Plymouth Chronicle Waterside and West 2021

Chronicle Plymouth

# PLYMOUTH TOGETHER

December 2021

Plymouth’s popular Christmas Market returns to the city centre from December 2 to December 19 offering an open air festive bar, food and drink and plenty of artisan gift stalls. There will also be a host of entertainment to enjoy at the Market.

Waterside & West

There will be fantastic festive family fun in Plymouth this Christmas. Young family members will love the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa at The Box every Saturday and Sunday between November 27 and December 19

Christmas cracker!

Plymouth is all set for a fantastic festive season with a host of activities and special events, new Christmas lights and dazzling displays in the city centre and The Barbican. Full details can be found in the special eight-page pull-out supplement in this edition.

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2 December 2021

2 Deceember 2021

@PlymChronicle

Winter is coming – protect yourself Over the past few weeks the weather has certainly taken a cooler turn. It looks like winter is on its way, bringing with it the annual bugs and viruses that cause havoc to our health.

The colder weather traditionally leads to increased transmission of a number of viruses.

Experts have warned that this year there could be a significant flu surge as well as continuing COVID-19 cases. We also expect that immunity to flu might be lower this year. Because we were socially-distancing last year, flu did not manage to spread and so few of us were exposed.

Vaccines give high levels of protection but immunity does reduce over time, so it is vital vulnerable people come forward to get their COVID-19 booster jab to top-up their defences and protect themselves this winter.

Currently, that includes those who: • Are aged 50 or over (but shortly those who are 40 or over will be invited) • Live and work in care homes • Are frontline health or social care workers • Are aged 16 or over and have a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

• Are aged 16 or over and are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19 • Are aged 16 or over and live with someone who is more likely to get infections (for example HIV) People will be invited for the COVID-19 booster jab when it’s their turn. If you have not been contacted within a week of reaching six months since your second jab you can call 119, book online or go to the Home Park vaccination centre for a walk-in appointment.

Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can also book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy. In a typical winter, the flu virus kills about 11,000 people in England.

During the last bad flu winter of 2017-18 the toll was more than double that, with more than 300 deaths a day during the peak.

Flu and the other winter viruses also lead to many hospital admissions a day in winter months, putting additional pressures on our healthcare system.

With the added threat of COVID-19 and our immunity wavering, it’s so vital that people get protected against both these deadly viruses. So don’t delay if you are eligible.

Of course the ‘evergreen’ offer of a first and second COVID-19 vaccine remains open to anyone who is 12 years old or older. There are many places across the city where you can get a jab – the Council’s website has all the information.

The school vaccination programme is still ongoing and vaccines are still available for those aged 12 to 15 at the Home Park vaccination centre.

As we move forward to the weeks and months ahead, it is important that everyone plays their part and helps keep our communities safe. It is therefore vital that we all remember: hands, face, space and fresh air.

Take a rapid test regularly and stop the unknowing spread of infection to others. Get vaccinated as soon as you can and make sure you have your second dose (and your booster if eligible).

I know that some people will say I am a broken record and it is time to move on. Well it isn’t time.

I will stop when COVID-19 stops being a threat to our lives.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

BOOK A VACCINE FOR 12 TO 15-YEAR-OLDS The Director of Public Health for Plymouth is advising families of children aged 12 to 15 to book their COVID-19 vaccine at Home Park, following a rise in case numbers across the city.

Locally, the number of positive cases has started to increase and at the same time, the hospital is seeing an increase of COVID linked admissions.

In Plymouth the highest proportion of positive COVID-19 cases can be seen in the younger population (11 to 16-year-olds), many of whom are yet to be vaccinated. Most of the cases are linked to outbreaks in schools and in education settings.

The result of this increase is a disruption to learning for the rising number of young people who test positive and are not able to be physically in school. It also raises the risk

of COVID-19 spreading to other people in the household.

The Coronavirus vaccinations could help reduce some of this disruption, with healthy children aged 12 to 15 now being offered a single dose of the vaccine to give them the best protection against COVID-19.

Over the past few weeks, the NHS has been visiting schools across the city vaccinating this age group. However, to ensure that this age group can be vaccinated as soon as possible, appointments can also be booked, outside of school, on the NHS national booking service.

This will enable young people to get a jab at a vaccination centre in the same way as adults can.

In Plymouth, Home Park is offering prebooked appointments for 12 to 15-year-olds.

Young people will need to attend their appointment with a parent or carer.

HELP THE NHS THIS WINTER

The NHS is encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online to get urgent medical advice quickly – in addition to existing services – ahead of what it fears will be a ‘winter like no other’.

With more people predicted to suffer from flu this year and hospitals already treating an increased number of COVID-19 patients, NHS 111 online offers an alternative way to get immediate medical advice – particularly if you have an urgent but not

life-threatening medical issue.

NHS 111 online can direct patients to urgent treatment centres and walk-in clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and emergency dental services and, if needed, a call from a healthcare professional.

Data from September showed that the NHS was already experiencing record demand for emergency services. Therefore, before jumping in the car and heading to A and E, go online now at: https://111.nhs.uk/

If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccination yet, or you’re due your second jab, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van – and you don’t need an appointment or NHS number.

• Thursday 25 November: Plymouth Market (11am to 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

For more information go to www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/get-tested.

Where to get your vaccine jab

The mobile van will be visiting the following locations during November.

Only the Pfizer vaccine will be available, for first and second jabs. No appointments are needed.

• Sunday 21 November: Fredrick Street (10am to 6pm) • Monday 22 November: Tothill Community Centre (9am to 6pm) • Tuesday 23 November: Devonport Library (midday to 7pm)

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19.

NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on November 18.

Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

Age Concern Events Weekly Community sessions each week including games, craft making, quizzes and refreshments.

Helping older ladies and gents to prevent loneliness and get socialising again. Sessions on Tuesday at Mountwise Neighbourhood Centre, Devonport from 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm and Fridays at Manadon Sports Community Hub from 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm. Entry is £5 but everything supplied. Contact Abi or Lisa at the Active Living team on 01752 256020.

Illuminate Nov 15 to 28 The spectacular Illuminate light festival, will once again transform Royal William Yard through light art installations and projection mapping. Created by local and international artists, tech designers and students, the festival promises to deliver an inspiring, immersive experience which will delight visitors of all ages. Illuminate is free to attend. Families are welcome and there are plenty of interactive and playful workshops for everyone to get involved in, both during and in the lead-up to the festival. For more information visit illuminatefestival.co.uk/ Christmas at Saltram Until Jan 3 This Christmas it’s the perfect time to meet up with family and friends to see the well loved story of The Nutcracker bought to life within the house. The grandest room at Saltram, the Saloon, will be transformed into a magical fairytale forest with decadently decorated trees and magical interventions to make the house feel alive. Plus, have fun on a walk round the garden and learn about the natural ‘nutcrackers’ that live within the gardens and parkland at Saltram.

Autumn Concert Nov 24 Plymouth Symphony Orchestra present one of their postponed Mayflower concerts at Plymouth Guildhall, featuring soloist Joanna MacGregor performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Also included are Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Doors open 7pm, concert starts 7.30pm. Tickets from www.plymouthsymphony. co.uk Andy Parsons Nov 25 Mock the Week regular Andy Parsons is back on the road with his Healing the Nation tour which was postponed because of COVID. He will be appearing live on stage at Marjon University’s Quad Theatre. Tickets from tickets.ents24.com Plymouth Together fundraiser Nov 26 An evening of music poetry and performance at The Junction pub on Mutley Plain raise funds for the families and communities affected by the tragedy in Keyham. The evening’s entertainment, which kicks off at 7.30pm, will feature sets from local bands, including The Busketeers, Tailfin, and acclaimed Cornish singer Ezmay Grace, while spoken word and poetry will also be performed by the likes of former Plymouth laureate Thom Boulton and Plymouth arts collective WonderZoo founder Peter Davey. Admission £5 on the door Christmas Fair Nov 27 Organised by Elburton WI at Plymstock Community Centre. Doors open at 10.30am. £3 entry to include a hot drink and mince pie.

Christmas Tree Decorating Competition Nov 27 St Gabriel’s Church in Peverell Terrace is holding a Christmas Tree Decorating Competition with a fete between 10am and 4pm. There will be a variety of stalls selling everything you need

Plymouth Christmas Market returns to the city centre from December 2 to December 21

for Christmas and a few treats too. Come and vote for the best decorated tree! Refreshments available.

Christmas Fayre Nov 27 Ford Park Cemetery 11am to 2.30pm. Free entry.

Barbican Lights Switch-On Nov 27 Head to the Barbican for the annual Christmas lights switch on with family-friendly entertainment, free activities and some very special guests.

Breakfast with Santa at The Box Nov 27 to Dec 19 If you’ve got little ones who like eating out, you can enjoy ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in The Box Kitchen & Bar from 9am to 11am every Saturday and Sunday. Santa will be on hand to greet you as you arrive and sit down to either pancakes with maple syrup or blueberries, a breakfast bap or a breakfast flatbread. All washed down with a hot chocolate, tea, coffee or fruit juice.

Love Local Christmas Festival Nov 28 Miss Ivy Events present their popular Christmas Festival at Plymouth Albion, Brickfields from 10am to 3.30pm. The day will be jam packed full of festive treats from over 50 artisan, upcycled and gift exhibitors selling a selection of jewellery, candles, gifts and many other amazing items. On offer will be a gnome trail for the little ones, Festive Punch & Judy Show, rides and face-painting. There will also be local choirs, street food, mulled wine bar and lots more! Entry £2 (under 16s free).

Concert Nov 28 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra at Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm. Featuring Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Exsultate Jubilayte. Musical director Christopher Fletcher with soprano Phillipa Hyde, mezzosoprano Kate Symonds-Joy, tenor Matthew Pochin and baritone Richard Bannan. Tickets online at www.wegottickets.com. More details at www.plymouthphilchoir.org Festive Shopping Markets Various dates in December Royal William Yard is running a series of weekend and late-night shopping markets during December, featuring a selection of the region’s most exciting independent artisan traders. The late-night markets on December 1, 8 and 15 run from 5pm to 9pm. The Festive Good Food & Craft Markets run from 10am to 3pm on December 5, 12 and 19. For more information visit www.royalwilliamyard.com

Plymouth Christmas Market Dec 2 to Dec 21 Pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts at Plymouth Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city centre. With an open air festive bar, food and drink and plenty of artisan gift stalls it’s the perfect place to pick up some Christmas gifts and get into the Christmas spirit.

There will an array of entertainment on various dates including live music, funky hooping, illuminated roller skating and a sofa driving Santa. For dates and other information go to www.visitplymouth.co.uk Sunrise Mass Dec 4 Join Phoenix Chorale for a new programme of choir music, featuring Ola Gjeilo’s evocative Sunrise Mass. Sunrise: Symphonic Mass for Choir and String Orchestra had its world premiere in Oslo in 2008. The choir will perform works by Gerald Finzi, Eric Whitacre, John Rutter, Charles Villiers Stanford, plus Christmas carols. The event is at 7.30pm at the Church of St Peter and The Holy Apostles, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5EG. Tickets: Adults: £12 on the door or £10 in advance at www.eventbrite.co.uk; Children: Free entry. For more information, please visit plymouthphoenixchorale.org Shekinah Christmas Fair Dec 4 Supporting local artists and businesses to help raise money for the homeless. To be held at Catherine Street Baptist Church from 10am to 3pm. Live music, Christmas raffle, Christmas wreaths and refreshments.

Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 5 Featuring the Carlton Big Band at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion on Tailyour Road, Crownhill.

Future events at the same venue include a Christmas gig on December 19 featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at 7.30pm and South West City Swing on January 16. Details from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk The Christmas Mouse Dec 8 to 24 Stiltskin Theatre Company’s festive winter show for little people at the Soapbox Theatre in Devonport Park. A wintery tale for under 5s.

Details stiltskin.org.uk Carols in the Car Park Dec 9 The Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir will be performing carols in the car park at the Sherwell Centre from 7pm to 8pm. For late night shoppers with mince pies and mulled wine. Other Choir dates including Singing in The Barn at Buckland

Abbey on December 11 from 1pm to 2pm; Light Up A Life for St Luke’s at St Andrew’s Minster on December at 2pm.

Christmas Concert Dec 11 Music of the Night Choral Foundation present ‘A Holy Jolly Night of Carols at Mount Gould Methodist Church Farringdon Road, Plymouth at 7pm. Contact choir secretary for tickets 07860354290.

Santa’s Christmas Party Cruise Dec 11 and 12 Get into the seasonal spirit on board Plymouth Boat Trips’ Christmas Party Cruise which departs from the Barbican Landing stage. Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine or Prosecco from the bar, then dance and mingle the night away to festive tunes. Adults only event. Tickets £15.50. Details at www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk Christmas Fayre Dec 11 and 12 Back for the 17th year at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. From 10am. Entrance adults £3, children £1. All day parking £1.

Christmas Concert Dec 17 Festive concert featuring the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at St Peter’s Lutheran Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 in advance from 01752 345390 or 01752 337011.

Aladdin Dec 17 to Jan 15 Joe Pasquale stars in the Theatre Royal’s annual spectacular pantomime. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Aladdin features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. For tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com Christmas Tree Festival Dec 18 At St Budeaux Methodist Church from 10am until 3pm. Entry is free. Light refreshments will be available. Donations for the church funds will be gratefully received. The Carol Service will be on December 19 at 6pm, led by Revd Alistair Lowe.

Christmas Concert Dec 20 Plymouth Area Police Choir return after a long absence through COVID with a Christmas concert at Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth at 7pm. The concert will include performances by the young people of Montpelier Primary School and the Legacy Choir. Tickets available by calling 01752 339788.

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About

4 December 2021

4 Deceember 2021

@PlymChronicle

New plan to transform bus services Plymouth City Council has submitted a £117 million plan to transform local bus services, on behalf of the recently formed Plymouth Bus Service Improvement Partnership.

Cllr Jonathan Drean (centre) pictured with Plymouth Citybus managing director Richard Stevens and leading driver Stephen Bignell from Stagecoach

• A competitively priced range of ‘Skipper’ tickets covering all bus operators (with the intention of adding ferry and rail services during the plan period), offering great value for commuters and leisure riders • More bus priority, building on the

investment being delivered through the council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, supporting faster and more reliable journeys • Travel planning support to help people gain skills and confidence in choosing their

bus routes and finding timetable and ticketing information Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Restoring confidence in the city’s bus network and boosting passenger levels – first to pre-pandemic levels and then further – is essential if we are to deliver our pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030 and deliver the sustainable growth targets set out in the Plymouth Plan.

“Our Bus Service Improvement Plan will deliver

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The Bus Service Improvement Plan is something the council committed to developing back in June, along with the new ‘enhanced partnership’ with local bus operators.

All local transport authorities are required to do this to access £3 billion of discretionary funding set aside under the Government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ strategy for England, published in March.

This national strategy aims to dramatically improve bus services across England to reverse the long-term decline in the number of journeys made by bus, as well as encourage passengers back post-COVID-19.

Plymouth’s plan, informed by local and national research on what passengers’ top priorities are, focuses on making buses more frequent; more reliable; easier to understand and use; better co-ordinated and cheaper.

It identifies the following priorities: • High frequencies on core corridors, with buses available seven days a week (both in the evenings and during the day) • High quality infrastructure, reducing journey times • Services that connect more destinations • Great value for money • Services that people are supported and empowered to use Subject to funding being secured, the plan will deliver: • More frequent buses on Plymouth’s six core bus corridors, with significantly better frequencies in the evening and at weekends • Enhanced park and ride services

a step-change in local public transport and support our commitment to encouraging and increasing bus use by working with bus operators to provide services and routes residents want.”

Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth Citybus, said: “I am pleased to support the ambitions described in the Plymouth Bus Improvement Plan; buses have long been the ‘forgotten essential service’. The successful implementation of bus service improvements will help Plymouth to be the successful, wellconnected, vibrant and healthy place we all want to live in.”

Mike Watson, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said: “Buses are a critical mode of public transport, connecting people with work, education and retail and bringing friends and families together. We welcome the ambition in the Plymouth Bus Service Improvement Partnership.

“The national bus strategy provides an opportunity for all partners – operators, national government and local authorities – to work together to harness the huge potential of the bus to help tackle climate change, deliver better air quality in our towns and cities, secure improved mobility for local people and support a sustainable economic recovery for the country.

“Planning our towns and cities around green buses and active travel, rather than private cars, is central to delivering faster, better value services and getting more people back on board the bus.

“That is why it is critical that the new bus strategy is matched by the right level of funding, consistent policy across government and a flexible partnership approach which prioritises benefits for customers and local communities.”

To view Plymouth’s Bus Service Improvement Plan visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/bsip.

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Parking restrictions to be introduced at Devil’s Point Changes to parking restrictions at Devil’s Point Car Park are set to come into force by the end of the year, to enable visitors and locals to enjoy the area more fairly.

Residents asked to have their say on budget priorities

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Our services include:

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The changes mean that parking at the popular beauty spot will remain free, but is limited to a maximum stay of three hours, with no return within two hours between 8am and 8pm.

The parking restrictions have been introduced to ensure the car park remains accessible for locals and visitors to be able to enjoy the area.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “These changes have been brought in after we received numerous complaints that the car park was being used all day by commuters stopping people being able to park and enjoy the area.

“By bringing in time limited parking at Devil’s point we are able to ensure that residents and tourists alike are able to have access to the car park so they can enjoy this popular beauty spot.”

Visitors will have to register their vehicle at the newly installed parking machine, but will not have to display a ticket.

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Plymouth residents are being urged to give their views on the City Council’s plans to balance its books as it addresses a significant budget shortfall for next year.

The council has launched a budget engagement exercise that invites residents to say which council services they value the most and to give their views on ideas on its ongoing plans to reduce spending and raise income.

The council is facing big challenges as it works on balancing a proposed revenue budget for next year of around £198 million. Like most councils, its funding and income continue to decrease, while demand for services rises, particularly for high cost social care for both adults and vulnerable children.

These pressures mean that in order to set a balanced budget for the next year the council needs to identify how it will close a £20 million gap between its resources and costs.

The council is already working on a number of measures to help close the gap and wants to hear the views and ideas of Plymouth residents before decisions are made and it sets its 2022/23 budget in February.

Council Leader, Councillor Nick Kelly, said: “This administration is firmly committed to listening to Plymouth residents. We want to hear their views and ideas before we make important decisions about services in Plymouth for the year ahead.

“We want to know which services residents value the most and think we should prioritise, what their views are on our current plans and their ideas on how they think we might provide better value for money.

“We want to hear from every corner of Plymouth and are asking people to share this survey far and wide to friends, family and neighbours.

“Even if you just have one thought, one idea, one comment on how we spend our money and prioritise, we want to know.”

The questionnaire is available at www. plymouth.gov.uk/budget

6 December 2021

6 Deceember 2021

@PlymChronicle

‘Dental student who spotted cancer saved my life’ A Plymouth man who discovered a malignant lump under his jaw as part of a routine dental appointment is encouraging others to check for signs themselves as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

John Sanders...’completely in her debt’

John Sanders, who lives in Mutley, was called up for a routine dental check-up with the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School during lockdown.

Fifth-year student, and now qualified dentist, Jasleen Batra, examined him, and ran her fingers from his chin along his jaw line, following an initial chat which suggested his oral health had been otherwise fine.

Jasleen found his lymph gland was swollen and very hard, which, following her referral to Derriford Hospital, was discovered to be cancer, spread to the lymph gland originating from the tonsils. and surroundings.

John credits Jasleen with “I underwent surgery to saving his life, and says the have as much of the cancer outcome could have been as possible removed and different if it hadn’t been for Jasleen Batra the surgeon told me that her professionalism. But he the cancerous lymph gland is now encouraging people to had grown by 12mm in just check for signs themselves and speak to their 10 days between my appointments, so it was dentist, dental team member or GP if they very fortunate and of great importance to my have concerns. future health that Jasleen discovered it when John said: “I hadn’t been in pain at all, she did. but Jasleen found a hard lump under my “I went through chemotherapy and jaw, which I then felt with my hand. She radiotherapy, and have been given a good calmly explained the need for an urgent prognosis of survival if the cancer does not referral and less than two weeks later, I went return. for an examination and then a biopsy. The “I do not wish to contemplate the possible consultant informed me that I had malignant ramifications had Jasleen not recognised the and aggressive cancer of the tonsils that had potential problem early, but also had the

courage of her convictions to refer me for further urgent checks.

“I’m completely in her debt, and, if anything can come from my experience, it’s that people need to check for signs before it’s too late.

“There are national campaigns to check breasts and testicles for lumps and abnormalities, but no one really thinks about checking their mouth. It was luck that I had an appointment, and wish I’d known about checking myself. It’s really important that we all know how to do it and speak to a professional if we have concerns.”

Jasleen said: “Oral cancer screenings are essential and are now routine every time you see a dentist. However, checking at home is so simple and should be promoted more.

Having a good look around your mouth,

Plymouth Christmas Market 2-19 December, City Centre

including your lips, cheek, tongue, under your tongue, the back of your throat and the top of your mouth with a mirror takes less than a minute a day, but means you would catch any changes early before they become more serious.

“I am so glad Mr Sanders came to see me when he did and glad to hear he is doing well. I was just doing my job and what the staff at Peninsula Dental School have taught me over the years. I hope his story creates awareness that may save lives in the future.”

Mouth Cancer Action Month runs throughout November, and Peninsula Dental School, and placement provider Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, are promoting patient and public self-screening.

Ewen McColl, director of Clinical Dentistry at Peninsula Dental School, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, dental students and dental therapy students from Peninsula Dental School have made a significant contribution to oral health care across the South West. In the last academic year alone, students were responsible for delivering 22,481 appointments.

“A crucial component of these visits is screening for oral cancer. Whilst this has significance at a population level, at a patient level this screening can be lifesaving as testified by Mr Sanders.

“Throughout November Peninsula Dental School and placement provider Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise are promoting patient and public self-screening across Truro, Exeter, Devonport, and Derriford Dental Education Facilities.”

From feeling your neck to pressing the floor of your mouth, see how to check for symptoms on the Mouth Cancer Foundation website.

2-19 DEC

Plymouth has all you need New sparkling Christmas lights, amazing shopping, delicious food & drink and festive family fun www.visitplymouth.co.uk/christmas

December 2021

@PlymChronicle

Old Plymouth barracks get a Bogus taxi drivers facelift for community benefit warning An old Plymouth barracks, bustling with marine activity in the 1850s, is on its journey to being transformed into a hub for the community of Barne Barton.

This summer a facelift started on Bull Point Barracks as part of a phased project to transform the Grade ll listed buildings and the first phase has now been completed.

This regeneration project is the brainchild of LiveWest and The Pioneers Project CIC – a Plymouth-based charity that offers holistic support to children, young people and families across Plymouth, South East Cornwall and the South Hams.

The first phase of the redevelopment focussed on brightening up the site through artwork, until the buildings are brought back into use. The Barne Barton community collaborated with various artists on the creative board art project. Over 60 local residents came together to create their artwork to add to the building with many finding the group art session therapeutic.

Lisa Dawson at The Pioneer Project CIC, said: “This truly has been a wonderful collaboration with the community of Barne Barton. It’s exciting to see people coming together with the launch of the community art project.

“We began with a consultation to find out what the community thought the best use for the Bull Point Barracks would be, and we had many fantastic recommendations.

“Their feedback has helped us to chart our strategy for how the site will be developed and managed.

“We are excited about the opportunities that the redevelopment will provide for the community of Barne Barton.

Bogus taxi drivers are cashing in on the current demand during busy nights out by offering cheap lifts.

“The community art project brought the community together – children, young people, families and people of all ages. It inspired creativity as they worked with various artists to create personalised digital, painted or graffiti artwork for the site.

“This project is such a good way to kickstart the phased transformation of the barracks into a community hub for Barne Barton. We would like to thank Wolseley UK for funding the materials to create the art.”

Simon Morris at Wolseley UK, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to support and work with LiveWest on this project and would very much like to continue our support to the local community and other projects that come through.

It was lovely to see such great artwork by the children and local families. I am personally really looking forward to the development of the Bull Point Barracks and what impact it will have with the local community.”

Nathan Daniels a young LiveWest resident and volunteer with The Pioneers Project said: “I loved the two-day art board project. It was lovely to have sunny and dry days to be able to interact with local residents and discuss what we can do with the Barracks in the future.”

The art produced for the project has been used to cover and secure windows. The site was open

to members of the public to view a gallery of the artwork.

Justine Cheffers, community connector at LiveWest said: “Firstly, I would like to thank our partner Wolseley UK who through their funding, have supported the local community to get involved in the regeneration of Bull Point Barracks.

“Wolseley UK have funded 60, 2.4 m x 1.2 m art boards, as a social value contribution. The community art project is the first public event at the barracks and marks an opportunity for the community to get involved in the site and creation of a community hub and help shape the project and the area where they live.

“LiveWest has a large number of homes in Barne Barton which is one of our Neighbourhood In Focus areas.

“We are really pleased to see the first fruit of the collaboration between The Pioneer Project CIC and Barne Barton community.

“The planning and execution of this project, even from the initial consultations, has contributed to the community feeling supported and heard, and it has also given them a sense of ownership of the site.

“Although it is still early days of the regeneration, we would like to encourage the community to get involved in other related activities on the site when they become available, and even in the long-term.”

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There has been growing number of complaints regarding unlicensed drivers offering their ‘services’ on social media, some for as little as £5 for a return journey to the City Centre.

While taxis have been hard to find on busy nights, there are significant dangers involved with travelling in unsafe or uninsured cars with drivers who are not properly vetted. It’s also undercutting licensed taxi and private hire vehicle fares and harming the livelihoods of council approved drivers.

Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety and Licensing said: “We want everyone to enjoy their nights out in Plymouth which is why we are urging people to take sensible steps to avoid unscrupulous bogus taxi drivers who put earning illegal extra money before people’s safety.

“Using an unlicensed vehicle could put your safety in jeopardy and in the worst case scenario, could be the last journey you make.

No one wants their lives devastated by a car accident they could be uninsured for just because of the desire to get home quickly after a night out.

“We are urging people to only use a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle and if not, to have a designated driver within their group on a night out.”

The council’s Licensing Team have already contacted several drivers who have been advertising on social media, but there are still a number operating illegally in the city.

Drivers who carry passengers for a fee without a taxi or private hire licence are committing a number of offences and could face prosecution and fines or points on their licence.

Councillor Riley added: “Our message is very clear you cannot offer a taxi service without a taxi or private hire licence. It is a criminal offence and we will take action against you. We take any allegations of rogue taxi drivers very seriously and will investigate any reports so I would urge residents to contact us if they have any issues. You can do that via our website www.plymouth. gov.uk/licensingandpermits/taxilicensing/ taxicomplaints or by emailing taxi.licensing@ plymouth.gov.uk.”

The COVID-19 outbreak has meant there is a lack of taxi drivers nationally so to try and address this issue the council is working with employment agencies and taxi companies to encourage more drivers to join the taxi trade.

To find out more and how to apply visit the council’s website at www.plymouth. gov.uk/licensingandpermits/taxilicensing/ newdriverapplications.

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8 December 2021

8 Deceember 2021

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Princes Royal’s fact finding visit underlines importance of fishing industry to Plymouth

Princess Anne has visited Plymouth to learn more about its nationally important seafood industry and its pioneering efforts to protect and enhance the marine environment.

The visit included a tour of the city’s Fish Market to understand the role it plays in supporting hundreds of livelihoods and supplying businesses across the South West and beyond.

The Princess Royal was also taken by boat across Plymouth Sound, home to the UK’s first National Marine Park, where she learned about research into the environmental impacts of the shellfish industry and the habitat preferences of commercially important fish species.

The visit was arranged by the Fishmongers’ Company in conjunction with the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Plymouth City Council, the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Trawler Agents and Sutton Harbour Group.

During the day, the Princess toured the Fish Market managed by Plymouth Trawler Agents where she met fishers, processors, stallholders and merchants.

HRH also heard about the market’s electronic auction system, and took part in a mock auction to see how each morning’s catch is not only landed but also sold.

The Princess Royal also met officials from Devon-based firm Tecmarine and learned about its efforts, supported

The Princess Royal talks to academics and students while on the University of Plymouth’s research vessel Falcon Spirit Photo: University of Plymouth

The Princess Royal talks to Dr Alex Nimmo-Smith and Professor Judith Petts during the visit to the University of Plymouth’s Marine Station (Photo: University of Plymouth)

by the Fishmongers’ Company, to use remote electronic monitoring to tackle issues caused by lost fishing equipment, also known as ghost gear.

In the afternoon, the Princess visited the University’s Marine Station where she heard about its world-leading marine research and pioneering industry partnerships.

She then joined researchers and students on board RV Falcon Spirit and was told about ongoing work to assess the impact of the UK’s largest mussel

farm, owned by Offshore Shellfish Ltd, on the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area.

That work has been supported by the Fishmongers’ Company.

Researchers also explained how cutting edge underwater video and acoustic technology is being used to monitor the National Marine Park and fish habitats right across the English Channel.

Cllr Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “The fisheries industry and marine innovation

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are crucial to Plymouth’s local economy. It was beneficial to learn more about the people, their expertise and the challenges they face to continue to make their living in these specialist roles. Plymouth holds a rich history and world-class expertise in both fishing and marine technology. I am very proud that we were able to show that to HRH The Princess Royal.”

Professor Judith Petts, ViceChancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to show the Princess

Royal some of our world-leading marine research and innovation, and demonstrate how it is supporting the region’s businesses. Our collaborations with industry and other partners are enhancing our understanding of the marine environment, and enabling us to develop solutions which can benefit all areas of society.

“Our work with Offshore Shellfish Ltd is a perfect example, and the ecosystem monitoring technologies used in this project will not only benefit the farm’s operations in a marine protected area but also support wider understanding and protection of such important areas.”

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10 December 2021 Mark Ormrod with his Pride of Britain Award

10 Deceember 2021

Plymouth projects receive big boost from Community Renewal Fund Two Plymouth projects have been awarded over a million pounds between them in the Government’s new Community Renewal Fund.

Mark Ormrod is named Fundraiser of the Year in Pride of Britain Awards

Plymstock’s Mark Ormrod has been named ITV Fundraiser of the Year in the 2021 Pride of Britain Awards screened on ITV on November 4.

Ex-Royal Marine Mark was on patrol in Helmand Province on Christmas Eve in 2007 when he was blown up by a Taliban improvised explosive device.

He lost an arm and both legs below the knee in the blast and was twice pronounced dead at the scene. Doctors originally told him that he would never walk again but Mark defied this prediction and just five months later he marched onto the parade ground on prosthetics to collect his tour of duty medal.

Since then he’s gone on to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity by carrying out remarkable feats of endurance.

He has run 3,500 miles across the USA to raise awareness of wounded veterans, cycled 3,000 miles around the UK, and as if that wasn’t enough he also won 11 medals, including five gold, at the Invictus Games.

This year he decided to raise money for the veterans’ charity REORG. What started out as a comparatively simple plan to raise £1,000 through a beard shave morphed into a challenge that has already raised almost half a million pounds. Mark, who is 38, has completed a 5km run, a 1km swim across Plymouth Sound, and a 99.9 mile bike ride.

Mark said: “I never wanted to be a burden on anyone either my family or the taxpayer and I used that as my motivation to regain my independence and push myself as hard as I could so my wife and children would be proud of me.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth’s trailblazer National Marine Park has been awarded £655,873 while the Stonehouse Union is to receive £542,893.

The funding for Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will go towards activities with tourism businesses in the wider visitor economy that are engaged, or have the potential to engage, with the National Marine Park initiative.

Working in partnership with Destination Plymouth, businesses will receive one-toone support for sustainability and growth, training on ‘green/blue’ tourism and product development as well as innovative approaches to decarbonisation and connecting communities to the waterfront.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “This is about greening the tourism businesses around the waterfront and across the wider city.

“We want to bring businesses with us in this incredible journey and to work with them to explore employment opportunities as well as work with us to develop net zero and green initiatives.”

One of the elements is to help fast track 100 tourism businesses with improvement plans to cut their carbon footprint – and crucially, energy bills.

Earlier this year the Council was awarded a Heritage Horizon Award of £9.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make its vision of a park in the sea a reality. The ambitious plan aims to reconnect an entire city to the sea, the marine environment and its history.

The Stonehouse Union bid has been put forward by Nudge Community Builders and Street Factory. It brings together a range of community organisations working towards urban renewal through meeting the needs of individuals.

The project will provide a pipeline of entrepreneurs to occupy underused commercial space and revitalise Plymouth’s Union Street and Stonehouse neighbourhood.

It will invest in people, giving them support to prepare for work and achieve their potential in the community, and provide affordable space for them to start up and scale up microbusinesses.

Plymouth City Council is the lead authority for both bids and the funding includes management and administration costs.

Plymouth’s National Marine Park has been awarded over £650,000 Photo: Ocean Conservation Trust

Chris Bunnett receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award

Top basketball accolade for Plymouth man

A Plymouth man has been awarded the highest accolade for his services to basketball.

Chris Bunnett, who lives in Stoke, received Basketball England’s Lifetime Achievement award having been involved in basketball for more than 50 years before his retirement.

The former Honicknowle Secondary Modern pupil was an all-round sportsman, excelling at football, cricket, boxing - and basketball.

He joined the Royal Tank Regiment at the age of 17 and went on to become a physical training instructor, returning 22 years later as a sergeant major and something of a legend.

During his Army career, as well as being a prominent basketball player, he also coached, was an administrator and qualified as a British Basketball League referee.

He officiated at many of the national basketball cup finals, as well as mentoring many National Basketball League officials.

During his time he always had the desire to compete annually in the ABA Boxing Championships, where he was well known for his boxing artistry. He was Army Cadet Force Junior ABA champion in 1964.

His Army career took him to many bases in Europe which enabled him to maintain his refereeing sharpness. Although not desperate to leave the Army, an opportunity at the age of 40 enabled him to be a civilian training instructor for the police, a post he held for 15 years.

Prior to enlisting in the Army Chris was keen to obtain the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme awards. He got the Bronze in 1963 and Silver the following year, but time eventually ran out.

But the criteria for the Gold Award, supported by his Army achievements and records, more than justified his Gold status. He was finally presented with the Gold Award, with the medals being approved after more than 50 years at the age of 70!

In 2019 Chris was named as Basketball England’s Volunteer of the Year for the South Region, having previously been appointed as a member of the England Basketball Fellowship.

Chris lived in retirement at Aldershot with lis late wife Mitzi, but has returned to Plymouth after many years away. He will be 75 in December and is now enjoying life in the city with his partner Caron.

Ten more Plymouth play areas to be upgraded and improved A number of Plymouth play areas are set for an upgrade.

The third phase of the already successful Improving Plymouth Play scheme will see ten more parks spruced up between now and Spring.

Included in the improvements will be new and upgraded equipment, landscape improvements and seating.

The first four sites set for an upgrade are Lower Park Drive in Plymstock, Lancaster Gardens in Whitleigh, Albion Drive in Beacon Park and Staple Close in Belliver.

Council teams will be working closely with local families and organisations to make sure the

improvements are inclusive and allow stimulating and fun adventure for children with a range of abilities.

World-renowned play company Kompan will be on board to help with the refits.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “It is really pleasing to be able to invest in children’s play in this manner, especially after the 18 months we’ve just had.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in children and young people having to deal with the social and mental disruption of long period of time with no formal schooling as well as reduced opportunities for outdoor play and sport.

“We know how important play is to children so I look forward to seeing these parks full to the brim with happy children over the next few months.”

In addition to the ten above, three other new parks have recently had improvements.

In Whitleigh, a partnership between the Council, Whitleigh Community Trust, Whitleigh Big Local and Brook Green Centre for Learning has opened the brand new Bodmin Road Pocket Park.

Together, the partnership have designed and installed an inclusive play area and seating area for outdoor learning and created a wildlife meadow. The area is now known as ‘Star Park’ (after local resident Star) and was officially

opened at a small celebration event organised by Whitleigh Big Local.

Meanwhile in Hartley, children and families have chosen some new equipment to add extra excitement in their local play area. Making the most of the space and money available a new spinner bowl, balance beams and tumble bars have been added.

Over in St Maurice in Plympton a new pirate ship is the latest addition to the play area, offering lots of new opportunities for swashbuckling fun.

Find your nearest play park here: www. plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/ findplayground

Plymouth’s empty city centre spaces are to get a creative touch

December 2021 11

@PlymChronicle

Pop up shop launch (from left) Council leader Nick Kelly, Hannah Harris, Jane Hunt, Jodie Williamson, Erinc Tabak, Jason Skelton and Elise Wilkes-Brand

Illuminate, the popular light festival, is returning in November at Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard and the newly refurbished Market Hall in Devonport.

Illuminate 2021 will take the form of a two-week programme, in and around Ocean Studios and the Market Hall, offering a variety of light art, installations and immersive experiences for everyone to enjoy, as well as a host of daytime and evening workshops.

This year Illuminate responds to COP26 and Climate Crisis with a thoughtful collection of impressive work from local and national artists. Enjoy projection mapping, bioluminescent artwork, illuminated murals and interactive installations.

Alongside beautiful light art installations, Illuminate will also be offering a whole host of immersive dome experiences, workshops, music nights, comedy events and

Illuminate returns to Royal William Yard and Market Hall in Devonport

climate focused discussions!

Additionally, as part of this year’s event, Illuminate will host two quiet evenings specifically for people with additional sensory needs and those that find crowded places challenging.

The quiet nights will enable visitors to enjoy Illuminate at their own pace and away from the noise, immerse yourself in beautiful projection mapping, light art installations and sensory play in a stress-free and much less crowded environment.

To deliver this year’s event within COVID guidance, Illuminate is operating a timed and ticketed entry system and are working closely with local partners to ensure we can put on an event which is safe and enjoyable for all.

To book tickets for activity at Ocean Studios, immersive dome screenings at Market Hall and the quiet evening, visit the www. illuminate-festival.co.uk/

Plymouth businesses encouraged to become net zero carbon heroes

Artists and creatives will bring unused spaces to life across Plymouth in a cultural transformation of empty shops, buildings and urban areas.

The innovative project will start by focusing on the city centre, revitalising units not in commercial use, but will spread to high street areas around Plymouth.

The scheme – known as ‘meanwhile use’ – aims to make use of empty spaces until they are commercially occupied and will give a platform to cultural initiatives by the city’s creative community as well as bring more exciting artist projects to the city centre. It could mean an exhibition popping up in an empty shop unit in the city centre or an interactive experience appearing on an unused area of a high street.

It is being spearheaded by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company and Vacancy Atlas, specialists in unlocking the potential of empty spaces.

The project helps landlords and owners make use of their spaces by putting them into use, driving footfall and supporting the costs of rates.

For the creative community it’s a space where the lease and insurance are taken care of while providing a base to cultural opportunities that simply wouldn’t otherwise exist. More than £150,000 has been secured in funding for pop-up initiatives, as well as helping fund costs such as rates, utilities and shop fit outs.

Plymouth City Council has generously supported access to Unit 107 on Cornwall Street to act as a headquarters for the project.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “The high street is changing all the time and we need to look at new ways to keep people coming back to our city centre and local shopping centres to enjoy new experiences.

“More people visiting our shopping areas will help the businesses and keep our city vibrant and interesting.

We’re delighted to help with this initiative and I am looking forward to the innovative ideas people submit for our consideration regarding this exciting project.”

This unit will be managed by Vacancy Atlas who will curate a rolling programme of ‘meanwhile use’ and pop-up initiatives for a 12 month period. It is hoped

that this will be the first of many spaces to help support artists and creatives, and the partnership has already launched a call for proposals from creative and cultural organisations or individuals who would like to access empty shops to test an idea on the high street.

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “We have been working hard on finding new uses for empty shop units for some time. This partnership will speed up that work, bringing landlords and prospective tenants together and breathing new life into our city centre.

“Having a base in the West End for Vacancy Atlas was very important to us and we look forward to working closely with all our partners to transform our high street and attract more visitors.”

The ‘meanwhile use’ programme is funded through Historic England (Heritage Action Zone Culture Programme), Interreg France (Channel) England (FCE)’s C-Care Project and Plymouth City Council and City Centre Company.

Hannah Harris, chief executive of Plymouth Culture, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the ‘meanwhile use’ programme and to have this early support from Plymouth City Council to get the initiative off the ground.

“We know from other examples around the country how valuable cultural interventions on the high street can be when it comes to breathing life back into a city.

“The ‘meanwhile use’ initiative is one part of a much wider regeneration programme across the city centre to refurbish buildings, host events and active space with cultural projects.”

The programme’s launch comes after the circulation of the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) for public consultation, which has highlighted the opportunity for ‘meanwhile use’ to play a valuable role in revising the high street.

The plan sets out what makes Plymouth city centre special, its specific character and setting and, crucially, what can be done to manage change and inform decision-making in the future.

New, free support is now available to help Plymouth businesses become carbon neutral.

The ‘Make it Net Zero - Plymouth’ programme, delivered by SWMAS Ltd on behalf of Plymouth City Council, will give businesses the advice and guidance they need to become net zero.

Net zero refers to the balance between the volume of greenhouse gas produced and removed from the atmosphere, so businesses can reach it when the amount added to the environment is completely offset by the amount removed.

The programme aims to engage with more than 200 people over the next few months and hopes to encourage more than 50 local SMEs to commit to becoming net zero.

This group of businesses will be the trailblazers, showcasing best practice for others to follow.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This project is incredibly timely, with COP26 currently taking place and the whole world looking at how we can tackle climate change.

“We have committed to Plymouth becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and protecting the environment for future generations, and everyone in the city has a role to play in this. But we know that it can be daunting for businesses to change their processes and confront the challenges of becoming net zero, which is why this comprehensive support programme is so crucial.”

Paul Gilbert, Make it Net Zero

Programme Lead said: “Plymouth has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2030, and all businesses in the area will need to consider their own activities to help achieve this goal. Make it Net Zero – Plymouth offers local businesses an opportunity to capitalise on fully funded support to take their first steps towards carbon neutrality in simple, achievable ways.

“A common barrier is understanding where to start, and this programme can really help businesses overcome this and progress their own unique net zero journey.

The programme has been designed to enable businesses of all types to understand their current carbon footprint, and build a plan to help them achieve net zero. This will not only benefit each individual business, but also contribute to Plymouth achieving their 2030 target.”

The programme also highlights the wide range of expertise and support that exists in the region. Businesses will have a clear action plan and connections with local universities and experts that can then help them overcome the specific and individual challenges they face.

‘Make it Net Zero - Plymouth’ is funded until March 2022 and a virtual launch event will take place on Tuesday 30 November, giving businesses an introduction to the programme. Find out more and register at www.swmas.co.uk/ business-support/make-it-net-zero/ make-it-net-zero-plymouth.

12 December 2021

12 Deceember 2021

@PlymChronicle

Over 200 new recruits join Babcock Babcock has recruited more than 200 new apprentices and graduates to its Devonport operations.

The 138 apprentices and 78 graduates will support a variety of projects and business areas, from life extension programmes on frigates and submarines, to advanced manufacturing happening on site.

The apprentice roles are varied, from welders, fabricators and pipe workers, to electrical fitters, mechanical fitters and computer numerical control (CNC) machinists, while the graduates are involved in a wide range of roles within the business including: mechanical, electrical, process and civil engineers, naval architects and project managers.

Paul Foster, Babcock’s managing director for Devonport operations said: “Our apprentices and graduates have a really important role in shaping our future here and I extend a very warm welcome to all of our new recruits.

“It is great to see so many new starters who will be working across different areas of the business.

There are many opportunities to establish and grow a fulfilling career with Babcock and at a time of major investment across the site there’s never

been a better time to join us.”

This year has seen an increase in the number of applications for our apprenticeship programme, building on the success of the online assessment centres from last year. Each apprentice and graduate applicant went through a rigorous process which involved online testing and video recorded interviews.

Ryan Metcalfe, higher level mechanical apprentice, said: “I chose to do an apprenticeship

as I was looking to gain job experience whilst working towards a qualification at the same time, so an apprenticeship is the perfect route for me.

I’m most looking forward to starting a career in something that I really want to do and meeting new people who want to do the same thing as me.”

Business operations graduate, Molly Richards said: “After hearing from numerous employees about how reputable an employer Babcock is, I

looked into the graduate scheme and decided to apply due to the great opportunities for job progression and support systems in place.

“I put a lot of time and hard work into the recruitment process which was all worthwhile as I feel very lucky to be offered a position! Since joining I’ve received much support from everyone.

The work is challenging but I’m enjoying learning and I’m excited to see how far my career here goes.”

lack of affordable quality homes, with 43% of private renters now relying on housing benefit to pay their rent, up from 34% pre-pandemic.

It comes as renters are under more intense pressure than ever this winter, with soaring fuel costs, the £20 cut to universal credit and shorter notice periods for private renters all now in effect.

Shelter is warning that as the government is pouring billions into new projects such as roads, train stations and new town centres through its levelling up agenda, there is a risk that housing costs in these areas will increase. With this, people who are already struggling to cover their living costs, will be priced

out of their areas, ultimately leading to a rise in homelessness.

Current restrictions imposed in Westminster mean Plymouth can’t secure the money it needs to build social homes in the city. There are currently 7,800 households on the social housing waiting list in Plymouth, but only 24 social homes were built in 2019-20, and just 808 have been built in the last decade.

The report shows how in Plymouth, frequent moves and poor conditions endured by people facing homelessness is causing serious disruption to their lives. This includes families, with the anxiety

of changing schools negatively impacting children’s education and mental health.

Vicki Sampson, hub manager at Shelter Plymouth, said: “We believe a safe home is a human right, but the pain and desperation our frontline staff see every day shows this is still a long way off. This is especially evident in Plymouth, where the last year has seen huge numbers in the private rented sector having to turn to housing benefit to help pay the rent.

“At the root of this crisis is decades of failure to invest in the good quality social homes our local communities so obviously need - meaning there are too many people chasing too few homes.”

SHELTER REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PLYMOUTH’S HOUSING EMERGENCY Failure to include social housing in the Government’s upcoming ‘levelling up’ plan may escalate the housing emergency in Plymouth, a report by Shelter has warned.

The leading homelessness and housing charity is calling for a commitment from the government to build more social housing to ensure that local people benefit from levelling up plans in their area.

The new report, Levelling Up with Social Housing, looks at the housing emergency through three locations which lack affordable housing: Plymouth, Burnley and Sheffield. It exposes Plymouth’s

Good reasons to join our team still describes as ‘too good to be true’.

“I saw the Administrator post on InDeed and although my background was in legal firms, I sent in my application. I had a call back within half an hour.”

It wasn’t just this quick response that nudged her towards the role.

“I read Andrew Richardson’s ‘our story’ article on the website (www.friendshelpingathome.co.uk) and it sounded lovely, I wanted to find out more,” says Clare.

Clare Hennessey tells how she swapped her job in legal services for a rewarding role supporting our carers in the ‘Friends family’.

“We were living in Manchester and wanted to move to Devon or Cornwall, where we used to come on holiday. That was the beginning of 2020 before the pandemic, and it really looked unlikely later that year.”

To her surprise, Clare found a job that she

She had a successful interview, and with lockdown in place was able to start remote working almost straight away, while husband Mark (who had landed a job at Babcock) found a new family home for them and their 4 year old daughter, in Oreston.

So, what does she think of her job, one year on? “It’s literally like being part of a caring, supportive family. I get to help new carers find the jobs that suit them, support them with all the checks and details they need to have in place and generally assist them with the admin so they can be as good a carer as they can be.

“Being self-employed is a new thing for some of them, but we can help them with the HMRC side of that, too.”

Friends Helping At Home carers provide continuity of care for our clients; they become the professional, caring friend who helps someone live as independently as possible.

Clare takes the same approach when she’s helping our carers, using her skills in her admin role.

“I love my job,” she says.

“From initial recruitment, through to arranging training and ongoing support, If people want to be great carers, we can help them with that – come and join the Friends family and find out for yourself!”

We will help you with: Applying for your DBS Identifying your skills and experience, your availability, rates and the work that you want Develop a training and development plan Provide all the admin and support for invoicing clients to payment collection and recording Market and find you new customers Provide a network with benefits and opportunities to excel at what you do

We provide a safe, friendly and professional service that enables people to remain living in the comfort of their own homes.

Call us on (01752) 648 320

Contact us to discuss registering as a Service Provider with us.

We provide a network of Care Professionals providing support and continuity to each other and the people of Plymouth.

plymouth@friendshelpingathome.co.uk

Email:

Find us online at:

friendshelpingathome.co.uk

Christmas Sparkle and shine This Christmas, Plymouth will be illuminated with stunning festive lights throughout the city centre and the Barbican. There really is no better way to get into the festive spirit than by taking a wander through the streets as it gets dark, enjoying the sparkling lights up above and stopping to enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine, before tackling the Christmas shopping. Our guide includes everything you need to know about Christmas in Plymouth – where to shop, gift ideas, festive family fun and much more!

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www.plymouthmarket.co.uk

* There are two prizes of four tickets to see the pantomime Aladdin at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The first two correct entries drawn at random after the closing date will win the tickets. The competition will be open every Saturday in December 2021 from 9.30am until 4pm.

Pantomime tickets are only valid for the 7pm performance of Aladdin at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on Thursday 6 January 2022. No cash alternative. No purchase necessary. Parental approval is required for all entrants aged 16 and under. The prizes are for a Family ticket consisting of four tickets – there must be at least one adult and one young person aged under 16 in each family group. The winners will be drawn at 3pm on Tuesday 21st December 2021. If one or both of the winners do not respond or cannot be contacted by 4pm Wednesday 29th December 2021, they will forfeit their prize and another winner or winners will be contacted. The winners agree for their names to be published and any photographs taken of them receiving their prize, can be used for publicity by Plymouth Market or the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The winners can either be sent e-tickets or pick their tickets up from the box office at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to the performance. Thank you to the Theatre Royal Plymouth for their kind sponsorship of one Family ticket. ** Only in December.

Christmas

Brand new lights to illuminate Plymouth city centre Plymouth’s city centre will sparkle and shine extra brightly this festive season, with brand new colourful Christmas lights illuminating the streets, to the delight of festive shoppers.

Plymouth City Centre Company, which runs the city centre Business Improvement District (BID) is working with newly appointed Christmas lights suppliers, LITE Ltd and Twinkly UK, to create the new stunning display, which will be switched on from Thursday 18 November coinciding with the first late-night shopping evening.

The new displays will include banners stretched across New George Street and

Cornwall Street and sail banners on street lamps throughout the city centre. Lights will also festoon the trees in Frankfort Gate, Armada Way and Catherine Street.

The giant bauble arch, which makes for a popular selfie spot at the entrance to the Christmas Market on the Piazza, will return dressed in brand new lights from 2 to 19 December. The entrance on the opposite side of the Christmas Market will now also feature

a beautiful wave-shaped arch, demonstrating Plymouth’s links with the water.

This year will see new additions to the illuminations. A ‘light ceiling’ will cover Mayflower Street, with rows of lights stretched across the road. And the side of House of Fraser facing Armada Way will be covered in an impressive light curtain which will feature Christmas messaging and

displays throughout the Christmas period.

LITE Ltd and Twinkly UK’s innovative technology uses LED lights that are individually controllable in each display, allowing the colours and designs of the lights to be customised and opening up new opportunities for more creative displays.

Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “The new Christmas lights are going to look amazing and they certainly add to the festive shopping experience, so we’re delighted to be brightening the city centre streets with these new and improved exciting displays.

“Now more than ever, our high street stores need your support. This Christmas, why not come into the city centre, enjoy the lights and browse our fantastic shops before indulging in drinks or dinner at one of the many amazing eateries? Every pound you spend on the high street rather than online will make a big difference, helping to put money back into the local economy.”

As the new lights are easy to change thanks to Twinkly UK’s technology, many will be kept up throughout the year ensuring the city centre sparkles all year long. Different themed displays can be programmed to match the seasons and holidays.

The Christmas Lights will be switched on at a free, family-friendly event in the Piazza on Thursday 18 November with lots of entertainment to enjoy, including an amazing performance from popular funk, soul and blues group Joey The Lips.

BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE BARBICAN Plymouth’s waterfront is set to enjoy a sprinkling of festive cheer this year too, with Christmas lights illuminating the length of Southside Street. New lights will also adorn the trees at the Vauxhall Street entrance of Southside Street, making it an enchanting entrance to the Barbican.

Don’t miss the lights being switched on, which takes place on Saturday 27 November following an afternoon of free family fun and entertainment that everyone will enjoy.

From 12pm, you can meet the man himself at Santa’s Grotto in Quay Square or get creative by taking a trip to his workshop in the Barbican Theatre, where you can make a special Christmas crown or sparkling snowflake.

The friendly team from City College Plymouth will also be on hand at Barbican Theatre, giving you the chance to decorate your very own Christmas bauble biscuit.

Entertainment begins in the performance area – located in front of the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill building – from 12pm with amazing performances from Starlines Drama School, Ocean City Sounds, Holy Cross Primary, Stage Stars and Plym Kids.

Throughout the afternoon, children can have their face painted for free inside the Tourist Information Centre and snap a special festive selfie inside a magical snow globe. There’s also storytelling in The Maritime Inn, where you can snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate and keep warm.

And while you’re having fun, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Grinch, who will be roaming the streets trying to steal the spirit of Christmas.

A huge Christmas parade will also take place – and everyone is invited to join in!

Led by the Barbican Theatre’s amazing 7 metre tall Christmas elf puppet and accompanied by a junk band, the parade will make its way up and down Southside Street and end at Santa’s Grotto, where everyone will line up to escort Santa to the stage for the big switch-on from 5.20pm.

Santa will be joined by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth and a very special guest – a Community Hero that’s been nominated by the people of Plymouth – and together they’ll be turning the lights on, bringing plenty of festive cheer to the Barbican.

PAGE 3

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Christmas

Plymouth’s Christmas Market returns to city centre they perform to mesmerising music • 11 December: Christmas Elves and the Goodometer – they’ll be roaming the Market to check who’s been naughty and who’s been nice this year • 16 December: Angie’s Festive Funky Hooping – be wowed by amazing hula hooping displays set to some cool Christmas tunes • 18 December: Festive Foxley – he’s a first class magician with a Dickensian twist, performing astounding sleight of hand magic to amuse the crowds.

On 4 and 11 December, visitors to the Christmas Market can also enjoy beautiful singing from The Lost Sound Dartmoor Folk Choir, who will be performing in the area next to the bar.

Pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts at Plymouth Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city centre from 2 to 19 December 2021.

With an open air festive bar, food and drink and plenty of artisan gift stalls it’s the perfect place to pick up some unique and special gifts and get into the festive spirit.

Situated in the heart of Plymouth City Centre, the Christmas market is located on the Piazza, which offers a wide-open space perfect for some safe outdoor shopping this winter.

Wooden cabins will house traders from the South West and beyond, selling everything from clothing, accessories and jewellery to books, artwork and decorations.

Foodie fans are in for a treat too, as there’s plenty of delicious sweet and savoury goodies to indulge in. Pick up Greek olives and antipasti, or tuck into traditional Turkish

Don’t forget to snap a festive family selfie in front of the giant illuminated bauble arch and the brand new ‘wave arch’, which stand at each of the Market entrances. Share them on socials using #ChristmasInPlymouth.

The Christmas Market will be open until 6pm Monday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday, with late openings every Thursday until 9pm, so you can take your time and enjoy browsing the stalls under the sparkling new city centre Christmas lights.

The entertainment has been funded by the Welcome Back Fund, part funded by the ERDF and HM Government.

Please check visitplymouth.co.uk/ Christmas for all the latest information and updates about the Market, including any changes to traders or entertainment.

baklava. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s a mouth-watering range of baked goods on offer, including flapjacks, fudge, cronuts, cookies, cakes, brownies and biscuits from popular local traders Flapjackery, Mila’s Bakery and The Rise Bakery.

There’s also an array of extra entertainment to enjoy at the Market, confirmed acts so far include: • 2 December: Illuminated Roller Skating – sprinkling some festive magic, watch as two beautiful giant presents come to life and zoom around the Market • 4 December: Sofa Driving Santa – expect music, lights and laughter when you share some banter with Santa, who will cruise around town on his sofa accompanied by his naughty elf • 9 December: Corvus Angelicus – tenfeet tall luminous angels will descend on the Piazza to spread joy and hope as

Plymouth Gift Guide: For the Janner in your life

Finding the perfect gift can be tricky, but there’s so much on offer in Plymouth. We’ve pulled together a guide with a few unusual gifts that you may not have considered, to help you give friends and family members the present they deserve this year.

1. Uniquely Plymouth experiences: Why not think outside the box this Christmas and instead of a physical gift, treat your loved one to something they can only do in Plymouth? There’s lots of experiences to choose from! Our favourites include: a tour of Plymouth Gin Distillery; becoming a zookeeper for the day at Dartmoor Zoo; a VIP behind the scenes tour at the National Marine Aquarium; and catching your own dinner with a Fish ‘n’ Trips session with Plymouth Boat Trips.

2. Leafy treats: The perfect gift for a green-fingered friend, there’s an incredible variety of plants available with something to suit every home. Plymouth now boasts an amazing range of plant shops too, check out Bud Houseplants on Hyde Park Road, Nook Houseplants on the Barbican or buy online from locally-based suppliers We Serve Plants and Phunky Leaf.

regional theatres. Tickets to a show in 2022 are sure to go down a treat and there’s some spectacular shows to choose from, including Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Chicago and Dreamgirls.

4. Relaxing moments: For the ultimate luxury treat, Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall offers a variety of treatments, day spa experiences and overnight stays, or buy your loved one a voucher for Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness in Royal William Yard which specialises in spa therapy treatments and aesthetics.

5. Cuddly characters: If you’ve visited The Box this year, you’ve probably already met two of its most beloved inhabitants: Mildred, the life-sized woolly mammoth replica and Gus Honeybun, the puppet rabbit that became a local icon.

You can buy cuddly replicas – and other amazing merch - of both these amazing characters at The Box’s shop, also available online.

3. Tickets to a show: We’re so lucky to have the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, one of the UK’s largest and best

PAGE 5

Christmas

SHOPPING IN PLYMOUTH: the ultimate guide City Centre The streets of Plymouth city centre are home to an impressive range of shops, including some high-street favourites.

Head to Drake Circus if it’s brands you’re looking for where you’ll find them all under one roof (and with parking on site, there’s no need to step outside if you’re not a fan of winter weather!) There’s shops selling everything you need, from clothing and jewellery to toiletries and perfume.

If you’re shopping for children, they’ll be delighted with colourful stationery from Smiggle, funky accessories from Claire’s or toys and games from The Entertainer.

Historic Plymouth

Christmas Gift Idea

There’s lots of options for gifts for fashion conscious friends or family too – if you’re splashing out then recently opened stores include BOSS Menswear, Tommy Hilfiger and Tag Heuer. And if your loved one loves shoes as much as they love you, then you’re spoilt for choice with Schuh, Foot Locker and Footasylum all selling top brands.

If you head out of Drake Circus, you’ll find more brilliant shops along New George Street, Cornwall Street and Armada Way that have a great range of gifts – including department store House of Fraser, designer clothing store Flannels and more: Menkind, The Body Shop, HMV and B&M to name just a few.

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At the opposite end of the city centre to Drake Circus, you’ll discover the West End which is a treasure trove of independent shops and the 140-stall Plymouth Market. It’s the place to visit for extra special gifts and fresh produce. You’ll find butchers and greengrocers selling everything you need for Christmas dinner,

florists creating beautiful festive bouquets and an amazing range of bakeries and cafes serving up tasty treats. We recommend taking a wander through Frankfort Gate and in and around the Market to see what you can discover!

And as an extra bonus, the parking in Plymouth’s West End is some of the cheapest in the city. Western Approach

car park costs just £1 an hour or £5 for the whole day - or take advantage of the special offer on Thursdays for late night shopping, when you can park for £1 after 3pm (starts 18 November and runs every Thursday until Christmas). Plymouth Market also has its own car park designed for short trips if you need to pop in to pick up your festive essentials.

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour Our stunning waterfront is home to a great range of art galleries, antique stores and quirky independent shops. If you’re trying to buy a gift for the person that has everything, this is the place to be!

A stroll along Southside Street will take you past Elsie Boo-tique Wax Melts, with artisan wax melts and candles in a beautiful range of scents, and Nook Houseplants, a veritable jungle of a shop teeming with unusual flowers and plants that make great gifts. Along the road, you’ll also find amazing art galleries

PAGE 6

selling stunning paintings, prints and homewares crafted carefully from glass, clay and metal.

If you’re looking for a present for a gin fan – or are topping up your drinks cabinet in preparation for Christmas cocktails – then you’re in luck! The

Barbican is home to Plymouth Gin Distillery, the oldest working distillery in England, which boasts a shop selling its famous gins, gorgeous glasses and jugs. Tucked away on New Street is the Barbican Botanics Gin Rooms – not only do they brew their own gin and rum, the shop is stocked with a truly jaw dropping range of more than 200 different gins making it the perfect place to pick up an unusual gift for the drinks connoisseur.

Just a short walk away in Sutton Harbour you’ll also find HonkyTonk Wine Library, which is both a shop and wine lounge. They stock more than 250 wines so you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your festive dishes.

Christmas

Tourist Information Centre

– it’s not just for visitors!

If you take a stroll along the cobbles of The Barbican you’ll find the newly refurbished Tourist Information Centre & Mayflower Museum Shop. The gift shop has a wide range of locally made products, confectionery and local interest books offering the perfect presents for locals and visitors.

From a Devon jigsaw puzzle to a delicious chocolate pasty, the shelves are filled with plenty of novelty gifts that are fun for all the family!

Deck the halls with charming hand-made felt decorations - will it be a snowman or a seagull

hanging on your tree this year? Browse the stocking-fillers, perhaps a telescope for a young explorer or a fishy fun game for those that love the sea.

Get cosy by the fire and unwind with a book from the large literature collection, ideal for children, budding historians and nature-lovers.

Whether it’s learning local facts or telling spooky stories on a cold winter’s night – they’ve got the book for you. And if you need some fresh air after overindulging at Christmas, then there’s titles featuring walking, cycling and even wild swimming.

There’s a great range of locally-crafted products

including Plymouth Tea, Kernow Chocolate, Mewstone candles hand-made in Ermington and delightful hand-made jewellery from Stockwell ceramics in Saltash. Unwrapping a naughty Beryl Cook diary will certainly bring a cheeky smile to granny’s face!

And why not make a day of it? Once you’ve finished your Christmas shopping, you can visit the Mayflower Museum and discover the voyage of the Pilgrims in the family-friendly exhibition (open this winter Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays at 10am-4pm).

Royal William Yard Did you know that the Yard is the largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings in Europe? The impressive buildings are now home to a thriving business community of shops, galleries and restaurants.

Browse the unique womens clothing on offer at Identity Fashion or pop into the creative hub of Ocean Studios where you can purchase pieces made by local makers.

Treat yourself to handmade chocolates from the award-winning chocolatier Domea Favour or, if you’re looking for a festive tipple, pop into microbrewery Steel Brew Co for a great range of beers brewed right here in Plymouth. For wine lovers, Le Vignoble has a vast selection

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For more inspiration or information about shopping in Plymouth, check out shop4plymouth .co.uk PAGE 7

Christmas

Festive family fun in Plymouth Get into the spirit of the season with the whole family! There’s so much going on in Plymouth that will keep everyone entertained, young and old alike, so you can relax and enjoy quality time together.

Younger family members will love the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa. The big man himself will be visiting The Box every Saturday and

Sunday between 27 November and 19 December to share breakfast at 9am – he’ll be there to greet you before you sit down to tuck into either pancakes with maple syrup or blueberries, or a delicious breakfast bap.

Alternatively, hop across the river Tamar to China Fleet Country Club in Saltash on 5, 12 or 19 December and enjoy lunch in Santa’s Grotto with gifts

and plenty of festive fun.

If mornings aren’t your thing, there are still lots of other opportunities to meet Santa. Traditional Olde Father Christmas will be visiting Buckland Abbey on 18 and 19 December, dressed all in green. He’ll meet you in the kitchen around the crackling fire, creating Christmas magic and helping you to make your own small toy.

There’s also a Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall Hotel on 5, 12 and 19 December. On arrival you’ll be dazzled by a dance performance before enjoying a festive afternoon tea, getting creative with gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus to receive a Christmas present.

Looking for something that will make sure everyone in the family is feeling festive? You can’t go wrong with a traditional British pantomime.

This year the Theatre Royal is showing Aladdin (17 December to 15 January) starring Joe Pasquale. Expect a lampfull of laughs, stunning scenery, flying carpets and of course, plenty of boos and hisses.

But for something a little bit different, there are other brilliantly wintry shows to enjoy. Little ones will love The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin (1 December to 22 January), a playful mix of puppetry, music

and song that celebrates the joy of individuality. The whole family are sure to be mesmerised by White Christmas The Musical (7 to 11 December), which comes to Plymouth direct from the West End and features romance, comedy and classic songs.

The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport are also putting on special family shows. For under 5s, there’s The Christmas Mouse (8 to 24 December) featuring snowy scenes, colourful characters and enthralling puppets

that will capture toddlers’ attention.

Then everyone over the age of 4, including adults, can wrap up warm and enjoy the festive outdoor show of The Magic Lantern and the Story Thief (5 to 31 December) where people’s stories are brought to life by the light of the lantern.

Pre-booking is advised for all these festive events so please remember to check the event organisers’ website before you plan your visit.

Other unmissable festive events to enjoy in Plymouth this Christmas…

Christmas at Saltram

19 November to 3 January, Saltram House This year, the historic house will tell the well-loved story of The Nutcracker through some of its grandest rooms using some of the best parts of its collection. The grandest room at Saltram, the Saloon, will be transformed into a magical fairy tale forest with decadently decorated trees and magical interventions to make the house feel alive. There’s also a family trail to follow around the garden where you can learn about nature’s real ‘nutcrackers’. Visits must be pre-booked, entry for National Trust members and children under 5 is free.

For non-members it is £8 for an adult and £4 for a child.

Hound, Barbican Botanics, and The Devon Fudge Company; handcrafted gifts from Amelia Daniels Candles, Terra Jeweller, and Peck & Chisel; plus Nook Houseplants, Earthkind Refills, and a whole host of others.

Family Late Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre

Festive Good Food and Craft Market

11 and 12 December, Mount Edgcumbe The Christmas Fayre is back for its 17th year, with more than 50 stalls selling an eclectic mix of crafts, gifts and food, as well as the Barrow Centre shops and cafes. Choirs will perform, filling the air with carols and festive tunes, and there’s more entertainment in the form of jugglers and living statues. Stop for a selfie next to the huge Christmas tree, and make sure to visit Santa in his grotto. Admission costs £3 for adults and £1 for children (payment by card preferred).

5, 12 and 19 December, 10am to 3pm

Christmas Party Cruise

1, 8 and 15 December, 5pm to 9pm

Royal William Yard Royal William Yard’s festive market returns to the iconic Melville building on Wednesday evenings and Sundays throughout December, featuring a selection of the region’s most exciting independent artisan traders.

From tantalising treats to tasty tipples, the markets will offer a wide range of locally sourced goods and handcrafted gifts. A variety of traders will feature across the month, including food and drink from The Hedgerow

PAGE 8

then dance and mingle the night away to festive tunes.

Adults only event (18+), make sure to pre-book your tickets which cost £15.50.

Saturday 11 December and Saturday 18 December 7.30pm – 10.30pm, Plymouth Boat Trips Get into the seasonal spirit on board Plymouth Boat Trips’ Christmas Party Cruise. Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine or prosecco from the bar,

19 December, The Box Plymouth Wave off Father Christmas before he returns to the North Pole on Sunday 19 December and explore The Box’s galleries out of hours. Santa will be announcing that the doors are open at 6pm from the pulpit on Tavistock Place. Enjoy some acoustic music and try your hand at Christmas crafts. The Box Kitchen & Bar will also be open for festive food and drink. Tickets are just £5 per person.

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Plymouth’s Café Indiya scoops two top awards Management and staff at Café Indiya in Stoke are celebrating after collecting two prestigious awards.

The restaurant in the heart of Stoke Village was voted Best in the South West in the 10th English Curry Awards while head chef Naresh Chand won the title of Chef of the Year in the region.

It was a triumph for the popular eatery, which specialises in Indian and Nepalese food. The English Curry Awards celebrate the growth of the Asian curry sector and recognises the achievement of those who have played a valuable part in this development.

The restaurant was named as one of the finalists based on customer reviews and feedback.

Café Indiya proprietor Ganesh Chettri said that he and his team were delighted to have won the awards.

“We didn’t have a clue, until we were told we were among the finalists,” he said.

He and a team from the restaurant travelled to the Holiday Inn in Birmingham in October for the Awards ceremony and were thrilled when Café Indiya and head chef Naresh were announced as winners.

There was even more celebration when Café Indiya’s

Café Indiya head chef Naresh Chand

21

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sister restaurant, Himalayan Spice in Liskeard was named as the ‘Most Wanted’ restaurant in the South West.

Ganesh and his brother Suresh opened the Himalayan Spice in 2015 and two years later Ganesh took over Café Indiya.

In addition to the restaurant businesses Ganesh also operates the World Wide Food Supermarket in Cornwall Street selling a wide range of Asian and European foods and supplies.

The team at Café Indiya are now busy preparing for

the Christmas rush and have launched their festive menu.

The restaurant will be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day for diners who are looking for something special.

Discounts are offered for NHS workers, Armed Forces and Emergency Service staff, as well as students.

A new online ordering system and delivery service is also available.

For more information and bookings visit www.cafeindiya. co.uk

Funding boost for BASICS Devon

BASICS Devon are one of the eight local organisations receiving a share of £534,639 allocated to Devon as part of the NHS Charities Together Community Partnership Grants Programme - formed as a result of NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal, launched in March 2020.

The Appeal has raised over £140 million, supported by the inspirational Captain Sir Tom Moore and thousands of others.

Supporting the local community is at the forefront of BASICS Devon volunteers. They want to thank the public who donated, NHS Charities Together and Plymouth Hospitals Charity, which have given them the amazing opportunity to expand and continue to reach sick, injured, and vulnerable patients in an emergency.

BASICS Devon doctors are senior decision makers and carry enhanced pain relief, sedative drugs and can undertake surgical procedures at the scene. As a team of specialist doctors, there is no equivalent in Devon.

The team all have specialist training in prehospital medical care and respond in their own vehicles. The scheme is also launching their own emergency response vehicle that will assist the responders and be a major resource platform for education and training across the region.

The funds will enable them to expand their existing specialist team to improve cover in the West Devon and Plymouth area. They will fully equip and prepare additional volunteers physically and mentally to respond safely and effectively. Funding will enable the scheme to provide a full response kit, including personal protective equipment, blue lights installed in their vehicles and vital training courses which include, advanced paediatric life support.

Increasing responders, especially to central Plymouth which has some of the most deprived areas of the city, will provide people with immediate access to specialist medical care, which will help save lives and reduce long-term disability.

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Company steps in to kit out team

Nesbitt House at Oceansgate

A team of young footballers from Barne Barton are celebrating after having their kit sponsored by a Plymouth company.

Oceansgate’s second phase now fully let The second phase of Plymouth City Council’s Oceansgate development, a world-class innovation hub for marine industries, is now 100 per cent let.

Tenants that have taken space in Phase 2 include ESL Group’s Space and Defence Solutions division, Babcock Integrated Technology Ltd, Relay Engineering, R and M Electrical Group Ltd and City College Plymouth, which is creating a new dedicated learning environment offering universitylevel courses in marine and engineering subjects.

Oceansgate has transformed disused Ministry of Defence land into a Marine Enterprise Zone. It sits within South Yard which is a key part of the new Plymouth and South Devon Freezone, which will offer specific tax and relief benefits for companies based within it, incentivising employers to invest and create new jobs.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “The marine and maritime industries are vitally important to Plymouth and with Oceansgate we set out to create a dedicated space for these businesses, offering offices and industrial units designed with their needs in mind. It’s fantastic to see Phase 2 now fully let, creating a thriving business hub that encourages collaboration and innovation.”

Phase 2 of Oceansgate is a £7.6 million project funded by the council and a £2.25 million Industrial units at Oceansgate Phase 2

grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It was completed in March 2021 and includes 1,350 metres squared of light industrial space in three separate buildings and 1,100 metres squared of office space.

The new office building, Nesbitt House, was named in honour of Plymouth-born Kate Nesbitt, who became the first female member of the Royal Navy to be awarded the Military Cross for her service in Afghanistan in 2009, celebrating the site’s defence links and proximity to the Naval Base.

The first phase of Oceansgate was completed in April 2018 and is now home to nine tenants within its office building, Endeavour House, and light industrial units in Endurance Court.

Endurance Court is fully let, with tenants including Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Tech Systems, Lang & Potter Marine and WH Scott & Son Engineers, while Endeavour House hosts The Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Mecal and Relay Engineering, and has a number of office suites available to let.

The next steps for Oceansgate include work on phase 3.1, which will see the development of a new 2,400 metres Marine and Defence Innovation Centre.

For more information about Oceansgate, including details of units available to let, please visit www.oceansgateplymouth. com.

Plymouth Kolts Junior Under 14s, who play their matches at Bull Point, had been in the same kit for two years - and some of it was getting way too small for them.

Raia Berriman from Plymouth Kolts said: “I was struggling to find a sponsor for the kit and had approached more than 20 companies without success.

But I was delighted when MEP Systems stepped in with their

sponsorship - which meant the parents didn’t have to pay for the kit themselves.”

MEP Systems, which is a mechanical and

electrical contracting company based in Estover, saw a post from a parent and stepped in to help the boys get a new kit.

Raia added: “MEP Systems were really accommodating in paying for the kit and asking for nothing return. It has given the

boys a real boost and sense of pride.

The team plays in the Devon Junior and Minor Under 14s League.

Views sought on walking and cycling upgrade between St Budeaux and city centre One of Plymouth’s key routes could be getting a new 6.5km walking and cycling upgrade to make it easier for people to go on foot or by bike as part of the city’s push to encourage greener, more sustainable travel.

Plymouth City Council has drawn up plans for two walking and cycling schemes which together will provide the new link between St Budeaux, Devonport Dockyard and the City Centre.

The plans are part of Plymouth’s Transforming Cities Fund programme which aims to invest in walking, cycling and public transport to make it quicker and easier for people to get around their city more sustainably – especially to and from their place of work or learning.

The Transforming Cities schemes will offer convenient door to door connections between homes, workplaces, shopping and leisure destinations and are designed to make it more attractive for people to move away from reliance of the private car to active travel like walking and cycling.

Not only does it lead to less congestion, more people walking or cycling improves air quality, reduces noise on the roads, and encourages healthier lifestyles. It also saves money.

The St Budeaux to Dockyard half of the route proposes a shared use footway/cycleway that appeals to confident cyclists, whilst encouraging less experienced cyclists to get in the saddle.

The Dockyard to City Centre half aims to continue the shared use path from the Dockyard to the residential and local shopping areas of Devonport, and on to a 20mph zone, with new crossing opportunities before reaching the West End of the City Centre.

Improvements proposed include: • Widening footpaths to the maximum width possible for walking and cyclists to share comfortably

• De-cluttering the shared use path to minimise obstacles, with proposals to mitigate for any loss of street trees.

• Installing new crossings to make it easier and safer to cross the road at key points • Upgrading existing crossings • Measures to improve safety at junctions along the new route where it crosses side roads • New signage throughout to guide

people along the route • Reduced speed limits where on-road cycling is the only option available • New cycle parking facilities Adjustments to accommodate the shared use footpath/cyclepath are proposed mainly on the outbound side of the road and are designed to have minimal effect on parking and bus journey times, and to ensure the roads continue to function for the needs of all users.

If all goes according to plan, work would start next March and be completed in 2023.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “Levels of cycling have almost doubled in Plymouth in the last 10 years – which is brilliant news. But we need to keep making walking and cycling an attractive option.

“We also want people to feel safer if

they are cycling in our city and shared paths on such a key route are a pragmatic and sensible way of creating routes for cyclists without affecting the bus routes – which are also key to sustainable travel.

“Walking and cycling is good for our physical and mental health and for the environment. If we are serious about tackling climate change we need to do our bit to reduce our impact on the planet. These schemes are about helping to make those changes.

“The schemes will include widened pavements and drop kerbs – which is also good news for people with wheelchairs and prams and new crossings to make it easier to cross the road. We think we have the balance right but want to know what you think.”

People will be able to view and comment on the plans online at www.plymouth. gov.uk/stbudeauxtodockyard and www. plymouth.gov.uk/dockyardtocitycentre.

Scheme plans will also be available in St Budeaux Library, Devonport Library and Central Library.

Feedback can be provided by filling in the questionnaire at the libraries or 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 (with reference to TCF201/146).

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Tate snaps up students’ festive card designs For the second year running, six students from Plymouth College of Art have been selected to join forces with Tate for Christmas, as part of the annual Tate Christmas card commission and competition.

From an open call to all undergraduate and postgraduate Plymouth College of Art students, 150 entries were submitted, up from 80 the previous year. Judges at Tate were hoping to select five designs from Plymouth College of Art, but were so impressed by the quality of submissions that they chose eight designs to go on sale for Christmas 2021.

The students whose designs were chosen are paid royalties for the sales of their Christmas cards and get to name Tate as a client when they’re pitching for future work, which will be invaluable for opening doors throughout their careers.

Gabe Monteiro, a Portuguese-British illustrator and artist based in Plymouth who graduated from BA (Hons) Illustration at Plymouth College of Art this year with a First Class degree, was selected as the overall Plymouth College of Art winner of the annual Tate Christmas card commission and competition.

His winning ‘Ugh’ design was joined by another of Gabe’s designs, ‘Paper Mistletoe’, which was also selected to go into production.

Gabe Monteiro, overall winner of the Tate Christmas cards competition, with his winning designs

Gabe used collage techniques to create his illustrations for the Christmas cards, using paper scraps with coloured paint streaks for colour and texture. His highly relatable ‘Ugh’ design is an expression of some of his own

holiday season emotions, captured in an image of the perennially tangled Christmas tree lights that so many of us wrestle with each year.

Gabe said: “I was over the moon to hear

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that two of my designs were chosen by the Tate and that I was the overall winner, especially after seeing so many of my course mates’ amazing entries! Although I felt the pressure of the competitive element of creating work for Tate, I tried to relax and use the opportunity to have fun with the process.

“I ended up using collage, which I don’t often do, and as a result I feel like my enjoyment of the process must have showed through in the finished designs.

“Seeing my work on sale at the Tate is surreal, but a big step in the direction I want to pursue with my creative work. I am currently selling work and handmade items online as a freelance illustrator alongside other employment, developing my illustration and staying on the lookout for more opportunities.

“My experience with Tate has shown me that it works to embrace opportunities, put your own spin on them and take enjoyment from doing the work.”

From Plymouth College of Art this year, two designs by Gabe and two designs by BA (Hons) Illustration student Tianna Barnes ‘Cat Christmas’ and ‘Snowball Fight’‚ were selected, along with designs by BA (Hons) Illustration student Honor Jackson ‘Sheila Santa’, BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Milly Iris ’Tis the Season’, BA (Hons) Printed Textile Design & Surface Pattern graduate Georgia Smelt ‘Beary Christmas’ and BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Savannah Dale ‘The Joy of Winter’. All are now on sale at Tate galleries and shops across the UK, as well as online.

Last year’s winner from Plymouth College of Art was BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Charlotte Leadley’s and since the release of her first Tate Christmas card, she has been named one of the Association of Illustrators’ 10 UK Graduates To Watch, in addition to being longlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2021.

Mel Brown, assistant head of School, Design + Communication, at Plymouth College of Art, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Plymouth College of Art students to sell their work in Tate’s network of four of the best-known art galleries in the UK. “Joining the Tate team to shortlist the designs was one of my highlights of the year.

We were so impressed by the range and quality of submissions, it made the selection process so much more difficult.

“I’m thrilled for all the students who were chosen and would recommend all current students to look out for news early next year, when we hope to announce the next competition.”

A representative from Tate said: “We are delighted to have worked with Plymouth College of Art for a second year, and were really pleased with the standard of the entries. Tate’s Christmas cards are really popular and we love being able to offer our customers new designs each year, whilst also giving students an opportunity to have their work published.”

Below: Georgia Smelt’s ‘Beary Christmas’ design

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Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters is an international touring exhibition produced by the National Museum of Australia with the ongoing support of the traditional Aboriginal custodians and knowledge holders of this story.

Image: montage photographs by Sarah Kenderdine, Peter Morse and Paul Bourke. Seven Sisters rock art reproduced with the permission of Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara and the Walinynga (Cave Hill) traditional owners.

This exhibition is delivered by The Box and The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth partnership.

24 December 2021

24 Deceember 2021

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£2 million fund set to help more Plymouth families this winter

Plymouth City Council will distribute food and fuel support worth more than £2 million to organisations that can help support vulnerable households during the winter months with food and fuel costs, as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).

The scheme will provide support to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the COVID pandemic throughout the winter period, where alternative sources of assistance may be unavailable.

With the funding ring-fenced to support with food, utility and essential costs, it will allow help to reach the hardest-hit families and individuals over the winter period.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We are fully aware that the last 18 months have been extremely challenging on families and being able to afford the basics like food and essential utility costs is a real worry.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Government have awarded us these much needed funds which will allow us to help to reach the hardest-hit families and individuals over the winter period.”

A package of support totalling £1 million to help eligible Plymouth families cover the cost of meals over the school holidays until Easter 2022 has already been announced. This will provide families on the Free School Meals register with vouchers to the value of £15 per child per week that can be redeemed at various supermarkets.

The council has partnered with Plymouth Energy Community to distribute £500,000 of the HSF funding to people at risk of fuel poverty as a result of the impacts of

the pandemic and the rise in energy prices. This funding will be available from December and more information will be available soon.

In line with national guidance the following households will be eligible for support under the Household Support Fund: • Households with children that are in receipt of any benefits • Households (including statutory provision) with children that are recognised as vulnerable and are in receipt of statutory support • Households without children that are struggling to access food or are in arrears with utility costs. These households will only be eligible for support if they can evidence that they cannot pay for food or fuel.

Some of the fuel poverty element of the grant will also be used to support homeless people and families to move on from bed and breakfast and other forms of temporary accommodation.

The council’s Community Connections team will work with PEC to support people with fuel debt and white goods, both of which can be barriers to people moving into permanent accommodation.

Approximately £250,000 has also been set aside from the HSF and will be awarded to groups, charities and social enterprises who can provide food and essential items to individuals and families in need either through buying, storage or distribution.

Charities and organisations in Plymouth who provide food and essential items for vulnerable people are being invited to bid for grant funding of up to £10k.

Full details of the Household Support Fund can be found www.plymouth. gov.uk/benefitsandgrants/ householdsupportfund

Climate change declaration (from left) Tom Hamilton, Unison representative; Jackie Grubb, chief executive; Daniel Norrish and Rose Hamlett, joint sustainability student council representatives; Gemma Hutchings, UCU Green representative, City College Plymouth Branch; and Ian Poyser, environmental science lecturer

City College answers the call to help prevent climate crisis

City College Plymouth is the first college in the South West to join universities across the globe in calling for action to prevent a climate catastrophe.

With the world focused on the COP26 summit, the college has officially declared a climate emergency and is putting in place its plans to become a carbon-neutral organisation.

A working party of staff from across the college has developed a plan of action to address ways in which the organisation can contribute towards the fight against climate change.

Chief executive, Jackie Grubb, said: “At City College, we’re preparing students for happy, successful futures,

POLICE ISSUE WARNING ABOUT BOGUS STORE REPRESENTATIVES Police are aware of a number of recent incidents in the Plymouth area where high-street stores have been targeted by people identifying as store representatives to commit high value thefts.

Thieves have been entering stores, often in groups consisting of males and females, and presenting themselves to staff as store representatives. They are then accessing staff only areas such as warehouses before removing large volumes of high value goods (often alcohol) before leaving the store resulting in significant loss for the businesses in question.

The people in question are regularly wearing highvisibility jackets, branded lanyards, and carrying clipboards.

Police are requesting that store managers make all staff aware of store check and challenge protocols and perform appropriate identity checks on anyone presenting as store

representatives, including: • Checking photo identity cards • Confirming identities of everyone present • Asking anyone who presents as a store representative but is unable to confirm their identity to leave the premises immediately • Ensuring that the person or group and any associated vehicles are captured on CCTV where possible Staff who believe that bogus store representatives are on site at their premises should call police immediately on 999.

Anyone who believes they may have been victim of bogus store representatives recently and have not already reported this please email tryst.fentem@dc.police.uk Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

but what type of a future will they really have if we don’t act now to protect the planet?

“We have formally acknowledged the global emergency collectively with our students, staff and representative groups, and last week City College signed up to the United Nations Race to Zero campaign. In a short space of time, our new working party has been identifying different ways the college can be part of the fight against climate change.”

The college is now developing a strategy to meet its carbon-reduction targets and will be placing curriculum at the front and centre of this strategy, with all areas being encouraged to develop their teaching content around this theme.

Mark Trewin, chief digital transformation officer and owner of the strategic action for opportunities at the college, said: “This fight against climate change needs to be rooted in every aspect of our life. There is no single area of the college responsible for making the site more environmentally friendly or for reducing its carbon footprint - it’s a cross-college effort.

“We are inviting the students to contribute to our overall plans by setting up a student-led sustainability group, and we will also create a new student representative role here at the college so our students have a nominated voice to speak on their behalf.”

Ian Poyser, lecturer in environmental science and an expert in resource-management and sustainability, said: “The college is already doing lots of great things across the campus, but now we need to step up the gears.

“The climate declaration is the first step towards creating a more sustainable college community. The benefits of committing to a long-term sustainability plan will be far reaching: not only can we help avert a local and global climate and ecological catastrophe, but it will improve and enrich the lives of students and staff.”

Jackie added: “Our ambitions are vast but for the sake of the planet, they have to be. It is fortunate that City College benefits from a breadth of skills and knowledge to drive these plans forward and support the city in creating a green and more sustainable future for all.”

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North Prospect development wins prestigious construction award Mayflower Leat in North Prospect has been named among a shortlist of sites in England and Wales to win an award for high standards of construction and site management.

Mayflower Leat, being built by Vistry Partnerships, has been awarded The Bricks Site Recognition Award by LABC Warranty, for its standards of workmanship and overall management of the site, including health and safety matters and general tidiness.

The Bricks Site Recognition Award winners are chosen every month and are then further shortlisted at the end of the year, where only the best of those sites will be rewarded with The Bricks annual award trophy, one of the construction industry’s most prestigious awards given to outstanding sites from England and Wales.

LABC Warranty is one of the largest providers of structural warranties in the UK. Working in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), its combined team of more than 3,700 surveyors work with house builders, contractors and housing associations.

Mayflower Leat is the fourth phase of the North Prospect regeneration programme with the creation of a contemporary collection of homes, built with quality and sustainability in mind.

Two and Three bedroom homes, are available to reserve now at Mayflower Leat.

Peter Sadler, managing director at Vistry

Yanni Sechatis receives The Bricks Site Recognition Award certificate from LABC Warranty’s Lee Thomas. From left: Lee Thomas (LABC Warranty), Wendy Hobbs (gatewoman), James Stride (construction manager), Yanni Sechatis (project manager), Wayne Chilcott (assistant site manager), Bill Danks (construction director), Faye Allen (assistant land surveyor) and Barry Dann (assistant site manager) all from Vistry Partnerships South West.

Countdown to charity’s 24/7 Advent Challenge People all over Plymouth are planning weird and wonderful activities to support the Friends and Families 24/7 Advent Challenge.

Partnerships South West said: “This is a significant achievement and recognises the hard work of our project manager Yanni Sechatis and the whole team at Mayflower Leat.

“Winning awards like this reflects everyone’s input, and this high praise and recognition from an independent body provides acknowledgement of

the exceptional build quality of all our homes.”

Sarah Sheppard, technical director at LABC Warranty, said: “It takes skill, commitment and a dedication to quality of construction for a site to receive The Bricks annual award. Nothing pleases my team and I more than to see developments meet and maintain such high standards.”

Big Sis social enterprise helping young girls and carers with mentoring programme A Plymouth-based social enterprise is helping young girls and their carers to deal with the challenges of puberty changes.

Big Sis CIC is a community interest company set up by creative educator Friedel Fink. Formed at the end of 2019, Big Sis aims to provide emotional and educational support to empower girls with a deep understanding of their body, mind and emotions. In turn this supports their participation as confident, resilient young people in their families and communities.

After raising nearly £19,000 through Crowdfunding - which was match funded

by Plymouth City Council, Natwest, Nudge Community Builders and iMayflower – a ‘Girl Mentoring Programme’ was launched in the first months of the pandemic.

Meanwhile a girl empowerment curriculum was finally launched in three Plymouth primary schools in September this year supporting 50 girls aged 10 and 11.

The ‘Big Sisters’ - eight women who are students of psychology and mental health or mothers of pre-teens are volunteering their time to deliver the 12 week curriculum featuring themes such as emotions and feelings, puberty changes, menstrual cycle experiences and body image.

A key aspect of the curriculum is a question and answer time for girl’s questions about puberty. With the impacts of the COVID crisis being felt all over the UK, founder Friedel Fink knew that the Big Sis Mentoring Programme would be vital in helping young girls through their increased stress and anxiety.

Friedel said: “The central questions for Big Sis as an organisation are how can we create positive narratives for our girls and how can we empower them to grow into confident and resilient people?

“Equally we found it important to support carers in finding their voices and confidence

The Big Sis mentors

in supporting girls. In our community, carers most frequently report having received negative, fragmented, or no education at all about puberty-related topics.”

Taila, a coach and aunt said: “I can’t wait for more girls to have a different education, so they don’t have to grow up with the shame that I did!

“I would like my child to be supported by more people than just me, trying my best to make it a positive experience against my own upbringing, family attitudes and general society,” said a survey participant.

Through their work, Big Sis have understood, that parents find it hard to approach these conversations with their daughters. So in 2020, Big Sis established a monthly interactive webinar addressing the basics of puberty preparation for carers ‘Preparing Girls For Puberty.

Cara, a mum of two said: “You have filled me with confidence to suss out the next part of life with my daughter.”

Since 2020 Big Sis have reached 40 parents and carers who support 50 girls ages from seven to 13. Parents are being empowered to better support the young girls in their care.

Big Sis involves mental health and well-being experts, holistic practitioners and teachers to develop and deliver their materials and programmes.

A close collaboration with Plymouth University and Marjon University is important for them. Big Sis have worked with four student interns in the development of the ‘Girl Mentoring Programme’ giving them the opportunity to develop themselves professionally.

Find out more, become a volunteer or help us raise funds visit www.big-sis.co.

The Plymouth-based charity are asking people to do something challenging every day throughout advent to help raise money to support families with disabled children.

Charity founder and chair of trustees, Kay O’Shaughnessy, said: “Caring for a child with disabilities is a very real challenge that the families we support face 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“As we near the end of another difficult year, we thought why not finish it on a high by doing something positive to raise money and make a difference in people’s lives? So, we’re asking people to take on our 24/7 Advent Challenge to help us continue to provide vital support to these children and their families.”

Friends and Families CEO, Tim Tod, has already taken the plunge and committed to swimming in the sea for seven minutes for the 24 days of advent.

Tim commented: “The 24/7 Advent Challenge is great as it’s accessible to everyone. People get to set their own challenge – whether that’s walking seven laps of a local park, telling seven jokes a day or running seven miles a day – but the test is to do it every day for the 24 days of advent.”

The money raised will help Friends and Families continue to provide vital advice, support and training to parents of disabled children.

Donations also help fund activities that are accessible to all members of the family.

This includes the Fun and Freedom club that allows young carers time to meet and have some fun away from their caring role.

If you would like to take on a challenge or make a donation to help raise money for Friends and Families, visit www. friendsandfamilies.org.uk for more details.

The charity provides activities for families with disabled children

26 December 2021

26 Deceember 2021

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Gables appeal for help to treat elderly Springer Spaniels Dolly and Droopy need urgent medical treatment

Two elderly Springer Spaniels with multiple severe medical issues have been taken in by Gables Dogs & Cats Home.

The two dogs, Dolly and Droopy, need urgent treatment to drastically improve their quality of life and ensure they are more comfortable and pain-free in their twilight years.

Dolly needs urgent surgery to remove a life threatening and very uncomfortable perineal tumour. This large tumour is causing pain when she sits and is restricting her bowel movements. She also has a very large mammary tumour that will need removing, with further investigations required to determine if it has spread to her lungs.

The poor girl also has severely decayed teeth and suffers from entropian in both of her eyes; this is a painful condition where the eyelids turn inwards, causing the eyelashes to rub and damage the eyes. She desperately needs surgery to correct all of these medical problems to help relieve her suffering.

Twelve-year-old Droopy is also in critical need of a dental procedure, which will include several extractions, as he has some of the most diseased teeth the charity has ever seen.

He also appears to have well-developed cataracts which will need further medical attention. In addition to these urgent operations they will also both be neutered, reducing the risk of future complications. They will also be fully vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms.

Deputy manager Ruth Rickard said: “We knew we had

to help this wonderful pair as we believe they deserve the best chance at a happy retirement. Considering their age and incredibly poor health, they are absolutely full of life and are two of the sweetest dogs we’ve ever had in our care.

“After watching the two together and seeing the fantastic bond they have with each other we knew it would be unfair to separate them, so they will search for their forever home together when they have recovered. We are hoping our amazing supporters can help us again and are grateful for any support we receive, but no matter the cost we will be there for these dogs.”

When Dolly and Droopy first arrived, staff at the charity were shocked at the condition the pair were in but they are confident that they will go on to live the rest of their lives pain free. It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £5,000 for the life-saving surgeries, expert veterinary treatment and vital aftercare they will need. If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the COVID pandemic, but they are determined to help Dolly and Droopy. To help ease Gables’ financial burden a contribution can be made to ‘Dolly and Droopy’s Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www. justgiving.com/campaign/dollyanddroopy or paypal.me/ gablesdogsandcats to donate online.

Using solar power to illuminate artworks Local people have been harnessing the power of solar energy and digital technology to create their own sustainable illuminated artworks, in workshops hosted by Plymouth College of Art’s Smart Citizens Programme and South West-based art collective, Art and Energy CIC.

Fourteen local people and students attended these twopart workshops, held three months apart at Fab Lab Plymouth.

During the workshops, participants learned new skills in reverse glass painting, soldering solar cells, computer aided design and laser cutting, in order to construct their unique artworks.

Charged by sunlight, these solar-powered artworks light up at night, illuminating the participants’ designs. Through creative projects, Art and Energy CIC develop artistic responses to the climate emergency, to help people engage creatively with the huge changes we experience with our energy system.

Climate emergency

Their Moths to a Flame project, co-led with Plymouth Energy Community, is working with nationwide collaborators to make 20,000 moths and record messages about the Climate Emergency to turn calls for urgent action into a magnificent mass-participation art installation at the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

In November 2020 Plymouth Energy Community and Art and Energy CIC launched a campaign with iMayflower partners Crowdfunder to hold free Moths to a Flame creative activities in Plymouth throughout 2021. Theirs was one of seven within the Plymouth Climate Challenge hosted by Plymouth City Council, with their project raising £45,189.

Workshop participant Lorraine England, a retired nurse and midwife who now works as a maker and workshop tutor, said: “The workshops with Smart Citizens and Art and Energy really kindled an interest in solar power for me and how it can be incorporated into our lives, not just from a functional but also from an aesthetic perspective.

“Within my own creative practice I make predominantly in felt, fibre and textiles. I left Fab Lab Plymouth trying to consider how solar light could be incorporated into the illumination of artwork made from wool. Overall, I found the workshops to be fascinating, engaging, innovative and inspirational.

“During my research before and afterwards, I found many remarkable global projects where solar power has been merged with creative practice, in beautiful and functional ways such as solar trees or architecture.

“This inspired me to look into the history and principles of solar-powered systems, so that I could better understand the wiring process. This was a fascinating lesson in basic electrical circuitry and energy which I wish had been taught in science when I went to school.

“From both a societal and cultural perspective I think that the Smart Citizens Programme is timely and very relevant. Plymouth

not only supports a vibrant creative community but it is one in which there are huge economic and social challenges. There is huge social deprivation and poverty in the city and an energy crisis starts to loom. With national energy costs escalating, many families are going to suffer from energy poverty. There is therefore an emergent need to make this technology more accessible to these groups of individuals, in a way that is affordable.”

Sarah Trotter also took part in the workshop. A local experimental visual artist and play and support worker, Sarah said: “I learnt so much during the workshop and about Art and Energy’s work within communities.

“I really enjoyed learning about the Fab Lab processes and laser cutting and also how solar power cells actually work - my mind was blown and I loved the connection between the two processes! It was a truly enlightening workshop, both in terms of creativity and in gaining knowledge into how energy can be created by the sun. I was so chuffed with my completed artwork at the end of the workshop.

“The workshop has supported my knowledge around sustainability and how much of an effect it has within the world - however small a contribution, education will make a huge difference for our futures. It has made me more mindful within my own practice and something that I am looking to integrate more within the way I work and resources and materials that I use.”

Renewable energy

Art and Energy CIC launched in 2018 with a vision to transform the look of solar panels through art, in order to brighten up our cities, celebrate a diversity of culture and inspire more people to consider using renewable energy.

Ian Hankey, the principal technician at Fab Lab Plymouth and a master glass craftsman with extensive experience gained from the Royal College of Art, Pilkington Glass and Teign Valley Glass, worked with Art and Energy to develop a range of markmarking processes using traditional glass processes and digital subtractive manufacturing suited to the photovoltaic panels.

These panels were tested by Dr Katie Shanks at the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter and now form part of Art and Energy’s ongoing work.

Jenny Ayrton, one of the directors at Art and Energy, is a Plymouth College of Art graduate and practicing artist, specialising in sand and kiln cast glass, etching and engraving.

Art and Energy CIC have benefited from collaboration with expert staff members from Plymouth College of Art, Fab Lab Plymouth and Crowdfunder as part of the Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab and later the iMayflower Smart Citizens Programme.

The solar-powered art workshops are part of the iMayflower project and have been supported by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, who fund the Cultural Development Fund, which is administered by Arts Council England.

Participants Kerry Brosnan (above) and Vanessa Crosse (below) with their finished solar artworks Photos: Smart Citizens Programme

Building strong grassroots organisations, charities, and social enterprises in Plymouth

They want to tell your story Are you a grassroots community project doing wonderful things in Plymouth for Plymouth? Well listen up! There is an amazing group of talented film-makers looking for stories to tell. The Hundred Hands has already worked with Nudge Community Builders and are currently creating stories about the amazing work of Plymouth Scrapstore and Routeways. Project Manager and Director, Drew Graves, recently moved back to Plymouth after studying film and working in Bristol for several years. He says the amount of community goodwill in Plymouth he has observed has been a revelation;

Circle Time with the Keyham Wellbeing Warriors

Watch out: Wellbeing Warriors about Children in Keyham are being urged to transform themselves into Wellbeing Warriors. A new weekly club has been set up for young people between the ages of seven and thirteen. Through yoga, mindfulness, games and crafts the sessions intend to fortify the children with resilience and life skills. Run by Haidee Dampney from The Tree Project, which was set up in 2018 to “explore wellbeing in our lives”, it could not, she says, have come at a better time.

“It’s been such a tough year for everyone,” says Haidee. “With the Wellbeing Warriors club we’re focussing on the children, providing them with a safe space where they can come make friends and have fun and, at the same time, teaching them the means to live a happier life and help manage life’s ups and downs.”

In a world made more challenging by recent

events, Haidee firmly believes that one of the things we can do for young people is teach them to be more resilient. Fifteen children are taking part in the weekly Wellbeing Warriors sessions, and despite only starting in September, Haidee can already see a transformation; “In a relatively short space of time we’ve seen many of the children better able to articulate their feelings and that’s a really good thing at any age. They’re really engaging with the yoga, the mindfulness and the relaxation and, I think, because of this, and the creative and outdoor elements of the sessions, are finding effective ways to care for themselves and each other.”

The Wellbeing Warriors course is run by The Tree Project in collaboration with Creative Curiosities. If you know someone who might be interested, contact Haidee on 07722 846 879 or at thetreeprojectcic@gmail.com

Helpline Numbers:

Efford Community Network

Glenholt 07849 413125

“It’s just amazing the amount of work being done across the city at a grassroots level.

It’s made us want to get involved and do what we can to promote these initiatives and the change they are helping to bring about in people’s lives.”

The Hundred Hands is offering their professional services free-of-charge (yes, really!) to produce a short video for small scale community groups in Plymouth. So, if you want to put your project in the spotlight contact Drew at thehundredhandsco@gmail.co.uk

Efford 07380 309586

SUPPOSE YOU HAD £1000 TO SPEND IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

POP is working with Street to Scale to bring grassroots community ideas to life. There is no application form; no targets and no need for written outcomes. If you’d like £1000 to spend on your community, contact: 07842 043399 (WhatsApp)

Supporting more members than ever 253 POP members, March 2020

71% have a turnover of less than £100k

430 POP members, October 2021

30% have a turnover of less than £10k

A third of our members are grassroots organisations

What would you do with £250?

One of our members recently spent the money taking a group of asylum seekers on a community camping trip over to the lovely Maker Camp at Rame. The two-night minibreak provided the group of ten women and men with some much-needed light relief and fun away from the many challenges and concerns they face each day. As Louise Anderson from the Farsi speaking community says the trip was a great success; “It was such a joy to watch everyone relaxing, laughing and having fun together.

I think for several of them it was like the sun bursting through the clouds after a long season of stormy weather.”

Without the funding there is no way, says Louise, that anyone could have paid for the trip themselves. The funding from POP turned it from a dream into reality; “Asylum seekers are on a very basic budget and there really isn’t room to put money aside for an event like this. So, the grant made all the difference to us being able to go ahead with this trip.”

The £250 a POP fund is open to members.

Membership of POP is free-of-charge.

For more information visit www.plymouthoctopus.org

28 December 2021

28 Deceember 2021

THE

Experience I’m old enough and sentimental enough in my older years to remember songs from musicians like Louis Armstrong, who wrote the song ‘What a Wonderful World’, and I still believe in seeing things half full as opposed to half empty without jettisoning my faculties of reason.

I can imagine some of you singing this song in your head right now. Just by way of clarification, however, I do present our radio programmes on Cross Rhythms with music that is far more contemporary but still carries great, life affirming lyrics. What’s my point?

The global experiences we have all gone through over the past couple of years what with COVID, climate change challenges and the geopolitical ‘sabre rattling’ that is going on amongst nations, can easily erode your optimism and seriously challenge everybody in thinking the world has lost the plot, if it ever understood the plot it in the first place.

As we come into the Christmas season, I know that our family will be gathering

@PlymChronicle

Take heart in these difficult days

By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

together to share the values we hold dear in terms of our spiritual faith in Jesus Christ.

He has been so faithful to us in the good and the bad times. By experience we can, as people who put their trust in God, understand what Jesus said in John 16 verse 33: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.

Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”

I must say that if anybody knew the plot, it was Jesus.

It isn’t easy to Chris Cole appreciate that there may be a loving,

intelligent design behind the universe when in our consumer society, which focuses on individualism, we can often feel isolated and insecure about life.

We are the fifth richest economy in the world yet with all we have access to we are not at peace.

Happiness can be great, but what is it built upon when circumstances change?

Over Christmas we will sit down in the family to watch some of the older films which carry an eternal message. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ has a timeless message about the value of our lives regardless of the

circumstances we encounter.

Produced just after the second world war in 1946 by director Frank Capra, it is a timeless movie, and is one of the most life affirming films ever made. It is well worth an investment of time to watch and be uplifted.

From all of us at Cross Rhythms, we wish you a peaceful, fun filled season of love, laughter, good food and drink and massive generosity of love and kindness to each other.

If you have tears of sadness may they be mixed with tears of joy - Jesus is the reason for the season and as you dig deep into the truth of his birth you may also experience a touch of His Love.

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

Children’s Commissioner for England visits Trevi Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, recently visited Plymouth-based Trevi – the Southwest leading children’s and women’s charity.

The visit provided a vital opportunity for Trevi to show the difference its trauma-informed child centric services make to children’s and women’s lives.

During the visit, Dame Rachel was given a tour of two of Trevi’s three facilities – Jasmine Mother’s Recovery and the Sunflower Women’s Centre.

Jasmine Mother’s Recovery is a residential rehabilitation facility exclusively for mothers and their children. Since it opened in 1993, it has saved hundreds of women’s and children’s lives.

Up to 12 women and their children can reside at the centre at any given time, with the average length of stay being 24 weeks. Each mother is supported to successfully detox and to go forward to be the best mother she can be.

Results show that the trauma informed therapeutic programme enables almost 8 out of 10 children to stay with their mother.

Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre operates five days a week in the community, providing support for any woman in recovery. This includes recovery from substance misuse, domestic abuse, sexual violence, childhood trauma, mental ill health and criminogenic behaviours.

Dame Rachel’s tour began in the recovery lodge at Jasmine, where the women’s therapeutic group work takes place daily. She was joined by two current residents who told her just how hard it was to obtain funding to be able to access Jasmine.

One resident explained how she had self-funded her rehabilitation for 12 weeks and now how her parents have funded an extra four weeks. She said she simply didn’t know what she would have done if she had not obtained a place.

Barbican Theatre’s popular puppet parade Photo: John Allen

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza (fourth from left) pictured during her fact-finding visit to Trevi

Dame Rachel was then able to visit Trevi’s Ofsted registered nursery where a baby sensory group was taking place. The nursery has recently been refurbished with a new sensory room.

The room was full of mothers laughing and singing with their children.

Nursery manager, Carol Cornall, explained how some of the women arrive having had little parenting themselves: “They have no blueprint to follow and so a lot of the work our specialist attachment practitioners carry out is focused on modelling good parenting, giving mothers the confidence to then go forward and be the best she can be.”

The visit ended with a tour around the three floor Sunflower Centre, encompassing the 1,400 square feet health and wellbeing suite, trauma informed creche and contact centre.

Dame Rachel met another Trevi beneficiary during her tour called Sam, an ex-resident of Jasmine Mother’s Recovery who is now, since exiting Jasmine’s residential rehab, accessing support from the Sunflower Women’s Centre.

Sam explained: “Jasmine changed my life. I now have my son with me, and I am

being supported through the Sunflower Women’s Centre to continue to move forward in life. Both the women who left Jasmine at the same time as me, went back to their homes, but they are finding it difficult in their hometowns as they are not getting any support like I receive in Plymouth.”

Trevi chief executive Hannah Shead, said: “Being a mum is hard enough, but imagine having to go through the courts to fight to keep your child, then entering detox and recovery all whilst you feel your child might be taken. The women I meet through our services have to have real tenacity and courage. I take my hat off to any of them. It was a real privilege to meet Dame Rachel de Souza and to showcase our innovative services to her.”

Dame Rachel said: “I was really pleased to visit Trevi last week. I was touched by the determination of the mothers I met to address their own challenges for the sake of their children, and by the compassion and determination of the women working to help them. It was great to see firsthand the benefit of a range of women’s services supporting mums in very challenging circumstances.”

Search for new leaders to help Plymouth realise its cultural potential

A new generation of leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds is being sought to head up three of Plymouth’s most prominent cultural organisations.

KARST, Barbican Theatre and Plymouth Culture are all recruiting new board members to guide their strategy and provide new perspectives on how they work with their audiences.

All three are seeking ambitious people who share the vision for Plymouth to be an international city driven by arts, culture and innovation.

The trio of organisations value people, passion, collaborations and creating opportunities to make extraordinary things happen in Plymouth.

Applications from all are welcome, but of particular interest are applications from a young voice, a community voice and an ethnically diverse voice - to broaden the diversity of those represented.

The goal of the process is to have a set of board members across three organisations driving

change who truly represent Plymouth’s communities.

KARST is the largest independent contemporary arts gallery and studio complex on the South West peninsula. We create conditions in which diversity, innovation and risk can thrive. Barbican Theatre creates stunning live entertainment not confined to the stage that builds Plymouth’s own creative voice, and gives it a platform. Plymouth Culture is the city’s sector support agency helping realise its cultural ambitions by fuelling collaboration, securing crucial funding and creating creative opportunities.

Hannah Harris, chief executive of Plymouth Culture said: “We are now at a pivotal moment in our history when we can truly use culture and creativity to spark real change in our communities. To achieve this, we need passionate, creative and diverse leadership at the head of the organisations driving that change.”

For more information visit plymouthculture.co.uk/trustees barbicantheatre.co.uk/jobsopportunities/#Trustees and karst.org.uk

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

ARCHITECTURE J & M ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN House & Building plans Extensions • Conversions • Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Fast & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk • www.jmdesign.org.uk

STEVE ELECTRICAL Fully qualified and insured electrician • Free estimates/no call-out fees • all electrical work considered • Over 25 years experience • Friendly, local, family run business • NICEIC cert • Rewires • Certification for minor or major work Very competitive prices/ high quality work.

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30 December 2021

Further steps being taken to help Afghan refugees come to Plymouth

30 Deceember 2021

• Book Reviews • Book Reviews • Book Reviews • Book Reviews •

Historian’s new book reveals why the Mayflower Pilgrims set sail Philip Quenby loves to tell stories of fascinating characters from history, showing how their lives many years ago still speak to us in the modern age.

His latest book, One Small Candle, published as an excellent gift for Christmas 2022, focuses on the Mayflower Pilgrims, their extraordinary lives and their voyage from Plymouth to Massachusetts.

Former lawyer Quenby is best-known for his five-part documentary Magna Carta Unlocked in which he examines how and why modern civil liberties grew on the back of a failed peace treaty. The ideas behind the Magna Carta have influenced the world for 800 years; in this new book, Philip focuses on how it led to ordinary English families leaving their homes and their livelihoods 400 years ago to sail to the New World and build a colony, with a new form of government based on equality, liberty and justice.

Many of their experiences would be familiar to us today – climate change,

Plymouth is going even further to help refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

Having previously signed up to a Home Office scheme to relocate locally employed staff who worked for British forces, Plymouth City Council is now committing to helping a further 60 people within the next year. This will include vulnerable Afghan citizens, such as women and children.

Refugees will be aided with housing and integration through bespoke support to assist in adjusting to their new life in the UK, including finding employment, attending schools and community activities as quickly as possible.

The council and refugee support providers will support those arriving to settle permanently in Plymouth and continue to build their lives and future.

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, said: “I am delighted to back this scheme.

“Many of these people will have fled their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their backs to be able to provide a home for them here, in our wonderful city, makes me very proud indeed.”

Since announcing our intention to aid Afghan refugees, we’ve had loads of enquiries from residents who are keen to help us welcome Afghan refugees to Plymouth.

Here are ways how people can get involved: Accommodation Accommodation offers in Plymouth are being directed to PATH. The council is grateful for people who have advised them that they have a spare room or two but the council is only looking for landlords who can let entire properties to families. Any landlords who can help should please email easylet@pathdevon. org The number of families which can relocate to Plymouth will depend on the number of suitable and affordable accommodation offers received.

Donations A city-wide collection for people wishing to donate to Afghan individuals or families in Plymouth has already been established. Any funds raised will be used by support providers for specific individual needs such as furniture, bus passes, laptops.

The fund is being hosted by Open Hearts, Open Borders. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/ afghanresettlementsupport For residents who wish to donate to support people still in Afghanistan the British Red Cross has a national appeal.

Offer of Goods If residents have items they wish to donate, please contact your local British Red Cross charity shop to see if they are happy to take donations. Service providers can then support Afghan families to access those shops.

@PlymChronicle

technological innovation and economic migration. But it was ultimately a question of freedom of conscience that led them to set sail.

Thanks to the efforts of Bible translator William Tyndale, the Bible was now available to the general public in the vernacular, but readers who challenged King James’ autocratic view of Church and State soon found themselves opposed by those in authority.

“Sometimes we need the help of the past to illuminate the present,” Philip suggests.

“At a time of confusion about our values and freedoms – where they come from, whether they are worthwhile, even what they are – there could scarcely be a better time to go back and reflect on original sources. This is the story of the Pilgrims, but it is also our story.”

One Small Candle is published by Onwards and Upwards and is on sale at Waterstones and Amazon (ISBN 9781788157490/RRP £7.99).

Plymouth author Chris Robinson releases two new titles – just in time for Christmas!

Several years ago Chris Robinson was asked why he had never written a book about the story of the motor car in Plymouth.

When Chris eventually started putting material together for the project it quickly became apparent that there was far too much for just one book.

And so it is that this month sees the publication of Plymouth and the Age of the Petrol-Driven Motor Car 1896-1939.

As ever with one of Chris Robinson’s books it’s lavishly illustrated and contains over 350 images, the vast majority of which have never been published in book form, so it’s a fascinating insight to a period of Plymouth’s history that hasn’t been under the spotlight before.

All the more remarkable, suggests Chris, as the motor car has changed the way we live, shop and socialise.

It’s changed our roads, our work patterns and our environment, and yet its impact has pretty much been ignored by previous

April 1924, a London registered Renault KJ passes through the newly freed toll gate on the Embankment

Francis Pearse in his 1901 Benz, pictured in 1931 on the way to Friary Station

historians and accounts of the area.

So why not treat yourself this Christmas and curl up with a copy so that you can better understand man’s relationship with his four-wheeled friend.

Learn more about the people who pioneered cars locally and who kept them on the road and discover fascinating facts like: where our first traffic lights were erected; which was our first one way street and where

our first car park was created.

Incidentally, Chris, who was awarded the MBE this summer, also worked with his father, Des, the former Argyle announcer, who died in August, to produce Des’s life story Semper Fidelis – The Story of a Plymouth Boy, which has also just been published.

For more information or to order copies of either book visit chrisrobinson.co.uk or call 01752 705337.

A NEW GUIDE TO PLYMOUTH New children’s book raises money Historic Plymouth - a Short Guide to its People, Places and Events

In this book Stephen Trahair takes us on a guided tour of the city, around the City Centre, The Hoe, the Barbican, Stonehouse, Stoke, Devonport, Plympton and Plymstock, and captures with his camera some of the more interesting and lesser-known treasures that are all too often hidden in plain sight.

The result is a fascinating overview that will entertain, inform and amuse visitors and locals alike. The pocket-size book is published by Clare Robinson of Pen & Ink and contains 120 places in Plymouth of particular interest, or which are associated with intriguing characters.

Each two-page spread covers a different place, with a full page photograph and a page of text.

One reviewer said: “The book has me totally hooked. I am devouring it from cover to cover. The author has concentrated on less well-known aspects of the history and landmarks of Plymouth and where he does touch on familiar locations, he manages to find anecdotes to amuse and intrigue.

A tiny Jewish cemetery, overgrown and forgotten for more than a century: a pub where long-dead harlots sit under the dart-board enticing their ghostly clients.”

Felicity Goodall, writer, broadcaster and author of Lost Plymouth, added: “A wonderful contribution, written with love and appreciation of the city’s architecture. A hymn to Plymouth and its history, this book will make you see parts of Plymouth with new eyes.”

The book retails for £10 and is available from Waterstones, the Tourist Office, and from www.chrisrobinson.co.uk, or call Pen & Ink on 01752 705337.

for Hospital Radio Plymouth

A local author has published a children’s book, a portion of the profits of which will go to Hospital Radio Plymouth.

The King Who Didn’t Like Snow, written by Plymouth-based author Jocelyn Porter and Illustrated by legendary comic book artist Michael S Kane, is a magical story set in the mysterious land of Cornovia.

It features King Mark, Wizard Bert and his sidekick Broderick the bookworm. Fussy King Mark hates snow, so when it starts to snow in Windy Hill Village, Wizard Bert is tasked with finding a solution. Can he resolve things without upsetting the village’s snow-loving children?

Aimed at children aged from three to eight years, the book is published by Full Media Ltd, an award-winning children’s publisher who support numerous children’s charities. The company has pledged to donate 10% of profits from The King Who Didn’t Like Snow to Hospital Radio Plymouth. “Run by volunteers, Hospital Radio does a wonderful job of entertaining patients during their stay in hospital,” said Nick Jones, MD of Full Media. “We are keen to give something back to them with this book.”

More stories written by Jocelyn Porter can be heard on Hospital Radio Plymouth, at 6 pm on Monday evenings. Sue Crowhurst reads them in a section of her show called ‘Storybook’. The stories are accompanied by music specially chosen by Sue for the young patients in Woodcock Ward. Full Media also supply stories for Sue to read.

The King Who Didn’t Like Snow costs £6.99 and can be ordered from the publisher’s website, full-media.co.uk. Also available from Amazon and local bookshops.

December 2021

@PlymChronicle

Former veteran Dougie has a day to remember at Jolly Jacks

31

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Royal Marines veteran Donald ‘Dougie’ Ligertwood attended the Remembrance Sunday Parade on The Hoe and marked the day enjoying 1940s music by The Hummingbirds at Jolly Jacks in Mayflower Marina.

Dougie, who is 85, lives in Honicknowle and is the last man standing of his regiment.

Photo Credit: Paul Gibbins Photography

Public views are sought on restoration of Civic Square

Plymouth City Council is finalising its plans to restore and upgrade the Civic Square and want to know what residents think.

It is hoped that work on the square will start early next year to restore its most important heritage features, while at the same time reimagining it for the 21st Century. The project is part of Plymouth’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, a partnership between Historic England and Plymouth City Council.

Improvements being considered include: • New tree planting and works to existing trees • Soft landscaping to create an attractive green public space • Repairing mid-century design features including the Hoopla (circular) seating, pool copings and planter seating and restoration of the banded natural stone terrace • Repairing the pond to improve water quality, filtration and biodiversity • Returning the flagpoles to the square on the original axis • New modern seating and street furniture considered to reduce clutter On-street parking spaces at the front of the courts will go to expand the square with new spaces created on Princess Street and more spaces at the Guildhall car park.

The project builds on the views of the public when the council presented ideas as part of the Better Places Plymouth scheme in 2018. Civic Square is a grade II Registered Park and Garden and important to the city’s heritage. It is part of the civic layout of Plymouth planned in 1956 based on Patrick Abercrombie and J Paton Watson’s post-war plan for Plymouth of 1943.Some of the proposed changes are designed to improve movement in and around this key public area for both cyclists and pedestrians.

It will address issues such as narrow pavements and pinch points which hinder movement through the square. Raised edges, kerbs, bollards and parking areas also create obstacles in this key public space limiting access for some people.

The Civic Square is on a key axis for both cyclists and walkers going to and from the waterfront to the station and the east-west connection between the Guildhall and Civic Centre is hindered by parked cars and street furniture.

Expanding the footprint of the square will

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Artist’s impression of the Civic Square from Royal Parade

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create much more generous shared routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

More cycle stands and lockers are on the cards and there are also plans for a mobility hub, which will provide electric vehicle charge points, e-bikes, car clubs, and information on local transport for businesses, the public and visitors.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “This is one of Plymouth’s key civic spaces and it is fair to say some of its original impressiveness has faded over the last half century.

“This scheme is designed to bring that back and to create a sense of pride in a key location in our city. It’s also taking into account measures we need to think about to make walking and cycling more attractive as well as improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and congestion. It’s a careful balance and we would be interested to hear what the public think.”

These improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund along with Historic England Heritage Action Zone funding. Simon Hickman, principal inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas, Historic England South West added: “Plymouth Civic Square was designed to draw parts of the city together following the devastation of the Plymouth Blitz, linking the

Hoe with the City Centre and the West End. “These days it’s looking tired, but we’re hoping to see its original features restored and that once again it’ll be a place for the city to meet, work, and play. Historic England are proud to be supporting the project through its Plymouth High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.”

Thanks to the Transforming Cities Fund, (www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ transportplansandprojects/transportplans/ transformingcitiesfund) a number of projects are in the pipeline to make cycling, walking and public transport in Plymouth a more attractive travel option.

Two consultations are currently underway about two new cycle routes from St Budeaux to the City Centre and the council is keen from the public, and in particular cyclists or those considering cycling, to get involved.

For more information and details go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/ viewsonwalkingandcyclingupgradebetween stbudeauxdockyardandcitycentre) Projects also in the pipeline include cycle routes from the dockyard to city centre, Mayflower Street bus stops and Royal Parade improvements, mobility hubs, major improvements to St Budeaux Interchange.

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32 December 2021

32 Deceember 2021

@PlymChronicle

Work starts to bring fresh Advertise to over look to New George Street 24,000 Work has started to refresh and revive Old Town Street and New George Street as part of a multi-million pound investment

by Plymouth City Council into a key part of the city centre.

The dated eighties landscaping is going and in its place will be features designed to make it look a lot brighter and nicer. They include • Better links between Drake Circus and The Barcode • Islands of greenery • New play area with stepping-stones through the gardens, bringing a touch of the moors into the city centre • Places to sit and rest • A small performance area • New tree planting carefully arranged to allow clear sightlines to shopfronts • Ornamental ‘rain garden’ planting with more sustainable urban drainage The taxi rank at the top of town has already been relocated to a new area directly outside the entrance of Drake Circus on Eastlake Street. Another rank has also been created at St Andrew’s Cross.

Phase one will begin to lower New George Street, from Armada Way to the House of Fraser service yard this month then phase 2 Upper New George Street and Old Town Street to St Andrews Cross will get underway in January 2022.

The council has appointed Mildren Construction to carry out the work and fencing and hoarding is being put up around a site between the Sundial and the end of the House of Fraser building, enabling contractors to get cracking on with

Artist’s impression of the improvements to New George Street

preliminary works which entails digging down into the main sewage system.

After talking to shop owners and traders, the bulk of the scheme will not get underway until after the crucial Christmas shopping period.

The project team have drawn up a timetable of work which aims to minimise the impact of the work as far as possible. Existing service yards will be accessible in the run up to Christmas for deliveries Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We wanted to avoid the Christmas rush as much as possible, so have listened to our traders.

Artist’s impression of the improvements to New George Street

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

No one wants interruption but we hope this scheme will make this important part of our retail heart a lot brighter and more attractive.

“It will not only look better, but it will be greener – not just with more trees. The scheme includes a sustainable drainage system which means rainwater will not just end up in the sewers but will be diverted to water plants. It’s another measure to help tackle climate change.”

City Centre manager Steve Hughes said: “It’s great to see so much investment in our city centre. This area was looking tired and needed to change. I am pleased that the project team have been listening to the businesses and I’m sure they will continue to do this throughout the course of the work.”

The work has been funded through the Transforming Cities Fund to the tune of £6,529,468.50 as the scheme also has wide clear routes, better visibility and improved signage for cyclists. The Heart of the South West LEP also contributed £700,000.

Karl Tucker, chair of Heart of the SW LEP, said: “Investing in our local high streets and town and city centres is vital to ensure they remain attractive and accessible for residents, businesses and visitors.

“The work being undertaken by the council around Old Town Street and New George Street will not only significantly enhance the experience for anyone visiting, but it will also introduce measures that improve the local area’s sustainability.

“We are delighted to have been able to support this work with £700k funding from the Heart of the SW LEP’s Growth Deal.”

Completion of the entire project is anticipated in late 2022.

JOB VACANCIES Find us on Facebook @PlymChronicle

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December 2021

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