Gables Cats and Dogs Home are appealing for help to care for 23 puppies rescued for a puppy farm
The day lifelong Argyle supporter Charlie Trevethan, who is 96, got to meet manager Steve Schumacher
15
The Rt Rev’d James Grier has been consecrated as the new Bishop of Plymouth at Westminster Abbey
People who are most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19 are being encouraged to book their autumn booster vaccines.
Having the COVID-19 autumn booster and seasonal flu vaccines will help to protect you from becoming seriously ill, which in turn will reduce pressure on the NHS during what is expected to be a very challenging winter.
If you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine, it’s likely you can get the coronavirus (COVID-19) seasonal booster.
Getting both vaccines is important because:
• more people are likely to get flu this winter
• you’re more likely to be seriously ill if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time
It’s safe to have both vaccines at the same time, but you
need to book them separately.
COVID-19 rates are currently rising, with the latest ONS Infection Survey showing that around one in 35 people now has the virus.
The number of positive tests reported in Plymouth is also increasing, though this data only reflects a proportion of those who have COVID-19.
Clinics offering the latest COVID-19 vaccine are being held at Home Park as well as other locations around Plymouth.
As with previous doses, those most at risk from serious illness are being called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose.
The flu vaccine is currently being given free to adults who:
• are 50 years old and over
• have certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, as well as people who have a learning disability
• are pregnant • are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• are frontline health or social care workers.
All primary school and some secondary school children are eligible for the flu nasal spray this year, which is
usually given at school.
GP surgeries are also inviting children aged two and three years old (age on 31 August) for their nasal spray vaccination at their practices.
Where can I get the NHS flu vaccine?
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS.
You may also receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.
Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it.
GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches throughout the flu season. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book one for when more vaccines are available.
You can have your seasonal booster (autumn booster) if it’s been at least three months since you had your previous dose.
At the moment, those being prioritised for autumn booster of the COVID-19 vaccine include people who are:
• aged 50 and over (initially the vaccine is being offered to over 65’s)
• pregnant • aged five and over and at high risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system
• aged five and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
• living or working in a care home for older people
• a frontline health and social care worker
Other people, including those aged 50 to 64 years old who are not at higher risk, will be able to get the booster
jab later in the autumn.
If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible. If you have a severely weakened immune system you should get an additional primary dose before you get a booster.
If you have COVID-19, or symptoms but have not had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better before you get the vaccine.
You should ideally wait four weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 or over or 12 weeks (84 days) if you are aged five to 17 years old. This starts from the date your symptoms started or from the date of a positive test, whichever was earlier.
How to get a seasonal booster
Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site online at nhs.uk.
You can also book an appointment by calling 119.
When caring for someone, you may worry about what would happen if you suddenly became ill. How would you cope? What impact would this have on the person you care for?
Flu can force people to take to their bed for several days, and if the infection coincides with COVID-19 it can be life threatening, so as a carer, it would be extremely difficult for you to continue to look after someone else.
If you’re receiving Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person who may be put at risk if you became ill, you are eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS and the COVID-19 autumn booster. Please get them as soon as you are offered as they are vital to protect yourself and those you care for.
Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site. Speak to your GP or pharmacy about your NHS flu vaccine.
Caring for Carers are holding a free Carers Rights Day event on Friday 25 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 11am to 2pm.
There will be a COVID-19 vaccination stand for anyone attending to get their vaccinations or talk to a health professional about any concerns they may have.
If anything is stopping you from getting your vaccination such as transport or support for your loved one while you are at your appointment, please call Caring for Carers on 01752 201890 or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk for further advice.
It’s important that people working in the frontline roles come forward for their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations at the earliest opportunity, to protect themselves and those they care for.
The sector is facing a busy winter with a severe flu season predicted and COVID-19 still in circulation, and case numbers starting to rise again, so it is more important than ever that health and social care workers stay fit and healthy and protect themselves from illness.
So please, book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online and speak to your GP or local pharmacy about getting your NHS flu vaccine.
It’s that time of year when we are more likely to pick up coughs and nasty bugs. If you are feeling poorly, here’s the NHS advice on common winter health problems.
There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough. If you have a bad cough you should:
• rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
You can ask a pharmacist about:
• cough syrup
• cough medicine (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12)
• cough sweets These will not stop your cough, but may help you cough less.
Decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine will not stop your cough.
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
• a high temperature
• a headache
• aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected. You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. It is important to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. Do not visit hospitals or care homes.
Norovirus can spread very easily.
You can catch norovirus from:
• close contact with someone with norovirus and touching surfaces with the virus on them and touching your mouth
• eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading.
Symptoms come on quickly and can include:
• a sudden high temperature
• an aching body
• feeling tired or exhausted
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• a headache
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea or tummy pain
• feeling sick and being sick
Children can also get pain in their ear and appear less active. If you have flu symptoms:
• rest and sleep
• keep warm
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
A pharmacist can give treatment advice. To reduce the risk of spreading flu wash your hands often, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues, try and stay at home and avoid contact with others.
Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, PL12HJ
Time: 11am – 2pm
We will be joined by a host of organisations across Plymouth who can offer support and services to carers. There will be live demonstrations and services available to access on the day. Booking is not required and we look forward to seeing you there.
For further information call 01752 201890 or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
Gables Dogs and Cats Home are no strangers to the horrendous damage that backstreet breeders, commercial breeders and puppy farms do to the health and wellbeing of dogs, having taking in close to 100 dogs from local puppy farms in recent years.
Gables had hoped that the huge demand for dogs would fall as people returned to work after the pandemic. Sadly this is far from the case as there is still a huge demand for puppies, which is encouraging breeders to cash in while they can.
This current demand for puppies has resulted in 90 dogs and puppies, living in horrific conditions, being removed from a single Devon property, with Gables taking in 23 of them.
The dogs, a mixture of small ‘designer breeds’ ranging from seven days old to 12 years old, had been living in terrible conditions resulting in them all suffering from overgrown claws, flea and worm infestations, as well as severe malnutrition.
On arrival at Gables most of the dogs were extremely matted and covered in their own faeces as well as suffering from ammonia burns on their skin from living in their own urine. The tight matts have made it difficult for the dogs to move about and go to the toilet as well as causing incredibly sore spots on their skin.
The huge flea burden has resulted in some of the dogs constantly scratching, leaving them with
open sores from the self-inflicted wounds. The mothers of the puppies had been struggling to keep up with the demand of having to continually nurse litter after litter in these conditions. It is feared that it may already be too late for the weakest of the little puppies, but Gables is doing everything they possibly can to keep the puppy alive. Gables have also started supplementing all
the puppy’s diets with specialist puppy milk to give them the best chance of survival, while their emaciated mothers start to build up their own strength.
All the dogs have been seen by Gables contracted vets, Filham Park in Ivybridge, and there are concerns some of them may have some serious underlying medical issues caused by inbreeding
Plymouth University is celebrating the graduation of its first district nurses for 15 years, following a shortage of this specialist area of the profession in the South West.
District nursing is a specialist postgraduate qualification, validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and enables those in the role to take on more responsibility such as nonmedical prescribing and advanced clinical practice.
Based in the community rather than a hospital setting, the University relaunched the programme as a degree apprenticeship in 2020 following a demand for the role across the South West.
Now the first cohort in 15 years has celebrated its success, with seven students graduating and already making a difference in the community.
Interim programme lead, Lisa-Marie Rowe, who delivers the programme alongside Linda Duggan, said: “The University of Plymouth would like to congratulate you all. We have been privileged to witness this cohort becoming specialist practitioners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to lead, manage and promote evidence based, advanced patient centred care in the community.
“These graduates will change the face of community nursing in the region. Their passion, drive and commitment to community nursing, make them a credit to their employers and to the University of Plymouth.”
Dr Crystal Oldman, chief executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI), added: “I am absolutely thrilled
that the University of Plymouth is seeing its first graduates in 15 years from the District Nurse Specialist Practitioner (DNSPQ) programme this summer.
“I remember at the QNI annual conference several years ago, Queen’s Nurses in the South West flagged up that a DNSPQ programme would be hugely beneficial to communities in the region who rely on the District Nursing service. The QNs have been instrumental in making sure that this was designed, created and delivered, with support from local employers.
“My congratulations and those of my QNI colleagues to all those involved with the programme, at the university and in practice – and importantly, huge congratulations from all at the QNI to the District Nurse graduates who have worked so hard for their qualification and are now going on to lead and manage teams in the community, working at an advanced level of practice and serving their local populations. We look forward to the graduates keeping in touch with the QNI as your career develops.”
as well as the terrible living conditions they have been forced to endure.
Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “When we were contacted about these dogs I could not believe help was needed with yet another local puppy farm, it was truly heart-breaking. These traumatised dogs have to suffer such terrible conditions purely for money. It is so frustrating how easy it still is for breeders to get away with it. I am glad we are able to give these dogs the love, care and attention they deserve and our priority is to carefully remove the matted fur and give them the support and treatment they need to go on to find new loving homes”.
It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £5,000 to cover the costs of all the treatments these poor dogs require as well as their basic care such as flea and worm treatments and ensuring all the dogs and puppies are neutered before looking for their forever homes.
Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help all these poor dogs.
Anyone wishing to help ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to their ‘Puppy Farm Palaver Vet Appeal’, should call 01752 331602 or alternatively visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/pfp or www.paypal.me/ gablesdogsandcats to donate online.
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.
Oct 29
At Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 12 noon to 2.30pm for £6 and including delicious home made dishes. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.
South Devon Players Theatre and Film Company present Beowulf at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 7.30pm. The theatre drama based on the 10th century epic poem is suitable for the whole family. Tickets on the door or from www. southdevonplayers.com
Nov 5
Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration on The Hoe is a safe and free way to spend the most explosive night of the year. Watch as the huge bonfire is lit, then gaze in awe at the brilliant firework display. If you’re feeling brave enough, have a go on the fairground rides or warm up with a bite to eat from one of the food stalls. More details will be published closer to the time.
One of the Jeanie Moore International Concert Series featuring Peter Fisher at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke at 3pm. Tickets £20 from www. wegottickets.com or on the door.
Nov 8
The choir presents its penultimate concert of its Golden Jubilee year at Ridgeway Methodist Church, Plympton at 7.30pm. Tickets can be obtained from the church. The concert has been arranged by the Ridgeway Fellowship and is in support of the Dame Hanna Rogers Trust.
Sounds Musical Theatre Company present their three date tour following last year’s sell out sales. This musical concert features top class performers from one of Plymouth’s longest running societies.
Broadway Showstoppers showcases hits from past and present respectively at St Boniface’s College, Boniface Lane PL7 3AG; Elburton Methodist Church, Springfield Rd PL9 8PR and Plymstock School, Church Road PL9 9AZ. Book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/
sounds
Nov 12
South West Chamber Choir, musical director Stephen Trehair, present Just As the Tide Was Flowing at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise road, Stoke at 4pm. Tickets at www.trybooking.co.uk or on the door.
Nov 12
Hooe Baptist Church, Hooe Road are holding a Christmas Pudding tasting evening from 7pm. Tickets £5 per person with family tickets available. More details and booking (essential) from 07818408447 or via church’s Facebook page. Go along and discover your favourite Christmas pudding.
Nov 12
Plymouth Samaritans will be holding their 50th Anniversary Ball at the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth. The evening will feature welcome drinks to a live band - the Smooth Jazz Combo, a quality three course meal, dancing to the Fabulous Swing Kings, a bumper raffle and an auction. The auction will include signed pieces from Adele, Ed Sheehan, Daniel Craig and Mo Salah among other dazzling items. Tickets for
The Music of the Night Choral Foundation celebrate their 10th anniversary with a Christmas concert entitled ‘Tis the Season’ at Pennycross Methodist Church, Beauchamp Road, Peverell at 2.30pm. The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor and their consorts will be attending. Tickets available from 07860 354290, on the door and from choir members.
St Francis Church, Honicknowle from 11am to 2pm. Various stalls, turkey sandwiches and refreshments. Father Christmas will arrive at 1pm bringing gifts for the children.
Organised by Elburton Residents’ Association at Elburton Village Hall from 3pm. Lots of stalls to browse with food and drinks available. Santa will be there for the children and the the Elburton Village Christmas lights will be switched on at the event.
the Ball are £55 per head and can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com
The Post Mortem Live arrives at Plymouth Guildhall with six live shows offering attendees the chance to solve a murder working with award winning human anatomist Sam Piri in this four-hour long experience. Tickets from £35. For details visit www. thepostmortemlive.co.uk
Nov 16
Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion at The Club, Market Road, Plympton at 7pm. Membership cards to be brought to vote.
Nov 17
Light lunch and speakers at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke at 12 noon. Free entry, donations welcome.
The official kick off for the Plymouth’s Christmas holiday calendar, also marking the start of festive late-night shopping every Thursday night in the lead up to Christmas. The switch on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm and there will be an exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on stage in the Piazza from 4pm. Enjoy live music, with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs.
Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Stoke from 11am to 3.15pm. Variety of sseaonal stalls and refreshments. Free admission.
Nov 19
Plymouth Highbury Trust, Outland Road from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Harry Potter stall, cakes, refreshments, crafts, tombola and raffle.
An afternoon of festive fun in the Barbican and Sutton Harbour from 12 noon to 6pm. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he has arrived from across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the local choirs as they perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainment and rides to have a go on, plus a selection of stalls selling some delicious Christmas treats. Take part in the free Christmas trail across the Barbican, with some tasty prizes! Follow the trail around the shops and restaurants, and maybe pick up some wonderful unique Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive refreshments along the way. Look out for
festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting the special guests who will be switching on the awesome sparkly Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm.
Nov 20
Plymouth Telecom Sports and Social Club, Manadon from 11am to 3pm. Seasonal goods for Christmas and other gifts, refreshments available. Tables still available for homemade crafts at £5. Call 07597 850419 for details.
Nov 25
Organised by the Crownhill Village Community Network Group, the event starts with entertainment on stage from 5pm till around 8pm, with the lights being switched on by members of Cann Bridge School signing group at 6.30pm. Market stalls, music, etc. Raffle drawn at 7pm. Tickets from Forever Flowers, Morshead Road, Crownhill.
Nov 26
St Boniface Church, Percy Street, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. There will be cakes, bottles and tins, Christmas tombola, gifts galore, chocolate tombola, refreshments and a grand draw. Admission 20p.
Nov 26
At Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be light refreshments, stalls including home grown produce, preserves, recycled gifts, tombola, books and cake stall.
Nov 26
Popular annual event at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm with many stalls present.
Phoenix Chorale is holding its annual Christmas concert in St Peter’s Church in Stonehouse at 7.30pm. The exciting programme of music features three triumphant choral anthems by Handel, including Zadok the Priest, and is contrasted by a collection of songs by contemporary composers, among them Rutter, Whitacre, MacMillan and Billy Joel. Mulled wine and mince pies are available and there will be a Luxury Hamper raffle. Tickets £12 in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk or £14 on the door, under 18s free.
Dec 3
Seasonal music by Bach, Chilcott, Palestrina performed by West Devon Chorale at Minster Church of St Andrew in Plymouth at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from 01752 776479.
Dec 7
In the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Entry £6. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.
Dec 7
The Royal British Legion Plympton & District Club, 41 Market Road, Plympton will hold its AGM from 7pm. Meeting will include taking a Vote on the Adoption of Rules RBLC (England/Wales Co-op) Model Rules 2019v2. Members to please bring their membership card.
Dec 10
Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.
Soapbox Children’s Theatre present a delightful Christmas show at their Devonport Park theatre. A special seasonal treat for eight year olds and under and their big people. With stunning puppets, this is a Christmas story sure to make memories and warm little hearts. To book visit stiltskin.org.uk/soapboxchildrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/
Dec 16
South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII presents an evening of beautiful choral music in the fabulous setting of St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. The concert features one of J S Bach’s Christmas Cantatas Gloria in Excelsis Deo and is followed by a contrasting collection of contemporary festive songs. Mulled wine and mince pies available. For more information, visit www.levowan.co.uk
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.
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/ soapbox-childrens-theatre-devonport-box-office/ 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.
PLymouth ‘s Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on November 17
Talented Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov will join the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra for their upcoming concert in the city in November.
The next Plymouth Symphony Orchestra live concerts are at Plymouth Guildhall on November 23 at 7.30pm and the Public Hall, Liskeard, November 20 at 5.30pm.
The opening work of the varied programme is the cheerful and lighthearted Karelia Overture by Sibelius. It features beautiful bold themes as well as references to the better-known Intermezzo.
This is followed, in great contrast, by Wagner’s moving and mystical Siegfried’s Death and Funeral March from Gotterdammerung, which was the last in Wagner’s cycle of his four music dramas, The Ring.
Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov joins the orchestra for the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor (Plymouth concert only). This is one of Grieg’s most popular and wellknown works and although it was strongly influenced by Schumann’s Piano Concerto it is also rich in Norwegian character.
Ivanov has performed at festivals around the world, as well as playing with leading orchestras in Bulgaria and Italy. This talented young pianist has won many prizes, including being awarded first prize in the Busoni International Piano Competition in Italy in 2019.
Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances (Liskeard concert only) are a series of popular orchestral pieces, which were originally written for piano duet. Although these were modelled on Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, an important difference is that he didn’t actually use Slavic folk melodies and instead used their characteristic rhythms to create the Slavonic flavour.
The final work, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, was inspired by the loss of his artist friend Hartmann.
This had a deep effect on Mussorgsky and an exhibition of Hartmann’s pictures inspired this work, original composed for piano. Maurice Ravel’s colourful and dynamic orchestral arrangement has ensured the work’s enduring popularity in the orchestral repertoire.
For ticket information please visit www. plymouthsymphony.co.uk
A Plymouth businessman is popping open the fizz after his company was crowned the UK’s ‘Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year’, just two years after the company was launched.
Daniel Blatchford, 38, who attended Hele’s School in Plympton and the University of the West of England in Bristol, launched Sip Champagnes with his business partner, Peter Crawford, in 2020.
Just two years later, Sip Champagnes has been awarded this prestigious accolade by the world’s leading wine media brand, Decanter, who singled out the newcomer for its ‘laser-like focus on cutting-edge wines from the region’, and in the words of one judge, ‘is changing the game for champagne.’ Sip Champagnes was also a runner up in the ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Judges Choice’ categories.
Decanter engages with wine lovers in over 100 countries around the globe, providing authoritative content and independent advice on the world’s best wines and champagnes. The annual Decanter Retailer Awards provides an indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK.
Daniel Blatchford, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been awarded the title of UK’s ‘Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year’ by Decanter just two years since setting up the company.
“We put our success down to our continued focus on quality, as well as sourcing and supplying only the best small-batch, handcrafted champagne straight to consumers and the hospitality trade from France’s iconic wine region.
“With the UK’s largest collection of 60 Champagne producers and over 236 individual cuvées from across 25 villages in our range, Sip Champagnes only deals with ethically-sourced and artisan products direct from the farmer.”
He added: “Despite a wider industry decline, UK consumers have certainly not lost their taste for small-batch and handcrafted champagne sourced straight from the grower. Champagne lovers are also willing to pay a premium for a unique, artisan and quality product, including our exclusive collection that they can’t buy anywhere else in the UK.”
Daniel is an experienced product strategist and director. Having owned, designed and built successful cross-platform digital products, teams and services for both start-ups to enterprises, across the media, property, utility and finance sectors, his passion is all things digital.
The latest three releases from Sip Champagnes are unavailable to buy anywhere else in the UK and it is the first time ever that
Sips Champagnes co-founder Daniel Blatchford and (below) the company’s autumn product range
these three new producers are being made available to consumers and the hospitality trade outside France.
This summer, Sip Champagnes reported a record 219% boost to sales in the last year despite a wider slump across the industry.
Sip Champagnes, which also won The Drinks Business ‘Specialist Online Retailer of the Year Award’ for 2022, is also bucking the industry trend with month-on-month sales growth in 2022 as UK consumers develop a taste for unique grower champagne.
The dominance of the big wine houses and supermarket champagne has meant that champagne choice has been very limited in the UK until Sip Champagnes came along. The small producers previously had no supply chain and no access to highend restaurants, bars, hotels and wine boutiques, which meant consumers had little choice, until now.
Alongside their online store, which sells individual bottles and curated cases, Sip Champagnes also offers curated monthly subscription packages to help people enhance their understanding of the grower champagne movement. Alongside exceptional bottles, there are tasting notes and even live tasting sessions with the farmers themselves.
All Sip Champagnes packaging is made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable. They also invest in carbon offsetting programmes to reduce their environmental impact and they plant a tree for every order placed.
For more information on Sip Champagnes visit www. sipchampagnes.com/collections/ new-producers-champagnes and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/ sipchampagnes; Twittertwitter. com/ChampagnesSip and Instagram www.instagram.com/ sip_champagnes
Marlborough Primary Academy in Devonport has a new principal.
Jackie Green joins the school from Malmesbury Park Primary School in Bournemouth, where she was headteacher. She has 35 years of experience as a teacher, has been a headteacher for 24 years, and this role is her fourth headship post.
She is an experienced school leader with a wealth of expertise at building relationships with the wider community, designing a school curriculum which is ambitious for all pupils, developing a whole school ethos of excellence and achievement, and focusing on the arts to enable children to access their academic curriculum.
Jackie Green said: “There is huge potential at Marlborough, and I am so excited to take up this position. The children here are absolutely fantastic – they are really keen and eager to work hard and do well. We are also lucky to have hard working and committed staff who give hugely to the school
and to the wider community, and who have given me such a warm welcome.
“I am looking forward to building on the fantastic established links with the community, particularly Councillor Mark Coker who has been a longtime supporter of the school. I am keen to continue this work to develop even stronger links using his connections with our community and his great ideas for the future.
“I am really ambitious for our pupils to reach new heights and to fulfill their potential during their time at school. I know how important the arts are for young people, and I am looking forward to developing this alongside our academic aspirations for the children.
“I am a firm believer that providing children with this opportunity to embrace their artistic spirit will prove hugely important in helping them achieve their academic ambitions.”
Thousands of Plymouth households are soon to benefit from an additional pot of just over £550,000 to help with rising energy costs.
Following an extensive modelling exercise, the money will be distributed to the 1,453 households in the following groups:
Households which are receiving Council Tax support and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £150
Households with residents that are severely mentally impaired and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £100
Households with a Disabled Band Relief and live in a property banded from F to H will receive £100*
Households which have a single person discount and live in a property banded from E to H will receive £100.
In addition, more than 23,000 households which receive Council Tax Support and live in a property banded from A to D will receive a £17.50 payment. This is in addition to the £150 rebate they received earlier in the year.
A further government grant for all households will also be available later in the year as well as additional support for vulnerable households.
Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, PL12HJ
When: Friday 25th November, 11am - 2pm
When you are caring for someone, having the right information at the right time can make HUGE difference. Caring for Carers are hosting a FREE event for carers to offer the chance to find out about services and organisations that can support them.
There will be an array of information stands, and this year we are incorporating a vision zone section where there will be stands offering demonstrations and information specifically related to sensory needs including: Optelec (magnifiers and low vision aids) Dolphin (computer software)
Blind Veterans & Regional Macula Society
There will also be an opportunity for people to have their NHS hearing aids serviced as well as the chance to speak with someone about various assistive technology.
For further information call 01752 201890 Or email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting us all. But when faced with the decision of how to allocate this additional funding, it was important to ensure we looked after those who we know are most vulnerable either physically or financially.”
All eligible households which currently pay Council Tax by Direct Debit will receive payment direct into their bank account within the next few weeks
Council Tax Support is a local means-tested scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay their Council Tax. Any owner-occupier or tenant aged 18 or over who is legally responsible for the Council Tax can claim Council Tax Support. Find out more at new. plymouth.gov.uk/council-tax-support.
Where Direct Debit details are not held, eligible households will receive a credit to their Council Tax account.
If households wish to claim the credit as a cash payment they will have the option to request this as a general refund using an online application at www. plymouth-self.achieveservice.com
* Disabled band support relief is for households who live in a larger property than they would need if they or another occupant were not disabled. If you qualify, bills are reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band.
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THOUGHT FOR THE 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
A group of injured Commandos have taken part in a week of surfing as part of their ongoing road to recovery.
Arranging the event for HMS Drake’s Personnel Support Group, (PSG) Chief Petty Officer Angie Cheal once again secured funding via the NAAFI Covenant Fund, making it the 12th event organised this year for medically downgraded service personnel.
Several of those now ‘Surf Veterans’ had themselves been on similar courses when in the services and spent time with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines Recovery Centre Hasler, also based at HMS Drake.
The Royal Marines, all from the Commando Logistics Regiment (CLR) based at RMB Chivenor near Barnstaple, spent the week overcoming their injuries to learn the intricacies of surfing with instructors from Bude Surf Veterans (BSV), a local Surfing charity set up by surf shop owner Paul Strickney.
BSV gives military veterans and their families the opportunity to socialise, surf and support one another in an informal and friendly setting, without any judgement or questioning.
One veteran, Kev Dring a former Naval rating, who struggled with his own health issues said: “In 2018 I started to feel more and more anxious, and it got to the point where I began to stutter, which only made my anxiety worse.
“I was moved to PSG in Devonport to focus on my recovery, and there I met Angie who asked me if I would like to take part in a water activities week, for those who are medically downgraded. To my delight I found it really
helped me relax. From there I was selected to take part in Op Surf, an event which Help for Heroes ran with the Operation Surf Charity from the United States.
“The week literally changed my life, as I fell in love with surfing! When surfing I found a place where I was at ease and comfortable, and it played a huge part in my recovery.
“Now, five years later, I have based my life around Bude and am a fully qualified surf coach.
“These weeks really mean a lot to me and my colleagues, there is something really special and rewarding about giving back to those who are going through the same thing that you have.”
Housebuilder, Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 as part of its Community Fund initiative to Plymouth-based sailing charity, Horizons.
Horizons works with young people aged between eight and 19 from
Hundreds of Plymouth homes are set for an energy upgrade this winter thanks to a new pot of grant funding.
The Future Fit programme, a partnership between Plymouth City Council and local charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), will see £4million of government funding distributed across up to 300 eligible homes in the city.
The money will be spent on improvements such as wall, floor and loft insulation; getting rid of draughts; help with heating controls; installing solar and replacing off-the-grid gas heating systems.
To make the process as smooth as possible, PEC has created a handy funding eligibility checker where him households can discover what improvements can be funded for their home.
While a number of eligibility factors will be considered, the Future Fit project is open for homeowners and households living in privately rented accommodation with a yearly income of less than £30,000.
For more information visit www. plymouthenergycommunity.com/futurefit, and look out for PEC’s Future Fit team in local neighbourhoods over the next few months.
PEC project manager Justin Bear said: “Local people are doing all they can to save energy and reduce costs – but if your home is leaking heat, it’s almost impossible to make significant savings without making major upgrades, which aren’t affordable for most. We want to lighten this burden. We don’t want our community to have to choose between keeping the heating on or other vital needs.
“If your household meets the eligibility criteria, we manage the whole process: the initial home energy assessment; coordinating local contractors to do the upgrades according to what a house needs, and issuing the funding on behalf of the council.”
Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance said: “We are proud to be part of this pro-active, urgently needed intervention in the cost-of-living crisis.
disadvantaged backgrounds or who have a disability or learning difficulties. The charity provides educational sailing sessions and courses with participants given the opportunity to undertake formal training and industry recognised qualifications.
Simon Mace, chief executive of Horizons, said: “We use sailing as a tool to create opportunities to learn practical skills through waterbased activities. Our sailors not only have fun, they gain confidence, problem solving skills, teamwork experience, and the awareness to keep themselves and others safe on the water.
“Through our activities participants build their resilience and positive character attributes, whilst gaining transferable skills that improve the chances of success in their wider lives. Donations such as this are vital in helping us to meet our essential operating and boat maintenance costs.”
Nicki Reid, sales director for Barratt Homes Exeter, said: “We are extremely passionate about supporting the communities in which we work and are delighted to have donated £1,500 to Horizons. The difference they make to the lives of young people in our area is inspiring and I would like to thank the charity, on behalf of everyone at Barratt Homes, for all that they do.”
“By helping residents have warmer homes and lowering your heating costs, we’re also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and working towards stopping climate change. Future Fit is therefore helping to make a better future for both our local community, and planet.”
Plymouth resident Laurie said: “Plymouth Energy Community have been amazing. Their specialist knowledge got grants to pay for new storage heaters and solar roof panels. I don’t know what I would have done without their friendly, helpful support. I cannot thank them enough!”
With rising energy prices and the cost-ofliving crisis, bills are getting much harder to manage for everyone. Brought to you by PCC and PEC at this critical time, Future Fit is here to help 300 households stay warm and save money well into the future.
One of Plymouth’s oldest schools has announced plans to expand in 2023. St Budeaux Foundation CE Junior School currently takes children from the age of seven, but will open for preschool and all primary age children next September.
The school appointed Natasha Brooks as head of school ahead of the new academic year, having formally joined First Federation Trust in July this year.
Natasha joins the school having already spent three years as deputy head of School at Bere Alston Primary Academy – another school within the First Federation Trust family.
Natasha has been a teacher for over 25 years, working with children from across the primary age range. For 17 of those years, she has held various roles within management teams including senior leader, acting assistant headteacher and, more recently, deputy head. She has taught in both small schools and larger three-form entry settings, spending many years working in London before returning to the South West six years ago.
Natasha said: “These are exciting times for the school and me personally. Having been appointed as head of school, I am really looking forward to leading the staff and children through this positive new chapter. I have been impressed by the dedication of staff in creating a learning environment that can be enjoyed by all. The children are vibrant, full of character and eager to learn, which are values that I will continue to promote as we go forwards.”
As one of the oldest schools in Plymouth,
St Budeaux Junior School has served the local community for over 300 years. Its origins date back to 1717 when the first school was established on the Church Green behind the St Budeaux Inn, then known as the Church Inn. The original Foundation school was for the education of the poor and underprivileged, specifically for ‘six poor boys and six poor girls living within the parish’.
The school grew with the support of many local well-known families who endowed the school with various bequests. It currently has 138 children on roll, spread over six classes.
Currently it takes children from the age of seven but from September 2023, it will be able to serve more members of the community as it opens to children from the age of two years and upwards.
Children that are due to start school in September 2023 will be able to apply for a place at St Budeaux when the primary school applications window opens on November 15.
There will be an open day for parents and carers on November 16 when they can visit the school and talk to Early Years staff.
Natasha added: “An exciting transformation
of classroom spaces and play areas has begun. The new early years’ area will be bright and purposeful with adjoining spaces and outside areas for children to access with their teachers. We are creating a truly lovely learning environment for our new pupils. Combine that with our plans to enhance and broaden the curriculum and St. Budeaux children will get a real head-start on their educational journey and be well prepared for the future.”
As a member of First Federation Trust, teaching staff at St Budeaux can access tailored support in key subject and focus areas, and staff will receive access to training and professional development in subject knowledge and teaching practice.
The trust is ambitious for its staff and is committed to supporting colleagues in their professional development. Last academic year it invested n early £80,000 in staff development and partners with several education colleges and professional bodies to offer staff comprehensive professional development pathways.
Trust membership has also created huge opportunities for the school to collaborate with colleagues from across the trust family of 19 primary schools.
Natasha continued: “Like us, the trust is passionate about learning and delivering a curriculum that broadens all children’s horizons. The whole school team is excited about this next chapter in the school’s rich history and ensuring that children across all primary school ages in the St Budeaux community and surrounding area can access the best possible education.”
Wales & West Utilities is starting work to upgrade gas pipes in the Station Road area of Keyham.
The work, which is due to start on October 24, is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses. Barring any engineering difficulties, it is due to finish by the end of April.
Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Plymouth City Council to plan the work and it has been agreed that rolling road closures and traffic lights will be in place as work progresses. Local residents and businesses will receive information ahead of work starting.
Wales & West Utilities Abby Smith is managing the gas pipe upgrade work. She said: “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Keyham.
“Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.”
Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team is ready to take calls from residents who have any questions about the work. Contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999.
City College Plymouth will be hosting one of the heats for the region’s biggest esports event in early 2023.
Esports, or competitive gaming, is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with a global revenue of over $1bn and an audience of 474 million in 2021. The first South West Esports Festival took place in February this year, hosted by Exeter College and Tech South West.
Sixteen teams took part, from organisations including the Exeter Chiefs, the Met Office, Jurassic Fibre, Ashfords LLP, Devon County Council, Ghyston and Singer Instruments, with Bath-based software firm Rocketmakers taking home the trophy.
Now, Tech South West and five major colleges from across the region – including City College Plymouth – are joining forces to showcase the leading role the South West can play in this booming sector. Each will host a regional heat for the tournament in which corporate teams from across the South West will take part.
The top three teams from each heat will go through to the final, hosted by Exeter College at their flagship Digital and Data Centre during May half term.
The festival will showcase the careers available in the sector, and provide an opportunity for students at the colleges to assist with the delivery of the festival and use their marketing, event management and organisational skills in a real-world environment. The event will also shine a spotlight on the cutting edge facilities available in the South West.
Sam Pomeroy, programme lead at City
College Plymouth, said: “The college is excited to be part of this event which we hope will be mutually beneficial for students and employers and offer great networking opportunities for all concerned. There will be a cross-college effort to arrange this highprofile event, with students from a variety of departments able to put their developing skills into practice.”
Tech is already the fastest growing part of the South West economy, with esports expected to play an increasingly significant role in the sector in the coming decade.
Dan Pritchard, co-founder and director of Tech South West, said: “The South West is
Asbestos is a fibrous material, and was widely used in construction, engineering, automotive and shipbuilding industries. It has also been found in schools, farms and building sites.
Wolferstans Solicitors have supported people that were exposed to asbestos in a wide variety of workplaces. The most common trades our clients have worked in are:
• Dockyard workers
• Plumbers
Power Station
Read some of our clients’ experiences and how we have helped them:
• Jim, a former Cornish carpenter, developed mesothelioma 40 years after sawing asbestos boarding on a building site in London. We were able to trace the firm’s employer’s liability insurers and brought a successful civil claim. The settlement was £380,000.
• Brian, a former farm worker, developed Mesothelioma due to working and maintaining farm buildings. We were unable to trace insurers and submitted a claim on the government Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme. The settlement was £96,000
• Chris, a teacher in a local school, was exposed to asbestos whilst checking certain areas of the school. Following a successful freedom of information
request, we managed to secure substantial payment of damages as well as all future medical treatment required because of the condition. The settlement was £400,000.
Asbestos-related diseases typically arise 10 to 40 years after the period of exposure.
Symptoms to look out for include shortness of breath, chest pains, reduced stamina, weight loss, and hot and cold fevers.
A lot of these symptoms are very similar to Covid-19 symptoms. However, if you have ever worked in an environment where asbestos was present, this could potentially be the cause.
home to some fantastic digital facilities and is a powerhouse of createch innovation. These factors, combined with a disproportionately high number of technical students and a highly collaborative community, put the region in pole position as the UK’s natural home of esports innovation.
“We are delighted to be working with colleges from across the South West to showcase the region’s strengths and promote the opportunities associated with the rise of esports.”
To register a team or learn about sponsorship opportunities, go to www. techsouthwest.co.uk/esports-2023/
If you have worked with asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition, please contact us so we can support you in bringing a claim forward. Our dedicated team are here to support you in getting the compensation you deserve, as well as assisting you with any benefit applications you may be entitled to.
Our work is completed on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there is no risk of you having to pay any costs for representation.
Article by Dean Cruickshanks, Head of AsbestosPLYMSTOCK 01752 401515
PLYMPTON 01752 345311
PLYMOUTH 01752 663295
EMAIL: info@wolferstans.com
•
Plymouth residents have been invited to get the low down on one of the biggest and boldest city centre investment projects –the regeneration of Armada Way.
Plymouth City Council has unveiled exciting plans to revive and renew this key route into the city centre and are currently finalising the designs that will see 1980s piecemeal landscaping replaced with a new linear park over a kilometre long, lined on either side by an avenue of trees.
The aim is to create a more impressive route from North Cross roundabout through the city centre and a clear visual link to the sea, which was the original ambition of Armada Way.
The project is part of an ongoing programme designed to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces.
The information event took place on September 29 on the third floor of Drake Circus shopping mall. Council officers along with the design team for the project were on
hand to discuss the plans and answer queries.
The £12.7 million investment project is being funded through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and matched by Plymouth City Council.
As well as restoring the view to create a more impressive and grand welcome into the city centre, new features planned include play and mixed use games areas for all ages, water-based play space and water fountain jets, dramatically improved café seating areas, attractive places to stop and rest, refurbished Braille Garden and Phoenix fountain and a new stepped amphitheatre space, a new running water feature, and linear tree pits.
The Sundial and its settings will also be refurbished, a mobility hub is on the cards as well as an improved crossing on Mayflower Street to enhance north-south connectivity.
The new look will take into account climate change, with the planting of plants and trees that are more resilient to an urban environment.
A sustainable urban drainage system,
integrated into a new stream feature, will form part of a wider strategic network in the city centre. The system includes features such as reed beds, which integrate the drainage system with the new planting to make the best use of surface water.
Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “This is one of the most significant investments in public space in the country at the moment and we are doing it because we want to transform our city centre and make it more attractive to visitors, business and to investors.
“The plans have changed considerably since the public last saw them in a consultation event in 2018, so we wanted to give people the opportunity to see what’s changed –including taking a more sustainable approach. This event is a chance for residents and businesses to see what’s new and talk to the team behind the scheme.”
The work will be carried out in stages in an effort to minimise disruption to the city centre.
A new three-year plan sets out how Plymouth City Council will work to break the cycle of child poverty and ensure that children living in the city are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The Child Poverty Action Plan for 2022 to 2025 was agreed at today’s Cabinet meeting following support from the cross-party Child Poverty Cabinet Advisory Group. The plan has four key themes:
Income and employment: ensuring the benefits of economic growth are felt by everyone and supporting the Skills for Plymouth plan.
Health and wellbeing: supporting children’s emotional and physical wellbeing and continuing the oral health improvement programme.
Education and transitions: improving literacy levels, supporting children in Early Years settings to be ‘school ready’ and giving young people the skills to transition into adulthood.
Partnerships: working with private and voluntary sector partners to mitigate child poverty.
Each theme includes a number of priorities and proposed outcomes. These include increasing the number of childcare places available in areas of deprivation, improving literacy in children living in low income families, reducing the prevalence of obesity in children and improving children’s dental hygiene.
The previous plan, for 2019 to 2022, focused on similar themes and despite the impact of Covid-19 had a positive impact.
Successful outcomes included a 63 per cent increase in the number of eligible children claiming free school meals, which not only ensures they receive a healthy meal each day but also results in schools receiving additional funding to support pupils.
Reports from the Department for Work and Pensions also show that more than 770 children living in low income families moved out of poverty between March 2020 and 2021.
Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Memberfor Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our new action plan which clearly outlines the steps that we, together with our partners, will be taking to support local families and children.
“We can’t do this on our own and I’m delighted that we’re able to work so closely with partners from the private and voluntary sectors, as well as other public sector organisations, all of whom share our ambitions to break the cycle of child poverty.”
“The plan’s four different themes give us a clear approach to tackling both the causes of child poverty, which includes helping parents into employment, and also the major symptoms.
“We’ll be taking steps to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Plymouth as well as providing opportunities for our children and young people to learn and to be inspired, setting them up for the bright future that every child deserves.”
Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Montrose has delivered a fifth blow to drug runners in the Middle East this year.
Her team of sailors and Royal Marines seized around 870kg of crystal methamphetamine from a dhow in the Arabian Sea during a sixhour operation.
Persistence from the boarding team led to a secret compartment being found aboard the vessel, revealing hidden illegal narcotics.
The haul was brought back to the frigate for inspection and weighing. The drugs totalled 870kg when counted, worth around £15.5m wholesale value in the UK according to the National Crime Agency.
It’s the fifth drugs seizure of the year by the ship while operating under the international Combined Task Force 150 and means Montrose has prevented nearly £47m of illegal narcotics reaching the streets in 2022, denying the proceeds to criminals or terrorists.
The frigate, which has been deployed to the Middle East since the beginning of 2019, also seized two illegal arms shipments earlier this year – all of which underscores the importance of maintaining a major Royal Navy warship in the region on a long-term mission.
“Today we have disrupted the unlawful use of the oceans. A seizure of this size will deal a huge blow to the criminal or terrorist gangs using these illegal narcotics to fund their
activity,” said Commander Claire Thompson, the frigate’s Commanding Officer.
“This success proves we will persistently deny criminals the freedom to conduct their illegal activity on the High Seas. Disrupting terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe.
“It is a privilege to command HMS Montrose and the incredibly professional, highly-trained and dedicated personnel that I have on my team. I could not be prouder of each and every one of them.”
The frigate is one of numerous international warships attached to Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, itself part of the wider naval security mission from Suez to the Seychelles and western seaboard of the Indian sub-continent directed from Bahrain by the Combined Maritime Forces, a partnership of 38 nations committed to safety, security and the free
CTF 150 is one of several task groups in the region. It has a specific remit to conduct maritime security operations across a vast area spanning the Red and Arabian Seas, and much of the Indian Ocean, where it combats drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal weapons.
Devonport-based HMS Montrose pounced after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats.
Royal Marines from Bickleigh based 42 Commando – the UK military’s specialists in these operations –seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo.
“The team did really well and I’m really pleased with the outcome. We initially found ten bags, but we suspected there was more. Once we got behind a false bulkhead we found a compartment full of illegal narcotics,” said Lieutenant Liam Speed, the Royal Navy boarding officer.
Combined Task Force 150 Commander Commodore Almutairi Abdullah of the Royal Saudi Navy said: “This was a successful day for Combined Task Force 150.
“We work with other Combined Maritime Forces nations to deter the illicit use of the sea. Successful boardings like this help to deter people from using the sea for criminal purposes. Being able to reassure our regional partners that the task force is strengthening our maritime security.”
Commodore Adrian Fryer, the senior Royal Navy officer in the Middle East – and also Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, said that once again the concerted international naval effort had delivered results, preventing ‘a significant quantity of illegal narcotics from reaching its destination.’
He continued: “The professionalism of all involved from the command of the task force through to the boarding team is demonstrative of our commitment to maintaining rulesbased order at sea.
“I look forward to continued success for CTF 150 and HMS Montrose.”
Special late night buses will be running on Saturday nights until the end of the year to help Plymouth’s pub and club goers get home safely.
The night buses will run three routes from Derry’s Cross at midnight and then 2am and 4am. Each route will be run three times a night.
Route 1 is Devonport – St Budeaux – Ernesettle – Whitleigh – Southway – Crownhill – Peverell –Mutley
Route 2 is St Judes – Alexandra Road – Lipson – Embankment – Woodford – Chaddlewood –Ridgeway – Merafield – Haye Road – Elburton –Plymstock – Cattedown Route 3 is Mutley – Lower Compton – Higher Compton – Deer Park – Lower Eggbuckland – Leigham – Estover – Derriford – Woolwell –Crownhill – Manadon – Ham – North Prospect
The buses will help people to plan their journey home even before they go out as the tickets can be pre-booked online to guarantee seats.
A flat fare of £7 will be charged for all trips and can be booked in advance here www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/plymouth-city-council-54258558723
Tickets can also be purchased on the night through the website, but only if there are spaces available.
Security staff – with body cameras – will be on the buses for the safety of all passengers and to make sure there’s no unruly behaviour as well as recording who is getting on the bus.
The service has been made possible thanks to funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets 4 initiative, which focuses on interventions aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), enhancing the safety of public spaces for all.
The University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police secured just over £670,000 for projects to help Plymouth’s residents feel safer. Councillor Rebecca Smith, Chair of the Plymouth Commission on Violence against Women and Girls, said: “This is amazing news. We’ve heard time and again that people are struggling to get home after a night out because they can’t get a taxi or a bus and I’m sure many residents from across the city will be thrilled and relieved to hear these buses are running each weekend.”
Cat Macdonald, chair and coordinator of Plymouth’s Best Bar None, which is an accreditation scheme for licensed premises, said: “We want people to enjoy our great night life and this service will help address the question of how to get home after a night out. This is welcome news for our trade – especially at this difficult time.
“We know people who’ve walked an hour and a half to get home as they couldn’t get taxis, so this we hope will make it easier to get home.”
Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, commander of Plymouth Police and chair of Safer Plymouth, said: “We’ve been listening to what our residents have told us and know that late-night transport has been a problem for some time. “We’re delighted to see this initiative for Plymouth, which aims to help people get home safely.
“Safer Streets funding has enabled us to do this as a trial. If this service proves successful and is well-used, it could become a regular thing which we think will keep people safer and make for a more enjoyable evening out. The more people use it, the more likely it can stay for the future.”
Plymouth Argyle and Home Park was the focus of massive media attention in October when the statue of former player Jack Leslie was unveiled at a special ceremony attended by hundreds of people.
Jack Leslie should have been England’s first black player when he was named in the squad to play Ireland in 1925. But when the selectors discovered his heritage, his name mysteriously disappeared from the team sheet.
Jack went on to make 400 appearances for Argyle, scoring 137 goals, winning promotion and being appointed club captain.
After leaving Argyle in the mid30s he later went on to spend over 15 years as the boot-boy for West Ham United, ensuring the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Trevor Brooking had perfectly-prepared and polished boots for their matches.
In the light of Jack’s unjust treatment a Crowdfunder campaign to honour Jack was launched by two lifelong Argyle supporters, lawyer Greg Foxsmith and musician Matt Tiller. The campaign, to see a statue of Jack installed at Home Park, caught the attention of football fans and organisations all over Plymouth, as well as the rest of the UK. The target of £100,000 was reached in just six weeks.
Since then, together with a committee of volunteers, Plymouth Argyle and Jack Leslie’s three granddaughters Lyn, Lesley and Gill, the campaign organisers Greg and Matt have worked tirelessly to bring the statue project to fruition.
Fittingly during Black History Month, the statue was unveiled on October 7 by Jack’s granddaughters in a
ceremony attended by around 40 members of Jack’s family, Argyle ambassador Ronnie Mauge, West Ham ambassador Carlton Cole and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth.
Carlton Cole said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the Jack Leslie Statue at Home Park and to represent West Ham United in paying tribute.
“For all Black footballers, Jack is a true pioneer. His story is incredible, moving from Barking Town to Plymouth Argyle in an outstanding playing career, before returning to East London and working at West Ham United, a club that has always had diversity embedded throughout - something that makes me extremely proud.
“It is so sad that Jack was denied the chance to play for his country due to the colour of his skin, but today shows how far we have come in sport and society, and Jack would be so proud of this moment.”
Argyle’s first team squad were present at the event, along with dozens of invited guests and local schoolchildren.
The unveiling was filmed by BBC and ITV, along with other broadcasters.
Features about the campaign and Jack’s statue were broadcast on national radio and TV, including BBC News, Football Focus and The One Show.
And the ‘icing on the cake’ for Jack’s family came with the announcement at the ceremony that he had been awarded a posthumous England cap by the FA.
The unveiling of the statue of Jack Leslie was a poignant moment for his three granddaughters and other members of his family - but it was also a very special occasion for a 96-year-old lifelong Argyle supporter from Southway.
After reading a story in the Plymouth Chronicle about the unveiling plans, Charlie Trevethan wrote to the newspaper pointing out that he was probably the only person alive who saw Jack play.
Charlie started watching Argyle in 1931 at the age of just seven and remembers vividly Jack’s goal-scoring feats.
Charlie said: “I know it was coming to end of Jack’s career, but he and outside left Sammy Black were always consistent goalscorers.”
He added: “I hope Jack’s granddaughters know that there is someone still alive who saw their grandad play.”
After receiving Charlie’s letter, Chronicle editor Chris Girdler contacted the Jack Leslie Statue campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller to let them know about Charlie and to ensure that Jack’s granddaughters were also made aware of the fact that there was a supporter alive who had seen him play at Home Park.
Although Charlie is housebound, arrangements were made to get him to Home Park on the morning of the unveiling, so that he could witness the historic occasion.
Charlie was literally treated like a celebrity during the event. Not only did he get to meet Jack’s granddaughters Lesley, Lyn and Gill, but also other members of Jack’s extended family who were at the ceremony.
He was also introduced to Argyle chief executive Andrew Parkinson, as well as the campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller and West Ham legend Carlton Cole.
Grandaughter Lesley said: “We were all delighted to meet Charlie - he is such a wonderful gentleman with an incredible recollection of grandad’s playing days at Argyle.”
Charlie also got to meet Argyle manager Steve Schumacher, who spent several minutes chatting to him about football. Charlie is not a great fan of the modern style of playing the ball out from the back and he made that clear to Schuey, as well as encouraging the team to score more goals (something which they did the following day against Accrington Stanley!)
He was also interviewed by the Daily Mail, local radio and a number of TV channels. He also featured in coverage of the event on BBC Spotlight and ITV West Country News that evening.
Charlie said: “This has been one of the best days of my life. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Special thanks to Chris Girdler and his friend Les Walters for getting me to the ground and taking me home afterwards. I never dreamt that I would be able to attend the unveiling in person.”
One of the saddest days in the history of Plymouth Argyle came on Sunday October 16 when it was announced that Gordon Sparks - affectionately known as Sparksy - had passed away at St Luke’s Hospice.
For thousands of people in Plymouth and beyond, Gordon was the much-loved voice of Argyle on BBC Radio Devon and before that on hospital radio and Plymouth Sound. He commentated on the Pilgrims - home and away - for 32 years and is rightly described as a true legend. His passion for Argyle and his outstanding commentating skills earned him the affection of thousands of fans all over the world.
Gordon’s battle with cancer started 17 years ago when he was disagnosed with testicular cancer and sadly in May this year he revealed that his cancer had returned with two tumours in his throat.
He was admitted to Derriford Hospital a few days before he passed away as he was having breathing difficulties - and a few days later was admitted to St Luke’s Hospice.
One of his last messages on social media read: “Huge thanks to the nurses on Brent Ward at Derriford hospital for looking after me over the last week. Have moved to St Luke’s Hospice. After introduction, slept most of the afternoon. Don’t understand how tired I am. Inundated with messages. Sorry I can’t reply.’
Thousands of tributes appeared on social media and the internet in the wake of Gordon’s death.
Argyle chief executive officer, Andrew Parkinson, said: “It is difficult to put into words what Gordon Sparks meant to everyone associated with Argyle, but we are certain that he understands the love and affection held for him from fans, players, and staff alike.
“Our thoughts are firstly with Heather and the wider Sparks family. Of course, it speaks to the quality of the man that his passing will affect so many – including his friends and colleagues at the BBC, here at Home Park, and in the Devon and Cornwall community.”
In August Argyle had named the press box in the Mayflower Stand in Gordon’s honour having already made him an Argyle Ambassador in
recognition of his outstanding support for the club.
Argyle manager Steven Schumacher said: “He will be remembered as an Argyle legend. It was very emotional listening to our fans singing his name in the stands at Milton Keynes Dons the day before he died.
“He will be sorely missed by everyone. My thoughts are with Gordon’s family at this sad time. Rest in peace, Sparksy.”
Argyle chairman Simon Hallett said: “In the time of my involvement with Argyle I was fortunate to get to know a passionate Argyle fan, a warm and friendly ambassador on match days, and a fabulous raconteur.
“One of the extraordinary things about Gordon was that, while he loved an audience, it didn’t matter if that audience was the wide BBC one, a boardroom guest, or a small set of strangers in a Zoom room.
“During the pandemic Gordon hosted watch parties for a few fans watching on ArgyleTV. He enjoyed them so much that he continued to be a valuable member of the USA-based fans’ chat groups on social media, gaining new friends over here. It wasn’t many people, but it was an audience that Gordon loved, and that loved him.
“Passionate Argyle fan; warm, empathetic host; friend to many; beloved husband, father and, more recently, grandfather...Gordon played all of these roles, but the one that I will most remember him for was as a consummate professional.
“Just recently, he corrected something I said and, when I laughed about it, he pointed out, ‘I’m a journalist, Simon.’ As a journalist he believed in finding the truth and communicating it clearly.
“We will all remember his professional work as a broadcast journalist, but he was also a fine writer with a deep love of the English language, a respect for its rules, and a very personal voice.”
Plymouth MP Luke Pollard said: “Not all Argyle legends play on the pitch at Home Park. Gordon Sparks was such a kind man, so loyal to our club and so hopeful for our city and our county. I’m thinking of his family and the entire green army who have lost a hero today.
RIP Sparksy, it was a privilege to know you.”
Charlie Trevethan, who is 96, chatting with Argyle manager Steve Schumacher at the unveiling ceremony Charlie Trevethan,who watched Jack Leslie at Home Park pictured in the shadow of the statue
has
local women’s charity,
it
with
Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) to deliver life-changing dental treatment to those women affected by domestic violence and abuse.
In the UK, one in four women will experience domestic abuse, while one in 20 women experience extensive and repeated abuse and rape as children and adults. In Devon & Cornwall, there are 14,700 women victims of domestic abuse per year.
Women affected by domestic violence often experience immediate dental trauma like damage to teeth or loss of teeth and ongoing health problems related to lack of dental treatment. This can further lower their self-esteem even when they escape the violence because they no longer feel able to smile.
Many women at Trevi’s Jasmine Residential Recovery Centre and those accessing their Sunflower Women’s Centre may also have been homeless or sleeping rough for a time. In this instance, poor general dental health means they often suffer from severe dental problems such as pain and the lack of any teeth, causing difficulty with eating and speech.
Dental damage serves as a visible reminder of the abuse that survivors have experienced and can significantly affect their confidence. By restoring the smiles and oral health of women affected by domestic violence, can have a significant impact on their lives.
SailGP has won a top accolade in the first edition of the BBC Green Sport Awards.
SailGP which was a huge success in Plymouth in the summer won the Ambition and Impact Award - one of just five BBC Green Sport Awards. It is awarded to any elite, professional or or high-performance sporting body involved in the organisation of, or participation in, competitive sport that has net zero and reduction emissions targets by a specified date.
SailGP was lauded by the judging panel of leading sustainability experts for its brave and ambitious approach to purpose, in particular the introduction of its ground-breaking ‘Impact League’ – a second leaderboard which runs alongside the Season Championship and rewards teams for the positive actions they take to reduce their overall carbon footprint and accelerate inclusivity in the sport.
SailGP was also credited for winning three gold medals in the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, setting an ambitious target of 55 per cent reduction of its carbon footprint by 2025 and having already made significant progress in Scope 1 and 2 reductions.
SailGP global director of purpose and impact Fiona Morgan said: “I’m so proud that all our staff and athletes’ hard work and the league’s bold and ambitious approach to sustainability in sports has been recognised at such a high level. It’s fantastic to see the BBC as such a global media organisation creating these awards to celebrate the power of sport in tackling the climate crisis and engaging their audience on such a crucial issue.
“We’re only at the start of our journey at SailGP and we’re excited about achieving our ambition to be the world’s most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports platform, as well as inspiring other sports to do things differently.”
Tammy spoke about her experience of dental trauma during a frightening time in her life and the impact dental treatment will has on her life.
She said: “My teeth have never been perfect. However, for years I was in a very violent relationship where my ex-partner literally pulled some of my teeth out with a pair of scissors damaging other teeth at the same time. This really affected my mental health, self-esteem and confidence - it was literally like something you would expect to see in a horror movie!
“On discovering I was pregnant and escaping the relationship I fled to a women’s refuge and relocated to Plymouth with the help and support of Trevi. I have tried on numerous occasions to get a dentist here in Plymouth only to be told that there is currently a long waiting list for NHS dentists and I can’t afford to go private.
“I have been able to have teeth removed that were broken and causing pain and other times I
have had to literally pull teeth out myself due to the pain and not being able to access a dentist. I now have no bottom teeth at all and on the top all I have left are a couple of broken stubs that are basically just the roots.
“Every time I look at myself in a mirror it’s a constant reminder of the domestic abuse I suffered for so many years and would love to put that behind me, it makes me feel quite depressed. It would mean so much to me to be able to smile with confidence again.”
Plymouth-based Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise has a reputation in the community for supporting vulnerable adults, including the homeless in the community. They visited Trevi to meet with Ruth and some of the women in need of dental treatment.
As a result, community dentist, Elizabeth Murphy, is now providing regular treatment to Jasmine residents on a Thursday. She meets with the mums and looks at priority needs. Treatment could include
fillings, extractions and dentures. The impact for the women is huge, allowing them to improve their smiles and build their self-esteem.
Ruth Branagh, Jasmine Recovery Centre manager, said: “Many of our residents have lost teeth due to domestic violence, substance misuse and sleeping rough for many years. At Jasmine, there is no judgement, and we welcome our residents just as they are. However, we recognise that as our mums start on their road to recovery and building selfesteem, part of that confidence comes from their beautiful smile.
“The offer from Peninsula Dental Community Outreach Team to provide dental treatment for our ladies will make an enormous difference and will definitely give them something to smile about. We are thrilled to collaborate with the team and Elizabeth Murphy, the community dentist.”
Karen Burn, Dental Outreach lead for PDSE said: “I am really excited that we are able to offer this service to the women at Jasmine Recovery Centre, as they are a group of people who really need this service to boost their recovery and self-esteem. The impact of poor oral health is far greater than just someone with tooth decay, it can affect their general health with links to heart disease and stroke.
“I am also delighted to be able to support the women in looking after their children’s teeth, by delivering a training workshop where they can ask questions and learn about the importance of good oral health for their children.”
Sailors and Royal Marines from Devonport have welcomed the bright new environment and facilities after the re-launch of ‘The Haven’ in HMS Drake.
Part of the Chaplaincy and managed by Aggie Weston Pastoral Workers, ‘The Haven’ helps provide pastoral support to those serving, and service families by reaching out to those in and around the area, whether through events at ‘The Haven’, departmental or ships’ ‘Pop-Up Standeasies’ around the base, or by strengthening those establishing links with other agencies of the Royal Naval Welfare Services.
The Aggies Pastoral Workers build on the original work done by the founder of Aggies - Dame Agnes Weston in 1876, supporting Sailors and Royal Marines and their families with a strong Christian Ethos driving all that she did.
New to the Chaplaincy Pastoral team at Devonport are Kate Thorn and Simon Reckless, who have worked tirelessly to bring the re-launch together.
Chaplain Tim Wilkinson said, “Kate and Si, our Aggies Pastoral Workers have breathed new life into the Haven. It now looks welcoming and loved. But most importantly Kate and Si are friendly, wise and compassionate; always looking for ways they can help and support our people”.
“We really can boast a number of great improvements to the layout of The Haven”, said Kate. “We’ve look to make it all feel a bit more accommodating, new art displays on the walls and an art corner where people are invited to try out their artistic capability, new plants, a newly refurbished pool table, hot drinks availability and access to a kitchen area, as well as a tourist corner with up-to-date information on local attractions shopping and entertainment for those new to the Plymouth area. It really is a one-stop shop”.
‘The Haven’ now has two areas, Haven 1 is designed with comfortable sofas, TVs, DVDs, books, games and a pool table for those wishing to relax after a hard day.
Haven 2 is intended as a multi-functional space which is more secluded and peaceful, capable of hosting a range of different activities such as monthly movie nights on the projector screen, Yoga nights run by serving personnel who have expressed an interest in leading the class, two weekly ladies’ nights including mocktails and a Parent and Baby/Toddler area for ‘Storytime’
sessions during the day, and lots more.
Haven 2 also has a specific area where deploying personnel can record popular children’s stories for a loved one through the Aggies Storybook Waves programme.
These recordings are then sent off to Aggies HQ for editing, and sound effects are added before a Storybook Waves pack is then sent out to the deploying person’s family with the recording (including a message from the parent), a copy of the book, a children’s deployment journal for the child to fill out during the deployment, with a range of emotion emojis on each page from happy to sad, and some nice tokens and a miniature medal for the child.
Simon added: “Both Haven 1 and Haven 2 have new 24/7 opening hours, for those who are working late or on shift work and need space away from their rooms to come and relax.”
To accompany the new schedule of upcoming events, people are invited to join the Aggies Devonport ‘WhatsonWhatsApp’ group to stay up to date with the latest activities at the Haven.
Aggie Weston Pastoral Workers Simon Reckless and Kate ThornA Plymouth University student has been selected to take part in one of the most ambitious polar expeditions.
Sonia Evans, who is 20, will join a 28-strong team in February next year with the goal of becoming the first expedition in history to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility. It is an important challenge for Sonia, who has dreams of becoming a polar researcher.
Defined as the furthest point from land on the Arctic Ocean and therefore its centre, the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility remains the last truly significant place in the Polar Regions, yet to be reached by humankind and is over 270 miles further than the Geographic North Pole. The whole journey will be near to 800 miles from the northern shores of Canada.
Sonia, who is studying marine biology and oceanography at Plymouth University heard about the expedition from a friend, applied online and was selected after a weekend of demanding tests and challenges on Dartmoor.
The expedition is the brainchild of Princetown-based Jim McNeill, one of the world’s most experienced and respected explorers, who has clocked up over 35 years of exploring the world’s most remote and harshest environments.
Over 20 years ago Jim conceived the ‘Ice Warrior’ project with the idea of bringing the reality of global climate change to audiences around the globe. Since then, he has trained over 400 people, conducted seven major expeditions and been cited in many scientific papers and leading publications.
The story will continue in 2023, when Jim will lead his third attempt at achieving the last great world ‘first’ in polar expeditioning - to be the first person to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, at the very centre of the Arctic Ocean. Two previous
attempts failed for different reasons.
Having been selected for the Ice Warrior #LASTPOLE Expedition, Sonia is undergoing a comprehensive and intensive training programme to enable her to take on one of four 20-day legs, pushing the route across the Arctic Ocean.
She said: “As a student hoping to spend a career in polar research, the Ice Warrior expedition is an incredible opportunity that I feel privileged to be a part of! I’m super excited to contribute to global change science, experience Arctic conditions, and face the mental and physical challenges that will come with it.”
The expedition is not only a recordsetting adventure but will be gathering crucial datasets to benchmark the condition of the ocean for the NASA funded National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) scientists, led by Nobel Prize winning scientist, Walt Meier. These, along with weather data, measurements of pollution and counting polar bears that may be encountered, deliver the reality of climate change and make the whole endeavour worthwhile and purposeful.
Sonia said that training for the expedition
has included a wide range of challenging activities to prepare for the harsh environment of the Arctic. “We have even been given firearms training so that we can deal with any possible attacks by polar bears,” she said.
Expedition leader and Founder of Ice Warrior, Jim McNeill said: “I’m delighted to have Sonia in the expedition team and look forward to training her in every aspect which will make her a competent polar traveller.”
One of the key challenges for Sonia ahead of the expedition is to raise £12,000 sponsorship to pay for her place in the team. So far she has raised half of the total and will be spending the next three months securing the remainder of the funds.
She added: “Because of the importance of the data we will be collecting during the expedition, companies and organisations involved with climate change have been very supportive. I have a number of promising leads and have also secured a small grant.”
For more information visit www.icewarrior.com and to support Sonia go to https://gofund.me/e6aa873f
Four key areas of Plymouth could form part of an investment Zone, helping to supercharge the city’s growth and development ambitions and create high-value jobs.
Millions of pounds of investment could be on the cards together with the prospect of over 1,500 jobs and the development of housing and commercial sites in the City Centre, Union Street, Millbay and Cattewater.
Plymouth City Council has submitted its expression of interest to the Government. In addition the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is also applying to become an investment zone.
Plymouth was one of the first authorities invited to work in partnership with the Government to create an investment zone to attract investment and unleash growth.
Interventions could include:
• Lower taxes – businesses in designated sites benefit from timelimited tax benefits such as tax relief on capital allowances, commercial and residential relief from paying stamp duty.
• Accelerated development – designated development sites will have projects accelerated as well as a push to release more land within the investment zone for housing and commercial development and to support accelerated development.
• Funding opportunities through schemes such as the Brownfield Infrastructure Fund.
Plymouth City Council Leader, Councillor Richard Bingley said: “There are some great schemes in these areas already primed and waiting to go, but these interventions will massively speed up development.
“It’s a win for our residents as it means high quality jobs, it’s a win for local businesses and it means that plans to build homes in some of these sites that have stalled for various reasons will be unblocked.
“We know the city centre needs rejuvenating and our goal is to make it somewhere that more people want to live in.
“Investment zone status will make Plymouth a more attractive proposition and will help us revive the city centre and areas of the waterfront as well as enable much-needed housing to be built.
“We have been working at speed to ensure we have the right sites and the right areas to be able to deliver tangible growth at pace. It’s exciting times as these measures could mean all the difference for projects which are ready, but which may not have all the necessary investment, or have been set back by uncertain market conditions.”
The main focus will be unlocking city centre sites and where there is a strategic partnership in place with a clear delivery plan. High on the priority list is helping the community to regenerate neighbourhoods, through groups such as Nudge Community Builders and the Millfields Trust with their track record of bring empty buildings back into use for new businesses, employment and training opportunities and new, affordable homes.
In total 17 sites have been identified within the areas and are a mixture of commercial and housing. The first five city centre sites are the West End (land at Colin Campbell Court), the railway station, the Civic Centre and Guildhall, the hotel overlooking the Hoe and land currently occupied by the former museum annex at Tavistock Place.
These sites alone have the potential to create over 800 jobs, a variety of new uses including office space, hotels, retail and over 500 homes. There is also a pipeline of further city centre sites.
The Government has set out the proposed tax offer within planned Investment Zones which are designed to encourage investment and new economic activity, supporting growth and jobs.
Investment Zones have a package of incentives over ten years. Businesses in designated areas within the zones will benefit from 100 per cent business rates relief on newly-occupied and expanded premises. Local councils hosting zones will receive 100 per cent of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years.
Businesses will receive full stamp duty land tax relief on land bought for commercial or residential development and a zero rate for Employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year. There will also be capital allowance relief to encourage investment.
The council has clear strategic aims and objectives for the city and the opportunity to establish an Investment Zone would accelerate the work being done to deliver new, high value jobs, deliver new homes and improve opportunities for residents.
Over the last few years the council has proved it can deliver new projects on a large scale, working with partners from a wide range of backgrounds and across a range of sectors including Plymouth Community Homes, the University of Plymouth, Association of British Ports and Homes and Communities Agency. Other partners include Network Rail, GWR, Princess Yachts, Urban Splash, Propiteer, Muse, Victoria Wharves, Cattedown Harbour Commissioners, Yachthaven and Marina Projects Ltd.
A world-leading technology initiative in Plymouth has won a prestigious national award.
Smart Sound Connect, which is led and run by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, was named as the the 5G Innovation of the Year (Product/Service) at the 20th Mobile Industry Awards in London.
The network utilises leading technology from Vodafone, Nokia and Steatite. Benefitting from £1.8 million of funding from Heart of the South West LEP, the network is free of charge to use for businesses looking to utilise high speed, low latency data networks at sea to develop innovative marine solutions.
Smart Sound is also a key asset to the global offering of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport by strengthening the region’s position as a marine autonomy super cluster.
The Freeport will support further investment and innovation opportunities for Smart Sound Connect by supporting marine science seabed research and Offshore Renewable Energy logistics solution trials. As the UK’s first 5G connected ocean trialling area there are plans for Smart Sound to expand along the coast and to subsea obstacle courses and testbeds. Smart Sound will engage with the Freeport Regulatory Network (FREN) through this process.
“Winning this award is a significant achievement for Smart Sound Connect and a ringing endorsement of what Plymouth as a location is offering to the marine sector,” said Richard Bingley, Leader of Plymouth City Council. “By supporting the development of the next generation of marine technologies, we are developing an environment for high end jobs and significant economic growth in the area.”
“We are delighted that Smart Sound Connect has been recognised for its innovation and ingenuity‚“ said Professor Icarus Allen, chief executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). “This is an incredibly exciting project for the marine
industry and the marine sciences, and the use of 5G to integrate the Smart Sound fleet of autonomous platforms is a critical part of delivering a world-leading testbed for advanced marine technology.”
Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It’s brilliant to see this innovative project receive industry recognition at this year’s Mobile Industry Awards. The creation of this 5G network is supporting businesses in the marine tech sector to innovate, which in turn will enable them to accelerate business growth, attract further investment, and excel in global markets. We look forward to continuing our support for Smart Sound Connect, as it provides testing and deployment opportunities for cutting edge technologies, including exciting developments in autonomous marine vessels.”
Andrea Dona, chief network officer at Vodafone said: “We are very proud to win the 5G Innovation of the Year award this year. This project has the capability to create a lasting impact to the environment and we hope this Smart Sound platform can further develop the scope of marine technology using our 5G network.”
Stephane Haulbert, head of Enterprise Partner Business in Europe from Nokia said: “At Nokia we are committed to working with industry partners leveraging technologies to help communities, enterprises and other entities deliver on their sustainability, operational and economic development goals. Being part of this 5G marine testbed is a prime example of this, allowing us to showcase the capabilities of industrial-grade private wireless networks and how they can be used to foster innovation.”
Alastair Wallace, commercial director, Steatite Ltd, said: “Steatite is delighted to be part of Smart Sound’s success story and industry recognition of this 5G initiative. We look forward to seeing our cutting edge radio technology deployed in Plymouth Sound.”
A state-of-the-art control centre for Plymouth’s Smart Sound Connect has been officially opened in the city.
Following on from the successful launch of Smart Sound Connect earlier this year, the new control centre further enhances the support provided to industry as part of the Smart Sound testing and proving ground based in and around Plymouth Sound. It follows recognition for the network from the mobile sector by receiving the 2022 Mobile Industry Award for 5G Innovation of the Year (Product/Service).
Opened by Councillor Pat Patel, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, the Smart Sound Connect Control Centre will provide live access to the world’s first ocean-focussed 5G network, powered by Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), as well as well as the wider point-to-point data mesh network that covers the full 1000 sq km of ocean that makes up Smart Sound.
Hosted by Plymouth City Council at Endeavour House in Oceansgate, the new control centre is run by the council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) with support from Smart Sound Connect’s technology partners, Vodafone Business, Nokia and Steatite.
To date, almost 50 use cases have been identified for Smart Sound Connect. Access is provided free of charge and is funded by Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Businesses looking to use the network will also have free access to the control centre for their marine innovation projects.
“The Smart Sound Connect control centre is the final building block in providing comprehensive support for marine innovation businesses to fully leverage our world leading support services,” said Councillor Patel.
“Marine innovation support is a central pillar for our plans to increase the number of high-end jobs in the city and Smart Sound Connect builds on the fantastic momentum that has developed over the last ten years.
“The opening of the control centre is an important milestone for the wider Smart Sound project, and for Plymouth, as it cements itself as the UK’s hub for advanced marine technology development and deployment”, said Dr James Fishwick, Head of Smart Sound at Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
“The network will help to boost growth in the marine tech sector and support the cutting-edge marine science that is being carried out here in Britain’s Ocean City.”
Three Plymouth women have been sharing their memories of the Blitz as Remembrance Day approaches on November 11.
The women don’t just share their childhood memories of the Plymouth bombings during the war - they have now also found shared community in their later years at Bethany Christian Home, which is run by the Pilgrim’s Friend Society in Greenbank.
Pat Fish was a schoolgirl during the war and lived in Plymouth throughout the Blitz was on.
“I remember being eight or nine and praying for my school, Hyde Park Primary to be bombed! Unfortunately, my prayers were answered and we lost the top of the first floor. But it was still used, in fact eventually three different schools used the same building.
“If an air raid happened during the day, we had to go into a cavern underneath the playground. It was damp and horrible. I was at school when I saw a plane being shot down.
“Plymouth was like a fortress, it had to be, as it was being bombed every night. One day when my family came up from our Anderson shelter in the back garden in Peverell, all the newer style house across the road had just crumbled to the ground, but the older houses had stood up to the bombs.
“As the war wore on and it became so dangerous for people to stay in Plymouth, anyone who had transport – a horse and cart, a bus or a car – used it to help transport people from the centre of Plymouth up on to the moors to sleep on in the countryside.
“Children were allowed one piece of fruit a day so if my mother heard that a shop had oranges or bananas, I would queue up for over an hour just to get one piece of fruit. Gas and electricity were also rationed to one-and-ahalf hours in the morning so people could wash and have breakfast then it was cut off during the day and put back on at 4pm so people could cook their evening meal. Sweets and clothing were also rationed, and you had coupons for everything.
“Most children were evacuated and as my father worked for the admiralty as a naval constructor supervising the docks, he was sent to Belfast to work. I remember that the King and Queen visited Belfast on the day that my family moved to the city so that night the city was bombed.
“Women took over men’s jobs working as land girls and in the factories. In my early teens, I attended dances on the Hoe and in the summers, there was always a band playing on the Hoe, different stars would come and sing there to keep people’s spirits up. Many Czechs and Poles made their homes here and the American GIs who were stationed here would give out chocolate bars and sweets to the children.”
Barbara Finch was six years old when the war started. She was living in Keyham opposite the barracks and next door to the school. Her father was in the navy.
“During the school day we would practice going to the air raid shelter. In air raids we would be sent home from school. I had to carry a gas mask and used to practice putting it on. Many of my teachers at the school were due for retirement but had to stay on and teach because there was no-one else who could.
“My headteacher was Mr Cornish and I remember him standing in the playground
crying after the school got bombed and burnt.
“I remember sitting in the air raid shelter and listening to the bombs dropping. The whole street near to where I lived was bombed and nearly all the houses destroyed by incendiaries that came down on Plymouth.
After that night our next-door neighbours, who had a chalet at Notter Bridge, let me and my mother stay there, and I spent most of the summer there with my friend. While we were staying there a bomb was dropped at the back of our home and completely destroyed it. After this my mother came for me with a car and I was evacuated to Redruth until the end of the war.
“After my home was bombed my pet cat Tiger went missing but we found out that he had found a new home a few doors away. After my home was rebuilt under the war damage scheme in 1944, Tiger was still alive and came back to live with us.
“During the war there was a big American camp, and the soldiers were very kind to the local children giving the American chocolate bars and putting on a Christmas party. I recall how some of the black American GIs were the first black people we had seen and how they were segregated from the white GIs.
“While in the air raid shelter, I remember feeling scared hearing the bombs dropping and also hearing my Mum’s teeth chattering because she was so frightened.
“On VE day I recall how there was dancing on the Hoe. When my Dad came home he came back via America so came back with boxes of chocolates which made me very popular with my school friends. Although I never saw the damage to my own home, I still remember how much of Plymouth was flattened all the way from Fore Street to the Dockyard gates.”
Beryl Darch was five when the war broke out. “My first recollection was when I started to go to school in Stoke where we used to have air raid shelters. When the air raid siren sounded all the children would have to put on their gas masks and walk in a crocodile line into the air raid shelter.
“One day coming home from school I saw the King and Queen going down Ford Hill. That night the Blitz on Plymouth started – I believed it was because the Germans were targeting the King and Queen.
“I lived at 129 Pasley Street and because my mother didn’t trust the safety of the outdoor air raid shelters, my father converted the understairs cupboard into a shelter. He put bunk beds in so we could sleep in there. In the street behind our house there was a block house with a gun battery on top of it.
“One night during an air raid while my family were in the shelter, we heard such a loud explosion followed by the sound of falling debris that we thought that our house had been hit and had fallen in on top of us. My brother tried the door of the shelter and it opened so we were able to get out and as we walked around the house everything seemed to be OK. But when we tried to open the front door, we couldn’t.
“This was because the earth from the bombed block had gone halfway up our house blocking the doors and windows. When we finally managed to get out, we saw that there was a huge crack all the way around the house and that it was no longer fit to live in. That’s when my family moved to Tamerton Foliot and lived there for the remainder of the war in relative peace.
“However, while living there a bomb hit the local creek and caused a big crater. Then a
German plane came down in the field behind the village. The villagers armed themselves with pitchforks and spades and went to capture the German pilot. They brought him down into the village and I remember that he looked very frightened. They then waited for the army police to pick him up.
“One of the things I remember seeing, and being amazed at, was how a whole house could be demolished by a bomb but that one wall with a fireplace on it could be left standing and that even the china ornaments would still be sitting on the mantlepiece.
“I remember how the American soldiers came to the village and the white soldiers were stationed at Station Road, but the black soldiers were segregated and lived at Cann bridge. I remember that they used to give the children sweets and would tell us stories. One day when I visited the area every single one of them had gone overnight. The next day was D-day.
“On VE day I remember the commotion outside as the news had been heard on the radio. People took saucepan lids and were banging them and making lots of noise around the village and there was a party that night.
“Sadly the last bomb to fall on North Prospect landed on the air raid shelter of my extended family. Usually my Aunt Win, Uncle Ken, Eileen and baby David, Valerie and Brian would seek shelter during air raids in their neighbour’s shelter.
“But on this evening their neighbours had friends around who they put up in their own shelter.
“So, the family used their own shelter and when the bomb landed it killed all of them all except Ken who had stood at the entrance of the shelter and had got blown out.
“The German prisoners of war would come and work on the farms. There were also the land girls Norma and Una who used to go to different people’s houses in the village for Sunday afternoon tea.
“There were the Saturday night dances in Tamerton. The Plymouth navy men would turn up first, followed by the white American GIs, followed by the black GIs and there would often be fights as they vied for the attention of the local girls.”
“One day coming home from school I saw the King and Queen going down Ford Hill. That night the Blitz on Plymouth started – I believed it was because the Germans were targeting the King and Queen”Pat Fish Barbara Finch Beryl Darch
I was intrigued to read a recent article which stated that any day now the world’s population could tip over the 8 billion mark. 8 billion people! Absolutely staggering.
What is even more amazing to me is the reality that each one of us is unique. That is really quite something when considering how many people there are on the planet. In fact current research suggests that even identical twins don’t share 100% DNA so even those who are most alike are not the same.
Given we are all unique we have quite a tendency to compare ourselves to others. For years people have compared themselves to celebrities and in fact a huge subsection of advertising and marketing is devoted to it. Sports stars are chosen for branding campaigns for products related to health so that we, the consumers, desire the product if we aspire to be like that person. The same goes for film stars in perfume adverts and a whole range of other examples.
Now with social media we are even more drawn to comparison. We look at the highlight reel
images and posts from our friends and family and can’t help but compare ourselves and our lives to theirs.
Comparison can be helpful. It might be you compare yourself to a sportsperson and become inspired to take part in a particular sport or activity yourself. Or perhaps you look up to a particular business person and comparing yourself to them motivates you to change your business habits to become more successful.
Quite often though comparison is destructive. It can chip away at our self-esteem and self-worth without us even being aware of it.
Becoming aware of the comparisons we make and how we compare to others in our own minds is useful in maintaining positive mental health. Do you often have thoughts like: ‘I wish I looked more like him/her’, ‘my house is a mess compared to theirs’, ‘I’m not
Members of Plymouth City Council have agreed a motion expressing their profound sorrow at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and extend their deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles III and members of the Royal Family.
At the special meeting on September 30, the council was united in its tributes to Her Majesty – unanimously paying their respects on behalf of the city. Councillors not only shared their condolences, but also their reflections and memories of Queen Elizabeth II.
Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, who proposed the motion, said: “It is right that all councillors come together to pay tribute on behalf of the council and their residents to such a well-loved monarch.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the paragon of public service ever since her commitment to the British people at the age of 21. Her life was an example to all of us in the Council chamber who have committed to public service by serving the people of Plymouth with duty, integrity, selflessness, objectivity, accountability and stewardship, openness, honesty, leadership and respect.
“She will be greatly missed. This special meeting of the council has allowed all elected members to pay tribute, and give the official recognition for the love and respect in which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was held by our city.”
The sole item for debate on the agenda was a motion which stated: The death of the Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 has united people across the country, commonwealth and world in grief.
Her Majesty was welcomed in Plymouth, both as a Princess and a Queen, many times. One of her most special visits to the city was when she opened the Civic Centre in 1962. This was a milestone in the rebuilding of Plymouth after the devastation of the Blitz.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth also unveiled the Sundial in Plymouth city centre in 1988 with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Armada celebrations. Over her seven-decade reign, she showed unwavering and inspirational dedication in service of the nation and the Commonwealth.
This Council therefore resolves to: Give thanks for the exceptional 70 years of service of the late Queen Elizabeth II Offer its deep condolences, and those of the people of Plymouth, to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family on the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II Express to His Majesty the King our loyalty and our conviction that His Majesty will strive to continue the resolute commitment to the happiness and prosperity of his subjects now and in the years to come.
as confident as that person’? When you spend time on social media do you leave feeling better or worse about yourself? If you feel worse is it because you’ve been comparing yourself to others?
Even when comparison leaves us feeling better about ourselves it can be for the wrong reasons. We might compare ourselves favourably to others but what we’re really doing is looking down on someone else; increasing our sense of pride or arrogance and decreasing our ability to empathise and care for others.
As you’ve been reading this article it may have come to mind quite how much comparison you do every day. In writing it I have certainly assessed this myself! It is rife in our society and the world at large and it doesn’t seem as though anyone is immune.
To put ourselves on a more positive footing I
think it is vital we recognise our uniqueness. Not only is it a remarkable fact that we are unique but I believe it is no coincidence.
I believe we were created to be unique. The good book talks about humans as being ‘created in the image of God’. I believe that in our individual uniqueness there is something of the image of our creator. The part of the image we hold isn’t matched exactly in anyone else on the planet.
In uniqueness there is also immense value. The monetary value of an item is decided by its scarcity. Fine art is auctioned for millions because every original piece is unique.
If you’re feeling particularly weighed down by comparison today then stop and take a moment to realise that you are that original piece of art. Whatever else you have told yourself today you have immense value because there is not and nor will there ever be anyone that is just like you.
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Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre is celebrating the impact of a year of selling all their shows as Pay What You Decide tickets, which has encouraged risk taking and brought in new audiences.
The Pay What You Decide events offer audiences the opportunity to pay whatever they feel an event is worth to them - including no payment at all. Audiences can pay when they book or after they have seen the show.
During 2021-22 over 3,100 Pay What You Decide tickets were issued generating income of £17,224 and the theatre’s data shows that over 60 per cent of those attending were new audiences.
Laura Kreifman, Barbican Theatre’s chief executive said: “We’re fuelling a new consistent audience, with shows selling extraordinarily well and with our ‘small’ venue achieving a reach of over two million people in the last two years.
“Our passion has been about creating new routes into seeing ‘culture’ and that means we have to rethink everything from price, value, how you talk about money, coded and biassed language and advertising, what copy and images actually say to totally new techniques to reach different audiences.”
Jo Cann, Barbican Theatre’s marketing and communications manager said: “Feedback from audiences has been incredible, and proves to the Barbican team that Pay What You Decide is making a huge difference to who can attend and benefit from the experience of culture and live events.
“We have spent a great deal of time making sure the language used to communicate how Pay What You Decide works is both accessible and transparent and it’s genuinely so great to see how this has really worked for us and our audiences.
“We now know that the average price people can actually afford to take a risk on seeing a show is just over £9 a ticket.
“While this has an impact on our box office yield, we’re fuelling a consistent new audience, with shows selling extraordinarily well and with our small venue achieving a reach of over two million people
in the last two years.”
Barbican Theatre was able to commit to a year of Pay What You Decide thanks to the support of the Esmee Fairbairn and Garfield Western Foundation.
Another new season of Pay What You Decide events has been announced including Malaika Kegode & Jakabol’s Outlier (gig/theatre October 14-15), Scratchworks’Hags: A Magical Extravaganza’ (comedy/ theatre October 28-29) and Vincent Dance Theatre’s Hold Tight (dance/ theatre November 12).
Tickets are all available at barbicantheatre.co.uk
Work on Central Park’s newest attraction is set to begin.
A network of ponds and features to capture rainwater are planned for the area near the pond at the Barn Park Road entrance, turning this corner into a home for wildlife as well as somewhere for people to enjoy the surroundings.
It is part of a system that uses sustainable drainage that also includes a swale - a shallow channel to capture water run-off – to allow nature to help reduce the localised flooding that occurs in this part of the park.
Repairs to drains and paths as well as the addition of a number of new trees around this area to help contribute to improved air quality and increase biodiversity in the park are also on the list.
Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “Central Park has long been one of the city’s most-loved green spaces – adored and visited by residents for generations.
“These works are essential to ensuring that this part of the park is protected from our ever-changing climate and while it may not look a bit muddy while work is ongoing, it will soon flourish into a place where people can come and enjoy the water and the diverse wildlife that the new ponds will encourage.”
Planning permission for the project was initially approved in July 2020, but was revised in early 2022 with measures to further benefit wildlife and give the scheme a more natural aesthetic, while also addressing some comments received during the consultation for the first planning application. The designs show vegetated walls planted with wildflower seed mixes and spaces for residents to enjoy the new ponds, with opportunities for education and engagement to learn about water and wildlife.
Works will begin in October and are expected to be complete by next summer.
For the first four months of the works, there will be a day time closure on Coronation Avenue, which links Milehouse Park and Ride with the Barn Park corner.
The closure will only effect the bottom half of the path, with pedestrians and dismounted cyclists diverted through Pounds Park. The closure will be lifted at weekends and in the evenings and local signage will be in place.
Find out more at https://new.plymouth.gov. uk/central-park
Plymouth designer fashion brand, Identity Fashion, together with Bulgarian designer, Nikolay Pachev, organised a unique fashion show in Royal William Yard for the local community, raising more than £5,000 for the Chestnut Appeal for men’s health.
The collection presented was entitled ‘HUG’ based on the idea that individuals are essential to one another and should cherish each moment shared together.
“The concept behind HUG is simple: I’m here for you, I am standing by your side, I am holding your hand. It’s all about support,” said the internationally acclaimed designer, Nikolay Pachev.
When creating the clothes, Pachev used prints of hands and deconstructed geometric shapes to create a unique look.
The show started with classic 80s power suits which evolved to V-silhouette trenches, silk-layered kimonos, and volume pleated dresses. The high point of the show was several huge puffer jackets that resembled hands embracing the body.
The event marked the third collaboration between lifelong friends Denitsa AvramovaBastable, owner of Identity Fashion, and Nikolay Pachev who had previously worked together on other collections.
In order to strengthen the message behind the show, Bastable and Pachev chose friends and close ones to walk the runway.
The collection was shown in three parts culminating in a performance by Bulgarian contemporary dance artist, Aleksandra Spasova. When models were not strutting down the runway, people had the opportunity to bid in an auction for luxury items.
Denitsa said: “Identity Fashion is all about supporting your own style and identity and helping you wear what makes you feel good. We want to put Plymouth on the fashion map
and ‘HUG’ was a cutting-edge show that could fit right into London Fashion Week. Nikolay’s designs are not only superbly stylish but also thought-provoking. The show was a real celebration of people supporting each other.
“Identity Fashion is a lifestyle brand and is all about community. It supports local artists showcasing their work and offering a platform for them to be seen. Our passion is helping the community and I feel we achieve this with the more personal approach we have when customers visit us.
“We have a team of young designers that help us to create unique sustainable fashion with high-quality fabrics that last beyond the seasons and we do our own unique jewellery in our shops to compliment our looks. Our collections are exclusive, bespoke and unique.
“We are based in the beautiful Mills Bakery building in Royal William Yard. It’s such a unique destination, just like our designs.”
All funds raised went to the Chetsnut Appeal. Lesley-Ann Simpson from the Appeal said: “We’d like to thank Identity Fashion for choosing Chestnut as their charity. What a show it was!
“The evening was very well supported, with the help of some very generous people. Thousands of pounds were raised towards finding the missing men of the pandemic. Over 350 men were tested at our PSA testing
Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers co-founder, and Plymouth Deputy Mayor Cllr Chris Penberthy were among invited guests at a grand opening of the city’s Newmedica eye clinic.
Visitors at the ribbon-cutting event heard that staff at the state-of-the-art Derriford centre were already working alongside the NHS to assist with its waiting lists.
Dame Mary Perkins, who cut the ribbon at the event, said: “The NHS is under huge pressure, so this clinic is helping. The aim is to improve people’s lives through better eye health.
“Eye health is so important. If your eyesight is deteriorating, you can’t drive your car, read a book or watch the television. No-one wants to lose the ability to do those things, which is why this clinic has opened.
event, which is just one of the projects we are working on across Devon and Cornwall to support men in the community.”
For more information visit the website at www.identityfashion.online
“Of course, having someone operating on your eyes can be frightening, but the whole team looks after patients and makes them feel at home by treating them like a member of their own family, which helps to take away any fears.”
The Forder House clinic, which has created 24 local jobs, opened its doors last month to begin helping patients.
It provides NHS and private treatment for cataract surgery and aftercare, and also offers YAG laser treatment – a treatment used after cataract surgery. There are plans to offer additional services in the future.
Cllr Penberthy said: “My mum and some friends have had cataract operations, so Iknow the huge difference it can make to people’s lives. Here, we have a locally led state-of-the-art solution to people’s cataract problems, and I’m all in favour
of local solutions, so I thank you for the significant difference you will make to many, many people’s lives in the future.”
Newmedica Plymouth is run by a team of five local partners – operational director Amanda Worley, and consultant ophthalmologists Tom Cudrnak, Nick Edmeades, Vasant Raman and Theodora Stavropoulou.
Nick Edmeades said: “This is an exciting day for us. We want to alleviate the backlog of people needing a cataract operation. We’ve got the latest technology, we have fantastic staff, and we want to bring the best possible service to our patients.
“We’re all local: local doctors and local staff so we’re here for the long run, pushing ahead with our plan to provide the highest levels of eye care in the region.”
The Forder House clinic is the latest venture
from independent health provider Newmedica, and has free onsite parking with charging points for electric vehicles, alongside public transport links. To find out more, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/ clinics or call 01752 421622.
Plymouth Citybus driver Kyly Summerfield has been named one of the best bus drivers in the UK at the 2022 Bus Driver of the Year competition.
Kyly took on drivers from England, Wales and Scotland, and had to prove her driving skills, knowledge of bus workings and customer service skills.
She was named the best driver in the Go-Ahead Group (Plymouth Citybus’ parent company) and sixth overall – and was the top female in the whole competition.
Kyly, who lives in Efford, said: “There were 10 different ‘tests’ I had to do on the day, plus a theory test. There weren’t many female competitors, which made it even sweeter when I won. I could see the others who came to the competition with me were choked with pride.”
The Bus Driver of the Year weekend included a gala dinner, as well as the competition itself, and Kyly was accompanied by some of the Plymouth Citybus team. Driver trainer Emma Courtier went with Kyly.
Emma said: “I was like an expectant mum, I was watching her going along the route and I could see she was doing well. Then I heard she got 100% in one of the tests, so I knew she was scoring well too. When they called her name, I screamed, I couldn’t help it! We’re all incredibly proud of her.
“Kyly is so enthusiastic, it’d be nice if more drivers followed her lead and we can defend her title next year.”
As well as her title, Kyly has the cup for a year, a glass trophy to keep and £1,000 prize money. She said, “As I was doing it, I was thinking ‘This is for the girls.’ Now I’ve got something to prove, I want to go back and do even better next time.”
The latest addition to Plymouth’s network of Wellbeing Hubs has opened in Mount Gould at The William and Patricia Venton Centre, home of Age UK Plymouth.
The partnership between Age UK Plymouth and Plymouth City Council will see local organisations including Improving Lives Plymouth, Timebank South West, Livewell South West and Wolseley Trust using the Hub to host community groups, events and activities as well as services such as social prescribing and age positivity projects.
The Hub, designed to focus on making access to services easier for the community, will have four main aims: to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for local people, to reduce inequalities in health and wellbeing, to improve people’s experience of care and the sustainability of the health and wellbeing system.
In addition to the newly refurbished area at the centre, Age UK Plymouth have also assembled a new team to specifically oversee the running of the Hub and community projects and services which will be run from the centre.
The offer at Mount Gould’s Wellbeing Hub includes:
• health advocacy through social prescribing
• advice on a range of issues including social care, welfare benefits, housing and consumer issues from Age UK Plymouth’s Information and Advice Team
• a dedicated befriending and phone friend service
• a range of local volunteering opportunities
• signposting of local and citywide providers of health services and community groups and activities
• activities, workshops and events including coffee mornings and lunch clubs
• advice with managing long term health conditions through a partnership with Livewell South West that enables drop in sessions to be made available within the community
• working in partnership with Improving Lives Plymouth, both to provide support for carers and on an age positive programme.
The new Hub will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Councillor Dr John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I am really pleased that we are opening the new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Mount Gould, the result of a very successful partnership between organisations in the city and it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition.
“The Hub will bring people together, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation and offering useful advice, all of which will improve wellbeing. New community projects will compliment the range of services already on offer including veterans’ projects, befriending services and social events, providing supportive services for anyone who needs it.”
Alison Feek, Wellbeing Hub manager for Age UK Plymouth said: “Plymouth’s network of Wellbeing Hubs are a fantastic asset for the city. We are very fortunate at Age UK Plymouth to work collaboratively with other organisations and charities in the city to signpost and refer; but now we and our partners can really strengthen our offering for the community by coming together under one roof.”
Heather Stenning, head of services at Age UK Plymouth said: “We are proud to have been selected as the location for this new Wellbeing Hub, it really speaks to the strength of the partnership we have with Plymouth City Council and is a testament to the success of our community based projects over recent years. We look forward to growing our programme of regular services and events and hosting our partner organisations as they continue their excellent work providing a varied and quality offering to the community.”An open day was held today to celebrate the launch of the Hub, giving members of the community an opportunity to explore the new facilities and access advice and information about the services on offer.
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The new Bishop of Plymouth has been consecrated in a service at Westminster Abbey led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt Rev’d James Grier made history shortly before the service on September 29 when he became the first new bishop to swear an oath of allegiance to King Charles III.
Speaking afterwards he said: “It was profound and historic, to be the first bishop consecrated under the new King feels overwhelming, humbling and momentous in terms of the honour and privilege of that role.”
As Bishop of Plymouth, he will have the whole of West Devon in his care, including Plymouth, the South Hams, Torbay and much of Dartmoor.
James grew up in Plymouth before studying for ordination in Oxford and ministering in Birmingham before returning to Devon to be a rural team vicar alongside setting up a youth church in Exeter.
During the service he was presented for ordination by the Bishop of Crediton. He was also anointed with oil and presented with a Bible and a ring by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In the congregation were friends, family and members of the clergy who had travelled to London to witness the ceremony.
Hymns chosen by James included Be Thou My Vision, In Christ Alone and the great Wesley hymn And Can It Be.
His wife Liz, who is training for ordination herself, helped administer the wine during communion and his sons read two of the Bible readings.
The service took place place on the feast day
of St Michael and All Angels. The theme of angels was picked-up in the sermon, which was given by the Rt Rev’d Graham Tomlin, who recently stepped down as Bishop of Kensington to establish the new Centre for Cultural Witness.
He told James his role was to “Be a messenger who deals in the good news of Jesus Christ and an angel to the people of Plymouth.”
After the service James said: “That for me is what ministry is about, it’s about bringing the good news of Jesus Christ.
“The God of the universe is bigger than our
struggles, he has defeated evil and he brings us hope. That is what I will be saying wherever I am and whatever I am doing, Jesus loves people, he wants to travel with them and give them hope and purpose.”
After his consecration Bishop James undertook a six day ‘Going in Prayer’ walking pilgrimage from Exeter to Plymouth, finishing at St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth on Friday October 7.
He is then due to be officially welcomed to the Diocese of Exeter with an installation service at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday October 9.
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