routine patrol in Afghanistan. armed forces and done amazingly well at the Invictus games. I He lost an arm and both legs above the knee and was twice am so proud of Mark, he has overcome so much and continues pronounced dead at the scene. Doctors originally told him to be an inspirational Ambassador for our city.” that he would never walk again. But just five months later, he
Broken-hearted Hockey needs urgent treatment A four year old Staffie Cross called Hockey with a long list of medical needs has recently been taken in by Gables Dogs & Cats Home. Hockey arrived at Gables needing urgent treatment for a severe heart murmur and arrhythmia. He is believed to have a Grade 5 heart murmur and requires a 24 hour ECG and a heart scan to establish the severity of this murmur and how the arrhythmia will impact his daily life. Hockey has joint problems due to his badly bowed back legs. Without medication he is in constant pain and is unable to sit down properly. He has a cauliflower ear that requires surgery but this cannot be done yet due to his heart murmur. If that wasn’t enough he also has a chronic skin condition that needs constant management, mild incontinence and his vision is not 100% clear. Despite all this Hockey is described as ‘the sweetest, softest dog you could ever wish to meet and he loves everyone!’ This has led to the staff affectionately calling him Hockey aka Lovebug.
He can often be found curled up in his bed with a soft toy in his mouth or carrying his favourite toy on a walk. Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “When I heard about this poorly, young boy I just knew we would be able to help him. He reminded me of my first rescue dog from Gables, Shady, who was a severely malnourished Staffie Cross. Since then I have always had a soft spot for bull breeds and just had to help dear Hockey. We are determined to find the right palliative care home for this lovely boy and will fund his care for life, no matter how long that may be.” It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £4,000 for the investigative and ongoing care that Hockey will need. Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the pandemic, but they are determined to help Hockey aka Lovebug. To make a contribution to ‘Hockey aka Lovebug’s Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving.com/ campaign/hockeylb or www. paypal.me/gablesdogsandcats to donate online.
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.
include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www. plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk
Exhibition - Yonaoshi Until Jun 11 Featuring paintings, textiles, ceramics, film and sculpture, South West Showcase artist Huhtamaki Wab brings his solo exhibition ‘Yonaoshi’ to the MIRROR at Plymouth College of Art. The exhibition combines influences from Japanese mythology with concepts of ecological collapse and world renewal. Art Exhibition Apr 1 to 4 An art exhibition and sale of works by Plymouth Arts Club and Plymouth Watercolour Society will be held at Ford Park Cemetery Visitors Centre between 10.30am to 3.30pm each day. Cafe available and free parking. Plymouth Jazz Club Apr 3 Tribute to Brown, Silver and Hancock featuring the Neil Maya Quartet and Andy Hague at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door only. Details from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk. The Riviera Ramblers led by John Shillto on April 17; Martin Dale Quartet on May 1 and The Dart Valley Stompers on May 15. Into the Light Apr 8 An evening of uplifting music and readings with the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at Sherwell Church, North Hill, Plymouth at 7.30pm. Musical director Jenny George with guest artiste Ed Welch and accompanist Anne Kalas. Proceeds to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Tickets £7 on the door or in advance call 01752 345390 or 880730. Collectors Toy Fair Apr 10 Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at Jan Cutting Healthy Living Cente, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 2pm. Adults £1 children free. Free parking, cafe and disabled access. For details visit www.plymouthdiecastclub.com Oxley-Meier Guitar Project Apr 10 Presenting work from their new album ‘The Alluring Ascent’ at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Plymouth at 3pm. Tickets £15 available from 01752 770345. Exhibition Apr 12 to May 19 An exhibition entitled Artists in Residence, detailing the lives and work of some of Plymouth’s famous local artists, will be held at the Visitors Centre, Ford Park Cemetery, April 12. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm (12.30pm to 3.30pm at weekends) until April 30, and then daily until May 19, 11am to 3pm. Dinomania Apr 17 Meet the award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania who will teach you all about dinosaurs and some prehistoric creatures. With realistic dinosaurs, loads of fossils and replicas any dinosaur enthusiast will have a roarsome time. Hosted by Plymouth YMCA in Honicknowle. Details www. dinomania.co.uk Men’s Day Out Apr 23 Loads of banter with your mates, a pasty and a beer, plus a cracking rugby match at the end! Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2022, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 40th anniversary year. Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout/ Put It To Bed Apr 26 to 29 An exhibition by Devonport artist Yvonne Mousley at Devonport Live which is being opened up to community groups who are creating work which will
Flavour Fest - the South West’s largest free food and drink festival is taking place from May 27 to 29 be displayed alongside Yvonne’s exhibits and will then become an interactive project. Mixed media will be available for visitors to use or take along an object to literally ‘put to bed.’ Everyone welcome. Spring Fayre Apr 30 St Budeaux Church Community Hall from 11am to 2.30pm. Various stalls including crafts, cards, jewellery, cakes and toys. Refreshments available including coffee, tea, cakes and pasty lunch. Admission 20p. Tables £10 Email: fayres@st-budeauxchurch.co.uk. All proceeds to to the Hall Development fund Spring Fayre Apr 30 Taking place at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle. Various stalls and egg painting with the Springtime Bunny. Refreshments on sale, come along for coffee, cake and chat. Pirates Weekend Plymouth May 7 and 8 The Barbican and Sutton Harbour host a swashbuckling two days of fun inspired by the high seas. Plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy! Guided Walk May 8 The heritage team at Ford Park Cemetery are holding a guided walk in conjunction with its current exhibition Artists in Residence. Meet at the Visitors Centre at 2pm. Light refreshments will be available in the team room and there is free parking is available in the grounds. The walk is free, donations always welcome. Charity Quiz Night May 13 Dartmoor Zoo will be holding a Charity Quiz Night at Plymouth Argyle to raise funds to support the zoo’s vital conservation work. Bring your family and friends along for a fun filled evening of quizzing on a variety of topics with top team prizes and a fantastic raffle. For tickets and details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/ charity-quiz-night/or telephone 01752 837645. Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals May 19 and 20 The official tour is back for 2022 and heads for Plymouth Pavilions in May. Directed by Strictly’s creative director Jason Gilkison, the tour will feature an exciting line-up of 10 magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites including Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova and Professional World Mambo Champion and 2020 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer. Tickets from www. strictlytheprofessionals.com Lord Mayor’s Day May 21 This popular annual event offering lots of family fun will again be taking place in the city centre welcoming the new Lord Mayor into their role. Tango Sonoro May 22 Performance by Tango Sonoro, a Devon and Cornwall based band specialising in Argentine tango and Latin music at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Plymouth at 3pm.Tickets £15 available from 01752 770345.
Young Frankenstein May 25 to 28 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present Mel Brooks’ award Winning musical comedy at the newly refurbished Devonport Playhouse. The celebrated American brain surgeon grandson of the original Dr Victor Frankenstein arrives in Transylvania to inherit his grandfather’s estate - with hilarious consequences! Book tickets online at www. ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395 159955. Shows are at 7.30pm throughout plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Flavour Fest May 27 to 29 Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre. It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills. The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over th e first weekend in June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year! For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com 1 Big Summer Jun 2 to 4 Three days of entertainment on Plymouth Hoe. Each day has been curated to appeal to a plethora of musical tastes, genres and audiences, ensuring there really is something for everyone. Details www.1bigsummer.com One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‘s West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singersongwriters. With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Tickets available by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available. Ocean City Running Festival Jun 19 Few cities can rival Plymouth’s rich seafaring heritage, its stunning waterfront and natural harbour, its vibrant cultural life and its close proximity to some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Thousands of runners of all ages will be making history by running in the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, encompassing the Half Marathon, 5K and 10K. Find out more on the Run Plymouth website at www. runplymouth.co. uk. Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will
Summer Garden Party Jun 25 Dartmoor Zoo is staging an an exclusive adults only evening of fantastic concert band music and a sumptuous hog roast, salads and mini desserts. There will be a silent auction with some fantastic prizes and a fundraising raffle as well as animal talks. Tickets £25 which includes zoo entry, food and a welcome drink. Call 01752 837645. Plymouth Model Show Jun 25 Taking place at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 4pm. Plymouth’s model clubs will be displaying all types of static scale models along with several traders who will be selling model kits. Other clubs from across the South West will also be taking part. There will be a large display commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Hot and cold refreshments are available during the day. Further details from Dave Watson on 01752 518287. Ball and Boe Jul 8 Two of the greatest voices in the world - Michael Ball and Alfie Box - will be performing in Central Park in July. As a duo, they have now sold over 1.5 million albums in the UK, received two Classic Brit Awards, sold out two headline arena tours and presented three ITV Specials. Tickets from www.ballandboe.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk Paloma Faith Jul 9 Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour, performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date in Plymouth on Saturday July 9 at Central Park. For tickets and more information go to www.premier.ticketek.co.uk
Open Day Jul 16
The Royal British Legion at 41 Market Road, Plympton is holding an Open Day and all are welcome. There will be entertainment, bric-a-brac, cake stall, arts and craft, barbecue food and much more. The fun begins at midday and entry is free. Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle. For full details visit SailGP.com British Firework Championships Aug 17 and 18 Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guarateed to leave you awestruck. Charity Black Tie Masquerade Ball Aug 27 A special event at Plymouth Guildhall to raise money for three worthy causes - the Royal British Legion, Mind Devon and Jeremiah’s Journey. The evening will feature a live band, buffet and a raffle with amazing prizes. Doors open at 7.30pm with the programme starting at 8pm and ending at midnight. Tickets for the event cost just £25 and can now be booked on Facebook by searching for Black Tie Masquerade Charity Ball. 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.
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HOUSEKEEPER Supervise 8 rooms. Guest house, Barbican. Live-in flat. Suits couple. Phone 0776839430
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Various stalls inc. Crafts, Cards, Jewellery, Cakes, Childrens Toys fayres@st-budeaux-church.co.uk St Budeaux Church Community Hall, The Green PL52HN All proceeds to to the Hall Development fund
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Family fun days in Devonport, St Budeaux and Efford with Unify Plymouth A fun day out for families in Devonport and Keyham is being held during the Easter break.
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Organised by Unify Plymouth the special community event is being held at Devonport Guildhall between 11am and 3pm on Wednesday April 20. The day’s activities will include face painting, child friendly wall climbing, bouncy castle, arts and crafts and educational movies. There will be a selection of refreshments available, along with a dumpling making workshop by the Devon & Cornwall Chinese Association. The event will be an opportunity to signpost local community members to various services, whilst providing a fun and free day out for the whole family. Organisers also hope to create an emphasis on bringing people from diverse backgrounds together through food and culture. Unify Plymouth is a partnership between Plymouth City Council and seven voluntary organisations which include Transforming Plymouth Together, Plymouth Octopus Project, Plymouth Hope, Diversity Business Incubator and Plymouth Argyle Community Trust. The partnership works to improve the coming together of diverse communities. The three main goals for the collaboration include integrating communities in Plymouth, raising awareness of the changes in the community and educating people on how to embrace diversity in their area. Unify Plymouth are also holding an event in St Budeaux for the community to connect with local groups and organisations in the area. The free community event is on Tuesday April 12 from 11am to 3pm at Mount Tamar School, Higher St Budeaux. The day will include fun and activities for all ages, including football skills with the Argyle Community Trust, face painting, arts and crafts, bouncy castle and climbing wall. Also attending the event will be local and city-wide health and wellbeing providers, along with education, training and employment opportunities. There will also be the chance to plant sunflowers and tomato plant seeds, along with a food workshop. On the day 70 free kids packed lunches will be provided to celebrate the ‘Big Jubilee Lunch.’ Kay, the community connector in St Budeaux for Unify Plymouth said: “We hope this inclusive event will have something for everyone in the community.” Meanwhile another Unify Plymouth free event with similar activities is taking place in Efford on April 21 between 11am and 3pm at High View School, Torridge Way. A heritage display of Efford over the past 70 years will link in with Queen’s 70th Platinum Jubilee and residents are invited to bring along old photographs of Efford to share.
6 April 2022
6 April 2022
Tunnel vision for talented graffiti artists
A dark and dank Devonport tunnel could become a legal artistic hotspot as part of a pilot scheme to channel the talents of would-be graffiti artists.
The Richmond Walk Tunnel beneath Stonehouse Bridge is to get a makeover and the council has no idea what it will look like. The tunnels walls are being made available as a canvas for sprayers and daubers to have a go. And to help kick its new life as a legal graffiti wall, Plymouth Artists Together hosted a paint jam on March 19. The legal graffiti wall is part of an effort to encourage people to spray away and create – without damaging public and private property. And if it proves successful, more could be on the cards. Over the last year or so, the city has seen an explosion of colour with incredible graffiti appearing on hoardings and walls, thanks to the amazing work and passion of groups such as Plymouth Artists Together. In North Stonehouse stunning murals created by the likes of Jo Greenaway and Jo Meldrum through the Stronger North Stonehouse project have lifted and transformed the area, making it a place people want to walk around and feel safer in. But while these creations have wowed the public, other forms of graffiti – especially tagging, have been creeping onto people’s properties, in public spaces and blighting areas. Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment said: “Some of the street art we have now is absolutely brilliant, PAT’s work has been amazing and we’re all for encouraging people to hone their talents. “What we don’t want is tagging on other
people’s property – it is selfish, ruins an area and is incredibly frustrating for hard pressed residents who have to clean it up. “Encouraging good quality work means the taggers largely leave it alone, so we’re keen to see more commissions and more places where people are allowed to practice. The council’s Youth Offending Team works with youngsters who also clean up the unsightly daubings and they are currently working with the National Marine Aquarium to create another
out cleaning graffiti from council property and last year alone the team responded to 244 reported instances of graffiti. The council has also updated information on its website with tips on how to make properties more vandal proof (https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/ streetcareandcleaning/graffiti) It can deal with graffiti on council owned and managed property, including its buildings, street signs and car parks, but if the vandalism occurs on private residential or commercial property, the Council can contact the owners to help them arrange for it to be removed – there is, however, a charge. The council is also planning to share information more with the police to develop a more coordinated approach to targeting tagging hotspots and is encouraging people to report instances here www.plymouth.gov.uk/ streetcareandcleaning/reportgraffiti Untidy land notices can be served on owners and landlords of buildings where no attempt has been made to clear up unsightly graffiti. Councillor Bridgeman added: “How an area looks all adds up to how safe people feel. We have Coun Maddie Bridgeman seen how amazing street art can pictured in front of the tunnel really lift a location – but tagging and wanton vandalism have the outdoor gallery – with a marine theme - on the opposite effect. hoardings around the Quality Inn building site “I don’t see why our residents should have to overlooking the Hoe. put up with vandalism blighting where they live, Fish shaped boards will be appearing filled which is why we have looked at this issue with a with art work created from workshops held in the fresh pair of eyes.” Aquarium. This initiative is part of the city’s Safer Streets Tackling the taggers is an ongoing issue for the 3 initiative, which has been funded through the council. Day in day out its Street Services team is Home Office.
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More city plans for walking and cycling A consultation on Plymouth’s 2022 Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan has been launched.
The latest plan considers four cycling routes and sets out current barriers to use and recommendations for changes which will allow more people to enjoy the routes by bike. The four routes being consulted on are: • Hooe Lake (Kingfisher Way) to Armada Way (via Mount Batten Ferry). • Plymouth Waterfront (Hoe Waterfront to Admiral’s Hard including Stonehouse Peninsula and Millbay Road). • Union Street to Western Approach and • Western Approach junction to Wolseley Road/ Fletemoor Road roundabout. Running until May 20 the consultation seeks feedback on the routes and suggested improvements. The 2022 Plan complements the 2021 report and together the plans consider 14 key walking and cycling routes in Plymouth. The plans help make the case to Government for further investment in walking and cycling. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are committed to investing in walking and cycling and know this is important to you as well, with over four out of five respondents to the 2021 consultation agreeing that it was either extremely or very important to promote walking and cycling within Plymouth. The LCWIP will help inform future investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.” The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans are helping to build a network plan for walking and cycling in Plymouth which identifies preferred routes for further development and future investment. Feedback on the 2022 Plan is being collated via a short survey which is available at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ transportplansandprojects/transportplans/ localcyclingandwalkinginfrastructureplan
MAY TO AUGUST: May
7 and 8 Pirates Weekend Plymouth Barbican and Sutton Harbour 14 Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade Royal Parade 21 Lord Mayor’s Day City Centre
July
9 Paloma Faith Central Park 10 Simply Red Central Park 30 and 31 Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Plymouth Sound
27 to 29 Flavour Fest City Centre
August
June
27 West End Carnival Plymouth City Centre
2 to 4 1 Big Summer Plymouth Hoe 2 to 5 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 19 Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Plymouth Hoe 23 Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines Plymouth Hoe 25 Armed Forces Day Plymouth Hoe
17 and 18 British Firework Championships Plymouth Waterfront
All events subject to change. Please see visitplymouth.co.uk for the latest information.
WhatsOnPlymouth
@PlymChronicle
Stepping back in time for St Luke’s When one of Plymouth’s best-loved charity events returns this year, it is taking participants back to the past to raise vital funds that will help local families for generations to come.
St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk is back on Friday July 22, when it is set to be awash with women embracing this year’s theme of 1982, which is when the hospice – then based at Syrena House in Plymstock - welcomed its first patients. But that’s not all! As well as the retro theme to mark four decades of St Luke’s compassionate care and support for families across Plymouth and surrounding areas, this year – for the first time – the charity has added a new 2.5-mile route to the popular annual event. While this shorter walk has been introduced so that young children can be part of Midnight Walk, both this distance and the five, 10 and 15-mile routes are open to all girls and boys aged up to 17, as well as adult women, so that doing good in the community can be more of a family affair. Sponsored by local company Drakes Jewellers, Midnight Walk is an opportunity for women and children to come together and celebrate the lives of relatives and friends who have died but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets of Plymouth in aid of St Luke’s. Leaving from – and returning to - Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park Stadium, they will be raising funds that will help the charity continue its specialist service caring for terminally
April 2022
7
Hospital Radio Plymouth is shortlisted for top awards
Volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) have been nominated for six awards in this year’s Hospital Broadcasting Awards, including the prestigious Station of the Year Award.
ill people at home, in hospital and at Turnchapel and providing emotional support for them and their families. Speaking about the event, Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at the hospice, said: “If ever there was a year for coming together to walk in memory of lost loved ones, this is it – St Luke’s 40th anniversary year. “As part of marking such a special milestone, we’ve made Midnight Walk more family friendly so that children can join in and enjoy the party atmosphere, too. It feels fitting to be doing this as we look to the next 40 years and build our charity’s resilience so that we can be here for all
the local families who will need us in the future. “This summer’s Midnight Walk is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to pay tribute to each and every person the hospice team has had the privilege of looking after since our specialist service began, in 1982. We’re inviting our walkers to bring a copy of a favourite photo of their lost loved one and add it to our Memory Wall on the night – they are welcome to do this even if that person was not a patient of St Luke’s. Registration for Midnight Walk costs £24 for those aged 11 and over and £12 for children aged ten and under. Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk for more information and to sign up.
LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is hereby given that I Ah Fah Tan on 18th March 2022 have made application to the Plymouth City Council, being the Licensing Authority for the purposes of the above Act, for the variation of a Premises Licence in respect of the premises situate at and known as:
Greenwich Hospital Sheltered Housing
Masonic Inn, 65 Devonport Road, Plymouth, PL3 4DL
Managed by CESSAC
The application has been made to vary the licensable activities to:-
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.
1. Remove timings that are not required under the live music act 2. Bring Sundays in line with the rest of the week (open/sale of alcohol from 10am to midnight) 3. Remove non-standard timings
3 locations: Trafalgar Quarters, Greenwich Greenwich Place, Saltash, Cornwall Greenwich Court, Southsea
Any representations to this application should be made in writing or electronically to: Public Protection Service Manager, Licensing Office, Plymouth City Council, Windsor House, Plymouth PL6 5UF licensing@plymouth.gov.uk For electronic representations please provide your postal address
Enquiries to:
ian.wilson@cessaha.co.uk Or download an application from:
www.cessaha.co.uk
HRP have been nominated for Station of the Year every year since 2008, winning bronze, silver or gold eight times. The station has been serving the community of Plymouth for over 50 years and has also shortlisted in the following categories: Best Male Presenter - Andrew Hill; Best Speech Package - Charlotte Willis interviewing Cystic Fibrosis sufferer and author Zara Teare; Best Special Event - In Conversation with the director of NHS The Musical; Best Specialist Music Programme - Songs of the Westcountry; Best Programme with Multiple Presenters - The New Jolley Good Breakfast with Keith Jolley and Marianne Winter, sponsored by N&T Accountancy. It is hoped that the awards ceremony will be held in person this year following last year’s virtual ceremony, giving volunteers from across the UK the opportunity to celebrate the work done by volunteers to provide entertainment and interesting programmes for those in hospital. Station manager Keith Jolley said: “The impact of coronavirus has shown just how important Hospital Radio is in lifting the spirits of those in hospital and the wider community. Our volunteers continue to do an incredible job, keeping communities connected even when they may be physically distanced. The fact we’ve been nominated for so many awards is testament to the amazing work our volunteers do” Chairman of the Hospital Broadcasting Awards, Grant McNaughton, said: “Hospital broadcasting organisations across the UK have continued to deliver entertaining entertainment, news and information to healthcare users throughout this pandemic. What is truly remarkable is that our member stations have adapted to these difficult times and remained committed to serving, producing and presenting dedicated local radio for the healthcare community. “Our National Hospital Radio Awards recognise the talent and dedication of hospital broadcasting volunteers, and this year’s entries showcase that remarkable talent and commitment.” The multi-award winning station has a team of volunteers who collect requests, put together programmes and make sure there is a friendly voice at the patient’s bedside 24/7. Anyone wishing to make a request or dedication can contact Hospital Radio Plymouth through their website, www. hospitalradioplymouth.org.uk, by phone on 01752 784300 or through their social media pages.
No later than 15th April 2022 (This is the 28th day commencing from the day after the application was submitted to the Council) A copy of this application can be viewed on the Council’s licensing register or at the Licensing Office address during normal office hours. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary conviction being £5,000.
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8 April 2022
8 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Fundraising efforts are praised as Keyham appeal passes £90,000
Cruise Ambassadors set to welcome visitors to the city
The fund was set up to collect money raised for the families of those killed in the tragedy of August 12 2021 alongside those injured as well as the recovery of the Keyham and Ford communities. Around 85 per cent of the money has now been distributed to the next of kin, those physically injured and wider family members, while decisions are being made on how to best to spend the remainder to benefit the local community. Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “The generosity shown by the Plymouth community over the past six months has been inspiring. From the big campaigns and events that have raised tens of thousands of pounds to the coffee mornings and car washes it really does feel as though the city has come together to support those most affected by this terrible event.” The fund does not receive any government finance and none of the donated funds are used for administration. It is also separate from such initiatives as the Keyham Community Sparks Grants as it is solely comprised of fundraising money. The fund has been overseen by the Wolseley Trust which is a not-for-profit organisation and long-term trusted partner of Plymouth City Council. An advisory committee, featuring members of the Keyham community, the Wolseley Trust and the council, is meeting monthly to govern the distribution of the funds. Committee chair Robbie Nairn said, “Our deliberations have been really straightforward because money raised has been donated as intended. If the fundraiser has said they wanted funds raised to go to the families then it has gone to the families. “The sad story of what happened in Keyham has really galvanised the general public who have put their hands in their pockets. It has been an incredible effort and, on behalf of the Keyham community, we would like to say a huge ‘thank you’.” Robbie added that if the fundraiser had not specified where the money was to be distributed then 65 per cent would go to next of kin, 10 per cent to those physically injured, 10 per cent to the victims’ wider family, and 15 per cent used for a general community reserve to benefit the area. The Plymouth Together Fund is still open in a bid to collect as much as possible for the families, survivors and community impacted by what happened in Keyham. A host of fundraising suggestions and information is available on the Plymouth Together website fundraising page. Recent success stories include more than £24,000 raised by social media group, The Plymouth Gossip Girls, and a charity event for the local business community which raised £35,000. Fundraising events coming up include Skate Together, a sponsored skating day taking place at the Plymouth Ice Rink on Friday April 22. Fundraisers will be hitting the ice for either four or six hours and to secure a spot visit www.plymouthice.co.uk. Keep up-to-date with the latest fundraising initiatives and information at www. plymouthtogether.co.uk
The city’s Cruise Ambassador Volunteers greet cruise visitors as they arrive and share information and advice about what to see and do in Plymouth. 2022 is set to be a bumper year for cruise visits to Plymouth, with nine ships confirmed so far. As a result, more volunteers are needed to help showcase all that Plymouth has to offer. Destination Plymouth and the Cruise Ambassador Volunteer held an open day on March 16 where local people with an interest and passion in Plymouth were able to find out more about what’s involved in being a representative. The day included a presentation about the cruise industry by Glen Gardner, cruise development manager for Destination Plymouth, who was appointed last year. Cruise Ambassador lead and volunteer Douglas Kerr also gave an overview about what’s involved, and attendees met other members of the volunteer team, as well as learning about different types of ships, berthing and attractions. After a successful cruise re-start in 2021 with seven cruise ships visiting following the pandemic, Plymouth will welcome a diverse range of vessels this year including: • Noble Caledonia Cruise Line’ expedition vessel Ocean Nova • The luxurious Seabourn Ovation • The classic Hebridean Princess • A second successive-year call of the German ship Vasco da Gama of Niko Cruises • The wonderfully entertaining Disney Magic • Holland America Line’s impressive Niew Rotterdam • Amadea of Phoenix Reisen Destination Plymouth, working with key city partners Associated British Ports, Cattewater
A total of £92,333 has so far been raised by generous individuals, groups and organisations for the Plymouth Together Fund.
Plymouth has pledged to get serious about cruise liners and now more volunteers are being recruited to provide a warm welcome to the visiting passengers as they step ashore.
Cruise Ambassadors ready to welcome passengers to Plymouth
Harbour Commissioners, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, now aims to increase both the number of cruise visits and the financial and reputational benefits that come with each visit, year on year. Cruise tourism brings much needed additional revenues through passengers and crew spending on everything from visiting attractions, taking tours, buying gifts, eating in cafes and restaurants and taking boat trips. It also generates port revenues for berthing, pilotage, harbour fees and staff, creating potential new employment opportunities. Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth said: “Plymouth has historically provided a warm welcome to passengers and visitors by sea even from the time of the Mayflower. We want to ensure that everyone who comes to the city feels like they have had a great experience and wants to come back and visit again. “The Cruise Ambassador team led by Douglas Kerr have been invaluable providing local
knowledge, guidance, enthusiasm and a warm welcome to visiting ships over the past few years. This is a great opportunity to join them if you are passionate about showcasing Britain’s Ocean City.”
College experience for young artists A group of nine to 11 year old young artists from Cornwall were given a wonderful opportunity to undertake a workshop working alongside professional artists and lecturers at the Plymouth College of Art.
Working within specialist photographic and dark room studios, the students led by photography lecturer Martina Rooney made a series of wonderful Cyanotypes and Chemigrams. The young students study their art after school at Rame Peninsula Art’s Young Art School in Millbrook. Their tutor is the artist and former member of staff at the Plymouth Art College, Alan Lemin. Alan, who was a school head at the Plymouth College of Art for 30 years, and was awarded a BEM for services to arts education, left the college seven years ago to set up his own small art school from his home studio. Alan said: “I speak for all of my students in
Young artists get busy at Plymouth College of Art
offering our sincere thanks to Martina, and her staff teams. Our students had a fantastic day and were so excited to be given the opportunity to work within the studios of the Art College. We also would like to thank Florence Newsome for providing a tour of the college facilities. Although young, the college has left an enormous impression on each and every student.” Alan said it was a sad reflection of present day school curriculums that primarily through budget cuts there has been a significant reduction in the teaching of art and proper art education is becoming increasingly rare. Alan said: “Our students and their parents are constantly informing me that their children experience very little when it comes to art
education at their schools. That is why they are so enthusiastic to be attending courses at Rame Peninsula Art. “My philosophy has always been to expose my students to as wide a range of arts practice as is possible in an adult way and not to treat them as young children. That is why we explore the works of professional artists from across the generations, build portfolios and make work using a vast array of mediums and techniques. I was thrilled that Martina worked with my group in the same manner.” The work of all students attending the Young Art School in Millbrook can be seen by visiting their Facebook page at Rame Peninsula Art www. facebook.com/groups/310629802396941
April 2022
@PlymChronicle
9
Prestigious accolade for City College Plymouth City College Plymouth is the first college in the South West region to be awarded the prestigious Google Reference College status, which celebrates its innovative approach to digital learning.
‘Google Reference’ status is awarded for the outstanding use of technology to drive positive learning outcomes and recognises the college’s use of G Suite for Education. This is the first time a further education college in the region has received the award, joining just eight others across the UK and firmly positioning City College Plymouth as a leading further education college in the country, having embedded technology at the heart of learning. The new status means the college will act as a reference point for other education providers, sharing cutting-edge best practice and offering advice and guidance. The Google Reference status reflects the college’s dynamic approach to blended learning, as 100% of students and staff use Google Workspace for Education. The college is described as ‘Google First’ in its work and learning, with 120 staff trained as Google Educators (Level 1/2) and six staff members classed as Certified Trainers. Since becoming part of the South West Institute of Technology, which seeks to provide students and employers with the skills they need on all digital platforms to drive growth, the college has been fully committed to digital transformation, with achieving Google Reference Status a key part of supporting the city and wider region’s digital ambitions. By building new facilities and investing in cutting-edge equipment, the college has been able to develop a highly innovative
Chief executive of City College, Jackie Grubb with Paul Fanshawe, director of Business Intelligence (left) and Mark Trewin, chief digital transformation officer, joined by students and staff to celebrate becoming the first further education college in the South West to be awarded Google Reference College status
curriculum that is demand-led and supports the South West’s priority sectors, including the marine, engineering, manufacturing and digital sectors. However, the College fully recognises the power strong digital skills can offer any industry, which is why digital training is threaded throughout the entire College curriculum for the benefit of all students. Jackie Grubb, chief executive and principal of City College Plymouth, said: “We are
extremely proud to be the first Google Reference College in the South West. It firmly positions us as a college of the future, successfully embedding technology into our strategy and operations. “Google Reference status recognises our innovative work in technology and our commitment to provide students with the best opportunities to work and learn, making them better prepared for employment in the 21st century. It acknowledges the dedication
of our people and this is a real achievement for the whole team. “Our aim is to create a learning environment and organisational culture that benefits the health, wellbeing and sustainability of our community, and our focus on digital learning underpins this. “Adopting digital learning throughout the college has had a tangible impact on our students and our staff. It has allowed us to maximise technology to make people’s lives better, to keep us safe and better connected, and to be more efficient and more productive. “This is also fantastic news for the city of Plymouth and the wider area, offering enhanced digital capability and better equipping students for the world of work.” Jess Marsh, Google for Education adoption programme manager, said: “We are very pleased to welcome another amazing Google Reference College to the programme. City College Plymouth has an innovative digital strategy and is an excellent example of a successful digital transformation model.” Richard Stevens, chair of Governors at City College Plymouth, said: “This accolade is a testament to the work of our students and staff, embracing the digital landscape and taking their working environment to a higher level. “The college’s strategic intent sets out our role to provide a first-class skills and training provision and really embodies the college’s vision to be the learning destination of choice: we do this by providing a pathway for our students through excellent teaching whilst continuing to inspire them. The work of the college will lead to student success and the success of the community, the city and the region.”
10 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Pledge to spread the word on ASB community triggers Organisations across the city are teaming up with other agencies to help spread the word about tackling anti-social behaviour.
Talented Martha’s incredible journey at Plymouth College of Art
A talented art student from Plympton is supporting young people on the course she first attended when she was just four years old.
Nineteen-year-old BA (Hons) Illustration student Martha Pengelly, supports young people to access weekend art courses at Plymouth College of Art, bringing her full circle in a journey that began when she first started attending Young Arts clubs on Saturdays at the college at the age of four. Alongside the first year of her undergraduate studies at Plymouth College of Art, Martha, acts as a paid Student Ambassador, helping out at events at the university-sector art school. One of the roles that she fulfils as a Student Ambassador is to support the Young Arts programme, which was established in 1988 to bridge the gap in arts provision for young people whose creative education might be limited by curriculum changes or limited access to resources and equipment in schools. Martha said: “I’ve been coming to Plymouth College of Art for as long as I can remember, since I was old enough to attend the Young Arts clubs that were running at the time. “Coming here gave me opportunities to try things that I wouldn’t have done at home, from printmaking and ceramics to things like photography. I was drawing regularly, but there were resources and equipment in Plymouth College of Art that I had no access to at home. Here I could practice and learn new skills. I attended Young Arts and Saturday Arts activities off and on until I was 15. “When I was old enough, I chose to come to Plymouth College of Art to study a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts instead of staying at school for A-Levels. Studying in Palace Court was great, I absolutely loved it. It was such a big change from school, I cared about working hard a lot more than I had done and really enjoyed every day. It was such a good experience that staying here for my BA (Hons) Illustration degree was a natural decision. “I’m in the first year of my degree now and since I secured a role as a Student Ambassador, I get a chance to help the Saturday Arts sessions, which is weird but amazing. Every now and then it hits me that I was attending these sessions when I was their age and now I get to help run them. Knowing how happy it made me when I was their age and knowing that attending Young Arts might help them to discover what they want to do when they’re older, I love being able to support that.” From 2018 to 2020 Martha studied a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts at Plymouth College of Art, earning a Distinction, which is equivalent to three A*s at A-level. After initially thinking she might specialise in digital art for games, Martha has spent more time painting recently and is looking into options for illustrating children’s books, but wants to keep her options open as she experiments with new styles for future modules of her degree.
Plymouth Community Homes, Livewest Housing Association and The Guinness Partnership have joined with Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to sign the ASB Pledge, a commitment to support victims of anti-social behaviour by promoting and using the ‘community trigger’ process. The community trigger or an ASB case review is designed to make it easier for people affected by anti-social behaviour to get the support they need and to be listened to. The pledge was set up by ASB Help, a registered charity which provides advice and support to victims and the charity’s CEO Harvinder Saimbhi was at the signing as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez. This year there have been six trigger requests in Plymouth and the organisations signing the pledge hope to raise awareness of this process. Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, Councillor John Riley said: “We need to let people know that more can be done to tackle anti-social behaviour. “We know there are often some really complex issues involved in these cases, but that does not mean we shrug our shoulders and say it is too difficult. “Signing this pledge is a very public signal from all of us that we will do all we can to put the victim at the heart of the process and work to end the problems they are experiencing.” Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “For too long victims of antisocial behaviour have sometimes been given the impression that their complaints are not taken very seriously. “Antisocial behaviour blights lives, it can escalate to the point where crimes are committed and people’s health is severely affected. When I surveyed residents of the force area tackling it was their top priority, that’s why it is a priority in my new Police and Crime Plan, the strategy for policing for my term of office. “The community trigger is a vital tool in the armoury for victims of antisocial behaviour and I am delighted these organisations have made clear their commitment to support it for those we serve and I am able to assist people who feel let down by agencies they have reported their concerns to.” Anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour can ask for a community trigger as long
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly pictured with Harvinder Saimbhi of ASB Help and other representatives from organisations backing the pledge
as they meet the criteria, ie they have reported an “It takes a lot of courage to stand up for incident about the same problem to Devon and yourself and your community, but it can make Cornwall Police, the Council, a registered social a real difference and we’re committed to doing landlord or an NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning the right thing and helping people feel safe and Group three or more times within six months and secure in their homes.” where further actions are available to resolve the By signing the pledge, organisations commit case. to complying with the law and the spirit of the They can also ask for one if they have reported community trigger, to make sure that the triggers an incident of anti-social behaviour, relating to are part and parcel of their process and that same problem, to any of the above organisations everyone, including the most vulnerable, know twice or more times within the past six months what it is and how to invoke it. and if at least one of the incidents involves a hate For more information about the community crime. trigger or ASB review visit https://www.plymouth. The review aims to offer a fresh pair of eyes gov.uk/crimepreventionandantisocialbehaviour/ on a case. A multi-agency panel chaired by an antisocialbehaviourcasereviewscommunitytrigger independent professional can make recommendations for actions to the agencies involved. Carl Brazier, director of homes and neighbourhoods for Plymouth Community Homes said: “We are serious about tackling ASB and we’re delighted to be a part of this public pledge to provide Coun John Riley and further multi-agency support Harvinder Saimbhi for our residents living in our of ASB Help sign the communities and for people pledge across the city.
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April 2022
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Triple success for Plymouth in Devon Tourism Awards Two major Plymouth events and the Tourist Information Centre have won awards at this year’s Devon Tourism Awards.
SailGP’s adrenaline-fuelled Great Britain Sail Grand Prix came top, winning the gold award in the ‘Tourism Event/Festival of the Year’ category. The Hatchling, a key event in the Mayflower 400 commemorations which saw a huge puppet dragon come to life through the streets of Plymouth before flying off across the Sound, won the silver award in the same category. Plymouth’s Tourist Information Centre, which is managed by Plymouth City Council and located on the Barbican, also won silver in the ‘Visitor Information Service of the Year’ category. Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “This is absolutely fantastic news! SailGP and The Hatchling were two of the absolute highlights of 2021, and I’m so pleased to see these epic events receive the recognition they deserve. We worked closely with SailGP and Trigger, producers of The Hatchling, to bring these events to Plymouth and maximise the opportunities they brought, which included attracting thousands of visitors and giving our local economy
a much needed boost during the pandemic. “Huge congratulations must also go to the hard-working team at the Tourist Information Centre, who also run the Mayflower Museum. They play a vital role, giving a warm welcome to tens of thousands of visitors every year and providing invaluable advice.” SailGP came to Plymouth for the first time last summer and will return on July 30 and July 31. The action packed event sees international teams – including Sir
Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain team – comprised of some of sailing’s top athletes, compete in short, intense races in high-speed, hydro foiling catamarans. SailGP chief operating officer Julien di Biase said: “It is a credit to everyone involved to win the gold award. Plymouth provided an amazing natural amphitheatre to showcase not only SailGP for the first time, but also the amazing waterfront, waters of Plymouth Sound and highlight the amazing work being done around the UK’s
Four AA Rosettes for Boringdon’s Acleaf Restaurant
first National Marine Park. We can’t wait to come back in July – to put on another great show for the fans on and off-water and continue to work with the city to ensure everyone benefits from SailGP in the local community.” Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth, said: “This is testament to the quality of the tourism, hospitality and events offer we have here in the city and our world-class events and welcome team who run an exciting year round programme for visitors and locals in the city. After the Covid restrictions of the past two years, it is brilliant to be able to celebrate their success. Awards such as the Devon Awards are vital to not just celebrate success but also to really highlight the quality, experience and hard work of all involved.” The Devon Tourism Awards are now in their 12th year, celebrating excellence in the tourism industry across the entire county. The winners were announced yesterday in a virtual ceremony, with a face-toface awards celebration set to take place in May. The winners will now be considered for the regional South West Tourism Awards and for nominations into the national VisitEngland awards.
Boringdon Hall’s Acleaf Restaurant has been awarded Four AA Rosettes in recognition of the highest culinary standards it has achieved. It was one of only two establishments in the UK to receive the coveted award.
The AA announced the awards at a virtual ceremony in London at the beginning of March. Meanwhile, The Horn of Plenty near Tavistock was one of only 15 restaurants to receive Three AA Rosettes. The AA Inspector commented: “The committed team at Boringdon Hall is entirely focused on making a stay both relaxing and rewarding. The Acleaf Restaurant is the venue for accomplished cooking; menus incorporate the best quality, seasonal produce.”
Warning after theft of catalytic converters
Police have warned residents to be on their guard after a spate of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles.
There were four reported thefts in just a few days involving vehicles in the Woodford and Chaddlewood areas, as well similar such thefts reported across other areas of Plymouth. Police are advising motorists who cannot lock their vehicles away in a garage to park close to fences, walls or kerbs with the exhaust closest to these where the layout allows it. Other precautions being advised are to block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones and avoid parking half on a pavement and half on the road as parking half on and half off raises the vehicle higher and makes it easier for the converter to be removed.
Paying Your Council Tax It’s that time of year when your council tax bill will be dropping through your letterbox. There’s no need to worry because there’s a lot of help and advice available, which can help you manage your payments. Firstly, read the bill carefully and make sure that it’s correct. Check the banding for your property and make sure it’s right by comparing it to last year’s bill or by going to the Gov.uk web page www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands. The bill is by default paid in 10 instalments. You can request to pay over 12 months to reduce the monthly outgoings and keep a monthly budget regular. The Plymouth City Council (PCC) might accept weekly or fortnightly payments, but you may need to explain the reason for the request, for example if your benefits are paid fortnightly. The easiest way to pay is by monthly direct debit as other ways of payment may take a few days to come through. If you pay by standing order, make sure you’re paying the right amount at the beginning of the financial year. It’s important that you pay your Council Tax on time, as PCC has the power to instruct bailiffs to attend your home, attach the debt to your income, apply for your bankruptcy or imprisonment, etc. Don’t ignore council tax arrears or wait for PCC to contact you as additional
0808 278 7910
charges can build up quickly. If you cannot pay your Council Tax either on time or in full, contact them immediately. They’ll go through the options with you and, hopefully, find a solution, such as a re-payment plan. Explain your financial situation and any changes to your household budget when asking for a repayment plan. Don’t ignore the problem as it won’t go away, it’ll just get worse. There is help available. If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you may be eligible for Council Tax Support, a scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay. In certain circumstances, you may also qualify for other discounts that can be claimed by contacting PCC or completing an online form on the council’s website: shorturl.at/eDFK6 If you don’t use a computer or find online forms difficult, there are people you can call to help you.
You’ve seen it on the television and heard on the news how much the cost of living is going up. If you’re struggling to pay, you’re not alone. Help is at hand, so please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll do all we can to support you through these difficult times.
A new £150 Council Tax rebate scheme for homes in the Council Tax bands A – D will combat the rising cost of living. Some people may also apply for help with the Council Tax bill from the Exceptional Hardship Fund.
Call our AdviceLine on 0808 278 7910, visit our website: www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk or use Facebook Messenger to get in touch. The Citizens Advice Debt Helpline on 0800 240 4420 can advise on your
www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk
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options and help negotiating with the council. To discuss your Council Tax account, contact PCC online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/counciltax/ or by phone on 01752 668000.
@citizensadviceplymouth
12 April 2022
12 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Reel-y good news for Plymouth’s night life One of Plymouth’s 1930s cinemas is set to open its doors as a new entertainment and live music venue.
The former Reel Cinema and Gala Bingo building in Derry’s Cross has been the subject of negotiations with Plymouth City Council and the current leaseholders of the building and a third party operator who are keen to see it reopen. The council as the freeholder has now signed a conditional agreement with the long leaseholder to rejuvenate the site. Full details are still to be unveiled but the project is expected to see an extensive refurbishment that will see the main auditorium back to its original glory. This is likely to include removing an existing wall enabling the auditorium to hold 1,000 people for live entertainment.
Councillor Nick Kelly pictured with Will Furze (left) and Chris Morgan-Giles whose company are leasing the Reel Cinema
Speaking before he was voted out as Council Leader Cllr Nick Kelly said: “We committed to working with partners to develop and deliver additional venues across Plymouth for music and entertainment and
while this is in the early stages, it’s incredibly exciting. “Plymouth has a number of smaller venues and a large venue, the Pavilions, but has not had a venue that can accommodate 1,000
people – that crucial medium-sized venue that is a missing link in Plymouth’s entertainment scene. “We want Plymouth to be a great place to live and that includes enjoying a great night – particularly in the city centre. We are not yet in a position to give more detail, but I promise you, people will not be disappointed.” The Art Deco front of the building would be preserved under the plans and where possible, remodelling will aim to respect its architectural heritage and its importance as a community asset. The cinema was completed in July 1938, and was designed by in-house architect W R Glen for the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) and housed 2,024 seats. The building suffered bomb damage in 1941, but fortunately remained largely intact.
Council takes on city’s leisure facilities Plymouth’s leisure facilities will be operated by a new council-owned company from April 1.
The new company - Plymouth Active Leisure Ltd – will take over operations at Plymouth Life Centre, Brickfields, Tinside Lido, Mount Wise pools and Plympton swimming pool and gym. Plymouth Active will continue to provide opportunities for people to be – and stay – active but it will also look at ways to better promote health and wellbeing and benefit our most vulnerable residents, helping to make Plymouth the most active coastal city in England by 2034. A new customer-friendly website and booking app enabling people to find out more about the facilities, join as a member, book classes and find out about other opportunities to be more active, will be launched on April 1. People will be able to preview the site and download the app from March 30 to find up to date information. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We are excited that Plymouth Active Leisure will be launching on April 1 – cementing our ambition that Plymouth will be the most active, coastal city in England by 2034. I would like to
thank our previous provider – Everyone Active, for their work in Plymouth and support during the transfer. “Over the next few years we have some exciting plans for our centres including investment in Plympton Gym and Brickfields. This would involve enhancements generally and new gym capacity, and energy efficiency improvements. “As we get ready for the launch, we look forward to welcoming current and new customers to the centres and there are some great membership
options available. “There is a lot of work to be done to ensure this transfer is as seamless as possible and that any disruption or inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum. But I do ask customers to bear with us. Whilst our ambition is that there is no change to customers, there will be some minor changes when new systems are introduced.” More information can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/sportandleisure/ futurerunningleisurefacilities
The Daffodil Family Centre team
Daffodil Family Centre celebrates ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted The Daffodil Family Centre, which is operated by Trevi, the leading women’s charity in Plymouth, has been awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating on its very first inspection.
The Daffodil Family Centre, which opened its doors in early 2020, is a national parenting assessment centre which offers a strengthsbased parenting assessment that aims to support the parent to identify what changes they need to make to keep their child safe. The team strives to deliver a professional, empathetic service, and one in which all their residents can have their individual needs heard and respected. This is achieved by the hard work of Daffodil’s expert team, which comprises of two social workers, a team of family support workers, and a clinical psychologist, headed up by the highly experienced service manager Margaret Bersey. Margaret said: “We are so very pleased that all the work, understanding and huge human effort that happens here at Daffodil every single day and night, to safeguard children’s futures, has been recognised by Ofsted. “Achieving a good standard throughout all aspects of the inspection shows my team’s dedication. Our top priority is always making sure the needs of the children are met for a happy, fulfilling childhood, and we will continue to put them at the Centre of all we do.” Ofsted recognised the approach that Daffodil have to their family assessments and commented, ‘the environment at the Centre is warm and welcoming. Parents spoke highly of the facilities and the support they received. The staff team is highly skilled, with many staff members having a breadth of experience in social care and associated roles.’ While undergoing assessment at Daffodil, mothers are encouraged to use the therapeutic services on offer at Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre, less than a five-minute walk away. Many mothers who have come through Daffodil have continued to engage with these services. Kayleigh spent time at Daffodil with her son. Since then, she has continued to access support services at Sunflower, achieving her Peer Mentoring qualification. Kayleigh said: “I was so anxious when I went to Daffodil, but I soon realised I didn’t need to worry. The staff were so welcoming, all they wanted to do was support you to be the best parent you can be.”
April 2022
@PlymChronicle
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Hilton to overlook Plymouth Hoe One of the world’s leading hotel brands is in line for a prime spot overlooking Plymouth Hoe.
Propiteer Hotels Limited has been selected as Plymouth City Council’s preferred developer for the former Quality Hotel. Partnering with Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, they plan to build a Hilton Garden Inn with 150 guestrooms and a skybar, offering panoramic views of The Sound. The council has agreed terms with Propiteer Hotels Limited to acquire the site which would also see 142 residential apartments built in three separate blocks. A decision authorising the sale was signed off recently and contracts have now been exchanged for the conditional sale of the site. Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “A world leading hotel brand in a prominent and historic location. This is brilliant news for Plymouth, for the city’s tourism industry and for the residents living in this part of the waterfront.” “Delivering an outcome befitting of this location has at times been challenging, but I am delighted to say that we now have a solution.” Propiteer Hotels currently have a number of construction projects ongoing across the UK, focusing on the branded hotels and residential sectors. Since 2016, Propiteer Hotels has been a strategic partner for Hilton with one of the latest hotel development projects including Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden under development in Peterborough
Peterborough City Centre, which is due to open later this year. Mike Aspinall, director of Propiteer Hotels, said: “We are delighted to be investing in Plymouth and to have secured this outstanding location. Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth marks a further collaboration with Hilton and builds on our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the beautiful views of The Sound at what will be the finest hotel in the city.” Graham Dodd, managing director, development, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “Plymouth is very high on our list of strategic locations in the UK. Our aim is to shine a spotlight on Plymouth within our global network, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to this historic city.
With Propiteer Hotels being a long-term strategic partner for Hilton, we look forward to working closely with them and the council on this fantastic property.” A total of 12 companies submitted bids for the site, which has been vacant since 2016. Detailed pre-application discussions will get underway with the planning authority ahead of a planning application being formally submitted. The development work is expected to begin in late 2023. Some surface-level parking will be provided with the majority of the parking provided below ground. Upon completion, the team behind the proposals estimates creating 50 full time jobs, with up to 100 construction jobs during the building process. Background Plymouth City Council purchased the site of the former Quality Hotel in January 2016 and demolished the building, which was an eyesore. The site was marketed for development and Henley Real Estates Development selected as preferred partner. The council entered a conditional agreement to sell the site to them in December 2016. The company obtained planning permission for a mixed hotel and residential development, but were unable to progress the scheme. The planning consent expired in 2019 and the agreement came to an end.
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Work starts on Sutton Harbour apartment development Work has started on a unique development of waterfront apartments overlooking Plymouth’s historic harbour and marina, offering luxury living opportunities in Britain’s Ocean City. Harbour Arch Quay will be a striking new addition to the Sutton Harbour waterfront with a limited collection of 14 two and three bed apartments, including two penthouses, enjoying views over Sutton Harbour Marina and Plymouth Sound. Alongside the ground floor entry, there is space for a commercial unit, such as a restaurant or café. The development of Harbour Arch Quay is pivotal step forward in the regeneration of Plymouth’s historic harbour front being led by Sutton Harbour Group, with further development to follow such as the much larger Sugar Quay complex. Sugar Quay, a £60 million, 21-storey landmark building on the eastern side of the harbour, will offer 170 apartments, restaurants and shops, and was recently unanimously approved backed by Plymouth City Council’s planning committee, subject to suitable provision of disabled parking being confirmed. The Harbour Arch Quay and Sugar Quay
developments will further transform the city’s famous waterfront, regenerating the longoverlooked east side, creating improvements to the public realm that will enhance this area of the harbourside and make it more accessible and welcoming for residents of Plymouth, visitors and tourists. Harbour Arch Quay will occupy space between Pinnacle Quay, home to apartments and the popular HonkyTonk Wine Library and Daisy’s Tea Rooms on the ground floor, and Salt Quay House, which is the headquarters for leading South West professional services firms such as Foot Anstey and Bishop Fleming. Philip Beinhaker, executive chairman of Sutton Harbour Group, said: “We are delighted to see work start on Harbour Arch Quay, which will offer new, high quality waterside homes in Plymouth, and continue our work to regenerate Sutton Harbour and establish Plymouth’s historic harbour as one of the finest in the UK. “We thank Cllr Kelly for
joining us to mark this occasion, and look forward to future development around Sutton Harbour further enlivening the city’s waterfront for the benefit of all who live, work and visit here.” Harbour Arch Quay will offer six two bed apartments and two three bed penthouses on eight floors, providing each apartment with corner views in three directions. Apartments will be appointed to the highest specifications and will feature floor to ceiling windows, open plan living spaces and large private terraces. For more information about Harbour Arch Quay, visit www.harbourarchquay.co.uk/
Plymouth City Council leader Nick Kelly pictured with Philip Beinhaker, executive chairman of Sutton Harbour Group
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14 April 2022
14 April 2022
Graffiti project is simply ACE!
@PlymChronicle
Students at a Plymouth school have been brightening up the outside of their building, taking inspiration from local street artists.
Pupils of ACE Schools Plymouth, based at Bretonside, have recently been embracing their inner graffiti artists, after seeing some amazing local work by artist collective, Plymouth Artists Together. As one young artist said: “This is alright…I would never have been allowed to do this at my old school!” Plymouth Artists Together and ACE students are planning some collaborative projects in the near future which later be visible around the city. Matt Bindon, ACE headteacher said: “We have incredibly talented young people at the schools and it is great to see them express their creativity.” ACE schools is part of Transforming Futures Trust which provides a range of education services across Devon and Cornwall.
Freedom of the City will be granted to veterans of Falklands conflict
Plymouth City Council have agreed a cross-party resolution at an extraordinary meeting of the council to grant Freedom of the City to all those who served in the Falklands as part of the 40th anniversary of the conflict.
In 1982, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army units were deployed from Devonport and Plymouth as part of British efforts to liberate the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. Plymouth-based units were involved in some of the fiercest fighting in the conflict. To recognise their contribution, and remember those who served, elected members voted on a motion at Monday’s council meeting (March 21), to grant the Freedom of the City honour to those who fought in the South Atlantic, and are recipients of the South Atlantic Medal. As is tradition, the resolution will be formally presented to a representative of the South Atlantic Medal Association SAMA(82) on June 25. This is part of a wider programme of activities that are being organised across the city to mark the anniversary later this year, including an
armed forces veteran parade, talks, moments of remembrance, an exhibition at The Box, and other events to renew Plymouth’s long-standing partnership with the Falklands. Councillor Nick Kelly, then Leader of Plymouth City Council, who is proposing the motion, said: “I am proud that our city will recognise the service and sacrifice of all those people who served their country in a conflict that saw hundreds of Britons give their lives or suffer injury. “The contribution of Plymouth during that time should be recognised. And it is right that we record our gratitude and appreciation to all those who served. Offering those veterans, the highest honour that the city can bestow will hopefully demonstrate our gratitude and appreciation. I hope that the city will join us in giving thanks and paying their respects to those who didn’t return.” Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of the opposition group at Plymouth City Council, is seconding the motion. He said: “The country owes a huge debt to the people who travelled half a world away to defend the Falklands from Argentine invasion, whether from Plymouth or based in Plymouth. The council places its thanks
to those who returned and those who were lost, to their families and comrades and for the sacrifice, bravery and loyalty shown in the heat of battle. “It is surely time, on this 40th anniversary year, to make this highest honour to the people who liberated British territory in the South Atlantic. It is also important to acknowledge the role of our Dockyard and Naval Base played in making the Task Force ready in such short order.” Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lockett, Royal Navy, Trustee and Treasurer of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, added: “South Atlantic medal holders express their grateful pleasure and honour to receive the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. The medal holders are proud to have returned the islands of the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich, to the Crown, and to enable the occupants of those islands to enjoy the freedom, prosperity, democracy and community of their way of life. “Medal holders are also thankful for the significant support of the residents of the City of Plymouth in enabling our forces to leave for the conflict so well-prepared.”
south and at the end of the conflict I got to meet up with him onboard his ship HMS Active.” After his Leading Seaman’s Radar course, he was keen to become a Helicopter Controller which he passed and joined HMS Andromeda. This draft took him to the Gulf twice in the mid
for promotion to Chief Petty Officer. His final sea draft was as an Aircraft Controller for Flag Officer Sea Training in Devonport. He left regular service in March 2006 and immediately joined the Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch working at the Joint Service Aircraft Tasking Organisation at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. During this time, he deployed and supported operations as a Reservist. In 2014 an opportunity arose as an Officer of the Watch at HMS Drake, where he has served for over seven and a half years with exemplary service. In total George has completed 29 Years regular Service and 16 years in Reserves Air Branch, and for this he was awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal and Bar. He’s travelled the world from Belize in the west to the Seychelles in the east. “I’ve had a brilliant career. On HMS Gurkha we assisted the volcanic eruption on St Vincent in the Caribbean. On HMS Plymouth I went to the Falklands, on HMS Andromeda we escorted thousands of tons of merchant shipping through the Straits of Hormuz and carried out Anti-Piracy Patrols. “I’d do it all again, in a heart-beat, I’m Royal Navy through and through – the best shilling I’ve ever received!”
Prestigious award for long-serving Chief Petty Officer A Chief Petty Officer from Devonport Naval Base has been awarded a very rare First Sea Lord’s Gold Valedictory certificate for a staggering 44 years’ service in the Royal Navy.
CPO Robert ‘George’ Envy was congratulated on his achievement by Naval Base Commander Devonport, Commodore Peter Coulson ADC, in the Warrant Officer’s and Senior Rate’s mess at HMS Drake where he is currently serving. George joined the Royal Navy in May 1977, initially qualifying as a Seaman Radar operator at HMS Dryad near Portsmouth, he joined his first ship, HMS Gurkha in Rosyth Scotland. Quickly progressed to Leading Hand on his second ship HMS Plymouth he qualified as a ship’s diver and was an Air Plot Operator CPO Rob Envy with his wife during the Falklands Conflict in 1982. Irene, Cdre Peter Coulson and “We were meant to be going to the Warrant Officer Lee Carr (left) Caribbean, but the Argentinian’s had a new task for us, and HMS Plymouth sailed to join to late eighties and was awarded the Gulf medal. the task group in the South Atlantic. We were He continued to progress to Petty Officer (Radar) straight into the action and were part of the group and soon after changed branches, became a that took back South Georgia,” said George. Petty Officer (Aircraft Controller), George then “The Commander of the Argentinian Garrison, moved onto HMS Illustrious and was awarded Colonel Asdiz signed the surrender in our an Operational Service Medal for service off the wardroom on HMS Plymouth. We then headed off coast of Bosnia. This led him to Instruct at the RN to join the main task group in Bomb Alley at San School for Aircraft Control and was then selected Carlos Water. My brother Mick was also down
Volunteer Shannon awarded Maureen Attrill Bursary
A volunteer has secured a special research bursary awarded by The Box each year in memory of a former longserving curator.
Shannon Lewis has been volunteering at The Box one day a week since the middle of 2021. She’s also an Art History PhD student at the University of Plymouth where she’s specialising in gender studies. She applied for the bursary to help with the ongoing development of her research skills and to contribute information about a painting she’s selected for the public. Maureen Attrill was in charge of the art collections at the City Museum and Art Gallery for more than 30 years before she passed away suddenly in February 2011. She was hugely committed to developing Plymouth’s art collections; regularly acquiring new works and curating a number of popular exhibitions throughout her career. Thanks to the generosity of Maureen’s family, an annual bursary was established after her death. It provides university and Open University students, museum staff, freelance researchers and University of the Third Age members from across the South West with an opportunity to carry out a research project linked to the city’s art collections. Previous recipients have explored Plymouth’s post-war art, the connections between Plymouth and Bristol Porcelain and the wider story of the British Empire and the city’s historically important Cottonian Collection. Shannon’s research will focus on an oil painting dating from the early 1900s titled ‘Mrs E.B. Guard, The First Lady Doctor of Music’ by Edith Morris. Shannon will be aiming to uncover more information about both the sitter and the artist. She will also analyse the symbolism of many of the items that appear in the painting. Shannon said: “Although the title of the painting claims that E.B. Guard is the first woman to have received a doctorate in music, we know very little about her. It’s a shame that her remarkable achievements and the skill of the artist who painted her have been forgotten, and my research will explore and highlight the contribution they both made.” Emma Philip, senior curator at The Box, said: “We were really impressed with Shannon’s proposal which taps into a number of timely themes around the role of women in society. Her research will add to our knowledge about two successful Plymouth women who, because of the time they lived in, may have been overlooked. It will also shed more light on an artwork we currently have very little information about.” Once she’s completed her project, Shannon’s research will be used to enhance The Box’s collections catalogue. She will also produce an article that will be shared on The Box’s blog and offered the chance to present her findings as part of its events programme. Applications for the Maureen Attrill Bursary will open again in October 2022. Details at www.theboxplymouth.com/research/maureenattrill-bursary.
April 2022
@PlymChronicle
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More city centre improvements under way No to traffic, but yes please to shoppers – that’s the message from city centre traders as the second phase of the Old Town Street and New George Street improvement scheme gets underway.
New George Street and Old Town Street will be pedestrianised
From Monday April 4, the pedestrian precinct will close to traffic. There will be a barrier at the entrance to Old Town Street and special arrangements for deliveries are being made with businesses. City Centre manager Steve Hughes said: “Our shops are very much open for business and keen to see customers. Business is bouncing back and we’ve seen more and more people come into the city centre. It’s good to see and we would love to see more!” The improvements are designed to make the city centre a better and more vibrant place to live, work or visit. The tired eighties landscaping will be replaced by a more environmentally friendly public realm that will include features designed to make the area look brighter and feel fresher including a new play area. Other features include new islands of greenery, places to sit and rest, a small performance area, new tree planting and ornamental ‘rain garden’ planting with more sustainable urban drainage.
Contractors Mildren Construction have written to all the businesses so that they can organise delivery schedules. Access will be controlled by a manned gate at the top of Old Town Street, with deliveries allowed between 5pm and 7am. Collections To keep the public safe and accommodate
fast food collections as much as possible, there will some parking for motorbikes and bicycles delivery riders in a designated parking area at the entrance to Old Town Street. They will have to walk from this location to collect their deliveries. Delivery car drivers will have to use car parks at Whimple Street or the Guildhall.
Preparation work to reinvigorate one of the city’s most important public spaces, Civic Square, is due to get underway shortly.
The project is part of Plymouth’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, a partnership between Historic England and Plymouth City Council and will see the restoration of its
most important heritage features, while at the same time re-imagining it for the 21st century. Substantial funding (just over £2 million) has also come from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which has enabled the council to develop projects to make cycling, walking and public transport a more attractive travel option. Contractors will create new parking spaces on Princess Street and reline some of the Guildhall car park to allow the square to be expanded to create more space for both cyclists and pedestrians. It will also address issues such as narrow pavements and raised kerbs which has been highlighted as a problem for those in wheelchairs, mobility scooters or those who have other mobility problems. This initial work stared in mid-March with the main phase of the project due to get underway in June. Improvements include: • New tree planting and work to existing trees
The council has been in touch with fast food businesses about delivery drivers breaking parking restrictions which became an issue during and after lockdown. Private car owners were also breaking the restrictions in a location that had always been for access only. Drivers were never allowed to stop in the precinct, even just to load or unload. Once complete the new scheme will be strictly pedestrian and cyclist only. Taxis There are two new taxi ranks which were created ahead of these works inCornwall Street/Eastlake Street to the north of Drake Circus and Wimple Street, south of St Andrew’s Cross. Shops and businesses will operate as normal throughout and pedestrian access will be maintained while work is in progress. The working areas will be fenced off to separate operations from the shopper’s corridors which will be retained on either side. There will be extra signs to help people to navigate the area. As work progresses, crossing points will be designed across the works areas.
...and a big makeover for Civic Square is planned Artist’s impression of the Civic Square and Pond
Lions Club show appreciation of South West Blood Bikes
The Lions Club of Plymouth have recently made a donation of £500 to South West Blood Bikes in recognition of the invaluable work of the charity in Plymouth and the South West.
South West Blood Bikes volunteers ferry blood and other important and critical information between hospitals and hospices without government financial support and are dependent entirely on donations made from individuals, clubs and events raising in order to be able to carry out their dedicated work. Mark Bentley, chairman of South West Blood Bikes said: “We are massively grateful to Plymouth Lions Club for their support. The support of groups and individuals is invaluable to us as we make no charge for our services. People supporting our charity can rest assured that every single penny donated is spent on providing our free service to the NHS and hospices – as we have no paid staff. Everything we do is performed by our team of 42 volunteers across the county.” South West Blood Bikes can be contacted at Bounds House, Millbay Road, Plymouth PL1 3LS on 0300 365 2025 or via their Facebook Page South West Blood Bikes.
Lions Club President Jeff Horgan presents the cheque to Mark Bentley, chair of South West Blood Bikes
• Soft landscaping to create an attractive green public space • Repairing mid-century design features including the Hoopla (circular) seating, pool copings and planter seating and restoration of the banded natural stone terrace • Repairing the pond to improve water quality, filtration and biodiversity • Returning the flagpoles to the square on the original axis • New modern seating and street furniture considered to reduce clutter On-street parking spaces at the front of the courts will go to expand the square with new spaces created on Princess Street and more spaces at the Guildhall car park. Civic Square is a Grade II registered park and garden and important to the city’s heritage. It is part of the civic layout of Plymouth planned in 1956 based on Patrick Abercrombie and J Paton Watson’s post-war Plan for Plymouth. As well as preserving its 20th century credentials, the improvement project includes very 21st century needs with a mobility hub including electric vehicle charge points, e-bikes, car clubs and information on local transport. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We want to bring back a sense of pride into our civic spaces. This project will refresh this square and help people to see what makes Plymouth special. “I’m also pleased to see measures to help reduce our reliance on the private car are part of the scheme.” Simon Hickman, principal inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas, Historic England South West added: “In the 1950s the original architect of the Civic Square said he designed it as a place for ‘dignity and frivolity’, and as ‘a civic amenity to be enjoyed by townspeople at all times’. This restoration will reinvigorate those original guiding principles and bring this important space back to life.” For more information about the Heritage Action Zone, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/planningand buildingcontrol/designconservationandheritage/ highstreetheritageactionzone For more information about the Transforming Cities Fund visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ parkingandtravel/transportplansandprojects/ transportplans/transformingcitiesfund
16 April 2022
16 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Gym manager Adam raises £5000 for city charity in 12-hour fitness challenge A Plymouth gym manager has raised over £5,000 for a local charity after completing a non-stop 12-hour fitness challenge.
Jess Strain
Jess has designs on fashioning business success
Talented textile designer Jess Strain has combined sustainable fashion with digital design and fabrication skills in her new startup, Ovrbloom, with the support of Plymouth College of Art’s Smart Citizens Programme.
Since taking part in the programme, Jess has received a Bronze Creative Conscience Textiles Award and the Young Innovators Grant from Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust, supporting the development of her business. Jess, who was born in Ivybridge, set her sights on the world of fashion from a young age. Her passion grew as she attended Plymouth College of Art’s Saturday Arts Club between the ages of 12 and 15, before pursuing an art foundation course and graduated with a First Class Honours in Textiles: Innovation and Design from Loughborough University. The seed for Ovrbloom was first planted in Jess’ final year of university, when she began researching the impact of fabric and textiles on people and the planet. Jess said: “I knew as soon as I’d graduated that I wanted to create a business that made a real impact on the world of fashion. Becoming ever more aware of the climate crisis has only heightened the industry’s awareness of the need for disruptive textile design. This is where the idea for my business, Ovrbloom, spawned.” Ovrbloom is a sustainable accessory brand creating textile accessories and soft furnishings which are naturally dyed and created using waste material. Ovrbloom looks to disrupt the fashion industry with transparent reporting about the manufacturing process for every single product. Looking to develop skills in 3D design and fabrication, Jess first discovered the Smart Citizens Programme at Plymouth College of Art whilst working as an artist-in-residence at Totnes Art and Design Foundation Course. Jess signed up to the Smart Citizens’ free ‘Design and Make’ training, hosted by Fab Lab Plymouth, where she learned how to produce 3D models using the CAD software, Autodesk Fusion 360, and gained hands-on experience with 3D printers and laser cutters. Using these new skills, Jess designed and 3D-printed a paper press to imprint Ovrbloom’s logo onto product labels, and laser cut her own logo cards. The Smart Citizens Programme is designed to support local people to develop their skills in digital design and fabrication, and grow their careers and businesses. More about the Smart Citizens Programme can be found at www.fablabplymouth.org Jess said: “I absolutely would recommend the Smart Citizens Programme to everyone; I think it’s a great programme for anyone from hobbyists to freelancers and entrepreneurs. The level of tuition is absolutely incredible and I had such a great time learning new skills that will enhance my branding and business.”
Gym manager Adam Domyslawski, from Club Continental in Plymouth, raised £5182 for local charity Friends and Families. The money raised will help provide valuable support and activities that are a lifeline to many families with disabled children. During the challenge, Adam cycled 102km, skied 68km, rowed 34km and lifted an incredible 35 tonnes in deadlifts – only to stop for quick comfort breaks! Jan Burns, fundraising and partnerships lead at Friends and Families, said: “We cannot thank Adam enough for his amazing fundraising effort. The money raised will pay for six months of activities that will give families space to relax, have fun, and make friends. “The pandemic has hit families with disabled children hard - with many feeling isolated and exhausted having had little respite for over two years. Adam’s challenge is very timely as there has never been a better moment to support our families.” Adam said: “I wanted to give back to Friends and Families after seeing the amazing
Adam Domyslawski presents Jan Burns with the bumper cheque
support the charity gave to my friend’s family. The services and activities make a big difference to families with disabled children who often face things alone. It has been my absolute pleasure to raise enough money to help other families benefit.” Friends and Families supports and
empowers families with disabled children in Plymouth and the surrounding area. The charity provides practical advice, support and fun activities to children with a disability and their families. For more details visit www. friendsandfamilies.org.uk
City College students to get hands-on experience at Flavour Festival in May Students at City College Plymouth will be getting valuable hands-on experience at this year’s Flavour Fest, as the college signs up to be an official partner of the festival.
College students from a variety of different courses will be given an opportunity to work at the festival which takes place in Plymouth city centre from May 27 to 29. Flavour Fest is the South West’s largest free food and drink festival and returns this year for the first time since 2019, due to the pandemic. A chef lecturer from City College Plymouth will host a demonstration on the Chef Stage focusing on healthy eating on a budget, whilst professional cookery students will be assisting behind-the-scenes, helping to prep food and equipment for demonstrations. The college will also have its own stall, serving up a number of delicious and nutritious dishes. As one of the city’s biggest events, Flavour Fest offers lots of opportunities for students from other academic areas to get involved too. Business students will support with event management, the carpentry team will be building bespoke directional signage and music and dance courses will provide live entertainment throughout the weekend. One 20 Digital, City College Plymouth’s in-house media production company, which helps students to develop professional portfolios, will help with the event marketing by producing video content and hosting an Instagram takeover on the official Flavour Fest account. Executive of health & lifestyle professions, Karen Dorow said: “Work experience is such an important aspect of the training we provide at City College Plymouth. We want our students to receive a variety of different opportunities and experiences to help them make informed decisions about their futures and to give them the best possible chance of achieving their goals. “Flavour Fest is such a brilliant event for
The City College Plymouth stand at a previous Flavour Fest and (below) City College staff in the Cookery Theatre
the city, showcasing the incredible array of restaurants and eateries that Plymouth has to offer. For a long time Plymouth has been referred to as the food-lovers’ best-kept secret, but now it’s time to start putting Plymouth on the global stage where it belongs. We are delighted to be part of this event.” Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company which runs the event, said: “We’re delighted to welcome City
College Plymouth on board as a sponsor for this year’s Flavour Fest and are really pleased that we can offer their students some unique, hands-on work experience. “As the largest event we host, the festival is incredibly important to us. Not only is it a brilliant weekend celebrating the region’s very best food and drink, it also encourages thousands of people to visit our vibrant city centre. We look forward to seeing everyone there in May, and hope they’ll take the time to look around, exploring the shops and eateries on offer.” The festival will be hosted in a different format this year with one huge marquee covering the Piazza on Armada Way where visitors will find stallholders selling some of the region’s best produce as well as the main festival bar. For more information about Flavour Fest, please see www.flavourfestsw.co.uk.
@PlymChronicle
Plymouth’s adult education and skills service receives ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted Staff at Plymouth City Council’s Adult Education and Skills provision, delivered by On Course South West and sub contracted providers, are celebrating their latest Ofsted inspection result after inspectors judged them to be ‘good’ across the board.
The improvements that had been made since the last inspection in 2019 which judged them as ‘requires improvement’, particularly impressed Ofsted inspectors, who said ‘Learners receive high-quality and effective support that helps them overcome their barriers to being in education.’ Inspectors praised the provision stating that ‘learners improve their prospects for employment, further education or personal fulfilment as a result of the courses they complete because staff understand how to help the communities they serve and focus on the people most in need of the courses they teach.’ The report which judged the adult learning provision as ‘good’ across all areas, said that learners were highly complimentary about how their training and education had a positive impact on them, it also highlighted a number of key strengths including: Learners receive high-quality and effective support that helps them overcome their barriers to being in education. Leaders work closely with agencies such as Job Centre Plus, housing associations, the probation service and community groups to offer learners the specialist support that many need. Staff in the training and community centres used for hosting courses are welcoming and well-practised in how to gain the confidence of people who are anxious about starting a course. Teachers plan and teach a curriculum that develops learners’ skills and knowledge over time and identify what learners already know when they start their course, and any gaps they have in their prior knowledge. Councillor Dave Downie, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation said “We are absolutely delighted that inspectors have recognised all the hard work of staff at On Course South West and our partner organisations. “However we don’t intend to rest on our laurels and remain committed to offering a range of high-quality courses to meet the changing needs of Plymouth’s adult learners and young people. I would also like to thank staff who work tirelessly to support learners to ensure they can enjoy the best quality teaching and advice.”On Course South West CIC (Community Interest Company) was transferred back to the council two years ago, ensuring the city was able to continue to provide courses that help learners to develop skills, gain qualifications and entry to employment.The report reflected that ‘Leaders had dealt with the concerns raised in previous inspections and had raised the standards of the courses, established effective governance and managed the return of OCSW to the council well.’ Ofsted inspectors visited On Course South West in January and collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders and examining the provider’s documentation and records.
April 2022
17
Tree planting for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Children from Get Up and Go Community Childcare Nursery have taken part in a unique tree planting initiative to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Invited by the Wolseley Trust, the children were joined by parents and grandparents for the tree planting initiative - known as ‘The Queen’s Green Canopy’ – at Scott Business Park. The aim of the initiative is to inspire everyone, from individuals to community groups, schools and businesses, to play their part in enhancing the environment. Three ornamental flowering cherry blossom trees were planted on the day. Liz Morrison from Pluss undertook all the groundwork preparation with her team and joined the event to help the children with the planting. All the children got fully involved in the digging and thoroughly enjoyed putting the soil in the holes for the trees. Keyham Neighbourhood Policing Team also joined in the muddy fun. Sharon Wood business development manager at Wolseley Trust said: “We are fortunate to have this oasis meadow area in the heart of our thriving business park. The Wolseley Trust welcomes partnerships that encourage sustainable environmental activity. Working together, with our community and partners we can have a positive impact to last for generations. “We are very grateful to Vivian Hill and her team at the Nursery for making this a special day.
Youngsters from Get Up and Go Nursery with their grown up helpers The children did really well with the planting and we hope that they will come back to see how the trees have grown!” Get Up and Go Nursery took the opportunity to combine the event with forming a walking caravan and Peace Walk from their building in Wolseley Close to reflect on the events currently unfolding in Ukraine. The trees were decorated with blue and yellow bows in recognition of the Ukraine national flag, kindly created for the event by Lucy Loveridge a local florist and member of the local community. A commemorative plaque has been placed
Soroptimists get stuck in too....
in front of each of the trees in keeping with the environmental initiative. These were donated by Roy Roffey at Alphabet Signs who is a tenant at Scott Business Park. As a memento for the event, children took away with them packets of sunflower seeds and native wildflower seeds kindly donated by Pollenize CIC, also a Wolseley Trust tenant. The trees will now be added onto the interactive The Queen’s Green Canopy map which will be presented to the Queen at the end of her Jubilee Year.
Mixed wintry weather did not deter a team of Plymouth Soroptimists getting together to plant saplings as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy for her Platinum Jubilee.
The intrepid group were joined by the Queen’s representative Deputy Lieutenant Brigadier Simon Young. The mixed saplings now form a copse, dedicated to the Plymouth Soroptimist club, near the Silver Jubilee Hall at Down Thomas. A plaque with inscription will soon be placed in the copse to mark the event. Club president Mary McNaughton said: “In spite of the mixed weather conditions we all enjoyed the experience. We were very pleased that Brigadier Young joined us and were extremely grateful for the help provided by Keith Rennells and his team from ParkLife South West. They very kindly provided stakes, tree guards and barks which will ensure that the saplings thrive.” A number of oak saplings were also planted nearby where they will have more room to develop into mature oak trees.
Plymouth Soroptimists were helped by Deputy Lieutenant Brigadier Simon Young
COUNCIL DELIVERS ON PARKING COMMITMENTS
A range of new measures to improve the parking arrangements in Plymouth for residents and visitors are the latest council commitments to be delivered.
These include: • Introduced an initial eight motorhome parking bays as part of a trial within the Coypool Park and Ride Car Park. These new motorhome bays will encourage greater use of the Continental Ferry service providing parking for those seeking a
stopover for those embarking or disembarking • Free parking over the first weekend in April at the Western Approach car park. Shoppers and Visitors will be able to have four hours free parking on both April 2 and April 3 • Delivering an additional eight parking bays in Dingle Road/Halcyon Road and a further 70 spaces for parking along Elburton Road by making use of underutilised road space to create parking on Dingle Road/Halcyon Road and then
reconfiguring the road layout on Elburton Road to safely introduce parking spaces The council is continuing to deliver additional support to blue badge holders by doubling the available parking available on the Hoe Promenade from 15 to 30. This means that, following recent improvement works at Devil’s Point and Mutley Barracks car parks, an additional 26 disabled parking spaces have been delivered, increasing disabled parking in the city from 260 to 286.
is disruption to its highway maintenance programme which ranges from gully cleansing to resurfacing roads. Despite these works being subject to traffic orders, prohibiting parking some motorists ignore these orders which has a significant impact on the delivery of these works. Similarly, as the city prepares to deliver a programme of world class events, risks remain that vehicles parked in contravention to traffic orders for authorised events may
adversely affect events and/or cause security concerns. The new powers also mean the council can remove any vehicle that is preventing or restricting works or authorised events. Councillor Drean said: “We made a commitment to step up parking enforcement in the city and these new proposals will help us to keep Plymouth’s roads safe by providing greater powers to address hazards and obstructions caused by a small minority of inconsiderate motorists. “This will greatly help us to ensure motorists do not accrue unpaid or unchallenged parking fines going forward, whilst helping us seek to recover unpaid and unchallenged fines where recovery has not been possible due to registered keepers not updating registered keeper records. I’m delighted that we have these new powers and I hope that those who do flout the law see this as a warning that we won’t hesitate to seize their vehicles.”
...AND GETS TOUGH ON PERSISTENT OFFENDERS Plymouth City Council is getting tough on persistent parking offenders.
Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathon Drean has signed an Executive Decision that gives the council new powers to immobilise and remove the vehicles of persistent evaders and those parked preventing or restricting works or authorised events The Department for Transport defines a ‘persistent evader’ as a vehicle that has three or more Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) unpaid and unchallenged. There are currently 692 vehicles in Plymouth classed as ‘persistent evaders’ with a total of 4,702 outstanding PCNs. Under the new proposals the council will be able to remove the vehicle to a secure compound and hold it until a release fee is paid. Vehicle owners will be required to pay a release fee and storage fees which are all set by legislation. Another issue the council currently face
18 April 2022
18 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Green light for station’s new look multi-storey car park
Couple to tackle Drake’s Trail to raise funds for Devon Freewheelers Two blood bike volunteers from Plymouth are gearing up to tackle the 21-mile Drake’s Trail in aid of the Devon Freewheelers are appealing for help from businesses and sponsors.
Planning permission has been given for the new-look multi storey car park at Plymouth’s train station.
The six-storey development will replace the old concrete car park which will be knocked down once the new one is built as part of the massive regeneration of the area around the station and the creation of Brunel Plaza. Special attention has been paid to the exterior appearance of the new car park, which will be one of the most visible buildings for passengers arriving by rail to the city. The triangles outside the building, with its aluminium panels and steel mesh, draw on a theme that occurs in other parts of the city centre, particularly the Civic Square. The new car park will have: • 453 parking spaces arranged over six storeys
• Full CCTV coverage • Electric Vehicle charging facilities with capability to expand as demand increases in the future. • A new mobility hub which will offer more transport choices to reduce private car use. This could include electric bikes, electric vehicles available for hire, bike parking, lockers for delivery and storage • Disabled and family parking spaces • Defibrillators The car park will be built to the east of Intercity House on the site of the former RISC building. The new car park’s location means a significant change to how private vehicles will be able to use Station Approach. All private vehicle trips to and from the new multi-storey car park, once operational, will enter and exit from North Road East (Station Approach) which
will be widened into two lanes rather than the current one-way configuration. This will mean most of the vehicle movements will be away from the front of the station, creating space and a better welcome for visitors arriving at Brunel Plaza. Work is expected to start early next year and should be completed by the summer of 2024. Once the new car park is open and operational, the old multi-storey will be demolished creating development sites for further university campus extensions and a new hotel. Major work has been progressing at Intercity Place – the tower above the station, with existing fixtures and fittings being removed from the building to prepare for its wholesale refurbishment as a new Faculty of Health for the University.
MORE CCTV CAMERAS FOR CITY CENTRE
Cabling and ground work is now underway for the installation of new CCTV cameras in and around the city centre.
Five locations will be getting new cameras. They are: Subway on North Hill; Athenaeum Street; Sawrey Street, Millbay; Union Street outside Lidl and New Street in the Barbican Once operational they will be monitored from Plymouth City Council’s dedicated CCTV control room which has 24 hour cover with remote access in place for emergency services, Plymouth against Retail Crime, Traffic Monitoring and Public Protection teams. The cameras can also provide extra lighting in the event of an incident and are in addition to the 354 already in place around the city. A dozen stand alone emergency help points are also due to be installed in the next few weeks at the following locations: Southside Street junction Friary’s Lane and another outside the Crown & Anchor pub; West Hoe Park; Old Town Street; Armada Way – Sundial; Royal Parade - Centre pedestrian
crossing; Union Street – Octagon and outside Lidl; Mutley Plain; North Hill; Mayflower Street; King Street and High Street, Stonehouse These sites were selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, pubs and clubs or local schools nearby. The well-lit help points will be installed near new and existing CCTV cameras offering increased surveillance. Anyone who uses them is automatically connected to the CCTV control room. The cameras nearby can also move to pick up the help points and staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way. Evidence from a recent College of Policing case study found that violent crime was reduced by an average of 21 per cent in areas with improved street lighting compared to areas without. The package is part of the city’s Safer Streets 3 funding awarded by the Home Office earlier this year. The fund specifically targets Violence against Women and Girls crimes and aims to improve feelings of safety.
You can help to save lives! www.daat.org Registered Charity No: 1077998
Married couple Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers Anthony and Amy Ewens, and a group of more than 17 charity supporters, will on April 17, walk the whole of Drake’s Trail, from the Barbican to Tavistock, setting off at 8am. The couple are appealing for help transporting the walkers from the Mountbatten meet point to the Barbican walk start, donations of small water bottles, and event and tee-shirt sponsorship. Entry to take part in the event is £5, and can be paid on the day, or in advance through the Devon Freewheelers website, quoting reference: Drake’s Trail. Submariner Anthony, aged 32, a Devon Freewheelers Blood Biker for two years, also serving the Plymouth area, said: “You never know when you might need the blood bike service. By coming along and taking part, every step will help keep the blood bikes on the road.” The Royal Navy Field Gunner added: “As well as raising funds for the Devon Freewheelers, the walk aims to boost people’s mental health and wellbeing because you get to spend time outdoors and see the Drake’s Trail and all its history and landmarks. Along the way you can download audio for all the routes.”
Anthony and Amy Ewens
Amy, aged 28, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer blood car driver for almost two years in the Plymouth area, is appealing for help with transport, such as a minibus or coach, to pick walkers up from Mountbatten to take them to the Barbican ready to set off. She said: “I am looking forward to walking the trail and taking along our dog, Maddy, as well as exploring the area that we are active in as Devon Freewheelers volunteers. “The plan is to walk along the whole trail and catch the last ferry back to Mountbatten.” She added: “We would really like to hear from any companies or businesses willing to donate water bottles so we don’t have to carry five litres with us.” Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “Anthony and Amy already do so much for the charity, giving up their time to volunteer and fundraise, so we are in awe of their latest challenge to help the keep blood bikes service on the road. “We cannot operate without fundraising, and our volunteers, so we are indebted to our supporters. We call them our hidden heroes. “I would like to thank Anthony and Amy for organising the Drakes Trail walk in aid of the charity, and for raising awareness of the Devon Freewheelers blood bike service, which supports the NHS for free across the South West.” To sponsor the event, or help with transport or water, email info@ devonfreewheelers.org.uk
Building strong grassroots organisations, charities, and social enterprises in Plymouth
POP Collectives bring Plymouth’s grassroots together and in times of rapid and often unforeseeable change, that can leave grassroots projects put under pressure. It is more important than ever for voluntary organisations to stay strong together, and to have access to resources like POP Collectives that they can share.
Kintsugi Radio Since November 2020, 19 unique Plymouth collaborations have been awarded up to £5,000 from the POP Collectives Fund. Collectives are designed to promote collaboration, bringing members of Plymouth’s voluntary and social enterprise sectors together for social and environmental benefit. Collaborations have worked together with invention and passion to contribute towards urgent refugee support, subway murals in Chaddlewood, radio and podcasting opportunities for people with disabilities, grassroots ethical fashion and more. Collectives are one way POP has invested as much of the £1.3 million Esmée Fairbairn Foundation grant awarded
to Plymouth in 2017 into our city grassroots as possible. By January 2022, 57 organisations had been involved in a Collective. 79% of those ran a yearly budget of under £100,000, while 37% had a turnover of under £10,000. The online application process makes it easy for smaller groups to apply. Collectives are designed to be democratic, so it is POP’s member organisations that vote for what is funded. Most voluntary organisations in Plymouth have a budget of under £50,000. At POP, we believe that small is beautiful, but we know it is never easy. Covid and lockdown fatigue have impacted the voluntary sector. Small charities are often reliant on larger organisations,
The evidence that we have found from our Collectives is that collaboration is an exciting way to work. Instead of being forced to compete against other charities for funds, POP Collectives allows organisations to build strategic partnerships. A great example of that is the Plymouth Eco Collective. They are a small group of Plymouth based organisations using art to promote environmental messages. They have painted murals together, retrieved retro cola cans from the 80’s in litter picks for photoshoots, and have been developing augmented reality artwork. One of the Plymouth Eco Collective members describes collaborative working as ‘addictive’, and we can tell. 6 out of the 7 members of this Collective have gone on to join another one.
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larger organisations struggle to provide. Collectives provide that flexibility for projects like Kintsugi Radio who wanted to upgrade their studio resources at Leadworks. POP do not ask for a completed budget before funding. Kintsugi Radio had the freedom to buy the right equipment for what they needed when they needed it. Efford Efford Anyone can see how Collectives Community Community spend their funds because Network Network expenses are published in real time online. POP work closely with our Collectives so that we learn how to keep improving from projects through ongoing conversation. POP Collectives are still open for great experimental ideas from POP member organisations. A Collective needs a minimum of 3 organisations working together to apply. Visit bit.ly/popcollectives to find out more about what Collectives fund, how applications work, and to apply. The Love Shack
Grassroots charities often need an extra amount of flexibility that funding for
Efford Efford 07380 309586 07380 309586 Glenholt Glenholt 07849 413125 07849 413125
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POP is working with Street to Scale to bring grassroots community ideas to life. There is no application form; no targets and no need for written outcomes. If you’d like £1000 to spend on your community, contact: 07842 043399 (WhatsApp)
Wonderzoo - Making it happen WonderZoo have two great news stories to share! They have been awarded funding to archive the Plymouth Respect Festival and further funding to put on a second pilot festival called Storyteller. Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, WonderZoo will be archiving 20+ years of the Plymouth Respect Festival. This well-known festival was founded by Ann Wilkinson and Dan Thompson in 1998 and has been going ever since, with support from the Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council (PDREC) and other organisations. The history project will be called ‘Celebrate Respect!’. It will research the development of the festival from its inception to present day. By interviewing organisers, participants, and audiences of the festival, the team at WonderZoo will map out its history and impact. They will create an archive of 100 oral history recordings, transcriptions, photographs, film footage, and other artefacts to be stored at The Box Museum for posterity. The archive will ensure that all the hard work, ambition, and passion involved in creating the Respect
Festival will never be forgotten. They have also been awarded funding from POP to stage a second pilot festival called ‘Storyteller’. This comes after the success of he first pilot in March 2021 called ‘Lost Time’, which was staged during COVID-19 restrictions. The Storyteller pilot will include a research project to assess whether a large-scale future storytelling festival will be feasible in Plymouth. It will take place from 1-5 June 2022 (during half-term holiday), with 11 events taking place across 6 small, intimate venues in Stonehouse. This will include day time
Plymouth Respect Festival workshops such as photography, shadow puppets, climate change, writing, radio, and personal storytelling; as well as evening events such as a WonderZoo gig, ticketed meal & play, history walk & film screening, African night, and comedy night. Young film maker Alusché Latuka will be making a short film to help promote the event, which will be shown over the five days at RAAY on Adelaide Street. Supporting the festival will be POP, Nudge Community Builders, Literature Works, and Plymouth Culture. The timetable will be released in late March.
WonderZoo is all about storytelling, community, and collaboration. It’s a combined arts organisation, specialising in spoken word and performance events, workshops and activities, infused with 1920s surrealism and Punk DIY Ethics. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved in the Celebrate Respect! archive project, or for more information on Wonderzoo’s events. wonderzooarts@gmail.com www.wonderzoo.org
20 April 2022 THE
Experience
Who would have imagined the global change we would all witness since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? After two years we were just exiting lockdown from Covid and perhaps starting to recover from the impact on all our lives.
Now, at the time of writing this at the beginning of March the nation and many free nations around the world are shocked by these geo-political developments. Our news channels are quite rightly dominated hour by hour with the unfolding developments. A few years back a Christian band called First Call wrote an amazing song with the chorus which stated: ‘I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.’ For many living in Ukraine their faith has proven essential to strengthen their resolve. The courageous President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife and family, have not only led their country well in this crisis, but galvanised the free world to respond against Putin through massive economic sanctions. Prayers for this courageous man and his family motivated from hearts of love, honour and respect are valuable. He has called for prayer for his nation. More than seven out of ten Ukrainians are
20 April 2022
@PlymChronicle
Praying for peace in Ukraine
By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms charity
Christians and there is so much coverage from media sources, including the BBC, on the call to prayer amongst these beleaguered, brave people. To be honest, I was reduced to tears, when simply through experiencing human empathy, I watched this nightmare unfold and thought about the total disruption to life, not experienced since the second world war, that millions of these courageous people were possibly going to experience. Netflix produced an excellent documentary about the build up to Russia annexing the Crimea called ‘Winter on Fire – Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom’ which is worth a view. Without any condemnation or guilt, let us all be inspired by what they’re enduring as a nation to dig deep within ourselves and manifest some human courage in these difficult times. We are going to experience some of the fallout, if only economically now, from these
hourly unfolding events. My motive regarding this article is to encourage us all to consider, like the Ukrainians, the power of prayer and to genuinely research the power of the sacred scriptures. There are some 47 scriptures in the Old Testament which accurately refer to Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah. Scripture written prophetically like Psalm 22, which was written 1,000 years before God came as man in the person of Jesus Christ, 2000 years ago. The verses 16 – 18 describe His garments being gambled for at His crucifixion. There are an estimated 2.4 billion Christians across the globe; many of them - some 350 million - are Chris Cole living persecuted lives in authoritarian regimes where the freedom of speech and religious conscience is not permitted; their prayers are particularly powerful and relevant as they experience His Presence in dark times.
Community grants available for Plymouth’s armed forces charities Charities and organisations supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families in Plymouth have the chance to share in more than £45,000 of funding this April, May and June.
Groups are being invited to take part in a dedicated round of Tesco’s community grant scheme. The initiative, partnership with community charity Groundwork, sees funding awarded to thousands of community projects every year. This April, the supermarket is putting a special focus on armed forces in garrison cities and towns. Nominations for Plymouth charities are being invited and the shortlist will be revealed ahead of the store voting, which begins in stores from April until June. Customers will cast their vote using a blue token given to them at the check-out each time they shop, and awards of £1,500, £1,000 and £500 will be granted. The funding is part of Tesco’s longstanding support of military charities, which this year sees them sponsor Armed Forces Day on June 26, celebrating the contribution of members of the armed forces past and present.Tesco, a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, employs more former military personnel than any other business in the UK.
As a Plymothian, for me one of the aspects of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower was the freedom to live a life in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and build sustainable communities of love and decency. Freedom always takes courage of conviction and belief. When Dr Martin Luther King said: ‘if you haven’t got a cause worth dying for, then you haven’t got a cause worth living for,’ he personally walked the talk. He had a dream about the future and his life changed civil rights in the 1960s. He knew personally that although he didn’t know what the future held, he knew who held the future and lived accordingly. As Franklin D Roosevelt said: ‘Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.’ The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth contemplating at a very deep personal level this Easter.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Renters urged to check if they might qualify for extra financial help Tenants in Plymouth who are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit are being reminded by Plymouth City Council that they may be eligible for extra financial help if they are struggling to cover their rent.
Claire de Silva, Tesco’s head of community, said: “Tesco’s founder Sir Jack Cohen established the business with his WWI demob money, and supporting our armed forces has always been important to us. “I am delighted that we have been able to create this special Community Grant
Lions Club donation to St John Ambulance Plymouth Lions Club have made a donation to St John Ambulance Plymstock Cadets to thank them for their help and assistance with Christmas collections at local supermarkets.
A number of volunteers from the St John Ambulance Plymstock Cadets helped during the collection period and in order to thank them for their assistance, Lions Club of members approved a donation to cover the cost of a number of white boards and defibrillator controllers for use in the training of St John Ambulance cadets. The photo here shows the presentation of a cheque by Lion President Jeff Horgan to St John Ambulance Cadets
funding round to give a boost to charities and organisations serving our garrison cities and towns.” Anyone can nominate a project, and organisations and groups looking to apply for the special funding round should visit www.tescocommunitygrants.org.uk
A Discretionary Housing Payment may be available if there is a shortfall between the amount of housing related benefits people receive and the rent they pay, if they are in rent arrears or need to pay removal costs or rent in advance to be able to move to somewhere more affordable or suitable for their needs. People may also be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment if: • They have a spare bedroom that Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not pay for • There is someone in their property who has a disability • A benefit cap has reduced the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit they receive These are only examples and don’t cover all the circumstances in which a Discretionary Housing Payment can be awarded. Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: “With the cost of living rising so steeply we are fully aware that lots of people will be pushed into financial hardship and many will be worried about having enough money to pay their rent or clear arrears with their landlord. “Anyone who rents and receives Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit may be eligible, so please look into whether this payment could help you and your family.” To find out more information including how to apply visit the council website at www.plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.
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22 April 2022
22 April 2022
Plymouth leads the way in programmes to protect children’s teeth and promote good oral health
A number of initiatives have been reported in the Chronicle in the past few months, all aimed at reversing the trend that saw over 600 children in hospital for tooth extractions under general anaesthetic (GA) in just one year.
GA has a serious impact on children, not to mention the economic impact costing the NHS £1,000 per patient. And tooth decay can erode children’s social confidence as well as tooth enamel, limiting their ability to make friends and even affecting job prospects in later years. Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC (PDSE), working in partnership with Well Connected, a health and wellbeing charity based in Plymouth run an extensive supervised tooth brushing programme, aimed at three to five year olds. A total of 220 primary schools and nurseries in the PL and EX postcode areas of Devon benefit from the programme, funded by NHS England & NHS Improvement South West. PDSE and its partners have established supervised tooth brushing programmes in primary schools and nurseries, delivering training to staff who engage with pre-school and reception age children, which enables them to supervise children when brushing teeth. Karen Burn, dental outreach lead for PDSE, explained: “Early introduction of fluoride is the best method of protecting teeth against tooth decay, together with early education around healthy eating and tooth brushing technique. “We provide training for early years staff, information to parents, and all the resources including cleaning equipment, tooth brushes, paste, policy and protocols. “Obviously the main aim of the programme is to help prevent children going into hospital to have their teeth removed under GA, but another very important aim is to raise people’s confidence to be able to talk about good oral health and pass on the messages to others.” Key messages to give to children from a very early age are: • Brush twice a day – always before bedtime and then one other time during the day. • Brush for two minutes • Use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste (a smear for under two years) • Save sugary drinks and snacks to meal times – it’s not how much sugar you have its how often you have it! • Visit a dentist regularly – this can prevent tooth decay from getting so bad the teeth need to be removed. • Remember tooth decay is preventable! “Education is the key,” said Karen. “If we continue to talk about good oral health and teach children how to keep their mouths healthy we are helping to protect them from dental disease, heart disease, the risk of stroke and other life limiting conditions in the future.”
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Plymouth young people’s music club celebrates belated 40th anniversary A local young people’s music club is celebrating its belated 40th birthday with a reunion in June and concert in May.
Plymouth Musical Activities Club (PMAC) consists of young people aged between nine and 18 along with adult volunteers, is busy rehearsing for a special concert which will see the club perform a selection of their most loved songs from over 40 years. The concert takes place in the Devonport Playhouse on May 13 and 14. As well as the concert, members past and present are invited to a reunion at the Green Taverners at Home Park on June 25. It will be an opportunity for those who were and still are a part of PMAC to meet, share memories and even play their instruments if they wish. Tickets are on sale for £5 for past members. Those interested can go along to Courtlands School where PMAC rehearse on a Thursday night or call Carole on 07926 029268 or Margaret on 07805 906297 for tickets. Established in 1980, Plymouth MAC was started Founder David Ashley
One of the many Lord Mayor’s Day PMAC floats in the procession
One of the intermediate groups at PMAC circa 1997
in Thornbury School by David Ashley, a community education tutor at the time. His vision was to involve young people from all backgrounds in live music in Plymouth. Through teaching and concerts the club continues to ‘Keep Music Live’ over 40 years on. The club moved to Widey Court Primary School and then to Courtlands School and over that time the group has played in some prestigious venues including the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the ‘Conservatoire de Musique’ on a visit to Brest in France. More frequent activities
have also taken place including annual concerts and Christmas concerts at Devonport Playhouse, performances on Lord Mayor’s Day, concerts for the Rotary, RNLI and other charities, numerous school fairs and late night shopping performances. Plymouth MAC has sections for many instruments including guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums, flutes, clarinets and a singing section. The young people have been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers for four decades. These
volunteers teach the children how to play instruments and other staff members support the running of the club in numerous other ways behind the scenes. Some of these staff started with the club as nine year old children themselves and are now bringing their own children along to learn an instrument. After David Ashely sadly passed away in 2001, the club was left in safe hands with musical directors Margaret Johns and Judy Roberts. Margaret said: “It’s hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that PMAC started. We have fond memories of working with David Ashley at that time to get the club to where it is today. “Over the years we have seen hundreds of members join and some have stayed on to become staff volunteers and are still with us today. It is a testament to those volunteers giving up their free time that we are still able to provide this opportunity for young people. Looking ahead to the concert Judy said: “Our audiences can look forward to a journey down memory lane. We asked our members past and present what their favourite ‘MAC’ songs were and we have a really uplifting programme to play for you in May. We would love to see as many familiar faces at the concert to sing along to some of the favourite songs. Tickets for the concert are £6 and available from Angela Fuller on 01752 773482. For more information visit www. plymouthmac.co.uk
Council agrees fee increase for care workers
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.
Adult social care providers nationally are continuing to face a significant increase in costs in making sure adults are cared for safely, including for staff and the costs of utilities and food. To try and support them there is a
national drive towards paying them a fair fee so they are able to fully cover their costs and provide good quality support for those they look after. This approach also aims to help more staff to stay working in adult social care and attract new carers to the profession by paying higher wages. The council has made the decision to award a 10 per cent rise to regulated domiciliary care providers and a 6.49 per cent rise for care homes and a 6.39 per cent for
supported living provision. The funding follows a series of measures over the winter to support adult social care providers including the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund, funding for Infection Control and a recruitment campaign for care workers. Anyone who is interested in care sector work should visit the council website and register their details at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ workinhomecare
New approach to supporting city’s vulnerable children A new plan to ensure there are enough local placements available for some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people has been approved by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet.
Plymouth, like many other local authorities across the country, has seen a significant increase in the number of vulnerable children needing care, and in the complexity of their needs. Currently, the demand for suitable placements for children in care outstrips supply, with increasing difficulty in sourcing the right placement the first time. As well as an increase in demand for placements the overall cost of providing good quality care is rising, so the council wants to work with providers in a way that is innovative and imaginative, that flexes to meet the needs of children and young
people and manages risks together using true partnership. This placement sufficiency plan sets out a series of proposals for 2022/23, designed to work with fostering and children’s home providers to come up with new solutions and choices for Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people. It also proposes improving how agency care staff are commissioned, to make sure children are getting consistently good quality support. Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Education and Skills Councillor Dave Downie said: “We know that many placement providers are motivated by doing the right thing for children and young people, and we want to ensure we can formalise closer working relationships with providers who are keen to work with us to develop new ways of providing care.”
April 2022
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New exhibition at The Box offers fresh responses to the Mayflower A new exhibition which has just opened at The Box, Plymouth showcases new responses to the Mayflower story and highlights how some of our most historic craft practices have endured across the centuries.
‘Another Crossing – Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage’ is a transatlantic collaboration between Plymouth College of Art, The Box and the Fuller Craft Museum in Massachusetts. This will be its only showing in the UK. The exhibition brings 10 different artists from the UK, USA, the Wampanoag nation and Holland together. Each artist has created new work that responds to the far-reaching consequences of the Mayflower’s voyage using only tools, materials and processes that existed in 1620. Works on display include beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork and pottery. Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “We’re delighted to be able to present one more Mayflower-inspired show, hot on the heels of our award-winning ‘Legend and Legacy’ exhibition – especially one that offers a completely different take on the events that happened just over 400 years ago.” As part of the development of the exhibition the artists travelled to Plymouth and Massachusetts to meet historians, curators and academics and gain a better understanding of each key location. Being involved has been a challenging and thought provoking experience for them all. Judith Robinson, arts programmes manager at The Box said: “Although we’ve been exploring the Mayflower story for a while, its implications can still be hard to fully comprehend. The works in ‘Another Crossing’ reflect this and are thoughtful, outraged, sad and surprising in turn. Participating in the exhibition has definitely taken each of the artists on a journey.” The curator responsible for bringing the artists together and setting them the challenge of working with processes and materials from four centuries ago, was internationally renowned crafts specialist, Glenn Adamson. The USA-based curator and writer has previously worked for the V&A and
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developed exhibitions in a number of prestigious venues, including the Design Museum in London. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “Craft has a really strong tradition here in the South West and it’s wonderful to see new works that have been created the way they would at the time of the Mayflower. ‘Another Crossing’ is another great example of international partnership working, and The Box’s approach to working with contemporary artists to help shed light on our history.” Ian Hutchinson, head of development at Plymouth College of Art, said: “Conversations leading to ‘Another Crossing’ began as part of the Mayflower 400 cultural exchanges and progressed in 2017 when Glenn Adamson appeared as a keynote speaker at Making Futures, Plymouth College of Art’s international research platform exploring contemporary crafts. After such a long inception, we’re thrilled those initial ideas have resulted in this transatlantic collaboration, a
partnership between two of Plymouth’s leading art institutions and one of the world’s best known museums of contemporary craft. “Our BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking students have also embraced this as a unique opportunity to respond to the artists’ work and learn traditional print and bookbinding processes, which they’ve used to produce a handmade limited edition catalogue available to view alongside the exhibition.” ‘Another Crossing – Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage’ is on display at The Box until Sunday June 5. Exhibition opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Admission is free and there’s no need to book in advance. Leading craft academics and students from Plymouth College of Art will lead a dedicated Study Day linked to the exhibition on Wednesday May 4. Full details will be available online at www. theboxplymouth.com and www.plymouthart.ac.uk.
College shortlisted for top international award Plymouth College of Art has been shortlisted for the CSR/ Sustainability Transformation Award at this year’s international Think Global Awards, based on the college’s active embrace of sustainability best practices.
acknowledged by being shortlisted in the Think Global Awards.” Harriet Moore, the college’s Students’ Union President said: “Sustainability is one of the core values of the Students’ Union, something we consider in everything we do. For example, we have transferred to using compostable mailers for any letters and merchandise parcels we send out. The university-sector art school was shortlisted alongside leading “Being sustainable is incredibly important to our student body, which is international organisations including Amnesty International and Sony. why we recently added two sustainability representatives, one for Further Recognising global success in individuals and organisations that span Education and one for Higher Education, multiple industries and activities, to ensure that students are able to put this year the fifth annual Think Global Students and staff get involved in the forward their ideas and suggestions, and Awards programme follows the theme 2019 Climate Strike in Plymouth work directly with key staff in the college of ‘Reimagining Culture’. With such an to make a difference not just for our unprecedented recent shift in how the community but for the world. world operates, for 2022 the awards have “We’re even in the process of launching chosen to spotlight the dramatic recent a collaborative monthly Sustainability changes to our work life and how we Newsletter and annual Sustainability Week interact with each other. to celebrate and educate both staff and Nicky Turvey, sustainability and facilities students.” officer at Plymouth College of Art said: “We The college actively recycles at least are continuously working to increase the two-thirds of all waste generated in energy efficiency of our buildings, facilities classrooms and offices, with a food waste and courses. We are increasing the collection in The Refectory, the college’s on biodiversity and diversity of our planting site cafeteria, which is then composted. All schemes at all sites meaning that we have the food served in The Refectory is locallysuccessfully reduced our carbon footprint sourced, supporting local businesses and reducing unnecessary food miles by 43%, and are working on increasing our recycling rates for all waste from and consumption of fossil fuels. classroom, to furniture, catering and workshop materials. Many staff, students and alumni from Plymouth College of Art demonstrate “We are not only embedding sustainability within our estate, we are their commitment to sustainability in their personal and professional making it a continually taught practice through the teaching and learning practices, highlighted in Fab Lab Plymouth principal technician Ian Hankey’s curriculum from Pre-Degree throughout to our Masters courses, in the recently launched Upcycled Glass Company CIC. This focuses on upcycling classroom and through external live briefs. local waste glass – the majority of which cannot currently be recycled into “Plymouth College of Art is committed to sustainable best practice, which new glass suitable for use in handmade art and design products, utilising a is driven through cross disciplinary collaboration by the students, academic mixture of new technologies, modern farming methods and historical glass staff, Students’ Union, professional services, our senior leadership team mixing processes that go back to the 17th century. and Governors, and as a result, we are very honoured for this work to be
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24 April 2022
24 April 2022
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Plymouth academic contributes to global climate change report:
‘Taking action now can secure our future’ Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, according to a new report co-authored by a University of Plymouth researcher. The report which highlighted the global challenges was approved by 195 member governments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in February. It highlighted that the world faces unavoidable multiple climate hazards over the next two decades with global warming of 1.5°C (2.7°F). The report also says that even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible. Risks for society will increase, including to infrastructure and low-lying coastal settlements. Professor Camille Parmesan, from the University’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences, had been a Coordinating Lead Author for Working Group II of the 6th Assessment Report of the IPCC for the past four years. She coordinated a global assessment of observed and projected impacts of climate change on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their adaptation options. She was also heavily involved with chapters linked to her ongoing research, including: observed impacts on wild species of current and future climate change; population losses, mass mortality events of plants and animals, and species’ extinctions driven by climate change; changes in diseases in wildlife due to climate change and how that relates to changing risks for humans; and the potential of natural ecosystems in helping humans mitigate and adapt to climate change, includes roles of Nature-based Solutions
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and of Ecosystem-based Adaptation. Professor Parmesan, who also is a Make Our Planet Great Again Laureate and has affiliations to the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Texas at Austin, said: “Since our last Assessment Report in 2014, the impacts of climate change have risen exponentially. Effects have been documented in every region of the planet, and they are occurring sooner and are more negative than previously expected. Adverse impacts also far out-weigh the positives, including for agricultural production and human health. “Species have shifted where and when they live, attempting to track climate as it shifts is space and time. We are also starting to see the first global extinctions driven by climate change, and that is an irreversible impact. It will also affect human populations as new evidence in this report documents the strong coupling between ecosystem health, human health and well-being,
and sustainable development for society. “There is an urgent and pressing need for action, and the potential solutions are out there. However, a key message from this report is that we must plan for change. The current projections represent a range of possible futures, and the decision-making process will be most effective and most resilient to climate change when it retains flexibility and is open to changes in planning as climate change occurs in real time.” Among the key elements specific to the UK highlighted in the report are that peatlands, such as those found on Dartmoor and other parts of South West England, are one of the highest carbon systems in the world and essential for carbon sequestration and storage. Professor Parmesan added: “Climate change is causing some peatlands to become drier, causing them to release carbon as they decompose. In some systems in some regions (such as parts of the high Arctic permafrost), these processes have already gone so far as to shift these high-carbon systems from being historical carbon sinks into new carbon sources. This weakening of the biosphere’s ability to suck up and store carbon from the atmosphere is one of the most worrying risks from ‘overshoot’ – that is, allowing global warming to exceed 1.5° or 2°C for several decades. “We can control how much humans contribute to global warming through mitigation actions, but it will become increasingly harder to control the biosphere as it increasingly shifts from removing carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere to releasing it back into the atmosphere. And the peatlands are also a key example of why planting trees everywhere is not a good idea. “If you drain peatlands and plant trees, this causes the dry peat soils to decompose and releases far more carbon than the trees remove as they grow. This is a perfect example of ‘maladaptive’ mitigation actions.” It also featured details of heatwaves being associated with outbreaks of helminth pathogens, which have expanded or shifted their ranges poleward due to increases in temperature, precipitation and humidity. These pathogens can reduce growth and yield, kill livestock and infect humans and wildlife, leading to health, agricultural and economic losses.
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Gables Dogs and Cats Home appeal for help to treat broken hearted Staffie cross Hockey For details see Page 3
City College Plymouth has been awarded the prestigious Google Reference College status See Page 9
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Gym manager Adam Domyslawski has raised over £5,000 for a city charity with a 12-hour fitness challenge See Page 16
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