Plymouth Chronicle Waterside & West February 2022

Chronicle Plymouth

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February 2022

Waterside & West

Celebrating St Luke’s - See special feature on pages 12 and 13

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2 February 2022

2 February 2022

We must all take extra care as Omicron is spreading rapidly COVID-19 rates in Plymouth remain very high after reaching their highest ever levels in January due to the Omicron variant.

In early January we saw our weekly rate of cases reach a peak of more than 1,600 per 100,000. They have reduced but currently remain at over 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.

We must remember that this rate is still incredibly high and is above our last peak in midJuly.

The Government has now lifted the ‘Plan B’ restrictions, which included the mandatory wearing of face coverings in public venues and the requirement to show an NHS Pass for entry to nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather.

Even though these measures are no longer mandatory, the Government is advising that we continue to wear a face covering in crowded and

enclosed spaces where we may come into contact with people we do not normally meet.

This is important as we need to do all we can to reduce our rates in Plymouth. We cannot just assume that will happen.

High cases matter because although some people might experience this as a fairly mild disease, many people won’t.

There are currently very high numbers of patients in Derriford with COVID-19 and, although some of them are in hospital for other reasons and happen to have the virus, most are there because their COVID-19 symptoms are so bad.

And of course there are many other people who have not been admitted but still had a nasty illness. There is strong evidence that COVID-19 can cause an illness that lasts for many months, in some people.

This is a highly infectious disease and many

people are having to take time not just off work but also out of their usual life by self-isolating, even if they have milder symptoms.

Although the recent policy change means that some people can leave self-isolation early, many are finding that they are still infectious (LFT positive) and are having to remain self-isolated for 10 days. The high case rates are leading to staff shortages in many key areas, not least in health and social care.

In addition, high numbers of cases mean the virus is replicating many times and this increases the risks of new variants appearing.

Vaccination helps to reduce spread but most importantly has reduced the proportion of people who are now dying from COVID-19, which is excellent news; but numbers are still very high.

So, even though the mandatory restrictions

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have ended, we still need to be doing what we can to reduce the impact of this highly infectious disease.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

NEW RULES ON WHEN TO TAKE A PCR TEST

The Government has made temporary changes to the COVID-19 testing requirements in England in response to the rise in Omicron cases.

These affect when you should take one of the two different types of test that are available to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19): • PCR tests are mainly for people with symptoms. They’re sent to a lab to be checked • Rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests are for people who do not have symptoms. They give a quick result.

If you have a positive LFD test result you must report your results on the Government website and self-isolate immediately. You no longer have to take a confirmatory PCR test unless: • you have COVID-19 symptoms • you wish to claim the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment • you have received an email or letter from the NHS because of a health condition that means you may be suitable for new COVID-19 treatments. (If this applies to you and you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should use the PCR test kit that was sent to you in the post for this purpose; if you have not received a PCR test kit you can arrange to have a PCR test) • you are taking LFD tests as part of a research or surveillance programme and the programme asks you to take a follow-up PCR test.

Changes to self-isolation rules

The rules around isolation have changed.

If you test positive, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. However, those who test positive can now stop self-isolating after seven days if they do a rapid lateral flow test on days six and seven of the self-isolation period and: • both tests are negative • both tests have been conducted at least 24 hours apart

• they do not have a high temperature If you stop self-isolating on or after day seven, it’s important that you take steps to reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 to others.

This means you should work from home if you can, wear a face covering when required and limit contact with people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

If, after 10 days, you continue to test positive, have a high temperature or feel unwell, keep selfisolating and seek medical advice.

Where to get your vaccine jab If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van.

You don’t need an appointment or NHS number.

The mobile van, which is only offering the Pfizer vaccine for first and second jabs, will be visiting the following locations: • Monday 31 January: Mutley Baptist Church (11am to 5pm) • Tuesday 1 February: Efford Library (9am to 4pm) • Wednesday 2 February: Southway Library (9am to 4pm) • Thursday 3 February: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) • Friday 4 February: St Budeaux Library (midday to 7pm)

• Saturday 5 February: Honicknowle Youth Centre (11am to 5.30pm) • Sunday 6 February: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm) • Monday 7 February: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups.

Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/get-tested.

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

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

NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on January 27.

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.

Stoke Village Hub Weekly events Mondays from 10am to 12 noon Age UK drop in. Meet the Age UK volunteer who can offer support and a wide range of services and activities for older people. Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon Money Matters. Are you behind with your energy bills or struggling to keep your home warm. Chat the a qualified energy advisor.

Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm Compassionate Friends. For those who have been bereaved or anticipating a bereavement. Chance to have a cuppa and chat in a safe environment.

Wednesdays 7.30pm to 9pm Squat Theatre - go along to this friendly drama group. Thursdays from 11am Crafters and Grafters. Go along and help with gardening or bring your craft to share with others.

Weekly Events at Devonport Live All these events held at Devonport Live, 56 George Street, Devonport. For details call 01752 657843.

Mondays Backgammon 10am to 12 noon; Scrabble Group 1.30 to 3.30pm; Tuesdays Timebank 10am to 12 noon; Wednesdays Job Club 9am to 12 noon. Wide range of support and available or those who are looking for work or need advice on training opportunities or help on creating CV etc; 10am to 12 noon Little Fish parent and toddler playgroup (booking required); 1pm Film Afternoon £3.50 (includes coffee or tea with slice of cake; Thursdays Craft Group £1 per person; Fridays Reiki Healing or Sports Massage (by appointment, charges apply).

Martin Kemp Feb 4 Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp heads to Plymouth Guildhall for a Back to the 80s DJ set.

For tickets and details visit www.gigantic.com/ martin-kemp-tickets/plymouth-plymouthguildhall/2022-02-04-20-00 Jumble Sale Feb 5 Popular Jumble Sale to be held at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle, 11am to 1pm. Go along to bag a bargain, enjoy the refreshments and have a chatter.

Comedy Night Feb 7 Local promoters ‘A Press of Suspects’ bring four top professional acts to the Student Union at Plymouth University. Artists include local boy Willtordian Ballerina Edwardian who will round off the show with his unique brand of humour. Also appearing at Charlie Bowers, Eva Bindeman and Christian Russell-Pollock, who runs Plymouth Comedy Walking Tours. Tickets are just £3 and the fun starts at 8pm. For more details email apressofsuspects@gmail.com I Wonder, January Feb 8 and March 8 Free wellbeing sessions: find calm at The Box. Always Welcome wellbeing sessions are aimed at members of local community groups, carers, people living with memory loss, and over 40s wishing to improve their mental wellbeing and to meet other people. You’ll be guided by professional artist, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and group sound therapist, Carly Seller. As one of the artist facilitators at The

Community groups, friends and families are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum anniversary by taking part in the Big Jubilee Lunch. See details below.

Box, Carly has extensive experience working with individuals, communities and creative organisations in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Free, but booking essential. Go to www. theboxplymouth.com/events/wellbeing/alwayswelcome-wellbeing-sessions.

Winter Warmers - Oaksfest Comedy Night Feb 11 Hosted by Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club featuring three brilliant acts and freshly cooked Thai food from the B-Bar kitchen. Tickets £10.

Details on club’s Facebook page.

Valentine’s Table Top Sale Feb 12

Sell your unwanted items and make some money at the sale being held at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Southway from 1pm to 3pm.

Tables can be pre-booked for £5, with proceeds going to the church fund. For details contact Veronica on 07855 256383. Free entry.

We Are Warriors Feb 12 Huge charity music gig at The Junction on Mutley Plain, where local musicians will get together and play to raise awareness of mental health issues and support the Marbles Lost and Found initiative. Big line up of music from several local bands with all proceeds going to supporting the Marbles support group. From 4pm to 11pm.

Brawl in the Guildhall Feb 26 Plymouth’s own REACH Wrestling will present the biggest professional wrestling event in the South West in more than a decade. As well as featuring wrestlers who have trained at the REACH Academy the event will also feature former WWE NXT UK stars, Eddie Ryan and Joel Redman. Special guests on the night include former British Olympic diver Tonia Couch and Marc Ormrod MBE, former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete, author and motivational speaker, who will will present the winners of the championship matches with their championship belts. For tickets and details visit www. reachwrestling.com/events/ Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents Mar 12 Comedian, author and political commentator brings his brand new tour to the Quad Theatre at Marjons. Geoff now has a string of top-level credits to his name including The Last Leg, Would I Lie to You?, Mock the Week and Live at The Apollo. Details at www.livenation.co.uk

Apprenticeship and Graduate Jobs Fair 2022 Mar 12

Held jointly by Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group, the event at Home Park is open to all with free entry. The fair is a great opportunity to find out more about the career opportunities available in construction, the built environment, manufacturing and engineering with direct access to key local employers, large and small.

Open from 10am to 2pm.

The 4 Sea Sons Mar 18 Live music is back at the Boringdon Park Golf Club. The 4 Sea Sons are the ultimate tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. They combine the iconic harmonies and unrivalled showmanship of one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s most prestigious groups, ensuring their legacy continues to live on. Tickets include three course dinner and welcome drink. Adults only and pre-booking required. For details and tickets call 01752 339113. Doors open 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. Art Exhibition Apr 1 to 4 An art exhibition and sale of works by Plymouth Arts Club and Plymouth Watercolour Society will be held at Ford Park Cemetery Visitors Centre between10.30am to 3.30pm each day. Cafe available and free parking.

The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over th e first weekend in June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. There are more reasons than ever to celebrate together and this year millions of people are expected to join The Big Jubilee Lunch with street parties and garden get-togethers happening across the UK over the Platinum Jubilee weekend. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year!

Get set for neighbourhood and community-wide celebrations that anyone and everyone can be part of, with over 200k events expected right across the UK, and locally where you live. For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‘s

West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singer-songwriters.

With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Featuring dozens of his greatest hits and perhaps even some that only the diehard fans will know and love, this is a show no follower of Neil should miss. Tickets available now through the Home Park Tickets Office or by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk Paloma Faith Jul 9 Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour, performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date in Plymouth on Saturday July 9 at Central Park.

For tickets and more information go to www. premier.ticketek.co.uk/ Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle.

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

4 February 2022

4 February 2022

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Key development milestone reached in revolutionary health centre plan

A new multi-million pound, multi-storey, multi-disciplinary health centre, which could revolutionise health treatment in Plymouth, has moved a step closer with the planning application ion for the scheme now formally submitted.

The West End Health and Wellbeing Centre aims to bring ‘health to the High Street’ by combining services ranging from doctors and dentists to counsellors and pharmacists all in one single building.

The bright, modern, eco-friendly health centre would be located in Colin Campbell Court in the west end of the city and it is hoped it will help kick-start the regeneration of the area with thousands of people visiting it a day. The building will have two main entrances: one along Western Approach and one opposite Colin Campbell House, the art deco building at the centre of Colin Campbell Court.

Plymouth City Council and the NHS are working together on the project and have been involving local people in the development of the plans which have now been submitted

Artist’s impression of the new health centre. Image KTA Artichects

The application could be determined as soon as Easter 2022 and, if approval were given, the ‘best-case’ timeline for the project involves an 18-month construction phase starting in the autumn, ahead of planned opening in 2024.

This area of Plymouth has the greatest health needs and lowest life expectancy in the city.

Multi-disciplinary teams involve specialists from different areas of health and social care - for example GPs, dentists, nurses, mental health professionals and the voluntary sector - working together to provide care to people that

City thanks Mayflower 400 boss The board of Destination Plymouth, chaired by Adrian Vinken, has expressed their thanks and appreciation to outgoing chief executive Charles Hackett as he steps down from his role.

Charles joined Mayflower 400 and Destination Plymouth in late 2016 and over the past five years has worked tirelessly to lead the organisation, bringing together a strong partnership to deliver the Mayflower 400 programme, and creating a lasting legacy of partnership working within the city.

Mr Hackett will be stepping down from his role in March following the finalisation of the five year transformative programme for Plymouth.

Despite being impacted by the pandemic, under Charles’ leadership the Mayflower 400 programme engaged with over 1.3 million people, both in-person and digitally.

It helped to bring more than 5.3 million visitors to Plymouth before the pandemic’s impact was felt, and led to media coverage worth over £280 million.

Adrian Vinken, chair of Destination Plymouth and the Mayflower 400 Partnership said: “Charles has not only developed the programme and led its successful delivery, but has also developed lasting partnerships across Plymouth and the other Mayflower 400 destinations, which remain as a positive legacy to his commitment and passion.

“As the Mayflower 400 programme comes to a close we are sorry to be saying farewell to Charles and wish him the very best of luck in his next venture which, I have no doubt, will be a success.”

Other highlights of the Mayflower 400 programme in Plymouth include: • 400 local people signed up to

Charles Hackett

volunteer as Mayflower Makers, and contributed around 7,000 hours of their time to support the commemorative activities and events • The Box opening to significant acclaim, with 75 per cent of reviews rating it as good or excellent • Almost 40,000 tickets sold for the Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy exhibition at The Box • 50,000 visitors attended Illuminate in 2019, with over 400,000 reached online • 48,000 people in Plymouth were engaged in grassroots activity throughout the city thanks to 50 organisations commissioned through Mayflower 400 Community Sparks • 8,700 residents participated in the Mayflower sports programme during 2020/21 • The Hatchling, by Trigger Productions, attracted around 25,500 visitors and created media coverage worth £10million • Every state primary and secondary school in Plymouth signed up to at least one Mayflower 400 activity Charles Hackett said: “Plymouth, and its partners across the UK, US and Netherlands, achieved great things through the Mayflower 400 programme, of which many people can be proud. I am so grateful to everyone who partnered, supported and got involved, and I’m grateful to have played my part in leading a programme that has inspired challenged and engaged so many people.”

supports all their needs. By bringing different teams into a single setting, it opens up great new prospects for joined-up, seamless care.

From the outset the project and design team have been working in close collaboration with local residents, doctors, dentists, patients, politicians, community groups and businesses to encourage people to feel part of the project, to help shape it and to strengthen the local community.

Current plans, which are all subject to planning consent, show: • A three-storey building with a total floor area of about 5,800m2 • A ground floor devoted to nonclinical community spaces designed to be light, airy and welcoming • A central hub in the building incorporating waiting area, café, seating, community kitchen/dining and other group activity functions • A central courtyard to bring light and natural ventilation to the heart of the building • Clinical spaces on the upper floors • ‘Biophilic’ architecture – which uses natural and nature-inspired features to help connect the building and the people who use it to the natural environment – with lots of landscaped spaces • Nearby accessible parking In the summer and autumn of last year engagement programmes were held in the Stonehouse area to ask people about their views on the proposals. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and at this stage the current thinking on potential services - subject to further approval - for the building are: • Outpatient services provided by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, which runs Derriford Hospital.

• Relocation of existing general practice (GP) services - North Road West Medical Centre, Adelaide Surgery and Armada Surgery although the practices are not considering merging as part of this process.

• Mental health services • Community health services • Dentistry and oral health improvement • Voluntary, community and social enterprise sector services • Diagnostic services, including X-ray This should mean that more people could be treated locally rather than having to go to Derriford Hospital and also gives patients an opportunity to have their illnesses treated early so that they don’t become more serious.

Jo Turl, Director of out-of-hospital commissioning at Devon CCG, said:

“This is an important milestone in the progress of this complex project and we are delighted to have been able to get to this position so quickly. From the outset we have worked really closely with local people to make sure that their ideas and their feedback are incorporated in everything that we do inside the centre and we are proud of the plans submitted today. We look forward to hearing what the planners and the community think of our application.”

The ground floor of the building would include a community kitchen, a dining area, cafe, mental health area, bookable interview and voluntary sector rooms, small meeting ‘pods’ and a pharmacy.

Clinical and primary care rooms are expected to be found on the upper floors with GP’s surgeries, offices, dental provision and shared administrative space.

Three local GP practices (North Road West Medical Centre, Adelaide Surgery and Armada Surgery) would all like to relocate there.

Dr Richard Ayres, GP at Adelaide Surgery and Clinical Lead for the project, added: “This is not only a fantastic building, but a new way of providing healthcare. It will be placed at the very entrance to Union Street, at the border of Stonehouse with the city and easily accessible by all. It would replace three GP practice buildings, all currently in old and completely inadequate sites, and all part of the group that have come together to try to tackle the extremely difficult problems we see in this area.

“The new centre will not only provide a ‘one stop shop’ where lots of currently separate providers of care – from general practice, hospital, social services and third sector organisations are all working together – but it will reach out to and be fed into by the surrounding community.”

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader, who is also responsible for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “It’s been quite a journey to get to this stage, to hear what people want and think about the plans to have these services all under one roof and in a convenient location.

“There is still time for people to have their say as part of the planning process, but that will need to be very much about the look of the building itself.”

Ajay Sharma, director of KTA Architects, part of the project team, said: “The new building would be a catalyst for the future regeneration of Colin Campbell Court and connecting the wider area. The building is unique in style and nature, welcoming in the community with a natural green living wall design promoting wellbeing.”

The planning process gives the public a further chance to comment on the proposals. People have three weeks of consultation from when planners validate the application to submit their thoughts and comments either online or in writing.

Visit https://devonccg.nhs. uk/plymouth-centre for more information.

Plymouth firm to take on over 70 more staff A Plymouth business success story has brought some early New Year cheer by announcing it has over 70 jobs to offer in Plymouth.

Later life mortgage specialist Responsible Group will have doubled its headcount in the city inside two years by the time it completes its latest hiring spree.

The business consists of the later life mortgage broker Responsible Life and lifetime mortgage lender Responsible Lending. The firm was founded by local entrepreneur Steve Wilkie in 2010 and has become one of the most prominent brokers in the industry, operating from its HQ in Royal William Yard.

The company has a wide range of roles to fill from starter positions as administrators and customer services agents to business intelligence analysts, originations agents, data nalysts and systems analysts, as well as openings in the firm’s marketing department.

The company has a training programme led by the Responsible Academy which encourages career progression across the business. Candidates will be supported in getting their professional qualifications as regulated financial advisers where appropriate.

Steve Wilkie, executive chairman of Responsible Group, said: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved in Plymouth.

We will number over 200 in the city we call home by the time we’ve filled all these positions.

“It’s really important to me that we’re not just offering people a job. Fantastic career progression awaits those who join us and we are committed to supporting staff in getting their professional adviser qualifications and encouraging them to move around the business. Many of our new joiners will undoubtedly go on to have long careers in financial services.”

Interested candidates can email vacancies@responsible.co.uk for a full list of available roles and an application pack.

Witness appeal after woman is injured in robbery bid

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery in a Plymouth street.

The woman, in her 50s, was walking on Monica Walk in Greenbank when she was approached by a man who tried to steal her handbag.

She suffered a head injury after falling to the ground during the struggle for the bag.

The man then ran from the scene emptyhanded.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident just before 6.30pm on Friday January 14.

They are also seeking the suspect who is described as white, aged 18-25, and around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark-coloured top with the hood up and a face mask.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101@dc.police.uk or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/003954/22.

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Improving Lives Plymouth A Charity supporting people since 1907

Shekinah plan for ambitious development

Plymouth homeless charity Shekinah has announced plans to move from its current base in Millbay to the empty Stonehouse Community Centre in Frederick Street.

The charity, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022, wants to cover the building into a new type of community centre designed to provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of services for those who need it.

The new venture will offer services including skills training, education, employment services and housing advice. It will also provide advice on health promotion and medical support, including an outreach GP service and practice nurse.

Mental health support and counselling will also be included as well as a learning exchange.

The aim is to have all the services in a safe space and to encourage local people to be part of a project that changes lives.

Chief executive John Hamblin said: “While we specialise in helping those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in temporary accommodation, the centre will not provide residential accommodation.

“We want to provide access to services which historically have been difficult for some people to get. Many, many factors can lead to homelessness. We look at what the issues are and work with people to address them.

“We think this centre is in a great location – it’s near Devonport and Stonehouse, but not in the city centre. It has some space around it, which gives people more confidence to use it.

“We also keen to see people nearby sharing their skills and experiences and are hoping to set up a learning exchange – a friendly safe space where people could learn skills from each other.

“We know that giving people four walls and a TV is just not enough. People want a sense of purpose and access to activities and opportunities can be one of the things that provide this.”

This move will not only help the charity address problems faced by many individuals and families across the city, it also means moving from Bath Street will enable the regeneration work around Millbay Boulevard to continue.

Staff at Shekinah are keen to talk with local residents and work positively with the community and the people attending the centre.

Over the coming weeks they will be hosting a number of drop in sessions to hear ideas in more detail, listen to suggestions as well as develop details on plans for a DIY SOS-style community effort to transform the property – under professional supervision.

“We are currently in discussions with the council about possible financial support as well as arrangements for taking over the community centre and the form that would take,” added John Hamblin.

Council Leader Nick Kelly added: “Shekinah have an incredible track record of changing lives of many Plymouth people who have hit troubled points in their lives.

“We are keen to support them where we can. This proposed move will not only mean a building gets a new lease of life, but it means that we can continue with our long term plans to regenerate Millbay. What was once a backwater area is changing. The new boulevard has really opened up this area. There’s a new hotel being built. All this is good for the city, good for its economy and residents.”

Shekinah will be holding a drop-in session on January 18, between 6 and 8pm at their Bath Street centre where visitors can chat to staff about the proposals and learn more about the work Shekinah does. For more information please contact Shekinah on reception@ shekinah.co.uk

6 February 2022

6 February 2022

Leading environmentalist appointed as head of the National Marine Park An environmentalist with an outstanding track record of leading nature and conservation organisations will be at the helm of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Elaine Hayes has been appointed interim chief executive of the UK’s first ever National Marine Park.

She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience working across the charity, government and the business sectors, both for conservation and the marine environment.

She said: “This is my dream job. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to use all my knowledge and expertise to bring about this country’s first ever Marine Park, here in the Ocean City. This is a park for the people where they can be involved in shaping and improving the marine environment for themselves and future generations.”

Elaine’s career has seen her involved in the development of marine legislation to protect the sea. She successfully led the development of the Devon & Severn IFCA as chair for eight years and as the former chair of Seafish – the Sea Fish Industry Authority – she is acutely aware of the challenges fishing ports such as Plymouth face.

Elaine has managed North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team and has been a special advisor to the Blackdown Hills for the last six years so is well versed in caring for protected landscapes.

Elaine said: “Key for me is instilling a love of the sea in everyone. You can’t expect people to protect an environment they don’t love. The sheer scale of ambition Elaine Hayes all tied up in the National Marine Park is hugely exciting for me and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We are pleased to welcome Elaine on board.

The vast breadth and range of experience Elaine brings to this exciting and pivotal role will enable significant progress to be achieved over the next couple of years and commence the delivery of our aspirations for our National Marine Park.”

The ‘Park in the Sea’ aims to: • Support the ongoing enhancement of our world class natural environment and heritage landscape

• Get the entire city and surrounding communities involved with the Sound • Increase access to our heritage so everyone can enjoy the benefits • Provide new employment opportunities and career pathways in sustainable future ocean jobs • Position Plymouth as a UK top day-visitor destination • Champion health and wellbeing with a new generation of engaged volunteers, communities and champions.

• Support the positive transition to net zero carbon by 2030.

The interim chief executive will guide the NMP into being a legal entity in its own right as well as further develop relationships with over 100 organisations involved in the Sound and establish a marine parks operating model.

Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: “The National Marine Park should bring people together to enhance the economic, environmental and social values of Plymouth Sound. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect society and the sea. The challenge will be how to effectively enhance one aspect without adversely affecting another in a sustainable way, and navigating that course will require knowledge and understanding from a range of perspectives. We are delighted to be welcoming Elaine as the new CEO and look forward to working with her.”

Earlier this year the Council’s NMP project team outlined its ambition to create five ‘gateways’ to the park, each with a particular focus that will inspire more people to explore, connect and enjoy the sea. They include: • Tinside – for health and wellbeing activities • National Marine Aquarium – a hub for nature and the environment • Mountbatten – active recreation • Mount Edgcumbe – learning about the Sound’s epic history including over 600 wrecks that lie beneath the waves • Smart Sound – digital harnessing the power of the latest digital technology Big conversations are in the pipeline over the next two years with a full engagement programme being developed to ensure everyone has their say in what they would like to see as part of the National Marine Park.

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Gables appeal for help to fund poor Popeye’s treatment Gables Dogs & Cats Home were recently contacted by Filham Park Veterinary Clinic to help a cat with a severely damaged eye who desperately needed medical care.

Popeye, as he has affectionately been named, had an accident on a farm and his eye was beyond repair and needed to be removed.

Despite the pain he must have been in Popeye has been a star patient through all his treatment and eye removal surgery at the vets. He’s enjoyed lots of fuss from all the vet nurses and they all describe him as an affectionate boy. Once Popeye is well enough he will be taken to Gables to finish his recovery and receive any further treatment he may need. After he is fully recovered and fighting fit once more, Gables will find him a new loving forever home.

It is estimated to cost an additional £800 on top of Gables normal operating costs to give Popeye the help and treatment he needs.

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 Popeye. If you can help to ease Gables’ financial burden by making a contribution to the ‘Popeye in a pickle Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/popeye

Thank you to Devonport Dockyard workers for evidence regarding asbestos exposure

Wolferstans Specialist Asbestos Team would like to thank all former Devonport Dockyard employees who recently came forward to give evidence to help our client.

Our client had worked in the asbestos stores at the dockyard in the mid-1960s. He regularly handled asbestos insulation, which came in sacks of loose powder, sheets or pre-formed half tube shapes for fitting around pipes. He would regularly serve these asbestos products to dozens of laggers who were unfortunately unaware of the dangers of asbestos due to a lack of training and safety procedures.

Our client developed asbestosis and instructed us to bring a claim against the Ministry of Defence (MoD). In normal times, the MoD would generally admit liability quite quickly, but Covid disruption caused a backlog in investigations and, unusually, court proceedings were needed. Fortunately, and as is typical in these cases, the claim settled long before trial.

Initially the MoD lawyers fought the claim on several fronts: firstly, arguing that we were out of time for bringing the claim. Asbestos damage had shown on scans taken of our client’s chest six years or so before proceedings were issued. We were able to prove

that his doctors never told him about the problem with his lungs, so the three-year period for bringing the claim was not in fact triggered until he was informed properly of his diagnosis, several years later.

Anyone who has worked with asbestos should always inform their GP and any hospital doctors and ask if any x-rays or scans show asbestos damage. If any is found, please feel free to call us to discuss any findings. The good news is that not all asbestos related diseases are life threatening, but they can still trigger compensation because of the breathing difficulties they might cause. We can also advise on claiming state

benefits. There are time limits for bringing claims, so as soon as you know or suspect your problems are asbestos related, please call us for advice.

Secondly, the Ministry of Defence also argued that our client was to blame for not complying with safety precautions, when in fact none were in place, and failing to wear a mask or other personal protective equipment, when none were provided. Witnesses came forward following a newspaper article pleading for help and these witnesses supported our client’s recollection of the working conditions, providing vital evidence that undoubtedly helped us to

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February 2022

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7

Plymouth dad cycling for 188 days in memory of son Mike Brown from Plymstock – who is currently living in Mystic, Connecticut, USA – is cycling over 17 miles a day for 188 days to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West.

His marathon effort is in memory of his son Oliver who died in November 2019 at the age of all after a three years journey with a rare blood cancer.

Oliver and his family were supported by Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) at its Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell.

Following Oliver’s death his dad Mike, along with mum Nicky and younger brother Benjamin, started to help raise funds for, and awareness of, CHSW to help give back to the charity which supported them through this unimaginable time.

His daily bike ride - which started on

Oliver Brown died at Little Harbour children’s hospice in 2019 aged 11

Mike is cycling 17.1 miles a day in Connecticut and has already faced temperatures as low as -12C

January 1 – will end on July 8, the start date of CHSW’s Ride for Precious Lives. In that time he will have covered 3215 miles - the equivalent distance between his current home in Mystic and CHSW’s base at Charlton Farm in Bristol.

In July 2021 Mike and 10 friends took part in the charity’s Ride for Precious Lives. The three day cycling event saw them complete over 200 miles cycling between the charity’s three children’s hospices; Charlton Farm near Bristol, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and Little Harbour in St Austell.

Since the ride Mike and his family have moved to Connecticut, but still do all they can to support the charity, including Mike signing up to cycle in Ride for Precious Lives 2022, this time with 13 other friends.

After reading about an eight year old boy who cycled a mile every day in November to raise money for the charity, Mike decided to take his training for the July event to a new level by cycling every day for 188 days.

When he started his daily rides at the

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beginning of January he had to cope with temperatures as low as -12C and also battle with snowfalls. But he is determined to complete his 3215 mile marathon.

“This exceeds by some margin more miles than I’ve ever cycled in any year,” said Mike.

“Including last year when I was cycling to work every day for the first half of the year, cycled in Ride for Precious Lives and entered a number of sportives!”

“I feel Inspired by my boys Oliver and Benjamin, both whose lives were and are, intricately linked to Little Harbour now and forever.

“I want to do all I can to raise as much funds for, and awareness of, this vital charity which during such a horrendous time in our life, they were there, they held our hand, wrapped their arms around us and they just took us through it.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Mike’s fundraising in memory of Oliver can do so at the following link: www.justgiving.com/ LordOliverBrown

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Bishop Nick is to retire in August

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Nicholas McKinnel, is to retire in August.

Bishop Nick, who is married to Jan and has four children and nine grandchildren, will be 68 and has been Bishop of Plymouth since 2015.

He said: “After 42 years of ordained ministry, now seems a good time to hand over my responsibilities and to have more time for the family and other interests.

“It has been a privilege to serve in this Diocese as a bishop for the last ten years and I would like to thank my fellow clergy and everyone in our diocese for their support, prayers and friendship.”

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, said: “Bishop Nick has been a superb colleague whose gentle wisdom and big pastoral heart have won him affection and respect across the county.

“He brings to his work his immense knowledge of people and places, his love of Devon and his faith in Christ. We wish him well in his retirement and we are glad that he is going to stay in Devon.”

Bishop Nick grew up in Devon and, after studying law and working for a development agency, was ordained in 1980.

He served his early ministry in London and Liverpool before returning to Devon in 1987 to become the Rector of Hatherleigh, Meeth, Exbourne and Jacobstowe. From 1994 to 2012 he led St Andrew’s, the Minster church of Plymouth.

He was consecrated as Bishop of Crediton in 2012, before moving to become Bishop of Plymouth in 2015, with responsibility for parishes across Dartmoor, Torbay and West Devon as well as the city itself.

Following his retirement, Bishop Nick has been nominated to be the High Sheriff of Devon in 2023.

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8 February 2022

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Plymouth’s HMS Montrose in £15m drugs bust drama More than one tonne of drugs – worth over £15m – has been seized by the Royal Navy in its first bust of the year.

In a ten-hour operation sailors and Royal Marines from Devonport-based HMS Montrose bagged an assortment of heroin, methamphetamine and hashish – depriving criminal and terrorist networks of vital funding.

The frigate – which has been operating permanently in the Middle East for nearly three years – was patrolling for a New Zealand-led task force in the Gulf of Oman when she encountered a suspect vessel.

Montrose’s boarding team pounced so quickly that the crew had no time to hide their illegal cargo in a secret compartment – though the boarding team still searched every inch of the boat to make sure all drugs were recovered.

Lieutenant Joe Martin, who led the Royal Marines boarding team – the first personnel aboard the suspect vessel – said his team had trained extensively for the success. “This has been an incredibly rewarding day for me and my team. It’s great to take drugs like this off the streets and we’re ready to go again.”

Lieutenant Commander Ellis Pearson, Montrose’s Weapon Engineer Officer, added. “The timing of our operation was excellent. As soon as the team got onboard the

The huge haul of drugs seized by HMS Montrose

vessel they could see the drugs.

Later it turned out that although the master of the vessel had a hiding place ready for the drugs they hadn’t had time to conceal them at that point.

“The team still did a thorough search of the vessel and worked really hard to ensure we had located all of the illegal narcotics onboard.”

When finished, the drugs tallies were 663kg heroin, 87kg methamphetamine and 291kg hashish and marijuana – 1.04 tonnes of illegal narcotics with an estimated wholesale value of £15m. It’s the seventh drugs seizure the frigate has made in just under three years in the Middle East, busts which have

The Royal Marines boarding party chase down the drug-carrying vessel

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deprived criminals and terrorists just under £80m of funding.

“A seizure of this size will deal a huge blow to the criminal or terrorist gangs using these illegal narcotics to fund their activity,” said Montrose’s Commanding Officer Commander Claire Thompson.

“Disrupting the terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe.

“Today we have disrupted the unlawful use of the sea. This not only supports our coalition partners, but also supports stability in this part of the world.”

Earlier this month, HMS Montrose passed the milestone of operating 1,000 days out of the Royal Navy’s operational hub in the Middle East in Bahrain.

As well as protecting the interests of the United Kingdom and its allies, the Plymouth-based warship regularly works alongside international partners of the 34-nation Combined Maritime Forces and its several task forces dedicated to safety and security across the region, notably the Royal New Zealand Navy-led Combined Task Force 150.

Public asked to sign petition calling for Government funding for Tamar Bridge Plymouth City Council is calling on people across the South West to sign a petition urging the Government to financially contribute to the maintenance of the Tamar Bridge.

Tamar Bridge is jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council and provides a vital strategic road link in the South West. About 18 million vehicles cross the bridge each year.

In accordance with the Tamar Bridge Act, the crossing is funded on a “user pays” principle which means that the only source of revenue is toll charges for those who use the bridge.

With a reduction in the number of users, which is expected to continue in years ahead, the only option has been to seek a rise in the cost of the toll. The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee is currently proposing that tolls need to be increased from £2 to £2.60 for cash users, and from £1 to £1.30 for discounted tags.

This will impact most on those residents who use the bridge daily to commute to work and who may seek alternative routes potentially adding to carbon emissions.

Plymouth City Council is calling on the Government to provide a financial contribution to the running of the bridge, a similar approach to other major strategic links across the UK. Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, has launched a petition and is asking people from across the region to sign it, showing their support for fairer and proper funding for the South West.

The petition will then be presented to the Government, to show that the request as the backing of local people.

To sign the petition go to www. change.org and search for Tamar Crossing.

Councillor Kelly said: “At the moment we don’t receive any funding to help maintain the Tamar Bridge. A bridge that provides a vital link in the

South West. Without it, many people would be cut off – unable to get to work, school or hospital. Vital goods would also be unable to easily reach the region.

“At a time when all finances are being squeezed, it is not fair that we have to ask users of the bridge to put their hands deeper into their pockets.

“But we have no choice. But what will happen in the years to come, as road users further decline?

“We are only asking the Government for our fair share. We only want the A38 over the Tamar Bridge to be considered in the same way as other major strategic links in the UK. “This is all about people power.

We need the people of the South West to show that they agree with us that tolls must be kept low and fair. So I ask everyone, in Plymouth and beyond, sign the petition and stand with us publicly to ask the Government for help.”

February 2022

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Luke Pollard calls for Devil’s Point to be designated as bathing water Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has called for the waters around Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay to be designated an official bathing water subject to regular testing for water quality.

Devil’s Point, also known as Firestone Bay, is a popular spot for wild swimming, with swimming facilities already in place and beautiful views across Plymouth Sound. Plymouth currently has two bathing waters, both located along the foreshore of Plymouth Hoe. Luke’s campaign seeks to add Devil’s Point as the city’s third official bathing water helping swimmers and paddle boarders know the quality of the water before they get in the sea.

Plymouth’s rivers and seas are polluted by regular discharges of raw sewage. Concerns about the quality of the waters around Devil’s Point have been raised by Plymouth residents with Luke. This comes after the government refused to back a Labour amendment to the Environment Bill that would have prevented raw sewage being dumped into rivers and seas forcing them into a partial U-turn.

If Devil’s Point was classified as a Bathing Water, the Environment Agency and South West Water would be required to monitor the quality of the water to ensure it was safe for bathing, by collecting water samples and testing the quality each year from May to September. It is hoped this would give the people of Plymouth confidence that Devil’s Point is safe to swim in, and force the Environment Agency to take action if pollution w

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reached dangerous levels.

Mr Pollard will be launching a petition which he will present in Parliament calling on Devil’s Point to be designated a bathing water.

He said: “As a keen wild-swimmer, I love swimming in the sea around Devil’s Point. The views are breath-taking and since the pandemic began Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay have become even more popular. The time is right for this part of the sea to be officially recognised as an important and valued bathing water.

Devil’s Point already has local swimming facilities, with an official swim zone for the public marked by three yellow swim buoys - which limit the speed of boat traffic and protect swimmers and other marine area users.

To receive the designation, the area needs to have several different requirements such as good accessibility, a public toilet, parking or transport links, lifeguards and first aid equipment and cafes or shops close by. Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay already meet most of these requirements by being free and accessible 24 hours a day, Scores of swimmers took part in with nearby toilets, free parking, a the Firestone Freezer fundraiser café at the Artillery Tower and many at Devil’s Point restaurants at the Royal William Yard.

There are currently two sites in Plymouth designated as a bathing water by the Environment Agency: Plymouth Hoe East and Plymouth Hoe West, which are rated as ‘excellent’ and ‘good’ respectively.

The Environment Agency issued two pollution risk warnings as recently as September 2021. The same warnings are needed to ensure Devil’s Point is safe.

“People in Plymouth need to be sure that the Pauline Barker, founder of the Devon and waters they are swimming in are safe, and that Cornwall Wild Swimming said: “Firestone Bay has action will be taken to make it safe long been a popular spot for local swimmers and “I’m proud my campaign to designate Plymouth during the pandemic it has become a focal point Sound as the UK’s first National Marine Park has in Plymouth for many people wanting to improve been a success. I now want to make sure we are their health and wellbeing by partaking in outdoor monitoring and improving water quality while still sports such a wild swimming and paddleboarding. preserving the diverse use of our ocean. If we are It would be reassuring for the water users to know to live up to our name as Britain’s Ocean City, we that the water quality is monitored so that any need to properly recognise all our city’s bathing instances of contamination, such as after heavy waters.” rainfall, can be assessed and evaluated.”

9

Big step forward in walking and cycling for health in city

Plymouth City Council has been awarded £80,000 by the Department for Transport to progress plans to encourage more people to take up walking and cycling for their health and wellbeing.

The funding will be used for a feasibility study into ‘socially prescribed’ walking and cycling, where health providers, link workers and community groups work together to help people meet their personal activity needs and goals.

Link workers within GP practices and health and wellbeing hubs connect with local community groups and services to provide safe, supportive, off-road walking and cycling activities, for example in parks, including Central Park.

The council’s transport and public health teams will be working with partners across the city over the next few months to put together a proposal that will aim to get more people walking and cycling – and enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits they bring.

If successful, Plymouth will receive funding for a three-year pilot programme that will help more people to access support such as adult cycle training, led rides, led walks and complementary programmes like bike maintenance courses and workshops. The funding for the feasibility programme follows two competitive bidding rounds, with Plymouth being one of the highest scoring councils in the last round.

Cycling and Walking Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This funding will allow us to explore whether GPs could prescribe active travel to treat a variety of conditions and I’m very pleased that Plymouth City Council is interested in this valuable and fascinating research.”

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10 February 2022

10 February 2022

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Quest for 17th century relics begins at Plymouth’s first navy supply yard Work begins on beautiful blossom project at Devil’s Point Plans for Plymouth’s new blossom garden at Devil’s Point have been finalised and work is now underway.

In 2021, Plymouth was selected as a partner in the National Trust’s Blossom Together initiative – a multi-year programme that aims to get the UK celebrating its blossom season and help people connect with nature.

Devil’s Point was chosen as Plymouth’s blossom site in recognition of its unique marine and green environment, while funding is from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Now, having consulted with residents and businesses over the summer, an exciting new, community-informed design has been unveiled.

With new trees that will blossom in a spectrum of colours as well as enhanced seating and recreation space, the new area will certainly be an improvement on the existing, empty tarmacked space.

Work on the site has now started with the aim to be complete by early Spring.

It will be guided by specialist nature and heritage teams to ensure that the improvements are sensitive to wildlife and the history of this special place.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “These wonderful designs surpass what were already positive expectations for this lovely project.

“I’m so glad that through community consultation, we’ve been able to create a space that is meaningful and unique to the local community, as well as being welcoming to the many visitors that the site greets daily - situated as it is along the South West Coast Path.”

Toby Fox, assistant director for Devon at the National Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working with Plymouth City Council to create this new blossom garden at Devil’s Point.

“Bringing more blossom to cities can help more people connect with nature and beauty wherever they are, and just 20 minutes spent dwelling on nature can improve your mood. We are working with partners to give more people the chance to celebrate and experience the beauty of spring blossom each year.”

Nathan Cornish, director of Urban Splash, owners of the nearby Royal William Yard, said: “The Blossom garden will be a great addition to the South West Coast Path providing a beautiful addition to Devil’s Point and link to the Royal William yard via the Stairway to Devon.

“The colour and joy of this scheme will provide further interest to this part of Plymouth where people can come to experience both the beautiful historic buildings and walkways beside the unique waters that surround Devil’s Point and Royal William Yard.”

More information on the national blossom project can be found at: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/features/helpingcommunities-blossom

Archaeologists are undertaking a major investigation that could reveal early evidence of Plymouth’s status as an epicentre of global trade.

Experts from the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Archaeology Society are carrying out excavations on part of the earliest Victualling Yard for the Royal Navy in Plymouth, sited at Commercial Wharf to the south of the Barbican.

The area was used for nearly 200 years to supply the Navy with bread, biscuits and beef until those operations moved to Royal William Yard in the 19th century.

Conservation work on the quay wall at Commercial Wharf, currently being undertaken

by JNE Construction Ltd on behalf of Plymouth City Council, has revealed important 17th century material.

This has included pottery and clay pipes dating to the second half of the 17th century from Italy, Iberia, France, Holland and the Rhineland, as well as English pottery from North Devon and Somerset.

Archaeologists have also found tableware, jars, a candlestick and a strange unglazed shard that was probably part of a Spanish wine amphorae or olive oil jar, never before seen in Plymouth.

They hope to uncover more such items during their investigation, with the possibility of also finding earlier items from around the time of the Mayflower’s departure from the city.

University of Plymouth maritime archaeologist Martin Read, chairman of the Plymouth Archaeology Society, will be directing the work

Commercial Wharf was the earliest Victualling Yard for the Royal Navy in Plymouth Photo: Courtesy of Plymouth Archaeology Society

A mixture of English and continental ceramics, including pieces from North Devon and Somerset Photo: Courtesy of Plymouth Archaeology Society

with a team based at the Boathouse Café.

He said: “Plymouth has always had a much higher proportion of imported pottery from southern Europe and the Mediterranean than elsewhere. It was probably brought back by fishermen after selling their salted cod, with something like 40 per cent of the ceramics recovered in Plymouth from this time having been imported. This is an exciting opportunity to examine part of an early Victualling Yard. There are very few of these sites that have not been later redeveloped and built over, so the area is of international importance.”

Plymouth has been used as a Royal Navy base for centuries, but initially had no dedicated facilities for supplying the Navy.

This changed during the Commonwealth

when the Lambhay was chosen for the earliest Victualling Yard in the 1650s. Phoenix Wharf was built at this time, towards the southern end of the present Commercial Wharf, while at the northern end of the wharf, the quay had been built by 1665.

After the opening of the Dockyard in 1693, the Lambhay was considered in the wrong place to easily supply the Navy and was eventually moved to the more convenient Royal William Yard in the 1830s.

The old yard was then sold for commercial uses, including the making of biscuits and an Embarkation Depot, though the buildings were retained. The buildings on the wharf were demolished in the 1930s when the road behind was widened, during the building of Madiera Road around the Citadel.

Navy’s Devonport-based ice ship HMS Protector completes first Antarctic mission of the season The Navy’s sole Antarctic research ship has completed her first stint of the year around the frozen continent – which has revealed the impact of global warning.

Devonport-based HMS Protector is on a fiveyear mission to support international research into wildlife, the changing climate and shifting waters of Antarctica and upholding the UK’s longstanding commitment to the region.

The icebreaker has three concerted ‘work periods’ planned around the Antarctic Peninsula before autumn descends on the region and rules out her moving safely around numerous bases and through icy waters.

Her first stint which spanned the festive season into the first days of 2022 started with work around the South Sandwich Islands to support research into the penguin populace.

From there the distinctive red-white survey ship moved deeper into the Antarctic region to continue her scientific mission in some of the bleakest, most remote islands on the planet.

Naval charts of some of the waters around islands such as Southern Thule and the Cook Islands have not been updated in nearly a century – without any of the highly-accurate sensors and technology fitted to Protector herself or her small survey boats.

The challenge was made all the greater by unfavourable sea conditions and grounded icebergs, forcing Protector to spend two days sheltering inside a caldera – the hollowed-out innards of a volcano – waiting for a weather window to put a landing party ashore.

Whilst there the ship surveyed an uncharted portion on the west coast of Cook – the eastern part of the two islands forming the caldera – as her survey motorboat surveyed the east coast of Thule under the lee of glacial cliffs.

After crossing another 600 miles of the Scotia Sea – described by crew as ‘lively’ –the ship got stuck into to work in the South Orkneys, another

far-flung, uninhabited British archipelago on the fringe of Antarctica.

Sunshine Glacier on Coronation Island – roughly 750 miles from the Falklands and 350 from the Antarctic Peninsula – has retreated three quarters of a mile over the past 30 years as a result of global warming.

In doing so, it’s revealed uncharted waters in what is dubbed ‘Iceberg Bay’ for Protector to survey while the weather abated sufficiently for the ship to scan the waters off the neighbouring island of Signy and found a dangerous shoal on the approach to Cummings Cove, having separately proved the presence of a dangerous rock in Borge Bay.

Supporting the work of the British Antarctic Survey, Protector’s Commanding Officer Captain Michael Wood led a team landing on Signy to mark the beginning of the ‘summer season’; the research station is only occupied in the austral summer.

Sailors found no damage had been caused to the base by the harsh weather over the winter, ready for scientists to move into study penguins, petrels and the island’s rich biodiversity.

Signy was the first in a series of bases and research centres the ship has called in on: Base Y (Horseshoe Island) built in 1955 and abandoned five years later, so it’s a time capsule of a bygone era of Antarctic exploration; the large BAS facility at Rothera for Christmas, where Covid precautions meant the sailors couldn’t mix with the scientists to join in festivities and the Argentinian research base at San Martin.

In the Lemaire Channel there was the opportunity for the 70 sailors and Royal Marines to get their cameras out. Despite near-perfect weather for the passage, Protector found navigating the strait tricky with significant concentrations of ice and icebergs which almost completely blocked the southern entrance.

Deception Island – a flooded caldera of a still-active volcano – provided more photo opportunities and visits led by Protector’s secondin-command Commander Thomas Boeckx to Spanish and Argentine bases brought the curtain down on the first work period of the Antarctic summer and Protector headed back to the Falklands to restock before returning to the snow and ice.

“We’ve completed the first of our three work packages as part of Operation Austral and exceeded all the objectives we set by some measure. It’s been a far-flung, survey-intense and photographic-rich circumnavigation of UK territories in the Scotia Sea,” said Captain Wood.

@PlymChronicle

Marbles lost and found

– the mental health website created by a Mutley woman which is attracting a huge following A website launched three years ago by a Plymouth woman which provides a wide range of information, advice, guidance and support on mental health issues is attracting a huge following - even from students at an American university.

Nicky Nurrish, who is 44, was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 when she was in her thirties and for many years she struggled with the condition, the system and simply living her life.

Nicky, who lives in Mutley, said: “Let down and unsupported by the system I started doing my own research into Bipolar and mental health issues. I started talking to liked minded people and it was obvious more education on awareness, wellbeing and crisis support was needed but most of all people did not know where to go to find help!”

She decided to create a website - memorably called Marbles Lost and Found - built for those touched by mental health issues that incorporated everything people needed to know about mental health awareness, support and wellbeing, as well as breaking down the stigma of mental health in a safe, nonjudgemental place.

Nicky, who is a support work for disabled adults at Dame Hannahs charity in Ivybridge, said: “Marbles has been live for three years now and has grown massively. It is used by Livewell South West, the police, local support groups and is also used as a training tool at Exeter University.”

And Nicky was delighted when a student at Michigan University came across the Marbles website, loved it and showed it to fellow students and now has a significant following.

She was then contacted by a couple of students who asked if she would be interested in doing a talk for some of the students.

“It was amazing having a Zoom discussion with people all the way across the pond and a great way to discover what people like about the site, which is its honesty, mass of information, crisis support and ease of navigation,” said Nicky. She is hoping to get some of the students on board to write blogs for the website.

“Marbles speaks to people universally as it is all about living your life with a mental health issue and knowing that you have support

February 2022

Coxside man ordered to pay £800 for fly-tipping

11

A man who left bags of rubble in a service lane on three occasions for over two months has been made to pay more than £800 by Plymouth Magistrates Court.

Nigel Nelson, 62, of Alma Street in Coxside appeared before the court to plead not guilty to the charge of fly-tipping.

The court heard how on February 12 and 15 last year, a council environmental enforcement officer found a number of bags filled with rubble in the service lane behind a house in Alma Street.

Having identified Nelson as the occupier of the property, enforcement officers tried in vain to contact him. Nelson was given the opportunity to explain the waste via a written interview under caution but it was not returned and in March 2021, he was issued with a £400 fixed penalty notice.

Nelson responded to the penalty, but said he would not be paying it. In April 2021, the officer visited Alma Street again to find the waste still in situ. Nelson was then summonsed to court.

After a short hearing, Nelson was found guilty of fly-tipping and was made to pay a £180 fine, a contribution of £600 towards Plymouth City Council’s investigative and legal costs and a £34 victim surcharge. He will now carry a criminal record.

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “Fly-tipping in service lanes is something that residents complain to me about a lot, so I’m pleased that this man has been made an example of by the courts.

“Services lanes are the highway; they are shared by everyone in your street and are not an extension of your property. “I would urge residents to responsibly store their waste on their own property. Failing to do so will mean you will quickly find yourself on the wrong end of a fixed penalty notice.”

Nicky Nurrish

wherever you may be,” she added.

Nicky has also just started to run a Marbles support group at the Moments Café in the city centre every second Tuesday of the month, which she maintains is different to other support groups.

“This group is not only an opportunity to feel supported and listened to, but we are also planning to include talks from professionals, other groups, wellbeing sessions and group activities – all built on what the group wants to do alongside wellbeing tips and tools, coping mechanisms and support from those who ‘get it.’

“Marbles is all about living your life with a mental health condition, learning to accept that we are more than our mental illness! Using the internet and social media for awareness and support, not being afraid to speak up or reach out, knowing that you are not alone, and it is ok not to be ok,” said Nicky.

“I have created and run Marbles on my own, built through many bipolar mood swings! I work closely with those who struggle, interact with other organisations, listen to what people want which is also what

makes Marbles unique as it grows with the help of others.

“People can ask me to add information to the website, write blogs or vlogs and offer free wellbeing advice. The website is packed with help from many other people who understand the individual journey involved and will just continue to grow and add helpful resources and support.

“We need to deal with mental health issues differently, it is time for change regarding how we support those who are struggling or caring for another, we need choices, to be heard, awareness but most of all remembering that we are warriors in this fight.”

There is also a Marbles page on Facebook which has rapidly attracted nearly 3,000 followers with lots of engagement from visitors to the page.

Meanwhile a special gig is being held at The Junction on Mutley Plain on February 12 to raise funds for the Marbles, with nine local bands performing.

For more information go to www. marbleslostandfound.co.uk or visit the Marbles page on Facebook.

MAJOR PAY BOOST FOR PLYMOUTH COUNCIL DRIVERS Refuse drivers employed by Plymouth City Council have won a big pay rise following a dispute with their employer.

Members of the GMB Union working in refuse are celebrating after the council agreed a 12.6 percent pay rise for HGV drivers working for the council.

This will see some hard pressed council staff earn almost an extra £3000 a year.

The move comes as demand for HGV drivers skyrocketed in recent months, with GMB telling the council to act quickly or lose experienced drivers to other professions.

The union believes that the award means that ‘members

are finally being paid a fair rate’ and that the council’s speed in responding means there will be fewer extra pressures on Plymouth’s refuse and waste service in the coming weeks.

Matt Roberts, GMB organiser said: “With demand for HGV drivers going through the roof, the council had to move quick or lose experienced drivers to other roles. HGV drivers have been undervalued for too long, and its great that now our members are being paid a fair rate for highly skilled work.

“This move will mean that is no extra pressure put on the refuse service in the coming months. It’s another example of where a unionised workforce is good for the Employer and employee, a win, win.”

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12 February 2022

12 February 2022

A local charity occupying a special place in the heart of the community is getting ready to mark a special milestone this year. On January 25 2022, it will be 40 years since St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth welcomed its first patients.

St Luke’s heralded the arrival of a completely new concept for the city – specialist care for terminally ill people as in-patients in a homefrom-home environment, rather than in hospital, to ensure their comfort and dignity at the end of their lives.

From this, grew the St Luke’s of today, looking after the majority of its patients at home and at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, with only those with the most complex symptoms needing admission to Turnchapel.

What has not changed since its beginnings though, is the charity’s need to rely on support from individuals and businesses in the community to keep providing its specialist services at no cost to patients or their families.

That’s why, as well as reflecting on four decades of compassionate care that has touched the lives of so many, St Luke’s is using its 40th anniversary to express heartfelt thanks to all its supporters for their ceaseless volunteering and fundraising, plus the legacies that play such an important part in helping the charity plan for its future.

Celebrating four @PlymChronicle

by the Rev John Watson of St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth grew to become what St Luke’s is today, the main provider of end of life care for the city and its surroundings areas, looking after around 300 patients on any one day.

“Quite simply though, we would never have come into existence – let alone still be helping local families four decades on – without the unstinting support we receive from the community around us.

“All who give to the hospice, whether as volunteers or through donations and fundraising, do so in the knowledge that they are supporting something of priceless value, the highly skilled, compassionate care people need at the end of their lives so that they can feel as at ease as possible and make precious memories with loved ones.

“A huge thank-you to all our supporters. Please keep doing what you do because we are going to need you more than ever as we strive to meet the increasing demand on our services.”

St Luke’s at home nurses

From participating in its weekly lottery to donating to its charity shops and taking on sponsored challenges like Midnight Walk and Men’s Day Out, such commitment from the community has enabled

St Luke’s to survive despite the ever-increasing costs of running its 24-hour service 365 days a year.

In addition to expert, hands-on medical care, its teams provide not only practical advice to patients and their families but vital emotional support, too - warmth, sensitivity and kindness that make an important difference to them at the most difficult time of their lives.

Chief executive of St Luke’s, Steve Statham, (pictured left) said: “What started in the early 1980s as the idea of a small group of parishioners led

Key statistics – National It is predicted that the number of people requiring palliative care will increase by 42% by 2040.

Key statistics – Local We are an ageing population. The number of people aged over 85 years in Devon will increase by 29% by 2025. In the last six years demand for St Luke’s care has increased by 37%. Over 50% of hospice care is delivered at home with the remaining in hospital.

Only 5% of care is delivered in a traditional hospice building.

St Luke’s nurse at Derriford

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r decades of care @PlymChronicle

From its humble beginnings in a converted suburban house to the widely known and greatly respected service it provides today, it is hard to imagine the community without St Luke’s. Some of the innovators from its early days, who were central to shaping the high-calibre local hospice care share their reflections.

St Luke’s urgent care service

Once they realised the work that was being done, though, we had their full support. Some of the consultants and GPs who lived in the area even offered to include the hospice when they were ‘on call’ overnight. They did this free of charge to St Luke’s, which saved us a tremendous amount of money.

“It was exciting when the first patients arrived at Syrena House in Plymstock, but we quickly ran out of space and needed an extension so that we could accommodate three more patients, making ten in all. And the demand did not stop there!

“When the city council granted St Luke’s the land for the specialist unit at Turnchapel, we could all see the potential, though the area was a mass of brambles at the time. Then there was the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign to raise money for the building, which attracted so much support.

“People were donating good-quality clothing for us to sell, too, which helped raise more funds.

That’s what led to the opening of the first St Luke’s charity shop, which was in New George Street. It went from there and we never looked back!”

Sally Taylor, chief executive from 1994 to 2015

Dr Sheila Cassidy, medical director from 1981 to 1991 For many, Dr Sheila Cassidy is the name most synonymous with the history of St Luke’s. A trained doctor with experience in looking after people with cancer, she was appointed its first medical director in 1981, spending the next ten years leading the small team devoted to looking after local people with terminal illness as inpatients at Syrena House in Plymstock.

This was the large house that – thanks to huge community spirit – had been purchased and converted to enable the new concept of specialised, 24-hour care for patients in a safe yet homely environment.

Building on her medical knowledge, and learning as she went, Sheila observed the marked difference bespoke, holistic care made to the quality of these patients’ lives. Inspired to advocate for the hospice movement, she gave lectures to fellow healthcare professionals locally and nationally as well as overseas, combining long shifts at the hospice with tireless campaigning so that organisations far and wide got to hear about the pioneering work of St Luke’s and were motivated to follow its example.

Sheila worked with St Luke’s for ten years before moving to Derriford Hospital, joining the radiotherapy department and setting up the Mustard Tree drop-in centre for people receiving cancer treatment.

She said: “As a young doctor based at the radiotherapy department at Freedom Fields Hospital in Plymouth, I came to realise dying people need more than just treatment for their physical symptoms. Since I lived at the hospital and had free time in the evenings, I’d sit and hold their hands, just listening and asking questions. I saw the difference it made to them to be accepted how they were, whatever they were feeling.

“Our work at Syrena House was palliative care plus psychotherapy. It was highly skilled as well as different. Whereas, traditionally, hospital doctors had shielded terminally ill people from the reality of their prognosis, our approach was to work with the truth, coupled with kindness. Once we established that they really were in the last stages of their life, we helped them understand what was happening to them and gradually come to a place of acceptance.

“Families saw what we were doing and word spread, driving up support for all the fundraising needed to keep the hospice going.

“All of us working there were like a family. I was close to everyone, from the nurses to the office and kitchen staff. We were a community, putting patients and their families at ease, despite our very cramped quarters.

“The move to the purpose-built unit at Turnchapel doubled our beds to 20. We had loads more space and extra nurses, too, but though it was larger, it was no less loving. I feel very proud to have been part of the hospice. Being medical director was something I just got on with because

February 2022 13

that was my work, but I do realise what a great privilege that was.”

Dr Mary Nugent, medical director of St Luke’s from 1985 to 2013 She said: “Very early on in my career in general practice, I was asked to provide cover at St Luke’s, which was still very new. As a young doctor, I could barely even spell palliative care so I was in at the deep end, and that’s how my journey with the hospice began.

“I found my niche at the hospice because we had the time to love and look after our patients. The team camaraderie was tremendous, too. We were friends working together, all to help people who were in the last stages of life. I was quickly building on my basic medical knowledge, learning about the anatomy of being very sick and the effects and benefits of new drugs, then taking to the road to teach young doctors around the country about our pioneering work.

“When the move to Turnchapel came, it was a joy. Twenty beds, plenty of bathrooms and wonderful new gadgets. We created the very best hospice environment we could, enabling people with terminal illness to be themselves and be looked after as themselves.

“There was great excitement when Prince Charles performed the official opening, in 1988, with crowds gathering outside the building all waving their flags. He was well informed about the hospice movement and generous in his attitude, spending time talking to patients, volunteers and staff. It was such a great privilege to look after the many other people who needed our care.”

Rosie Morgan, nursing sister and matron from 1982 to 2010

Arriving in Devon as a nursing sister, Rosie Morgan joined St Luke’s at its beginning and went on to become matron of the hospice, remaining with the charity for 28 years.

She said: “I always

thought the hospice concept was something I’d like to explore. Generally speaking, in those days I felt that terminally ill patients needed more care than was possible in a busy hospital setting. They still needed to be thought of as people – people with families, careers and hobbies, not just as an ill or dying patient.

“We were inspired by St Christopher’s Hospice in London, and the books of its founder Cecily Saunders were our blueprint. Most of our training was gained working alongside Sheila Cassidy, who was so gifted in speaking to hospital consultants to share our vision of how we thought death and dying should be. She knew just how to talk to lay people about it, too, gathering their support.

“When St Luke’s opened, we had very little money to keep running, and at one point only enough reserves to pay the salaries. Our first matron, Valerie Oliver, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of hospice care, giving talks to public and professional groups most evenings and weekends. This resulted in funds coming so that we remained solvent.

“Nothing was too much trouble if it helped the patients, and that’s still the same at St Luke’s today. I remember Dr Mary somehow arranging for a helicopter to be scrambled at very short notice when a lady from Wales, who was very poorly, said how she longed to die in her homeland.

“Much may have changed over the years but the community’s support for St Luke’s is as strong as ever, and the team’s commitment to giving superb care never wavers.”

Christine Costin, medical secretary from 1982 to 2010

Having been with the charity from the start as its volunteer co-ordinator, Christine Costin went on to become its medical secretary.

She said: “Everyone was just so happy and proud to be working for St Luke’s, and it was very humbling seeing it grow from the seed of an idea to being overwhelmed with volunteers who wanted to help. Word spread quickly, partly because Sheila, who already had a media profile, was writing about what we were doing as well as giving presentations.

“While most in the community thought the hospice was a marvellous development and embraced it, some took a while to be convinced.

“When I took the helm at St Luke’s I could see what a fantastic job everyone was doing for patients and their families.

In getting to know how things worked, I recognised how important it would be for St Luke’s to evolve to keep pace with the changing needs of the people we served.

“We expanded to include lymphoedema care and occupational therapy, but it was becoming increasingly clear that we really needed to think of patients as patients even after they returned home because we’d got their symptoms under control and they were feeling better, not just while they were at Turnchapel.

“Taking a more joined-up approach would be essential if we were going to ensure that whether a patient was at home, in hospital or at St Luke’s specialist unit, their care was well co-ordinated as well as bespoke. This idea was new though, and would never succeed unless I could secure the full co-operation of local GPs, the hospital and community services to work with us.

“It took time but thankfully, there were those who understood the value of what we were trying to achieve. What gradually emerged by the late 90s was the one-system approach that continues to benefit people with terminal illness today and has been replicated across the country. I feel very proud of that.

“I know people tend to think that all St Luke’s patients receive their care at Turnchapel because it’s such a well-recognised, long-standing facility, but these days 95 per cent are looked after by the charity’s team at home or in hospital, with only those with the most complex symptoms needing to be admitted to the specialist unit.

“There’s another common misconception, too. I was often asked how I coped with working somewhere ‘so depressing’ and I’d always say, it’s not! Sad at times, of course, but if you know someone’s passing and their family’s experience of that has been better because you have helped make it so, that has got to be a good thing. The staff and volunteers are upbeat and incredibly kind, too, organising weddings for patients and visits from much-loved pets.

“Everyone at St Luke’s – whatever their role – is making a difference. It’s not just one, it’s a team, working together to make sure people are looked after really well at the end of their lives.”

£750,000 boost for Plymouth Marine Laboratory’s climate research programme

Scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) are on the cusp of radical advancements in climate science following the announcement of £750,000 of funding from independent grantmaking charity the Wolfson Foundation.

The funding is being used to support PML’s multi-million pound ‘Advances in Air-Sea Exchange using Autonomy (ASEauto)’ project which will combine advanced instrumentation designed to study climate-relevant trace gases with a world-leading network of autonomous monitoring platforms including unmanned vessels, robotic submarines and data buoys.

The use of these remote technologies, which were launched last year as part of the PMLled SmartSound initiative (with support from the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the European Regional Development Fund), will enable the generation of unprecedented levels of data on the production and consumption of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, dimethylsulfide and ammonia in the marine environment and their exchange between the ocean and atmosphere.

These compounds are important for the climate because they are either greenhouse gases or influence the production and growth of particles in the atmosphere that reflect solar radiation away from the Earth’s surface.

Harnessing the latest in marine autonomy, in addition to PML’s established observation platforms (including the Western Channel Observatory and Penlee Point Atmospheric Observatory) and world-class expertise in marine biogeochemistry and air-sea exchange, the ASEauto project is designed to radically improve current understanding and thus the accuracy of climate models.

This will improve climate change projections and support the design of vital climate change mitigation and adaption strategies and measures at local, national and international levels.

The Wolfson Foundation is committed to ‘improving the civic health of society, mainly through education and research’.

Their investment will equip the autonomous platforms with a unique set of instruments including advanced sensors and automated water sampling technology. This, combined with state-of-the-art lab-based instrumentation, will create a unique and world-leading resource for Air-Sea Exchange research and help to further PML’s 30-year legacy at the forefront of ocean/ atmosphere gas exchange studies.

Icarus Allen, chief executive of PML said: “We are delighted that the Wolfson Foundation has chosen to support the ASEauto project which will utilise the unique capabilities we have in marine autonomy here in Plymouth.

“Marine autonomous platforms are transforming oceanographic research by vastly increasing the frequency and coverage of observations compared with traditional sampling, and by collecting data in undersampled environments and conditions.

ASEauto combines autonomous platforms with chemical sensors, samplers and instruments, which will enable us to quantify the fluxes of trace gases in estuarine, coastal, shelf sea and open ocean environments.

“It represents a step-change in our capacity to monitor and understand the underlying processes that are critical to our planet’s climate, and indeed human health.”

PML’s Air-Sea Exchange team has a strong track record in conducting world-leading science, pioneering new techniques, making novel observations, and generating new insights with many high impact publications on climate-relevant trace gases in the ocean.

14 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

City College students to benefit from state-of-the-art co-working spaces A new collaboration between community interest company Real Ideas and City College Plymouth will benefit hundreds of students on creative courses, who will be able to take up the chance to work within some of the city’s most inspirational spaces.

This new membership agreement between the two like-minded organisations will provide students with high-quality work experience opportunities and staff will also enjoy the benefits thanks to exclusive access to a variety of workshops and collaborative projects.

Under the new membership options, City College students will be able to use a range of facilities that form the Real Ideas campus. These include The Market Hall, a world-class space for digital innovation and learning situated in the heart of Devonport.

The Market Hall, which opened in the summer of 2021, is home to the state-ofthe-art immersive dome, a range of flexible co-working and inspiring workspaces, large meeting rooms and event spaces, as well as a café/bar.The students will also have access to a series of specialist creative facilities located at Ocean Studios in the Royal William Yard, with other projects in Devonport and South East Cornwall currently in development.

The agreement, which was signed

by City College chief executive and principal Jackie Grubb and Real Ideas co-founder and CEO Lindsey Hall. marks the inaugural organisational membership scheme for the extensive Real Ideas campus and benefits programme.

Real Ideas has set up the new membership scheme with the view of developing collaborative working spaces that encourage ‘creative collisions’ within shared spaces that will drive forwards inclusivity and social mobility. Real Ideas hopes that collaborating with the College in this way will enhance the student experience by promoting work readiness through personal and professional development opportunities.

Jackie Grubb, said: “This is a very exciting partnership for the College, working with a like-minded organisation that seeks to improve the opportunities available to the people of Plymouth.

Jackie Grubb of City College (left) and Lindsay Hall of Real Ideas pictured after signing the new agreement

“With digital skills now threading across our curriculum, coupled with the cuttingedge facilities at Market Hall and Ocean Studios, we will be providing our students with the higher digital skills that are required by employers. Our employer collaboration will also extend into digital product development and innovation being included in our training modules; essential elements as we continue to develop and use immersive technology as a teaching tool.

“Continuing to improve the experience of our students, building their confidence and preparing them for life beyond education, as well as promoting inclusivity and driving forward social mobility, will allow us to develop the skilled employees required by our city to prosper.”

Lindsey Hall, CEO of Real Ideas, said: “Our work creating our co-working and membership spaces within our campus of stunning buildings really is a game-changer in a whole host of ways. Mixing our current freelancer, business and social enterprise membership with the students and staff from City College absolutely increases the opportunities for all of us.

“With this new, extended membership we’re creating an exciting new ‘mixing bowl’

in terms of places and spaces for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development, and secondary economic benefits, too.

“Our co-working spaces aren’t just about us providing a cool and funky backdrop for freelancers, businesses, and now students and lecturers, to use. Our co-working and membership programme is about us creating a fairer world that works for everyone; bringing together the skills and experiences of diverse people is essential for socially and economically prosperous communities and our spaces generate agency, choice and an equitable power that is vital for local communities and individuals.

“We need liveable places that value and meet the needs of everyone and our new arrangement with City College brings a refreshing new youthful injection of the next generation of young talent into the mix on a daily basis.”

In addition to the new membership agreement, City College and Real Ideas aim to work together in a long-term strategic partnership that maximises mutual benefits and supports the growth of Devonport for the local community and the wider economy of Plymouth.

New toilets on Hoe Promenade now open The toilets on the Hoe Promenade are now open.

The new facilities have been constructed to look the same as the old building by replicating the original features, including Art-Deco style circular mouldings on the roof and bedevilled door frames.

The old toilet building had structural issues and it was more cost effective to demolish and rebuild.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “Getting our waterfront ship-shape has been a priority for this administration, I want residents to be proud of our city.

“These modernised toilets, along with the other refurbishments to this area really highlight how grand Plymouth Hoe is.

“I am also delighted that these facilities are accessible for all and will help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy our waterfront.”

The construction has seen six new unisex public toilets built, with one additional accessible toilet and large, accessible changing room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities.

A changing facility offers the space and equipment to ensure they can be used by

people with profound learning difficulties or other disabilities that limit mobility, as well as accommodating carers.

Equipment within these toilets includes a height adjustable shower table, a height adjustable wash basin, and an accessible toilet with adaptive flushes.

These toilets are scheduled to open and close

to avoid antisocial behaviour and also have card readers to allow you to spend a penny even without spare change. The toilets will be open 7.30am to 6pm from October to Easter, and 7.30am to 9pm Easter to September.

As part of the refit a new water bottle filler has also been installed at the entrance of the path to the toilets on the Promenade.

February 2022 15

@PlymChronicle

Children join forces with ‘hope and optimism’ in Keyham Primary school pupils joined forces with nursery school children to plant daffodils in a Keyham park as a show of ‘optimism and hope.’

Drake Primary pupils were joined by Get up and Go Community Nursery pre-schoolers to plant daffodils in North Down Crescent Park just before Christmas.

“The idea of planting daffodils in the park came out of a meeting of one of the Keyham Recovery Groups,” said Cllr Sally Cresswell, Councillor for Stoke ward.

Cllr Cresswell worked as a primary teacher for 30 years prior to being elected as councillor in May 2021 and explained that December’s planting followed in the footsteps of Keyham Barton Primary School’s Mini Police project, when the first lot of daffodils were planted at the end of September.

“Councillors and officers were reminded that daffodils had been planted in the past and it seemed like a lovely idea to start up again with primary and pre-school children,” said Cllr Cresswell.

“Daffodils represent new spring life and colour and optimism and having worked in schools for so many years I know how keen children are about the environment and the opportunity to do things outside. There was plenty of enthusiasm, despite the cold and windy weather with the occasional shower.”

Cllr Cresswell said it had been ‘great working

with Hayley Partridge and Green Minds and PC Deb Hart, who is co-ordinating the Mini Police scheme across the city.

“We have worked hard together to benefit children and the local community and in the spring the children will be able to return to the park and see the outcomes of their work,” said Cllr Cresswell.

“It was particularly good to be able to include children from an early years setting this time around especially seeing their keenness to dig in the soil and spot worms!

“The older children from Drake also demonstrated just how much they know about the environment and how important insects are for pollination.”

Viv Hill from the nursery said the children were ‘extremely pleased’ to have been invited to take part in the planting session.

“It was important for our young children to be part of remembering the people and child of the local community who unexpectedly lost their lives,” she said.

“Planting spring bulbs was a very simple, poignant, beautiful way to create a memorial which symbolises love and hope and is there for everyone to appreciate in the coming years.”

There are plans for further planting in the spring with Keyham Barton, Drake and Ford Primary Schools set to carry out some wild flower ‘rewilding’ in the park and take part in Green Minds workshops.

Cllr Creswell with pupils from Drake Primary and the Green Minds team

Top chef Peter Gorton serves up excellent advice for students!

One of the country’s top chefs, Peter Gorton, recently spent the afternoon at Stoke Damerel Community College, showing Year 11 and Year 13 students new skills and offering advice about careers in the catering industry.

Cllr Creswell with children and staff from Get Up & Go Community nursery

Emergency roadworks in Exeter Street Emergency roadworks to repair a fault on the electricity network will start in Plymouth on Monday January 24, with work expected to last ten days.

Western Power Distribution is to close the inbound entrance to Bretonside at the junction with Exeter Street from 9.30am from Monday. This work will ensure the continued security of electricity supplies to customers around the city, and enable staff to complete work as quickly and safely as possible.

Traffic will be diverted along Exeter Street,

The Viaduct, Kinterbury Street, Bretonside and right onto Vauxhall Street. Outbound traffic through Bretonside will be open but restricted to one lane at the exit onto Exeter Street.

Team manager Shaun Lang said: “We know these are busy junctions and would like to apologise to motorists for the inconvenience.

We are working as fast and as safely as we can to complete the works and hope to have the repair and reinstatement of the road completed within ten calendar days.”

studies in the next stage of their education and training.”

The Level 3 qualification, equivalent to an A level, that the students follow as one of their three subjects in the sixth form at the college is Hospitality and Catering (Food Science and Nutrition).

Peter’s visit was organised by the college careers team, Sarah Trezona and Kate Gannon.

Sarah said: “We were amazingly lucky to have Peter here. He is passionate about helping young people and his career advice was fantastic. The sixth form students heard about the different training and progression routes in the wider catering industry, and they were given an honest picture of the hospitality sector. Several of our students have jobs as kitchen porters and they were inspired to hear that Peter started off as a porter, too.”

Head of Sixth Form, Martin Tinkler, added: “We would like to thank Peter for generously giving us his time and sharing his advice with our students. It is an invaluable experience for them to hear first-hand from professionals, especially those who are at the top of the profession.”

It is hoped that Peter can return in the New Year, to do some hands-on cooking sessions.

Stoke Damerel Community College welcomes guest speakers from occupations across all industries and sectors. Please contact Sarah at strezona@sdcc.net

Peter is a Master Chef of Great Britain, which means he is recognised as a leader in his field. He entered the industry in 1980, at the age of just 16 and worked at some of the best restaurants in the world before becoming the proprietor of the Horn of Plenty Country House near Tavistock, where he was awarded a coveted Michelin star and many other awards.

Today, he works as a hospitality consultant.

He is also a director of Food Drink Devon which represents a membership of food and drink producers, retailers and venues and champions the county’s food and drink sector.

He was invited to Stoke Damerel Community College to talk to students about his career and experiences, and to share invaluable advice. He also showcased a selection of different types of ingredients to explain how they can be used in cooking, and he offered tips on the presentation of dishes. Among the ingredients were quince, avocado, lemongrass, turmeric, micro-herbs, fennel, kohlrabi, and Jerusalem Artichokes.

He also showed how to use substitutes for ingredients if those ingredients are not available.

He even cooked up a chicken stir fry for the Year 13s, using some of the fruit and veg!

Peter said: “I am very keen to help the next generation of chefs and indeed all roles in the hospitality industry - we need them. There are so many opportunities in the food and drink sector in terms of the variety of roles, and so many different types of places where you can work.

“I was very impressed with the students, they asked loads of great questions about how I started my career and were enthusiastic to know about the hospitality industry. It was lovely to hear that some of the students are working in the industry already and want to continue their catering Peter Gorton at Stoke Damerel Community College

16 February 2022

COUNCIL TO SEEK WHITE RIBBON ACCREDITATION IN COMMITMENT TO ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS Plymouth City Council is starting the work required in order to seek the prestigious White Ribbon accreditation.

Councillor Nick Kelly announced the council’s intention to work towards achieving White Ribbon UK accreditation, part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women, at the full council meeting in January.

White Ribbon are a leading charity aimed at ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

The accreditation, demonstrates a commitment to improving organisational culture, safety and morale, and helps staff and communities address the serious issue of male violence against women.

The council will now work on a White Ribbon accreditation plan, which will form part of a larger programme of work to address violence against women and girls in Plymouth.

This includes the Safer Streets programme, which is a wide range of practical measures being introduced across the city, and setting up the innovative Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, which brings experts and key partners together to look at what more needs to be done.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “In recent weeks I have met with a number of local organisations who provide vital and valuable support to women and girls who are victims of violence at the hands of men in Plymouth. All have emphasised that the council must take this issue seriously. And we do.

“I have already established a Commission, which is working at pace.

However, work must not stop whilst the Commission scrutinises what is being done in the city, and what needs to happen in the future. It is therefore vital that as a council we move forward with our plans to achieve White Ribbon accreditation.

“Achieving White Ribbon status as an organisation will further demonstrate that we are best placed to help our residents in combatting violence against women and girls, and we must champion this important issue.

“Our staff continue to work tirelessly for our residents, and this accreditation will demonstrate and enhance the skills and knowledge of our workforce in addressing violence at the hands of men in our communities.”

16 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Looking back on 2021 - a year of tragedies and triumphs

By Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council 2021 was a year few of us will never forget. Notwithstanding the impact on all our lives from the pandemic, which is still affecting us to this day, Plymouth faced some huge challenges, tragedies and setbacks that we never want to experience again, however we also won many awards and accolades through our achievements.

Most notably from the Municipal Journal for Local Authority of the Year, which is a testament to all the hard work of staff, councillors and partners.

As a city, the Keyham tragedy is the worst we have endured since the war. However, Plymouth came together, with all key organisations working collaboratively to secure the resources needed to ensure that the community had, and will continue to have, all the support they need.

Safety on our streets has become a real focal point that we have made a priority to improve, especially after the tragic murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

We have installed new CCTV cameras, improved street lighting and ‘helppoints’ which are stand-alone emergency points, all put in place as part of a package of measures to make people, especially women and girls, feel safer.

We have also launched a new multi-agency Commission, led by Cllr Rebecca Smith to tackle violence against women and girls, bringing together key partners and agencies across the city to review what more needs to be done to prevent this type of crime.

When we won the elections in May 2021 we came in as a new administration and a new Cabinet with big ambitions for Plymouth, and the pace we set ourselves has felt relentless, however I couldn’t be more proud of all that we have achieved in the past seven months. We have delivered 43 of our 86 Manifesto Commitments, the very Manifesto that the people of Plymouth voted for and put their trust in us to deliver. We are delivering, despite the challenges, none more so than COVID.

Overturned

also in the summer installed a swimming pontoon for Plymouth’s wild swimmers, which we are looking to repeat. We have repaired slipways, steps and railings along the waterfront as part of the physical improvements. We are delivering on our promises.

We have now started work on a scheme to refresh and revive Old Town Street and New George Street as part of a multi-million pound investment in the city centre. Alongside this we have progressed plans for a new multimillion pound, multi-storey, multi-disciplinary health and wellbeing centre in Colin Campbell Court.

In partnership with local bus operators we submitted a £117 million plan to transform local bus services, with the aim to make buses an easier choice for everyone. It is hoped the plan will deliver improved frequency of buses, particularly in the evening and at weekends, amongst many other things.

We have opened two new, off-road cycling and walking paths, and secured just under £60,000 to run a number of trial schemes designed to encourage greater uptake of electric bikes. These initiatives will help with our focus on the climate emergency.

We have made plans to build at least an additional 153 new homes in the city, thanks to a new agreement with LiveWest. This partnership will bring forward £31 million of investment opportunities with the Council providing land and £2.5 million of financial assistance through the Plan for Homes.

We are lucky that Plymouth has an abundance of green spaces and a huge amount of work is underway to make them even better. We were successful in our bid to create a new Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, and are introducing a new smartphone app to bring Central Park to life for families.

We started the third phase of the already successful Improving Plymouth Play Scheme, which now sees ten more play areas receiving investment to upgrade play equipment, with improvements to the landscape and seating.

We started our administration by immediately over-turning some unpopular decisions such as scrapping the charges for delivering bins and Local families will be encouraged to disposing of soil and rubble at Chelson engage with any plans to ensure that Meadow, as well as extending the garden improvements are inclusive and allow waste collection period and the need to stimulating and fun adventure for register every year for this service. children with a range of abilities.

We also immediately delivered our We have already planted 2,021 trees, as commitment to reduce the cost of city we committed to in our manifesto. Plans councillors by removing some additional are in place to plant additional trees in allowances introduced by the previous the next few months to boost our green Labour administration, and the number of infrastructure and help reduce the impact Cabinet positions. Your elected council is of climate change. This is just one of now more cost effective than before. many measures being brought forward As we know the pandemic had a huge through the Council’s Climate Emergency impact on businesses and we wanted to Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council Action Plan. build back better in Plymouth, we have As a city we have benefitted from worked hard to support the economy, additional funding for adult social workers. We received just over £869,000 helping local businesses and creating and protecting jobs. We have been which between the NHS Devon CCG and the Council have topped up to £1.6 able to pay out £92 million in Government grants, this has supported 7,440 million. This will support timely and safe discharges from hospital as well as Plymouth businesses. helping individuals in our communities. I just want to take this opportunity to We have also just announced the most recent Government grant to help express my thanks to all our care providers and staff, who have continued to support businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector that have been deliver an excellent service through exceptionally challenging times. impacted over the Christmas and New Year period. The council have worked We delivered on our commitment to make it easier for people diagnosed quickly to get this latest grant scheme up and running for Plymouth. with a terminal illness to apply for disabled facilities grant and blue badges.

We also wanted to increase our local spend by 10%. We exceeded this and A further commitment we made is to listen to residents more by consulting spent around £40 million more with local businesses this financial year. That’s with local communities. We have carried out numerous consultations so an additional 907 jobs and £22.34 million into the Plymouth economy. residents can influence decisions before they are made. I was very pleased Working in partnership with South Hams District Council and Devon County that a record number of you took the time to give your views about our Council, we have recently submitted our outline business case to Government to create the Plymouth and South Devon Freezone. This will unlock millions of priorities as part of our budget engagement exercise.

Part of taking pride in our city includes taking action against people who pounds worth of public and private investment, as well as create thousands litter and fly tip, and the Council has issued more than 400 fixed penalty of jobs. The business case focuses on our city’s engineering and advanced notices for littering and fly-tipping. manufacturing sectors, and builds on Plymouth’s strengths in the marine and Big events are the lifeblood of Plymouth’s cultural calendar, and for defence sectors. me SailGP was one of the highlights of the summer. As well as being a This is such a brilliant opportunity for Plymouth and the surrounding area, spectacular event enjoyed by thousands of people, it injected millions into it will enable us to build back better and drive economic growth across the the local economy and showcased our city looking its best to a worldwide region. audience. I am delighted that we have secured the return of this event for July Fishing has been at the heart of Plymouth’s economy for centuries, and I 2022, beating off stiff competition from other leading cities of the world. have been personally talking with partners and those working in the industry This is just a flavour of what we have achieved in just over a half a year. about our exciting plans for a bigger and better fish market.

Our priority is to keep delivering for Plymouth residents and businesses.

Alongside this, one of our commitments was to ensure people enjoy and We don’t intend to rest on our laurels as we deliver the remaining 43 benefit from our city’s amazing waterfront and coastal waters. We’ve made commitments over the coming months, including plans to get the airport huge progress in the past seven months by securing £9.5 million for the UK’s operational. We will continue our focus to work hard to make Plymouth a first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound. truly amazing place to live, work and visit.

We have installed vital life-saving equipment along the waterfront, and

Climate change

February 2022 17

@PlymChronicle

Petition calls for improved lighting in Plymouth parks Public concern over poor lighting in many of the city’s parks has prompted a Plymouth women’s safety campaigner to launch a petition calling on the council to urgently tackle the problem.

Charlotte Holloway says that, following the tragic murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod, hundreds of women from across Plymouth have shared their experiences of violence against women with her and one issue which has come up time and time again is poor lighting.

“There’s much more that needs to be done to keep women and girls safe in our city beyond park lighting, but this is a clear area where Plymouth City Council can make a difference now,” said Ms Holloway, women’s safety campaigner and Labour Candidate for Drake ward.

“The council’s new commission on this subject won’t even

Campaigner Charlotte Holloway pictured on an unlit path in Central Park

report until March and given the strength of feeling across the city, women want to see greater urgency and action from our city’s leaders.

“So we are calling on the council to improve park lighting, starting with Central Park,” said Ms Holloway.

Her comments are backed by

Councillor Jeremy Goslin, who covers Central Park and Peverell ward.

“Central Park is one of the best features of Peverell, but in the winter months many residents, especially women and girls, feel unsafe when using or crossing the park due to poor lighting,” said Cllr Goslin.

“If you want to walk your dog, go running, or cross the park to get home or to local destinations like the Life Centre you are faced with completely unlit or poorly lit paths or paths with sporadic lighting, such as here on Jubilee Way,” said Charlotte.

Charlotte Holloway’s petition is available to sign at www. change.org/PlymParkLighting.

Campaigners are also encouraging people to come forward with their suggestions of where they would like to see better lighting for improved public safety The new commission launched in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls - met for the first time on January 10 (see story below).

The group – made up of experts and agencies – will review what needs to be done to prevent violence in the city.

Single Oven HHF113BA0B • 3D Hot Air Cooking • 4 Cooking Functions

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Chance to have your say about safety in Plymouth for women and girls

• 183x55x56cm hwd • No Frost

A new multi-agency commission is inviting local people to share their views on how violence affects women and girls in Plymouth, to help shape their future agenda.

Freestanding Dishwasher

Earlier this month the new Violence Against Women and Girls Commission met for the first time to agree their areas of focus over the next three months.

As part of their work, the Commission is inviting evidence and feedback from a wide-range of local organisations, victims, and experts, including a number of public sessions.

They are also keen to hear from as many local people as possible, in order to understand how violence affects women and girls in Plymouth. They have already heard from over 150 people at the recent virtual Q and A, however they want more feedback to help shape the future programme.

One of the first actions the Commission agreed is a survey which aims to: • Help the Commission understand the extent of violence against women and girls in Plymouth • Better understand the experiences of victims of violence against women and girls • Identify what will make women and girls feel safer • Allow residents an opportunity to help shape the city’s response to violence against women and girls The survey is open to everyone, however, the Commission is keen to hear

from any women and girls who have experienced or witnessed harassment or harm of any kind in Plymouth in the past five years.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, said: “It was clear from the virtual Q and A that many women and girls are very worried about safety in Plymouth. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the real scale of the issue.

“We know that many crimes go

un-reported, therefore the most powerful evidence will come from the testimony of those who have been subjected to these crimes, or who are worried about them.

“I would encourage all women and girls to let me know their views so that we can determine what the city can do to make you safer. This is an important survey that I hope will make a real difference to public safety in Plymouth.”

“We recognise that violence Cllr Smith was interviewed on BBC Spotlight about the Commission on Violence against Women and Girls

against women and girls can be a sensitive topic and are committed to carrying out this engagement activity in a compassionate and trauma – informed manner. Please note that this survey includes content about harm against women and girls, including, harassment and violence (including of a sexual nature) and asks about your personal experiences.

The survey is open until midnight on Sunday February 13. All responses to this survey are anonymous and the results will be collated and analysed to identify themes and recurring issues.

To ensure the survey is accessible to all, it is also available in additional formats and languages upon request by emailing VAWG@plymouth.gov.uk Alternatively, anyone who does not wish to complete the survey and just wants to get in touch to share their experience or ideas that they would like the commission to conside, the free text option on the council’s consultation portal, details of which are shown below.

The same applies to practitioners, organisations or partners and which share any research, data or intelligence that would be valuable The survey can be completed or the free text option selected at https://plymouth-consult. objective.co.uk/kse Women and girls are advised to only take part if they feel safe to do so. Anyone in immediate danger must call 999.

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18 February 2022

18 February 2022

Feeling ready for a new start?

Skills Launchpad Plymouth is all systems go to help out!

September 2021 marked the opening of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, the city’s new one-stop-shop connecting local people with opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs.

Led by Plymouth City Council, in alignment with the Department for Work and Pensions, Skills Launchpad Plymouth supports those who are seeking work, facing redundancy or changing careers through the Adult Hub aged 25 years and over, and offering targeted support for young people aged from 16 to 24 years including those with additional needs through the Youth Hub. The intention of the ‘Skills Journey’ through the Launchpad is to put the individual at the heart of the process – recognising that not one size fits all and that anyone in Plymouth can access this free help. The service offers an ethical and inclusive front door, designed to help local people make independent and informed skills and training choices, leading to better access to real employment opportunities.

Supported by Barclays Plymouth – located at 140-146 Armada Way in the city centre – Skills Launchpad Plymouth is home to both the Youth Hub and Adult Hub, providing

Supporters set to take the plunge for Devon Air Ambulance Devon Air Ambulance supporters are all set to jump at chance to sign up to skydive as charity enters its 30th year. bookable appointments for face to face coordinated services for young people and adults.

In addition a range of activities are delivered each week including drop in Job Shops for help to join the construction industry, and health and care sector and ‘Military Tuesdays’ to provide tailored

support for service leavers, veterans and their families.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth offers free: • access to impartial careers information, advice and guidance • one to one face to face skills assessment to identify transferrable skills to help candidates apply more confidently for jobs or change careers • help to job search, update CV and prepare for interview • the opportunity to gain skills to build confidence • support for mental health and well-being to get people in a better head space • advice to overcome barriers to starting work including access to financial support for work clothing, initial travel to work costs as well as guidance on benefits calculations • access to ongoing training and skills development once candidates get started to continue up-skilling and developing their career Get better informed about local opportunities by signing up as a free member today at www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk People can also keep up to date with all the latest news and events by following on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ SkillsLaunchpadPlymouth and via Twitter @ LaunchpadPlym

Business leading the way in vaccination research moves to Plymouth Science Park A company which aims to make the world a safer and healthier place through infection control and vaccine development is the latest tenant at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford.

The Vaccine Group – a University of Plymouth biotech spin-out company – was founded in 2017 to develop and commercialise the work of Dr Michael Jarvis, associate professor in Virology and Immunology at the University of Plymouth’s School of Biomedical Sciences.

The company is working on a number of projects involving vaccine research and development to control human and animal diseases.

Global partnerships to develop vaccines for use in animals include the Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Kansas State

@PlymChronicle

University and UC Davis, California. TVG partnered with Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Montana and The Pirbright Institute to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, to specifically address future variant emergence in humans.

The move to Plymouth Science Park comes as TVG attracts more investment and increases the breadth of its research and development and commercialisation work.

Further expansion is anticipated in 2022 and beyond as the product portfolio and collaborative programme expands.

Jeremy Salt, the company’s chief executive, said: “TVG has been awarded a number of international grants and has raised significant private investment to expand the scope of our research. The move to Plymouth

Science Park is really helpful in providing high quality support for the company.

“This is very reassuring to us as it allows our research team to focus on their projects and build value for the company. Having other companies in close proximity is a potential benefit as we build our networks in the commercial environment.”

Dr Michael Jarvis said: “TVG has recently completed a pre-clinical trial that is a significant milestone in the development of the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines.

This vaccine is designed specifically to address the emerging variant problem. With plans to expand and collaborate further in order to tackle COVID and other diseases, Plymouth Science Park provides the perfect environment.”

Visit www.thevaccinegroup.com

As Devon Air Ambulance enters its 30th year of service in 2022, the charity is inviting supporters who would like to raise funds for the local lifesaving charity to take a leap into the blue with a skydiving fundraising challenge.

Over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend on Saturday June 4, 2022, Devon Air Ambulance will be championing jumpers on its first ever Community Skydive Day. Fundraisers will assemble at Skydive Buzz HQ at Dunkeswell airfield in East Devon, where they will be cheered on by friends and family as they embark on their 15,000ft jump. Those who might like to take to the skies in a different way can opt for a wingwalk challenge instead.

Fundraisers’ family members are all welcome to lend support at the airfield as there will be food available and a host of fun activities to engage onlookers, as well as an opportunity to meet members of the Devon Air Ambulance team who will be happy to answer questions about the 30-year-old service.

Fundraisers who undertake the skydive challenge on June 4 are helping to keep the advanced critical care team responding to the people of Devon when they need it most and will receive a personal thank you from one of our critical care paramedics to express gratitude for their support.

Fundraisers can sign up now for the 15000ft plunge, either choosing to jump solo, or by building a team with colleagues, friends, or family. In advance of the jump, supporters can raise funds with supporting events to cover the cost of their jump. Interested fundraisers can contact the Devon Air Ambulance Fundraising Team for some helpful ideas by emailing fundraising@Daat.org Those interested in the wingwalk can experience the thrill of a sky-high feat when they strap themselves to the top of the Wingwalk Buzz aircraft. As with the skydive, the Devon Air Ambulance fundraising team is available to support fundraising plans ahead of the event.

Sally Hilton, head of fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance said: “We’re delighted that there has already been keen interest in the skydiving weekend. Funds raised by our intrepid supporters will make a big difference to our patients, especially after such a prolonged period of having put on-hold our public fundraising events. The weekend promises to be great fun for everyone who participates or supports the fundraisers, and we’re very much looking forward to an occasion that will help to mark our 30th year of service.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the skydive or the wingwalk can do so by visiting the charity’s event page www.daat.org/Event/ jubilee-jump-skydive

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

Message from Matt, CEO at POP This must be the year we clap for the future. Surely, we’ll see greater stability and an end to the frequent restriction changes which have had such an impact on our wellbeing and our business? It is obvious that the impact of the pandemic will be long, particularly within the ‘caring’ professions: NHS waiting lists continue to grow; ‘burnout’ is increasing and the shortfall of staff, such as nurses and GP’s shows no sign of stopping. Yet, now is the time to applaud those that have carried us through the last two years; the NHS, charities, communities and individuals.

Thank you.

Hello, I’m Caroline and I’ve been writing this POP page since the beginning of the pandemic. I’ve reported on the work of communities; volunteers and neighbours. I’ve written about inspirational individuals who through one good deed have, to their surprise, found themselves leading a projects to help others; I have written about the work that POP does to enable others to make Plymouth a better place for all of us and, now, I’m going to write about Spiderman.... what?!!!

I know, bit of a surprise for me too... but there I was watching the latest film in the cinema, when I am introduced to Peter Parker’s Aunt May who is a thoroughly good egg. The operations manager at the homeless shelter FEAST (it stands for Food, Emergency, Aid, Shelter and Training), Aunt May instils in Peter the belief that people are essentially ‘good’ and deserve a second (or third) chance. Regrettably, this doesn’t hold true for the Green Goblin and Aunt May is tragically killed in the ensuing battle between good and evil.

Caroline with her friend at the Funky Llama event on the Hoe, 2019

In the scene where Peter visits his Aunt’s grave, we see the inscription on her headstone: “When you help someone, you help everyone.”

And - here it is, that lightbulb moment - this is what POP does! This is POP! POP is Spiderman’s Aunt May! And that’s what I needed to tell you.

Glenholt Glenholt 07849 07849 413125 413125

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)

The Care Nest Sings of Compassion:

“All too often, we put our energies into caring for others and focusing on what others think of us instead of accepting ourselves. It’s

Efford Efford 07380 07380 309586 309586

SUPPOSE YOU HAD £1000 TO SPEND IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY

POP will continue to focus on ‘community’ and the amazing grassroots groups we depend on (but are often unaware of) while we initiate exciting plans to increase our support and widen our impact across the city. Now, more than ever, we need to reinforce our connections so that we can face future challenges together.

Stepping into The Care Nest for therapy is akin to being given a great big hug. The warm, cosy and intimate space is adorned with blankets, pillows, and candles casting a gentle light and creating a sense of softness. Helen Williams, who greets you with kindness and compassion, invites you to come to rest and settle into a session unlike any other you might have experienced. This is The Care Nest, where learning to love yourself is (as Whitney sang) the greatest love of all:

Efford Efford Community Community Network Network

So, please excuse the gratuitous film poster but... why not?! Happy New Year.

For POP, this year is a significant one as we near the end of our core funding from Esmee Fairbairn.

“May we care for ourselves; may we care for each other; may we care for this place.”

Helpline Numbers:

not an egotistical love but one that takes accountability for our actions and one that is incredibly brave.”

This unique therapeutic space which opened earlier this year, and the compassionate aura that radiates from Helen, help to ‘hold’ the individual as they share intimate details of their life and explore their feelings, such as, grief, despair, anger, fear, exhaustion, frustration and loneliness. The extent and depth of feelings such as these, says Helen, have led to widespread ill health and great distress; “Many of us are now experiencing pervasive and persistent trauma as a direct result of the harms that surround us. It cuts us to the heart, and it’s non-stop.”

Helen has set up The Care Nest to help people. Drawing on her own experiences and challenges - and armed with the appropriate

professional training and qualifications along with an abundance of compassion - Helen supports individuals as they progress on a journey of rediscovery and greater selfunderstanding.

Through a combination of talking therapy, mindfulness and body-mind integration practices, Helen delivers a trauma-sensitive approach in either one-to-one or group sessions both online and in-person.

name, and to investigate Helen believes we can learn to dissolve this flow of unworthiness and emerge with greater acceptance and love for ourselves.

If you feel the Care Nest could help you then contact Helen on 07584 635747 or email helen@matterinmotion.co.uk

“We are in a time of great division and loneliness and people are experiencing intense emotions that they are often unable to share.

And, in our culture, we have almost no safe spaces in which to express these feelings so we don’t get listened to and often we’re told our feelings don’t count.”

From politicians to people with addictions Helen has found that any one of us might believe that we are not ‘enough’. Having delivered similar therapeutic practices via a one-hour workshop every day for five days to a cohort of community leaders in Scotland, including members of the leadership team of the Scottish government, Helen believes there is an undercurrent of unworthiness flowing through society. Through a simple set of invitations – to slow down, to notice, to

Helen Williams

20 February 2022 THE

Experience It is early January as I write this and a classic early January morning at that, cold, grey and drizzly.

Not the most upbeat description but accurate for how the weather has been almost every day since Christmas. With the bleak weather, short daylight hours and end of the Christmas festivities, January is a month which many people find difficult.

Thankfully we’re more aware of mental health nowadays and in general people feel more able to talk with someone if they are struggling. The situation is far from perfect but health services are better equipped to deal with any number of mental health challenges people face.

January is so linked to mental health challenges that the third Monday in January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ because it is supposedly the day where the population struggles more mentally than any other day in the year.

One of our slogans at Cross Rhythms Plymouth is ‘Positive Radio for Britain’s Ocean City’. It’s something that we try to hold to in what we broadcast however we are definitely not a station for just the

20 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Dealing with life’s struggles

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

power of positive thinking or in any way in those people who are working to help denial of the very real challenges in life. others through these radio interviews.

Thinking positively is important but The root of our motivation for being facing the reality of day to day life with the ‘positive radio’ does go a little deeper still. good and bad bits is vital.

It is the belief and lived As a result we regularly experience of all of us at broadcast interviews with Cross Rhythms Plymouth local community groups that we as humans are and organisations who are incredibly valuable. That there to help local people value comes first and who may be struggling for a foremost from us being number of reasons. created and loved by God In recent months this and knowing this love can included an interview with truly give us a firm mental Devon Mind, a local mental and spiritual foundation to health charity about the face whatever life throws services they provide for our way. new and expectant parents This doesn’t mean that and the mental health none of us have mental challenges they face. You can health struggles. In fact hear this interview in full I think I can safely say and other similar interviews almost all of the team Dave Simpson on ww.crossrhythms.co.uk/ have experienced times plymouth. of depression and anxiety It is always great to hear to varying degrees. What how much support is on offer if you are it does mean, though, is we know and struggling and it’s an honour to support experience the love and presence of God in

Jack Leslie statue will be unveiled later this year, say campaign organisers After its incredible fundraising effort, designing and planning for the Jack Leslie statue is well underway, and organisers of the campaign have now reveal edmore about its design and location.

is leading on project delivery, planning the landscaping that will surround the work and dealing with logistics.

With Garry’s expertise, the campaign has identified a preferred location which Plymouth Argyle also supports. It would provide maximum exposure to the statue for supporters, Park and Ride users and park users. Subject to discussions with the local authority, it is hoped to confirm the location in January.

Campaign co-founder, Matt Tiller, said, “All involved in the Campaign want the most public-facing location outside Home Park as possible. We hope Argyle fans, away supporters and passers-by alike, will stop

Work on the artwork itself is now progressing apace with renowned sculptor Andy Edwards, crafting the clay maquette – a scale model – to finalise the pose. In the coming weeks, it will be scaled up to one and a quarter life-size to create an impressive, detailed and lifelike statue of the Plymouth Argyle legend.

Everyone involved is excited and impressed with the work in progress. The statue’s full detail will only be revealed at the unveiling, which will happen in 2022, at a date to be confirmed.

Edwards, the artist behind many such projects, including the CloughTaylor monument at Derby County FC and the Beatles statue in Liverpool, was appointed after an exhaustive selection process in 2021.

He said: “As a football fan, the last few months of research have been hugely rewarding. I’ve enjoyed listening to many enthusiastic and informed Plymouth Argyle fans, had insightful conversations with former players and had the privilege of guidance and encouragement from Jack’s family.

“I’ve tried to put all of this into a new scale model design from which the statue will begin being enlarged very soon. Without wanting to give too much away, the new design portrays an iconic legend at his peak, when his goalscoring prowess was first being noticed by the press nationally. Fans can look forward to an installation that features many other elements to illustrate the story and recognises the many, many contributions that have made this new unique landmark Sculptor Andy Edwards is working on monument possible.” a scale model of the statue Garry McBride of Monumental Icons

and not only admire this celebration of Jack as a player, but also consider the injustice that befell him in 1925.”

Jack Leslie’s family has been involved throughout, particularly his three granddaughters Lyn, Gill and Lesley who said, “We are so proud to see our grandad’s life recognised, celebrated and also used to as an educational tool in the fight against racism.

We were finally able to meet members of the Campaign and the sculptor, Andy Edwards, in person recently. Now, the whole family is excited to see the statue coming together.”

Aside from statue planning, it has been a busy year for the campaign, with several events linked to Black History Month. This culminated in the unveiling of a Heritage Blue Plaque in Newham, East London, where Jack was born, raised and first played football for nearby Barking FC. It was there that he signed his professional contract with Plymouth Argyle.

Campaign co-founder Greg Foxsmith said: “We have had an incredible year in terms of raising awareness of Jack’s story, which has been featured on everything from Antiques Road Trip to Coronation Street. The campaign has already shown Plymouth in a positive way, and the statue, once unveiled later this year, will continue to do that as a lasting legacy.”

Meanwhile, fundraising continues, and people can contribute via the Crowdfunder site: at www.crowdfunder. co.uk/jack-leslie-campaign The Jack Leslie Campaign is also keen to hear from businesses that would like to get involved. These extra funds will help the statue project and the educational work supporting the monument and telling the Jack Leslie story. Contact the Campaign for more information at jacklesliecampaign@gmail.com information: jacklesliecampaign@ gmail.com

the midst of challenges.

We’ve all just come through Christmas and at the heart of Christmas is the message of Jesus, otherwise known as Immanuel. This word Immanuel means ‘God with us’ and it is truly profound.

God wants to be with us in our everyday lives and came into the world as a human to share in our lived experience with all the good and bad aspects of that. Fast forward to Easter and you can see quite how much of the human experience of suffering Jesus entered into.

A phrase Jesus was quoted as saying is ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ This is an invitation to any of us that we can reach out to God and share our burdens and find true peace in their place.

This is as true for mental burdens as any other and it is my hope in writing this article that you can experience this for yourself this year.

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

Sight loss charities come together to launch Take on 250 fundraising effort Marking the start to a new year with an exciting new challenge, Improving Lives Plymouth Sensory Solutions service has launched a virtual fundraiser, Take on 250.

Every day in the UK 250 people begin to lose their sight, and to help spread awareness, Improving Lives Plymouth are collaborating with 36 other sight loss charities to invite people to Take on 250.

The challenge takes place during the whole of January 2022, and people can take part individually or as a team.

Participants can choose any activity, whether it be baking, knitting, running, walking, or dancing and complete 250 minutes, 250 laps, or 250 repetitions – the choice is up to the individual or team, including their fundraising target.

Funds raised for Improving Lives Plymouth will benefit individuals with sight loss through activities delivered by the Sensory Solutions team.

Julie Williams, Sensory Solutions manager said: “We’re excited to announce the launch of Take on 250 alongside our friends in the sight loss sector for 2022. The last two years have been a rollercoaster for everyone and particularly for blind and partially sighted people. So, let’s begin 2022 with a fresh start.

“If you’re up for a challenge, why not join us and Take on 250 for Sensory Solutions, Improving Lives Plymouth to make a big difference to people living with sight loss in the UK.” For more information on how to sign up to the virtual fundraiser for free, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ ilptakeon250

Dial the Experts The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

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.

Will beat all other reasonable quotes.

• Call Steve 07894 208842

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

ROWE NET - Electrical & Home Automation

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PB LAMINATE & WOOD FLOORING ADVICE - SALES - INSTALLATION Floors to suit all budgets and tastes All work is fully guaranteed You won’t beat us on quality or price 01752 774411 Estover Close, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PL

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colourfenceplymouth.co.uk

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Home Improvements, Alterations, Flooring and Doors, Small jobs undertaken.

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PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • VAILLANT approved installer Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429

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22 February 2022

22 February 2022

@PlymChronicle

Free 12-week course at Slimming World Slimming World groups in Plymouth have teamed up with Plymouth City Council to offer residents a free 12-week referral.

Helping children to prevent tooth decay Schoolchildren who are most at risk of serious oral health problems in Plymouth are receiving fluoride varnish applications to prevent tooth decay now and in later life.

In terms of general health in Plymouth, there is a marked difference between the West and more affluent East of the city, and children’s oral health can be adversely affected by living in the city’s more deprived wards.

In areas like Plymouth without water fluoridation the Department of Health recommend that all children should receive fluoride applications to their teeth to protect them against the risk of dental decay.

The financial reality is that with limited funds, those schools whose pupils have higher risk of developing tooth decay have to be prioritised.

Why some areas of the city have higher levels of poor health, in wards that also have lower levels of financial prosperity, is an important question that provokes complex answers.

A report from Public Health shows that more children are affected in those areas, with some pretty grim statistics and lived experiences city-wide: 620 children had 3,935 teeth extracted under general anaesthetic in one year, at a cost to the NHS of £629,000.

As well as affecting physical health and wellbeing, tooth decay can eventually lead to not being able to smile confidently, loss of social interaction, lost job opportunities, and a wide reaching, negative effect on a person’s ability to live a full life.

As part of the city’s multi-agency response to support children who need the most help, 24 primary schools in targeted areas are taking part in the fluoride varnishing programme.

“Fluoride varnishing is the best tool we have for preventing dental caries (tooth decay),” says Elaine Knight, dental clinical lead with Livewell South West, “and uptake of the programme in these primary schools, aimed at 4-5 year olds, is good.”

Dental nurses visit the schools twice per year and apply fluoride varnish to the teeth of the children. In addition, they deliver oral health messages to school staff, parents, and children in years 1, 3 and 6. As any parent knows, the daily mantra ‘Brush your teeth’ dawns like a new idea to children every day, and needs repeating endlessly for some, so this support and education can really help.

There are persistent oral health inequalities in the city. Fluoride varnishing, along with engaging parents, teachers and communities to help children learn how to look after their teeth is one of the ways in which those inequalities are being addressed, providing significant protection for children’s teeth both now and for later life.

For more info regarding children’s oral health, go to: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/childrensservices/specialist-dental or talk to your child’s school office to see if they are part of the fluoride varnishing programme.

Lauren Fidler, who is one of the team developers for the area said: “We are hearing daily from the residents in our area about the struggles they are facing trying to lose weight on their own after lockdown and are desperate to take control again of their weight and join one of our groups.

“When looking at the statistics for the Plymouth area, 67.5 per cent of adults were overweight or obese so I’m grateful to be able to offer this fantastic genuine offer to the residents of Plymouth.”

Lauren first joined Slimming World as a member herself losing seven stone before becoming a consultant. She joined the weight-loss group as she hated how she looked and felt isolated because of her weight which also impacted her health condition; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].

Her CFS is currently in remission thanks to her new healthy weight and life-style. “Losing weight and improving my diet means I have so much more energy. At my biggest I struggled to get out of bed each day and climbing stairs was a huge challenge. Since losing weight I’ve been able to become much more active and stop medication for my conditions,” said Lauren.

To apply for the offer applicants must be a new member to Slimming World, have a BMI of over 25, and live in postcode areas PL1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. To find out more, contact the local Slimming World consultant or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find a local Slimming World group.

Lipson Co-operative Academy latest to join Ted Wragg Trust

Martin Brook, Lipson Academy headteacher, left, with students from Lipson Academy, and Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, right

Lipson Co-operative Academy has become the latest school to join the Ted Wragg Trust.

It is the fourth Plymouth school to join the ambitious Trust of schools, which aims to strengthen communities through excellent education.

The Trust has the highest expectations for every child, every day, with social justice at its core.

The addition of Lipson, which believes in valuing young people, putting them first, insisting in the highest quality in everything they do, with an emphasis on achievement as a core purpose will

further strengthen the growing Trust and open up opportunities for pupils, staff and the Plymouth area.

Moira Marder, chief executive officer of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “I am so incredibly excited to welcome Lipson to our ambitious and inclusive Trust of schools.

“The Trust continues to grow from strength to strength and we have gained real benefits from positively collaborating with our ever-growing network of schools and links to local and national organisations.”

Martin Brook, headteacher at Lipson

said: “Although Lipson will be joining the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust from January, we have been working really closely together for the last six months, during which the experience has been extremely positive.

“I can see only good things coming from the partnership and I think the relationship will benefit Lipson and the Trust as a whole.”

Lipson will be the 13th school to join the Ted Wragg Trust which also includes Marine Academy Primary, Marine Academy Plymouth, and All Saints Academy Plymouth.

February 2022 23

@PlymChronicle

USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 01752 202082 NHS 111 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

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First all night rave at Flicks - The Warehouse, 14 February 1992 from the upcoming exhibition at The Box ‘Because The Night Belongs To Us’ © Mirrorpix

The Box unveils details of exhibitions programme for the coming year...

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum has unveiled details of its exhibitions programme for the year ahead.

Over the course of the year, the venue will celebrate local talent alongside international artists – including several Turner Prize nominees – through ground breaking exhibitions that draw on its permanent collections and which bring new works and collaborators to Plymouth.

Highlights for 2022 include: Another Crossing - Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage Ten international artists from the UK, USA, Wampanoag and Netherlands respond to the ongoing resonance of the Mayflower voyage.

The exhibition is a partnership between The Box, Plymouth College of Art and the Fuller Craft Museum, USA. All the artists involved have created work in response to the 400th anniversary, utilising only technology - tools, materials, and processes that existed in 1620. The exhibition highlights the sophistication of historic craft practices, like beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork, and pottery. The exhibition opens on Feb rural 26 and continues until June 5.

Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women from 1945 Breaking the Mould is the first survey of postwar British sculpture by women. The exhibition explores the work of over 40 sculptors in the Arts Council Collection. It provides a radical recalibration, addressing the many accounts of British sculpture that have marginalised women or airbrushed their work from art history altogether.

Many of the represented artists have challenged widespread notions of sculpture as a ‘male occupation’ by embracing new materials, subjects and approaches. In contrast, others have avoided institutional bias by producing work for alternative spaces or public sites.

Featured artists include: Barbara Hepworth, Elisabeth Frink, Kim Lim, Cornelia Parker, Veronica Ryan, Rachel Whiteread and Anthea Hamilton.

The Plymouth presentation is delivered by The Box and The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth partnership and will be displayed as a dual-site exhibition at The Box and The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth. The exhibition runs from March 26 to June 5.

Dress Code - Fashion Stories from The Box In the city’s first exhibition dedicated to fashion, highlights from The Box’s costume and textile collection will be displayed alongside paintings, drawings, film and archival material to tell important local and international stories about

Dress Code Fashion Stories from The Box will open in March

fashion and clothing.

The exhibition spans the 1700s to today and speaks to contemporary conversations about identity, sustainability, shopping, design, making and craft. A paper dress from the 1960s foretells the future of fast fashion.

A 300-year-old silk gown tells the story of global textile trade. A subversive garment made locally, and worn all around the world, represents one of several of the city’s histories of garment production. From lace to latex, visitors will learn about Plymouth’s fashion pasts and futures.

Exhibition opens on March 26 and continues until September 4.

Zadie Xa Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa has a strong focus on making, combining and exploring her own identity through film and performance, textiles and painting.

The Box acquired two works by Xa in 2018, through the Contemporary Art Society. For this exhibition, she will create a mythological and cosmological journey that creates dialogue with historical works from the collections. The exhibition runs from April 2 to June 5.

Because the Night Belongs to Us From the Van Dike Club of the late 1960s to the world famous Union Street - Plymouth’s contribution to experimentation, self-expression, music and creativity has been distinctive, challenging and captivating. Because the Night Belongs To Us is the culmination of a five-year community engagement project called Plymouth After Dark, which has brought together a diverse range of previously unseen archive materials, film, images and new commissions to tell this story for the first time.

The Box has developed the exhibition with numerous contributions from the people of Plymouth. It has been supported by artist Keith Harrison (recent commissions include Jerwood Open, V&A Ceramics Resident, Outlands Network], award winning journalist, writer and critic John Harris and DJ, psychotherapist and broadcaster Nemone. The exhibition runs from June 18 to September 4.

British Art Show 9 The British Art Show is a landmark touring exhibition that celebrates the vitality of recent art made in Britain. British Art Show 9 takes a critical look at art produced from 2015 to the present moment, a period that begins with Britain voting to leave the European Union and closes with the still unfolding Covid-19 pandemic.

The exhibition was shaped after meeting with over 230 artists in 23 cities and will present work by 45 artists, including Turner Prize nominees Oscar Murillo and Hurvin Anderson.

In Plymouth, the exhibition centres on the migration of bodies, peoples, plants, objects, ideas and forms.

It includes Cornwall-based Abigail Reynolds and Katie Schwab, who had a SouthWest Showcase residency and exhibition at Plymouth College of Art in 2019.

Since Plymouth hosted BAS7 ten years ago, the city has grown in maturity, confidence and reputation as a cultural destination and centre for contemporary art. Plymouth will be taking a very innovative approach to developing audiences, involving them in the planning process as they aim to dispel the myths around contemporary art.

The exhibition will be delivered in partnership with Plymouth Culture and shown across four venues: The Box, KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Plymouth College of Art. The show will run from October 8 to December 23.

For details of all the exhibitions and collections visit www.theboxplymouth.com

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

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If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 February 2022

24 February 2022

Event-full year ahead for the city!

From pirates to pyrotechnics, live music to military moments and food festivals to family fun, Plymouth’s 2022 calendar is jam-packed with a host of events.

Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival takes place in September

The plan for 2022 includes the return of some beloved events on the waterfront and throughout the city centre, which haven’t been able to take place since 2019 due to the ongoing pandemic.

Each year, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company work together to offer a buzzing events programme which includes supporting independent organisers to host events in the city.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce the epic line-up of events due to take place in Plymouth throughout 2022 – here are all the key dates you need for your diaries.

After the last couple of years, it goes without saying that we appreciate things don’t always run and chart-topping band Simply Red (July 10). triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, as planned, but our hope is that this year we can Another popular event coming back to cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth ensure the safe return of some of Plymouth’s most Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day Hoe. popular free events, as well as some exciting new (June 25). It’s a great opportunity for everyone Plymouth’s military history will also be additions.” to show their support for celebrated with Commando Gunners’ 60th The family fun begins the military community, Anniversary Parade (May 14) through the city, in May, with the return of from serving troops to including the serving regiment and veterans, The popular Pirates Weekend Plymouth veterans, cadets and their to mark the 60th anniversary of 29 Commando Pirates (May 7 and 8) promising a families. The day includes Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth.

Weekend swashbuckling two days returns in May a packed programme of For sports fans, sailing enthusiasts and of fun inspired by the high entertainment, with arena action lovers, SailGP is returning to the city for seas. The fun continues displays, interactive activities the second year in a row. Expect adrenaline throughout May with free and parades, including a fuelled excitement on Plymouth Sound as ten activities for families to dedicated parade of veterans international sailing teams comprised of the enjoy at Lord Mayor’s Day to recognise the 40th world’s top athletes battle it out to win the Great (May 21). anniversary of the Falklands Britain Sail Grand Prix (July 30 and 31).

Foodie fans are in for War. Visitors can enjoy live Anyone who is more excited about participating a real treat this year too. performances throughout in sport rather than watching can sign up to the Flavour Fest (May 27 to 29) is the day before a free evening Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (June 19), the South West’s largest free concert takes to the stage, which includes the Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k food and drink festival, with with an amazing headliner and 5k, offering something for runners of all hundreds of local producers set to be announced soon. abilities. selling tasty treats and a The Rehabilitation Look to the skies in August as the beloved chef stage with regional Triathlon hosted by the Royal British Firework Championships (August 17 and 18) cookery stars showcasing Marines (June 23) will also sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their their skills. Later in the year, take place in the city for the very best work in epic ten-minute displays, as they the Plymouth Seafood and first time, with outstanding compete to be crowned the country’s best.

Harbour Festival (September athletes – Paralympians and Later in the month, the West End Carnival 17 and 18) will celebrate all Invictus Games competitors (August 27) will return to the city centre offering a that’s great about the city’s among them - competing full day of carnival flair. Expect live music, street stunning waterfront and in the tough event. The performers and free children’s activities to enjoy, fishing industry. and take time to explore the city’s There’s also an impressive independent quarter at the same line-up of live music to enjoy over time. the summer.

More details about all these The Jubilee Bank Holiday events will be shared in due weekend will see the 1 Big Summer May 7 – 8 Pirates Weekend Plymouth, Barbican and Sutton Harbour May 14 Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade, Royal Parade course. For all the latest details music festival take to Plymouth May 21 Lord Mayor’s Day, City Centre about what’s on in Plymouth, Hoe (June 2 to 4), with the line-up May 27 – 29 Flavour Fest, City Centre including information about set to include an epic range of June 2 – 4 1 Big Summer, Plymouth Hoe smaller events taking place music including Basement Jaxx, June 19 Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, Plymouth Hoe throughout the year, please Years and Years, The Libertines and June 23 Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by Royal Marines, Plymouth Hoe see visitplymouth.co.uk.

Supergrass.

June 25 Plymouth Armed Forces Day, Plymouth Hoe Event organisers can also Following the success of the July 9 Paloma Faith, Central Park promote their own events on Tom Jones gig in September 2021, July 10 Simply Red, Central Park the Visit Plymouth website by July 30 – 31 SailGP’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Plymouth Sound Cottage Field in Central Park is submitting the details here: www.

Aug 17 – 18 British Firework Championships, Plymouth Hoe set to host more global music visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/ Aug 27 West End Carnival, City Centre superstars including singersubmit-event.

Sept 17 – 18 Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival, Barbican and Sutton Harbour songwriter Paloma Faith (July 9)

ALL THE BIG EVENTS - AT A GLANCE

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