Plymouth Chronicle Waterside & West January 2023

Transforming Plymouth Together has launched an appeal for sponsors to fund ‘warm packs’ for people who need extra help with heating and food this winter • See story on page 3

Emily Keen, a personal trainer from Plymouth has won a top national award

Eight-year-old Ivy Stedman has been named Young Sibling of the Year by disability charity Sense

Be kind, be caring this Christmas

The festive season can be a difficult time for many of us, so it’s more important than ever to think of others in our community, especially if they are feeling isolated or lonely.

Plymouth’s partners are rallying around to help ensure everyone has a great Christmas and finds something they enjoy.

They have put together some tips for how you can look out for yourself and loved ones, as well as connect with and be kind to others. Here are 10 tips for having a caring Christmas:

• Make a connection with a neighbour, such as giving them a Christmas card, taking round a mince pie or other sweet treats or giving them your phone number if you feel comfortable doing that

• Start a quick chat in the street and perhaps offer a warming outdoors cuppa

• Volunteer to help others. To find out how, visit plymouth.gov.uk/volunteering or ourplymouth.co.uk

• Get active, as well as neighbourly, by

wrapping up warm and going for a walk to your park or local shops with someone who lives near you

• Ask someone how they are getting on and listen properly to what they say to you – being listened to and getting someone’s full attention can give people a big boost

• Make a gift for someone who is homeless or feeling lonely

• Christmas can be stressful, so don’t forget to look after yourself

• Practice gratitude or keep a list of the kind things you see others doing around you

• Notice and appreciate kindness and thank people who do kind things for you, whether they are neighbours, shop assistants or collect the bins or deliver post

• Uncertainty caused by the cost of living crisis will continue into 2023, so make a resolution to help others next year too.

Why not share these ideas with family and friends and see if you can get them on board as well.

Look out for the new Community Builders team

There’s a new team in town that aims to help bring local communities together.

NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council have funded a new Community Builders team to work in Plymouth.

The team, which is employed through a wellbeing hub run by the Four Greens Community Trust, will listen to local people to find out what is good in their community and what the passions of residents are so they can help enable greater connection, activity and support.

Community Builders will map all the activity in their communities so residents can find out what is going on in their area, to help them connect with others and improve their wellbeing.

The team will work with members of the

community on issues that affect them and help find local solutions, together with friends, neighbours and other members of the community.

The team will be working in Barne Barton, Devonport, Efford, Estover, Honicknowle, Southway, Stonehouse and the East End.

They will be working with a range of diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities and young people.

They will also be working closely with other organisations and networks that provide valuable community support.

These include the Plymouth Octopus Project (POP), who can be found online at plymouthoctopus.org.

Scarlet fever and Group A Strep

You may have seen in the news that there has been an increase in the number of scarlet fever and invasive Group A Strep infections in children this winter.

Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection which is not usually serious but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

The early symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours, a characteristic red pinhead rash with a ‘sandpaper’ feel develops.

The rash may be harder to spot on darker skin but the ‘sandpaper’ feel should still be there. Patients typically also have flushed cheeks and will be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red ‘strawberry’ tongue.

The same bacteria that cause scarlet fever can also cause other types of infection such as skin infections (impetigo) and a sore throat. In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).

Infections can be spread through close contact with an infected person and through coughs and sneezes. Help to prevent the spread of bugs this winter by washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and teaching your children how to wash their hands properly.

Remember to use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes.

If you think you or your child might have scarlet fever, you should:

• contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible.

Early treatment with antibiotics is important

• make sure you or your child completes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed

• stay at home, away from nursery, school or work, for at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Find out more about Group A strep at https:// ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-whatyou-need-to-know/.

Cost of Living Hub

Find a warm and welcoming space this winter

If you’re looking for a warm, safe space to spend time in as the weather gets colder, many organisations, charities and libraries in Plymouth will be happy to welcome you in.

All the spaces have a warm place to sit comfortably. Many of them also offer free Wi-Fi, including all Plymouth City Council libraries. There’s an online map to help you find where Plymouth’s warm, welcoming spaces are and this is being updated

regularly as more venues come on board.

You can also find information about opening hours, accessibility information and any other extra activities on offer.

If your business or organisation is happy to open its doors to be a warm, welcoming space in Plymouth this winter there’s an online form so it can be added to the map.

For information about the warm and welcoming spaces visit plymouth.gov.uk/ warm-welcoming-spaces.

Wellbeing hubs can connect you to services and support

Each wellbeing hub has its own activities, services, and specialisms, such as a focus on children, disability, befriending, social prescribing or community support.

Every hub offers information on a wide range of services such as debt advice, cost of living advice and support, mental health support, employability, where to access food banks, benefits advice and opportunities to volunteer.

There’s also help in accessing health prevention services, such as exercise, weight loss and stopping smoking and they have information on various groups and activities for all ages.

Other local and citywide organisations are encouraged to use the hubs to provide services in the hub itself where possible, minimising the distance residents need to travel.

It’s easy to get support from any of the hubs. They all have someone who will greet you when you arrive and direct you to the services, activities or support you need.

Wellbeing hubs are available at:

• The Rees Centre, Plympton: 01752 340550

• Four Greens Centre, Whitleigh: 01752 875916

• William Sutton Hall, St Budeaux: 01752 211247

• Improving Lives, Mannamead: 01752 201900

• Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, North Prospect: 01752 203670

• Mount Gould Ageing Well Hub: 01752 256020

Details of these can be found at plymouthonlinedirectory.com.

Can you help crowdfund support for lonely people?

The

They are also aiming to provide isolated residents with a Christmas hamper so that they have something to look forward to.

For many people living alone, Christmas is the worst time of the year as some of their support services close and images of family and friends fill all media channels.

A 78-year-old woman in Ernesettle says she struggles with anxiety now she is living alone, since the death of her husband of more than 52 years. “I live behind my four walls but now am not even able to heat the house. Sometimes wonder whether life is worth living,” she said.

The trust and its partners are aware of the challenges many people are facing this Christmas and appreciate how tight funding is but are hoping people may be able to support their crowdfunding appeal to raise £3,500 in 19 days.

They have been offered some matched funding if they can achieve their goal. All funding will go to those most in need and no money will go on staffing or other back-of-house costs. If you can help, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/spirit-of-christmas-appeal-2022.

Discover the help that’s on offer – including financial support, energy bills, food costs, housing issues, employment support, mental wellbeing and much more. Go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/cost-living.

Are you able to help the Four Greens Community Trust and its partners provide support for lonely people over the Christmas period?

trust is working with its wellbeing hub partners Improving Lives Plymouth, Colebrook Housing, Wolseley Trust and Barnardos to provide befriending support to people who are living alone or are socially isolated and struggling due to the cost of living crisis.

There’s a network of wellbeing hubs across Plymouth working together to make local and citywide support services easier to find and access.

Local heroes wanted Appeal for sponsors to fund warm packs

Transforming Plymouth Together have launched a Sponsor a Warm Pack campaign, offering everyone the opportunity to make a real difference in Plymouth this winter.

For just £25 a warm pack can be provided by churches and charities to individuals who are facing a very bleak winter. By providing the packs via organisations already engaged with people identified at risk this winter there is also an opportunity to visit and offer a connection which can then be built upon.

So far over 750 requests for these pack have been made, in addition to 250 packs which were distributed at the start of autumn.

For anyone sponsoring a warm pack through the Transforming Plymouth Together Crowdfunder campaign, Aviva Insurance Company will match the donation through their Each pack contains hot water bottle; thermos style flask; fleece blanket; thermal hat, gloves and socks; fleece scarf and instant soup.

The pack will also contain a booklet with energy and

money saving ideas, including no cook, kettle only and microwave cooking recipes. Advice on local financial and energy support will also be included.

For anyone sponsoring a warm pack through the Transforming Plymouth Together Crowdfunder campaign, Aviva Insurance Company will match the donation through their Cost-of-Living Boost. To donate go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tpt-winterwarm-packs

As part of the campaign Transforming Plymouth Together are working with www.warmwelcome.uk, which already has over 2,300 open warm spaces registered on their national map. In Plymouth more than 30 churches have already agreed to open their doors to their local community to offer warmth, food, device charging points, and much more.

Some churches are extending the hours of their existing groups, others are waving charges for their toddler groups and lunch clubs, and a handful of churches are providing community support of this kind for the first time.

Big response to electric blanket fundraiser

The Crowdfunder appeal urged people to ‘heat the human not the home’ and help families struggling to afford their

Luke Pollard said the overwhelming response to the fundraiser with Plymouth Foodbank had ‘shone a light’ on the severity of the cost of living crisis,

Launched one month before Christmas, the campaign aimed to purchase 100 electric blankets – also known as heated throws – which are a cheaper way to stay warm and save on energy bills.  The campaign also raises awareness of the difficult choices people in Plymouth are making between turning their heating on each evening and warming up their food.

As temperatures drop and the cost of living continues to rise, almost one in four adults in the UK will not switch on the heating at all this winter, according to a recent study.

A third of Plymouth children live in poverty, and Luke said many families have told him they simply won’t be able to turn on their heating this winter.

Typical household energy prices are currently capped at £2,500 until April 2023. In last week’s Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced the cap will rise to £3,000. Rocketing interest rates and inflation are already squeezing finances for families in Plymouth.

With budgets already stretched, households across the UK are on the lookout for ways to cut down their energy usage. Typical gas central heating costs £6.76 to run over a six hour period.

Electric blankets cost a mere 20p to run over the same time period.

In October, Luke urged Plymouth City Council to create ‘heat banks’ across Plymouth – warm spaces for people struggling to afford their heating.

Plymouth Foodbank will now begin the process of acquiring electric blankets to give people in need. The blankets will subsequently be distributed from Plymouth Foodbank’s base

at the Oasis Project on 28 Manor Street. Luke praised donors for going the ‘extra mile’ to help keep Plymouth’s citizens warm over the winter and encouraged people to keep donating to the fundraiser, which has a new target of £4,000.  Donations for the campaign will remain open until January 18.

Plymouth Foodbank has seen a marked increase in usage due to the cost of living crisis, serving 11,646 extra meals between August-November 2022, compared to the same time period in 2021.

Luke Pollard said: “With utility bills rocketing many families are turning off their heating this winter.”Thank you to everyone who has donated to support those in real need this winter. It’s incredible to raise over £2,000 in less than a week - the Janner spirit is really spectacular.

“This campaign has shone a light on the severity of the cost of living crisis. In a rich nation like Britain, we should not need fundraising campaigns to help keep people warm, but I cannot stand by and do nothing when faced with such a crisis.

“Heating the human not heating the home with these blankets and throws will help keep people in Plymouth warm over the winter.  I hope people will continue to support our city’s wonderful Foodbank and other emergency food providers over the winter to keep people fed and warm.”

Maria Mills,, project manager at the Oasis Project, said: “Plymouth Foodbank are very grateful for the support of Luke Pollard MP in this successful campaign to raise funds to buy electric blankets for Foodbank clients in need of this specific support.

“The campaign has raised enough money for us to buy heated throws which will enable people to stay safe and warm in these coming months.

“We are hoping that with the success of the campaign we will reach the stretch target of £4000 which will mean that more families or individuals will be to keep warm this Christmas.”

“In a rich country like Britain, we should not need fundraising campaigns like this, but I simply cannot stand by and do nothing when faced with such a crisis.”

Access Plymouth provides a volunteer driven car service, called Community Cars, that helps older people to get out and about in Plymouth. They are in need of more volunteers to support the growing number of users of this essential service.

The Community Car service has been helping elderly people to live independently by supporting them to get out and about, to medical appointments, shopping trips, meeting friends and social events since 2011. The support given helps people feel less isolated, be part of their community and reduces loneliness.

Access Plymouth has a team of dedicated volunteer drivers who give a few hours a week to help others.

Duncan, who has been volunteering for 10 years, said: “When I retired I didn’t want to stay at home growing old, I wanted to get out and keep myself and my brain active. It makes me feel good, it helps my mental health and I know am putting something

back into the community plus I get to meet lots of people who would be stuck without us. The biggest pleasure is helping those people who can only leave the house when I pick them up.”

Lesley Hargreaves, CEO at Access Plymouth said: “Our Community Car transport service is much more than a trip from A to B, we make positive difference to the lives of older people in Plymouth. Our volunteers are the backbone of the charity, we are now in urgent need of more people who can drive their own cars, commit to a minimum half day a week and who can assist elderly people in a friendly manner. We pay mileage and DBS checks are carried out”.

To find out more about volunteering for Access Plymouth call 01752 600633 or email info@ accessplymouth.co.uk

Greenwich Hospital

Sheltered Housing

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

3 locations: Trafalgar Quarters, Greenwich Greenwich Place, Saltash, Cornwall Greenwich Court, Southsea

Managed by CESSAC Enquiries to: ian.wilson@cessaha.co.uk

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard MP’s joint campaign with Plymouth Foodbank raised £2,000 for electric blankets in less than a week.

energy bills this winter.

Luke Pollard MP pictured with Andrew Denham, project co-ordinator at Plymouth Foodbank and Nigel Morris Plymouth Foodbank chair

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Breakfast with Santa

Until Dec 18

Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a special ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in The Box Kitchen & Bar on Saturdays and Sundays. This event has been hugely popular in previous years, so don’t leave it too late to book! ‘Breakfast with Santa’ menu includes bacon and maple syrup pancakes; pancakes with maple syrup and berries; bacon, sausage, egg or veggie sausage baps with tea or coffee for adults and hot chocolate or fruit juice for children. All children’s tickets include a gift. Tickets and details www.theboxplymouth.com

Zooluminate

Until Jan 2

Dartmoor Zoo presents a beautiful light installation which brings the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible. Admission is from 5pm until 8pm, or to take full advantage of the entire zoo experience, purchase a full admission day and night ticket (12pm - 8pm). This event does not take place on December 24, 25, and 26 when the site is closed.

Oh No It Isn’t!

Until Dec 24

Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre present their hilarious yet poignant alternative to traditional panto performed by Cornish-based HaHum-Ah Theatre. Tickets and details at www. barbicantheatre.co.uk

Christmas Express Trains

Various dates

Plym Valley Railway will be running Christmas specials every weekend in December. Booking for either a table for four or compartment for six adults. Every fare paying child will receive a gift from Santa. Visit www.plymrail.co.uk for details and bookings.

The Snowcat at Yuletide

Dec 17 to 24

Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park invite you to join them on this Christmas adventure. With incredible puppets, magical characters and a fantastic soundtrack, our winter season show will take you on a journey unlike any other. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/soapboxchildrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/

Plymouth Jazz Club

Dec 18

Featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at7.30pm. Tickets and details www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk

Carols by Candlelight

Dec 21

Salisbury Road Baptist Church at 7pm. Mince pies after the service. All welcome.

The Snow Cat at Yuletide

Dec 22 to 24

Festive show at the Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park. An enchanting story from an Icelandic traditional talew ith incredible puppets, magical characters and a fantastic soundtrack. Suitable for four year olds and upwards. Younger siblings welcome and children under 18 months free. For tickets and further information go to www.stiltskin.org.uk and select Box Office.

Treasury Snow Ball

Dec 31

The Treasury’s famous New Year’s Eve event returns bigger and better than ever with buffet and live music from Joey The Lips. Tickets £45. For details visit www.thetreasurybar.co.uk

Phoenix

Chorale Open Rehearsal & Social Evening

Jan 9

Do you love to sing? Then the Chorale would love to welcome you to join them at the first rehearsal of the spring term at St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square from 7pm to 9.30pm. The Chorale’s new programme will include Jubilate Deo by Dan Forrest and Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass. The evening will begin with a friendly chat over coffee and cake where you can meet our members and find out about what it means to sing with Phoenix Chorale. We are a small, friendly group of choral singers who enjoy singing a wide range of music and also try to provide opportunities for young people to perform with the choir. New members are always welcome. Rehearsals take place on Mondays from 7.30-9.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Plymouth. For more information, visit www. plymouthphoenixchorale.org

Plymouth Vintage Kilo Sale

Jan 14

The UK’s biggest vintage kilo sale at The Guildhall, Plymouth from 11am to 5pm. Early bird tickets £3 for an exclusive shopping session. General admission £2.

Plymouth Jazz Club

Jan 15

Featuring the New Washboard Syncopators at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door. Details from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Building the Box Architectural Tour

Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16

Building The Box was a huge task. Meet a guide at the Welcome Desk and then take an architectural tour of the site and learn about

the restoration, demolition and new build construction that took place between 2017 and 2020. Also discover some fascinating information about the history of the buildings, dating back to the 1860s. External pulpits, Blitz bomb damage, redundant tram lines, and more! The tour involves walking up and down stairs. Tickets £10 must be booked in advance at www. theboxplymouth.com/events/talks-and-tours/ architectural-tour

Strictly

Ballroom - The Musical

Jan 30 to Feb 4

Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is heading to the Theatre Royal Plymouth starring Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and BBC’s Eastenders’ Maisie Smith. Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, and all new music written by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. Tickets and details at www.theatreroyal.com

Winter Warmer Comedy Night

Feb 10

Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club host another comedy night with three great comedians, fresh Thai food and a nice warm room for an evening of laughter. Food from 6.30pm, comedy starts 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance from www. eventbrite.co.uk or call 01752 401142.

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show

Feb 10 and 11

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show is coming to the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Join Duggee and the Squirrels in this new vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way. Tickets and details at www.theatreroyal.com

The Liquid Engineers

Feb 11

The No 1 tribute to Gary Numan at The Quad Theatre, Marjon University at 8pm. Tickets £12 in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

Mar 11

Join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives. This special day is so much more than a fun, banterfuelled, outing to revel in with your friends – it’s also about being mindful of our mental health. Discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront from 10am. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion, participants can tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading. For details visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout/

Plymouth Brick Festival

Mar 18

A LEGO fan event at Plymouth Guildhall dedicated to all things brick! From 10am to 5pm Early bird from 10am £12 per person. Standard entry from 11am £6 per person, children £4.

Family tickets available.

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session.

Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! The award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show. Tickets at www.dinomania.co.uk/events/ dinomania-tour-plymouth.php

Send details of your event to info@

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

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tour is at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal from January 30 to February 4

Plymouth Oddfellows donate wheels for Horizons sailing charity

Plymouth Oddfellows has supported the Horizons children’s sailing charity by supplying sets of wheels for use on their dinghy trailers.

They chose to provide Horizons with the wheels to make it easier to move dinghies between the boat yard storage facility and the water’s edge during their youth sailing and training sessions.

Horizons is a registered charity founded in 1991 with the aim of taking disadvantaged and disabled young people from the Plymouth inner-city communities out on to the Sound. This gives many local young people practical skills and valuable experience through water-based activities which can lead to formal training and industry recognised

qualifications.

During 2022, over 1,000 young people and vulnerable adults between the ages of eight and 25 years attended Horizon’s activities of which no less than 150 young people had a registered disability.

Peter English, Oddfellows

Provincial Secretary said: “The remarkable and valuable work carried out by Horizons is plainly evident and we are very pleased to have assisted them in this way. Although we take every effort to

support our members during these economically difficult times, we always do our bit to assist local charities and other good causes in Plymouth and across Cornwall.”

Kathy Impey of Horizons said: “We would like to thank the Oddfellows very much indeed for choosing to support us. These wheels will make it so much easier to move our dinghies. Our small charity relies entirely on donations and charitable funding to deliver our projects to local young people and without the support of groups like the Oddfellows, what we do would not be possible.”

Details on the charity’s work can be found at www.horizonsplymouth. org and information about the local Oddfellows is available at www. oddfellows.co.uk.

£800,000 FUND BOOST TO GUIDE FUTURE AUTONOMOUS MARINE TECH

Plymouth’s role as a pioneering place for autonomous marine vessels and green technology has been given a financial boost from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The consortium led by Plymouth City Council has been awarded £842,490 under the BEIS’s Regulators’ Pioneer Fund to develop a framework for testing autonomous and prototype maritime vessels for research and development.

The council will be working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter on the project to create research and development regulatory frameworks to guide testing and development of these emerging technologies, including zero emissions propulsion and autonomous vessels.

Businesses can currently test prototypes in wave tanks and laboratories as well as controlled areas within ports.  However, there are few guidelines or regulations available for companies wanting to test technology safely on open water.

It is hoped that developing the frameworks in the South West peninsula, which is also home to the Smart Sound Plymouth offshore proving ground, along with the Centre for Future Clean Mobility, will lead to a UK regulatory environment that will encourage innovation and make the UK the best place to start and grow a business.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Mark Shayer said: “The maritime industry is experiencing one of its most innovative periods as it looks to meet net zero targets by 2050 and embraces new technologies such as new propulsion systems, hydrogen powered vessels and autonomous vessels.

“All these require testing but the regulations have not kept pace with advances being made across all these fields.

“Plymouth and Exeter are in an incredible position to help shape future regulations around this exciting sector. Between the two councils we have the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, we have the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Centre for Future Clean Mobility in the University of Exeter all working at the frontier of these new developments.

“In Plymouth we have an incredibly strong maritime and engineering sector exploring alternative propulsion technologies, marine autonomous systems and applications, as well as nationally leading assets such as Smart Sound Plymouth.

“The industry is waking up to the incredible opportunities for autonomous vessels – from academic research, monitoring and mapping to transporting cargo, but we need guidelines to ensure testing can be carried out safely without compromising the needs of business to innovate.

“Plymouth City Council welcomes the funding, it complements our aspirations for higher paid jobs and it is another huge step in our journey in making Plymouth the world centre for marine autonomy innovation and development.”

This project has been made possible by a grant from the £12 million Regulators’ Pioneer Fund launched by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The fund enables UK regulators and local authorities to help create a UK regulatory environment that unleashes innovation and makes the UK the best place to start and grow a business.

The council submitted the bid on behalf of the partners and will be the responsible authority.

One of the Horizons dinghy trailers equipped with new wheels with Plymouth young people looking on

Plymouth comes together to tackle violence against women and girls

Nearly 200 people attended Plymouth’s first Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Conference, which took placeduring the international 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

Representatives from the public, private and charity sectors came together to hear about the work taking place in Plymouth and to discuss plans for a new VAWG Charter Mark scheme.

Plymouth’s VAWG Commission was created at the beginning of this year and a survey was carried out in March to help gain a deeper understanding of the local situation. This found that 89 per cent of respondents agreed that violence against women and girls is a problem, with 60 per cent feeling that it happens more often now compared to five years ago.

The survey informed a report about male violence against women and girls in Plymouth, which set out a number of recommendations to enable real change. One key recommendation is that Plymouth should adopt a VAWG Charter Mark scheme.

The scheme would offer organisations and local communities the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to addressing male violence, promoting gender equality and supporting women and girls.

Conference attendees took part in a session to discuss their thoughts on the Charter, with conversations about what it might look like and include, what it would mean to their organisations and identifying potential

barriers and ways to overcome them.

The feedback will be used to develop plans for the scheme, led by the new VAWG Strategic Lead in collaboration with partners

across the city, before it’s launched next year.

Councillor Rebecca Smith, chair of the VAWG Commission, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people attending the Conference, representing a huge variety of organisations and businesses with some of the city’s largest employers in attendance as well as the Police, NHS, education providers, arts and cultural institutions, local charities and small, independent businesses.

It was amazing to witness the collective passion of people in Plymouth to tackle the difficult issue of violence against women and girls.

“One of Plymouth’s real strengths is our collaborative working and willingness to come together as a city. Ending violence against women and girls is not something that can be done by individuals or just one organisation, but by pulling together I believe that we can work to deliver long-lasting results and cultural change.”

Speakers at the conference included Ben Hurst from Beyond Equality and the VAWG group from women’s charity Trevi.

There were also presentations about some of the work that’s already underway across Plymouth. This includes the new M.A.N. Culture group (Male Allyship Network), the NSPCC’s ‘Young Voices’ campaign, a new research partnership led by the University of Plymouth, and local charity Ahimsa who work directly with the perpetrators of domestic violence to change their behaviour.

Find out more about the VAWG Commission at www.plymouth.gov.uk/vawg

By-elections to be held in Moor View and Chaddlewood

By-elections will be held in the Moor View and Plympton Chaddlewood wards on Thursday January 12, following the resignations of City Councillors Shannon Burden and Dan Collins.

A Notice of Poll has now been published and can be viewed on the Council’s ‘Elections 2023’ page at www.plymouth.gov. uk/elections-2023.

The deadline for registering to vote in these by-elections is midnight on Thursday December 22.

For anyone who is not yet registered, the easiest way to do this is online at www. plymouth.gov.uk/register-vote

This page can also be used to update your name, address or other details or change your voting preferences (for example to vote by post).

Anyone who already registered and would like to vote by post can download a form at www.plymouth.gov.uk/vote-post Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on Friday December 23.

Anyone with queries should contact the council’s electoral services team on 01752 304866 or email ero@plymouth. gov.uk. Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate in either by-election will need to complete a set of nomination papers, available online at www.plymouth.gov. uk/elections-2023 and from the electoral services team.

Completed papers must be received by 4pm on December 13.

Councillor Rebecca Smith speaking at Plymouth’s VAWG conference

THOUGHT

FOR THE

Hyde Park school leaders praised by Ofsted inspectors

A recent interim Ofsted inspection of Hyde Park Infant School has heaped praise on the senior leadership team.

Ofsted Inspectors visited the school in October and spoke with the head teacher, representatives from the governing body, the chief executive officer and the chair of the trust about the next steps for the school.

This was an interim visit, following the decision to grade the school as inadequate in November 2021. Despite this, the inspector found many positives and while the school will remain at that grading for now, the inspectors were clear that ‘leaders have made progress to improve the school.’

Other key strengths highlighted include:

• The leadership team was praised for taking ‘swift action to improve the school.’ The report noted that they ‘have rightly prioritised the development of the curriculum, including the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).’

• Since the last inspection, the school has redesigned the curriculum to identify ‘key knowledge that pupils need to know and remember’ and have strengthened the subject leadership capacity

• There is now a more consistent approach to teaching with coaching and training for staff to ensure that all phonics teaching is high quality.

• The school’s provision for children with SEND has been refined with ‘pupils’ learning targets now reflect their needs more accurately.

• Children in their Reception year ‘learn in an environment that meets their developmental needs increasingly well.’ The report goes on to note how the new purpose-built Reception area, with outdoor space, is due for completion imminently and will enhance learning even further.

Praise was also reserved for the federation of governors and the Horizon Multi-academy Trust, of which Hyde Park Infants is a partner school. The governors were noted to ‘provide effective support and challenge’ while the trust ‘holds an accurate understanding of the school’s current strengths and areas for improvement.’

Yvonne Jones, executive headteacher of Hyde Park Schools, said: “We are pleased with the many positives recognised by Ofsted since the last inspection. The hard work since the last inspection has been acknowledged by Ofsted as we remain steadfast in our drive for improvement and reassure our families that this drive will continue.

“We have worked tirelessly over the last several months to ensure our curriculum allows for deeper learning and creates curiosity amongst our children. We have achieved this with our revision and are now embedding this ensuring our children are learning more and remembering more.”

DAY

“When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Babcock support for community

A group of Babcock employees from Devonport Dockyard recently took to the city’s streets to assist Plymouth Soup Run who support local people who experience homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency or mental health issues.

Since 2011, Plymouth Soup Run have delivered food and hot drinks to the homeless and vulnerable at the various locations across the city, seven days a week, 365 days of the year and have not missed a day, even during the pandemic.

With the number of people accessing the service steadily increasing, the support of Babcock’s employees was very welcome.

Throughout the evening the seven employees from the Devonport senior leadership team, Unite trade union and HR prepared and cooked a hot meal as well as packing up lunch bags, before distributing the food at number of stops across the city to feed more than 60 of Plymouth’s most vulnerable people.

Babcock’s Maria Judges, senior HR business partner was in thes team. She said: “Supporting Plymouth Soup Run is always such a humbling experience. Having been involved for the last couple of years, it is saddening to see the numbers of people accessing the service increase, but it provides even more motivation to keep volunteering and encouraging others to offer their support.”

This is just one of the many community support projects Babcock is involved with as part of its Environmental Social Governance commitments. Babcock recently supported other local charities such as Clean Our Patch, Plymouth Triathlon Club, and Children’s Hospice Southwest.

Litterers handed big court fines

Ten environmental criminals have each been ordered to pay nearly £1,000 for dropping litter in Plymouth.

The City Council brought the cases before the Plymouth Magistrates Court after fixed penalty notices for £150 went unpaid.

The court heard how each of the defendants had either been witnessed dropping litter or leaving it loose in services lanes in residential areas outside of waste collection days.

None of the offenders attended their hearings but were found guilty in their absence.

They must each pay a fine of £660, costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £66. They must pay the total of £976 within 28 days. Each will now carry a criminal record.

Also before the same court was a man who failed to keep his dog on a lead in a dogs on lead area.

Like the litterers, his offence was witnessed by a council officer who issued him with a fixed penalty notice. When it was unpaid, the case was brought to court. He must also pay a fine of £660, costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £66.

Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “The lesson here is quite simple; if you litter, or do not keep your dog on a lead in a restricted area, you will be issued with an FPN.

“If you then choose to ignore the FPN, your case will be heard in court and could prove to be a very expensive mistake.

“It’s disappointing to have to continue deploying our officers as a deterrent against a small minority who flout the law.”

Plymouth on course for bumper cruise season in the year ahead

A busy summer has set Plymouth on course for a bumper cruise season next year with a dozen ships already lined up to visit Britain’s Ocean City in 2023.

The port welcomed thousands of cruise tourists this year with the post-pandemic return of passenger liners bringing an economic boost to the city.

There were seven individual cruise ship visits, including two by the small expedition vessel Ocean Nova in April and the arrival in June of the exclusive Residences at Sea vessel The World, the largest private residential ship on the planet, when she anchored in Plymouth Sound for three days. The Seabourn Ovation also visited that month.

Nicko Cruises’ Vasco da Gama arrived in August, carrying 500 German passengers who disembarked to spend a day in and around the city.

And in early September Ponant Cruises’ Le Champlain, under charter to luxury travel group Abercrombie & Kent, made an unscheduled call in to Mill Bay Docks – booked on a Friday for a Monday visit – demonstrating Plymouth’s ability to accommodate last minute cruise ship visits.  During the day a Sir Francis Drake actor in authentic costume attended to bring some character to the event.

October saw the arrival of Holland America Line’s huge MS Rotterdam, making a 150th anniversary visit to celebrate the founding of the company in 1872 when the very first ship of the line SS Rotterdam visited Plymouth to collect mail and passengers on route to New York.

An onboard event took place, with travel trade, media and a port and city delegation including the Lord Mayor Councillor Sue Dann, the King’s Harbour Master and members of the Plymouth Cruise Partnership, to mark the historic occasion. There was an exchange of plaques with the Master of MS Rotterdam presenting a ship’s plaque to the city and the Lord Mayor handing over a Plymouth city

plaque to the captain.

Plymouth really laid out the red carpet for this very successful cruise ship visit with the team of Cruise Ambassador volunteers led by Douglas and Annemarie Kerr giving a warm welcome to passengers and crew as they came ashore, providing information during the day and a farewell as they returned back to the ship prior to departure.

There was also a Town Cryer and a popup Welcome Centre at the Barbican and Commercial Wharf.  Rotterdam is scheduled to return to Plymouth in 2023.

Next year sees an increase of the number of cruise ships scheduled to visit Plymouth with

the current 12 bookings also including the Spirit of Discovery (Saga Cruises), Silver Dawn (Silversea Cruises) and Braemar (Fred Olsen Cruise Lines) with further enquiries being received.

Destination Plymouth chief executive Amanda Lumley said: “The cruise tourism generated by the ships visiting Plymouth brings a welcome eonomic boost through passengers and crew spending on everything from visiting the attractions and taking tours, to the gift shops and other retail outlets, cafes, restaurants and boat trips. There are also the port revenues for berthing, pilotage, harbour fees, staff.

Mrs Murals Falklands tribute

After a busy summer brightening up subways in Plympton, local artist Ellie Johnson – better known as Mrs Murals –was commissioned to produce three large works of art in memory of soldiers who fought ins the Falklands War.

The thought-provoking artwork was funded by Saltram National Trust and depicted soldiers in action to commemorate the Falklands conflict as an act of remembrance.

Unfortunately, due to weather complications the paintings could not be displayed at Saltram as part of this year’s remembrance installation, but another location was found for one of the paintings.

The artwork was put on display to the public at Plymouth Guildhall for a number of weeks, and was ready to greet ticket holders of the Remembrance Festival for the Federation of Plymouth & District Ex-Service Associations.

Ellie said: “As a resident of Plymouth it has been a real privilege to have been painting for our military city at such a beautiful location of Saltram. I’m so pleased that such a poignant place has been found for one of the paintings.”

Ellie Johnson with her latest artwork

Cost of living support available for Plymouth residents

Plymouth councillors are urging anyone struggling with the rising cost of living to use the wide range of support that is available in the city.

Plymouth City Council is working with partners to support residents struggling with the rising cost of living and has created a cost of living hub on its website to make it easier for people to find useful information and resources available both in the city and nationwide.

The council’s online hub includes information about:

• Support available to help with housing, food and energy costs

• Where to find financial advice, for example about debts or budgeting

• Mental health services

• Employment and skills support

The refreshed online hub, which initially launched in June 2022, also now includes a map of warm, welcoming spaces across Plymouth. These spaces, which include libraries, churches, community centres and businesses, all offer a safe place for people to spend time in as the weather gets colder.

Organisations that wish to offer their buildings as a warm space can now register to be added to the map.

Council Leader Richard Bingley said: “We know that the increasing cost of living is a real concern to many Plymouth residents which is why we have created this online hub on our website that pulls together all of the help and advice available in one place, so people can quickly and easily find the support they need.

“We are also using our latest round of funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to offer direct help with food and energy costs for those most at risk in the city, including low-income families and single adults, people with disabilities and people at risk of homelessness or who are living in temporary accommodation.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith, who chairs Plymouth’s cost of living task force, said: “The hub came about as a result of the work being carried out by our cost of living taskforce, which has brought together organisations from across the city to work collaboratively as we tackle this challenge, providing practical support and identifying new approaches we can take to support local people.

“The rising cost of living is an issue that is affecting many families in Plymouth and we know it is a worrying time for everyone. We want people to know that there is a wide range of advice and practical support available, and where to find it.“We’ll be adding information to the hub regularly.”Find the cost of living hub at plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.

The Plymouth hub is in addition to the Government’s Help for Households campaign, which is a great source of information too.

Thousands of jobs and massive investment on the way as Freeport is given green light by the Government

Thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment is coming to the city with the Government’s approval of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Full Business Case.

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is the first of eight Freeports to be given the full green light along with two others. The approval unlocks millions of pounds of grant seed funding and enables applicable businesses to join and take advantage of the Freeport status.

It is anticipated that the Freeport status will create 3,500 jobs and provide a massive boost for the economy in Plymouth.

The Freeport will enable new employment land to be bought forward at the three sites of South Yard, Langage and Sherford as well as provide £25m of Government funding for essential infrastructure.

It will also support a new £30m Innovation Centre at Oceansgate in Devonport and ccelerate the formation of advanced manufacturing clusters in marine, defence and space sectors with low carbon applications at the forefront.

Freeport status is expected to bring forward £250m of private sector investment as well as £29 million investment from local councils.

A major expansion plan for Princess Yachts is also included in the Freeport plans.

The Freeport is a dynamic public/private partnership with Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council working alongside Babcock, Princess Yachts, Carlton Power, the Sherford Consortium and a wider range of stakeholders including the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter, Plymouth port operators, skills providers and the Heart of the South West LEP to ensure its success.

Harnessing the region’s key strengths in marine, defence and advanced manufacturing, and supporting the burgeoning space sector, the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport will enable innovators and investors from across the world to test, trial and take to market cutting edge technology and products.

Working with the Department of International Trade, a dedicated team of experts will showcase the Freeport to global investors and businesses who fit the criteria to expand or relocate to the region.

of South Yard, Sherford and Langage into prime employment sites attracting new business, providing thousands of jobs and injecting millions of pounds of inward investment into the region. These three sites had previously been identified as under utilised and undeveloped as part of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.

Carlton Power, the owners of Langage Energy Park, recently secured planning permission to build a 10MW green hydrogen electrolyser, ensuring that Langage could be home to the first hydrogen

advanced manufacturing and IT for Plymouth and South Devon. It’s putting this area on the map for foreign investment and attracting businesses to relocate here. This is a huge deal for this city and the wider region and I’m really excited about the opportunities it will create for our residents and our businesses.”

Councillor Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The Freeport is already having a benefit in our area, with SHDC having granted planning permission for the 10MW green hydrogen facility at Langage very recently.

It is the catalyst for new jobs, clean growth and the opportunity to decarbonise our regional transport, all things that South Hams District Council strives for through its corporate strategy, Better Lives for All.”

RICHARD BINGLEY, LEADER PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.

Approval now enables interested businesses to begin taking the first steps to contracting, designing and planning their place within the Freeport with the Freeport team, landowners and partners and discuss the myriad of benefits this presents.

And, the good news keeps on coming for the Freeport with confirmation from government that the Langage site has now been designated which means eligible businesses will be able to benefit from the tax reliefs available. South Yard and Sherford sites were designated in the summer.

Freeport status enables the relevant councils and landowners to bring forward the key sites

production hub of its kind for Devon and Cornwall.

The Langage Green Hydrogen hub will be a key facility for the Freeport and will also help to deliver net zero goals for Freeport operations overall. Innovators are lining up to leverage this hydrogen fuel supply to prototype and test future engines for vehicles and vessels – the hope is that these novel solutions will be manufactured in the Freeport.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “This is a historic day for Plymouth, South Devon and beyond, as the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport gets up and running to drive growth and innovation locally and nationally.

“The Freeport is going to shape the fortunes of the Plymouth and South Devon economies by pumping up to £100 million worth of investment across the region.

“We are maximising the opportunities of Brexit to drive growth and throw our doors open to the world.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Richard Bingley said: “The Freeport will deliver 3,500 well paid jobs and provide a free trade hub which will include

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: “A huge amount of work and commitment has gone into getting the Freeport off the ground over the past 18 months and the close partnership between councils has been key in getting this vital project to this point. The Freeport will enhance our county’s reputation in the marine, defence and space sectors, which will help attract inward investment, generate local jobs and benefit local businesses - all of which will drive economic growth and recovery.”

David Lockwood, Babcock’s chief executive said: “We welcome the UK Government’s designation of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. As a major employer in the region, we have actively supported this business case, which firmly aligns with our long term commitment to the area.”

“The Freeport will bring significant opportunities and potential employment to the South West of the UK, and we are delighted to be part of this through our dedicated support to the Royal Navy, continued investment in our facilities and delivering wider economic benefits through our supply chain.”

A national recruitment campaign to find a permanent team is now underway. The Freeport website and social media channels have also been launched providing regular updates, news and developments about the project.

“ It’s putting this area on the map for foreign investment and attracting businesses to relocate here. This is a huge deal for this city and the wider region and I’m really excited about the opportunities it will create for our residents and our businesses.”

Freeport success, from left to right: Councillor Richard Bingley, Councillor Judy Pearce, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport interim chief executive Richard May and Councillor John Hart

Men’s Day Out 2023: Walk, talk and remember lost loved ones

Stand by to stride through the streets to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth with the launch of the charity’s flagship Men’s Day Out 2023.

A mass of big-hearted men will be marching through Plymouth on Saturday March 11 to support the compassionate end of life care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives. As well as a rousing day full of fun and banter, the event is recognised as an important opportunity for men to open up and share their closely guarded feelings of loss with fellow walkers who have been through similar experiences.

Men’s Day Out is one of the most popular and colourful happenings on the city’s calendar, with around 2,000 entrants signing up each year to march a 12km circular route, finishing with a pasty and a beverage at the rugby.

Walkers and their generous sponsors bring in thousands of pounds each year to help fund St Luke’s invaluable hospice care for patients at home, in hospital and at the charity’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year.

But it’s not only about clocking up the miles, totting up the cash or having a fun day out with friends and colleagues.

Men’s Day Out offers a unique camaraderie for those who have lost loved ones or are facing up to a terminal diagnosis in the family.

Rambling the streets together offers the perfect opportunity to meet others in the same boat and to swap stories, while doing something positive and uplifting to support people in the community at the end of their lives.

Many take part in the walk to remember a friend or family member who was cared for by St Luke’s. Writing their loved one’s name on their official Men’s Day Out T-shirts helps to spur them on as they join the throng of men on the move. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC at Devonport, the event, sponsored once again by Jem Scaffolding Ltd, will kick off at 10am and follow a marked route through the city centre and along the waterfront, taking in Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican.

Back at the rugby ground, walkers can enjoy a well-earned pasty and a beverage before settling down to witness our local boys in a clash with the Rams from Reading.

Registration for Men’s Day Out costs just £35, but that only covers T-shirt, refreshments, rugby ticket and event costs. It’s the sponsorship and donations that really make the difference to patients who need the vital service at home, in hospital and at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year.

Places are limited so take the leap and register early for this well-loved event to avoid disappointment and to start rallying your sponsors. Visit www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout

Wolferstans Solicitors ends 2022 on a high

It’s been a year of acceleration for Wolferstans Solicitors as their focus on employee engagement, client experience and development of technology has resulted in record figures for revenue and exceptional client satisfaction.

The firm’s successes continue as their Medical Negligence and Personal Injury teams celebrate external recognition in The Times Top 250 Law Firms in the UK for the third year running, for their respective areas of law. This recognition is of particular importance to the teams as to feature in the list, you must be commended by your peers in other law firms.

Wolferstans has excelled in its provision of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury services over the years due to having two individual, highly specialist teams. This niche approach means

clients can be allocated to the legal professional most qualified to bring them a successful outcome, and this has resulted in a very high success rate and at much earlier stages of litigation, which has not only reduced legal costs for clients, but has enabled compensation to be received earlier and rehabilitation to commence much sooner than clients had expected, helping them to start the next chapter of their life with the support and peace of mind they deserve.

The UK’s leading solicitor review site, Review Solicitors, ranks Wolferstans’ Medical Negligence team 1st locally and 3rd nationally (out of 1028 other Medical Negligence firms) and the Personal Injury team rank 1st locally and 10th nationally (out of 2668 other Personal Injury firms).

These fantastic rankings are based on client reviews where the teams regularly receive heartfelt, five-star feedback:

Maths and numeracy skills boost for adults in Plymouth

New free courses and activities are on offer for adults in Plymouth who want to improve their maths skills, thanks to the Government funded Multiply programme.

Multiply is aimed at adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or an equivalent subject, and hopes to give people the skills they need to progress in their careers and secure well paid jobs.

The free courses are available to local residents on either a part time or intensive basis and will be offered in flexible settings. These courses will soon be available to book through On Course South West.

People who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

Plymouth City Council has been awarded £1.3 million funding from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared

Prosperity Fund to offer tailored courses that meet the needs of the local community.

There will be courses for beginners and those who want to build on the foundations of their maths knowledge, to more advanced offers such as GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification. Employers will also be able to request support to help their teams with maths skills.

Businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills can also boost productivity, increase profits and improve employee retention. Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills.

Research also shows that sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade.

To find about more about Multiply, visit the On Course South West website: www. oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/ multiply or contact the team on 01752 660713.

“Right from our initial meeting through to resolution I had trust and rapport with both Jill and Wolferstans as a company. Jill instantly gave me confidence that she was genuinely keen to take on my case and had the skills and expertise to get the best outcome. We built a good relationship and the communication from Wolferstans was excellent, which put me at ease with the process. I am thankful for Jill’s determination to take on the complexities of the case and succeed. If I need any future legal services, I would happily return to Wolferstans.”

“Elizabeth has proved herself to be a highly intelligent, professional, hardworking person, who has a committed approach to doing her best for her clients. She has a unique ability to combine professionalism with warmth and empathy. She works tirelessly to ensure her clients are kept fully informed and updated on all aspects of their case, and they fully understand each step. I

cannot thank her enough for all she has done, and I am confident that anyone facing the need for legal assistance will benefit greatly from her outstanding expertise and genuine desire to gain justice for her client.”

Wolferstans would like to thank their clients and the local community for their continued support.

Best wishes to all for the season of joy.

Age UK Plymouth celebrates 80 years of serving the city’s over 50s

The William and Patricia Venton Centre, Age UK Plymouth’s Mount Gould home, played host to the charity’s 80th Anniversary on November 28, a celebration of the organisation’s past, present and future.

In a nod to the centre’s history, the day also marked 30 years since the official opening of the building. The William and Patricia Venton Centre now hosts Age UK Plymouth’s head office and day centre, Mount Gould’s Wellbeing Hub and the 24 room Short Term Care Centre that opened earlier in the year in partnership with LiveWell South West and Plymouth City Council.

Age UK Plymouth welcomed guests including Sue Dann, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor and Councillor for the Sutton and Mount Gould Ward, Councillor Dr John Mahony who recently opened the Wellbeing Hub and Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning Homes & Communities and councillor for the Plymstock Radford Ward encompassing Age UK Plymouth’s Dementia Day Centre on Memory Lane, The Broadway.

David Wood, Age UK Plymouth’s CEO said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be part of an organisation that has so steadfastly been dedicated to improving the lives of older people in it’s community for 80 years. The history of Age UK Plymouth is intertwined with the lives of many talented, incredible and dedicated individuals. We’re honoured to be custodians of this essential charity and our celebration has been a great opportunity to share our amazing history with our community, stakeholders and supporters.”

Friends of the charity and delegates from partner organisations across the city were also present including Plymouth City Council, LiveWell South West, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth’s Arts Cinema, Peninsula

Dental and others.

Highlights of the open day included several exhibits highlighting Age UK Plymouth’s eight decade history, and an installation demonstrating some of the principles from the Dementia Awareness Training that the charity provides free to groups and organisations across the city.

Guests also had the opportunity to find out more about some of the incredible people and essential projects that are fulfilling the charity’s mission to make Plymouth a place where people love later life, and to make a pledge to support Age UK Plymouth as it starts its next 80 years.

A selection of the installations will remain on display for the rest of the year and are available to view for those visiting the Warm Space and Community Cuppa events taking place on Friday mornings throughout December. More information is available online at www.ageuk.org. uk/plymouth.

The event, months in the planning, was an opportunity for the charity to share its unique history that has evolved from the incredible work started by Elspeth Sitters OBE who passed away in 2008 at the age of 96.

Arriving in the city in 1942, Mrs Sitters quickly identified that as a direct

result of the Blitz that had devastated so much of the city. ‘Home’ was often dilapidated back rooms, attics or even in sheds. Elspeth soon became acutely aware of the plight of those she visited and came face to face with poverty, loneliness and deprivation. She set about seeking ways in which she might make an effective contribution to the welfare of the City’s elderly residents.

“Age UK Plymouth has been working effectively in the background for eight decades, with a passion to make Plymouth a city where people love later life. Our organisation has an incredible history of innovation and a fascinating story of pioneering women spearheading the charity,” said Tara Dale, head of Fundraising.

“It’s bittersweet to see how the greatest challenges facing over 50s in Plymouth have been relatively unchanged over the years. Themes of isolation, loneliness, and a rising cost of living are reoccurring throughout our history but what is heartening to see is the ever-present and essential support provided by charities like ourselves and our partners across the city.”

Guests at the event were given insight into the future of Age UK Plymouth including exciting developments into the new Young Persons Volunteering Programme in partnership with Plymstock School. Also revealed to visitors were early plans for 2023’s

as well

fundraising challenges

as opportunities for volunteering, donating and contributing towards the charity on an individual basis or with the charity’s recently revamped corporate Support Packages.

Celebration...(from left) David Wood, Age UK Plymouth CEO, Sue Dann, Lord Mayor and Councillor for Sutton and Mount Gould, Mary Aspinall, Councillor for Sutton and Mount Gould and Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview Committee

Age UK Plymouth senior management team (from left) Rich Masters, head of business operations, Heather Stenning, head of services, Steven Hookway, head of finance, David Wood, CEO and Tara Dale, head of fundraising

Age UK Plymouth senior management with donations from Services Design Solution

Personal trainer Emily wins top award

A Plymouth woman who took the plunge to launch her personal training business just weeks before COVID struck has not only seen her enterprise thrive during and after the pandemic, but has also just won a top national award.

Emily Keen, who is 32 and lives in St Judes, had been running her personal training classes alongside her job as gym manager at Fort Stamford Health & Fitness in Turnchapel for a number of years. But in December 2019 she decided to go fully self-employed, not knowing what was about to happen with the pandemic.

The ensuing lockdown meant that Emily organised all her sessions online via Zoom – and to her delight the business really blossomed.

Emily said: “The lockdown really helped my online sessions for groups

and individuals. To my amazement I even had clients joining from the USA, Spain and other parts of the world - as well as from all over Plymouth and Devon.”

At the start of October this year Emily was nominated for Best Fitness Business in the England Business Awards.

After being mystery shopped and voted for by clients, friends and family, she travelled to Bristol with her mum Sharon for the regional awards - and was surprised and delighted to be named as the Best Fitness Business in Devon.

Two weeks later she travelled to Birmingham with her partner Kieran, dad Paul and brother James for the national awards ceremony - and this time was named as the Best Fitness Business in England.

“When I went to Bristol for the regional awards I was extremely nervous,” said Emily, who has a degree in health and fitness from Plymouth Marjon University and a Masters in health and sports science from Exeter University.

“When my name was called I couldn’t believe it and then at the national finals I was in total shock when they announced me as the best in the country.”

Emily’s popularity continues to grow and she works with between 60 and 70 clients every week with classes in the gym at Fort Stamford, outdoor sessions at Mount Batten, online workouts and one-to-one sessions with clients at their homes.

“I am so happy to have won the awards, but for me the most satisfying thing is helping people to improve their health and fitness. I am privileged to have such a wonderful group of clients, some of whom have been with me for a number of years.”

For more information visit www. emilykeenpersonaltraining.co.uk

Emily (above) pictured with her award and (below) with one of her outdoor groups

Team behind Devonport’s Immersive Dome win regional top tech award for innovation

Real Ideas’ work with immersive technologies, including the Immersive Dome and Market Hall in Devonport won the CreaTech Award in the Tech South West Awards, hosted in Bristol recently The award celebrates innovation in creative technology and its application in fashion, design, e-sports, marketing, public engagement, museums, gaming, and entertainment.

It comes just a few months after the hemispherical, 15 metre diameter, immersive dome celebrated its first year since launch, and during the week the venue hosted its inaugural Immerse Fulldome UK festival, a packed ten-days designed to bring professionals in 360-technology together, alongside public screenings and activities to showcase the applications and creativity the technology offers.

Through the first-of-its-kind in Europe, Immersive Dome, Real Ideas aims to create a technological hub, a magnet for creatives, designers and rising film-makers, bringing a unique facility to the South West and driving economic prosperity in the creative and emerging 360 film-making sector.

From the youngest 360-degree dome film makers (aged six) to health professionals using new immersive technology to treat Parkinson’s, and from climate change experts showing the deep scale of advancing disaster to world leading cutting edge commercial and aesthetically-driven immersive 360 filmmaking, VR and more, the team based at Plymouth’s Market Hall is exploring new applications and exciting opportunities for immersive technology all the time.

Lindsey Hall, CEO for Real Ideas said: “We have a strong track-record of delivering projects with social and economic value. We work closely with local community groups, schools, further and higher education establishments, and businesses across the south west region, and as a result, creative collisions and networks organically evolve. The immersive dome provides an enormous opportunity to bring all our communities together, create new

opportunities for creativity, commerce and economic development, while attracting the right investment and people to the area to grow and maintain this exciting world of immersive technology.

”The CreaTech award evaluated the Immersive Dome facility and judged its merit on real results and the opportunity it presents.”

“The Immersive Dome is a fantastic illustration of how a tech ecosystem can develop with the right vision and facilities in place. Backed up by the enthusiasm and resources at Real Ideas, it has become a unique high-value specialist facility which encourages collaboration and creativity across the region, and indeed, across continents”

The state-of-theart facility responds to significant opportunities in the South West: creative industries are growing four times faster than the economy at large, in all areas of the UK. In Plymouth, the university produces 1,000 creative graduates a year and has been at the heart of global developments in digital art and tech for more than 30 years.

At the same time, the area also has significant challenges. Graduate retention rates for the region have typically been poor. Several communities in the city, including Devonport, are in the bottom 10 per cent of

Indices of Multiple Deprivation, and wage rates are low, particularly for women.

Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West and CEO of Program, said: “The Immersive Dome is a fantastic illustration of how a tech ecosystem can develop with the right vision and facilities in place. Backed up by the enthusiasm and resources at Real Ideas, it has become a unique highvalue specialist facility which encourages collaboration and creativity across the region, and indeed, across continents.

“Our judges were impressed by some of the achievements in a relatively short space of time, and by some of the applications already being found for this exciting and innovative technology. It appeals to, and provides opportunities for, so many different areas of society.

“As the region’s tech sector goes from strength to strength it’s a real privilege to shine a spotlight on amazing innovators and entrepreneurs from across the South West, such as Real Ideas.”

To find out more about the Immersive Dome and live screenings visit the website at www.realideas.org

Marjon launches new child health programme with NHS

Plymouth Marjon University has launched a programme in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust supporting children and young people to tackle excessive weight.

The programme, led by senior lecturer Erica Eaton-Quinn and health and wellbeing coordinator Mike Prynn, will offer a range of fun physical activities to children and young people, with the key aim of showing that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable.

The programme will prioritise enjoyment, foster social connections, enhance feelings of autonomy and control over their health and wellbeing, and train the young people to internalise motivation for physical activity.

The Government reported that in 2020/21, nearly 30 per cent of children in England aged between four and five were overweight or obese, and over 40 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds were overweight or obese. Marjon and NHS Plymouth’s new partnership aims to reduce these figures to support healthy lifestyles for families in the city.

The sessions will take place at the Marjon Sport & Health Centre and families need to be referred through the hospital’s multidisciplinary team. Sessions will be delivered with the support of Marjon students from the Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Sport Science degree programmes.

Building on its growing reputation for sport, health, and wellbeing, 2023 will see Marjon launch 12 new health programmes including nursing and clinical science degrees. In June 2022, the NHS reported more than 132,000 roles were vacant nationally, 46,000 of which were nursing posts.

Anyone interested in studying a health or wellbeing course, can visit www.marjon.ac.uk/prospectus-request/order-online/

HMS Drake hosts rehab triathlon for recovering service personnel

Drug-busting HMS Montrose’s commander honoured with OBE

The Royal Navy Recovery Centre (RNRC) Hasler’s Rehabilitation Triathlon Taster event enabled teams from Personnel Support Groups (PSG), Recovery Troops (RT) and Casualty Management Cells (CMC) to try out the event.

One of the organisers of the Rehab Triathlon was Leading Physical Trainer Yarroslav ‘Tych’ Tychyna, from RNRC Hasler. He said: “All the participants who entered are currently engaged in a recovery pathway and they thrived in this competitive environment and certainly pushed themselves to their limits.”

The Tri-2 category was dominated by Commando Logistics Regiment (CLR) from Chivenor, with Corporal Luke Green taking first place and Marine Adam Clarke a close second on his heels. Third place went to Marine Liam Sharley from Taunton based 40 Commando RM.

In the Tri-4 (Open) category the winner was Flying Officer Ben Holmes from RAF Brize Norton, second place was Marine Max Mortimore once of 40 CDO and third place to Marine Charlie Butler from CLR.

The Team Relay Category was once again dominated by CLR in first place with Bickleigh’s 42 CDO in second and Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in third place.

Tych added: ”It was a pleasure to see the best effort levels from all competitors and RNRC Hasler looks forward to hosting the event again in 2023.”

Commander Claire Thompson will receive the OBE on her return to the UK, in recognition of her deeds and accomplishments captaining Plymouth-based HMS Montrose in the Gulf.

The frigate has proved to be one of the Royal Navy’s most successful and effective warships this year, with Commander Thompson and her 200-strong team of sailors and Royal Marines scoring four major drugs busts, plus two illegal arms caches.

The frigate is homeward bound, due back in Plymouth next month after more than four years away from the UK.

Commander Thompson said: “I feel hugely privileged and extremely humbled by the news that I have been awarded an OBE. It is an incredible honour, and for me this award represents each and every one of my ship’s company and their hard work, professionalism and dedication whilst deployed on operations over significant periods of the last year.

“The success of HMS Montrose over that period is well documented but the selfless commitment of the men and women who serve in her must be highlighted as without them none of that success is possible.

“In addition to those on board there are also the families and friends we leave behind, yet who support us wholeheartedly in our endeavours and therefore also deserve to be recognised in moments such as these.

“I really cannot wait to get back to

special.”

Sailors pumping iron with new gym facility

Sailors from HMS Iron Duke in Devonport have a brand-new bespoke gym facility onboard that has been designed around their needs and space available.

Incorporating equipment typically found in military gymnasiums ashore, the new facility has been custom fitted onto pre-determined weld points and sits on a 32 mm DuraTrain tile. All racks have been specifically designed to house modern strength equipment and the unique design specific to Type 23 ships means that the facility is continuously secure for sea. The gym is complete with an upper CV section and lower deck strength section.

Leading on the project has been Chief Petty Officer physical trainer Keir Woodhead, assistant regional physical development officer (West), based in Devonport. Keir has managed the project through HMS Iron Duke’s Upkeep programme with Babcock.

“It’s been a long process and I feel the trickiest hurdle is fine tuning the needs of the ship,” said Keir.

“Getting people together and being aware of what, when and how meant the install was massaged into the Upkeep programme at the right time. Organising the Install incorporated Babcock, IRDK Ship’s Coy, PT Staff, Cranes, Forklifts, movements parties, coordinating Indigo Fitness and many others. It’s a test of good communication, and everybody had their part to play to ensure success.”

“We’re entering a new era of sailors who understand more about Strength and Conditioning and if there’s scope to have a premium facility onboard a warship then we should strive for perfection and give them one.  If people have a clean, new and modern facility it will be used.

“We are witnessing a large rise in Muscular Skeletal injuries and whole-body Maritime Vibration Injuries, due to a lack of

motivation and poor facilities to train in. The Ship’s Physical Trainer can effect real change and assist with operational capability with the right tools. If the Ship’s Coy are prepared physically on an operational platform, then they’re capable of going to war, to fight and win.”

Commander Charlie Wheen, commanding officer of HMS Iron Duke added, ‘It is hard to overstate the value to the Ship of this bespoke gym. The equipment is extremely high-quality, fully marinised and perfectly designed to meet the fitness and conditioning requirements of our Ship’s Company.  The gym represents a really important element of our drive to deliver an irresistible ‘lived experience’ onboard and I am hugely grateful to all those involved in the design and installation.”

A Royal Navy officer whose ship has delivered blows to both drug smugglers and terrorists in 2022 has been decorated in the King’s first Operational Honours for the forces.

the UK next month for a homecoming that was always going to be good but with this news will now be truly very

Commander Claire Thompson and pictured top with Royal Marines and one of the many drug hauls

HMS Drake’s Wyvern Centre Gym complex in Devonport has hosted a triathlon for service personnel who are recovery from injury or illness.

Students stage silent climate change protest

Students from Plymouth High School for Girls have staged a silent protest calling for immediate action on climate change.

The event, which took place at the school, was to demonstrate the passion and determination the students have towards doing something about protecting the planet.

It came as world leaders gathered in Egypt at COP27 to discuss how nations will cut greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 1.5C target, how to adapt to the extreme weather, and other ways to preserve the environment.

The voluntary event, led by the school’s Earth Alliance student leadership group, provided an opportunity to bring learning to life as pupils’ discussion on climate change and experience of the protest supported curriculum learning in both Geography and History.

Ailish Field, in Year 13, said: “Our silent COP27 protest is a showcase of young people rising up and demanding action from world leaders, both on a smaller scale and on a worldwide scale.”

“Anything is possible when people join together to stand up for a cause with determination and creativity.  Schoolchildren are telling politicians and authorities from around the World what they ought to do to protect the climate in the face of the climate catastrophe.”

“We’re in such a lucky position here at

Plymouth High that we have been allowed to lead such an important issue within our school and for our voices to be heard.

“Having student leaders for environmental issues should be implemented in every school because it is such a focal point in students’ lives and encourages young people to believe that

encourage people to make positive differences to live greener.

Klara Evans, one of the Earth Alliance leaders and a Year 13 student, said the protest was silent to make a statement that talking needs to stop and action must commence.

“We feel that as a school and as individuals, we need to be noticed, as we see the need for more action to be taken to protect and repair our planet. Our protest will be silent because there has been enough talking and now it is time for climate action.”

Simon Underdown, headteacher at Plymouth High, praised the Earth Alliance team for organising the compelling and thought-provoking event.

He said: “The Earth Alliance student leadership team are passionate about protecting the environment and helping others to understand that we can all do our bit. It is a pleasure to work with such a committed and dedicated team. At Plymouth High, there is a wonderfully diverse range of opportunities for students to get involved in outside the classroom, with this silent protest being one of them. We have something for everyone at our school, and it’s admirable to see so many people involved in this event.

“Our school community, the larger Plymouth community, our nation, and the rest of the world all have an important role to play in protecting the environment – by taking action now – and that’s what this protest is about.”

Great Scott! Royal Navy survey ship breaks data record

Royal Navy survey ship HMS Scott has smashed her data-gathering record – and she still has seven more months of work to go.

Last year the Devonport-based vessel set a record of 400,000 square kilometres of ocean – roughly one-and-a-half times the size of the UK. This year, in just five months she’s already scanned an area of Atlantic that’s larger than Germany: some 420,000 square kilometres.

Apart from brief port visits to take on fresh supplies and change crew, since leaving Plymouth on July 5 the ship – the fifth largest under the White Ensign (only the carriers and assault ships are bigger) – has been diligently hoovering up vast quantities of data.

The ship’s unique sonar system allows her to calculate how quickly sound waves travel through seawater, allowing the vessel to make accurate depth measurements to map the seabed.

The data gathered by the ship is of vital strategic importance to UK Defence and her crew have been working day-in day-out to ensure that maximal time is spent surveying.

“It’s been the most successful year in the ship’s history, with the most amount of area surveyed since she was commissioned in 1997,”

said Commanding Officer Commander Tom Harrison.

“We have surpassed last year’s record which is testament to the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of my crew. They have worked diligently as a team to operate and maintain Scott which have produced exceptional results. Their efforts have contributed to the UK Defence effort and have been of strategic importance.”

Another milestone passed is one million miles sailed since her commissioning 25 years ago –again thanks to the concerted efforts of the 60 crew to maintain and operate a vessel in her sunset years.

“Despite already having travelled the equivalent of 40 times around the earth, HMS Scott and her crew remain excited about what is to come,” added Commander Harrison.

“With seven months left of this deployment, we will continue to gather high-quality hydrographic data and therefore fulfil her crucial strategic role.”

In spite of Scott’s titanic efforts to date, the Atlantic is 250 times bigger than the area surveyed in 2022.

The small ship’s company and size of the vessel means that every single sailor from able seaman to commander, has an important part to play in the ship’s success. The hard work has not gone unrecognised with £2,000 in Herbert Lott awards from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity for their achievements.

“The engineering department has faced a number of challenges during this deployment, but overcoming these has made the job rewarding and I’ve learned lots,” said marine engineer Engineering Technician Jacob ‘Jimmy’ Carr.

“Being away from home has been tough but it is made easier by visiting exciting places and being surrounded by my friends.”

Being at sea for long periods place demands on morale so activities such as deck barbecues and a mid-ocean swim (‘hands to bathe’) in waters five kilometres deep was a unique

experience. Sailors have also enjoyed port visits in Tenerife, Cape Verde and Gibraltar and will end the year in Brazil.

In Cape Verde the crew enjoyed snorkeling with loggerhead turtles, tried out Europe’s largest water park in Tenerife and hosted Commodore Tom Guy and Commander Surface Flotilla Commodore Tim Neild for a Trafalgar Night dinner.

“It has been great to be on Scott as she passed a couple of major milestones. It is incredible that the ship has travelled the equivalent of 40 times around the world over the past 25 years,” said Sub Lieutenant Ethan Starmer-Jones.

“And to have surveyed a record-breaking area the size of Germany this year shows she has plenty more miles left in the tank yet.”

they can make a difference despite their age.”

Young people and staff from across the school, which is a member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, campaign throughout the year to find positive ways to challenge their community and

“The Earth Alliance student leadership team are passionate about protecting the environment and helping others to understand that we can all do our bit. It is a pleasure to work with such a committed and dedicated team”

Simon Underdown, headteacher

Students

and staff stand in solidarity to get their messages across

HMS Scott crew enjoying ‘hands to bathe’ in the ocean

HMS Scott leaving Gibraltar

Launch of Retrofit Training Academy at City College

Jobseekers and tradespeople with an interest in creating a more sustainable and low-carbon future can now acquire a recognised qualification with The Retrofit Academy at City College Plymouth.

With a view of contributing to a greener society, overcoming challenges and barriers faced with those wanting to enter the sector, and providing economic support and new career opportunities by making retrofit more accessible to all, the college has opened the first academy in partnership with The Retrofit Academy and will offer a new level 2 award that will support anyone wishing to join this exciting sector.

As an official partner of The Retrofit Academy CIC, City College has joined a growing network that aims to support and drive a low-carbon future by training a new generation of retrofit professionals as well as bettering homes and lives through domestic decarbonisation.

The Level 2 award will support those already working in construction such as plasterers, heating engineers and carpenters who would like to acquire specific retrofit skills. It is also suitable for those wishing to join the industry with no previous construction experience.

Dan Burnard, programme area Mmanager for Construction at the college, said: “Retrofit is generating a new wave of exciting career opportunities and through this membership we will not only be offering people the chance to learn essential skills vital for this industry, but we will be providing them with an overall understanding of the sector, setting out the wide variety of options they will have.

“Even working at the current building regulations level, we are still not carbon neutral. We are set to be retrofitting new builds within five years. To future-proof houses and minimise climate change we are going to need to retrofit one house every

minute in the next 25 years to meet the carbon targets of 2050. Academies such as this one are key to ensuring we have enough people to meet these targets.”

The Retrofit Academy at City College is part of the Government’s Skills Bootcamp initiative, which means those who are selfemployed - or unemployed - can complete a Level 2 Award in Domestic Retrofit for free. The Skills Bootcamp also includes training and certification in piloting drones. Employers might also wish to enrol staff with funding available.

Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation and the lead for the college’s maritime, manufacturing and construction and built environment strategic action, added: “Dan is correct about just what we need to do to meet these crucial targets. Having been the first further education college in the UK to sign the climate

emergency declaration, this Retrofit Academy is another way City College is taking action to deliver on its vision to make a meaningful contribution to the development of our city and to actively contribute to efforts to protect the environment for future generations. Academies such as this one improve the lives of people both today and in the future.”

The Retrofit Academy was officially launched at the end of November, with the Green Construction Skills Bootcamp set to run its first course in the new year.

Employers wishing to enrol staff on the training will be asked to contribute 10 per cent of the costs if they have fewer than 250 employees, whilst companies with 250 or more employees will be asked to pay 30 per cent of the training costs.

Adults wishing to sign up to the Skills Bootcamp can do so via the college’s website, www.cityplym.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps/.

Plymouth Samaritans are celebrating the award of a grant of £5,146 from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The cheque was presented to Norman Holmes, Plymouth Samaritans director, by Claire Russell of the Co-op at Sam’s Place, the charity’s shop in Plymstock.

The grant will be used to reach out to the local community and work in partnership with local groups and organisations to raise awareness about suicide prevention, emotional health and well-being and listening skills.The branch has a wide-ranging programme of outreach activities for 2022/23. The Co-op grant will help support this.

Outreach activities during 2022 included supporting an Educational and Wellbeing Programme for residents of Torpoint, Liskeard and Saltash; supporting Armed Forces veterans at breakfast club meetings;

attending events organised by Waitrose and Plymouth Library during Mental Health Awareness week; and speaking at wellbeing events organised by GWR and Devonport Dockyard.

The charity has also secured approval from the Co-op for a further bid for the next 12 months. This will be used to take the charity’s work out to the community in new ways.

The Co-op Local Community Fund helps pay for local projects that their members care about. Every time a member shops at the Co-op a proportion of what they spend goes to help community projects where they live.

Norman Holme said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Co-op members and the Local Community Fund for their vote of thanks in the work we do. The grant is a welcome boost to help us to link up with the community in new ways.”

Retrofit Training Academy launch, from left: Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation; Dan Burnard, programme area manager for Construction; Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth; Stephanie Reeves, network development manager at The Retrofit Academy CIC; Terry Such, crriculum lead and development officer for Construction and the Built Environment and Neil Radford, senior project manager at the Retrofit Academy

Cheque out...(from left) Samaritans Norman Holmes and Cath Peck and Coop Member Pioneer Claire Russell

Key milestone for university’s new home for engineering and design excellence

The University of Plymouth’s ambition of creating a space that will inspire and educate future generations of engineers and designers has reached a significant milestone.

Work has been ongoing for several months to transform the Babbage Building into a state-of-the-art engineering and design building.

Once complete, it will provide an innovative and sustainable new home for the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

Designed by internationally award-winning architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, and project managed by AECOM, the building is being transformed and expanded by BAM Construct UK.

A topping out ceremony, attended by representatives from the University and project team, has been held on site as the project continues to progress.

Professor Judith Petts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: “Engineers and designers are a critical element of our efforts to address the planet’s most pressing challenges.

“They are the innovators behind some of our most impressive achievements, in fields as diverse as offshore renewable energy and digital fabrication. This new building will provide our staff, students and industry partners with the latest technological advances to inspire their creativity and ingenuity now and in the future.”

Graham Kingdon, construction director for BAM Construction, said: “Engineers are a critical part of Britain’s industrial heritage and its future. As a company that recruits and employs many of our own engineering specialists, this building holds particular meaning for us.

“Many of those who study here will learn about structures and design that create the future built environment. We’ve also got happy memories of building here in Plymouth and for the university itself, so it is a double pleasure for us to work with them again, creating a highly sustainable building fit for the world we all want to live in.”

The transformed Babbage Building – being delivered by the University’s Estates and Facilities Directorate – will provide a state-ofthe-art space to inspire creativity, innovation

and collaboration from our engineering and design pioneers of tomorrow.

It will embody the University’s systems thinking approach by bringing STEAM –science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics – subjects together to support academic collaboration and innovation.

The building will house specialist equipment and laboratories dedicated to clean energy, autonomous systems, virtual engineering, precision manufacturing, digital fabrication, high performance computing and much more.

It will also incorporate low carbon technologies, supporting the aims of all the partners to achieve net zero carbon emissions and promote world-leading sustainability practices.

Pupils from Plymouth’s Fletewood School celebrated the reason for the season at Bethany Christian Home this Christmas, joining with the residents of the care home to perform an intergenerational nativity.

CARE HOME AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CELEBRATE WITH CHRISTMAS PLAY Fletewood

There are well-established links between the school, which is located in North Road East and the care home in Woodside, which is run by Christian charity Pilgrims’ Friend Society. After two years of safety measures dictating that the two communities had to stay apart, this collaboration was a lovely way in which older and younger people in Plymouth are coming together again to celebrate Christmas.

The children at Fletewood School are looking forward to performing with the residents. Ethan, 8, said “We are really excited (and a little bit nervous)! It might be the first show the residents have seen in a while because we haven’t been able to do a show with them for ages!”

Deputy Headteacher of Fletewood School, Jackie Cooper, agreed saying, “It is fantastic to be able to return to Bethany Christian Home. We love giving the children the opportunity to socialise with people from older generations –it’s just wonderful to see how the faces of both the children and the residents light up!”

For the residents of the local care home, it’s a joy to spend time with lively youngsters and to share the message of Christmas with the next generation.

Two residents are especially excited. Anthony (91) and Sarah (84) a couple at the home used

to regularly present the nativity and other Bible stories at primary schools with the Bible Society initiative Open the Book. Sarah was happy to pass on the baton of one of the central roles to a pupil from Fletewood School this year though. “I was pleased to see a younger person than me play Mary,” she said

Anthony said: “It brought back happy memories of working with children in schools and sharing the word of God with them through drama and stories.”

As the busy Christmas season fast approaches, as ever, the home is putting a special emphasis on the Christmas story. In addition to reading the nativity story and acting it out with the pupils, everyone joined together to sing traditional Christmas carols.

Sally Lear, activities and community engagement facilitator at Bethany Christian Home said: “It’s so important to us to build connections with the wider Plymouth community. Everyone at the home really looked forward to the intergenerational nativity. It’s going to be a great way to mark the start of the Christmas season.”

Representatives from the contractors and the University of Plymouth at the topping out ceremony

Clinical drug trial helps diabetic Desmond get back on the road

A Plymouth man with diabetes, who has lost more than four stone since beginning a clinical trial of a drug, says he feels ‘on top of the world.’

Desmond Hosking, 78, from Crownhill enjoyed an active life, doing a physical job and spending much of his free time working on boats and vehicles. But since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 25 years ago, Desmond put on weight and was struggling to control the condition.

That is until he was offered the chance to take part in a research trial by clinicians at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The cardiovascular outcome trial is investigating whether a drug used to treat diabetes also has a positive effect on heart disease.

The study, which is being supported locally by the National Institute for Health and Care Research is now closed to recruitment, but the couple have seen a huge difference in Desmond’s weight and overall health and energy levels.

Desmond said: “I’ve been a lot better since I’ve been on the trial, I feel on top of the world. I’ve lost four or five stone and I feel quite fit. I still can’t walk as far as I’d like, but at least I can do a bit of work if I want to – just not 14 hours a day like I used to.”

Before starting on the trial, Desmond’s weight and ill health were making day-to-day life difficult and preventing him doing some of the things he most enjoyed.

He said: “We had a nice boat that we got rid of, partly because with the weight it was getting harder to get on and off, and pull the anchor up and everything. And I wasn’t able to work on my

Land Rover like I wanted to. My diabetes wasn’t stable.”

Wife Sonja, who blames her husband’s ‘sweetie addiction’ for his health problems, added: “He’s lost loads of weight, which helps his body manage the diabetes better. And he’s a lot more nimble. He’s absolutely dedicated to his Land Rover, and he can get underneath it again now, he couldn’t have done that before.

“It really has improved his life a lot, he’s got so much more energy as he’s not carrying around so much weight.”

Desmond is clear about the advice he would give to others considering taking part in research:

“I’d say just do it. You’ll feel a lot better in yourself, and the care you’ll get is second to none. Whoever it helps, I’m just grateful to be able to help them. The NHS has kept me alive for the last few years and now I can do my bit in return.”

The couple have two children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, most of whom live locally and are regular visitors to Desmond and Sonja’s home. And it is the chance to improve life for future generations of people with diabetes that most inspires Desmond to take part in research.

He said: “It’s not for my benefit, I’m an old man. I’m doing it for the youngsters. Kids get diabetes, and I hate to see illness in other people.”

To find out more about Research and Development at University Hospitals Plymouth, visit: www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/research. To find out about health and care research studies recruiting in the Plymouth area, visit www. bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

POLICE CHOIR’S CHARITY CONCERT

A Devon educational trust which has four schools in Plymouth has been highly praised by Ofsted inspectors.

The Ted Wragg Trust (TWT), which comprises 13 schools located in Plymouth, Exeter, Crediton and East Devon has been recognised for its strong values, leadership, behaviour standards and emphasis on ensuring that the needs of disadvantaged pupils are met well, after being selected as one of only five Trusts in the country and just one of two in the South West to undergo an ‘Ofsted summary evaluation.’

The trust runs Lipson Academy, Marine Academy, Marine Academy Primary and All Saints Academy.

Tim Rutherford, deputy chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “We have welcomed Ofsted into five of our schools in recent years, four of which contributed to the first phase of the summary evaluation. All of the inspections have been ‘Good’ or better, including Marine Academy Primary achieving the rare accolade of ‘Outstanding’ for the second time. Our teacher training hub South West Teacher Training was also inspected last year and following its very positive outcome has been successfully reaccredited and recruiting for 2023 and beyond.”

Ofsted inspectors visited the trust in October to conduct a whole-trust review, which included meeting with shared services staff and trustees, visiting schools and speaking to many headteachers, governors and staff.

The Ofsted report noted ‘Behaviour was judged to be either outstanding or good in all of

Education trust highly praised by Ofsted

the schools inspected and there have been clear improvements in pupils’ behaviour over time in all schools’.

The Ted Wragg Trust is leading two of the only DfE behaviour hubs in the region committed to supporting other schools and sharing their best practice regionally, committed to being outward facing and ensuring local schools work together to be the best that they can be.

Ofsted also found that all leaders are clear about priorities and are outward looking; staff at the trust are overwhelmingly positive about the support and development they receive and in both primary and secondary schools, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring that the needs of disadvantaged pupils are met well.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust and her team were recognised for the hard work that has gone into supporting staff. The report noted: ‘At the heart of the trust’s work is collaboration. Through networks and coaching, leaders and teachers are supported very well to reflect on, and adapt, their approaches in a drive for continual improvement. One member of staff told inspectors, ‘There is always someone I can call on if I need help’.

Moira said: “I feel extremely privileged to be the chief executive of this values-driven, child-centred Trust of schools, with social justice at our core, the Ted Wragg Trust is committed to ensuring every child succeeds. This report validates what we know already; that every member of staff day in, day out, is committed to and will go above and beyond to achieve our shared mission to transform lives and strengthen communities to make the world a better place.”

To read the report go to https://files. ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50199466 or visit www. tedwraggtrust.co.uk

The Plymouth Area Police Choir performed a concert organised by the Ridgeway Methodist Church in Plympton to raise funds for Dame Hannahs charity, The choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Originally set up for police force officers in 1972, they now accept prospective male members from all walks of life as long as they can sing and hold a tune. They aim to perform about 15 concerts each year in and around the Plymouth area, to raise money for local and national charities.

John Streeter, choir secretary said: “We were delighted to be invited to sing at the Ridgeway

Methodist Church to raise money for Dame Hannahs. We feel that the evening was a success and the audience was very receptive.” Over £270 was raised at the event.

Dame Hannahs community engagement officer, Debbie Lumsdon, said: “I was delighted to attend the Plymouth Area Police Choir concert organised by the Ridgeway Methodist Church.

“It was a magical evening and I would like to thank everyone who came out on a very rainy night to attend and support Dame Hannahs. I would also like to thank Florence Bonner the soloist for sharing the evening with us.”

Desmond and Sonja Hosking

The Plymouth Area Police Choir with soloist Florence Bonner (centre)

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust

Let’s all go the extra mile...

By Chris Cole, Founder Cross Rhythms Plymouth Charity Experience

I must admit that although I’ve been on planet earth for some time, I still feel relatively young at heart. Perhaps that is because I hang around contemporary Christian music and a younger generation.

Young and old alike must make sense of life issues in these changing times. I remember how idealistic I was amid the mounting challenges the world seemed to be going through in my youthful days, especially in the 60s and 70s. My memories can fade with age, yet some can become more precious.

I’m older and sentimental enough to have been deeply impacted by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II a few weeks back and deeply aware that I will miss her Christmas Day speech and the sharing of her personal faith in Jesus Christ.

I was born in the year she was crowned Queen and have always admired her sense of duty to her vocation and the courage with which she bore her own personal ups and downs in life, especially family life.

It is often said the Christmas season can be a trying process for families coming together, when old grudges and broken

Festival is the perfect showcase for local talent

The City of Plymouth Festival of Music, Speech and Drama took place at the Future Inn hotel over a week long period in November.

The prestigious festival saw hundreds of children and adults from across the city and beyond aged  four and upwards perform for an audience and adjudicator in an array of performance genres. These included acting, public speaking, mime, acting musical theatre,  TV News reading and verse speaking, singing, and instrumental.

Adjudicator Paul Trigg commented:  “The Plymouth festival is a wonderful showcase of local young talent and as the speech and drama adjudicator I have been delighted to see so many such accomplished performances with energy and enthusiasm.

“Now celebrating 107 years! I hope it runs for another century! “

Festival secretary Jill Straw said “This has been a bumper year for the festival with entries massively up on recent years and we have given out over 70 cups.

“The festival was a fantastic platform for many professional performers from Plymouth and beyond, over the years  and is a brilliant way for young people to have an early experience  of the competitiveness of the industry.”

relationships are experienced. ‘Aunty Joan just can’t stand the husband that her sister married thirty years ago because she was offended by something he said at the wedding’.

One of my favourite parables from Jesus is quoted in Matthew 18. It is the story of the unmerciful servant who had been forgiven a billion pounds by his master (who represents God in the parable), but this same servant took offence at another who could not repay him a debt of about £20, and he wouldn’t let it go in forgiveness.

The end of the parable is that this unforgiving servant ended up in a worse

prison of their own choosing. One person said that the bitterness of unforgiveness is like taking poison whilst you’re waiting for the other person to die.

Jesus Christ’s birth was to show and demonstrate by example the goodness of God, and His death and resurrection was to open the door for us to come to the Father and find deep and genuine freedom from our broken and sinful hearts and actions.

The late Queen carried the burden of knowing more about the world than her 15 prime ministers, armed forces and secret service all put together in the 70 years she was Sovereign.

As a human being she went through all sorts of pain; family breakups and massive pressure, but every Christmas shared that her anchor and foundation was in her personal, experiential relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the best gift for the world right now.

The persecuted church can teach us something in the west. That is that they have learned to pray, forgive and love their enemies within their persecution. For us in the west it is a challenge to love our families before we can progress to those who spitefully abuse us.

This Christmas season and into the New Year, may I respectfully and humbly suggest that we all try and go the extra mile in kindness, forgiveness and courage towards others - we may be surprised how things turn out.

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

Chris Cole

Festival photos by John Allen

Just some of the talented youngsters who won awards at the City of Plymouth Festival of Music, Speech and Drama

Plymouth City Council is now White Ribbon Accredited

Plymouth City Council has become White Ribbon Accredited as part of its ongoing commitment to end violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.The council set out its plans to achieve accreditation in January 2022 and has been working towards this throughout the year. As an accredited organisation, the council will continue to work to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality. It will ensure that the commitment to preventing male violence against women and girls is embedded within the organisation’s culture and ways of working, including HR policies, employee development and training. This includes offering bystander training to all staff, equipping them with the skills to recognise and challenge misogynistic behaviour in everyday life.This is in addition to the partnership work that the council has carried out with organisations, charities and businesses across Plymouth, such as the development of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission and the Safer Streets programme.

The Safer Streets programme aims to enhance the safety of public spaces for everyone and has led to the introduction of interactive help points across the city to make people feel safer, offering a new night bus service on Saturday nights and delivering bystander training to staff working in bars, clubs and pubs.

Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “We are proud to now be a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, demonstrating our continued commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

“This is not something that can be done by just one person or organisation, and everyone has an individual responsibility to speak up, to make a positive difference and help to change attitudes.

“As a council, and one of the city’s largest employers, we recognise the importance of leading by example. The new accreditation ensures that our commitment to ending violence against women and girls is embedded in the organisation at every level and positively impacts the way we work. I urge other organisations and businesses in Plymouth to join us in gaining White Ribbon accreditation, as together we can make a difference and ensure our city is a safe place for all.”

White Ribbon UK encourages everyone, especially men and boys, to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

Anthea Sully, chief executive of White Ribbon UK said: “We are delighted to have Plymouth City Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”

For more information visit www.whiteribbon. org.uk

Historian Chris Robinson publishes his latest ‘Then and Now’ volume

Historian Chris Robinson has launched his sixth Plymouth Then & Now project and the first to focus on aerial images.

Remarkably all of the ‘Then’ pictures date from 1945 or earlier, with a large number of them dating back to the earliest days of quality aerial photography around 100 years ago in 1923/4!

The result is an astonishing collection of comparisons. Many are just a reflection on the way the world has changed over the last century, but a great number chronicle the impact that the aerial bombardment of the city had between 1940 and 1943.

For anyone who has struggled to relate

the prewar city to that of today, Chris has produced the most comprehensive and visually striking narrative ever published, thanks to a technology that simply wasn’t available until recently – Google Earth.

As well as providing comprehensive coverage of the Hoe, Barbican and City Centre, the book takes readers on a fascinating flight around Plymouth and also embraces Millbay, Stonehouse, Mount Wise, Devonport Park, Camel’s Head, Swilly, St Budeaux, Crownhill, Mutley, North Hill, Greenbank, St Judes, Prince Rock, Plympton, Mount Batten and more besides.

North Road, and the lost train stations of Millbay and Friary are featured, so too is the

CHARGES FOR SOIL, RUBBLE, ASBESTOS AND PLASTERBOARD BROUGHT BACK

Charges for some non-household items will resume at Chelson Meadow Household Waste Recycling Centre from December 5.

The policy, which was previously in place between January and June 2021, will mean that residents who bring soil, rubble, plasterboard and asbestos to the recycling centre will need to pay.

The charges will remain at the same level as they were during that period – soil & rubble will be £2.40 per bag or item, plasterboard £6 per bag or sheet and bonded asbestos £11 per bag/sheet.

It is estimated that by doing this, the council could save £177,000 per year that may prove crucial in ensuring the continuation of other valued waste services.

The change comes as the council considers proposals for closing an unprecedented £37.6m shortfall in its budget for local services next year.

A report to Cabinet highlighted how inflation, rising energy costs and rising demand for social care services are causing huge budget pressures for all local authorities and outlined a package of proposals to help close Plymouth’s gap.

Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “This has been a difficult decision that simply must be taken in light of the current

financial crisis.

“Chelson Meadow is a ‘household waste’ centre and generally, the kind of materials that we are going to be charging for relate to DIY construction and landscaping.

“Clearly, this will only effect a small minority of residents with most people able to use the centre as they always have done.

“Hopefully, this may act as a driver for households undertaking home improvement works to try and reuse and recycle.”

The reintroduction of the policy brings Plymouth in line with the majority of local authorities nationwide and locally with Devon, Cornwall and Torbay.

Residents bringing any of the charged materials to Chelson will be directed to a dedicated area of the site. Payment will be by card only.

More details on Plymouth’s recycling centres can be found here: www.plymouth. gov.uk/recycling-centres

What materials are classed as soil and rubble?

Bricks, breeze blocks, concrete, drainage pipes (ceramic/porcelain), gravel, hardcore, paving slabs, rubble, sand, sanitary ware (ceramic/porcelain toilets, bidets, sinks, shower trays, pipes, etc), soil, slates/slabs, stones, tarmac, tiles (ceramic, porcelain, floor, roof, wall) and turf.

Home Park football statium and the Pennycross speedway/stock car/greyhound stadium Also revealed in the book is the story of Surrey Flying Services who took many of the images featured, a substantial number of them in 1924. One of the oldest aviation companies in the country, they also took the lease on the fledgling Roborough Airport for a number of years in the early 1930s.

All in all it’s a thought provoking and entertaining look at the way the city has recovered from its wartime trauma and how it has evolved over the last 100 years or so and is thus a must for anyone who loves the city and indeed anyone who loves playing ‘spot the difference’...and who doesn’t!

Sporting Lions

Plymouth Lions Club have helped with funding for the formation of the Sparkwell Youth Academy.

Sparkwell Parish Hall and Playground Trustees have been trying to provide more active sports and activities within the hall and playgound for the youth and children of the village in an effort to encourage a healthier lifestyle and sporting interests.

Initially it’s only for one hour on the third Thursday evening of every month. The activity will be for primary school children from school Year 6 upwards and Years 7 and above for secondary school.

The aim is to cover all sports, with a different one every month. The programme started with badminton followed by bowls, handball, hockey, volleyball, football, netball, basketball, table tennis, marshall arts and hopefully many others.

Plymouth Lions donated £120 to purchase sports equipment for the very worthwhile community initiative which will hopefully prove to be of value to the next generation of sporting enthusiasts.

Please contact Ray Foss on 07831 657 109 for further detail and information.

St Andrew’s Church in the 1930s...

...and seen from the air today

CARING SISTER IVY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

A young girl from Plymouth has been named as ‘Young Sibling of the Year’ by the national disability charity, Sense.

Eight-year-old Ivy Stedman, who lives in Southway won the award in recognition of her support for her disabled siblings, as well for her efforts to advocate for young carers.

Ivy has two disabled siblings’ nineyear-old Harry, who has Antenatal Bartter syndrome, ADHD, and global developmental delay, and older sister Kate, who has autism spectrum disorder.

After attending an online session organised by the Sense Siblings and Young Carers group called ‘An Introduction to Parliament,’ where she was able to learn a little bit about the world of politics, Ivy was inspired to write a letter to her MP Johnny Mercer. Ivy shared her experience about what it is like to be a young carer and how she finds it difficult to get support.

Ivy’s letter writing resulted in her receiving a referral to be assessed in school for

additional support, something the family had been waiting two years for. The issues Ivy shared have also been raised by Plymouth City Council which has discussed how it can better support young carers across the constituency.

Ivy said: “I feel really really proud and happy to have won this award!”

Ivy’s mum, Ellie added: “We are all so

proud of Ivy. It still blows me away that after the Introduction to Parliament Zoom session, she took it upon herself to make a change and see how our local MP could help her. The letter she wrote was amazing, as was Johnny Mercer’s response. Ivy’s actions have not only improved her life but highlighted the plight of siblings and young carers with the government and our local council. What an amazing little girl!”

Sense chief executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Huge congratulations to Ivy on winning the Young Sibling of the Year award. Ivy’s love for her siblings and her efforts to advocate for young carers really impressed us and we are delighted to honour her with this award.”

The Sense Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them. For more information about the Sense Awards visit: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards

Celebrations for Tamar Healthcare

Local Plymouth care provider Tamar Homecare saw off seven major national care providers to win the coveted LaingBussion Homecare Award at a glitzy ceremony in London.

Actors and comedians Roni Ancona and Sally Phillips, alongside Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Stephen Dorrell, presented the Tamar Homecare team with the LaingBussion Best Homecare Provider at the ceremony.

“I was genuinely gobsmacked at getting to the final; never in a million years thought our local Plymouth team would be a match for the well-established national providers.

“Nobody at our table could quite believe it when our name was called out,” said Kelly Helme, registered manager of Tamar Homecare.

One of eight finalists for Best Homecare provider, Tamar Homecare, saw off the competition of seven major national companies, the only local care provider to make it to the final. The award was made for Tamar Homecare, demonstrating “Excellence in the provision of personal care or healthcare in a home setting with a focus on innovation and/or higher acuity services.”

Tamar Homecare is a local Plymouthbased community care provider. They provide

care for people in their homes throughout Plymouth and Saltash, enabling them to remain independent. Kelly added: “Our goal is to make people’s lives better for both clients and our staff. We work with Plymouth City

Council, Cornwall County Council and private individuals to provide the best care possible.” To find out more about Tamar Homecare’s services visit www.tamarcareservices.co.uk or call Kelly on 01752 657 560

COUNCIL JOINS NEW SCHOOL FOOD STANDARDS COMPLIANCE PILOT

Plymouth City Council is one of 18 local authorities selected to take part in the School Food Standards compliance pilot this academic year by The Food Standards Agency and Department for Education.

The pilot aims to design and test a new approach in supporting schools to comply with the existing School Food Standards. The council will find out if food safety officers are also able to raise instances of non-compliance with the School Food Standards when carrying out regular hygiene inspections in schools. This research will help inform the role the council could play in assuring compliance

with the standards so that the food served in our schools delivers the best possible health outcomes for children.

The council has already started doing the assessments as part of routine unannounced food hygiene inspections in school kitchens, and will continue to do them for the duration of the pilot.

The council has always been committed to driving up school meal standards and in 2015 launched a new school food service. CATERed was the first school meals cooperative in the country and is 49 per cent owned by schools and 51 per cent by the council and brings together the pooled budgets of 67 schools. Decisions

about the meals service are taken by a joint partnership board of elected representatives from the schools and the council.

Brad Pearce, managing director of CATERed, said: “The mandatory School Food Standards are in place to deliver a balanced menu offer to pupils in schools across England.  We welcome this pilot and are pleased to be involved.  The pilot will help everyone understand how the Standards are being applied and if more support can be offered to schools and caterers to ensure delivery of the very best school food to pupils and students”. Find out more about CATERed visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/catered

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

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

1625

0303 3033 100 West

Stroke

Top providers...the Tamar Healthcare team celebrate their award

Inspirational women honoured at awards ceremony

The chief executive of a leading Plymouth charity was among the winners at the inaugural West Country Women Awards.

Hannah Shead, chief executive of the women’s charity Trevi, was named winner in the category for Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls, which was sponsored by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.

Trevi was the awards’ charity of the year and, with the help of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, more than £2,000 was raised on the night.

Other Plymouth winners were Emma Hewitt of Plymouth City Council who won the Inspirational Leader Award and Sarah Newberry from YMCA Plymouth who was named Employee of the Year.

Emma was nominated, twice, for her leadership of the Building Plymouth skills partnership with the construction industry, and the vision for Skills Launchpad Plymouth – which has already been recognised with Innovation Awards locally and regionally. Her award was sponsored by Ward Williams Associates.

Sarah heads fundraising, career and corporate sales at YMCA Plymouth and her award was sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson.

More than 320 guests, finalists and sponsors from across the South West attended the sold out inspirational awards ceremony and gala dinner held at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth at the beginning of December.

The awards celebrate and recognise women all across the peninsula in all walks of life from women in health to women in sport,

combatting violence against women and girls to green business of the year and more.

Hosts for the event were Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber, co-founders of the West Country Women Awards.

Alexis said: “I have run women in business networks and awards here in the south west for 10 years now. The last were just for business but this time we decided to make it about everybody’s business. So we introduced new categories, hoping to encompass and reflect more of our lives, in and out of the office.”

There were over 1,000 nominations of women across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, 90 semi finalists, 50 finalists and 16 winners.

Richard Stevens, managing director of main sponsors Go South West, said:”We were delighted to support the West Country

of the West Country Women Awards pictured with organisers Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber

Women Awards, the evening celebrated and showcased, inspirational women from across the region from a diverse range of businesses and enterprises.

“I was blown away by the calibre of talent and drive we were privileged to witness. I believe that the legacy from the awards will benefit our communities, through showcasing amazing role models for girls and women. I look forward to next year’s event, I know we can encourage even more entrants and celebrate their many successes”

Every sponsor emphasised the outstanding calibre of their category finalists when presenting the winner with their West Country Women Awards trophy.

Advertise to over 23,000 homes in Waterside & West

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

The February edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Waterside and West will be published on January 27 with a copy deadline of January 16. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city. We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Winners