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Plymouth City Council leader Nick Kelly leads the celebrations after it was announced that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing £9.5m to bring the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park a step closer. • See story on page 13
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August 2021
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Plymouth landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6
Nine-year-old Alyssa Nguyen from Mannamead has won gold medals at a national table tennis tournament See Page 8
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Think about what you should do, not what you can You may have seen that COVID-19 rates in Plymouth have risen to their highest ever levels over the last few weeks.
This is obviously worrying and it shows just how quickly and easily the Delta variant can spread after even minimal contact. It is clear that with rates at this level we cannot afford to relax our guards. While the Government has now lifted the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions, it has stressed that the risks from the pandemic are by no means over and people need to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves. This means that while measures such as wearing face coverings are no longer required by law, people are strongly encouraged to do so, particularly in busy indoor spaces and when using public transport. With so many people in Plymouth contracting COVID-19, I urge everyone to think not about what they can do, but rather what they should do in order to stay safe. We’ll only be able to reduce the rates in Plymouth if everyone does their bit, looks out for each other and continues to follow the measures such as wearing face coverings.
Please support the many venues and employers in Plymouth that are continuing to ask customers and visitors to take these precautions. For example, the Council is maintaining safety measures at its buildings, such as libraries, and is asking everyone to wear a mask. Basic COVID-19 safety can remain part of our daily lives without significantly disrupting how we live. These include: • Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces • Getting tested • Staying outside where possible • Getting your vaccinations I know many people question why ongoing measures are necessary when so many people have now been vaccinated and when so many cases are in the under-25s age group. The vaccine is very good and it is preventing many people from getting seriously ill. Thankfully, it has minimised the numbers dying from the virus and hospital admissions are much lower than they were last year. However, the vaccine does not stop transmission or illness completely. Most people will only suffer
mild symptoms but unfortunately people of any age can still get ill and need hospital treatment. Some will also suffer lasting effects of long Covid. High COVID-19 rates are already putting pressure on health services, not only through the number of patients being admitted to hospital, but also through pressure on staffing and the impact on the whole health system. This is before we have to deal with the extra pressures that come each winter. We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the virus now. It is a highly infectious disease and we know that the more contacts people have, the more likely they are to get the virus and spread it. Around 30 per cent of new cases have caught COVID-19 from a household member, another 10 per cent in other settings that can be identified, but the majority – around 60 per cent – do not know where it has come from. So please consider this when planning to meet people and take lateral flow tests regularly to ensure you aren’t going to give the virus to others and that you haven’t come home with it.
By Dr Ruth Harrell
Director of Public Health for Plymouth We are likely to have a few weeks with high rates, and now is another time when we have to pull together to keep Plymouth safe.
Get your COVID-19 test this week! The Council is continuing to take its mobile testing site on a mini road trip to hand out free COVID-19 testing kits, for people without symptoms.
The team will again be visiting busy parts of the city to make it as easy as possible to pick up a kit and to get a test. The upcoming dates and locations are: • Monday 26 July: Beacon Park Church • Tuesday 27 July: North Hill Car Park
COVID PASSPORTS - SCAM WARNING!
Across the country, there are reports of people receiving scam text messages inviting them to apply for COVID-19 passports.
The NHS vaccine pass can be used to prove you’re vaccinated against coronavirus before attending events or when travelling abroad. It appears scammers are already trying to use this scheme as part of a bid to trick people out of cash. Fake emails on the COVID-19 vaccine passport have also been reported in other parts of the country. Please do not click the link. Vaccination status is obtained for free through the NHS app, website or by calling the NHS on 119. There is no admin fee, so if anybody asks you to pay a sum of money then it is a scam. The scam works by getting people to click the link to take them to a fake site, designed to look like an NHS one. Find out more about the real COVID-pass at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/.
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: The information on this page was correct at the time of going to press on July 22.
• Thursday 29 July: Colin Campbell Court • Friday 30 July: Life Centre • Sunday 1 August: Barbican Leisure Park You can also pick up home testing kits from libraries, but tests themselves will not take place at these locations. The mobile locations are in addition to the site at Place de Brest in the city
centre, which is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing and handing out home testing kits. All of the city’s pharmacies also stock the testing kits or you can order them online or through 119, to be delivered to your home. For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/gettested.
Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond
Yoga at the Aquarium Various dates through to December Yoga at the Aquarium is back for 2021. With sessions led by Karen from Ashtanga Yoga Plymouth, relax, unwind and destress in front of the Eddystone exhibit. These sessions are accessible to everyone in friendly, authentic, inclusive, affordable classes, helping you to discover all the endless benefits to both mental and physical health of this very traditional and innately wise practice. www.nationalaquarium. digitickets.co.uk
browsing and the opportunity to support local businesses. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy delicious Street Food while listening to some chilled Sunday music, lawn games, performances by Aerial Allsorts and a charity dog show in aid of Refuge4Pets. Dogs are welcome and there is lots of free parking on site. Free entry.
The British Fireworks Championships return to Plymouth in August
National Youth Regatta 2021 July 25 to 31 Plymouth Youth Sailing is hosting the National Youth Regatta organised by the National School Sailing Association. Up to 500 Up to 500 young people, from across the UK aged 19 and younger will sail in hundreds of single and two-handed dinghies in Plymouth Sound. In association with the Mount Batten Centre. Freedom Community Fun Day July 31 At Freedom Fields Park from 11am to 6pm.The event hosted by Onward community group will feature srap store craft sessions, table top games, family learning activities, history walk and talk, sports, soft play, inflatables, plus craft stalls and catering outlets There will be live music and performance featuring Joanna Cook, Rob C, Easy riders, Tim True and Aimee Beth Mitchell plus Street factory and Drum Abundance. This event will be fundraising for next year’s community festival, and is subject to council permission and possible Covid restrictions. All enquiries call Jonathan on 07722308463. Big Shop Small - Pop-Up Market Aug 7 Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard from 10am to 3pm. Real Ideas offer a continuing platform for small businesses to showcase their products. Stallholders include Robyn Daisy Design, Such Clay Design, Flotsam Prints, Memori Prints and Bakeaway. Entry free. Future pop-up dates are September 4, October 2 and November 6. Plymouth Pride Aug 7 The colourful loud and proud Plymouth Pride Festival returns to The Hoe promoting and supporting the diversity that exists in Plymouth communities from 12 noon to 6pm. Details www. prideinplymouth.org.uk The Hatchling August 14 and 15 Plymouth hosts the world premiere of The
Hatchling, a ground-breaking theatrical performance over two days which will see a spectacular dragon hatch in the city centre and grow to the size of a double decker bus before attempt to take to the skies on The Hoe. Created by a leading design team specialising in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre. Details at www.thehatchling.co.uk. British Fireworks Championships Aug 18 and 19 Tens of thousands of people will flock to The Hoe for the return of the pyrotechnic spectacular as six companies battle for the title of British Fireworks Champions. Midnight Walk Returns Aug 20 St Luke’s popular Midnight Walk is back! It’s an opportunity for women and girls of all ages to come together as one to pay tribute to relatives and friends who are gone but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets of Plymouth for either a five, 10 or 15 mile sponsored walk. Sponsored by GA Solicitors, this year’s event kicks off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium and is set to be a night to remember. Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ midnight-walk/ The Great British Summer Garden Fete Aug 22 Turn back the clock and enjoy English tradition at its best at the summer fete, being held in the stunning surroundings of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.The family-friendly day out is presented by Miss Ivy Events and will provide a
whole host of fun and entertainment for young and not so young alike. The children will have a wonderful time with the bouncy castle, circus workshops, Punch & Judy Show, bubble football, traditional games and lots more! Events is from 10.30am to 4pm. Don’t forget to bring Fido along too - there will be a fun charity dog show to enjoy as well. Entry £5 per adult, under 16s free. Tickets must be pre-booked at www. missivyevents.co.uk 1 Big Summer August 27 to 29 Spectacular three day music event featuring Ibiza Classics on Friday featuring a full 26 piece live orchestra as well as including a DJ set by Chase & Status and Rage, top names such as Deadmau5 and Raye on Saturday and the Great British Sausage and Cider Festival on Sunday. One for the whole family with games, competitions and food and entertainment all day. For tickets and information visit www.1bigsummer.com West End Carnival Aug 28 Live entertainment and free fun for all the family hosted by Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Market in the market and around the West End of the city centre. (See story p14). Lazy Sunday Market Aug 29 Spend a Sunday savouring quality time with friends and family at the new Lazy Sunday’ Market at Plymouth Albion from 10.30am to 4pm. There will be an array of local businesses with unique gifts and food, perfect for
The Box shortlisted for four awards The Box is on the shortlist for no less than four prestigious awards and it needs the public’s help to win one of them.
The city’s major new museum, art gallery and archive is in the running for the ‘People’s Choice’ category of this year’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards. The finalists cover a diverse range of civil engineering schemes that are having a positive impact on people’s lives, including coastal and flood defences, a new helicopter base and highways improvements. The award judges selected The Box after hearing how it’s created the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space in the South West, with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive and a new public square. They were impressed by The Box’s ambition to transform three buildings of historic and cultural importance to create a world-class venue for Plymouth and the wider region. Now, The Box needs the public to help it win and people can cast their votes via www.ice.org.uk/sw/awards by 5pm on July 30.
Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “Everyone in Plymouth should be proud of The Box and I really hope as many people as possible vote for it before the end of July. “Completing a project of this scale in the middle of a global pandemic is no mean feat, and the visitor feedback it’s received since it opened last year shows just what a difference it’s already making.” The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on September 30. The Box has also been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friend Museum Award. It will be visited by undercover family judges during the summer and the winner announced in October. Before that, The Box will also be hoping to celebrate success at this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards where it’s been shortlisted in the ‘UK Exhibition of the Year’ category for its permanent galleries and for the ‘Shop of the Year’. The Museums + Heritage Awards celebrate all things great in museums and heritage across the globe and the results will be announced in July.
An Evening of Tina Turner Aug 29 Fresh from a successful summer schedule of live music and big-screen action, Home Park Stadium will play host to An Evening of Tina Turner. With a string of fabulous hits, a reputation for electric stage performances and a voice unmatched in the world of rock and roll, Tina Turner has been wowing audiences for over six decades. Now, with a cast of some of the West End’s most incredible talent and a phenomenal eight-piece band comes a spectacular one-night concert of her amazing music – including iconic chart-toppers like The Best and Proud Mary. Tickets are available from £20, available through www.argyletickets.com, or by calling on 01752 907700. Gary Delaney Sept 3 Star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is appearing at Marjon’s Quad Theatre. Details www.comicalentertainment.com/ Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Sept 5 Originally scheduled to take place in May, the Festival was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thousands of runners are now expected to take part in the Half Marathon, 5k and 10k races which take place simultaneously. For more details visit www.runplymouth.co.uk Tom Jones in Central Park Sept 18 One of Britain’s best-loved entertainers Sir Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records in a career spanning more then five decades. With over thirty-five Top 40 hits in the UK, including ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Sexbomb’ and ‘Delilah’, don’t miss this chance to see Tom Jones performing live in Plymouth. Details www.beeyay.com Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival Sept 18 and 19 Seafood lovers are in for a treat this September, as Plymouth Seafood Festival returns to The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. There’s something for everyone in this free two-day festival Presented by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
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4 August 2021
4 August 2021
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Riverside pupils brighten up the community Pupils from Riverside Community Primary School along with helpers from the Royal Navy and local councillor Pat Patel take a break after finishing their planter project
Children from Riverside Community Primary School in Barne Barton are the latest in Plymouth to take part in Devon & Cornwall Police’s Mini Police in the Community project.
difficult situation that might involve their family members. The aim of the mini police programme is to show those children that being involved with the police is not always a negative experience and that they can work with us to improve education and issues that are impacting on their community.” The youngsters from Year 4 spent six weeks learning about policing and As part of the scheme the children undertook a social action project in the issues such as internet safety, antisocial behaviour, environmental issues and community on July 7. developing community messages which are tailored to their local areas. They planted up six tractor tyres which The scheme aims to increase trust, were dug into the grass bank outside the confidence and provide safety messages Tamar View Complex and were helped by and preventative education that will stay personnel from the Royal Navy and Royal with them for life. Marines. The species of plants will attract Devon and Cornwall Police piloted the pollinators and will provide a pleasant view scheme in early 2020 but it was put on when parents are dropping off and picking up children at the school. hold due to the pandemic. But it was so PC Hart said:”The children wanted to do successful it was decided to roll it out in something for their community and Pat 2021 and the force has now invested in Patel of Tamar View Complex offered to six youth engagement officers who will be The children with their certificates donate the unused tractor tyres to be used delivering mini-police in primary schools as planters. Prior to that Oakley Builders across the two counties. prepared the ground, Otter Nurseries donated tools and plants and Cameron The project in Barne Barton was overseen by PC Deborah Hart the Youth Davies provided all the compost.” Engagement Officer with Devon and Cornwall Police. Councillor Pat Patel who gave permission for the land to be used said: “It is She said: “This programme gives children an opportunity to understand great to see children contributing to making Barne Barton a better place.” what’s involved in modern policing and to work with officers on a project that On July 17 the children who took part in the project gave a presentation gives something back to their community. Each lesson is designed to increase of the work they had done and were presented with their certificates before their confidence and understanding of how to keep themselves safe. being treated to a special demonstration by Police Dog Freddie from the “There are instances where unfortunately children meet the police in a Alliance Dog Display team.
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See the spectacular live performance of Trigger’s The Hatchling in Plymouth this summer A giant dragon will hatch in the city, roam the streets and then take to the sky from The Hoe. Join us on 14th & 15th August for this highlight event in the Mayflower 400 programme – an adventure never to be forgotten. FREE for all the family. For more information visit thehatchling.co.uk or go to mayflower400.co.uk/thehatchling #thehatchling @HatchlingUK Mayflower 400 National Supporters and Sponsors
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Plymouth City Council is taking the Fit and Fed Programme on tour by holding ten free community events at a number of different parks and green open spaces across the city thanks to funding from the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Fund. The events, which are being coordinated by the council’s Sports Development Unit will take place every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer holidays between 10am to 2pm. There will be a range of fun family activities including: inflatables, mini-golf, football darts, archery, slime and bubble creating, rocket making and much more. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said “I’m delighted that we have been able to expand our Fit and Fed programme this year and hope that lots of people will come along and enjoy the free activities on offer. After the challenging year we have all had, it will be good to come together and enjoy the city’s amazing green spaces.” In addition to all the fun activities taking place, families will also be able to get advice and information on local services such as housing, jobs and employment, health and wellbeing, food and nutrition. The Fit and Fed On Tour programme is also being supported by several local organisations including: • Plymouth’s school meals provider CATERed who will be providing a selection of hot and cold healthy lunches • Food Plymouth will be offering food related advice, money-saving tips and ways to be sugar smart • The council’s Natural Infrastructure Team will be providing wildlife walks and nature themed activities • Plymouth Scrapstore will be providing junk modelling, badge making and creative play opportunities Fit and Fed On Tour will visit the following locations. All activities are free and and CATERed will be providing lunch between 12 and 1pm. July 27 Devonport Park; July 29 Ernesettle Green; August 3 Tothill Park; August 5 Peacock Meadow; August 10 Victoria Park; August 12 Moonies Park Field; August 17 Bernice Terrace Field; August 19 King George V Playing Fields; August 24 Central Park; August 26 Knowle Battery Playing Pitches. Spaces are still available for eligible parents and carers to book onto the Fit and Fed holiday club activities which are being delivered by providers such as; Argyle Community Trust, Fit for Sport, Hamoaze House, the Mount Batten Centre and the National Marine Aquarium amongst others. Fit and Fed aims to support families with children aged five to 16 years old that currently receive benefits-related free school meals. As well as providing children with a healthy nutritious lunch, the holiday clubs also include a wide range of different activities including; sport, music, dance, drama, art, cooking and science. Parents and carers of children aged five to 16 years old whot receive benefits-related free school meals and who would like to know more about the Fit and Fed programme, should visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/fitandfed.
6 August 2021
6 August 2021
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Enjoying Plymouth’s local nature reserves is local artist’s remedy for lockdown fatigue A Plympton artist found the perfect remedy to overcome lockdown lethargy after discovering Plymouth’s nature reserves.
Naula Taylor was inspired by stories on Plymouth City Council’s website earlier this year about the 13 nature reserves in the city - all of which are open to the public free of charge. Most people in the city know all about Plymouth’s many parks and open spaces, but Nuala is convinced that many of them have never visited one of the nature reserves. Having been impressed by the stories on the website she decided to explore them for herself - and as a landscape artist she just had to respond. The result was ‘Lockdown Landscapes: Plymouth’s Hidden Gems’ - a series of five landscape paintings reflecting the Hawthorns at Plym Bridge by Naula Taylor diversity of landscape and habitats the benefits of the natural environment.” that the reserves have to offer, from With Love Parks Week taking place the glistening winter mud banks of between July 23 and August 1, Nuala is estuary creeks to the cool, still pool at encouraging local residents to make the Efford Marshes and the bluebells and most of the nature reserves and other hawthorns of Plymouth Woods and green spaces. Newnham Nature Reserve. She said: “Landscape painting is what Nuala said: “I have lived in Plymouth I most enjoy, so I feel blessed to live in for 60 years and just did not know what such a beautiful area. From my home the city has to offer with the nature reserves - neither did many of the people in Plympton, it’s only a 20 minute drive to the beach in one direction, and 20 I have spoken to. minutes to the moors in the other! “Given the current concerns about the “But discovering the local nature effect of the lockdowns on health and reserves has been an eye-opener. So wellbeing, it is more important than ever many of them, such as Newnham, right on that people get out and about and enjoy
my doorstep, I had never heard of before - despite having lived in Plymouth for so many years. They are all so different too including estuaries, woodland and meadows. “One of my favourites has got to be Ernesettle Creek, with its tidal mudflats, views across the Tamar to Cornwall, and an abundance of wild birds, including the oyster catchers with their bright orange legs and beaks. Plymouth City Council has done a great job of maintaining the paths, so the walk to the end fo the estuary is very accessible, and it’s right on a bus route! “For me, these reserves are the perfect lock down antidote. After being cooped up for so long, to be able to get out into the landscape, to get that sense of light and space, of being able to stretch my eyes, is a real tonic. “I set myself a challenge. I decided to paint the reserves, and use the paintings to help promote them so that others get out and enjoy them too. I’m not finished yet, but I’m getting there. And then, of course, I can visit them all over again, in different seasons, weather conditions, states of the tide. I could be busy for quite some time yet!” Visit Nuala’s Instagram page at www. instagram.com/taylornuala to see more of her work. For more information about the local nature reserves visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ localnature reserves
High praise for careers provision at City College
Landscape artist Nuala Taylor...inspired by city’s nature reserves Photo: Hannah Smallpage
ARC manager, Karena Jolley pictured with director of Student Journey, Bob Hunter and student liaison officer Chaz Talbot
City College Plymouth is celebrating after receiving the highest of praise for its careers provision.
“A special mention must go to Sarah Sinclair who has been instrumental in delivering a comprehensive careers strategy, which sets out the blueprint for how this whole college approach Following a rigorous assessment, the college can be built upon going forward. I look forward to has achieved 100% in all of the eight areas that seeing how this develops over the next academic are assessed against the Gatsby Benchmarks of year. Great job!” Good Career Guidance. These eight benchmarks City College Plymouth careers co-ordinator, have been adopted by the Government as a Sarah Sinclair, said: “It was incredible to hear we framework for providing high-quality careers had achieved 100% in all eight benchmarks: this is provision. testament to the team we have here, who go above The areas covered by the Gatsby benchmarks and beyond for include Gatsby celebration (from left) Nicky Henderson, senior our students to addressing enterprise co-ordinator at Heart of the South West Careers ensure they are the needs of Hub, careers coordinator, Sarah Sinclair and principal and on path to their individual chief executive, Jackie Grubb perfect career. students, “The team encounters works very hard with industry to treat every speakers, student we see exposure to as an individual, opportunities but we are also available through fortunate that additional the college further education enjoys a crossor universitycollege approach level study, and to careers a curriculum that provision: is carefully linked something that to careers. truly benefits Nicky Henderson, senior enterprise co-ordinator our students and their futures.” at Heart of the South West Careers Hub, who Such an achievement is pleasing for the college, carried out the assessment of the college’s careers as a successful careers provision is part of its provision, said: “City College Plymouth has worked strategic action that focuses on developing a highreally hard over the past two years to embed quality, careers-led curriculum that ultimately careers across all areas of the College. builds better futures for all. “It is obvious that the drive to ensure that every In addition to being one of a handful of colleges student is able to identify their best next step is to receive 100% in all eight areas, the college’s now a focus that is fully supported by the Senior Careers service was also awarded Matrix Standard Leadership Team - Gatsby can only be achieved accreditation in 2020. when this is the case.
After being blown away by the response of students and staff to City College Plymouth’s Foodbank appeal, the college has been able to extend its support to those facing financial hardship across the city. After raising £14,385 through grants from Plymouth City Council, an online fundraising campaign and personal donations, not only has the college been able to purchase a fridge and freezer for its own foodbank supplies, it has also been able to donate an appliance to the Aid Redistribution Centre (ARC), which is part of the Plymouth Food Aid Network. The ARC acts as a distribution centre for unsold food that would otherwise be sent to landfill; a number of supermarkets are now supporting the cause which in turn helps community groups throughout Plymouth. Chaz Talbot, student liaison officer at City College, said: “Our onsite college foodbank has always been well-supported by students and staff and I know they will be delighted to see their donations helping even more people in the community by enabling the ARC to store and safely distribute frozen goods in addition to staples such as rice, pasta and tinned goods.” ARC manager, Karena Jolley, said: “To some this might just be a freezer, but for the families
Students’ generosity allows City College to help the community
and individuals we help, this is an extra helping hand at a time when someone is at their most vulnerable. “We can greatly increase what we are able to store and distribute thanks to this new freezer, so we would like to thank the City College community and Plymouth City Council for their support.” Director of student journey, Bob Hunter, who visited the ARC recently, said: “I have always known how generous and compassionate City College is as a place, but it still never fails to astound me the levels of support shown by our students, staff and supporters. It is very special to be part of such an amazing community. “Being able to support something such as this is important to the college, especially when we consider our strategic action that seeks to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.” The ARC redistributes surplus food and essentials to charities, community support groups and local causes across Plymouth and South East Cornwall. It is supported by Food Plymouth and is part of the Plymouth Food Aid Network and relies on volunteers. To find out more about the Aid Redistribution Centre visit its Facebook page or e-mailing thearcplymouth@outlook.com.
August 2021
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HMS Protector’s Arctic role!
Icebreaker HMS Protector sailed closer to the North Pole than any other Royal Navy ship in history on her first patrol of the Arctic.
The survey and research ship crunched her way through polar ice to within 1,050 kilometres of the top of the world as she gathered data about the ocean and environment Only submarines – such as HMS Trenchant which punched through the ice at the Pole in 2018 – can travel further north than the position the Plymouth-based survey ship reached: 80°41.5 North in the Greenland Sea. Protector completed the most extensive overhaul in her decade-long career in the Royal Navy in January, since when she’s been conducting extensive trials and training – all with the goal of deploying to Antarctica in the autumn. Having been nowhere near the ice in more than two years, the ship tested the strength of her engines using a specialist bollard pull in Flekkefjord, southern Norway, then began icebreaking in earnest in the Fram Strait – between Greenland and the Norwegian island chain of Svalbard. The ship tested herself against various depths and types of ice, assisted by scientists, engineers and advisors including from the Ministry of Defence and the British Antarctic Survey. Also helping the ship were two Royal Navy officers who sailed into the Alaskan Arctic aboard the US Coast Guard cutter Polar Star during the winter, and ice-breaking expert Lieutenant Lauren Kowalski, also from the US Coast Guard.
HMS Protector crew members and other officials celebrate the achievement
An academic from the University of Plymouth has been named as one of the UK’s female engineering heroes.
Protector’s Commanding Officer Captain Michael Wood said: “This team has ventured far to one of the most amazing parts of the planet. The chance to familiarise ourselves with this unforgiving environment has been fantastic, and re-asserts the UK’s ability to operate in the Arctic.” The ship’s Royal Marines’ Mountain Leader Sergeant Chris Carlisle led daily patrols on to ice floes inhabited by polar bears to set up the trial. “The team adapted well to the Arctic,” he said. “Within a week of sailing from Devonport the temperatures and conditions changed immeasurably. Everybody on-board proved they
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can safely do their job in the most extreme of environments.” The ship also conducted surveys of the sea bed – between 2,000 and 3,000 metres deep in the Fram Strait – collected data about the North Atlantic currents, observed marine mammals, and helped the British Antarctic Survey with its work studying the polar ice cap. Protector rounds off her mission to the High North by sailing to Reykjavik to mark Iceland’s recent accession to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, drawn from nine northern European nations committed to global security.
Alison Raby, Professor of Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Head of the COAST Engineering Research Group, has been named by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) as a recipient of its Top 50 Women in Engineering: Engineering Heroes awards. Now in their sixth year, the 2021 WE50 awards celebrate women who have made a significant contribution to helping their organisation, community or indeed the world during the last year. Professor Raby is one of the world’s leading experts on how extreme waves and coastal flooding impact coastal structures. She led the national STORMLAMP project, which examined the resilience of lighthouses and how they might be affected in future years as a result of the rise in extreme winter storms. She has also led international initiatives such as investigating how coastal communities in Sri Lanka can be warned about the combined threats of severe rainfall and cyclones. And she has played a vital role in a number of collaborative initiatives with the UK Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team, aimed at uncovering the precise reasons for the severity of destruction. Professor Raby said: “It is a real honour to be named by the Women’s Engineering Society as one of their Engineering Heroes. This award reflects the many exciting opportunities – both from an academic and personal perspective – that have come my way as a civil engineering academic. The ongoing support and affirmation given by colleagues at the University of Plymouth and elsewhere is also hugely valued and appreciated.”
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8 August 2021
Partnership plan to improve city’s bus services
Plymouth’s bus services are set to be redesigned following the creation of a partnership between the Plymouth City Council and bus operators intended to make buses a natural choice for everyone.
An executive decision has been taken by Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, to allow Plymouth City Council to start the process of forming an ‘Enhanced Partnership’. This decision comes after positive, informal, discussions with the bus companies, about the benefits to Plymouth of the partnership. Earlier this year, the Government published the National Bus Strategy for England ‘Bus Back Better’. The strategy is intended to deliver cheaper, more frequent and more reliable bus services for passengers. As part of the strategy there is an expectation that Plymouth City Council, in partnership with local bus operators, forms a statutory Enhanced Partnership, where both the council and bus operators work together to improve local bus services. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member for Transport said: “We need to rebuild confidence in our public transport system and to help it and the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a great opportunity to work together on a plan that will get more of us out of our cars and onto the buses. “If we are serious about reducing our carbon footprint and delivering on our Climate Emergency actions, making it easier and more attractive for people to use buses has got to be the way forward. There’s a lot to think about, but this is exciting stuff.” All bus companies operating registered services within the city boundary have been notified of the council’s intent to form an enhanced partnership and the notice can be found at www.plymouth. gov.uk/parkingandtravel/publictransport/ nationalbusstrategy The next stage in the process is the development of a Bus Service Improvement Plan, by October 31. The plan will set out the vision, and action plan, for delivering the improvements to public transport that is required by the National Bus Strategy, ahead of the start of the Enhanced Partnership.
Call for keyworkers to be awarded Freedom of City of Plymouth Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has called for the city’s COVID-19 key workers to be recognised for their service by being awarded the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. In a letter to Lord Mayor, Councillor Terri Beer and City Council leader Nick Kelly, Mr Pollard stated that those who served in frontline roles during the pandemic, including NHS staff and retail workers, deserve to be bestowed with the city’s highest honour. The Freedom of the City of Plymouth has previously been awarded to ship’s companies, military units and Royal Navy personnel. Now Mr Pollard believes that this distinguished honour should now be used to acknowledge and value the outstanding contribution made by Plymouth’s key workers since last March. The Freedom of the City of Plymouth is a historic title which would traditionally afford the recipient a number of special privileges. However, Mr Pollard went on to say that this need not be the case if the honour were to be awarded to such a large number of people, but instead ‘represent the city’s thanks and recognition.’
8 August 2021
@PlymChronicle
Residents’ views sought on planned improvements to St Budeaux Square
A revamped St Budeaux Square is the focal point for ambitious new plans to help curb emissions by making travelling around the city greener and cleaner.
Plymouth City Council has launched a consultation on proposals to improve bus stops, railways stations and cycling links in St Budeaux to turn it into a thriving transport interchange. Residents are encouraged to give their views on the proposals before the consultation period ends on August 29. The proposals also aim to upgrade the High Street and offer more sustainable transport options by increasing the frequency of trains and improving connections with buses and cycle routes. The improvements being considered include: • Transforming the High Street by installing a contemporary seating area, with planting, trees and a new bench outside the shops • New cycle parking • Replacing the ageing flagstones throughout the High Street • Widening pedestrian footways on the Wolseley Road overbridge and linking them to the safer pedestrian crossing at the junction on Wolseley Road • Extending the bus layby and moving bus stops to increase capacity for buses • Installing Real Time Passenger Information displays at bus stops and existing rail platforms - so that people know when their buses or trains are coming • Installing directional signage (fingerposts) to make it easier to find your way • Creating a transport information hub near bus stops and railway
stations which passengers can use to help plan their journeys The council is working closely with rail partners and local bus operators to increase the frequency of rail services at the stations and improve connectivity with bus services. The scheme is funded by the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) which aims to make it easier for residents and commuters to walk, cycle and use public transport when they travel around Plymouth and surrounding area. The scheme is being coordinated closely with other TCF schemes including the St Budeaux to the Dockyard Walking and Cycling Improvements, and the Journey Hub Network to further strengthen the goal of creating a modern transport interchange. The schemes provide additional transport options and better links for walking and cycling. St Budeaux Councillor Pat Patel said: “During my election campaign I said that I would make St Budeaux Square my priority and I am grateful that the Government has seen fit to allocate money to our city which has enabled improvements to be made. “I encourage everyone to fill in the online survey so that we get what we want. Please keep your comments and suggestions sensible. This is a marvellous opportunity for improvements to our district Shopping Centre which will hopefully attract a more diverse range of businesses as retail premises become available.” Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Planning said: “Plymouth is committed to being net zero carbon by 2030, so as part of this commitment we want to encourage
more people to travel in cleaner and greener ways to help curb emissions. “St Budeaux has two stations and is well served by buses, but it is not always that obvious for residents and commuters what services to take and when. This plan aims to join up the dots and make it easier for people to plan their journeys, help get them out of their car and use public transport, walk or cycle instead. We would like to have your feedback.” If all goes according to plan, work could start next March and be
complete by 2023. An exhibition of the proposals will be on display at St. Budeaux Library during its opening hours throughout the consultation period and on the council’s website at www.plymouth. gov.uk/stbudeaux interchange Comments can be made online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ stbudeaux interchange, by email to transportprojects@plymouth.gov.uk or by writing to Strategic Transport Team, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth PL1 3BJ (Ref: St Budeaux Interchange)
Double gold for nine-year old Alyssa A nine-year-old girl from Mannamead is storming the table tennis world - winning double gold at the recent Under 10 to Under 13 national championships.
Alyssa Nguyen who is a member of the Joola Plymouth club based at Eggbuckland Community College, won gold in both the Under 10 and Under 11 singles at the Marc Bates National Championships organised by Table Tennis England at Warwick University. There was more family success with her 11-year-old brother Hugo bagging a silver medal
Alyssa in action and (left) with one of her trophies
in the under-12 boy’s singles. Hugo’s twin brother Leo narrowly failed to make it a family triple on the podium as he was narrowly defeated in the quarter-finals. Both twins went out in the last 16 of the under-13 singles, Leo losing 12-10 to Harry Randall in a deciding fifth set and Hugo 3-0 at the hands of second seed Isaac Kingham. Alyssa, who attends St Matthew’s Primary School in Compton, won the under-11 title first defeating Hannah Saunders in the final 3-0.
She had earlier defeated fourth seed Jemima Choudhury 3-0 in the semi-finals and second seed Zara Brooks 3-1 in the quarter-finals. In the under-10 event, Alyssa beat Choudhury, who was the top seed, in the group stage and got through to the final to face Amber Lemmon, and Nguyen secured her second title with a 3-1 victory. Alyssa went out in the group stage of the under12s, but battled through to the knockout rounds in the under-13s, losing to third seed Naomi Coker in the last 16.
August 2021
@PlymChronicle
Commons Speaker gives his backing to petition for Royal Mail to replace Stoke post box Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has taken a campaign for the post box in Stoke Village to be restored to Parliament – by presenting a petition in the House of Commons that had been signed by hundreds of local residents and traders.
have to accept Royal Mail’s decision to remove our post box. “In this past year of lockdown, a handwritten note or a birthday card, something to have and to hold from the people we love, has meant so much more. For those of us that aren’t online, it’s about restoring their only avenue of communication with loved ones since the pandemic began. To some, a post Luke stated that the loss of the village’s post box was box is just a facility, but to many it’s a lifeline. “I hope Royal ‘detrimental to the local shops and community.’ Mail take note of this petition, and restore Royal Mail removed the post box from the post box to Stoke Village as soon as Stoke Village after the Post Office closed possible.” depriving the community of the chance After presenting the petition the Speaker to send letters from the heart of Stoke’s of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay bustling community. Despite calls from both Hoyle, also offered his support for the Mr Pollard and Stoke’s Labour Councillors campaign noting he had campaigned to Sally Cresswell and Jemima Laing, Royal replace a post box in his own constituency, Mail has so far refused to reinstall the saying of Royal Mail ‘let’s hope they’re post box. Royal Mail’s continued refusal listening to you.’ to replace the post box they had removed Stoke Ward Councillor Sally Cresswell prompted Luke to start the petition. The said: “When we lost our post office we lost right to petition Parliament traces its roots a valuable community hub, but the loss back to 1669 and is used by MPs to raise of our post box has deprived people of issues of concerns to the attention of a local lifeline. Not everyone uses email Ministers and the public. and letters and cards have been especially Mr Pollard’s presentation of the important to the elderly during COVID. petition was the first time Stoke Village People in Stoke Village really want their had ever been mentioned in the House of post box back. Royal Mail are a big company Luke Pollard MP took the Commons. Luke Pollard MP said: “Royal but I hope they listen to our community petition to Parliament Mail was wrong to remove the post box and give us back our post box in thriving from Stoke Village and local opinion is clear Stoke Village.” – we want our post box back. I’m grateful Luke Pollard was due to meet Royal Mail to discuss the future to everyone who has signed the petition and for the energy of of a post box in Stoke Village as the Chronicle went to press. Stoke’s local councillors in spreading the word that we don’t
The Lord Chief Justice talking to students Soso and Lily-Mae
Lord Chief Justice gives students insight into law as a career
The Lord Chief Justice, the Right Honourable Lord Ian Burnett of Maldon visited Stoke Damerel Community College to talk to students about his role as the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales and to discuss law as a career.
The Lord Chief Justice also held a question-and-answer session with the 25 students, from Year 10 going into Year 11 and Year 12 going into Year 13. He was joined by District Tribunal Judge Julia O’Hara and District Judge Penelope Taylor for the 45-minute event. He told the students: “A judge’s main role is to ensure everyone has a fair trial or a fair appeal.” He dispelled the image of law being a ‘dry and boring’ career, saying: “Actually, it is mostly good fun!” And he encouraged students who are interested in the law to join the profession, adding: “Because unless we have good people coming into law, then the whole system will flounder.” Two of the college’s sixth formers, Soso and Lily-Mae, stayed at the end of the talk to chat further with the Lord Chief Justice as both are interested in going into law. Lily-Mae said: “It was a very useful experience to learn face-to-face, especially about the emotional side - I feel that’s not touched upon so much in books or online. And it was just a good opportunity to talk to the Lord Chief Justice and listen to his advice.” Soso added: “Lily-Mae and I were saying only recently, ‘wouldn’t it be great to meet the Lord Chief Justice’ and we never thought it would happen! Hearing about the day-to-day reality of law, that was what I found particularly valuable.”
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10 August 2021
10 August 2021
Justine Cheffers of LiveWest presents one of the laptops to Brian Jones, headteacher at Riverside Community Primary School
@PlymChronicle
Big splash for Plymouth youth charity fundraiser! Brave volunteers who took part in the Sunrise Swim fundraiser
Laptop donation for schools A housing association has stepped in to help children by donating 85 laptops to schools in Plymouth.
LiveWest contacted the four Plymouth schools with the offer after moving to help bridge the educational gap created by lockdown. Riverside Community Primary School, St Peter’s Primary, Stonehouse, Laira Green Primary School and Cathedral School of St Mary, Primary have all benefited from a donation of laptops. With children now settled back into education following the easing of government restrictions, the laptops are being used to help the most disadvantaged at the school. The devices have made a huge difference to access their live learning via Google Classroom and Google Meet and the range of educational technology platforms, which are used by the school to supplement learning in the classroom. Pupils from Riverside School in Barne Barton have been volunteering at the LiveWest lead community allotments. Brian Jones, headteacher at Riverside Community Primary
School, said: “On behalf of pupils and staff at Riverside Community Primary School, I would like to say a huge thank you to LiveWest for their generous donation. The laptops will make a massive contribution to the children’s education. The children were delighted to know the laptops were being recycled and not going to landfill.” LiveWest has supported families and children across the South West by donating more than 150 refurbished laptops and issuing £32,000 to schools to allow them to buy much-needed IT equipment. In a move to narrow the social divide exposed by the pandemic, LiveWest has also helped more than 100 households get online through digital inclusion grants totalling more than £23,000. Justine Cheffers, community connector for LiveWest, said: “It was fantastic to be able to support these Plymouth schools with a donation of laptops. “We play an active role in supporting all of our communities with Plymouth being a key one and we are thrilled to be able to provide equipment which will make a positive difference to the children’s education.”
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Plymouth youth charity Barefoot has raised nearly £4,000 – and still counting – from its first major fund-raising event: a Summer Solstice Sunrise Swim at 5am!
Swimmers in the local area, but also as far afield as Bournemouth and Gothenburg, Sweden, took to the water in aid of Barefoot’s SpaceShot youth provision. Groups braved the chilly waters at Devil’s Point, Tinside and Wembury, with the Devil’s Point contingent including experienced wild swimmers and newcomers, as well as Barefoot youth workers and board members. Barefoot board members Claire Best and Stewart Loze braved the sea temperatures and drizzly rain. Claire said” “I was a bit apprehensive swimming this early but it was great experience.” Barefoot planned the Sunrise Swim to spearhead its new fund-raising strategy, aimed at making the charity, which provides activities and support for young people aged between 10 and 19 in disadvantaged communities in the north west of Plymouth, less reliant on the uncertainty of grants. The charity, which was founded in 1996 has, since 2013, provided youth activities and support for disadvantaged youngsters in Ernesettle, Whitleigh, St Budeaux and King’s Tamerton. The SpaceShot HQ is in Ernesettle.
Barefoot director Richard Marsh said:”We were very lucky to be awarded a grant from the Lottery Community Fund for our work in Ernesettle in early 2020 and that included a pot of money to develop the whole charity, including our fund-raising. The outcome is a plan to seek more donations in novel ways and our first toe in the water (pun intended) was the Sunrise Swim.’ Advised by expert fund-raiser Paul Read from Drift, the planning of the Sunrise Swim had to take account of COVID, so is was a ‘virtual’ event, meaning the participants took part individually and at their own risk, but with Barefoot providing a wide range of safety advice and a social media link up before and during the event. As it was such a success, the
Sunrise Swim will become an annual fund raiser and, if COVID allows, can hopefully be more communal. SpaceShot’s professional lead youth worker Jon Dingle explained that the need is great: “We’ve been working with young people right through all the lockdowns, mainly through street activity and have been shocked by the impact on their mental health. Young people have borne the brunt of restrictions, lack of opportunities and social isolation and we aim to provide the support and experiences they need to overcome this and make the most of their futures.” Swimmer sponsorship and other donations can be made through the Barefoot website at www.barefoot. org.uk
Taking the plunge to raise funds
Bright Future for city’s youngsters A new five year plan to ensure Plymouth’s children and young people have the best possible start to life has been agreed by the City Council’s Cabinet. The Bright Future Plan sets out the citywide vision to ensure all Plymouth children and young people are able to be healthy, happy and safe as well as having opportunities to aspire and achieve. A wide range of partner organisations across the city including; the City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Barnardo’s, the NSPCC, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, Livewell Southwest and the Plymouth Octopus Project have collaborated on the plan to ensure the right advice, services and provision is in place so children stand the best possible chance of growing into resilient adults. This means making sure the entire
system from antenatal and early years services, continuing through all school ages and stages and into young adulthood are able to work seamlessly together to spot difficulties early, respond quickly and effectively and make sure that help is there for as long as it is needed. Bright Future recognises that some children face much greater challenges in their childhoods and into their adult lives and aims to address this together One of the key elements of the plan is ensuring the voice of children and young people is regularly heard and considered as part of planning and decision making. The Council has a young Safeguarding group of young people aged between 14 and 19 who support the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership to make sure that the voices of children and young people are heard and that things
like the information they read and the policies and procedures that affect their lives are fair and understandable. One of the members of the group said: “Please do not underestimate the impact that 2020/21 has had on our mental health. A greater number of young people are now feeling isolated and a lot more vulnerable. These mental health challenges result in the need for young people to feel valued, listened to and respected by professionals.” Another one added: “We want professionals to ask us what we need and not to assume. If we are supported to explore our own ideas, we are more likely to follow them and make changes within our lives.” The next steps for the plan are for it to be proposed to Full Council in September to be formally adopted as the children and young people’s plan for the city.
August 2021
@PlymChronicle
Breeze celebrates a decade of getting thousands more women into cycling A decade on from its creation, British Cycling are toasting 10 years of the ground-breaking Breeze programme, which has provided over 320,000 women with a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to get on their bikes. Breeze, so named to capture the fun and freedom of cycling, was set up in 2011 alongside Sport England and with the support of National Lottery funding to inspire women to discover or rediscover, the joy of riding bikes. The programme offers women of all ages and abilities the chance to cycle via fun, free female-led rides. It has helped thousands of women experience the benefits of cycling since launching in Plymouth in 2012 and despite the last year, the Plymouth Breeze Champions are back - putting on free rides for local women. Celebrating their own milestones are Plymouth-based Breeze Champions Sue Jennings and Ceri
Carter, who this year, have clocked up an impressive 400 rides each – and counting! Ceri Carter, a ride leader since 2016, said: “No sooner than my sis and I could walk, our dad had us on two wheels. He was passionate about anything with two wheels, with or without an engine, I suppose it rubbed off a little. “I reached a certain age and all too suddenly, eating all you want and keeping a figure is not happening anymore, so a new plan was needed! “By the power of Facebook and a few posts in cycling groups, I was steered towards Breeze. A group run by women volunteers, passionate about cycling, although I was so nervous about going to my first session. “I was on my own and just did what I’d always done and went for it, thankfully, others there were just like me and didn’t make you do anything you didn’t feel comfortable doing, which was really encouraging and helpful.
Life’s a breeze... pictured (from left): Jackie Venning, Caroline Lethbridge, Debbie McCall, Valerie Jordan, Sue Jennings, Ceri Carter, Allison Quigley, Chris Fisher, Allison Gliddon and Yiffi
“The short version is, I had a lovely time and went again and again and then I trained to be a Breeze Champion. I then started running the beginner rides and qualified as an instructor, because I wanted to teach people to cycle safely with the same passion I have. “So here I am, over 400 rides later, maybe a bit fitter, lots of new friends, some amazing memories, planning lots more rides over the moors, looking for the least hilly routes, that’s difficult in Devon, with the best coffee and cake stops, the journey goes on.” This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Breeze. Help them celebrate their tenth birthday by joining them on a ride near you. Visit www.letsride.co.uk to find out more. For more information please contact Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit on sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307008.
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For all the latest information and updates on events in Plymouth this summer please go to visitplymouth.co.uk
12 August 2021
SailGP poster immortalised in stunning glass artwork Artist Ian Nicholls with the glass wall panel
Local artist and owner of Plymouth Glass Gallery, Ian Nicholls, has recreated SailGP’s promotional poster for Plymouth as a stunning glass wall panel.
The artwork was presented to the Great Britain SailGP team as a gift to commemorate the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, which took place in Plymouth on July 17 and 18. SailGP is one of the world’s most impressive sailing events and the Plymouth event was the third in the global league’s second season. Ian Nicholls said: “SailGP was a hugely exciting event and brilliant for Plymouth. As one of the many proud independent businesses based on the waterfront, we wanted to create something that showcased our support and welcomed the team and the event to the city and came up with the idea of producing the promotional poster in glass.” The promotional poster is an illustration of the F50 catamaran’s sailing in Plymouth Sound against a backdrop of Plymouth Hoe including Smeaton’s Tower, which has been cleverly recreated as a glass wall panel. Ian continued: “The biggest challenge was creating a 3D effect, as I wanted the catamaran to feel like it’s coming out of the panel at you, which I think I’ve achieved here. Glass is such a beautiful medium and often seems alive thanks to the way the light reflects on it and appears to change the colours or depth. I hope this creation shows our appreciation Paul Goodison with the panel for this fantastic event.” Great Britain SailGP Team interim driver and Olympic Gold medalist Paul Goodison added: “The local support has always been fantastic, so it’s great to see that local enthusiasm come to life in this brilliant piece of art by Ian. He’s really captured the essence of SailGP in this piece.” Plymouth Glass Gallery is based on Southside Street on the Barbican and sells a range of contemporary glass from a number of leading artists as well as artwork created by Ian in his on-site gallery. He can also create bespoke commissions to fit different size and colour requirements. Find out more at plymouthglassgallery.com.
12 August 2021
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Community groups prepare to welcome The Hatchling Community groups and creative organisations from across Plymouth are preparing to welcome The Hatchling, a monumental dragon puppet created by outdoor arts producers Trigger.
Over the weekend of August 14 and 15, The Hatchling will roam through the city encountering locals, and their offerings, on her journey, creating a duet between the two characters of the performance: the dragon and the city. The public are being invited to take part in the show across the weekend. Theatre Royal Plymouth are looking for people to join their regular groups to create a fitting welcome for the dragon. No performance experience is required, but people are being asked to register their interest and availability for rehearsals at www.theatreroyal. com/thehatchlingbepartofit. Meanwhile Trigger are searching for local buskers to perform along the route - interested musicians should contact becca.gill@triggerstuff.co.uk. A number of groups are already preparing to take part in the two-day event including Barbican Theatre, who are creating new work especially for The Hatchling. On Saturday August 14, 30 singers from The Lost Sound choir will perform a lullaby to send The Hatchling to sleep after a day of exploration. The following day, performers from Plymouth Roller Derby will encounter The Hatchling on the Hoe before she undergoes a miraculous transformation, unfurling her wings and flying off
the coast in a world-first attempt. The epic finale will take place to the melodies of Mayflower A Capella group who will perform a musical soundscape with a blend of 26 voices harmonising together. In advance of The Hatchling’s visit, designers and makers in Plymouth are creating their offerings. Plymouth College of Art students have joined Trigger’s costume department to make outfits for performers, and Mother’s Who Make are producing individual textile works that will be stitched together during the weekend to form a huge quilt for the sleeping dragon. Elder Tree will be participating in knitting and crochet work on Saturday before hosting a mass Tai Chi Class on the Sunday. Plymouth communities are also getting involved through the Real Ideas Organisation who are working with families to create windsocks which will fly on the Hoe on Sunday Members of Plymouth Roller Derby will encounter The Hatchling evening.
The Conscious Sisters are working with local groups around the city to make lanterns which will be shown in a parade with the help of Nudge Community Builders. Sandra Smith from The Lost Sound said: “Coming out of lockdown has been hard for our communities; we haven’t been together at large events for a long time and we’ve missed that buzz! But wait till you see this amazing outdoor show - The Hatchling will burst out onto our Plymouth streets and allow our minds and imagination to soar again – to dream big! We can’t wait to be part of it, it’s time to fly again!” Harriet Bolwell, senior producer at Trigger said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with so many participants and partner organisations from across Plymouth to create The Hatchling. The event is a true celebration of the city and the creative people who live here, and we can’t wait to come together after a year of isolation.” After Plymouth, The Hatchling will continue her journey to London to head a procession of more than 5,000 performers at Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, taking place on Sunday June 5 2022.
University scientists help to unlock hidden secrets of rare UK meteorite Scientists from the University of Plymouth are helping to uncover the secrets of a rare meteorite which could possibly reveal the origins of the oceans and life on Earth.
Research carried out on the Winchcombe meteorite, which fell in and around the Gloucestershire town earlier this year, estimates the space rock dates back to the beginning of the solar system, 4.5 billion years ago. The meteorite was tracked using video footage from the UK’s meteor camera networks, including the UK Fireball Network, and fragments were then quickly located and recovered. Since the discovery, UK planetary scientists – including Dr Natasha Stephen and colleagues in the University’s Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) – have been trying to determine its mineralogy and chemistry to better understand how the solar system formed. They have found the meteorite is a carbonaceous chondrite – a stony material, rich in water and organic matter, which has retained its chemistry from the formation of the solar system. Funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the research work in Plymouth has include analysing small samples of Winchcombe to determine both the fine and coarse-grained mineralogy of the meteorite. Preliminary results of chemical and micro-
structural analyses of the different textures in Winchcombe have shown in-tact chondrules, metals, and mineral fragments, all held within the fine-grained matrix, which represent some of the earliest materials to form in the Solar System. The work has been carried out by Dr Natasha Stephen, lecturer in Advanced Analysis (Earth & Planetary Sciences), and PEMC technicians Dr Jennifer Mitchell and Lorelei Robertson. They have also been supported by planetary science postgraduate student Francesca Willcocks, and they are all using the cutting edge electron microscopes within PEMC to conduct the investigation. Dr Stephen, director of the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, has spent more than a decade analysing Martian meteorites and has been on meteorite hunting expeditions all over the world. She added: “Collecting meteorites in the field is always special, but doing it in your home country is even more so. Now we have a piece of Winchcombe to analyse right here in Plymouth. It’s the first time we’ve had a British meteorite in the lab, so everyone is incredibly excited and keen to be a part of the initial analyses. “The small planetary geology group we have here are all helping, thanks to STFC funding, so it’s been a fantastic catalyst for a new study bringing together academics, technicians and students.”
The Plymouth University Winchcombe team Dr Natasha Stephen (front), postgraduate student Francesca Willcocks (middle), and new technical specialist Dr Jennifer Mitchell (back)
August 2021
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‘The Park in the Sea’ moves a huge step closer after National Lottery Heritage Fund award Plymouth Sound, the home of UK’s first National Marine Park has been awarded £9.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make its vision of a park in the sea a reality.
People across the city and surrounding the Sound are celebrating after learning the bid for the Heritage Horizon Awards has been successful. Leader of Plymouth City Council Nick Kelly said: “This is truly a game changer for Plymouth. For too long Plymouth hasn’t fully embraced the sea and its waterfront - this funding means we can now put the Sound right at the heart of our plans for Plymouth. “We are in a unique position, within a unique landscape – fantastic wildlife, an historic waterfront, rich maritime heritage and cutting edge marine research, but we need to look after this special place. We need people from all walks of life to get in it, on it, talk about it and as a city cherish the Sound for future generations.” Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will reconnect an entire city to the sea, the marine environment and its history. The bid is based on three key elements: Physical infrastructure – creating gateways to the park with improved facilities at Tinside cove and pool, Mount Batten Peninsula and watersports centre, the National Marine Aquarium, Mount Edgcumbe as well as enhancing community access points though out the park Social infrastructure - a city wide community engagement programme designed to get all Plymothians out in, on, under and next to the water and develop new ‘green’ marine employment opportunities Digital park - using the latest tech to create new ways of engaging people with the park and learning about its hidden treasures without getting wet. Councillor Kelly said: “The scale of what we want to achieve is vast. We have a two year development period where we will be talking to everyone and anyone, shaping and testing ideas before the five year delivery plan gets into full swing. “This administration is committed to listening to what people want and this project has enormous potential to unite and inspire people, enabling everyone to feel healthier and happier as well as tackle some of the big issues that are threatening the Sound and our environment. It’s exciting stuff.” The bid has cross party support. Leader of the Opposition Councillor Tudor Evans added: “This is just epic news. The Park in the Sea really
Plymouth Sound Fact File
It’s home to over 1,000 different species of marine life Over 6,400 hectares is designated a Special Area of Conservation; it also has a Special Protection Area, a Marine Conservation Zones plus numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s home to HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe Brittany Ferries operate out of Millbay Port and across the Sound at Cattedown there are commercial wharves as well as an international fish market. Plymouth is home to an internationally important marine research cluster - including Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth is a people’s park and over the next two years residents and businesses across the city and in surrounding communities - not just those living close to the waterfront – will be encouraged to explore what the Sound has to offer and then shape the project.” The project outlines five ‘gateways’ to the park each with a particular focus that will inspire more people to explore, connect and enjoy the sea in all sorts of different ways. • Tinside - for health and wellbeing activities • National Marine Aquarium - a hub for nature and the environment • Mountbatten - active recreation • Mount Edgcumbe - heritage - learning about the Sound’s epic history including over 600 wrecks that lie beneath the waves • Smart Sound - digital harnessing the power of the latest digital technology The park aims to change how a landscape and its people can work together. The ‘Park in the Sea’ will transform lives, employment, education, volunteering and environment, re-establishing the bond between people and place. It is estimated the grant will support the development of 20 new ‘blue’ enterprises and create 464 jobs. Professor Richard Thompson, director of the Marine Institute at the University, said: “For well over a century, the remarkable natural resource of Plymouth Sound has attracted marine scientists from all over the world. What is particularly exciting about this funding is that it will allow us to work together across the city to develop projects that connect the land and sea as a
system, and convey that sense of wonder to a wider audience, particularly those who live in the city. There are amazing opportunities through science, health and the arts – literally, an ocean of potential.” Roger Maslin, Ocean Conservation Trust and National Marine Aquarium chief executive said: “We are delighted to hear the news that Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has received National Lottery Heritage Fund support. Our conservation work is centred around people taking positive action, so we look forward to helping as many people as possible experience and connect with the Ocean here in Plymouth. “As an Ocean Conservation Charity, we are delighted to continue our conservation, education and engagement programmes here in the Southwest and will continue supporting the fantastic team at Plymouth City Council to ensure that both locals and visitors connect with the National Marine Park in new and exciting ways.” Bob Baggott, chair of Mountbatten Watersports Centre added: “This a brilliant result for Plymouth and the Southwest, we are proud to be part of the fantastic team led by Plymouth City Council that has secured this Heritage Horizon Award. Working in partnership with the other key stakeholders we will be able to expand our reach and work with more individuals and communities to help them explore a range of on, under and next to the water experiences that reconnects them to the ocean. From the lone angler to fishing crews, from swimmers to those who earn a living from the sea, the park is not just about encouraging people to get closer to the ocean but protecting it and piloting projects that could help tackle our greatest challenges such as climate change in a way that actually improves lives. Ideas on the horizon to encourage people to explore include innovation labs, a marine observation post, a hidden treasures of the sound project as well as developing digital park apps. There’s also plans for National Martine Park Festival for anyone to try swimming, sailing or paddleboarding as well Give it a Go events. Plans also include neighbourhood history projects and activities that enable everyone to experience what the Sound has to offer. The whole city will encouraged to join in. The project is not just about leisure activities, it will include piloting sustainable fisheries initiatives as well as working closely with schools on STEM activities, careers in ocean-related fields and ocean citizenship. A ranger programme is also on the cards to help look after the Sound and run activities that allow people to learn and connect with the Sound.
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14 August 2021
Enjoy an evening swim at Tinside on three nights Tinside Lido is now open until 7.30pm on Mondays and Fridays, in addition to the Wednesday evening swim.
With Mount Wise pools open late on a Tuesday and Thursday, Plymouth will have outdoor pools open every week night through the summer. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Leisure, Culture and Sport said: ”As more and more people holiday right here in the UK, or use their time off to enjoy where they live, it’s key that our leisure offer is excellent. “We promised to make Tinside Lido a ‘must visit’ venue in the city, and I think evening swims in the Lido will be a fantastic addition to waterfront entertainment for residents and visitors alike. “Our waterfront is very special, and it’s great that now even more of us have the opportunity to enjoy it. Julian Egan, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer evening sessions three times a week and hope the new offering encourages both locals and visitors to enjoy an outdoor swim this summer and make the most of what Tinside Lido has to offer!” The sessions will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and will continue until September 10. The café will reopen for the session. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment, and can be made on the Everyone Active app or online at www. everyoneactive.com.
14 August 2021
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Community fridge makes a difference
Plymouth MP Luke Pollard, recently visited a community fridge set up by environmental charity Hubbub and the Co-op, at the Kintsugi Project in Stonehouse to find out how surplus food is being redistributed in the local community.
The community fridge in Stonehouse is part of a network of over 150 fridges set up by Hubbub and is set to increase by 100 over the next year thanks to a partnership with Co-op, saving a further 6.8 million meals per year from going to waste. Community fridges are open to everyonewithout any need to be referred or having to prove eligibility - to share fresh food that would otherwise have gone to waste. The food is donated by businesses – with Co-op donating surplus food from its stores. As well as improving access to food, the fridges‚ go beyond this by empowering‚ communities to connect with each other, and learn new skills through activities such as cookery sessions and workshops on how to grow your own fruit and veg. Luke spent time speaking with Alice Walker and Bronwen Hewitt of The Kintsugi Project, learning how community fridges in the UK are visited 571 times a month, redistributing 2.3 tonnes of food, which is the equivalent of 5,684 meals. Luke said: “Britain is a rich country and it should shame us all that in the 21st century there are so many people in need. With more families in Plymouth struggling to afford food, this initiative will really help. “I want to thank the Co-op and Hubbub for their support for this community fridge. As the local MP, I will continue to call out rising poverty and press Ministers to act. One day I hope we’ll be able to close this community fridge because people in our city are no longer going hungry but we have a long way to go before that can happen sadly.” The visit by Luke took place during Co-op
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, pictured with Bronwen Hewitt of the Kintsugi Project and Alison Scowen, senior public affairs manager at Co-op
Fortnight. The annual campaign sees hundreds of co-operatives and organisations across the UK working together to celebrate the power of co-operation, with this year’s theme encouraging communities to #JoinACoop to help build back better – the partnership between Co-op and Hubbub, working with other organisations in local communities, is a great example of this. Rebecca Birkbeck, director of Community & Shared Value at Co-op, said: “As a co-operative, we have a responsibility to work with others to make a genuine difference. It’s great that Luke has had the opportunity to see first-hand how the Stonehouse community fridge is empowering people in Plymouth towards creating their own solutions and helping their
community build resilience for the future.” Tessa Tricks, senior creative partner at Hubbub, said: “Community fridges play a vital role in communities across the UK. They fight food waste while bringing people together to share and learn skills from one another. On average fridges re-distribute 2.4 tonnes of food per month. We look forward to seeing food being shared and friendships formed in Stonehouse. They really are more than just a fridge.” For more information on the Community Fridge Network, including a map of fridge locations and advice for those interested in setting up a community fridge, visit: www.hubbub.org.uk/thecommunity-fridge
Spectacular entertainment from Barbican Theatre for August’s West End Carnival Barbican Theatre is bringing a number of amazing performances to unique locations across the city this summer.
Barbican Theatre’s Beryl Tebug Photo Brett Lockwood
Petrol Headz On Tour will feature more than 100 artists, athletes and experts from the Plymouth and South West modified car, parkour, street dance, DJ and skateboard scenes. The first event took place the City Centre Piazza on July 24 and will be followed on August 28 when Barbican Theatre will headline at the West End Carnival. The carnival, organised by the Plymouth City Centre Company will feature live entertainment and free fun for all the family. Barbican Theatre will be providing exciting live entertainment at Frankfurt Gate during the day. Following the day time events spectators will be led to the Piazza to experience a larger version of the first Petrol Headz On The Piazza performance in July, celebrating the unique voices and talents in Plymouth. Performances are scheduled for 4pm and 6pm and will last around 45 minutes. A bank holiday weekend spectacular showcasing the modified car scene and the surrounding street culture, Petrol Headz On The Piazza will be a show like no other with roaring sound systems, modified cars for skateboard tricks and parkour stunts, street dancers, DJs and MC battles and much more! Barbican Thratre ReBels entertain Plymouth shoppers Photo Gemma Ward
Lieutenant Le Huray receives his award from Captain Andy Ingham
Devonport air traffic controller receives prestigious award
A Royal Navy Air Traffic Controller working in Devonport has received a prestigious award.
This event will bring together a number of talented communities of enthusiasts, athletes and performers and holds a space for them to showcase themselves to the public. These communities include a range of ages from young children and their parents, to young athletes, Barbican Theatre Rebels and local professionals in their field. Suzie West, Barbican Theatre’s ReBels co-Lead and show producer, said: “This show is not about conformity. It’s about Plymouth, being Plymouth. We’re really excited about this show and think it’s the perfect way to conclude the West End Carnival.”
Lieutenant Jason Le Huray, who works with the HMNB Devonport’s Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST) organisation, has been awarded the Fleet Air Arm’s Air Traffic Management Fulmar Award, for his role as an air traffic control officer on HMS Queen Elizabeth. The award was presented by FOST Captain (Ships) Andy Ingham. Lieutenant Le Huray was recognised for his significant and active role whilst serving onboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. He consistently delivered to a high standard on a daily basis and been noted for taking the initiative on a number of safety and carrier procedures that have supported the UK’s carrier strike capability. Part of the Citation for the prestigious award read: “A second
tourist controller on his first sea tour, he has personally committed to the carrier strike endeavour by playing a key role in ensuring both F-35 and Merlin are successfully and safely integrated into air traffic management procedures. As a fully endorsed air traffic controller he has been embarked throughout for all phases of the ship’s activity, taking her from a trials ship to one providing safe and efficient air traffic control to the largest air wing embarked in a British carrier since before he was born, skillfully coordinating jets and helicopters in both the tower and radar environments. “Le Huray’s hard work, dedication and effort have made the most valuable contribution to the development and delivery of ATC operations, at the forefront of Defence aviation and the renaissance of British carrier strike.”
August 2021 15
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Family quartet set to go the distance in memory of much-loved Mary
Treasured memories of a big-hearted mum and grandmother are inspiring four females from the same Plymouth family to step out together in support of the local charity that gave her such compassionate care at the end of her life.
Louise Pudner and her daughters Chloe, 25, Megan, 22, and Laura, 16, have all signed up to take part in this summer’s Midnight Walk, the annual mass-participation event raising vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth Louise’s mum Mary Mannell with her husband Les
and the specialist service it provides for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at its specialist unit at Turnchapel. With the ladies’ walk making its comeback on Friday August 20 after it had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic, the foursome is taking up the opportunity to stride the streets, paying tribute to Louise’s mother Mary Mannell, who was looked after at Turnchapel as she neared the end of her life. Sadly, Mary died in 2011 but memories of the special person she was, and the huge love and affection she gave her four children, plus the 15 grandchildren born while she was alive, are cherished by her family. Louise, who lives in Southway, said: “Mum was such a caring person and is sorely missed by us all. Growing up, she was always there for us and when her grandchildren came along she devoted herself to them, too. “When she was ill it was a very difficult time, and our whole family is so grateful to St Luke’s for being there for her and us as well. It wasn’t just the excellent medical care they gave mum that made a difference, but the way they always accommodated our visits - day or night - making all of us, including the children, feel
Louise Pudner with her daughters Chloe, Megan and Laura...walking in memory of Mary Mannell
welcome and at ease. “I’ll always remember spending precious time with mum in the gardens at Turnchapel, taking in the beautiful views over the water. That meant a lot to her because she and dad always loved the sea.” Sponsored by GA Solicitors, Midnight Walk will see hundreds of women coming together to support St Luke’s. Just like Louise and her daughters, many will be going the distance in memory of lost loved ones, celebrating their lives while making new memories. All are welcome, regardless of whether St Luke’s was involved in the care of their relative or friend. The event starts and finishes at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium, with ladies completing a 5, 10 or 15mile route across the city. Louise, who along with Chloe, Megan and
Laura is taking on the 15-mile route, said: “Walking together is something we are really looking forward to. We’ll be remembering both mum and my dad, who sadly also died from cancer. “It’s our way of saying thank you to St Luke’s, not only for care given in the past but right now, too, looking after people who are special to our family. It’s a charity that touches so many lives and we must never take it for granted.” Registration for Midnight Walk costs £22, which includes the cost of your tee-shirt as well as a medal and goodie bag for all completers. Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk for more information and to sign up. If you would like to sponsor the Pudner ladies, please visit their Just Giving page at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-pudner
16 August 2021
16 August 2021
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Helen’s 1,000 mile marathon cycling challenge for charity
Plymouth businesswoman Helen West is getting on her bike to cycle nearly 1,000 miles to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Thelma and Louise will be screened at Tinside Lido
Plymouth Arts Cinema unveils details of open air screenings Plymouth Arts Cinema has unveiled details of all its open air cinema events in the summer.
There will be a weekend of museum treats at Tavistock Place outside The Box and two weekends at Plymouth’s beautiful Tinside Lido featuring Hollywood classics, cult favourites, screen treasures new and old. There will be archive films and short films, films from the South West and further afield. Tickets for all the events go on sale to the public from the Box Office and via the website from July 13 and advance booking is strongly recommended as these events sell out. Seating will be sociallydistanced, staff will be wearing face coverings, and hand sanitiser will
be available at all screenings. If an event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19, all tickets will be refunded in full. The screenings will go ahead in all but the most severe weather conditions - no refunds will be given in these circumstances. For full details visit the event pages at website: www. plymouthartscinema.org The Box - Tavistock Place All screenings open from 6pm, programme starts 7pm, film starts 7.30pm. July 30 and 31: Ammonite; Aug 1: Bringing Up Baby Tinside Lido All screenings open from 8pm, programme starts 9pm, film starts 9.15pm. Aug 20: Jaws; Aug 21: The Life Aquatic; August 22: Bait; Sept 2: Some Like It Hot; Sept 3: Yesterday; Sept 4: Thelma and Louise
Plymouth Pavilions ice rink to reopen in August
Skaters from Ivy Dean Residential Home enjoying the ice rink
The ice rink at Plymouth Pavilions is to open again on August 27 and it will be a double celebration as September marks the venue’s 30th anniversary. The rink has been closed since March 2020.
Between December and May part of the Rink’s concourse was used for the Pavilions Vaccination Centre and there was a huge feeling of being a meaningful part of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out to the local community. Duty manager Shelby Natkaniec has been with the rink for 11 years, said: “I love the ice rink, we’re so grateful for the hard work that has
gone into maintaining the business over the last year and thrilled to be getting back to work, implementing everything that needs to happen before we open the doors to our wonderful skaters and busy planning an exciting new timetable.” Eager fans will be able to follow the team’s progress behind the scenes setting up the rink after the longest closure in it’s history on their new Instagram account launched in celebration of the reopening at www.instagram.com/ ppicerink/ For the latest news and updates about the rink visit www. plymouthice.co.uk or follow them on social media
Helen, who is 61, has visited many places and countries around the world but this year she has decided to visit Scotland and on August 1 will start her epic challenge of cycling for 14 days from Land’s End to John O’Groats - a total of 993 miles. The costs involved in organising the marathon ride have been provided by West Financial Management, which is based in Peverell. Helen hopes to raise £5,000 for YMCA Plymouth and SAHODAR UK, which supports projects in Nepal. The charity is closely connected with Mutley Baptist Church and has achieved a huge amount for the community in the village of Garambesie in Nepal. This has included medical provision for those who would have to walk great distances or for whom it would be unaffordable; dental treatment; health and dental education and the provision of clean drinking water. The charity has also provided villagers with the opportunity to to develop skills to generate an income as well as creating improvements to the elementary level of education in the schools. It is hoped to see the opening of a new hospital in the village this year and the use of the church and community centre. Helen has visited the existing small village hospital in Nepal twice and helped out whilst she was there. She said: “It has been such a joy to see the new hospital build almost reach completion. But, unfortunately, there has been a delay in receiving funds from the Nepali local government office, so this has impacted the opening date for the new hospital. “While the structure of the hospital is virtually complete, now comes the task of turning it into a fully functioning hospital, particularly with the financing and purchase of 50 beds and all the medical equipment required. YMCA Plymouth is an independent non-profit organisation, founded in 1848. It serves the needs of local
Helen West in training for her 1,000 mile marathon
people through a variety of education, health, and family services. Their work focuses particularly on young people and the disadvantaged by providing affordable, topquality facilities and services. All support for Helen by sponsoring her, either giving to one charity or splitting the donation between the two worthy causes, would be greatly appreciated. Helen is ready to turn the pedals for approximately 70 miles each day, eat, drink, sleep and also enjoy the views. Donations can be made at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ HelenWest18 or at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ helen-meneilly
Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth benefit from NHS-backed employment support
Ex-Forces patients in Plymouth who are being treated for mental and physical health conditions can now get help moving back into employment through an NHSbacked pilot project.
Health professionals can refer veterans for free support from The Poppy Factory’s employment consultant, Neal Crump, who is embedded within Plymouth’s Waterside Primary Care Network. He will work with closely with local NHS staff and surgeries to reach more exForces patients. Stable employment is an important factor in good mental health. The pilot project, one of three in England, seeks to improve outcomes for veterans by bringing together care and employment plans. In some cases, veterans may be referred for employment support through social prescribing. With one-to-one guidance offered throughout their journey to employment, veterans will be supported to overcome barriers and work towards positive life changes. Deirdre Mills, chief executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “The veterans we help often have complex conditions. Dedicated employment support can make all the difference, helping these men and women transform their lives, resulting in increased stability, greater financial security and better health and wellbeing. We
Employment consultant Neal Crump of The Poppy Factory
are excited to be working with NHS partners to create stronger local support networks for those who need it most.” Jo Lloyd-Davies, practice manager for West Hoe Surgery in Plymouth, said: “West Hoe Surgery are delighted to welcome The Poppy Factory to the practice. “Through their work in supporting veterans with health conditions
who are wanting help with finding employment, we can offer a muchneeded additional service to our patients.” Anyone who is unemployed, served in the Armed Forces for one day or more, and has a physical or mental health condition can register for employment support. To register online visit poppyfactory.org/register
August 2021
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17
The £7.6m transformation of Market Hall in Devonport is ‘gamechanger’ for Plymouth
A £7.6 million transformation of the Market Hall in Devonport is set to put Plymouth on the global map as a leader in immersive technology.
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England admiring the immersive technology
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, joined creative leaders from across the country to formally open the Grade II listed building following its extensive regeneration. The brainchild of the Real Ideas Organisation, the Market Hall is now home to a spectacular immersive dome which is the first of its type in Europe. The only other one like it in the world is in Montreal, Canada. Tickets for the opening weekend on July 17 and 18 sold out within 24 hours of being available to the public, demonstrating the keen local interest in the cutting-edge experience. Tickets for the dome’s first show have gone live and are expected to be snapped up. The immersive family-friendly film ‘Sea Monsters: A Preshistoric Adventure’ will allow dome-goers to meet the dinosaurs which lived in the depths of the oceans. The Market Hall will also offer creative and collaborative workspace, learning, workshops, meeting rooms, event spaces, a production suite and a café. Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, joined Real Ideas chief executive Lindsey Hall, the Earl and Countess of Devon, and Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative England, to enjoy the first formal viewing within the spectacular building and immersive dome. Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the immersive dome, the state-of-the-art technology creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience without the need for a headset. The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels of audio, encases the dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport visitors anywhere in
Top sculptor selected to create the statue of Argyle legend Jack Leslie Exactly one year after the launch of the Jack Leslie Statue Crowdfunder, it has been announced that renowned sculptor Andy Edwards has been commissioned as the sculptor of the statue of Argyle icon Jack Leslie at Home Park. Andy boasts a wealth of experience in delivering iconic sporting statues. Examples of his work include the acclaimed Clough/Taylor statue at Derby County’s Pride Park and the highly regarded Stanley Matthews sculpture at Stoke City. Andy was selected with careful consideration, which included thorough interviews of four shortlisted candidates. Andy’s work also includes statues of The Beatles, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and civil rights campaigner and slavery abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Andy has his principal foundry in Liverpool, but he has pledged to use web-cams and social media to document his progress. This means that supporters of the Crowdfunded statue can watch its progress, wherever they are in the world. Andy will be visiting Plymouth shortly to look at the location, meet the campaign committee and, of course, to take in an Argyle match. Andy’s tender for the Jack Leslie statue project was made in partnership with Monumental Icons, but this is very much a personal
Sculptor Andy Edwards with an impression of what the statue will look like
project for Andy and one that inspires him greatly. On hearing the news of his selection, Andy said: “ I am eternally grateful and very excited to have been chosen to work with the devoted members of the Jack Leslie statue group, the proud fans of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, and the wider football community in furthering all of our appreciation of a real legend of the game, and a man whose story can still affect change nearly 100 years on. “I hope to create a statue of peerless quality celebrating excellence, that will also represent
respect, dignity, devotion and invigorate the quest for equal rights for all. To everyone who has given their support and backing to this initiative, I will not let you down.” Campaign co-founder Greg Foxsmith said: “We are delighted to give Andy this commission, but we would also like to thank all of the shortlisted artists who spent so much time and energy on creating such brilliant proposals. It made it really difficult for us to make the final decision” Jack’s granddaughter Lesley said: “We love the range of ideas, and we look forward to working with Andy to see a statue that is an accurate portrayal of grandad.” Jack signed for Argyle from Barking in 1921 and scored 137 goals in his 13 years with the Pilgrims. The pinnacle of his career should have been in 1925 when Jack was selected to represent England in a game versus Ireland, but his name was removed from the team sheet when officials discovered that he was black. The club honoured Jack’s pioneering status in football by naming the boardroom in our redeveloped Mayflower Grandstand in his honour. For more information on the great work of the Jack Leslie Campaign, visit the website www.jackleslie.co.uk
the universe, real or imagined! Sir Nicholas Serota said: “At the Arts Council, we are thrilled that the eagerly anticipated innovation space, the Market Hall, and the state-of-the-art immersive dome is now open. “Since its inception the project has excited us with its digital ambitions and impressive regeneration of a disused historic building in Devonport. The Market Hall will use cutting edge technology to create unique artistic experiences and opportunities for the community, placing Plymouth and the south west even more firmly on the cultural and technological map. “We applaud Real Ideas’ partnership working, approach to inclusivity, and their bold vision. This world-class space will play host to creative enterprises, educational institutes, and local businesses. Local people will be at its heart – encouraging creativity in the region, helping to support the local economy, and contributing to a sense of pride in Plymouth. “Arts Council are pleased to have been part of this journey, thanks to funding from the Government, and we are proud to have backed this innovative vision and digital leadership from the team at Real Ideas. We look forward to seeing the ripples spread far and wide from the Market Hall.” Lindsey Hall, chief executive of Real Ideas said: “The Market Hall really is a gamechanger, putting Plymouth and the South West of England on the map internationally as a place with an epic emerging tech cluster around immersive and creative digital. “It is without a doubt our most audacious project to date. It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development, and secondary economic benefits too. It’s also incredibly good fun!” For more information visit www.realideas.org/our-spaces/ market-hall/
Changes to penalties for unauthorised term time holiday absence A change has been made to Plymouth’s policy on school absence to support both schools and families when they want to take a holiday in term-time.
The changes to the Code of Conduct mean that no penalty notice will be issued for holiday absence which is equivalent to 10 sessions or less (five days) in a rolling 12 month period. For holiday related absences exceeding 10 sessions, a penalty notice may be issued. For all other types of unauthorised absence, the threshold will remain at eight sessions (four days within a rolling 12 month period). The changes, which come into force in September, will provide an opportunity for families to take a week of holiday during term-time every 12 months, while enabling schools to continue to tackle excessive holiday absences and other types of unauthorised absence of children and young people at an early stage. Councillor Dave Downie Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People said: “We know that family time is
important and that fining parents for taking their children on a short holiday during term-time can hurt families on a budget. But our schools have made it very clear that the rise in unauthorised holiday absence is having a detrimental impact on children’s outcomes. “We hope the changes that have been made to the code of conduct will support our families and also allow us to continue to work with schools and governing bodies to reduce persistent absence by building on the success that schools and our education colleagues have already achieved in supporting attainment and ensuring all our young people fulfil their full potential.” For families who have booked their holiday during term-time before the changes come into force in September, or who had their holidays rescheduled due to COVID-19 no fine will be issued as long as families are able to provide evidence. All Plymouth schools will be sending a letter to parents to explain the changes to the Code of Conduct.
18 August 2021 Royal Marine James Legg...155 mile slog
18 August 2021
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‘Invest or sell’ - MP’s message to Church of Scientology over state of Royal Fleet Club Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has called on the Church of Scientology to invest in the Royal Fleet Club or sell it to a new owner, after local residents raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the building.
Plymouth Royal Marine takes on South American mega-challenge Royal Marine James Legg aims to complete one of the toughest races on the planet this autumn to help fellow commandos.
The Plymouth-based green beret faces a 250-kilometre (155-mile) slog across one of the driest regions on the planet… as well as other major natural barriers. He’s one of 136 ultra-runners committed to the seven-day Atacama Crossing through the namesake Chilean desert. Over the week, competitors must overcome salt flats, enormous sand dunes, icy cold slot canyons, river crossings, living ‘under the stars’ in the foothills of the Andes as they complete the course. Competitors must carry the food, water, clothing and safety equipment needed – between 10kg and 20kg on a rucksack throughout. James, who joined the Royal Marines in 2017 and is serving with 30 Commando IX Group at Stonehouse, wanted to mark the 75th anniversary of the Royal Marines Charity with a personal challenge which would also boost their coffers. The 36-year-old Londoner is already an experienced ultra-long-distance runner, having completed the Sahara race in Jordan back in 2014 – the same format over 250 kilometres of desert. He’s drawing on that experience to prepare for the South American race, which takes place at the end of September, helping him to cope with cramped muscles, improving his diet, and above all, knowing when to push himself to the limit and when to move at a steadier pace. “I’ve always been driven and intrigued by something that takes you out of your comfort zone,” he said. “It’s a good way of character building and pushing your limitations and ultimately I love it when everything hurts and you’ve given your all – only then am I content knowing that I’ve done my best.” Donations for James’ challenge can be made at gofund.me/2f764e22. He’s already more than three-quarters of the way towards his £2,000 fundraising target.
“I want to see more investment in Marlborough Street and Devonport to give this community what it deserves: levelling up and investment. As we emerge from the pandemic there needs to be a clear plan for this building. Mr Pollard is seeking a meeting with the organisation and pressing The Royal Fleet Club is one of Devonport’s most historic buildings it to ‘deliver on the promises it has made to the local community to surviving both the Blitz and the post-war redevelopment of bring this building back to life.’ Devonport. He said that when he was first The building was bought by the Church of Scientology in 2010 and the elected MP for Plymouth Sutton condition of the building is now a major and Devonport in 2017, he met with concern for local residents. a representative of the Church of Fly tipping around the back of the Scientology who had ‘assured’ him they building as well as broken windows had ‘thoughtful and ambitious plans’ for means the historic building is now a fire the building. risk. He added: “Four years on and I Plans by the Church of Scientology am afraid the building is in a poorer for the Royal Fleet Club would have state than before, with fly-tipping and seen millions invested to overhaul the obvious physical deterioration. The building into the South West hub for the Royal Fleet Club should be a symbol organisation and would have included a of Devonport’s renaissance, but it library, chapel, information centre, book currently stands as an example of store, course and lecture rooms, offices, decline. and a cafe. Luke Pollard MP and Devonport “I hope to meet with the owners However, years later, the promised Councillor Bill Stevens have called for soon to discuss the future plans for the Church of Scientology to invest in or investment has not materialised. Luke this building. Leaving it to rot is not an sell the Royal Fleet Club Pollard MP said: “Devonport is a proud option that Devonport will stomach any community and the Royal Fleet Club longer. My message is clear: invest or is a building of importance to our sell.” community. I want to see the Church of Scientology invest in the Councillor Bill Stevens, Ward Councillor for Devonport said: “It’s a building, bringing new construction jobs to Devonport. real shame that the Fleet Club has been allowed to get into this state. “But if their plans have changed because of the pandemic then I Everyone in Devonport knows this iconic building and I really want the want them to sell the building to a new owner who can restore this building. I fear that in its current state Devonport is only one fire away owners to do the right thing and restore it to its former glory or pass it on to someone who can. Devonport deserves nothing less.” from losing this important building forever.
Top author proves big hit with college’s students Best-selling children’s author Chris Bradford has visited Stoke Damerel Community College to help spread the word about the importance of reading for fun as well as for school studies.
Chris’ action-packed adventure books are published in over 25 languages and have earned more than 30 children’s book award nominations. His school visits are aimed at supporting teachers and librarians and to help improve literacy skills among young people. He did two presentations for Year 7 and Year 8 students at Stoke Damerel, exploring the themes in his Bodyguard series, and in his new book The Soul Hunters, which is the first in a trilogy called The Soul Prophecy. Chris trained in Samurai swordship and became a qualified professional bodyguard to so that he can write from experience. He is also a black belt in the martial art, Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu. His school visits usually include interactive demonstrations, but he has adapted his presentation to reflect the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Plymouth charity plans big fundraising events
A Plymouth charity which has been helping orphans and families in Romania for 30 years is organising big fund raising events in August and September.
“But it’s still fun and it’s still interactive, but in a more verbal and cerebral way,” said Chris. “And I’ve still got lots of prizes to give away!” Students watched short film clips and listened to Chris reading from The Soul Hunters, before being asked questions about the plot, characters, and detail: “This will see if you are soulful listeners or not,” said Chris. Happily, the students proved to be very good listeners and passed the test with flying colours! The presentation also explored the concepts of déjà vu and previous life, which are themes in The Soul Hunters. The visit in July was initially scheduled for World Book Day in March but had to be postponed because of the pandemic. College Librarian Lesley Wrennall said: “Chris is in huge demand, so we are very fortunate to have him here to talk to our students - and they absolutely love his books. “As a school, we recognise the importance of reading and the correlation between reading for pleasure and academic attainment at GCSE and A level,” she added.
The Rainbow Project Plymouth is a small local charity which was started in 1991 by local Plymothians Jenny and Keith Scott after seeing the plight of the orphans in Romania. The charity has continued to support a children’s home in Ilisua in the north of Romania and many other projects around the poor country, including a village called Vulcan and its surrounding areas in the South of Romania. They do this by collecting and sending out much needed items such as children’s clothing and shoes and school supplies but also by raising funds that can be used to buy other supplies available there and to help with bigger projects. The fundraising event during August will be something a little different as we will be holding a Pop-up Charity Shop at Plymstock Chapel, in Church Road, from Wednesday August 11 to Saturday August 14, from 10am to 4pm and on with late-night shopping on Thursday August 12 through to 7pm. Clothes, bric-a-brac, jewellery, bags and shoes, books, toys, greeting cards, jigsaws and linen will be on sale with lots of bargains for everyone. There will be homemade cakes with tea and coffee as well as light lunches. To round off the event on the Saturday August 14 at 2pm the charity will be holding an Anniversary Presentation to
celebrate 30 years of the Rainbow Project, Plymouth followed by a cup of tea and a slice of anniversary Cake. For anyone who has been a supporter for many years this will be something of a trip down memory lane, for others it will be a real insight into the charity and its objectives. In September they will be repeating the Pop-up Charity Shop this time at Sherwell United Church in North Hill on Friday September 3 and Saturday September 4 from 10am to 4pm on Friday and until 2pm on Saturday. There will be lots of bargains for everyone as well as refreshments and a raffle. The charity needs help with transporting the sale goods to the both the August and September venues and volunteers should call Bee on 01752 401260, Heather on 07730 445922 or Hazel on 01752 863376. The Rainbow Project Plymouth is currently fundraising to help two families in Tauhan, Romania and have recently sent out a total of £4,000 to be shared equally between them. Marianna, her husband, and family of seven children have been self-building a home of four rooms after one of the two rooms they were living in collapsed. Meralina, who was previously living in two old touring caravans with her family of grandchildren now has a brick built single room to live in, but they would like to help pay for a separate kitchen to be added. For more information visit www. rainbowprojectplymouth.org/
Sparks to Jump Start the High Street The Plymouth Charity Furnishing a Future The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project has been helping some of the most vulnerable people in Plymouth since 2011. Its remit is to provide good quality furniture and appliances at affordable prices but as Alison Turner who runs the project says, working with more than 300 charities and organisations across the region, they are frequently called upon to help those in crisis, and supply furniture and white goods free-of-charge. “A lot of people don’t realise we’re here and what we do,” says Alison. “Last year Plymouth Social Services asked us to help an 82-year-old man in Plymouth who had been befriended and then scammed by his neighbours. Things were so bad that he had to be moved out quickly, his house cleared, and his new flat kitted out with furniture and appliances. After it was all done, I popped in to see him, and he couldn’t stop crying: he couldn’t believe that we would do all of that for nothing.”
Alison making up the welcome boxes
The Civic Square, designed for “dignity and frivolity,” was integral to the lauded “A Plan for Plymouth” (1943) which created “the country’s finest and boldest post-war city centre”. Today, the Portland Stone doesn’t shine quite so bright and the waters of the modernist civic pool may appear less than inviting yet, the Civic Square, retains its unique mid-century charm. Now, there is a significant pot of money to encourage and inspire communities of all shapes and sizes across the city to find their own distinctive ways to celebrate its heritage and attract people back to the future.
And that’s not all. Alison and her colleagues have helped to write CVs; to complete job application forms and apply for bus passes. “We are so much more than just free furniture,” says Alison. “We help build relationships with people.” Regrettably business is booming. In February the city council donated £10,000 to set up the “Warmer Home 4U” initiative and enable the charity to purchase thousands of pounds worth of white goods and appliances. Since its launch it has provided more than a hundred individuals and families with all they might need to set up home. Crucially, this has left the recipients free of the financial burden and enabled them to get on with ‘living’. More recently, a second grant of £3,000 was received to help people in Cornwall, but that money, says Alison, was gone within a fortnight; “We spent £3000 on white goods to help people in Cornwall; it went within two weeks and every single person was a victim of domestic violence.” Five years ago, the charity was helping about twenty people a month now it has more than doubled and nearly fifty individuals and families each month are being supported by the charity. Furthermore, says Alison, there has been a significant increase in referrals from mental health and domestic abuse charities. Realising there was more they could do to help, Alison and her volunteer colleague Chloe, set up a second initiative in February, the Welcome Home Box;
A new fund - High Street Sparks – has been launched by POP, Plymouth City Council and The Box to award money to communities to get the city centre buzzing again. Plymouth is one of sixty high streets across the UK to have a share of £95 million set up by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to create more attractive places for people to live, work and spend time. As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, High Street Sparks is concentrating, primarily, on Royal Parade and the Civic Square within which sits the Grade II Listed, Civic Centre.
“We knew they’d be popular and they’d be needed but we had no idea how much.” With the help from local stores Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda, as well as Lush in the shopping mall, each Welcome Box contains about £100 worth of bedding, toiletries and small appliances. And Alison and Chloe say they always find time to put in a personal little note and extra ‘gifts’ for the children; “We had a mum in Saltash fleeing from domestic violence. She had moved with her children into this house and it was just awful. But when she and her children opened the boxes, she said, the look on the kids’ faces was amazing.” The Devon and Cornwall Furniture Reuse Project continues to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities; from refugees to victims of domestic violence; older people without any support and sixteen- year-olds leaving care: these are the individuals that Alison and her colleagues, the volunteers and the trustees of the charity, are committed to helping. It’s not furniture; it’s a future. If you would like to support the charity please contact Alison on Plymouth 600277 or email plymouthfurniturereuseproject@ yahoo.co.uk and help to furnish a future.
BACK TOGETHER Our first face-to-face POP event will take place on Tuesday 20th July in Efford. Pop along and find out about the many ways we can help you and your project. For more information: bit.ly/popbites2021
Neighbourhood Networks continue to support individuals in their communities. If you or your organisation would like to volunteer text 07411 949 742
Courtesy of Chris Robinson
High Street Sparks has £2,500 to fund ten projects a year for the next three years (and for exceptional plans up to £5,000). So, if you have an idea to regenerate outside spaces, empty shops or underused buildings visit www.plymouthoctopus.org/ high-street-heritage-action-zone
Helpline Numbers:
Efford Community Network
Efford 07380 309586 Glenholt 07849 413125
COMMUNITY RESEARCHERS NEEDED: POP has embarked on a major South West study into ‘ageing’ and we are looking for people to be trained as community researchers. We would particularly like to invite younger people to participate. For more information contact: info@plymouthoctopus.org
20 August 2021
20 August 2021
@PlymChronicle
Feeling weary? Try tuning in to radio! THE
By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth
Experience This is my first article in this section for a little while. I looked back and my last one was in 2019. It’s been quite a time since then!
I don’t know about you but I have found myself feeling a little weary recently. COVID and all its challenges do take their toll and I know I’m not alone in feeling a little drained. It’s been great to see the many ways people have risen to the challenges in these days. There have been many stories in the Plymouth Chronicle of local companies and organisations diversifying and figuring out the best ways to adapt to lockdowns and the various COVID protocols. As people we are very adaptable but that doesn’t mean we don’t get worn out. At Cross Rhythms Plymouth we recently received a very encouraging call from a listener. In amongst the conversation he
mentioned to me that he often struggles to sleep but he had found Cross Rhythms Plymouth on his radio, started listening during the night and he had found it really helped him to rest. It’s not the first time we’ve had people share their stories of the way in which the radio content has encouraged them and helped them in their lives. We love to broadcast music with a very real message of hope. It is at times like these that hope can be in short supply so the music seems to be impacting now more than ever. Resting is so important and an often
undervalued part of our lives. Many find it hard to really rest and switch off from their troubles. I’ve heard it said that the problem with going on holiday is that you take yourself with you. Really resting isn’t only about the circumstances you find yourself in. Being really busy all the time isn’t helpful and taking time out does often give a greater opportunity to find rest. However unless something changes inside then you can come back from a holiday and very quickly feel exactly Dave Simpson the same as you did before! It may be that COVID has brought up a lot of fear or possibly
even the memory of past trauma. Finding ourselves so out of control is scary. These feelings will inevitably end up making you feel weary and worn down. What encouraged me so much about that listener’s feedback was that they had clearly heard something on the station that countered whatever was previously stealing their rest and robbing them of good sleep. If you find yourself feeling weary at the moment, try tuning in to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth. You never know you may just find the real rest you need too.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
POP rewarded for ‘disruptive’ funding Radical efforts to encourage partnership working among community projects in Plymouth have paid off creating a host of new relationships and an injection of tens of thousands of pounds of additional funding to the city. Plymouth Octopus Project - also known as POP - which supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across the city, has been pioneering collaboration rather than competition. As a result, Plymouth now benefits from several unique partnerships supporting a wider variety of people in a wider variety of ways. Additionally, in recognition of POP’s unconventional approach, nearly £80,000 of new money is being invested in the city. POP’s chief executive, Matt Bell says collaboration pays off. He added: “POP ditched the competitive approach which sees individual projects competing for the same pot of money and instead created the Collectives Fund where organisations can learn from working together. It’s more rewarding for everyone.”
So far 12 different projects involving more than 30 organisations have been awarded a total of £27,000 from the Collectives Fund. They include The Bis Sis Girl Empowerment Collective which will equip ‘tweens’ to better understand their bodies and emotions; Digital Inclusion from Borrow Don’t Buy (the library of things) and Timebank to refurbish and hand-out repurposed digital devices and Celebrating STEAM in the South West. “These collaborations being instigated by POP are immensely beneficial to our small organisations. Where there could have been competition for funding we are now in a
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much stronger position, working as a team on a joint project, helping each other; learning together and reaching a wider audience,” added Matt Bell. Significantly, POP’s efforts are attracting interest beyond Plymouth: three national charities have committed money to the city, two for the first time. The Alex Ferry Foundation which supports engineering, manufacturing and shipbuilding communities has pledged £10,000 which will be spent in Devonport while the Blagrave Foundation, which works with young people, wants to invest £20,000 in POP’s unconventional approach. Tess Hibbert, Blagrave’s regional
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partnerships manager said: “We believe the current funding system is broken and we need to think differently. We wanted to come on board with POP as it is modelling a system of funding based on collaboration which puts diversity and inclusion at its heart. We’re really looking forward to learning alongside you!” The third fund, Power to Change, which has been funding projects in the city for five years is investing a further £48,000 to support POP’s work. As Bonnie Hewson, it’s Place Based investment manager says, they want to see more community businesses and projects that provide people who are ‘ageing’ with greater support: “POP is always open to new ways of doing things and we hope that together we can continue to build power and innovation in the community and social enterprise sector. If you are interested in starting an initiative or business that will benefit the community and improve the health and wellbeing of local people, then POP is there to support you.” The POP Collectives Fund has recently increased the maximum amount of funding for projects to £5,000. For more information contact POP at info@plymouthoctopus.org or call 01752 395131.
The Candle Trust is recruiting trustees A Plymouth-based charity is looking for new Trustees. The Candle Trust is a non profit organisation that provides support for autistic adults who have associated learning difficulties. More details of its work can be found at www.facebook.com/ thecandletrustplymouth Trustees are voluntary positions, but out of pocket expenses are covered. If you feel you can help guide The Candle Trust through the next chapter in it’s story and positively impact the Trust, please contact John for more info and a chat on 01752 562026
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22 August 2021
Ground-breaking partnership will provide integrated health and social care for vulnerable A ground-breaking partnership has been launched between Livewell Southwest and University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust to provide integrated health and social care for people who are vulnerable or who have complex health needs.
Plymouth’s Integrated Care Partnership means people across Plymouth and beyond will benefit from more joinedup health and social care. They will be responsible for the delivery of community health, adult social care, mental and learning disability services for adults and older people in Plymouth and the western locality of Devon. The aim of the partnership is to bring health and social care providers together to create a place-based model of care for Plymouth and the local area and build on the work that has already taken place to integrate health and social care. Health and care providers will work to understand and meet the health and care needs of the local population and then design care so the individual is at the centre of a personalised approach. By working together, University Hospital Plymouth Trust (UHP), Livewell South West (LSW) and others, including GPs and the voluntary sector, can build care around the person, supporting them to receive appropriate treatment in the setting that best suits them. This is frequently as close to home as possible. Integrated care will support those who require care from multiple organisations, whether that is the hospital, community services or a GP. It will also ensure those who are frail, vulnerable or have complex health needs have their care managed more seamlessly. The Partnership will help reduce health inequalities and ensure fair and equitable access and outcomes by supporting preventative health. The Integrated Care Partnership is part of a longer journey towards integrated care for local people, which began in 2014 with a vision set out by the Plymouth Health and Wellbeing Board. It also builds on the way local partners have come together to respond to the COVID pandemic. For example, the large vaccination centres at Home Park and Derriford Hospital’s Centre for Wellbeing have been jointly run. Staff from UHP, LSW, NHS Devon, Plymouth City Council and the voluntary sector have worked together to engage with local people to encourage them to take up the COVID-19 vaccine. This is just one of many examples of closer working. The Partnership will continue to work collaboratively with primary care, the voluntary sector and local communities and patients and carers to develop and improve services. Commissioners identified UHP as the preferred provider, with LSW as a subcontractor, for the 10-year contract for integrated care services in June 2021. The contract began on July 1. The start of July will also see the direct management of some community hospital services - community rehabilitation and stroke inpatient beds at Mount Gould Hospital, Tavistock Hospital and South Hams Hospital – transfer from LSW to UHP.
22 August 2021
@PlymChronicle
New development manager appointed to help grow cruise business in Plymouth
Destination Plymouth has announced the appointment of a new cruise business development manager, for the city and the port, Glen Gardner.
The aim of the role is to deliver business development and marketing services to support the growth of cruise visits to Plymouth. Glen brings a wealth of experience with him, having more than 20 years’ experience in the cruise industry including five years working on board. After deciding to work ashore, Glen worked for the worlds’ biggest cruise operator Carnival in Southampton, initially in customer services and later cruise operations. Since then, Glen has worked with a number of organisations including Associated British Ports (ABP) Port of Southampton, where he was appointed Key Account Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, and managed the largest most technologically advanced cruise terminal in the UK. Glen also has worked in Cruise Manager and Guest Port Services Manager roles throughout his career. He said: “I was born and raised in Devon and am delighted to be returning to the area after 20 years away. I’m passionate about the region as well as the cruise industry and look forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map. “Having gained extensive experience in the industry, I’ve identified opportunities for Plymouth to expand its cruise business and can’t wait to work with Destination Plymouth and our partners to see this come to fruition.” Working with key city partners AB Ports, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, which run the city’s Business Improvement Districts, Destination Plymouth has successfully grown the cruise business in the city from zero visits in 2017 to a planned 10 visits in 2021
Glen Gardner ‘looking forward to putting Plymouth firmly on the UK cruise map’
(pre-COVID), bringing over 10,000 passengers to the city spending in excess of £1 million annually. There are ambitious plans for growth, working with key port and wider city partners. Adrian Vinken, chairman of Destination
COVID support grant extended to help Plymouth families over the summer holidays
Plymouth City Council will once again be able to help families entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), and those in hardship, with vouchers to cover the summer holidays.
The council will receive over £871,500 in Government funding to support vulnerable families affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of a national £160 million COVID Local Support Grant (CLSG), a continuation of the COVID Winter Grant Scheme, announced by the Department of Works and Pensions. In order to ensure the same level of financial support is available for the summer holiday that has been offered in previous schemes, the council has made a decision to top up this grant by a further £130,000. The council will begin sending batches of unique food e-voucher codes to city schools from July 16 for them to distribute to all families on their FSM registers and others in hardship. Each code can be used once to redeem vouchers to the value of £90 per child (£15 per week for the six weeks of school holidays) at various supermarkets. Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young
People said: “The fact the Government has provided us with more funding to deliver additional support to vulnerable households over the long Summer holidays is fantastic news. “The last 12 months have been really challenging for low income families, so I’m delighted that we are able to take some of the worry away for them by being able to provide vouchers to help cover cost of feeding their children. “While this is fantastic news for vulnerable families in hardship, we understand that the school holidays can be difficult for families on lower incomes. So I would remind those families who are eligible for Universal Credit that they may be able to claim back up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs.” To find out if you are eligible visit the Government website www.gov.uk/help-withchildcare-costs/universal-credit The Plymouth Online Directory has a list of all the organisations and schemes in the city that are providing support for families struggling to access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food. www. plymouthonlinedirectory.com/covid19/ caringforplymouth/foodshopping/foodbanks
Plymouth said: “Developing Plymouth’s cruise offering is one of the star projects in our Visitor Plan for 2020-2030 and our ambitions include increasing the volume of cruise visits and creating a better welcome for passengers. We’re delighted to be working with Glen to help make this a reality.”
TLC for The Hoe
Improvements to Plymouth Hoe are well underway, with fresh paint, flowers and signs all in time for big events this summer.
The Clock Garden which sits next to Valenti’s on the Hoe Promenade, is the latest part of the waterfront getting some TLC. The formal garden has been landscaped as part of the Mayflower Commemorations, with Old and New World planting to make a more sustainable garden with flowers and foliage blooming all year round. Other improvements to the Hoe have included maintenance to the railings and memorial benches with Shekinah Mission. Over 800 metres of railings will have been repainted by the end of the summer, and so far eight memorial benches have been stripped, painted and varnished. West Hoe Park has also been improved by removing lots of vegetation and replanting the beds at the rear of the park making it much more open and vibrant. Wooden play equipment was installed on the grassed area of the park for children to enjoy. The works have been funded by Mayflower 400.
August 2021 23
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New blue plaque highlights artist’s links with Devonport A new blue plaque highlighting a special link with celebrated 18th century portrait artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds has been unveiled at Devonport Market Hall on the 298th anniversary of his birth.
Reynolds was born in Plympton St Maurice on July 16, 1723 and his artistic ability was clear from an early age. In 1740, with the support of his family he moved to London to be apprenticed by well-known Exeter-born portrait painter, Thomas Hudson. After three years learning his trade Reynolds returned to Devon. His time in the capital had equipped him with the skills to set himself up as a portrait painter and he quickly began to attract customers. By 1745, he was running a studio in Plymouth Dock – the area now known as Devonport. Dock was the centre of the British Navy at the time and Reynolds painted the portraits of many senior ranking officers. It was the start of a career that would see him become one of the foremost portrait painters of his time. The new plaque, which has been organised by The Box and the Real Ideas Organisation with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is located next to the main entrance of the Market Hall’s café on Mildren Way and highlights the fact that Reynolds was active in the
Charlotte Sturlock from Saltash originally completed an extended diploma in art and design at the college, but then decided to take some time out and study holistic therapies. But she then decided to continue her creative studies and went on to graduate from the BA (Cons) craft and material practices degree course. Charlotte said: “I knew I was ready to challenge myself by studying at degree level and made a last-minute decision to attend an open day. Having studied at the college before, I was familiar with the staff, but the craft, material and fabrication labs were definitely new to me! “The facilities are fantastic and were probably the primary reason for choosing Plymouth College of Art, as well as the opportunity to develop specialist skills. Everything that I wanted was right there, so I went for it! “Having tutors and technicians who are also makers really makes a difference. The live brief opportunities we were given
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Pictured with the plaque (from left) Lindsey Hall, Michael Moore, and Celia Bean, former chairs of the former Friends of Plymouth City Museums and Art Gallery, Cllr Mark Deacon, Louisa Blight, Collections Manager at The Box and Emma Philip, Senior Curator at The Box
Devonport area from 1743-1749. Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “As a city we’re extremely proud of what Reynolds achieved during his lifetime. It’s great to see this new plaque go on display to acknowledge the strong connection he had with this part of Plymouth – and even better to be able to reveal it on what would have been his birthday.” Lindsey Hall, chief executive for Real Ideas said: “It’s already been an historic week for us as we celebrate the launch of the newly
restored Market Hall here in Devonport. We’re really pleased to be the location for this new plaque which gives another insight into the area’s fascinating past as well as Reynolds’ early career.” Fourteen portraits by Reynolds will shortly go on display at The Box in a new exhibition that explores the artist’s relationship with the Eliot family of Port Eliot, St Germans. ‘Family & Friends: Reynolds at Port Eliot’ is free to view and will be on show from until September 5. Visitors to The Box can also see a 1746 self-portrait, 1750-1752 sketchbook and 1755 sitter’s book in the ‘Our Art’ gallery and four additional portraits by Reynolds in the Cottonian Research Room.
Former Plymouth College of Art student Charlotte is a first-glass success A former student from Plymouth College of Art is creating a first-glass career after being taken on by Teign Valley Glass, the renowned Devon-based business.
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for projects were so beneficial to my creative practice. They really prepared me for industry or setting up my own business. The support and guidance of the tutors and technicians has been invaluable. The course was a mix of practical and written modules, incorporating research into both. “All of these aspects have left me with the required knowledge to set up my own business in the future and apply for grants and loans, which are often needed when working in the creative industry as a self-employed maker.” She went on to develop her hand-blown glass skills in her own studio in Saltash and her talents were soon recognised by Teign Valley Glass, which is based in Bovey Tracey. The company supplies galleries in the UK as well as American companies and sells studio glasswork and giftware at the studio. She added: “My role is split between glassworks assistant and retail assistant; this means some days I’m in the shop and some days I’m making in the studio. “As a glass making assistant, I help to make the glass for trade and the shop, gathering glass, applying colour and assisting the other makers. Some days I make
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Weather The Met Office Weathercall Teign Valley Glass studios. Image Credit: Vince Cutler, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography student
my own pieces for the shops and others I work as a part of a team. “Being in the hot shop is fast paced and challenging, as we can make four or five different product lines in a day. As a production glass studio,
we have large orders, which means meeting a high volume of demand. Timing and clear communication is critical when in production glass making as it’s so fast. There’s always something to do!” Charlotte working in the
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24 August 2021
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The Box to host European premiere of Advertise to over award-winning Australian exhibition The Box has announced that it will host the European premiere of the National Museum of Australia’s award-winning exhibition ‘Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters’ from October 21 this year to February 27 2022.
Featuring over 300 paintings and objects by more than 100 artists, this is the first time the exhibition has been seen outside Australia. It has attracted over 400,000 visitors to date while in Canberra and Perth. Entirely conceived and curated by a team of First Australians, led by Margo Neale, senior indigenous curator at the National Museum of Australia and custodial elders from across the Central and Western Deserts of Australia, it expertly combines state-of-the art exhibition and display technologies with art, song and dance in order to share ancient stories from the world’s oldest continuing culture. Plymouth’s close ties with Australia go back centuries as a point of departure and mass migration from the UK. Songlines’ timely arrival at The Box comes as societies in the UK, Australia and across the world grasp the urgent need to reflect and embrace cultural diversity and re-evaluate the relationship with each other, the environment, and the planet as a whole. Songlines takes visitors on an epic journey that traverses three states, three deserts and some 500,000 square kilometres. The highly immersive exhibition travels from west to east using the power of contemporary art, performance and song to re-animate traditional stories, photography, multimedia and the world’s highest-resolution seven-metre-wide travelling dome.
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The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines
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The ‘DomeLab’ transports viewers to places deep in the desert relating to the Seven Sisters Songlines, including the remote Cave Hill site in South Australia – home to the only known Seven Sisters rock art in the world – as well as showing animated artworks and their relationship to the stars and constellations. Nigel Hurst, contemporary arts consultant at The Box, said: “With ceramics, paintings, sculpture, installation and film by Aboriginal people, this award-winning, immersive exhibition from the National Museum of Australia will provide a
unique platform for us to celebrate the arts and cultural life of First Australians, with points of connection linked to Australia’s and the UK’s shared successes and challenges over the last 250 years. “Songlines will provide a wonderful and timely opportunity to bring the rich culture of First Australians to life for UK and Plymouth audiences, and acknowledge both our historic debt and the rich, complex societies that have emerged in the UK and Australia as a result of migration.” For more details visit www.thepboxplymouth.com
Eye-catching sculpture for Tavistock Place
A colourful and eye-catching sculpture created by an internationally renowned artist has been commissioned by The Box as one of the highlights of its summer programme. The sculpture by London-based Camille Walala will be on public display outside The Box in Tavistock Place until September 5. The installation entitled ‘Putting Things in Perspective’ is 20 feet in Artist Camille length, around seven feet high and Walala pictured eight feet wide. The commission, which is curated by Alter-Projects, is at the unveiling of her eyepart of The Box’s inaugural ‘Making catching It’ exhibition which explores the sculpture labour-intensive process of creating Photo: Dom new works of art from raw materials. Moore Made from marine plywood, the piece is an energetic blend of contrasting forms, vivid colours, soft lines and organic patterns. Judith Robinson, arts programmes manager at The Box said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Alter-Projects and Camille Walala on this exciting addition to ‘Making It’ and our summer programme. “Postponing our launch from
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May to September 2020 due to COVID-19 meant we missed the opportunity to create a programme for Tavistock Place last year, so we really want to make the most of 2021. “Camille’s bold and distinctive style will have real impact in the space and will provide visitors to The Box and everyone who passes through the square with a striking and uplifting work of art to engage with and enjoy.” Artist Camille Walala said: “Being commissioned for The Box to create a public artwork was an incredible opportunity to push my work in a new direction. After the intensity of the last year, I find myself more attracted to softer lines, drawn by hand. I want them to be slightly imperfect. “This year has been a good lesson of letting go. In the last few months I have really enjoyed spending time painting and experimenting with colours. Taking the time to find the right tone of each colour was really joyful and satisfying.” For details about other summer activities visit www. theboxplymouth.com
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Nine-year-old Alyssa Nguyen from Mannamead has won gold medals at a national table tennis tournament See Page 8
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Plymouth landscape artist Nuala Taylor is inspired by the city’s local nature reserves See Page 6
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Plymouth City Council leader Nick Kelly leads the celebrations after it was announced that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing £9.5m to bring the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park a step closer. • See story on page 13
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