Plymouth Chronicle October West 2023

Major Freeport investment to improve Millbay Docks

More ships, more cargo, more business and more growth are on the horizon for Millbay Docks, thanks to £1.3 million funding from the UK Government as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.

Associated British Ports (ABP) is embarking on a series of strategic infrastructure developments at Millbay to secure the long-term future of the ferry terminal, improve passenger experience, strengthen its freight capability as well as increase the port’s green credentials and grow the offer to the cruise market.

Dock owners ABP have already begun a programme of work to make improvements to the passenger experience at the ferry terminal, and with thanks to a decision to allocate £1,300,000 of Freeport Seed Capital Funding into the Capital Programme, the Millbay terminal development now has stronger wind in its sails.

The next phase of work, which will include replacing the existing historic wharf with a stronger one, will support ABP to increase their freight capability through doubling the existing load capacity of the wharf.

The berth will be designed to meet the code of practice for loading thresholds for a ‘general cargo’ and ‘single-height container’ berth, allowing more cargo loading/unloading activities to take place and encourage new as well as existing customers to bring more freight through the port. With new businesses moving into the Freeport tax sites there will be an increased need for importing and exporting.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Millbay Docks is a crucial port gateway for the Freeport and it’s a real milestone to be signing this decision to spend

the first wave of Freeport funding on one of the city’s most important assets.

“Only recently we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ABP and Brittany Ferries pledging to work together more and our growth journey is now well and truly underway.

“This seed funding will support our ambition to increase global trade. It is a massive boost to the local economy and will help kick-start improvements we have all wanted to see for a long time.”

The delegated decision report highlights the fact that better freight facilities will also improve the prospects of companies operating within the Freeport. Businesses in the major growing

global markets in marine, defence and space –target industries for the Freeport – need easy access to the sea for importing raw materials and components and exporting finished products. This requires investment in port infrastructure ahead of demand and without this seed funding investment key industries would not have the connectivity they need to invest in the Freeport.

Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports (ABP) welcomed today’s announcement and said: “ABP is delighted to welcome this significant investment in Millbay Docks through the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Seed Funding.

This marks an important milestone in a

transformative journey for Millbay Docks, and with new, enhanced quay we will be able to not only enhance our ferry terminal, but also strengthen our freight capabilities, and expand offering to the Plymouth cruise market.

“ABP is committed to ensuring this investment provides future-proofed facilities at the docks for years to come, and so central to our plans will be to ensure that the developments also support Plymouth City Council’s ambition to become net zero by 2030 and that the region enjoys a sustained era of clean, green and good growth.

“This investment is a testament to the position of Millbay as a vital gateway for the Freeport, and we look forward to making these developments a reality for the benefit of the community and the broader economy.”

Plymouth City Council is the accountable body for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and allocates the seed capital to support the delivery of the Freeport. As the accountable body, it is responsible for the programme management of the seed capital programme pipeline.

This includes the technical appraisal of business cases – developed and written by the project lead organisations from the Freeport company –for Seed Capital projects, governance including funding compliance, grants payments and overseeing reports to Government.

About Millbay Docks

Millbay Docks, owned and operated by ABP, covers 50 acres of port estate and is home to Brittany Ferries services, connecting the South West to France and Spain. It handles 400,000 passengers and 150,000 vehicles per year, as well as 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year, contributing to over £95m to the UK economy.

Photo: Copyright Solent Sky Services

BOWLERS RAISE CASH FOR GABLES DOGS AND CATS HOME

Plympton Bowling Club raised £500 for Gables Dogs and Cats

Home at their annual charity day.

A cheque was presented to Katy from Gables, who was accompanied by her 10 year old Irish setter Mrs Claus by the Plympton Bowling Club president Jan Stapleton. She was joined by bowling club members and Dylan a club member’s Border Collie wearing a bowling club shirt.

The day was organised by Bob Williams the club’s competition secretary and Elizabeth Lightowlers, ladies competition secretary with support from Derek Scantlebury.

The money was raised by the club members playing a ‘Triples Charity Event’ helped with generous donations, raffle prizes plus other money raising events. Club members are proud of their charity fund raising events and thanks are due to everyone who assisted and donated. Since 2004 the club have now raised in excess of £15,000 for mainly local charities.

New artwork to transform city’s busiest subways

A team of artists has been chosen to transform four of Plymouth’s busiest subways with artworks that reflect the city’s ‘humour, positivity and colour.’

Plymouth Culture has worked with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth City Centre Company to commission the project, which will bring new life to the North Cross roundabout subways.

Plymouth artists Sue Lewry and Eleanor Tomas have been selected for the project to reimagine the set of subways following a competitive process.

Work on the first subway has already started and will include abstract images of the sea and moors and messages that show off Plymouth’s identity.

One wall pointing towards the sea will be emblazoned with the words ‘Lookin’ Swell’ and one heading towards Dartmoor will say ‘Gimme Moor’ highlighting two very well-known attributes of Plymouth that Plymothians take pride in.

The underpasses - built as part of the

roundabout in the 1970s - are a short walk from the railway station which is currently undergoing a significant regeneration project, and the new artwork will be seen by thousands of visitors and residents.

Sue and Eleanor are responsible for the design concept and artwork of all four subways and are collaborating with experienced street artists Lee Jackson and Roy Christie, who will skillfully translate the designs to painted artworks using hand and spray paint techniques.

Sue and Eleanor said: “We want to create a Plymouth greeting that welcomes people to our flourishing city with humour, colour and positivity. Many people arrive via the train station or from outside the centre. We’re aiming to draw attention to Plymouth’s best features, the sea and the moor, and signpost this.

“We hope this creative vision will enhance people’s city experience as they walk through the subways.”

Both Sue and Eleanor have worked on public art projects previously - Sue also

runs a popular printmaking studio and Eleanor won the recent Selfie Wall Project with her Made in Plymouth design, which is painted near the Coach Station in the city centre.

Dozens of artists responded to the open call managed by Plymouth Culture.

Members of the Public Art Steering Group made the final selection which includedrepresentatives from Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company, Plymouth Artists Together, Plymouth Design Forum and The Box.

Plymouth Culture chief executive Hannah Harris said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the artists that responded to our open call and the efforts of the Public Art Steering Group in helping select Sue and Eleanor.

“We love the positive spirit and humour in Sue and Eleanor’s proposal as well as the pride their work clearly shows for the place they live.”

The project is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

No-go road introduced at Stoke school

Artist’s impression of the new subway mural at North Cross Stuart Road Primary Academy will be the first school in Plymouth to extend a trial of traffic restrictions during morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up times, following a successful one-day pilot.

The ‘Safer School Streets’ pilot, organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with Sustrans in 2021, saw roads outside six primary schools closed to school-run and through traffic during these peak times.

The measures – which aim to improve safety for all road users, make it easier for families to walk, cycle or scoot to school and create a healthier street environment with cleaner air – were widely welcomed by parents and local residents.

Councillor John Stephens, the council’s new walking and cycling champion, said: “We are often contacted about road safety concerns and inconsiderate parking around our schools – by parents, nearby residents and schools themselves. We have also made a commitment to create cleaner, greener streets and reduce our carbon emissions.

“We work hard to encourage families to leave the car at home where possible, promote active travel (including schemes such as walk and stride and walking

buses) and remind those who are forced to drive to park legally and responsibly.

“Safer School Streets are a great way to reduce congestion and improve air quality around the school gates, make school journeys safer and healthier and tackle some of the school-run traffic issues experienced by neighbours. They are being adopted by a growing number of local authorities and schools across the UK and feedback from our car-free trial days in Plymouth was overwhelmingly positive.

“We are really pleased that Stuart Road are now trialling these measures on a longer-term basis. We hope this is a huge success and can be implemented permanently.”

Headteacher Britta Nicholls said: “At Stuart Road, we pride ourselves on our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and actively encourage our children to cycle, scooter or walk to school each day. The road closure will not only help to support other means of getting to school but, more importantly for us, will ensure the safety and wellbeing of our school community, who will be able to attend Stuart Road free from potential road traffic hazards or near misses.

“The school community have

campaigned for several years for the road closure to be put into place and are now delighted that this hope has finally come into fruition.

“We hope that the success of this road closure will encourage other schools across the city to sign up to this essential project, promoting safer roads around all schools across Plymouth.”

The extended trial at Stuart Road will begin on September 25. Every weekday during term time, the road outside the school (Palmerston Road) will be closed with temporary barriers from 7.50am to 8.50am and then from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Volunteers and members of staff will steward the closed section of road and access will be maintained for local residents and businesses, parents and children with disabilities, the emergency services, deliveries and other service vehicles.

Families are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school or, if they need to drive to work, to ‘park and stride’ – where they park a five or 10 minute walk from the school and go the rest of the way by foot.

For more information about Safer School Streets visit www.plymouth.gov. uk/plymouth-safer-school-streets or schoolstreets.org.uk

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Tell Me a Story

Sept 29

Visit The Box every Friday morning at 10.30am for half an hour of storytelling underneath the Royal Naval ship figureheads - perfect for under 5s and their grown ups. And there will still betime to say ‘hello’ to Mildred the Mammoth afterwards! Free admission. No need to book.

Against Apartheid

Sept 29 to Dec 2

A new group exhibition at KARST curated by Ashish Ghadiali, founding director of Radical Ecology, with featured artists including Sue Williamson, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Kedisha Coakley, Angela Camacho, Ashanti Hare and Annaless Davis. Through the work of international contemporary artists, activists and scientists, the exhibition explores the origins of ‘climate apartheid’ - a potential outcome of anthropogenic climate change where life becomes impossible for increasing sections of the human population. This scenario would predominantly impact black and brown communities living on the frontlines of climate breakdown. For details visit www. karst.org.uk

King Charles Coast Path Celebration

Sept 29 and 30

Fun-filled free activities will take place along the Plymouth shoreline to celebrate the new King Charles III England Coast Path at Jennycliff, Mount Batten, The Barbican and Plymouth Hoe. Royal William Yard takes centre stage for the activity on September 30. From live performances, guided walks and augmented reality immersive experiences, to artistic adventures, a scavenger hunt and Geo Trail with the University of Plymouth. The festivities offer something for everyone. For details visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk

Motown Tribute Night

Sept 29

China Fleet Country Club celebrates Motown’s golden era starring Ruby Washington and Bruce Parker, the California Soul Man. For bookings visit www.china-fleet. co.uk/events/event-calendar/motown-tribute-night.

Voyage of Discovery

Sept 30

Uncover the immersive world of science, technology and art in this interactive showcase for all ages at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 4pm. Families are invited to meet the people behind the research with hands-on activities, talks and to learn more about robotics, history, the environment and even dentistry. All are welcome to join the free event whether dropping in or staying all day.

Fancy Dress Charity Ball

Sept 30

Jeremiah’s Journey is hosting an 80s charity extravaganza at the New Continental Hotel which will have supporters dancing all night long with fancy dress, an auction, a raffle, a quiz and a retro sweet stall. Tickets £45 to include welcome drink, two courses and wine. Contact supporters@ jeremiahsjourney.org.uk for tickets.

Plymouth Community History Festival

Sept 30 to Oct 6

Plymouth’s popular History Festival returns for 2023and this year the focus is on community and diversity. Discover more about the city’s heritage at a series of events that will be taking place at The Box, The Plot and across the city. The programme includes talks, guided walks and displays, plus special Opening and Closing events.Visit www.theboxplymouth.com/ pchf2023 to find out more.

Concert

Oct 3

An afternoon of popular songs with the Moors Edge Singers at Crownhill Methodist Church at 2.30pm. Light refreshments after concert. Free entry with retiring collection for church funds.

An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott

Oct 4

The outspoken cricketing legend will be appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus for a night of fun and laughter, cricketing anecdotes and stories plus film of his playing and commentating career. Starts at 7.30pm tickets on sale from £20 at www. comicalentertainment.com

An Evening with Jeff Stelling

Oct 5

The Sky Sports legend, plus special guest former professional footballer Craig Hignett give an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the studios along with some incredible football stories. Followed by a live auction and Q&A. Event takes place at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus starting at 8pm. Tickets available from www.comicalentertainment.com

Coffee Morning

Oct 7

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of the medical mission in Brikama.

Screwed Up

Oct 13

Comedian, prankster and Tik Tok maestro Simon Brodkin will appear at Plymouth’s Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus as part of his UK tour starting at 8pm. Tickets are available from www. comicalentertainment.com

British Beard and Moustache Championships

Oct 14

Organised by local couple Clair and Mike Wellsbury-Nye at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Competitors from all over the UK - and further afield - will battle for honours in the event, sponsored by beard care brand Honest Amish. Funds raised will go to the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts. For details visit www. britishbeardandmoustachechampionships.co.uk

Choral Workshop with John Hobbs

Oct 14

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir present an all day event at Woolwell Community Centre, Plymouth featuring Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Parry’s I Was Glad. Cost is £22 which includes the loan of scores. Light lunch

available for £7. Further details are available from www.plymouthphilchoir.org. Online booking available at wegottickets.com/f/13134

Table Top Sale

Oct 14

Southway’s Harvest Festival and Halloween table top sale at The Church of the Holy Spirit from 1pm to 3pm. Variety of stalls plus children’s crafts. Free entry. Tea and coffee available.

Our Secret’s Safe

Oct 21

Latest production from Pilot’s Thumb Theatre - known for their edgy social drama – at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Tickets from www.wegottickets. com

Myths and Magic trail

Oct 21 to Nov 5

Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail to discover the folklore tales and magical properties of trees here at Saltram. And of course don’t forget those pesky pumpkins, they’ll be back hiding in the gardens too, can you spot them all again this year? Every day from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.15pm). Free entry and no need to book.

Collectors Toy & Train Fair

Oct 22

Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at The Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Admission : Adults £1. Accompanied children free. Free onsite parking, security, wheelchair friendly, toilets. Cafe onsite.

Oliver!

Oct 25 to 28

Award-winning Plymouth theatre company TOPS Musical Productions present the popular musical at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. For tickets visit www. atgtickets.com/torquay

Oktoberfest

Oct 27 and 28

The popular event returns to Central Park with Oompah bands, DJs, and traditional German food and drink. Tickets available from https://buytickets.at/ oktoberfestuk/846197

Nearly New Sale

Oct 28

New parents and carers in Plymouth can save money and be environmentally friendly at NCT Plymouth and West Devon’s sale Nearly New Sale at Eggbuckland

Community College from 10.30am to 12.15pm. Visit www.facebook.com/nctplymouth to find out more.

Day Conference on Roald Amundsen

Oct 28

The Devon and Cornwall Polar Society is hosting an all day event at Plymouth University’s Roland Levinsky Building on the life and times of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. In recent years, the Society has conducted several successful events commemorating Polar explorers of the ‘heroic age’ of Antarctic exploration and a celebration of Roald Amundsen is long overdue notwithstanding that Plymouth is the birthplace of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. A panel of four distinguished polar experts will discuss the adventures and achievements of this great Norwegian explorer to an international audience. Details at www. devonandcornwallpolarsociety.org.uk/

Ivo Graham

Oct 28

The Taskmaster star is bringing his brand new show Organised Fun to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 8pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com

Coffee Morning

Nov 4

Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of the Rainbow Project supporting children and families in Romania.

Bonfire Night

Nov 5

Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration 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.

Christmas Lights Switch On

Nov 16

Plymouth’s Christmas calendar kicks off with the big switch on between 5.45pm and 6.45pm. Exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on the stage in the Piazza.

Barbican Lights Switch On

Nov 18

Join the big event on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour for an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities, rides and entertainment from 12 noon. Switch on is at 5.30pm.

Christmas Fair

Nov 25

St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle, from 12 noon to 3pm. Various stalls, games and refreshments. Father Christmas will be arriving at 1pm.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Nov 25

The choir presents Handel’s Samson in The Minster Church of St Andrew at 7.15pm. Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/events/586914 or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, visit plymouthphilchoir.org

Plymouth Christmas Market

Nov 30 to Dec 17

Plymouth’s popular festive market will feature dozens of traders giving shoppers the chance to pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts.

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 16. Photo: Visit Plymouth

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Support available to help people in Plymouth make healthy choices and improve their wellbeing is set to continue until 2025.

The service, One You Plymouth, is commissioned by Plymouth City Council and delivered by Livewell Southwest. The current contract for this service is now being extended for a further 18 months to March 2025, in a decision signed this week.

One You Plymouth provides a variety of services to local residents:

• Support to stop smoking

• Healthy weight management

• NHS Health Checks for over 40s

• Training courses in first aid, mental health and suicide prevention

• Falls prevention service

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We want everyone in Plymouth to feel empowered to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. There are some things that we can all do which will benefit us: eat well, exercise more and stop smoking. And although these sound like simple steps, we know they can be anything but because changing habits or creating new ones is very difficult without support.

“This is where the brilliant service provided by One You Plymouth comes in, offering a helping hand that enables people to make positive change.

“In addition to supporting residents’ physical health, One You Plymouth also works to support our mental wellbeing. This has included developing a network of Wellbeing Champions across the city, as well as providing training to help people understand the complexities of mental health and what they can do to help both themselves and others.”

All of the services are open to self-referral, which means anyone living in Plymouth can access them directly without needing to be referred by a GP or other professional.

From 2022-23, a number of people were supported by One You Plymouth:

• 176 pregnant women were given support to stop smoking

• 485 people completed a training course in topics such as mental health awareness, first aid and suicide prevention

• 3,087 people attended physical activity sessions

• 914 referrals were received for the falls prevention service

• 168 people received an NHS Health Check.

The service has been running since 2013 and is a localised version of the NHS’s national ‘One You’ campaign. It has been developed more recently through Thrive Plymouth, the city’s 10 year approach to improving health and reducing inequalities.

The Council will work with local healthcare providers to understand the needs of local residents and review the current service offering before the extended contract with Livewell Southwest ends.

This learning will inform a procurement process for a future health improvement service in Plymouth.

Find out more about the services offered by One You Plymouth at www.oneyouplymouth. co.uk

Dental training programme shortlisted for top award

Plymouth University’s work to combine first-rate dental training with outstanding community care has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023.

The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is in the running to win the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category.

It recognises the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.

It is also the second award shortlisting in a week for the University’s dentistry team, after the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise was named among the finalists in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

Professor Ewen McColl, head of the Peninsula Dental School, said: “This shortlisting is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the Peninsula Dental School and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise. It is further evidence that our approach is yielding benefits, both for our students and staff but the communities of Devon and Cornwall as well. With widespread talk of a crisis in access to NHS dentistry,

this positive recognition could not be more timely.”

The Peninsula Dental School was originally established to tackle oral health inequalities in the South West, and to train dentists who would stay in the region once qualified.

In 2013, it also established the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) to treat patients who may

not otherwise have access to care.

In 2021/22, the period covered by the awards, students registered with the Peninsula Dental School – and working at clinics run by PDSE – saw almost 5,600 patients across Devon and Cornwall.

Over the course of 28,000 appointments, 418 dental and hygiene therapy students were able to deliver crucial primary care

to many of the more vulnerable members of society, including those experiencing homelessness and other forms of social exclusion.

This activity marked a significant rise both in the number of patients seen, and appointments delivered, at the University’s Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.

And of the 1,748 patients who left

feedback during 2021/22, 97% said they would recommend the services to their own friends and family.

In addition to this primary care offer, during 2021/22 the University expanded its range of programmes designed to improve levels of oral health with the community.

Through an Inter-Professional Engagement Module, dental and dental therapy students had the opportunity to work directly with one of 14 host organisations caring for children, people with learning difficulties, older people at risk of isolation, young carers, those experiencing homelessness, and those living in social housing.

A Supervised Tooth Brushing Programme, led by academics and students, worked with pupils at 146 primary schools to provide advice and guidance on the benefits, and most effective methods, of brushing their teeth.

More than 3,000 children aged 16 and under, who are unable to register with a dentist, were seen at paediatric oral health clinic while a Looked After Children clinic provided treatment to 96 children and unaccompanied young asylum seekers.

The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2023, widely regarded as the Oscars of Higher Education, will be announced at a ceremony in December.

W E ARE RE C RUITIN G

Since 1965, Princess Yachts has been manufacturing yachts to international acclaim. Today our shipyards cover an area of over 1 1 million square feet across six sites in Plymouth, employing over 3,000 people

Whether you are beginning your career or looking to take the next step, your skills to the highest level.

We currently have vacancies for a variety of rewarding positions at all levels, including Carpentry, Engineering, Welding, Fabricating and more

Benefits include

• Competitive pay

• Pension contributions

• Employee discounts platform

• 4 and 3 day working week

• Training

• Occupational health

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible shift patterns and more

Discover our range of career opportunities and apply at www.princessyachts.com/careers or scan the QR code below

Funky Llama’s flagship Club Night is back and celebrating 10 years in style!

Funky Llama will celebrate 10 years of community with its flagship Club Night, taking place at Pryzm Nightclub in October.

Funky Llama is Theatre Royal Plymouth’s flagship project for disabled adults to actively participate in the creation and delivery of high-quality arts activities and events.

The project is currently celebrating its 10th year. With performances from Electric Fire, The Scribes, The Majestic, Andy Quick and many more, this event is set to be a real celebration.

The first Funky Llama Club Night was held at TR2 in 2013 with the aim of creating an event that was inclusive for everyone, whether they were disabled or not.

Sara Rhodes, associate director at Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “We are super excited for the return of the Funky Llama Club Night at Pryzm Nightclub. This event marks a significant moment in the marking of the 10th anniversary of the Funky Llama project.

“We have a fantastic line-up of disabled and non-disabled bands, acts and DJs to make a truly unforgettable evening. At its heart, the Funky Llama Club Night is about celebrating inclusion, community, and people from all walks of life being together to have a brilliant night.”

NEXT EVENT...

Peter Mockford

New plan to help unlock potential of young people in Plymouth

More support will be offered to young people in Plymouth who struggle when leaving education, helping them to find jobs or access training.

An ambitious new plan, Unlocking Plymouth’s Potential, has been co-designed with local businesses, employers, schools and colleges, and outlines how Plymouth City Council and key partners will work together to address issues and empower young people to aspire and achieve.

Jodie Paget, Club Night producer, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our flagship Club Night back in October to celebrate the brilliance of Funky Llama over the last 10 years – it’s a party you don’t want to miss!”

Funky Llama Club Night is taking place from 6pm to 11pm on Thursday October 19. Tickets are £7 and can be purchased now by visiting the website at www.theatreroyal.com/ whats-on/clubnight

While most young people leave school and make a positive transition to working life or further education, approximately one in ten end up not in employment, education or training (NEET) or in an unknown situation.

Young people who are NEET are more likely to be unemployed or in low paid, low quality work later in life, and it can also be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

The plan sets out how these young people will be targeted and supported to seek education, employment or training (SEET) and then to take advantage of those opportunities so they can develop new skills or begin their careers. The support on offer will include:

• Enhancing the post-16 training offer in Plymouth with more traineeships, internships, apprenticeships and other early career opportunities

• Increasing the number of internships and employment opportunities for young people with educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by forming a Plymouth City Council-led SEND Employment Forum

Occasionally God pushes the reset button on the church because often we drift away from the focus of our faith, both personally and as institutions. We need to get back to our identity in Christ both as individuals and as a church so that we can move forward.

As a retired Anglican minister and a registered psychotherapist, Peter Mockford will be looking at this subject from a biblical perspective whilst also drawing from psychological insights.

The afternoon session will look particularly at our identity as individuals in Christ, and in the evening session we’ll look at our identity as the body of Christ.

Hear him speak:

Saturday 28th October

The King’s, Pixon Lane, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ 2:30pm - 4:30pm teaching and discussion 7:30pm - 9pm evening ministry meeting

The event is free to attend and open to all. There will be a voluntary offering taken to cover costs.

For more information

email info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

www.fathershouse.org.uk

Greenwich Hospital Sheltered Housing

Managed by CESSAC

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

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

Enquiries to:

ian.wilson@cessaha.co.uk

Or download an application from: www.cessaha.co.uk

• Providing bespoke action plans, skills assessments and pre-employment courses for young people

• Working with employers to develop an effective model for work experience and to grow opportunities for entry-level jobs

• Running a programme of careers events across the city so that every child in Plymouth can attend at least one event a year

• Creating a mentoring and coaching programme where young people in further education can support young people from SEET into education or training.

The plan is subject to approval and is due to be discussed at the council’s next Cabinet meeting on September 11.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We’re taking positive, proactive steps that will support young people in Plymouth to seek employment, education and training. The new plan outlines a coordinated, multi-agency approach which will ensure we can tackle the problems young people are facing and help them to find the right career path.

“We want all young people in Plymouth to grow up well, leading fulfilling and healthy lives. Our aim is to raise aspirations and improve outcomes so that our young people are confident about their future and successfully transition into adulthood.”

The inclusive plan also includes additional support for young people with SEND, those that are care-experienced, young parents, and those known to the criminal justice system.

FathersHouseSW

New Violence Against Women and Girls Champion for the city

New season gets underway at The Box with nationally touring exhibition and sculpture

A new season of exhibitions and commissions launches at The Box in October with a nationally touring fine art exhibition and thought-provoking sculpture.

Both explore empire, trade and colonisation in different ways – with the aim of encouraging visitors to think about social and historical narratives from a different perspective.

Dutch Flowers (October 7 2023 to January 7 2024) brings 10 of the finest examples of Dutch flower painting from the National Gallery to Plymouth for the very first time.

Councillor Zoe Reilly is the new VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Champion for Plymouth.

She is a ward councillor for Honicknowle and is also chair of Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

One of Councillor Reilly’s many passions is to drive culture change, create safe spaces, ensure that women and girls in Plymouth are supported and empowered to report violence and abuse and get the support they need at the right time and in the right place.

For her work, Councillor Zoe Reilly has been bringing local groups and organisations together in their drive to tackle VAWG and has been working closely with the Youth Parliament and has made connections through the youth service.

She has set up regular meetings with Devon and Cornwall Police alongside council officers specifically Meghan Field, the Strategic Lead for VAWG who has made huge strides in this area.

She has been busy speaking at events and helping to organise events where organisations wish to open the conversation about VAWG. Zoe has worked with Plymouth Artists together on projects and continues to do so.

She has built a good relationship with MAN culture and continues to champion the importance of this group in addressing the attitudes towards women and girls, and what VAWG is really about.

Zoe is keen to meet as many people who are already working really hard and are the driving force of tackling gender based violence.

Councillor Reilly said: “I am really excited to be appointed as the new VAWG Champion and eager to get stuck into my new role.

“This subject, whilst extremely emotive, is very important to me. Over the next year, I am hoping to bring all organisations across the city together, and work on how we tackle VAWG. I want to create a space for people to have honest, open and appropriate conversations about what VAWG is.”

The VWAG commission was established in 2022 and set out a framework to drive down violence and other abuse, with an emphasis on empowering men to recognise and challenge worrying behaviour by their peers.

Teeming with beauty, colour and life, the artworks are presented in The Box’s beautifully restored St Luke’s church gallery, providing audiences with a stunning overview of leading artists in the field, including Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (1573-1621), Jan van Huysum (1682-1749) and Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750), and a chance to admire their style, technical characteristics and exquisite detail up close.

At the dawn of the 1600s, these painters were among the first artists to produce pictures that exclusively depicted flowers. Boosted by a growing interest in botany and horticulture and an international trade in exotic plants, they went on to become one of the most characteristic themes of Dutch painting.

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery said: “This exhibition is an opportunity to admire the exquisite skill of Dutch flower painters over a period of nearly 200 years, from 1609 to 1789. They are paintings of astounding quality and beauty, often rich in symbolism and historic interest.

“The National Gallery is a resource for the people of this country for learning, enjoyment and well-being, and this exhibition is just one part of a much wider and longstanding programme of national activity that honours our commitment to sharing our paintings with as many people as possible.”

Specially commissioned works by British artist Kedisha Coakley that explore the relationship between the trade in fruit, flowers, seeds and empire are presented alongside the exhibition.

The Box has also selected some related works from its art collection for display, including examples of Iznik pottery from the former Ottoman Empire and 17th century Dutch ceramics, an oil painting by Dutch artist Jan Weenix (1641/1649-1719) and a rare volume of illustrations by renowned entomologist and botanical artist Meria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717).

Captivated

Victoria Pomery, chief executive of The Box said: “Dutch flower painting captivated an age and these beautiful paintings which are packed full of detail demand close observation. They also open up conversations about our interaction with nature and, with the addition of Kedisha Coakley’s works, the relationship between horticulture, plants and all that empire entails.”

The theme of ‘Revisiting History’ is also explored through Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s End of Empire (October 12 to June 23 2024). Originally commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the 2014-2018 First World War centenary, the sculpture

depicts two figures wearing brightly coloured suits. Their heads have been replaced with globes and they sit on a large seesaw.  Their suits are made from ‘Dutch wax’ textiles: an Indonesian batik printing technique which was pioneered by the Dutch in textile mills, imported to Africa in the 1800s, and claimed as their own by the Ghanaians and Nigerians. Their globe heads represent the two ‘sides’ in the First World War: the British-French allies and the AustroHungarians and Germans. The seesaw swings slowly, constantly rebalancing; a striking visual reference to a global conflict that shifted the balance of power and which saw the demise of four once dominant empires –German, Habsburg, Ottoman and Russian.

Victoria Pomery added: “Like many museums and art galleries in the UK and beyond, we are working hard to decolonise our collections and displays, and it’s really important that we echo this approach in our temporary programming too. End of Empire is a multi-layered work that speaks to ideas around conflict and how borders are constantly shifting. It’s a reminder that things are always changing, and how our understanding of history informs our understanding of what’s happening in the world today.”

Later this autumn, The Box will also premiere a major new film commission by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah.

Arcadia (November 30 2023 to June 2 2024) is an immersive five-channel work that explores colonialism, capitalism and the global implications of climate change, challenging perceptions about how the world has been constructed.

Dutch Flowers is on display at The Box from October 7 to January 7 2024. Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s End of Empire will be shown from October 12 2023 to June 23 2024. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected bank holidays.

Admission is free and there’s no need to book.

Rarely seen masterpiece will be centre of attention at special ‘conservation in action’ event –see page 22

Arcadia - a five channel film commission by artist and filmaker John Akomfrah - will be opening on November 30

The National Gallery’s Dutch Flowers exhibition opens in The Box’s St Luke’s church gallery on October 7

Trouble-hit city centre regeneration project boosted by new contract

A contract is to be awarded to ensure continued rapid progress on the key city centre regeneration project in Old Town Street and New George Street.

The £1.6 million contract will enable work to continue on the scheme which will deliver significant environmental improvements, including trees, new planting and a sustainable urban drainage system that includes rain gardens.

The project is a major public realm improvement to regenerate the tired and outdated public spaces and will see improved pedestrian and cycling connections between the city centre, Drake Circus and the Barcode, high quality natural stone paving and modern seating and street furniture.

The scheme is part of the Better Places Programme which aims to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces, transform the look and feel of the city centre and support and lever further inward investment in retail, leisure, employment and housing.

It involves the removal of existing surfacing, street furniture and soft landscaping and replacing with new hard and soft landscaping, new street furniture, lighting and attractive features.

It also requires the removal of contaminated material, underground obstructions, pre-war historical city features and old services and utilities systems and

construction of new utilities and drainage systems.

The works so far have hit a number of delays due to issues resulting from digging beneath a city centre that was hastily rebuilt after the war. Workers have come across unexpected voids, Blitz rubble, filled-in

cellars, the odd tram line and a maze of utility pipes and cables.

Morgan Sindall’s groundworks subcontractor recently went into administration, which further delayed works.

Activity on site has significantly increased recently and there are now around 30 workers

within the three work areas behind the hoardings.

Rapid progress is now being made in all areas of the scheme but particularly in phase one (outside of House of Fraser) where the aim is to open up some of the completed works in time for the Christmas lights switchon.

Work first began on site in November 2021 with Mildren Construction Ltd contracted to carry out enabling works for the scheme to prime the site for the major phasing.

The final details for the main contract award for the Old Town Street New George Street works are being worked on and the interim contract award will enable Morgan Sindalls to continue progressing the scheme.

Councillor Mark Lowy, Plymouth City Council’s city centre champion, said: “This is an important project for the city centre and will help deliver the ambition to make it a more attractive place to shop, work and play.

“There have been a number of delays to the project due to unforeseen circumstances but the council’s new administration has committed to getting things moving.

“We all want to see it progress as quickly as possible so shoppers, visitors and retailers can enjoy the benefits.”

For more information about the scheme visit the Old Town Street and New George Street web page at www.plymouth.gov.uk/oldtown-street-and-new-george-street

Artist’s impression of New George Street

The Lion Who Never Roared

- Jack Leslie biography to be published In October

As the spirit of Jack Leslie continues to flow through Plymouth Argyle with an exciting and promising start to the club’s Championship campaign, his life story is to be told in print with a biography to be published soon.

The Lion Who Never Roared is written by Matt Tiller, a lifelong member of the Green Army who co-founded The Jack Leslie Campaign with his friend and fellow fan Greg Foxsmith. It will be released in hardback and include a fantastic section of photographs, many from the Leslie family archive, by Pitch Publishing on October 23 and is available to pre-order from all good bookstores.

More information about the launch can be found at www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/ lion-who-never- roared

The book tells the story of a boy born in East London to a Jamaican father and a white, English mother who was signed by Plymouth as a 19-year-old from Barking Town in 1921. He became an Argyle legend playing 400 timesand scoring 137 league and cup goals.

Jack Leslie was a pioneer.

For most of his career he was the only black player and was the first to be appointed captain of a Football League side. He is now well-known for the honour he should have won.

Jack Leslie was the first black player to be selected for England in 1925, but he was quietly dropped due to the colour of his skin and never allowed to represent his country.

This new book tells that story in detail and his remarkable life from childhood in East London through the Argyle years to his time at West Ham United, where he worked until he was 82 cleaning the boots of World

Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst.

Matt said: “This has been an honour and a privilege to research and write. Jack’s granddaughters have given me access to their archive and to their memories and precious family stories. Their honesty and integrity with their grandfather’s legacy has ensured this is an honest portrait of this remarkable footballer and man.

“I shared the book with them to make sure I had got all the facts straight, but I was also nervous of what they would think. When they told me they loved it I was relieved and

Trust’s Dip in the Sea campaign aims to make big splash for families

Plymouth-based Ocean Conservation Trust has launched the Dip in the Sea campaign to support local communities and families in need gain access to seaside essentials for enjoying time at the beach.

Donations can be made directly at the National Marine Aquarium where the teams will deliver and distribute seaside equipment such as swimwear across the city to those who need it. Wanting to give people the full experience of a brilliant day at the beach, as well as swimwear, The Trust is also accepting donations of swimcaps, beach shoes, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, swim shoes, towels, googles, sun cream and buckets and spades.

Donations can be made at the National Marine Aquarium, with plans to have drop off spots across the city. No entry ticket is required for drop off, and can easily be dropped into the donation box at the Aquarium’s gift shop.

Working closely with a number of charities tackling financial hardships in Plymouth, Ocean Conservation Trust is working with local food banks and Wellbeing Hubs including Trussell Trust, William Sutton Memorial Hall, Emmanuel & St Paul’s Parish Church, City College Student Food Bank and more.

For more information on the Dip in Sea campaign and how to get involved in either hosting a donation box or helping to distribute swim packs, head to the Ocean Conservation Trust website at www. oceanconservationtrust.org/ocean-advocacy/our-campaigns/a-dip-inthe-sea-from-the-oct/

Donations can be dropped off at the National Marine Aquarium

delighted.”

Jack Leslie’s three granddaughters, Lyn, Gill and Lesley have supported the campaign from the very start and it has been hugely positive for them.

They said: “When we finished reading the book, we were in tears. It was a very emotional read and we think that’s a good thing because it eloquently describes Grandad’s life and the impact he had on all his family, friends and colleagues. To say nothing of the effect we believe the book will have on all who read it.”

Matt continued: “The more I’ve read about

Jack, the more I admire him. When he was selected for England he was just hitting his stride and starting to write headlines, but in the years that followed many, and not just Argyle fans, considered him the best inside left in the country who should have represented it on many occasions.

“That must have been tough, knowing that despite his talent and his undeniable patriotism, he would never get that chance to play for England.

The Lion Who Never Roared has already received praise from those who have been given a preview, including Viv Anderson MBE. Viv was the first black player to win a full England cap in 1978, 53 years after Jack’s selection. He has contributed a foreword and says the book is ‘Inspiring and important. An extraordinary life story.’

COUNCIL TO CONSULT ON REFRESH FOR ST BUDEAUX TOILETS

St Budeaux residents and businesses are to be consulted on the future of their public toilets.

A two month public consultation will be launched by the end of the September, allowing the community to give feedback on a number of options.

The existing toilets have been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and are in very poor condition, without appropriate or accessible facilities, and there have been significant issues with anti-social behaviour.

The council have looked at the options for securing better facilities within the St Budeaux community, which included refurbishing the existing toilet block or working with local business owners to put in place a community toilet scheme.

Whilst these are both potential ways forward the option of a new, single modular unit much like those seen in other parts of the city – one which is accessible to all and better situated and therefore less likely to be vandalised – is also being considered.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities and Chair of Child Poverty Working Group, said: “It is important to hear the views of the local community and other potential users of these facilities.

“We will be seeking the views of local residents and communities, business owners and other key stakeholders such as taxi and bus drivers who we know rely so much on these facilities when carrying out their work, and I look forward to hearing their views.”

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Campaign launched to help give breast cancer patients new confidence during treatment

Plymouth, East Cornwall and West Devon’s breast care charity, The Primrose Foundation, is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by launching a campaign to raise money to provide wig funding for those patients who’ve lost their hair following breast cancer treatment.

The charity has a one-week campaign with The Big Give, running between October 11 and 18. The Foundation is looking to raise £2,500 from donations which would be doubled to £5,000 by The Big Give who will match fund donations.

Earlier this year, The Primrose Foundation teamed up with Plymouth-based non-profit organisation Roots to Rise to offer £100 wig vouchers for recovering breast cancer patients to have a beautiful wig fitted for them. With at least 60 people requiring this service locally every year, the scheme needs £6,000 a year to continue.

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator for The Primrose Foundation, said: “We came up with this powerful project because we know just how difficult this side effect of breast cancer treatment can be for so many people. Hair loss is incredibly upsetting, and some people can’t afford the luxury of a correctly fitted wig, so offering wig funding is a real comfort at a testing time.

“We know that great things can happen when our community comes together,” she added, “and any donation made by local people and businesses between October 11 and 18 will have twice the impact as it’s match funded.”

People can donate – on those days only – by visiting the Primrose Foundation’s website, which links to the donation page, www.primrosefoundation.org/bits-andblogs/2023/8/12/the-big-wig-campaign

The Foundation has supported The Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital for over 28 years, raising public awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer and helping to enhance breast care services locally.

Each year over 25,000 people are seen at The Primrose Breast Care Centre and between 400 and 600 breast cancers are diagnosed and treated. It’s thanks to the help and support of The Primrose Foundation that the Centre has become a service of excellence.

Other recent Foundation projects include part funding a screening awareness double-decker bus in Plymouth, which has been driving home the message that breast screening saves lives. It follows the release of figures earlier this year which showed a worrying fall in the uptake of breast screening appointments nationally and locally, with the overall uptake in the Plymouth area dropping to 72.5%.

In some parts of Plymouth, the figure has dropped to 54%. As a result, The Primrose Foundation is also using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to re-emphasise the awareness message, with its ‘LOVE’ campaign. It’s encouraging everyone to LOVE themselves enough to be breast aware:

L - Looking out for lumps, bumps, or dimpling

O - Observe changes or something new

V - Voice your concerns to a medical

others

The charity recommends getting to know your body and knowing your ‘normal’. On social media, the Foundation issues a monthly self-check Sunday reminder to everyone to LOVE themselves enough to be breast-aware and hopes that this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everyone with breast tissue takes a few minutes to check their breasts and the areas around them.

The Foundation is also promoting its Big Bra Drop campaign, which encourages people to donate a pre-loved, goodquality bra.

Shelley Coleman, Trustee of The Primrose Foundation, explained: “How many times have you purchased a bra, worn it a few times, then relegated it to the back of the drawer because it’s just not quite right? Often, we suspect.

“In fact, many of us have several bras tucked away that have never even been worn! With our Big Bra Drop, we can make use of them by recycling them and giving them new life, so please consider donating your new or nearly new bras to The Primrose Foundation.”

More information is in the Campaigns section of the Foundation’s website. www. primrosefoundation.org

Largest selection of transportable and auto folding scooters in Plymouth Road

The Roots To Rise team (from left) Janine Boylin, Jo Heaphy and Hayley Short

Hannah Leach having a wig fitted at Roots to Rise

Plymouth’s ‘living seawall’

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall after organisations across the world united in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront.

A series of specially-designed concrete panels has been installed on the edge of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to make new habitats available to a variety of marine flora and fauna.

The panels, developed as a result of extensive scientific research, have been fixed to the seawall close to the Mayflower Steps memorial.

They cover an area spanning 12 metres by two metres, and will be monitored over the coming months to assess any different species of flora and fauna which have taken up residence.

The hope is that they could become home to limpets, barnacles, anemones, seaweeds, sponges and other species commonly found in natural habitats along the South West coastline.

The Living Seawall in Plymouth installation is the largest of its kind in the UK to date. The project is being led by the University of Plymouth working alongside partners including Living Seawalls, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Our Only World, The Rock Pool Project, Arup, Swansea University, and Ocean Conservation Trust.

The project is also being supported with funding from the University of Plymouth, Our Only World, Plymouth City Council, Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, and Associated

British

Dr Louise Firth, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Plymouth, has worked on marine eco-engineering initiatives across the world for more than two decade and is leading the new project. She said: “We have been investigating how to enhance biodiversity on seawalls locally for years. These efforts have all been conducted at small, experimental scales but the Living Seawall in Plymouth is the first large, real-

world-scale installation in Britain. We are very excited to work with the global community to build the evidence about the ecological benefits for both new and existing artificial structures.”

The Living Seawalls initiative was first launched in Sydney, Australia, in an attempt to preserve habitats along the global coastline.

Rising populations have resulted in structures such as seawalls, pilings, pontoons and marinas replacing natural habitats such as saltmarshes, beaches, mudflats and rocky shores and their associated marine life.

Research in Sydney Harbour has shown that after two years Living Seawalls already support at least 36% more species than plain, unmodified seawalls, with as many as 85 species of invertebrates, seaweeds and fish living and growing on the panels.

Professor Melanie Bishop, Co-founder of Living Seawalls, said: “Built structures are a growing source of biodiversity loss in our harbours and coastal oceans. Living Seawalls provide a solution for returning marine life to marine constructions across the globe. We are excited to partner with the University of Plymouth on the most comprehensive trial of Living Seawalls technology in the UK yet.”

Ports (ABP).

Plymouth is now home to a living seawall in an attempt to enhance biodiversity along its waterfront (Credit - University of Plymouth)

The panels of the Living Seawall in Plymouth were installed by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CreditUniversity of Plymouth)

Counting down to Plymouth Community History Festival Bonfire Night is back from the brink – for now

Plymouth’s popular Bonfire Night will go ahead this year as part of the of the council’s effort to support residents through the Cost of Living crisis.

The council’s new administration has decided to go ahead with the spectacular night on the Hoe which was set to be removed from the events calendar as part of last year’s budget savings unless a sponsor was found.

Now the big bang event is back as a oneoff as part of the council’s ‘fun for free’ strand of its Cost of Living Action Plan that has been developed in order to support the health and wellbeing of residents.

Announcing the news deputy leader Jemima Laing, said: “The Cost of Living crisis is impacting on many Plymouth families and we want to help people to enjoy themselves for free or at low cost when they can and to appreciate living in Plymouth and everything this amazing city offers.

“This is why we have decided to bring back Bonfire Night for this year which people can enjoy for free.

“The effect of the cost of living is grim enough on so many families and we know it is a highly valued free event enjoyed by around 27,000 people – that’s a lot of families coming out on a cold night in November to have some fun.

“I am delighted to say that Plymouth Waterfront Partnership have agreed to sponsor the event which we hope will prove good for businesses in and around our wonderful waterfront at a time when things can be quiet in the evening.”

The council’s Cost of Living Action Plan acknowledges the importance of fun and relaxation for people’s mental health and sense of well-being as many people in the city are left with little or no disposable income.

As the cost of living increases, many families will not be able to celebrate Bonfire Night at home or go to ticketed events.

The event on Sunday November 5 on Plymouth Hoe will include fairground rides, catering stalls and a large bonfire, and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display set off from the walls of the historic Royal Citadel.

Other costs for this year’s event will be covered from existing staff resources and budgets.

Plymouth’s popular annual History Festival is returning with a refreshed identity and week-long programme focused on community and diversity.

This year’s festival runs from September 30 to October 6 with a programme that features a great selection of history talks, guided walks and displays.

“The History Festival has been a great event for the city for more than a decade now, and we’re keen to keep evolving it and attract new audiences to discover more about Plymouth’s fascinating heritage,” said Wonderzoo’s Slain McGough Davey.

“This year, we’ve moved it to October to coincide with the start of Black History Month which has given us a great opportunity to collaborate with new partners. Many of this year’s talks and walks will be led by global majority individuals and groups. We’ve also kept events in locations that are central or near major transport hubs to make our programme as accessible and affordable as possible. It’s set to be an inclusive but exciting week of events!”

Talks are being hosted at The Box and start on October 1 with a presentation by Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller about the Jack Leslie Campaign. They continue each day throughout the week looking at identity, representation and using digital media to explore narratives of black history.

Plymouth and South Devon’s connection with the Far East will be explored by Dr. Mingma Lhamu Pakhrin on October 5. The lives of children born to black soldiers and white women during and after the Second World War and ‘The Mixed Museum’ – a digital museum and archive that works to widen

knowledge about the global majority – will be discussed by Dr Lucy Bland and Dr Chamion Caballero on October 6.

A series of walks will take people to a range of sites to explore the city’s heritage and include the city’s queer district (October 2), the changing face of Stonehouse (October 3), Americans in Plymouth (October 5) and the history of cinema (October 6).

Refreshed case displays in the Active Archives gallery at The Box will highlight rugby player Jimmy Peters, the history of the Respect Festival, the work of the Diversity Business Incubator, the Old Plymouth Society and Plymouth History Festivals of the past.  The festival will be bookended by two special events. The first, on September 30, will take place at The Box and will officially open the festival. Running from 10am until 4pm at the city’s award winning museum, gallery and archive, the event will include information stalls from over 20 local history groups, behind the scenes tours and a performance by Nigerian poet, Bola.

The Black History Bus will also be parked outside The Box for the day. Created as a collaboration between Diversity Business

Incubator and Plymouth Citybus, and led by Jonathan Blyth from Arts University Plymouth, the bus is covered with archive images showing Plymouth’s black history.

Visitors will also be able to experience ‘The Bazaar’ street market on Tavistock Place and see the progress of a live conservation event featuring a huge history painting by Plymouth-born artist Solomon Hart (18061881).

A special closing event will be hosted at The Plot on Union Street from 6pm-9pm on October 6 and will bring this year’s festival to an end in celebratory style with African food, storytelling and proverbs and closing talks in the Jabulani food court.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s History Festival and will definitely be booking in to as many of the events as I possibly can,” said Jemima Laing, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications.

“From poetry to comedy, and social history to sporting history, the programme is packed with insights into many different aspects of the city’s heritage.

“The stronger focus on diversity is really pleasing to see too, with a series of talks, walks and displays that I feel sure will open peoples’ eyes, as well as celebrate the success of projects such as the Respect Festival and the History Festival itself over the years.”

Details of the full programme and booking links for this year’s Plymouth Community History Festival can be found at at www. theboxplymouth.com/pchf2023 and follow the festival on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) using @plymhistoryfest.

Plans for new Sherford indoor leisure centre are approved

Planners have given the go-ahead for the construction of a new indoor leisure centre to serve the growing community in Sherford.

The new centre will feature a four-lane 25 metre swimming pool, sports hall with four badminton courts that can be subdivided to provide two courts and a soft play facility with capacity for 125 children, a 65-station fitness suite, two multi-purpose studios, meeting rooms, changing rooms, toilets and showers and a cafe with customer seating overlooking the pool.

In developing the current proposals, the emphasis has been to develop flexible, multipurpose spaces that can be intensively used for a variety of sporting and fitness uses, getting best value for money and futureproofing the scheme.

Key aspects are the inclusion of suitable storage and proper consideration of the performance aspects of the design, such as ventilation and lighting, to ensure suitability for each different activity.

The 25 metre pool has been designed for community swimming and learn-toswimactivities. The sports hall will have a clear height of 7.5m, will accommodate

community level badminton and other community level sports. In the future, if the soft play is no longer required, this space will be used to create a full size sports hall accommodating basket ball, five-a-side and volleyball.

Parking requirements are to be met by the new 114 space leisure centre car park.

Additional motorcycle and cycle parking is to be provided.

The site is owned by the Sherford Consortium and is part of the development east of Plymouth, and forms part of the new town Sherford. The development boundary is located along Hercules Road, the main artery road entering Sherford from the west.

Architect’s impression of the new indoor leisure centre Image ©copyright Roberts Limbrick

Photo: Jay Stone

Talented students making a big impact with their work

Talented designers and illustrators from Arts University Plymouth’s class of 2023 are making a real impression on modern means of communication.

With a strong presence at international showcases such as New Designers, students have collaborated with leading charities such as the National Trust and campaigned on issues ranging from self-censorship and improved wellbeing for women with ADHD as well as working together on a recipe book for those in food poverty.

From illustration to graphic design, three of the most innovative and ambitious graduates from Arts University Plymouth’s Summer Shows and Class of 2023 are highlighted here.

Indra Brooks is a versatile illustrator known for her bright and bold illustrations, using a mix of digital and analogue media. Based in Plymouth, her work features eye-catching colour, shape and detail accompanied by handwritten typography. Through her unique style, she skilfully illustrates non-fictional content, drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems around the world.

Indra enjoys creating work that celebrates different cultures, using her final major project to write and illustrate a cookbook called ‘Tastes Like Home’. This passion project pays homage to her Indian and Malaysian heritage, illustrating simple and full flavour recipes shared across countries, cultures and generations by her family.

Lucy Hartman is an illustrator based in Devon who creates detailed artwork that is inspired by her passion for nature, specifically birds. Lucy spends most of her time painting and exploring new traditional techniques such as Riso printing, ink and watercolour.

Lucy’s motivation is found within limited colour

UK BREAKS

palettes, patterns and detailed textures, and she is currently creating a series of non-fiction picture books, educating readers about Devonshire birds, ornithology and the importance of rewilding.

Earlier this year, Lucy took part in a Green Minds project, supporting National Trust property, Saltram House, to create a range of displays to educate visitors about the benefits of helping nature. Lucy used her keen interest in ornithology to create bird illustrations for physical display

By Coach from Plymouth & Saltash

boards around the country house grounds.

Archie McKenzie is an illustrator and activist from Plymouth with work comprising nonfiction and fiction drawn from personal experience and an interest in biology. Archie’s illustrations explore themes of identity and emotional connections with society and nature. Using acrylic inks, pencils and markers, Archie’s final major project, ‘Weird or Wonderful?’, was a concertina book about saltwater clams and shipworms. The book is over two metres

long and created for both children and adults, with a focus on neurodiverse readers. Throughout his time at Arts University Plymouth Archie has worked closely with clients including the Students’ Union and Plymouth Trans Pride. Archie is keen to pursue more research-based illustration and continue to make books and stories that seek to capture the human experience, working predominantly with organisations focused on positive change. For more information about courses available at Arts University Plymouth visit www.aup.ac.uk

Departing Sat 25 Nov ‘23

Enjoy the magical, award-winning Christmas Market in the beautiful city of Bath! With a huge range of traders providing a variety of handmade and local Christmas offerings in chalet-style stalls, there is plenty to take in to get you into the festive spirit.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast

 Visit to Bath Christmas Market

 En-route visit to a mystery location

Departing Sat 23 Dec ‘23

Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, delightful included excursions and a well-located hotel with fantastic facilities?

Tick! Celebrate Christmas in the elegant spa town of Buxton, located on the edge of the lovely Peak District National Park.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 4 nights at the 3-star Palace Hotel & Spa, Buxton with dinner & full English breakfast. Christmas Day includes breakfast, a Christmas lunch and a light evening buffet

 Welcome drink

 After-dinner tea & coffee

 Light entertainment every evening

 Excursions to Eyam, Bakewell, Matlock Bath & Ashbourne

Departing Sat 30 Dec ‘23

With a whole host of free inclusions like welcome drinks, a special Hogmanay buffet dinner and excursions to Sandwich and Canterbury, this is the perfect break to mark the arrival of the New Year. Book your place today and let’s get the party started!

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash

 3 nights at the 2-star Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast (includes Hogmanay buffet dinner & New Year’s Day brunch)

 Welcome drink

 After-dinner tea & coffee

 Entertainment every evening

 Excursions to Sandwich & Canterbury

2 Days by Coach only £119

5 Days by Coach only

£469

4 Days by Coach only £279 Single

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Eye-catching work by Lucy Hartman

Could you deliver the Plymouth Chronicle?

Plymouth-based warship shadows Russian vessels off the coast of UK

A Plymouth-based warship has played a key role in a concerted monitoring operation tracking Russian vessels close to the UK.

HMS Portland joined HMS Tyne and RAF patrol aircraft to track the movements of the Russian Navy in the English Channel, North Sea and North Atlantic.HMS Portland and the Poseidon patrol aircraft worked together to monitor Russian vessels, including corvettes Boikiy and Grad, cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and others.

With their collective array of powerful sensors for locating and tracking, the British submarine-hunting frigate and maritime patrol aircraft are a formidable duo for locating and monitoring operations, allowing for constant surveillance from the sea and air.Having detected a ship or submarine, the aircraft can communicate the position, allowing a warship to intercept and track. Royal Navy ships and aircraft routinely conduct training with the long-range RAF patrol aircraft, enabling a seamless transition to operations to protect the sea areas around the UK.

Lieutenant Sam Charleston, one of HMS Portland’s bridge watchkeeping officers, said: “It was rewarding to conduct operations protecting UK waters and interests. The team worked hard in rough weather and difficult conditions.

“This is my third time conducting this type of operation and I enjoyed seeing the widearea search capability that the P-8 brings and working with the RAF aircrew.”

Commander Ed Moss-Ward, HMS Portland’s Commanding Officer added: “P8 aircraft operating with a Type 23 frigate with an embarked Merlin helicopter provides the UK with a world-leading anti-submarine warfare capability.”

Many of the Russian vessels were associated with the Russian Navy Day, which was held in St Petersburg on July 30.

Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne shadowed three Russian ships in separate tasks, including Merkury, a Steregushchiy-class corvette and research ship Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov, taking over duties from NATO warships.

HMS Tyne’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Ryan Grieg, said: “The operations Tyne has executed over the last few weeks are a reflection of the hard work and dedication delivered by her ship’s company all year round.

“She has again demonstrated her alacrity

and flexibility in proving herself as an efficient asset providing assurance and security in UK home waters.”

Larry’s Lousy Liver Appeal

Gables Dogs & Cats Home has recently taken in an 18-month old cat called ‘Larry’ who is in need of urgent medical care and life saving surgery.

On arrival at Gables he was very wobbly and it was discovered he was having seizures. Gables contracted vets Filham Park carried out tests which indicate he has a portosystemic (liver) shunt. It is believed he was born with this condition, where the toxins in his blood are not filtered out by his liver and instead travel to his brain.

This causes him to have episodes where he becomes very wobbly, disorientated and dribbles.  He is currently taking medication every 12 hours to manage this condition but it is not effective long term. Even on the medication he still has seizure style episodes which take two to three days for him to recover from.

To help with this fatal condition Larry has been referred to High Grove Referral Centre in Bristol so he can

have a CT scan to investigate his condition and to plan for lifesaving surgery to correct the liver shunt.

Gables deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “He is such a lovely character and it is heart breaking to see him suffering with these episodes. He is only a young cat so we hope that the specialist surgery he desperately needs will enable him to live a normal life. We are currently medicating him every 12 hours, which he tolerates well. He is always so pleased to see me in the evenings and is a pleasure to care for. He has lots of love to give to a new owner once he is well enough to be adopted.”

It is estimated it will cost Gables £7,000 for all the treatment, scans, specialist surgery and medication that Larry will need now and into the future, as well as basic care such as flea and worm treatment and vaccinations.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding

and has felt the financial strain from the cost of living crisis, but they are determined to help Larry.

Readers can help to ease Gables financial burden by making a

HMS Portland visited Belfast following their mission in the North Atlantic.

HMS Portland monitored Russian vessels like the one pictured below

Rosemarie is Plymouth’s newly selected Laureate of Words for 2023 to 2025

Poet and lecturer Rosemarie Corlett is Plymouth’s new Laureate of Words for 2023 to 2025.

Rosemarie was selected by public vote from a shortlist of budding laureates for her poem Blue Space.

She is a bilingual poet and associate lecturer in creative writing at Plymouth University. She has a PhD in poetry and her work has been published in Iota, Poetry Wales, Lighthouse Literary Journal and The Guardian.

Speaking about her appointment, Rosemarie said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the next Plymouth Laureate of Words. I’d like to express my huge thanks to Literature Works, Plymouth Culture and The Box, as well as to all of those who voted for me.

“I’m so looking forward to celebrating our city, connecting with new people and places and showcasing creative writing over the next couple of years.”

A special event to celebrate her selection will take place at The Box at 6pm on September 27. The free event will feature readings by 2021-23 Laureate of Words Laura Horton and 2023 Plymouth Young City Laureate Mimi Jones, as well as Rosemarie Corlett’s first public reading as Plymouth Laureate of Words 2023-25.

Plymouth Laureate of Words is a creative partnership between Literature Works, Plymouth Culture and The Box.

The Laureate represents Plymouth in words, illuminating its life, culture and stories through a combination of creative writing commissions and public events.

The locally based Laureate meets the Plymouth community to inspire and encourage the sharing of stories; reflecting the voices at the heart of the city.

Rosemarie’s first published collection of poems called Flightless Bird was published by Shearsman Books in August last year.

Tickets for the celebration event can be booked at www.ticketsource.co.uk

Harriers cheque for Harbour

Plymouth Harriers Running Club has presented local Plymouth charity Harbour, with a donation of £500. The much-needed funds have been raised through club social events and activities that Plymouth Harriers have held during the past year.

Karen Eccles, chair of Plymouth Harriers said:

“Our main aim as a running club is to encourage and support members of our community to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and to build their social connection with other likeminded people, regardless of age, size or ability.

“The result is increased self-esteem and confidence, a new group of friends and the feeling of belonging to a family and community. We

think it is important to support individuals and groups within the community. We chose to support Harbour because their mission ‘to empower individuals to make positive changes and live a healthy and fulfilling life’ is very similar to our own.”

Plymouth Harriers welcomes runners of all abilities and levels of experience, with qualified coaches and leaders who can help people achieve their running goals, offering something to suit everyone.

Karen and the members of the club hope that the donation will help Harbour to continue their valuable work in providing drug and alcohol services to members of the community that need

it. The charity was founded over 30 years ago and supports individuals with complex lives who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, providing comprehensive care and a sense of community.

Sean Gray, harm reduction coordinator at Harbour said: “As well as being able to continue valued services for people who experience addiction, Plymouth Harriers have shown countless people in Plymouth that they’re in their corner. Stigma is still very much alive and well when it comes to drug and alcohol use, and Plymouth Harriers have shown its possible for anyone to challenge this.”

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Karen Eccles with Plymouth Harriers members presents the cheque to Sean Gray of Harbour

Nature boost projects unveiled as National Marine Park bid submitted

A series of ground-breaking projects to support and help vulnerable species flourish within Plymouth’s National Marine Park has been outlined as a bid for the Horizons Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is signed off.

As well as building on a range of existing research and nature recovery innovations, projects under the park’s ‘nature boost programme’ will support the recovery of iconic species of Plymouth Sound.

Details of the programme have been finalised and it comes as Council leader Tudor Evans signs a decision to formally submit the delivery stage bid for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The council has also agreed to underwrite the project by £2 million as part of match funding support for the bid.

People will be encouraged to discover and understand species and habitats of the National Marine Park, why they are in danger and through the plans for a digital marine park, to connect and act, getting involved with practical activities join citizen science initiatives and create drivers for people to make real change.

Some of the highlights include:

Expanding biogenic reefs – these are incredible habitats that store carbon and are home to many species and act as a nursery for fish when the tide comes in. Nature’s own ecosystem engineers, the humble oyster and mussels will play a part in the park. Left undisturbed, oysters create complex structures that support several ecosystem services by providing clean water and healthy fisheries.

Native oyster populations have declined by 95 per cent in the UK since the mid-19th century due to overfishing, pollution, disease, and invasive species. This is a nature restoration project that will boost local biogenic reef habitats.

Intertidal mudflats – are submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide and are home to vast numbers of worms, bivalves and cockles buried within the mud. As the tide falls mudflats and saltmarshes marshes are exposed to the air and become a popular habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and other species. This project aims

to protect and conserve breeding and feeding grounds for Little Egrets and Avocets. It will increase understanding of wading birds through surveys and citizen science. Proposals include creating suitable access and viewing points, as well as engagement activities and a mud festival! Support recovery of iconic species in the Sound by developing robust breeding protocols and working to boost species numbers to reduce vulnerability and increase climate resilience. These projects will improve the quantity of available food supplies by careful breeding of target species to support vitally important species. The aim is to develop breeding protocols for up to five species which are important not just to Plymouth but the South West of England. These are thornback ray, spiny and short snouted sea horses.

Community Boost for Iconic Species – the best nature boost ideas often come from the people and communities who live, work, relax and play in, on, under or around the National Marine Park. Community Boost projects will aim to kick-start small-scale projects that deliver nature boost

activities supporting a community-led approach. It will reflect what people really want, and connects minds and actions of local people promoting health and wellbeing.

Other aspects include developing interesting, interactive opportunities for people to experience these projects. This includes films, including ones that can be shown in the immersive dome and time-lapse, that will tell the story about the ‘Iconic species of the Sound’, their habitats and the role they play in the marine environment.  There will also be extensive citizen science initiatives to help develop new skills and foster a sense of inclusion, co-stewardship and connection. This could involve direct actions such as helping to remove nonnative species like the Pacific Oyster and seeding activities to help create biogenic reefs.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This is an extraordinary programme designed to reverse some of the long term damage man has done to its environment and it has been created in such a brilliant way. For example, we help oysters to flourish again – they help us by helping to filter the

Cattewater receives funding for extension to Barbican landing stage

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners have been awarded £150,000 of Government funding towards the extension of the Barbican landing stage via the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).

Capt Richard Allan, harbour master, and chief executive of Cattedown Harbour Commissioners said: “We are delighted to announce that our plans to extend the facilities at the landing stage by adding three new pontoons has been awarded funding from the Government and can now go ahead.

“We are grateful to the Marine Management Organisation for their help and support through the grant process, without FaSS support, this project would have not been possible at this time.

“Since taking back the management responsibility of the Barbican landing stage we have invested considerable sums in improvements to the existing structures, this grant will help create additional

capacity and for more maritime businesses to operate from the heart of our waterfront.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans said: “Tourism is important to Plymouth and the opportunity for more visitors to go and catch some fish or take a trip and enjoy our waterscape and marine wildlife is just a fantastic addition to the Ocean City brand.

“The extension will also provide more space for non-commercial vessels like recreational anglers to use the site and provide better access for those with reduced mobility.”

The pontoons will now be commissioned, and it is expected that the additional three pontoons will in place by early spring. Businesses interested in operating off the new pontoons next year are encouraged to contact Cattedown Harbour Commissioners via info@plymouthport.org.uk to indicate their interest at the earliest opportunity.

Sketch shows how many more boats will be able to use the landing stage after the extension work is completed

water.  I love it!  The passion, the careful thinking, the extensive conversations with charities and organisations here in Plymouth to make these projects come alive and appeal to everyone is inspiring.”

“This is just a snapshot of the National Marine Park’s ambition for nature. The offshoots for people, new skills, new passion and new pride in Plymouth are immeasurable.”

Councillor Andy Lugger, Leader of the Opposition said: “Nature is a fundamental part of what our PSNMP is about, but importantly in our park in the sea the connection between people and nature is key. This is why this programme is so pioneering, we are developing ways for nature and people to not just co-exist but to deliver programmes that mean both people and wildlife will benefit. We always said the PSNMP would build on what is already great in Plymouth and together we will find ways to do even better, what a great example of this approach.”

The National Marine Park is located within the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Marine Protected Area (MPA), Plymouth City Council is a member of the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) and through this management partnership work with other statutory bodies to manage the estuary sustainably. The NMP will work with TECF and stakeholders to help protect and enhance the MPA and deliver its Management Plan.

Roger Maslin, chief executive of the Ocean Conservation Trust said: “Seagrass is one of the most important habitats in the Ocean and Plymouth Sound has some of the best seagrass meadows in Europe but sadly so much has been lost over the last 100 years.

“We are delighted to be able to continue working with the University of Plymouth, Finance Earth and Plymouth City Council in developing a seagrass-based nature credit, which will help fund much-needed protection and restoration of this marine plant that keeps on giving.”

Councillor Kate Ewert, Cornwall Councillor for Rame Peninsula and St Germans added: “The breadth of the Boost Nature programme is extraordinary and I am really excited by the way these projects are not just about helping some of this area’s most threatened sea species, but making sure people on both sides of the Tamar and beyond get to learn about some of the amazing marine life on their door steps. I am particularly keen to see what comes out of the community led projects.”

About the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

The National Marine Park covers an area of 6,357 hectares and includes the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries MPA. It stretches out to sea between Rame Head and Gara Point in Wembury Bay, covering the Sound and stretching to the entrance of the Cattewater, Lopwell on the River Tavy, Gunnislake on the River Tamar, and up to Landrake and Tideford on the Rivers Lynher and Tidd.

It is home to a wide range of habitats and species, many of which are special, rare and protected. For more information about the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park visit www.plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com and for details about the protected habitats and species visit www.plymouth-mpa.uk

Photo: David John Peake

Seagrass meadows

I have the privilege of presenting a radio show on Cross Rhythms Plymouth called Life Stories.

In it I get the opportunity to interview people from various different walks of life about their lives, the ups and the downs and how they have become the person they are now.

Often this type of interview programme is reserved in the media for celebrities but I find the people I interview, though not famous themselves, have just as interesting stories to tell.

Recently I did one which has particularly stayed with me. I interviewed a local lady called Emma Marlow who wanted to share something quite different to the usual Life Stories interviews.

Her interview was focused on the immense difficulty her family had gone through in recent years following her son’s cancer diagnosis. She spoke openly and honestly about how they were informed of this heartbreaking news by a consultant and the subsequent seven year journey they would all go on as he battled the cancer.

It was a journey which would result in the most devastating of outcomes, the death of her son at a very young age.

As a new Dad myself I couldn’t immediately understand why Emma was wanting to share this story so publicly. When I asked her that question she simply said it was a way for her to bring her son into today. Not only that but she wanted to do the interview because her Christian

T here’s hope beyond death

By Dave Simpson,

faith had been a real help to her throughout the entire dark chapter. She wanted to share how Jesus was present with her and her family through it all and share something of the hope she has, even in the face of her son’s untimely death.

The articles I write in the Plymouth Chronicle always reflect something of the importance of my faith and how it impacts my life and I believe the lives of us all in society at large. In the past I’ve discussed caring for those less fortunate than ourselves, being thankful for the good in my life, looking after the planet and a whole host of other subjects.

I don’t believe I have ever written about death however.

Given it is a guarantee for all of us, it is odd how little we talk about death and dying. Other cultures may well have a more open dialogue about the subject but certainly in the UK the topic is almost taboo.

In many ways this is understandable. It is a deeply painful subject. In some ways probably the most painful. Losing a friend or loved one hurts so much it can be almost unbearable. It is even said that death is ultimately the basis of anything we fear.

Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Death just feels wrong. Particularly in a situation like Emma’s where a disease caused the death of her child long before his time. Yet in the face of this most egregious situation Emma was able to find a real hope.

Christianity has much to say about all manner of subjects to do with our lives. In short, that love should be our prime motivator towards God, ourselves, those around us and the world at large. It also brings a very tangible hope into the pit of darkness that is death.

Indeed a major narrative in the faith is that death actually is wrong. That it is an intruder in our lives which Jesus Christ has overthrown. It is the result of a world which is fallen and not as it was designed to be. The promise of the Christian faith is that whoever trusts in Jesus will have eternal life.

I’m not going to convince you of the truth of that statement. Even in my life it is one which takes faith, rather than absolute certainty, to grasp hold of.

What I will do though is encourage you to listen to the Life Stories interview with Emma Marlow. She shared far better than I ever can, from personal experience, how this promise continues

to give her and her family real hope about where her son is now and the expectation that they will be reunited one day.

Her son trusted in this promise for himself and Emma remarked on the incredible peace he had in facing the final days of his young life. Emma’s reason for sharing her story is to give hope to those who hear it that this promise is for anyone.

You can listen to the interview on the Listen Again pages at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth or watch it on the Cross Rhythms Plymouth YouTube channel on youtube.com or use the QR Code here.

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

Student scoops top award with Tinside Lido image

A commercial photography student at Arts University Plymouth has won a prestigious award for his image of the iconic Tinside Lido.

Matthew Marshall, who is 24, won the Single Image category in the EIZO Student Awards. His photograph, ‘Tinside Lido Prepares for Summer’ embodied the competition’s theme of ‘colour’ offering a vivid portrayal of a painter diligently adding stripes to the empty art deco outdoor pool.

The EIZO UK Student Awards are an annual competition that provides students studying photographic and filmmaking courses in the UK an opportunity to showcase their talent and develop real life experience of working to a brief and deadline that will give them a head start in the creative industry.

The competition culminated in an awards ceremony at the EIZO UK headquarters in Ascot, where Matthew learned he had won the category.

Matthew said: “I was so surprised to have won. The other finalists’ work was so

good that I was happy to just be selected but it’s incredible to have the affirmation that the work I’m creating is appreciated. The awards ceremony was an excellent opportunity to see all of the finalists’ work in one place and being able to speak with the industry professionals about my work was a unique experience. I got to network with the other finalists too which was great!”

Originally from Plymouth, Matthew decided to stay in the city to study at Arts University Plymouth. “I originally delayed going to university due to life commitments, but I made the decision that if I didn’t go into higher education at this point in my life then I probably never would! I chose Arts University Plymouth because I was impressed by the facilities on offer and the quality of the photography tutors on my programme. Their experience and knowledge has helped drive my ambition to achieve in the two years I’ve been here.”

“The arts university is a great place for creatives to have the freedom to express themselves through their practice and it’s allowed me to meet people from completely different walks of life that I now consider to be friends.

“My favourite thing about Arts University Plymouth is the diversity it promotes. This isn’t just about the people that attend, it’s the different responses to the same brief that interests me. You gain an understanding from people’s work about the type of person they are and I think the university gives them the confidence to explore what values they hold dear to them.”

TRAIN CANCELLATIONS ‘SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE’ SAYS MP

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard has described the high rate of train cancellations at Plymouth station as ‘simply unacceptable,’ after it was revealed that 1 in 20 services were cancelled over the summer period.

Analysis of National Rail data, collated by On Time Trains, revealed that in the last 12 weeks at Plymouth station:

• 5% of trains were cancelled – equal to 1 in 20 services.

• Weekend cancellations ranked higher at 8%, with less than half of train services on time over the weekend (45%).

• Across the week, over 1 in 10 services (13%) were 10 or more minutes late.  Plymouth station, which sees a footfall of over 5,600

passengers each day, ranks in the bottom 500 stations since June 2023 for performance.

The MP has urged Ministers to sit down with the rail unions to end the strikes which have been causing disruption to train schedules this summer.

He has also been campaigning to stop Plymouth train station ticket office from closure after the government pushed forwards with a consultation to shut nearly all rail ticket offices across the country.

Luke Pollard said:  “While these figures are not as bad as elsewhere on the network, cancelling one in 20 trains is simply unacceptable for people in Plymouth who are already being priced off the railways despite services remaining slow and unreliable.”

Dave Simpson

Matthew’s winning image

Matthew Marshall

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City College Plymouth, in partnership with Kier Construction, one of the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure services companies, has celebrated the successful opening of a significant initiative designed to tackle the skills requirements in the city’s construction sector.

The launch of the Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre took place in September at the college’s Picquet site in Devonport and was attended by Kier’s supply chain partners and key stakeholders from the construction sector.

The partnership between City College Plymouth and Kier, was developed to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector. The initiative was a direct response to the demand for skilled workers in Plymouth and the wider region. Kier’s ongoing and completed projects in the city include Intercity House and ‘The Park,’ Plymouth City Council’s new crematorium, The Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre will offer a free, fiveweek Level 1 Diploma in the Construction and Built Environment, providing essential skills to adults who are interested in pursuing a career in construction.

The diploma can also transform the lives of unemployed individuals and ex-offenders by equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the city’s construction sector.

The course aims to create a skilled workforce pipeline for Kier’s supply chain who will provide interviews for those who have successfully completed the five-week programme. Covering a wide range of vital construction trades, including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plastering,

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New construction training centre will boost skills development

building a robust workforce for the construction sector and is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality education and addressing the skills gap in the construction industry. But it goes beyond that. It exemplifies our unwavering civic duty to the city of Plymouth.

“Our partnership with Kier Construction not only bridges the skills gap but also champions social mobility. By offering a free, five-week course in construction skills, we are empowering adults, including unemployed individuals and ex-offenders, with the essential skills to embark on fulfilling careers in the vibrant construction sector.

“This initiative aligns with our core belief that education is the key to opportunity, and by doing so, we are strengthening our city’s social fabric. We are creating a pathway for those who seek to rebuild their lives and contribute to the betterment of Plymouth. This is our civic duty in action - enhancing the life chances of our community members and forging a brighter future for Plymouth through education and social mobility.”

Doug Lloyd, regional director for Kier, added:

Pictured at the opening of the new training centre (from left) Doug LLoyd, regional director for Kier; Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College and Lance Chatfield, executive of Technical Innovation at City College

painting and decorating, wall and floor tiling, and plumbing, the course will also provide essential work experience opportunities.

Additionally, students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, a vital credential for accessing employment opportunities within the construction sector.

Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth, highlighted the profound impact of the centre on both the construction sector and the broader community, emphasising the college’s civic duty and commitment to advancing social mobility in Plymouth.

She said: “The Hard Hat Ready Training & Learning Centre is a significant step towards

“As a leading construction company with a longstanding presence in the city, we recognise the importance of investing in a skilled workforce for the future. The Hard Hat Ready course will provide benefits for those looking to upskill or begin a career in construction, as well as our wider supply chain and the local community.

“We are excited to be part of this initiative and to continue our partnerships with City College Plymouth and Building Plymouth, which provide opportunities for individuals to thrive in the construction industry.”

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Huge £700k grant boost for community-led initiatives in Plymouth

Local community groups, businesses and organisations can now apply for a major grant, helping them deliver projects that will improve the lives of local people, benefit the environment and boost the economy.

As part of Plymouth City Council’s delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it is launching a new £700,000 community grants scheme.

Any organisation in the city, including voluntary, community, social enterprise groups or businesses in Plymouth are invited to apply for a major slice of the funding to deliver their projects.Projects eligible for community grants must demonstrate positive impacts under one or more of the following themes:Cost of living challenges

• Focusing on Net Zero

• Supporting our communities/creating resilient communities

• Regenerating community heritage assets

The council is looking to fund up to two major projects from this funding and are encouraging local organisations to collaborate and come forward with their ideas on how this significant grant could make a difference to their work. Projects have to be delivered by March 2025.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ukshared-prosperity-fund

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Plymouth Lions Club were at Devonport Park Fair in September raising funds for local community charities and deserving causes. They sold soft toys and encouraged people to have a throw in ‘tin-can alley’, plus some simple table top games such as opening an envelope with cash prizes. Despite the small number of attendees this year, the total amount raised was £185.

Fair day’s work for Lions at Devonport Park

Rarely seen masterpiece will be centre of attention at special ‘conservation in action’ event

A giant painting which hasn’t been seen in public for decades will be rolled out at The Box in September, as part of a live ‘conservation in action’ event.

Lady Jane Grey at Her Place of Execution was painted in 1839 by Plymouth-born artist Solomon Hart (18061881). The painting, which measures over three and a half metres high by just under three and a half metres wide (12 feet high by 11 feet wide), has been in storage for years. Now, the team at The Box are keen to explore its possibilities for the future.

Hart is widely considered to be one of the most influential Jewish artists of 19th century Britain. He was the first Jewish person to be elected to London’s prestigious Royal Academy and was also its Librarian for 17 years. His legacy in this role is huge as during his tenure he increased the expenditure on books significantly.

Unfortunate

Hart devoted an entire year to painting his ambitious work which shows the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554) about to meet her demise.

She stands before the block at the Tower of London looking to the sky, while the grim outlines of the battlements and her executioner loom behind her. It was the painting that secured Hart’s election to the Royal Academy.

Grey is often referred to as ‘The Nine Days Queen’. She was the greatgranddaughter of Henry VII and inherited the crown from her cousin Edward VI on July 9 1553. By July 19, her cousin Mary Tudor had been proclaimed queen instead. Lady Jane was imprisoned in the Tower of London where she had been preparing for her coronation.

She was tried and convicted of high treason, and executed on February 12 1554.

Despite his success with the Royal Academy, the enormity of the painting proved to be a challenge for Hart. He kept it rolled up for 40 years until 1879, when he gave it to his hometown of Plymouth to be hung in the newly-built Guildhall.

The painting was then moved and displayed at the former City Museum and Art Gallery in 1911, but was rolled for storage before the outbreak of the Second World War and has remained there ever since.

Now, thanks to The Box’s conservation in action event it will be slowly unrolled in view of visitors.

A team of conservation experts will then assess its condition to understand the stability of the canvas and paint layers in order to plan the scale of restoration required and the costs involved.

In the 1980s, the painting was ‘faced up’ with tissue to secure loose paint and protect the surface. This treatment will be examined to see how

effective the facing has been and how easy it is to remove. The assessment will give The Box a much better idea about the potential for displaying the painting in the future.

“We are really proud of Solomon Hart’s achievements and are delighted to be sharing his work and story with our audiences,” said collections manager Steve Conway.

Impressive

“The Execution of Lady Jane Grey is an ambitious painting that deserves to be seen – even the original gilded frame which has been dismantled and aged over the years is impressive.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to be really transparent about some of the important work that usually takes place behind the scenes. It’s set to be a fascinating few days for everyone involved.”

The schedule for the conservation in action

A new hotel for Plymouth has moved a stage closer thanks to a deal to unblock a key stalled site in the city.

The former Prince Rock playing fields on Embankment Road has been earmarked for redevelopment since 2018, but in common with other development projects, has stalled due to an increase in costs as well as changes in the proposed scheme.

Now a decision has been signed by Council Leader Tudor Evans to enter into a forward funding agreement which will enable planning permission to be sought for the commercial development of the site – with a hotel as its anchor tenant – to be built and let out.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We have said before, this administration is all about getting things done and attracting new investment into the city. This was one of a number of stalled projects that we have revisited to see what the Council can do to get this project on track.

“It is one of the busy entrances to the city and this decision will help speed up the start of work and what’s more, could create around 70 jobs in the completed development as well as supporting jobs in the construction phase.”

The extra funding is currently confidential due to commercial

A brand new, multi-agency CCTV control centre with fully upgraded technology is now keeping a watchful eye on Plymouth’s streets and road network.

New hotel on Prince Rock site one step closer thanks to funding agreement

sensitivities, but it will be financed through the Property Regeneration Fund. This deal will also bring a longer term rental income into the Ccouncil.

The council owns the 1.5ha (3.6 acre) development plot and its proposed new life with a hotel and other leisure features support economic development and the growth agenda in Plymouth.

The site has not been used as a playing field for many years and has been allocated for a mixed use development under the Plymouth and South West Devon Local Plan.

event will see the unrolling on September 27 followed on September 28 and 29 with condition reporting, treatment and recording. The painting will be on public view on September 30 and October 1. This will be followed on October 3 and 4 with additional condition reporting and then rerolling.

Opening hours at The Box are 10am to 5pm. Admission is free and there’s no need to book.

The Box will be holding an informal Bitesize talk about Solomon Hart at 1pm on September 27.

‘Hart of Plymouth’, a brilliant one-man show written and created by David Prescott and performed by Derek Frood (Poldark, Manhunt) will also take place at The Box on September 30 and October 1.

For full details and to book tickets to one or both events, visit the What’s On section of www. theboxplymouth.com.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the new centre monitors 356 cameras across Plymouth, covering its key transport routes, car parks, district shopping centres and city centre pedestrian areas.

It replaces ageing facilities previously located in the Council House and brings together teams from across the council, including CCTV operators, urban traffic control officers and staff from highways maintenance contractor South West Highways in a more modern, collaborative working space.

It also includes a dedicated room for the police, where they can monitor and review footage without having to interrupt day-to-day operations.

With 57 high-definition screens (which can also provide multiple split-screens), staff can now display images from at least three times as many locations as before, at a much higher resolution.

Direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) mean the CCTV and Urban Traffic Control teams can now work more closely together to monitor sites and respond to any issues, from medical incidents or anti-social behaviour to traffic collisions or road flooding.

The centre is also fully connected to the emergency help points in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley.

Dated computer equipment and systems have been replaced, with improved traffic control software and better connectivity to signalised

New CCTV centre will help keep city safe

junctions, so engineers can adapt timings in response to problems on the city’s roads.

Systems also draw in traffic data from the council’s public transport and events teams as well as the emergency services and the Tamar Bridge and will soon also include occupancy data from the city’s car parks.

Engineers are also developing journey time monitoring, which will help to identify congestion hotspots, improve signal timing efficiency and inform future traffic management strategies (for example in managing events, such as Plymouth Argyle home matches). It will also enable teams to better manage traffic flow and provide priority where necessary, for example to improve bus service reliability.

Data from the city’s weather forecasting stations is also collated at the centre to plan winter road gritting and emissions monitoring from air quality sensors at designated sites such as Mutley Plain now means traffic control staff can respond to immediate air quality deterioration, for example by releasing queuing vehicles.

The new centre was made possible thanks to funding secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Solomon Hart (1806-1881), Lady Jane Grey at Her Place of Execution, 1839 ©The Box, Plymouth

Weekend of fun for all

Helplines

Two days of events at Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will round off a summer of fun to celebrate some of the most iconic scenery along the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path. Organised by Natural England, the Marine Park will host fun-packed activities from 10am to 4pm on September 29 and 30 and are free for all to enjoy, enabling individuals and community groups to connect with nature and the King Charles III England Coast Path through a variety of activities. Some activities must be booked in advance.

Taking in locations including Jennycliff, Mount Batten, The Barbican and Plymouth Hoe, day one will feature guided walks along the coast path, opportunities to learn about

the history of areas around the path and to discover the city’s wildlife. And, if you would like to see what lives in rock pools, the Ocean Conservation Trust will be offering rock pooling sessions at Mount Batten.

The Royal William Yard is the location for Saturday’s events, including another chance to go on a guided walk, geo-trails and activities looking at Plymouth’s Jurassic past, run by the University of Plymouth, a circus workshop (11am to 3pm) run by Higher Beings, live music, children’s crafts, a scavenger hunt and augmented reality artwork from Ashnihilation.

There are currently 850 miles of the new national trail open, but when completed it will stretch all the way around the coast of

England and will be about 2,700 miles long. It will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England, linking iconic places and heritage on the coast with less wellknown areas and unlocking access to some parts of the coast for the first time.

The King Charles III England Coast Path will connect people with nature, enabling all to access the natural environment and experience the health and wellbeing benefits that it can bring.

More details about events in the South West and booking links for rock pooling and guided walks can be found by visditng the website at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/ england-coast-path-celebrations-in-thesouth-west

Green Tourism Award for Destination Plymouth

The tourism body for Britain’s Ocean City, Destination Plymouth, is celebrating another sustainability success with the Green Tourism Bronze Award.

Richard Stevens, managing director, Go South West and chair of the Destination Plymouth Board, accept the Green Tourism Bronze Award on behalf of the team.  Green Tourism promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate and advises on adopting a smart, sustainable outlook from top to bottom.  Its certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses that are actively working to become more sustainable –an ethos that Plymouth, as a leader in sustainable tourism, has long championed.

Destination Plymouth, a private/public sector partnership, is one of more than 50 businesses across Britiain’s Ocean City’s tourism, leisure, cultural, heritage and hospitality sectors to have signed up for the Green Tourism programme, and its work to support businesses across the city in becoming accredited has been progressing since February 2022.

Those taking part receive free expert support to help them reach sustainability goals and gain the internationally-recognised Green Tourism Standard, with many already accredited with gold, silver or bronze awards. The programme includes a series of webinars with Green Tourism showing the benefits of enhancing sustainability practices to attract the rapidly expanding, green-minded tourism and corporate events sector.

Destination Plymouth also ran programmes with 40 businesses to provide ‘Green Edge’ customer service training as well as ‘Carbon footprint’ training and low carbon assessments with SWMAS.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive, said: “The fact that these awards are recognised worldwide as a sign of operating in a good, environmentally-friendly way is vitally important for our reputation. And we’re thrilled with this achievement.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels and the work goes on as we continue on our green journey city-wide.  We’re encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved because as each individual business benefits by becoming more environmentally-friendly and eco-conscious, the reputation of the whole city and surrounding area is enhanced as a sustainable destination. It’s a win-win.”

Photo: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Crowdfunder launched for Shekinah’s new home based at Stonehouse Creek

Plymouth’s homelessness charity Shekinah has set the local business community the challenge to help raise £20,000 by the end of October to furnish their new centre at Stonehouse Creek.

Opening in January 2024 after the refurbishment works are completed, Shekinah will move from their current location in Bath Street to the purpose designed centre to continue supporting people who are experiencing all forms of homelessness.

Offering a wider range of services needed to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities in the local community, Shekinah’s new centre will provide expanded community facilities; health services; training, education, employment and housing services; and a café.

By better integrating the services from a wide range of local providers and enabling delivery of these critical services from this new single site, the Stonehouse Creek centre will significantly improve access for the city’s most vulnerable people.

The ambition to raise £20,000 through Shekinah’s crowdfunding campaign will enable the charity to invest in furnishing the new centre with high quality furniture and equipment.

John Hamblin, chief executive at Shekinah said: “This is about raising the aspirations of the people we support and give them a building they deserve, not having to make do as they’ve had to their whole lives, this is a real chance

to give people more. A successful crowdfunding campaign will enable us to equip the beautiful building at Stonehouse Creek with beautiful furniture as opposed to making do.”

On announcing the crowdfunding campaign, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Shayer said: “Today launches the start of the refurbishment project for Shekinah’s new HQ which will incorporate centralised services to support local people most in need. Through the crowdfunding campaign we will be able to make these people’s lives as good as they can be, let’s not let those disadvantaged feel second best. I urge our local business community to donate, fundraise and help us to make a huge difference to those facing all forms of homelessness.”

Carl Heslop, managing director of Obedair Construction said: “As principal contractor, we are very proud to be involved in delivering this prestigious community project as well as Shekinah being a key charity we support throughout the year. It is great to see the Building Plymouth partnership with the construction industry and the local business community coming together to support this important crowdfunding campaign as well as donating materials and labour in-kind to help us minimise costs to the charity throughout the refurbishment project.”

To donate and find out more about the crowdfunding campaign visit:www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/stonehouse-creek-refurbishment-project#start

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23,000 homes in Waterside & West

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

The November edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Waterside and West will be published on October 20 with a copy deadline of October 9. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city. We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

7 Turning green? (7)

11 Tub additives blast hats off (4,5)

16 Communicate (7)

19 Hidden (5)

21 Abate (3,2)

24 "Turn to the right!" (3) Answers Scan the QR code. Or check the next edition of the Plymouth Chronicle. Or visit plymouthchronicle.co.uk/crossword

Last month’s answers

Across: Across: 6 Abdicate, 8 Yaks, 9 Salad dressing, 10 Climatologist, 14 Reincarnation, 17 Weatherperson, 20 Anon, 21 Solidify.

Down: 1 Lira, 2 Bandit, 3 Cereal, 4 Eyesight, 5 Akin, 7 Braille, 11 Monotony, 12 Our, 13 Show-off, 15 Ageism, 16 Nipple, 18 Etna, 19 Reds.

The views expressed in the Plymouth Chronicle are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the publication.

Gables has been helping the regions unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. We take in and care for nearly 1000 cats and dogs every year.

We are a non-euthanasia charity, which means no healthy animal in our care is put to sleep. We receive no Government funding so rely completely on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies. We need your help to care for unwanted and aban doned animals in your local area.

Any donation, large or small, would make a significant difference to the work we do and will help to protect our future.

Pictured at the Crowdfunder launch (from left) Lady Mayoress, Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Mark Shayer, Emma Hewitt Building Plymouth, John Hamblin Shekinah and Carl Heslop Obedair Construction